The U.S. unemployment rate continues to fall: In August, it was 8.4%, down from its April high of 14.7% at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. And millions of people are still seeking jobs.
If you're in search of a new line of work but aren't sure you have the credentials to make a career pivot, you could consider professions that don't require years of schooling. Here are nine jobs that pay $50,000 a year or more and don't require a bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Insurance sales agent
Insurance agents sell various types of insurance coverage, including auto, life, and home policies. Almost 20% of agents are self-employed, according to U.S. News, and commission is a key source of income.
Median salary: $50,940 per year
Paralegal
Paralegals help lawyers by gathering facts and evidence for cases, conducting research on laws and regulations, organizing materials, and writing summary reports to prepare for trials. While these positions typically don't require a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree is necessary.
Median salary: $51,740 per year
Wind turbine technician
Wind turbine technicians inspect and maintain wind turbines. As many as 3,000 wind turbines are built in the U.S. every year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Most wind turbine technicians complete certificates in wind energy technology at technical school or community college.
Median salary: $52,910 per year
Video by Mariam Abdallah
Electrician
Electricians work in private homes and businesses installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power, lighting, and control systems. They inspect circuit breakers, replace wiring, and identify electrical problems. States typically require electricians to be licensed.
Median salary: $56,180 per year
Fire inspector
Fire inspectors go through buildings to ensure they comply with fire codes and to detect fire hazards. They test alarms and sprinklers, review building and evacuation plans, and conduct safety education programs.
Median salary: $60,230 per year
Executive assistant
Executive assistants provide support for bosses in a wide range of fields, including entertainment, real estate, and tech. They are responsible for a variety of administrative tasks like scheduling travel, doing research, and taking notes at meetings.
Median salary: $60,890 per year
Video by Courtney Stith
Occupational therapy assistant
Occupational therapy assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists. They help patients with activities such as stretching or activities for coordination and socialization, teach patients how to use equipment to ease the burden of daily life, and keep tabs on patients' progress. Occupational therapy assistants do need an associate's degree.
Median salary: $61,510 per year
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative
These sales representatives sell goods like medicine, office supplies, or beverages to wholesalers, manufacturers, and businesses, rather than directly to consumers. They also often handle administrative duties related to the job. Although many sales representatives only need a high school diploma, if the products they're selling are scientific or technical, they may need a bachelor's degree.
Median salary: $63,000 per year
Web developer
Web developers work with clients to build their websites. They write code and manage a site's technical aspects, help determine the website's layout and look (often with the help of a graphic designer) and monitor its traffic. Generally, web developers need knowledge of programming and some graphic design, and they may also need an associate's degree.
Median salary: $73,760 per year
Apply for these jobs on sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, or Monster. If you're concerned about being exposed to the coronavirus on the job, ask your prospective employer what kinds of precautions they're taking to lower workers' risks.
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