According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several fast-growing occupations requiring only an Associates Degree, vocational training, or on the job training that offer moderate to high earnings potential. We researched these jobs and developed a list of the highest paying jobs in this category, all of which will experience double -digit growth in the coming years. Read about the top five jobs and click on the titles below to research salary data for these jobs in your geographical area.
1. Dental Hygienists are the most highly compensated job in this category. Hygienists use hand and rotary instruments to clean teeth and x-ray machines to take dental pictures. They teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene and examine the patient's head and oral area for signs of disease. Most dental hygienists work in dental offices while some work in public health agencies, hospitals and clinics. Hygienists generally require an Associates Degree from an accredited program, and licensure by the state in which they practice.
2. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians are often referred to as Environmental Engineering Technicians. These technicians work closely with environmental engineers and scientists in developing methods and devices used in the prevention, control, or correction of environmental hazards. Environmental Engineering Technicians may perform lab and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health. Although it is possible to qualify for these positions without formal training, most employers prefer to hire a candidate with an Associates degree in environmental engineering. When exploring this occupation be sure to carefully select programs that are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology to be certain you are receiving adequate training for this job category.
3. Dental Assistants sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat patients and obtain patients' dental records. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist. They hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patient's mouth dry and clear. Dental assistants usually learn their skills on the job, although some receive training from dental-assisting programs offered by community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes. Most programs can be completed in one year. Duties and training differ significantly from that of dental hygienists. Employment is expected to grow 29 percent over the next few years.
4. Skin Care Specialists - also referred to as Estheticians - are licensed specialists who provide skin care treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Generally requires vocational training and ongoing on the job experience. Most certification programs can be completed in approximately one year. Skills learned include health and safety, facial and body massage, body wrapping and spa treatments, temporary hair removal and client consultation. The job outlook for this occupation is excellent with anticipated job growth of just over 34 percent within the coming years.
5. Gaming-Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators - also referred to as Casino Surveillance Operators - act as an oversight and security agent for management and customers in the gaming industry. Casino Surveillance Operators monitor live feeds from surveillance cameras in order to identify potential security and/or safety risks. They utilize necessary equipment to identify, record, document and report illegal, suspicious or unusual activities on casino property. Demand for candidates in this job is very high with job growth anticipated to grow by almost 34 percent within the next few years. Qualifications include a High School diploma and 1 - 2 years experience.
Using the Salary Wizard ®, you can search for salary information on these and other jobs that do not require a bachelor's degree. There is also the option to purchase a full Personal Salary Report that provides greater detail and personalizes the salary report to match where you live, the size of your company and your experience to make sure you have the greatest bargaining power.
About Salary.com Salary.com is the leading provider of detailed compensation information. Through continual analysis, Salary.com tracks up-to-date salary information for more than 3,700 job titles. This information is available online through the Salary Wizard®. Salary .com also tracks cost of living though the Cost of Living Wizard.
1. Dental Hygienists are the most highly compensated job in this category. Hygienists use hand and rotary instruments to clean teeth and x-ray machines to take dental pictures. They teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene and examine the patient's head and oral area for signs of disease. Most dental hygienists work in dental offices while some work in public health agencies, hospitals and clinics. Hygienists generally require an Associates Degree from an accredited program, and licensure by the state in which they practice.
2. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians are often referred to as Environmental Engineering Technicians. These technicians work closely with environmental engineers and scientists in developing methods and devices used in the prevention, control, or correction of environmental hazards. Environmental Engineering Technicians may perform lab and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health. Although it is possible to qualify for these positions without formal training, most employers prefer to hire a candidate with an Associates degree in environmental engineering. When exploring this occupation be sure to carefully select programs that are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology to be certain you are receiving adequate training for this job category.
3. Dental Assistants sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare and lay out the instruments and materials required to treat patients and obtain patients' dental records. During dental procedures, assistants work alongside the dentist. They hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patient's mouth dry and clear. Dental assistants usually learn their skills on the job, although some receive training from dental-assisting programs offered by community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes. Most programs can be completed in one year. Duties and training differ significantly from that of dental hygienists. Employment is expected to grow 29 percent over the next few years.
4. Skin Care Specialists - also referred to as Estheticians - are licensed specialists who provide skin care treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Generally requires vocational training and ongoing on the job experience. Most certification programs can be completed in approximately one year. Skills learned include health and safety, facial and body massage, body wrapping and spa treatments, temporary hair removal and client consultation. The job outlook for this occupation is excellent with anticipated job growth of just over 34 percent within the coming years.
5. Gaming-Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators - also referred to as Casino Surveillance Operators - act as an oversight and security agent for management and customers in the gaming industry. Casino Surveillance Operators monitor live feeds from surveillance cameras in order to identify potential security and/or safety risks. They utilize necessary equipment to identify, record, document and report illegal, suspicious or unusual activities on casino property. Demand for candidates in this job is very high with job growth anticipated to grow by almost 34 percent within the next few years. Qualifications include a High School diploma and 1 - 2 years experience.
Using the Salary Wizard ®, you can search for salary information on these and other jobs that do not require a bachelor's degree. There is also the option to purchase a full Personal Salary Report that provides greater detail and personalizes the salary report to match where you live, the size of your company and your experience to make sure you have the greatest bargaining power.
About Salary.com Salary.com is the leading provider of detailed compensation information. Through continual analysis, Salary.com tracks up-to-date salary information for more than 3,700 job titles. This information is available online through the Salary Wizard®. Salary .com also tracks cost of living though the Cost of Living Wizard.