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10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

Last updated August 17, 2023

10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

Closeup image of library books neatly arranged on a shelf - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

Employee working on a computer with two screens, her back turned to the camera. - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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

Image of social service members packing supplies in plastic bags. - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

Graph showing up and down lines, depicting dynamic changes in data.- 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

Two individuals reviewing and signing legal documents. - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

Image of the 2020 Census survey - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

A large number of boxes stacked together inside a mail truck. - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

Semi - aerial view of neatly stacked boxes forming towering stacks. - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

Two women in an office, looking at a shared laptop screen. - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

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.

Passengers on a subway. - 10 Government Jobs That Don’t Require a 4-Year Degree

If you're interested in finding government job opportunities near you, just text #Jobs to 33-55-77 and we'll walk you through how they work, how to find one, and what kind of options are in your area! If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!

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