Last updated March 2, 2026

In this article

• The Way: Career Stories to Find Your Way
• CareerOneStop
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• Gladeo
• O*NET OnLine
• BigFuture by College Board

If you’re interested in exploring career opportunities in high school, there are many great, free resources available online! Below, we share some of the best websites to explore careers to learn more about what working in them is like. 

The Way: Career Stories to Find Your Way

Start your career exploration journey with Get Schooled by checking out our video series, The Way. You’ll find more than 40 videos from professionals in different industries sharing the stories of how they discovered and began working in their careers. Check out the preview video below and visit the entire library of content to explore industries that interest you!

CareerOneStop

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop is a great place to start your career exploration. They have tons of free job-readiness resources, like resume and cover letter support, job search, and a tool to find job training opportunities in your area.

When you search for a specific job on the site, you will find a job description, a video sample of what is typically done on the job, projected employment for your state, typical wages, and what kind of education is necessary to work that job.

Not sure what careers you’re interested in quite yet? CareerOneStop has an interest assessment that asks you 30 questions about what you do and don’t like to do. At the end of the assessment, you will receive a list of occupations that match your interests. You can also see a breakdown of your interest areas, which can be broken down into: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

CareerOneStop also offers a skills matcher assessment with 40 questions about your skill level in a particular task. At the end of this assessment, you will get a list of occupations that best fit your skill level.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

The Occupational Outlook Handbook created by The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) gives job seekers an accurate look at the careers they’re interested in. When using the Occupational Outlook Handbook, you can explore specific occupations by salary, entry-level education, on-the-job training, and more to find jobs that interest you and match your career goals. This website is also available as an app to help you explore careers on the go!

Gladeo

Gladeo is a free “virtual career day” website that helps young people discover and learn about new career paths. Check out their library of video spotlights and interviews to learn from professionals in a variety of industries, and browse their career profiles to learn about jobs in industries such as art and design, computer and information technology, environment, health care, and much more!

O*NET OnLine

O*NET is another career exploration tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides detailed information about hundreds of occupations, including required skills, typical tasks, work environments, salary data, and job outlook. Students can also explore careers based on interests, skills, or industries, making it a helpful next step after taking an interest assessment.

BigFuture by College Board

BigFuture offers career exploration resources specifically designed for high school students. In addition to college planning tools, students can explore different career paths, see median salaries, learn about required education levels, and discover majors that align with specific careers. It’s especially useful for students who want to connect career goals with their college plans.

Do you have any questions or need some help in your career search and exploration? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated December 16, 2025

In this article

• Amazon
• Apple
• AT&T
• Bank of America
• Best Buy
• Capital One
• Chick-fil-A
• Chipotle
• Comcast
• FedEx
• Fidelity
• Ford Company
• GEICO
• Home Depot
• Lowe's
• McDonald's
• Papa John’s
• Procter & Gamble
• Publix
• Starbucks
• Target
• T-Mobile
• UPS
• Verizon
• Walmart
• Wells Fargo

If you’re looking for ways to finance your college education, it’s important to know that many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs. Tuition reimbursement is an employer benefit that provides financial assistance to employees pursuing a college degree or certificate. While these programs will typically look and operate differently at individual companies, they’re a great option for students to have some of their college expenses paid for. Here’s a breakdown of 25 companies that offer tuition reimbursement programs to employees!

Amazon

Amazon’s Career Choice Program pre-pays tuition for select programs. Eligibility for this program varies.

Apple

Apple offers a few ways to help full-time employees with their education. The Apple Education Reimbursement program can help with formal education up to $5,250. Apple also has Apple University, which provides classes and training to help employees build skills and earn certificates.

AT&T

Part and full-time employees at AT&T can receive tuition assistance up to $5,250 per year as long as they have worked a minimum of six months at the company. Most college degrees are eligible for tuition assistance, but you can’t receive tuition assistance for certificate programs.

Bank of America

Part and full-time employees who have worked at Bank of America for at least six months can get up to $5,250 in job-related college courses or degree programs covered each year.

Best Buy

Full-time employees who work at least 32 hours per week and have been employed for at least six months qualify for the Best Buy tuition assistance program, which reimburses up to $3,500 per year toward educational costs.

Capital One

Capital One’s Education Assistance program reimburses up to $5,000 per year for courses taken by full-time associates and up to $2,500 per year for courses taken by part-time associates.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A employees receive tuition discounts and grants that can be applied to more than 100 colleges and universities that partner with Chick-fil-A through Scholarship America.

Chipotle

Both hourly and salaried employees at Chipotle are eligible for tuition reimbursement. Employees can work toward a college degree, earn a GED, or study English as a second language (ESL), and Chipotle will contribute up to $5,250 annually to help cover costs. For students who enroll in one of the specific degrees offered through their partner program, Chipotle pays 100% of tuition annually.

Comcast

Full-time Comcast employees can qualify for tuition assistance for up to $5,750 annually. The employee has to enroll in a Comcast-approved degree program.

FedEx

Employees at FedEx can take part in their company’s tuition reimbursement program. FedEx provides up to $5,250 annually to support employees pursuing a college degree or attending trade, vocational, or technical school. In addition, FedEx offers an exclusive employee tuition discount for online programs at Robert Morris University, providing a unique advantage for those seeking educational flexibility.

Fidelity

Full-time employees who have worked at least six months at Fidelity can receive assistance for up to 90% of education-related costs, with a maximum of $10,000 per year, toward a work-related certification or degree program.

Ford Company

Ford has a generous education program for full-time employees that pays up to $6,000 per year in tuition and fees. After 90 days of employment, employees can enroll in a GED, undergraduate program, or approved certificate program from an accredited school to be eligible for this benefit.

GEICO

GEICO provides tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year for full-time employees enrolled in undergraduate education at an accredited community or four-year college.

Home Depot

At Home Depot, tuition reimbursement is available for employees as soon as they start work. Salaried employees are eligible for $5,000 in tuition reimbursement for a college degree per year; hourly full-time employees are eligible for $3,000 per year; and part-time employees are eligible for $1,500 per year.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s will pay up to $2,500 per year toward tuition for full-time employees who have worked there for at least one year.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s offers up to $3,000 per year in tuition assistance for employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week and have the approval of their manager. Employees who work at least 15 hours weekly can receive up to $2,500 annually. Employees are eligible after working for 90 days.

Papa John’s

In partnership with Purdue University Global, Papa John’s reimburses 100% of any corporate employee’s tuition after working 90 days at a minimum of 20 hours per week. They cover undergraduate courses in business and information technology.

Procter & Gamble

Full-time employees of Procter & Gamble may qualify for an 80% reimbursement for pre-approved college education costs. Courses/programs must be related to current or potential positions within the company.

Publix

Publix offers up to $4,000 per year on the annual calendar in tuition assistance for employees enrolled in College and university. The maximum limit of College and university tuition assistance $16,000.

Publix also up to $2,200 per year on the annual calendar in tuition assistance for employees enrolled in individual course program, occupational/technical program, or undergraduate program while attending a two-year school or community college. The maximum limit of the other courses of study tuition assistance $16,000.

Starbucks

Starbucks covers full tuition for eligible employees who enroll in their College Achievement Plan. To participate, employees must enroll in an Arizona State University online degree program. An employee must work 240 paid hours to become eligible for the program and work a minimum of 20 hours per week to remain eligible.

Target

Target tuition reimbursement covers up to $5,250 for undergraduate degrees per year. To be eligible, an employee must be employed when the course program begins and when the reimbursement is processed and paid.

T-Mobile

After 90 days of employment, all part and full-time T-Mobile employees are eligible for full tuition coverage in one of their partner college online degree offerings. In addition, part-time employees are eligible to receive up to $2,500 per year in tuition assistance at an accredited college, while full-time employees are eligible for up to $5,000 per year.

UPS

UPS offers tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year to part-time and full-time employees. Employees are eligible for the program as soon as they start work.

Verizon

Full-time employees at Verizon are eligible for up to $8,000 in tuition reimbursement each year. However, Verizon’s program requires that the education be related to the company’s business. Non-job-related college education is reimbursable up to $5,250 per year.

Walmart

Part-time and full-time employees at Walmart can earn college degrees in demand fields at one of their partner online colleges. Walmart covers all tuition and books for approved programs with no out-of-pocket costs. 

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo offers up to $5,000 in tuition coverage per year for all benefits-eligible employees.

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Do you have any questions about tuition reimbursement programs? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 15, 2025

In this article

• Start in School
• Volunteer
• Job Shadow 
• Build a Resume 
• Use Get Schooled’s Free Job Resources

High school is an exciting time with lots of opportunities to grow and learn more about yourself! In this article, we’ll share some tips about exploring career paths and industries during high school:

• Start in School
• Volunteer
• Job Shadow
• Build a Resume
• Use Get Schooled’s Free Job Resources

Scroll down to learn more about each!

Start in School

Try taking a variety of classes throughout high school to explore subjects that interest you. Studying subjects like geometry, computer science, or photography can help you discover passions and decide if you’d like to pursue them further in college or as a career.

Participating in activities both in and outside of school is also a great way to explore your career interests! Doing things like joining your school’s student government or the cast of a school play can help you learn more about what excites you.

Volunteer

Giving back to your community can also help you explore careers! Volunteering at a local food bank or community service project can help you learn about the type of work environments where you might thrive. 

Job Shadow 

Check with your school’s career coordinator to find job shadowing opportunities. Job shadowing lets you spend time with a professional in a career that interests you, giving you a close up look at their job. You can also ask a counselor, coach, or teacher if they know anyone you can shadow. If you’re searching for a job shadow opportunity on your own, write a one-page introduction explaining why you want this opportunity and when you’re available.

Build a Resume 

Your resume will come in handy for both applying to jobs and to college! Start building your resume now to keep track of your high school achievements—like good grades, attendance, work and volunteer experience, and any awards you receive. 

Use Get Schooled’s Free Job Resources

We’re here to help you explore career options!

• Practice job interviewing with our virtual Interview Coach. In just 15 minutes, you’ll get feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement!
• Discover what different careers are like directly from professionals! From chocolate maker to software engineer, our career series, The Way, might just introduce you to a career you’re interested in.

Do you have any questions about thriving in high school? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated January 5, 2026

In this article

• What is an informational interview?
• Benefits of informational interviews
• How to prepare for an informational interview
• Top questions to ask in an informational interview

Are you interested in exploring careers but aren’t sure where to begin? Hold an informational interview! Informational interviews are one of the best ways to learn more about a career you’re interested in, directly from people working in them. Read below to learn more about informational interviews.

What is an informational interview?

An informational interview is an informal conversation between someone who is established in a particular career, and someone who wants to learn more about it. For example, maybe you are in college and trying to decide on your major. An informational interview with someone in a career you’re interested in could be a great way to narrow your choice! The goal of an informational interview is not to secure a job, but to collect information and make connections. An informational interview can give you a better understanding of the career path you’re interested in and what steps you should take to enter into it.

Benefits of informational interviews

Explore careers

During an informational interview, you can gather useful information about careers or industries. Being able to speak with someone who is already established at a company or in a career of interest to you will help you determine if it could be a good fit for you. Not sure where to start? Check out our career exploration video series, The Way, for some inspiration!

Expand your professional network

Informational interviewing provides you with an opportunity to deepen existing relationships within your professional network and meet new people to add to it.

Practice for job interviews

While these conversations are not job interviews, they are an excellent way to practice your interviewing skills. While you should ask a majority of the questions, the person you’re interviewing may ask you questions as well. This gives you an opportunity to think on your feet and provide thoughtful answers to their questions.

Gain insight about career options

Depending on where they’re at in their career, your interviewee may have insight into the kinds of jobs you might want to pursue. They can also speak to current trends in their career and what direction they see it heading toward. Learning this kind of information can introduce you to careers you might not have been aware of before. For example, if you’re interested in technology and computing, talking with a software engineer might inspire you to research Artificial Intelligence or free coding training. The person you’re interviewing might also be open to sharing tips on the kinds of experience and skills that help land people jobs at their company, or be willing to keep their eyes open for potential opportunities in the future.

How to prepare for an informational interview

Research the careers you’re interested in

Informational interviews take preparation! Take time to research 3-5 companies or industries you’re interested in learning more about. Research the kinds of jobs that exist within that industry, the kinds of education or training necessary, and the typical salary range for these positions. Doing your homework and learning as much as you can will make your informational interviews more effective. 

Identify who you’d like to interview

Think about who you want to interview. What positions do they hold? What companies do they work for? What could they teach you? Thinking more specifically about these kinds of things will make it easier for you to identify who you’ll reach out to for an interview.

Reach out

After you have your list, see if there are people in your network who may know someone in the field or job you are interested in and ask them to connect you. If someone in your network is able to refer you, great! If not, you might need to reach out to someone you don’t know. You can reach out to people either through LinkedIn or by sending them an email. Once you’ve secured an interview with someone, do your research on them: their specific position, the company they work for, and any of their relevant awards or achievements.

Top questions to ask in an informational interview

Once you schedule your interview, it’s time to prepare your questions. Depending on how long you have, you may not be able to get through all of your questions, so be sure to ask the ones you want answered most at the beginning of the conversation, and save the rest to ask later if there’s time.

Top questions to ask

1. What are the duties, functions, and responsibilities of your job?
2. How did you get your job?
3. Why did you decide to work for this company or in this industry?
4. What type of education or training does your company look for?
5. What are some trends your industry is setting or following?
6. When searching for a job in your field, what keywords should I be sure to include on my resume or cover letters?
7. What part of your job do you find most rewarding? Most challenging?
8. What kinds of experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Take notes

During the interview, be sure to take notes so you have something to review later. You don’t have to write down everything, but definitely make sure to jot down any strategies, names, emails, or resources your interviewee may mention.

Stick to your schedule

Informational interviews should generally be short out of respect for your interviewee’s time. If you requested a 20-minute meeting, be sure to stick to 20 minutes.

Send a thank you note

If someone is taking time out of their day to help you, you should always say thank you. Be sure to send a follow up note to your interviewee within 48 hours to thank them for their time. If you haven’t already, be sure to also add them to your LinkedIn network.

Do you have any questions about preparing for an informational interview? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Web Developer
• Computer programmer
• Computer support specialist
• Graphic designer
• Junior data analyst
• Digital marketer
• Aerospace engineering technician
• Software engineer
• Social media manager
• Web content manager

Curious about working in technology? Here are 10 entry-level technology jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.

Note: Some companies may require you to have at least an associate degree or technical certification before you start working. You can enroll in a digital bootcamp to learn the necessary skills for the job you want, and be sure to read about some digital skills that pay the bills to help kickstart your career!

Web Developer

Web developers think creatively and use their technical skills to design and develop websites. They help companies and customers define the purpose, audience, and need for a website before building it. Web developers typically only need an associate degree, as hands-on experience tends to be more valuable in this particular job. 

Computer programmer

Computer programmers create or translate software designs and turn them into code. They test the code they’ve created to make sure it’s running and performing up to standard.

Computer support specialist

Customer support specialists work in person, electronically, and over the phone to provide technical assistance to users that are experiencing computer problems. 

Graphic designer

Graphic designers use their eye for detail and artistic capabilities to create illustrations, logos, and fonts. Their work is found in advertisements, websites, and on social media. Graphic designers can work as freelancers, taking on solo projects at their personal convenience, or work as part of a team at an organization.

Junior data analyst

Data analysts help the organizations they work for make sense of their data and how it affects their business. The mathematical and statistical analyses they perform can help companies make better business decisions and tailor their business to fit the needs of consumers. 

Digital marketer

Using the internet to market products and services to consumers is a modern necessity. Digital marketers lead these efforts by utilizing social media, online advertisements, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to spread awareness about what they want to sell or advertise. 

Aerospace engineering technician

Don’t be intimidated by the job title! Most aerospace engineering technicians usually only need an associate degree to assist in the construction and testing of spacecraft. 

Software engineer

There is an increasing demand for software engineers in the workforce, meaning that four-year degrees are becoming less commonplace in this profession. Software engineers create software for businesses. They can recommend software updates for devices to ensure they’re running properly and make any fixes to the software they’ve created or installed. 

Social media manager

Social media managers schedule, create, and post engaging social media content for brands or companies. They track social media trends and strategize with their team to find new ways to reach their audience online. 

Web content manager

Web content managers oversee the planning, organization, and creation of content published online. They collaborate with other departments in their organization to make sure the website they manage meets its needs. 

It’s important to note that salaries in each of these jobs vary depending on where you live, the company you work for, and your level of experience. Websites like PayScale let you enter cities and experience levels to get a more accurate estimate of average salaries for each career listed above.

For any questions or one-on-one support, connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Library assistant
• Information clerk
• Social and human service assistant
• Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk
• Court, municipal, and license clerk
• Postal service worker
• Financial clerk
• Bus driver

There are many government jobs at the city, state, and federal levels that don’t require a four-year degree! These job opportunities typically also offer solid pay, vacation and sick time, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Here are eight government jobs that don’t require a four-year degree!

Library assistant

Library assistants shelve books, assist patrons, and help people find the materials they need. They typically only need a high school diploma and a postsecondary certificate. In 2024, library assistants made an annual median salary of $37,540.

Information clerk

Information clerks support government agencies in running smoothly and efficiently. They organize and digitize files, update customer accounts, and provide customer service. Information clerks typically do not need a four-year degree, but might need experience with customer service and programs like Microsoft Office. In 2024, information clerks made an annual median salary of $43,730.

Social and human service assistant

Social and human service assistants work for government agencies and serve vulnerable populations by helping them find essential resources, such as housing, social workers, and mental or physical care. They typically only need a high school diploma to work. In 2024, social and human service assistants made an annual median salary of $45,120.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks do clerical work to ensure their organization has the most up-to-date tax and financial information necessary. They manage payrolls, generate invoices, prepare budget reports, and keep track of their organization’s financial transactions. While some bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks have a bachelor’s degree, it is possible to enter into this field with a high school diploma.

In 2024, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks made an annual median salary of $49,210

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Court, municipal, and license clerk

Court, municipal, and license clerks perform many administrative duties to assist lawyers, judges, and officers of local and federal courts to hold smooth and effective trials. They file and maintain records, swear in jury members, and record trials. Entry-level clerks typically only need a high school diploma, but may need a bachelor’s degree or postsecondary certificate to hold other positions in the judicial system. In 2023, court municipal, and license clerks made an annual median salary of $48,760.

Postal service worker

Postal service workers work for the United States Postal Service to deliver mail and packages to people’s homes, fostering relationships with the community along the way. Postal service workers don’t need a bachelor’s degree, but must pass a written exam before being hired. In 2024, postal service workers made an annual median salary of $57,870.

Financial clerk

Financial clerks work for government agencies and perform both administrative and customer service-oriented duties. They ensure that financial transactions are on time, keep financial records up to date, and provide clerical support as needed. Financial clerks don’t need a four-year degree and receive on-the-job training when starting in this role. In 2024, financial clerks made an annual median salary of $48,650.

Bus driver

Bus drivers operate public buses. The routes they work on connect small and major cities alike to transport passengers to their destinations. They help passengers with special needs or disabilities, and are knowledgeable of essential protocols in cases of emergency. In 2024, bus drivers made an annual median salary of $48,370.

Do you have any questions about finding an entry-level government job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated February 5, 2026

In this article

• Software Developer
• Photographer
• Graphic Designer
• Writer/Author
• Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager
• Film and Video Editors

If you’re looking for a job that you can channel your creativity into, consider a career in the creative economy! This area of the workforce includes many diverse industries that prioritize creative skills and thinking. Many creative careers are evolving quickly due to advances in technology, remote work, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Creative skills are increasingly valuable across industries, not just in traditional “creative” fields. Here are six careers that let you be creative at work! 

Note: Some of these jobs will have different education and degree requirements. While many may require an associate or bachelor’s degree, others may only require technical certifications or training. Be sure to learn more about the education requirements of careers you’re interested in to understand what will be expected of you to land a job.

Software Developer

Software developers design and build technology we use every day, like websites, mobile apps, computer games, and operating systems. They understand user needs, plan how software will work, and make sure all parts of a program or system fit together. Software developers usually need a bachelor’s degree. The average salary for software developers in 2024 was $131,450 per year, or $63.20 per hour.

• Demand remains strong for software developers, especially those with skills in AI, data, cybersecurity, and mobile or web development.

• Many employers now value skills-based hiring, making bootcamps, certifications, and portfolios real alternatives to traditional degrees.

Photographer

Photographers can work in many different industries, including journalism, event photography, fine arts, advertising, real estate, sports, science, and many more. They typically only need a high school diploma or equivalent to break into the industry, but additional classes and training may help them sharpen their skills. The average salary for photographers in 2024 was $42,520 per year, or $20.44 per hour.

• More photographers today work as freelancers or independent contractors, often combining photography with video, editing, or social media skills.

• Social media and e-commerce have increased demand for product, branding, and content photography.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual content to tell stories and present ideas. They design layouts and production elements for things like advertisements, product packaging, magazines, and book covers. They usually use digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create designs that will effectively communicate messages to audiences. Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree. The average salary for graphic designers in 2024 was $61,300 per year, or $29.47 per hour. 

• Graphic designers are increasingly expected to have digital skills such as UX/UI design, motion graphics, and familiarity with AI-assisted design tools.

• Many designers work remotely or freelance, building portfolios to attract clients rather than relying on traditional employers.

Writer/Author

Writers and authors create content for a variety of media, including books, television, advertisements, blogs, and magazines. They explore topics that capture readers’ interest, conduct research, interview sources, and create drafts of their work. They typically work closely with editors and clients to revise their work before publishing. Writers may need a bachelor’s degree depending on their industry, and employers may prefer people with degrees in English, journalism, or communications. The average salary for writers in 2024 was $72,270 per year, or $34.75 per hour.

• The rise of digital media has expanded opportunities for writers in content creation, marketing, and technical writing.

• AI tools are changing how writing work is done, making originality, strategy, and editing skills especially valuable.

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers develop programs to create interest in products or services. Advertising managers collaborate with sales staff to generate ideas for an advertising campaign, oversee the development of advertising, and work with the finance department to prepare a budget and cost estimates. Promotions managers oversee programs and campaigns like special events, in-store displays, coupons, and sweepstakes that combine advertising with purchasing incentives. Marketing managers predict demand for products and services, identify markets, and develop pricing strategies. A bachelor’s degree is required for most positions, and additional certifications may be preferred. The average salary for advertising, promotions, or marketing managers in 2024 was $159,660 per year, or $76.76 per hour.

• Digital marketing, data analytics, and social media strategy are now core skills in this field.

• Employers increasingly look for experience with online platforms, influencer marketing, and performance-based campaigns.

Film and Video Editors

Film and video editors cut, arrange, and refine video footage to create a polished final product. They use editing software to enhance visuals, add effects, and sync audio, making sure the video flows smoothly and tells a clear story. Film and video editors can work in a variety of industries, including film, TV, social media, and marketing. Some specialize in areas like special effects, color correction, or sound editing, while others focus on storytelling and pacing to keep audiences engaged. The average salary for film and video editors in 2024 was $70,570 per year, or $33.93 per hour.

• Demand for video content continues to grow due to social media, streaming platforms, and online marketing.

• Short-form video and digital storytelling skills are especially valuable in today’s job market.

Do you have any job-related questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 16, 2025

In this article

• Medical assistant
• Pharmacy technician
• Nursing assistant
• Phlebotomist
• MRI technician
• Home health aide
• Medical records and health information technician
• Surgical technologist
• Dental assistant
• Physical therapist assistant

Interested in working in the health care industry? Here are 10 entry-level jobs you should know about!

Medical assistant

Medical assistants provide administrative and clinical assistance in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other health care facilities. Their tasks can vary from answering phones and scheduling appointments to assisting doctors during patient exams and administering vaccinations. While most medical assistants have a postsecondary certification, it’s possible to work in this position with a high school diploma. The average pay for medical assistants was about $21.25 per hour, or $44,200 per year, in 2024.

Pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists receive, fill, and sell prescriptions to customers and answer any general questions about medication. Most states regulate pharmacy technicians, meaning formal education or training for this role is required. The average pay for pharmacy technicians was about $20.90 per hour, or $43,460 per year, in 2024.

Nursing assistant

Nursing assistants provide essential care to patients in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. In most cases, nursing assistants must participate in a state-approved education program to become licensed or certified. The average pay for nursing assistants was about $18.96 per hour, or $39,430 per year, in 2024.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists work skillfully to ensure that patients are comfortable and safe while they draw blood for donations, research, and transfusions. Employers looking to hire phlebotomists typically look for those who have a postsecondary certification in phlebotomy. The average pay for phlebotomists was about $20.99 per hour, or $43,660 per year, in 2024.

MRI technician

Whether they’re performing ultrasounds, CAT scans, or X-rays, MRI technicians provide essential help to doctors working to diagnose and treat patients. Most MRI technicians need an associate degree as well as a state license or certification to work. The average pay for MRI technicians was about $37.97 per hour, or $78,980 per year, in 2024.

Home health aide

Home health aides provide care largely for the elderly or those with disabilities. While some home health aides have a high school diploma or equivalent, many positions do not require one. However, those working in hospice care or certified home health may need to complete formal training. The average pay for home health aides was about $16.78 per hour, or $34,900 per year, in 2024.

Medical records and health information technician

Medical records and health information technicians work on the administrative side of health care, processing and organizing medical documents, insurance records, and patient payment information in hospitals and care facilities. Certification to work in this role is often required, as well as an associate degree. The average pay for medical records and health information technicians was about $24.16 per hour, or $50,250 per year, in 2024.

Surgical technologist

Preparing operating rooms, surgical equipment, and surgical supplies are essential functions of surgical technologists. Surgical technologists also provide support to surgeons during operations. Surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary non-degree award or an associate degree to work. The average pay for surgical technologists was about $30.04 per hour, or $62,480 per year, in 2024.

Dental assistant

Dental assistants set up equipment, take X-rays, assist in dental procedures, file patient records, and assist patients with billing and payment. Some states require dental assistants to graduate from an accredited program or pass an exam, while others may only require on-the-job learning and training. The average pay for dental assistants was about $22.74 per hour, or $47,300 per year, in 2024.

Physical therapist assistant

Physical therapist assistants work with physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries or illnesses through specialized activities and exercises. Physical therapist assistants also do administrative work, such as scheduling appointments and completing patient insurance forms. Entering this occupation usually requires an associate degree and a state license or certification. The average pay for physical therapist assistants was about $28.87 per hour, or $60,050 per year, in 2024.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Agricultural Technician
• Power Plant Operator
• Stationary Engineer
• Environmental Science and Protection Technician
• Chemical Technician
• Robotics Technician
• Solar Thermal Technician
• Electrical Engineering Technologist
• Wind Turbine Service Technician

As the world learns more about climate change and its potential impacts, more corporations have begun to search for new and innovative ways to implement sustainable and eco-friendly practices into their work. This has created many new jobs in the “green economy” – an economy that seeks to reduce ecological risks and combat climate change. Green economy jobs are great for people that enjoy technology, design, math, and can think critically to solve both small and large-scale problems that arise in their work. If you’re curious about career opportunities in the green economy but aren’t sure where to start, we got you covered. Here are 10 green economy jobs that don’t require a four-year degree!

Agricultural Technician

Agricultural technicians play an important role in bringing the best food to our grocery stores and tables. They assist scientists in their experimentation and data collection surrounding different plants and crops. They also run lab tests, keep records, and study diseases in animals. They typically work on farms or in laboratories. Agricultural technicians typically only need an associate degree. The average salary for this job is $41,760 annually.

Power Plant Operator

Power plant operators control the systems that give electricity to homes and businesses. They are good troubleshooters and have the necessary knowledge and training to fix electrical problems as they arise. Power plant operators usually only need a high school diploma, as they receive extensive training to do their job effectively. The average salary for this job is $93,060 annually.

Stationary Engineer

Stationary engineers control the stationary equipment that provides utilities to buildings. They clean, fix, and maintain essential equipment, such as boilers, motors, and generators. They typically work on their feet and must take extra safety precautions when dealing with hazardous materials. Stationary engineers typically only need a high school diploma. The average salary for this job is $67,120 annually.

Environmental Science and Protection Technician

Working to protect public health, environmental science and protection technicians study external causes of pollution. They often work for large companies, assisting them in abiding by EPA regulations and standards. Regardless of where they work, environmental science and protection technicians discover innovative ways to reduce pollution to keep the public safe and healthy. Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate degree. The average salary for this job is $48,380 annually.

Forest and Conservation Technician

Forest and conservation technicians study environmental resources like land, water, and soil. They collect samples of these resources to study them, run tests on them, and to come up with innovative ways to grow things while protecting natural resources, wildlife, and the environment. Forest and conservation technicians usually have associate degree. The average salary for this job is $41,520 annually.

Chemical Technician

Chemical technicians use science and research to make quality consumer products like potato chips, body wash, and medicine. They work in laboratories to test chemical products and processes and assist chemical engineers in creating products for public use and consumption. Chemical technicians typically only need an associate degree. The average salary for this job is $50,840 annually.

Robotics Technician

Robotics technicians operate heavy machinery to build, install, and test robotic equipment and automatic systems. They have good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and are knowledgeable about math. They work across a variety of different industries– typically in energy or plastics. The average salary for this job is $60,570 annually.

Solar Thermal Technician

The work of solar thermal technicians is essential in reducing costs and energy usage for families and businesses. They install and maintain solar panels and educate users about how to operate them. Solar thermal technicians typically only need an associate degree, as they receive extensive on-the-job training. The average salary for this job is $60,090 annually.

Electrical Engineering Technologist

Using mathematical and design skills, electrical engineering technologists assist engineers in designing and building pieces of electronic equipment. They are good problem-solvers and identify design flaws to fix them efficiently. They typically work in factories or laboratories and have an associate degree. The average salary for this job is $103,320 annually.

Wind Turbine Service Technician

Wind turbine service technicians troubleshoot and resolve any problems that arise with wind turbines. They have great problem-solving skills, are cool under pressure, and don’t mind heights. They typically don’t need a degree, but usually need a certificate in wind energy from a technical school or community college. The average salary for this job is $57,320 annually.

Do you have any questions about the green economy? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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