10 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year College Degree

10 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year College Degree 10 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year College Degree CareerCast.com has compiled a list of the top jobs where a four-year college degree is not required. The careers in this list are varied â€" from dental hygienist to web developer, electrician to administrative assistant â€" so there is potential for all skillsets and personality types.Some of the jobs may require an associates degree, certification, or training, but they are jobs that pay a decent wage and have good earning potential. With others, you may be able to get on-the-job training or even be self-taught. In some cases, you may be able to get hired by meeting the experience requirements even if you dont have a degree.Explore these leading jobs and consider them as you investigate your career options. There are great options available for everyone, and you dont necessarily need to start by going down the traditional college route. 01Dental Hygienist Dental hygienists clean patients teeth, examine them for oral diseases and provide other preventative dental care. They are often the first people patients see during a visit and help guide a busy dentist in the needs of each patient.Dental hygienists dont need a four-year college degree, but they do typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Every state requires dental hygienists to be certified as well.Given the nature of the job, hygienists should have strong communication skills and be willing to work very closely with all types of people (and teeth). An attention to detail and a caring touch is also important because many patients fear dental work.Salary and Job OutlookMedian Salary: $74,070 (2017)Job Outlook: Much faster than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 20% increase in jobs from by 2026.   06 ElectricianFrom factories to offices to homes, electricians are in charge of supplying power to our world. They install and maintain electricity, lighting, and communication systems for a variety of industries and needs.Electricians can be employed in jobs that are indoors or outdoors, or both. They may also be asked to cover emergency situations and be on call regularly.As well as training programs offered at vocational schools, electricians typically have an on-the-job apprenticeship. Attention to detail, a steady hand and the ability to troubleshoot problems are good skills to bring to this job.Salary and Job OutlookMedian Salary: $54,110 (2017)Job Outlook: Average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 9% increase in jobs by 2026. 07 Medical Records and Health Information TechnicianThe still booming health industry means that medical records and health information technicians are in demand. With the same growth outlook as dental hygienists, becoming a medical records technician is a good job choice if youre interested in the health field, but would prefer less hands-on work and less direct interaction with patients.Medical records technicians ensure that patients files are up-to-date and accurately coded for insurance billing. They manage healthcare information on computers and on paper, ensuring its accuracy.An associates degree or certification is required for this position. Strong organizational skills and an extreme attention to detail are good qualities to have in this field.Salary and Job OutlookMedian Salary: $39,180 (2017)Job Outlook: Above average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 13% increase in jobs by 2026. 08 Paralegal and Legal AssistantParalegals and legal assistants do a variety of work to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.An associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies is typically required for entry-level candidates. If you have excellent communication skills, are detail-oriented and enjoy an ever-changing and always challenging work environment, a paralegal career may be a good choice.Salary and Job OutlookMedian Salary: $50,410 (2017)Job Outlook: Above average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 15% increase in jobs by 2026. 09 Respiratory TherapistHelping people who struggle to breath is important, and it can be fulfilling work. As a respiratory therapist, you can give comfort to young and old patients with asthma, emphysema or other ailments that make breathing difficult.Respiratory therapists work in hospitals â€" from the ER to pediatrics â€" as well as nursing homes and some also make home visits. It is a job that requires technical knowledge, a caring touch, and compassion.Training and certification are required for respiratory therapists, and an associates degree is often part of those requirements. It is minimal training in comparison to other careers in the health industry, and it can be just as rewarding.Salary and Job OutlookMedian Salary: $59,710 (2017)Job Outlook: Above average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 23% increase in jobs by 2026. 10 Web DeveloperWeb developers design, develop, and maintain websites. Some web developers are self-employed, working for a variety of companies and individuals. Others work in computer systems design, information services, finance, or education for large and small companies.This is a good career choice for individuals who are both technical and creative and if one of those is not your strong suit, you can concentrate on the other. Web developers are needed for various projects and many become specialists in a few specific skills with a general understanding.Web developers typically need an associate’s degree in web design or a related field, such as programming or graphic design. Be ready to continue learning throughout your career because technology changes fast and you need to keep up with the latest trends on the web.Salary and Job OutlookMedian Salary: $67,990 (2017)Job Outlook: Above average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 15% increase in jobs by 2026.