Engineering is an integral part of the world today, with these professionals creating most of the inventions and technology that people rely on for daily use. It is one of the most rewarding and in-demand careers, and you may be surprised to learn that you can get engineering jobs without a degree.
While that might seem impossible due to the technicality of the field, it is achievable if you develop the hard and soft skills companies are searching for in their employees. In this guide, you will learn about the possible engineering jobs that you can get without a degree and some companies that might hire you. By the end of the article, you will be a step closer to starting the career of your dreams without attending college.
Engineering Jobs You Can Get Without a Degree
All data was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2025.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Job Outlook (2024–34) |
| Software Engineer (Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, Testers) | $131,450¹ | 15%¹ |
| Sales Engineer | $121,520² | 6%² |
| Mechanical Engineer | $102,3203 | 9%3 |
| Civil Engineer | $99,5904 | 5%4 |
| Electrical Engineer | $118,7805 | 7%5 |
| Network Engineer (Network and Computer Systems Administrators, proxy) | $96,8006 | −4%6 |
| Electrical Technician (Engineering Technologists & Technicians) | $73,5007 | Not specified |
| Drafter (CAD Technician) | $65,3808 | −1%8 |
| Machinist | $57,7009 | −2%9 |
Software Engineer
Software engineers apply engineering principles to design, create, test, and maintain computer software and solve problems. Software engineers also work to improve the quality of applications, collaborate with other professionals to develop new and relevant software designs, investigate and use new technology, and write reports.
You typically would need a college degree in computer science or a related field. However, with the existence of bootcamps, you can get software engineer jobs without a degree. You can join a bootcamp to learn software engineering skills or join a software engineering apprenticeship program to learn the skills on the job. These programs also make it easy to make a midlife career change to software engineering.
Sales Engineer
Sales engineers make engineering services and products appealing to customers by presenting the products in the best possible light. They aim to attract new and existing customers using their technical knowledge to profit the company or organization. They also have to attend to customers’ queries about the product.
To pursue a career as a sales engineer, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. However, anyone with sales experience and technical skills can work in a sales engineering job without a degree. This means you can build up your skills and knowledge to the level required of a sales engineer and apply for entry-level roles.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design, develop, evaluate, install, and inspect mechanical devices and systems. Some of these devices include industrial machines, transportation systems, and engines. They work in engineering companies or companies that manufacture, research, and develop engineering tools.
Mechanical engineering usually requires a bachelor’s degree, but you can still get started in related roles without one. With strong math and problem-solving skills, you can pursue an apprenticeship or technician role to gain firsthand training and experience. Over time, with continued training and professional development, you may qualify for higher-level mechanical engineering opportunities.
Civil Engineer
A civil engineer is a professional in charge of constructing and maintaining infrastructure projects like roads and bridges, from planning to construction to maintenance. They conduct investigations and assess a project to ensure that it doesn’t violate any codes and is safe for use. They are also in charge of the costs, deadlines, risks, and project materials.
To become a licensed civil engineer, most people gain a degree and a license to practice. If you do not have a degree, you can still pursue a career in the field by starting an apprenticeship program or technician role where you learn under an experienced professional. While advancement as a licensed civil engineer requires formal education, you can still build a career in civil engineering support roles without a degree.
Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer works to research, develop, install, and test electronic systems and products for projects of every scale. They improve electrical products and systems, establish manufacturing processes, and evaluate quality and performance. They also supervise the manufacturing of these systems.
While most electrical engineers have a bachelor’s degree, electrical engineering is one of the most accessible engineering fields to join without a college degree. Electrical engineers also have some of the highest-paying jobs in engineering. With the proper training and practice, you could become an electrical engineer without a degree. With the additional boost of joining an apprenticeship program, you are likely to get off to an even better start.
Network Engineer
Network engineers build and maintain computer networks like local area networks, intranet, and extranet for tech companies and organizations. They establish and maintain network performance, install and maintain networking equipment, troubleshoot network problems, and write reports for company stakeholders.
Most network engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or information technology, but you don’t necessarily need one to break into the field. You can also pursue this career path through industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco’s CCNA. Some apprenticeships and bootcamp-style programs also provide training opportunities, making it possible to become a network engineer without a degree.
Electrical Technician
Electrical technicians design, inspect, build, and repair electrical systems either as a supervisor or as part of a team. They are responsible for repairing and replacing faulty components in an electrical system. They install, maintain, and repair equipment’s electrical, electronic, and electromechanical components. They also read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Electrical technician jobs typically require a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, making it one of the easiest engineering-related jobs to get without a degree. Certifications or licensing may be needed depending on the industry. With additional training or education, you can also advance into more specialized roles over time.
Drafter (CAD Technician)
CAD stands for computer-aided design technician. These are professionals who work to create plans or schematics using computer software. They make electronic design plans for buildings and machinery. These professionals work with architects and designers to create high-quality and detailed designs based on the demands of the project.
Becoming a CAD technician often requires an associate’s degree. However, with on-the-job training or apprenticeships, you can gain the skills necessary to become a professional in this field. You can also take the self-taught route, research the required skills, and build knowledge on your own. With consistent practice and a strong portfolio, you will be able to apply for entry-level roles.
Machinist
A machinist builds and repairs precision tools to operate machines and equipment using technical drawings and instructions. They drive and maintain lathes and milling machines, check drawing instructions and blueprints to ensure accurate production, and take precise measurements for cutting and shaping.
You can become a machinist without a degree by studying independently, getting consistent training, and taking advantage of on-the-job experience. Many machinists enter the field with a high school diploma and learn through apprenticeships or technical training. You can also pursue an associate’s degree if you want to expand your opportunities, but practical experience is the main requirement for starting this career.
What Skills Do You Need to Land an Engineering Job?
Structural Analysis
Structural analysis is an integral part of engineering and should be a skill every engineer possesses. It involves calculating the effect of strains on physical structures or designs and their components. This is an essential engineering job skill because engineers need to calculate the ability of a system to withstand the load or mechanical demand placed on it.
Data Modeling
Data modeling is an essential part of data storage and is used to model relationships within the data. As an engineer, employers will want to make sure that you can create a visual data map that accurately describes the data structure and how data will flow through the system. Put this skill on your engineering resume to impress potential employers.
Pressure Management
Pressure management is an important skill for engineering jobs. If you do not manage the pressure your projects will be put under adequately, they may become unsafe or not useful. Above all, an engineer must be able to make structurally sound products that withstand the test of time.
Communication
As an engineer, you will regularly work with multiple teams and other professionals. You need to communicate appropriately with other professionals to deliver results and effectively complete the job as a team. Communication is an important soft skill for engineering because you need to break down technical information so that other workers can understand you and carry out any task given to them.
Teamwork
Regardless of the size of a project, you will have to collaborate and work with other professionals in the field like architects, builders, and other artisans. As a professional, you should work effectively with others and deliver high-quality work. By developing strong teamwork skills, you can put your best foot forward in all your professional projects.
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What Education Do You Need to Get an Engineering Job?
You typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to get a professional engineering job, especially in licensed fields such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Some roles also require a license to advance. However, you do not always need a degree to work in engineering-related roles or in fields where the title “engineer” is used more broadly, such as software engineering.
The journey might not be as easy without a degree, but you can start a career in engineering or a related field with the proper dedication, effort, and skills. Some alternative options instead of college are trade schools, vocational schools, coding bootcamps, or apprenticeships, which can prepare you for technician, technologist, or software-focused jobs.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
There are various reasons why a traditional college experience isn’t ideal for everyone. Whether it is due to the environment itself or the financial burdens college tends to bring, many students opt out of traditional universities and prefer an alternative educational experience.
In addition, a college degree can sometimes narrow your options after graduation. For example, if you hold a degree in civil engineering, you may not be able to apply directly for jobs in computer hardware engineering without additional training. Or say you get the degree, but the job you’re applying for offers lower pay than you anticipated. If you aren’t confident in your career path, investing time and money into a degree may not be worth it. Thankfully, you can also find engineering-related careers without a degree.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get an Engineering Job?
A coding bootcamp can help you get an engineering job, depending on your desired field. For example, a coding bootcamp may not be helpful in securing a civil or electrical engineering job, but it can certainly help you get a software engineering job.
Software engineering bootcamp graduates gain relevant skills for their careers in the tech industry, which some subfields of engineering don’t always require. If you’re looking to bridge the gap between traditional engineering and modern technical skills, then an engineering-focused bootcamp may be right for you.
How to Get an Engineering Job With No Degree
Research Engineering Jobs
The first step is to look into engineering jobs that don’t require a degree and see which ones match your interests and skills. Don’t forget to include both hard and soft skills, as both are necessary for success. When searching, make sure your skills are suitable for the role at that particular company.
Develop and Improve Your Engineering Knowledge and Skills
Starting a career requires hands-on skills, which a degree alone may not always provide you. When you decide on the field of engineering you are interested in, you should gain extensive knowledge of the skills necessary to succeed in that career. You can take workshops, enroll in bootcamps, or attend a trade school to help you pursue engineering-related work without a degree.
Enhance Your Soft Skills
While technical skills are essential, soft skills are also relevant. Successful engineers and technicians must obtain teamwork and collaboration experience. In addition, to work in engineering without a degree, you should have strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, decision-making skills, and critical thinking skills. Employers want to see job seekers who have experience with collaborative projects.
Apply for an Apprenticeship Program
When you are confident that you have the technical knowledge required to start a career, you can search for apprenticeship programs to get firsthand engineering experience and learn from experienced professionals.
Apprenticeship programs can help you improve your skills and gain real-life experience that you can include in your resume to land jobs. Though these can still be challenging programs, they are one of the most direct routes to building an engineering-related career without a degre
Apply for Entry-Level Engineering Roles
The next stage involves applying for a full-time job. While many entry-level engineer positions require degrees, there are plenty of opportunities in technician, drafter, machinist, or software roles that allow you to begin building a career without one. These paths can serve as stepping stones to higher-paying jobs and long-term advancement.
Companies That Offer Entry-Level Engineering Jobs
IBM
IBM, which stands for International Business Machines Corporation, is well known for being a widely used computer company that provides computer systems and machines to clients for businesses and scientific applications. As a computer company, IBM needs engineers to develop its designs. As such, it offers a range of entry-level engineering jobs.10
General Motors
General Motors is an automotive manufacturing company in the United States. As a car manufacturing company, engineers must help with the design, development, and testing processes. You can find entry-level engineering jobs as mechanical or sales engineers.11
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a company that is involved in the research, design, development, and manufacturing of aerospace, arms, defense, technology, and information security. Entry-level engineers are needed in various fields as the company has several areas of specialization.12
Lucid Motors
Lucid Motors is an electric car manufacturing company in America. As a car manufacturing company, engineers are undoubtedly a vital part of Lucid Motors. Lucid Motors often posts entry-level mechanical engineering jobs.13
Valdes Engineering Company
Valdes Engineering Company is a minority-owned engineering, architecture, and project management consulting firm in the US. You can apply for jobs with this company as a civil engineer or chemical engineer.14
Where to Find Engineering Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Indeed
Indeed is one of the most widely used job search sites in the country. They post thousands of job openings from various companies daily and also allow job applicants to apply directly from the site. Those who want to apply directly also can visit the company website and apply there. Indeed also sends job opening notifications, which you can use to get fast updates on new jobs.
LinkedIn is a professional platform that allows job searchers and companies to connect. The platform allows companies to post job openings and job applicants to apply directly. To use LinkedIn to find engineering jobs that don’t require a degree, you can create a profile that features your skills to attract employers looking for qualified job candidates.
Company Websites
Company websites are one of the best ways to secure engineering jobs without a degree. Most companies have a career page on their website where interested candidates can see firsthand job openings in the company. To best use this to your advantage, you should search for companies known to hire engineers and visit their career pages to see job openings.
Consider an Engineering Degree Later in Your Career
Getting an engineering job without a degree is possible and achievable with dedication and hard work. You can start a career and earn as much as a college graduate with the right experience. To achieve this, you will need to follow the proper steps and have a lot of patience as you get started.
However, you should not wholly dismiss earning a degree later in your career, as it can make a significant difference in your long-term growth. A college degree in engineering often leads to higher pay, access to senior positions, and broader career advancement opportunities. While you can find a variety of engineering-related jobs without a degree, attending college can still expand your options.
University is one way to begin an engineering career, but it is not the only path. You can also look into trade schools, vocational schools, community colleges, or online courses. These alternatives can help you build technical knowledge and skills needed in the field. If formal schooling isn’t an option, apprenticeships can provide practical, real-world training to launch your career.
Engineering Jobs Without a Degree FAQ
Yes, you can begin working in engineering-related roles without a Professional Engineer (PE) license. However, if you want to advance into licensed engineering positions, especially in civil or mechanical engineering, you will eventually need both a degree and a PE license.
How much do engineering jobs pay?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $97,310 in May 2024.15 Pay varies widely by specialty, experience, and skill level. Entry-level technicians or bootcamp-trained professionals may start lower, but many can grow their salaries over time as they gain experience.
What is the easiest engineering job?
Software engineering is often considered one of the most accessible engineering career paths because there are many programs that help you build the required skills quickly. Unlike traditional engineering fields, software engineering jobs can sometimes be obtained without a degree, especially if you graduate from a coding bootcamp or build a strong self-taught portfolio.
How can I become a software engineer without a degree?
You can become a software engineer without a degree by attending a coding bootcamp or following a self-directed learning path. Thanks to a wide range of online programs and resources, you can develop software engineering skills and secure a job in less than a year. To stand out, focus on building a strong programming portfolio that showcases your projects and problem-solving ability.
1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/sales-engineers.htm
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm
5. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineering-technicians.htm
6. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm
7. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes173029.htm
8. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/drafters.htm
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