Strengthen these job skills amid the AI boom
As new graduates enter the workforce, these are key skills employers are looking for amid the AI boom.
The job market is depressed. Wages are not keeping up with inflation. Many Americans question the value of a college degree.
But America is still full of high-paying jobs, and not all of them require a college degree.
Job seeker site Resume Genius examines the best new-collar jobs in a new report. Here are 10 fields that offer high pay and don’t necessarily require a four-year degree.
And what is a new collar job? Resume Genius is defined as a career that emphasizes work experience and non-traditional educational courses, such as academic credentials or online training.
The U.S. Department of Labor lists a bachelor’s degree as a requirement for most or all of these 10 jobs. However, Resume Genius claims that you can often get around that prerequisite with certifications and on-the-job training.
Here are the 10 best “new collar” jobs
Marketing manager. As of 2024, the median annual salary is $161,030. Resume Genius says a four-year degree is not required, but the Department of Labor says a bachelor’s degree is “usually” required.
The Department of Labor report says marketing managers “plan programs to generate interest in products and services.” According to Resume Genius, you can get the job after gaining experience in the field of social media management or search engine optimization.
Human resources manager. Median salary is $140,030. The Department of Labor says a bachelor’s degree is usually required. However, you can also earn an HR certification such as Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR), according to Resume Genius.
Resume Genius states that human resources managers “determine how a company hires, supports, and manages its employees.” You can also move into human resources management from other jobs in management or customer service.
Sales manager. The median salary is $138,060. Resume Genius reports, “While some companies value degrees, a strong track record and deep product knowledge are often more important when hiring.”
According to the Department of Labor, sales managers “plan, direct, or coordinate the delivery of products or services to customers.”
Computer network architect. The median salary is $130,390, with the top 10% of earners pulling down $198,030. Although many job postings require a bachelor’s degree, “it is possible to enter the field without a bachelor’s degree,” Resume Genius reports.
According to the Department of Labor, these are workers who build computer networks such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
General and Operations Manager. The median salary is $129,330. Resume Genius reports that employees typically take on the role “after gaining experience in project management, team leadership, or operational support.” A four-year degree is not necessarily required.
These employees keep companies running smoothly and often oversee multiple teams, the report said.
Information security analyst. The median salary is $124,910, with the top 10% of earners receiving $186,420. Employment growth is projected to be steady at 29% from 2024 to 2034.
The job typically requires a bachelor’s degree, according to the Department of Labor. However, Resume Genius reports that you can also pursue “self-study, online courses, or IT certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Google’s cybersecurity certificate.”
These workers “plan and implement security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems,” the Labor Department said.
Sales engineer. The median salary is $121,520, with high earners receiving $202,670. Typically requires a BA. “You can become a sales engineer without a degree, but it usually takes time and effort to gain the right experience,” Resume Genius reports.
According to the Department of Labor, these employees “sell business products and services, such as software and support, that require technical expertise.”
Health services manager. The median salary is $117,960, with top earners earning $219,080. Employment growth is estimated to increase by a significant 23% between 2024 and 2034. Educational requirements vary. According to Resume Genius, one pathway is certification in healthcare management or electronic medical record systems.
These workers “are responsible for the business side of healthcare,” Resume Genius reports.
Art director. The median salary is $111,040, with the top 10% of earners receiving $211,410. The Department of Labor says a bachelor’s degree is usually required. However, Resume Genius reports that “a polished portfolio, consistent creative output, and the ability to give clear, actionable feedback are more important than where you went to school.”
According to the Department of Labor, art directors oversee the images and “visual style” of newspapers, magazines, Hollywood productions, etc.
Construction manager. The median salary is $106,980, with top earners earning $176,990. These workers oversee construction projects. According to Resume Genius, workers are typically hired on construction sites “after many years of experience as a foreman or crew leader.” “Project management and safety qualifications are helpful, but leadership and organizational skills are most important.”
