These professions don’t require a graduate degree.
Earning a college degree is already difficult — and expensive — without the added cost of graduate school. Good news: There are loads of fantastic jobs for college-educated professionals that don’t require a master’s degree or beyond. Keep in mind, however, that in addition to a B.A., workers in these professions may need to earn certification or licensing. A graduate degree may also eventually be required to secure continued employment, promotions or higher paychecks. Read on for the 25 best jobs that don’t require a graduate degree, culled from U.S. News’ 2017 Best Jobs rankings.
25. Market Research Analyst
Median Salary: $62,150
Unemployment Rate: 3.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 92,300
Market research analysts help their clients identify and understand their customers, including who they are and what their buying habits look like.
Learn more about market research analysts.
24. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Median Salary: $39,980
Unemployment Rate: 2.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 21,200
These counselors help patients work their way through problems related to addiction and behavioral disorders, including eating disorders, alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, these professionals may need to maintain a state-specific certification.
Learn more about substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors.
23. High School Teacher
Median Salary: $57,200
Unemployment Rate: 2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 55,900
High school teachers plan and lead classes, typically specializing in a certain a subject, such as art, chemistry or English. Required training differs for public and private school teachers. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, public high school teachers must obtain a license and may need to eventually pursue a master’s degree.
Learn more about high school teachers.
22. Financial Analyst
Median Salary: $80,310
Unemployment Rate: 2.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 32,300
Financial analysts work long hours, advising clients on how and when to buy and sell investments, while keeping up to date on financial news.
Learn more about financial analysts.
21. Management Analyst
Median Salary: $81,320
Unemployment Rate: 3.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 103,400
These business professionals identify ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and boost profits.
Learn more about management analysts.
20. Marketing Manager
Median Salary: $128,750
Unemployment Rate: 2.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 18,200
These business pros create and plan programs to drum up consumer interest in products and services. Managers typically have experience in advertising, marketing or sales.
Learn more about marketing managers.
19. Interpreter and Translator
Median Salary: $44,190
Unemployment Rate: 4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 17,500
Interpreters and translators work in hospitals, schools and other gathering places to convert one method of communication to another.
Learn more about interpreters and translators.
18. Civil Engineer
Median Salary: $82,220
Unemployment Rate: 1.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 23,600
Civil engineers design, build and maintain construction projects, which may include roads, bridges and tunnels.
Learn more about civil engineers.
17. Business Operations Manager
Median Salary: $97,730
Unemployment Rate: 3.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 151,100
Business operations managers help different departments coordinate to meet their goals. That work includes hiring people, adjusting budgets and guiding team projects.
Learn more about business operations managers.
16. Information Security Analyst
Median Salary: $90,120
Unemployment Rate: 3.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,800
These technology professionals safeguard a company’s computer systems and networks, shielding them from data breaches and cyberattacks.
Learn more about information security analysts.
15. Financial Manager
Median Salary: $117,990
Unemployment Rate: 2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 37,700
Financial managers oversee their employer’s finances, write reports and ensure that their boss is complying with various laws and regulations.
Learn more about financial managers.
14. Cartographer
Median Salary: $61,880
Unemployment Rate: 3.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 3,600
Cartographers create and update maps, an in-demand skill set for designing print, online and mobile maps.
Learn more about cartographers.
13. Database Administrator
Median Salary: $81,710
Unemployment Rate: 1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 13,400
DBAs set up databases according to a company’s needs, ensuring they operate efficiently and securely.
Learn more about database administrators.
12. Medical and Health Services Manager
Median Salary: $94,500
Unemployment Rate: 1.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 56,300
These health care professionals work behind the scenes to help medical facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, run smoothly.
Learn more about medical and health services managers.
11. Accountant
Median Salary: $67,190
Unemployment Rate: 2.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 142,400
Accountants keep and inspect financial records for their employers, which can include government agencies, private corporations, nonprofits and individual clients.
Learn more about accountants.
10. Mechanical Engineer
Median Salary: $83,590
Unemployment Rate: 1.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,600
These engineers may work in a range of industries, designing, building and testing mechanical and other devices.
Learn more about mechanical engineers.
9. Computer Network Architect
Median Salary: $100,240
Unemployment Rate: 0.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 12,700
Computer network architects work for businesses and organizations to design, construct and maintain a range of communication networks.
Learn more about computer network architects.
8. Environmental Engineer
Median Salary: $84,560
Unemployment Rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 6,800
These engineers use their training to solve environmental problems, including issues with recycling, waste disposal and pollution.
Learn more about environmental engineers.
7. Operations Research Analyst
Median Salary: $78,630
Unemployment Rate: 2.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 27,600
These professionals use tools, such as data mining and mathematical modeling, to help organizations and companies operate efficiently and cost-effectively.
Learn more about operations research analysts.
6. IT Manager
Median Salary: $131,600
Unemployment Rate: 1.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 53,700
These professionals help organizations manage their technology systems, including installing system updates and negotiating with vendors.
Learn more about IT managers.
5. Actuary
Median Salary: $97,070
Unemployment Rate: 0.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 4,400
These numbers experts measure and analyze the financial consequences of risk.
Learn more about actuaries.
4. Financial Advisor
Median Salary: $89,160
Unemployment Rate: 2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 73,900
These money experts advise clients on their finances, from investing in a retirement plan to budgeting for a child’s education.
Learn more about financial advisors.
3. Registered Nurse
Median Salary: $67,490
Unemployment Rate: 1.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 439,300
Registered nurses monitor patients, preform medical procedures and administer medicine. In addition to graduating from an accredited program, these medical professionals must meet licensing requirements, which may vary by state.
Learn more about registered nurses.
2. Software Developer
Median Salary: $98,260
Unemployment Rate: 2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 135,300
Software developers design computer programs, often flexing their creative muscles and technical know-how.
Learn more about software developers.
1. Computer Systems Analyst
Median Salary: $85,800
Unemployment Rate: 2.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 118,600
These experts help companies evaluate and improve their computer systems.
Learn more about computer systems analysts.
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25 Best Jobs That Don’t Require a Graduate Degree originally appeared on usnews.com
