One of the most common misconceptions about the tech industry is that you need to get a degree before you can get a job. However, there are hundreds of job options for people looking for high-paying tech jobs without a degree. Tech jobs that don’t require a degree can include everything from software engineering to social media management.
Technology jobs are mostly skills and experience-based. This means that employers place more emphasis on experience, skills, and technical expertise than formal education, and jobs in tech without a degree are more popular than ever. Read below to see the best tech jobs without a degree and how to get them.
Best Tech Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
| Job | Average Salary | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security Specialist | $102,600 | 35% |
| DevOps Engineer | $99,527 | 25% |
| Power Plant Operator | $94,790 | -15% |
| Systems Administrator | $80,600 | 3% |
| Full Stack Developer | $80,191 | 25% |
| Medical Sonographer | $75,380 | 10% |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician | $73,580 | 6% |
| Digital Marketer | $62,865 | 10% |
| Network Support Specialist | $57,910 | 6% |
| Social Media Manager | $53,178 | 10% |
High-Paying Tech Jobs Without a College Degree: A Closer Look
The best tech jobs without a degree include a wide variety of positions, including technicians, programmers, and managers. No matter your skills, you can get a job in IT without a degree. Doing your research before you apply for jobs is an important part of the process. Read below to learn more about the highest-paying tech jobs without a degree.
Cyber Security Specialist
Cyber security specialists develop security measures to protect the network and data of companies. They perform security audits on computer systems to locate vulnerabilities and provide solutions to them. They also make recommendations on security issues to higher management.
You can become a cyber security specialist by attending a cyber security bootcamp. This pathway is much faster than getting a degree. As more companies are conducting business online, this is a good career to consider.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers coordinate the software development life cycle. They build and provide the infrastructure and methodologies to develop, maintain, and update applications. They also collaborate with developers and IT teams to test system performance and ensure the efficiency of software tools.
Becoming a DevOps engineer is a good option if you enjoy organizing people and tasks. You can get this job by showing off your skills instead of getting a degree. If you have software development experience, this is one of the best jobs in tech without a degree.
Power Plant Operator
It might not seem like a job in IT without a degree, but power plant operation is a very technical field. Power plant operators control and maintain the systems responsible for generating and distributing electricity from power plants to substations and to the entire nation.
Their job description includes operating turbines, identifying systems faults, and recording electricity data. Customer interaction is not required. To become a power plant operator, most people will earn a technical diploma or certificate followed by on-the-job training.
Systems Administrator
Systems administrators, sometimes grouped with network administrators, are people who maintain software and hardware systems. This can involve cyber security, technical support, and troubleshooting. You should have strong problem-solving and organizational skills for this job.
This is one of the best programming jobs without a degree because it only requires on-the-job training and some tech experience. A coding bootcamp or diploma program is more than enough to become a systems administrator.
Full Stack Developer
Full stack developers are software developers with the technical expertise to work on the front end and backend of applications. They perform a wide range of tasks such as graphic design, UI/UX design, database management, and server development.
Full stack developers must have expert knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, and CSS, to mention a few. People with these skills can also become front end developers and backend developers.
Medical Sonographer
Medical sonographers operate medical imaging equipment for testing or creating imaging of the body. These results help doctors and medical professionals diagnose patients based on the images or findings of the tests. If you’re interested in working in healthcare with tech skills, this is one of the best high-paying tech jobs without a degree.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician
These professionals operate and maintain equipment for testing aircraft and space shuttles. They work with aerospace engineers to analyze test procedures and ensure the safe operation of aircraft systems. They also calibrate computer systems to meet testing requirements.
To get this tech job, you should have some engineering education, like a certificate or a diploma. In high school, you should also make sure you take math and science classes. If your school has any engineering or aerospace clubs, you can join those as well.
Digital Marketer
Digital marketers develop the digital marketing strategy of a company through email marketing, search engine optimization, content marketing, and social media marketing. They work to ensure that the company reaches a broad audience and gets greater exposure.
Digital marketing is a rapidly growing field and one of the highest-paying tech jobs without degrees. You can work in virtually any industry because most companies need a social media presence. This tech job also doesn’t require coding, which makes it a great option if you don’t have strong hard skills.
Network Support Specialist
Network support specialists provide network support and technical assistance to organizations and private clients. They test, evaluate, maintain, and troubleshoot computer networks to find possible problems and offer effective solutions to them.
Similar to systems administrators, network support specialists need to have good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. They should also have some tech experience, like a certificate or diploma. Hands-on network experience can also help you get this job.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager is responsible for managing the social media presence of an organization. They operate social media channels to represent their organization’s brand and reach their target customers. With a strong portfolio, you can get a job as a social media manager without any education at all.
What Education Do You Need to Get a Tech Job?
Most tech jobs require a college degree, but you can still get a good tech job without a degree. Most job positions require candidates to possess at least high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development Test). Some advanced positions may require candidates to have an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
Candidates may need to have supplemental education through coding bootcamps, trade schools, or massive open online courses (MOOCs) to develop their skills. Coding skills and network administration skills are two things that you should learn for a tech job.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
Obtaining a college degree can expose you to numerous opportunities to land high-paying job roles in the industry. However, not everyone is able to attend college. Many students cannot spare the time, spend the money, or handle the stress required to obtain a college education.
College is expensive. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a four-year degree is $21,035, and that’s just at public institutions. Attending a private university costs $45,570.
These numbers continue to increase, and most students cannot afford to attend unless they take out student loans. Even so, the time spent in college could be better spent obtaining practical experience and skills for tech job roles. With the right training, you can land several high-paying jobs without a degree.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Tech Job?
Coding bootcamps are a great way to get a tech job. Coding bootcamps offer short yet intensive programs to equip students with job-ready skills to begin their tech careers. Students also enjoy job assistance such as resume review, networking, and access to job placements with partner companies.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
You can also find coding bootcamp job guarantee programs, which will give you your tuition back if you can’t find a job within a certain amount of time. Bootcamps also offer career services and resume assistance to help you get a job after your coding bootcamp.
How to Get a Tech Job Without a Degree
Before you get a tech job without a degree, you should do your research and plan out your path. This way, you can save time and money by choosing the education and experience that works best for your goals. Read below to see a step-by-step guide to how to get a tech job without a degree.
Step 1: Research Educational Options
A GED opens educational pathways to different schooling options so you will be faced with a lot of choices. Coding bootcamps, trade schools, online courses, and colleges are some options you can consider to get trained. Research what each option offers and find out which would be best for the type of job in tech you want to have.
Step 2: Choose an Education Path
Picking the right educational path for you is important to complete your program successfully. You can choose from the many options available based on your budget, time, and learning style. For example, if you have a family or are working full-time, you may want to study part-time or through a program that is self-paced.
Step 3: Obtain Technical Skills
Sign up for training and start learning. This is the part where you obtain the technical skills to qualify for tech job roles. This takes three months or more depending on your course and learning pace. When you research how to get a job in tech without a degree, you’ll find that this is one of the most important steps.
Step 4: Position Yourself for Job Roles
After training, you’ll have to position yourself for job roles by actively searching for job openings. For this, you would have to prepare a professional resume that advertises your skills and experience for the job role.
Practice your resume writing skills and look for professional resume templates to get started. A well-written resume provides a good first impression of your technical expertise. Putting your best foot forward is how to get a tech job without a degree.
Step 5: Apply for Job Openings
Now that you are qualified for entry-level tech positions, look for job openings that pique your interest and apply. Be sure to cast your net wide to increase your chances of finding a job. If you studied at a coding bootcamp, take advantage of any career resources or services they offer to help you get connected with companies who hire bootcamp graduates.
What Is the Average Tech Job Salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage of workers in the tech industry is $97,430. This means the average tech job salary is higher than normal. They also have a job growth rate of 15 percent between 2021 and 2031, which is faster than the national average.
The tech industry has one of the highest pay grades in the country. The services of qualified tech workers are in high demand in a wide range of industries. This demand has led to a higher average tech job salary and a better average entry-level tech job salary as well.
What Skills Do You Need to Get a Job in Tech?
To get a job in tech, you need hard skills like coding and digital skills. You also need soft skills like interpersonal skills and organizational skills. Your skills are arguably more important than a degree, so make them count. Read below to learn more about good skills to put on your resume for a tech job.
Technical Skills
Technical skills refer to the specialized knowledge and experience that you need to function effectively in your job. They are job-specific skills that relate to the practical aspect of the job. For instance, if you are looking to get a job as a software developer, then you’ll need to have expert knowledge of the use and application of programming languages.
Digital Skills
As companies continue to rely on Internet systems and digital devices to perform their day-to-day activities, employees are required to equip themselves with digital skills. Having digital skills means you have the ability to use digital devices and online applications to communicate and perform job tasks.
Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are special job skills that help you to observe, research, and find solutions to complex issues. Many employers list analytical skills as an important requirement to land tech jobs. These are some of the most important skills you need to get a job in tech. For example, a support specialist will use analytical skills to troubleshoot network issues.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are job skills that help you to interact and communicate effectively with your employers and team members. It is crucial to develop strong interpersonal skills to land a job in tech. Job candidates with good interpersonal skills are seen as good team players. You will need these skills for your first tech job and any other job in the industry.
Other Soft Skills
Soft skills are as important as tech skills to get a job in tech. As a matter of fact, many hiring managers choose not to hire qualified candidates due to a lack of soft skills. When you have the right mix of soft skills and technical skills, you are more likely to succeed in your workplace. Some soft skills include time management, conflict management, teamwork, and networking.
Where to Find Tech Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
To find the best tech jobs without a degree, you should look at job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor. LinkedIn is also a great way to find coding jobs without a degree, and you can also use it for networking. Read below to read more about the ways to find jobs you can get without a college degree.
Indeed
Indeed is one of the biggest job websites with over 250 million users per month. Employers utilize Indeed to advertise their job openings and find new talent for their company. Indeed posts these job vacancies and interested job seekers are able to apply. You can find different kinds of tech jobs without degrees for all levels and lifestyles on Indeed.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor was launched in 2008 with the primary mission to research salaries and company reviews for prospective job seekers. It later expanded to include job openings, benefits, company culture information, and CEO profiles. To get the most out of your job search on Glassdoor, sign up and create a profile, and opt to receive job vacancy alerts for the best tech jobs without degrees.
LinkedIn is a social networking site for working professionals. It also serves as a database platform to access job opportunities. Job seekers can sign up and create an account that doubles as a digital resume before connecting directly with recruiters and potential employers.
Dice
Dice is one of the most popular tech-specific job boards that can help you get programmer jobs without a degree. Along with tech jobs, you can find tech-specific events in your area to help you meet new people and network in the industry.
Otta
Otta is an international online job board that can help you find tech jobs at startups and established companies. You can find job postings at Netflix, Airbnb, Dropbox, and other companies. You can also use filters to search for jobs you can get without a college degree.
Companies That Offer Entry-Level Tech Jobs
The best companies that have entry-level tech jobs include Google, IBM, and Microsoft. These companies all have entry-level jobs that pay well with no degree. If you want to start working in the tech industry, these companies are a good place to start.
- Revature: Revature offers a wide range of entry-level job positions for candidates who want to build a career in software development. Revature hires candidates from diverse educational backgrounds and experiences.
- Google: Google is one of the biggest IT companies in the world and hires entry-level candidates in software engineering, sales, and design departments. Google also offers a special Google career certificate program in project management, data analytics, and UX design program to equip students for high-paying job opportunities.
- Microsoft: Ranked as the 28th-best place to work on Glassdoor, Microsoft provides internships and entry-level positions for students and graduates to begin their careers.
- IBM: IBM offers numerous opportunities for entry-level candidates in different areas, such as data science, design, finance, marketing, and software development.
- VMware: There are plenty of opportunities for new graduates at VMware. It also offers a 12-month research and development program that provides students with hands-on skills to begin their careers in the company.
Consider a Tech Degree Later in Your Career
Now that you know that a college degree is not the only golden ticket to a successful tech career, you may decide to examine other school options that best appeal to you. A four-year degree can offer you other advantages along your career path. For instance, it can help you to refine your skills and gain a more in-depth knowledge of complex subjects, providing room for specialization.
Another benefit of getting a four-year college degree is increased earning potential. Tech workers with a four-year bachelor’s degree are more likely to get higher salaries and promotions. However, the best tech jobs without a degree are still great options. If you want to start working in tech, you don’t need to go to college. Try a coding bootcamp or certificate instead.
Tech Jobs Without a Degree FAQ
Yes, you can get a job in tech without a degree. More tech employers are placing less emphasis on formal education. These days, they are more concerned with your ability to perform the job effectively. Not having a degree shouldn’t discourage you from delving into tech, and there are lots of coding jobs without degrees out there.
How do I get into the tech industry with no experience?
To get tech jobs with no experience, you should look for internship opportunities at Amazon, Microsoft, and other similarly large tech companies. These can help you gain hands-on experience and develop your tech skills. You could also take online courses on online learning platforms like Udemy. Taking on projects can also help you to hone your skills and build a portfolio so you can demonstrate your expertise to hiring managers.
Does Tesla require a degree?
No, you don’t have to have a degree to get a job at Tesla. However, you’re much more likely to get a job offer if you have one. You will also need some hands-on experience in your field. You can get some entry-level jobs at Tesla with a high school diploma, GED, or post-secondary automotive education.
Can I make six figures in tech without a degree?
Yes, you find six-figure tech jobs without a degree. Some of the jobs listed in this article have high earning potential. Keep in mind that to get one of the best tech jobs without a degree, you will probably need to have some work experience.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
