10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree
Last updated August 17, 2023
Government jobs are an excellent option and don't always require a 4-year degree. These job opportunities offer solid pay (annual increases), leave days (vacation, holiday, and sick), health insurance, and retirement benefits. Government jobs can be at the city, state, or federal entities. Check out our list of the 10 government jobs that don't require a degree.
Library Assistant
Library Assistants work in public libraries and shelf books, assist patrons, and help students find materials they need to complete their coursework. To work as a Library Assistant, employees typically only need a High School diploma and a postsecondary certificate. In 2021, Library Assistants made a median salary of $34,050 per year.
Data Entry Clerk
Organization is key to keep government agencies running smoothly and efficiently. That’s where Data Entry Clerks come in! They organize and digitize necessary files, update customer accounts, and in some cases, provide customer service over the phone or in person. Data Entry Clerks typically do not need a 4-year degree, but should have experience with customer service, as well as programs like Microsoft Office and Excel. Data Entry Clerks made around $37,970 in 2022.
Social Services Assistant
Social Service Assistants work for public government agencies and serve vulnerable populations by helping them find essential resources, like housing, social workers, and mental/physical care. Social Services Assistants typically only need a High School diploma to work. In 2021, Social Services Assistants made an average salary of $37,610
Accounting Technician
Accounting Technicians do clerical work to ensure that their organization has the most up-to-date tax and financial information they need. They manage payrolls, generate invoices, prepare budget reports, and keep track of their organization’s financial transactions. While many Accounting Technicians typically have a Bachelor’s degree, it is possible to enter this field with only a High School diploma. In 2021, Accounting Technicians made an annual salary of $45,560.
Court Clerk
Working in local and federal courts, Court Clerks perform many administrative duties to assist lawyers, judges, and officers of the court hold smooth and effective trials. Court Clerks file and maintain records, swear in jury members, and record trials. Entry-level Court Clerks only need a High School diploma, but might need a Bachelor’s degree or postsecondary certificate to hold other positions in the judicial system. Court Clerks earned an average of $46,280 in 2021.
Census Taker
Census Takers are employees of the U.S. Census Bureau who visit people at their homes to help them complete their questionnaires during the ongoing census. They help collect important data from them, which they then report back to the U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. The Census Bureau takes this data to make sense of the population’s needs. Census Takers only need a High School diploma to fill these positions. In 2020, during the last census, Census Takers made around $18.55 per hour.
Mail Carrier
Mail Carriers work for the United States Postal Service and deliver mail and packages to people’s houses daily. Mail Carriers are the backbones of their communities, fostering relationships with its inhabitants and acting as representatives for the United States Postal Service. Mail Carriers don’t need a Bachelor’s degree, but must pass a written exam before being hired. In 2021, Mail Carriers made a salary of $51,730.
Supply Technician
The most prominent government agency that employs Supply Technicians is the United States Military. Supply Technicians handle the supply and storage of goods for the agencies they work for. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and writing skills are essential for this job. Supply Technicians earned an average salary of $47,348 in 2019.
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 4-year degree, and receive on the job training to begin. Financial Clerks made an average of $44,760 per year in 2021.
Passenger Vehicle Driver
Passenger Vehicle Drivers operate public transit. 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 protocol in cases of emergency. Passenger Vehicle Drivers earned an average salary of $37,540 in 2021.
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