Fast-Growing Jobs That Don’t Require a Four-Year Degree

ST. PAUL, Minn. — When exploring career options, it’s helpful to consider which jobs are growing quickly and which are not. In the recently released book 300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree, occupational expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., pinpoints several jobs forecasted to experience high-growth that do not require a bachelor’s degree. 

To create the list of fast-growing jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, Shatkin sorted the 300 jobs featured in his book by their projected growth over the 10-year period from 2010 to 2020. According to Shatkin, jobs in health care and construction dominate the 20 fastest-growing jobs. He further notes, “You can find a wide range of rapidly growing jobs in a variety of fields and at different levels of training and education among the jobs in this list.”

Here are the top 10 jobs featured on Shatkin’s list of the 100 fastest-growing jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.

1. Helpers–Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

• Annual earnings: $27,820
• Percent growth: 59.9 percent
• Annual openings: 2,540

2. Helpers–Carpenters

• Annual earnings: $26,400
• Percent growth: 55.7 percent
• Annual openings: 3,820

3. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

• Annual earnings: $30,140
• Percent growth: 52.0 percent
• Annual openings: 5,570

4. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers

• Annual earnings: $37,990
• Percent growth: 48.7 percent
• Annual openings: 1,320

5. Physical Therapist Assistants

• Annual earnings: $51,040
• Percent growth: 45.7 percent
• Annual openings: 4,120

6. Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

• Annual earnings: $27,010
• Percent growth: 45.4 percent
• Annual openings: 4,170

7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

• Annual earnings: $65,210
• Percent growth: 43.6 percent
• Annual openings: 3,170

8. Occupational Therapy Assistants

• Annual earnings: $52,040
• Percent growth: 43.2 percent
• Annual openings: 1,680

9. Physical Therapist Aides

• Annual earnings: $23,680
• Percent growth: 43.2 percent
• Annual openings: 2,760

10. Glaziers

• Annual earnings: $37,350
• Percent growth: 42.2 percent
• Annual openings: 3,340

Additional information can be found in 300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree, Fourth Edition. The book published in October of 2012 and is available at major bookstores, Amazon.com and JIST.com. To request a sample copy for review or to schedule an interview with the author, contact Selena Dehne at (651) 215-7548 or sdehne@jist.com.

About Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.

Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., has 30 years’ experience in the career information field, presents and blogs on jobs, and is the author of many career books. As a leading occupational expert, Shatkin is in-demand by the media. He shares his knowledge and insights on national news programs and in major print and online publications.

About JIST Publishing

JIST, America’s Career Publisher, is a division of EMC/Paradigm Publishing. As the leading publisher of job search, career and occupational information, JIST empowers today’s workforce and students to achieve long-lasting rewards in their careers.