Beyond blue collar: Trade jobs that don’t require a four-year degree

(NewsNation) — More and more people are choosing to go into the trades as Gen Z turns away from expensive four-year colleges in search of job training that won’t leave them saddled with student debt.

Many trade jobs have suffered from shortages and need new workers to fill the ranks as older workers retire. Training costs are typically far lower than a four-year college degree, and it’s easier to get in the workforce faster and start earning a living.

Chris Cuomo brought on a “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe for a special edition of [CUOMO] focused on elevating and encouraging blue-collar jobs. Watch the full episode here.

When people think of the trades, they often think of jobs like construction work that often require significant physical ability. But those aren’t the only fields in need of workers. All wage data is courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

911 Dispatcher

Dispatchers answer 911 calls and help coordinate first responders who respond to emergencies. Being a dispatcher requires the ability to stay calm under pressure and good communication skills, as being able to gather accurate information about a scene and relay it to emergency responders is a critical part of the job.

In order to become a dispatcher, you will need a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18, with most states also requiring a valid driver’s license. Public safety dispatchers make a mean annual wage of $52,140.

Mortician

Morticians or funeral directors help families plan and coordinate funerals, prepare people for burial and handle government paperwork like death certificates. Working with bodies may not be for everyone, and morticians also need to be able to help families deal with grief and loss, requiring a lot of empathy and compassion.

Morticians need to have an associate’s degree in mortuary science to enter the field. The mean annual wage for morticians is $58,020.

Veterinary Technician

Vet techs help veterinarians care for animals, including tasks like taking X-rays, drawing blood, performing other tests, assisting with surgery, performing minor procedures and helping restrain animals during exams. Being good with people and animals are essential skills.

Veterinary technicians need to earn an associate’s degree, which usually takes about two years. The mean annual wage for vet techs is $44,040.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists use a variety of massage and bodywork techniques to help clients relieve stress and reduce muscle soreness. The job requires a certain amount of strength and an understanding of anatomy and physiology.

Massage therapists usually need a high school diploma or GED and to complete a certificate course. Some programs cost as little as $5,000. The mean annual wage for massage therapists is $62,560.

Chef

Chef jobs are available beyond the restaurant industry, with job opportunities also available in schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Working in a kitchen does come with high stress and different hours than most jobs. In general, there is no requirement to have a high school diploma or GED.

Chefs can attend culinary school, but it’s also possible to start out in an entry-level role and work your way up. Chefs make a mean annual wage of $62,640.

Makeup Artist

Makeup artists can work in a number of settings, from those working in salons doing traditional makeup to artists who primarily work on stage makeup or film makeup, including special effects.

Most states will require a certification or cosmetology license in order to work with the public as a makeup artist. Makeup artists make a mean annual wage of $68,590.

Train Conductor

Train conductors may work on commercial or passenger trains, and the job requires attention and awareness to monitor for safety or mechanical issues.

Conductors are required to have a high school diploma or GED, and training is usually provided on the job. It is possible to earn a certification or associate’s degree in the field of rail operations as well. The mean annual wage for a train conductor is $72,220.

Mail Carrier

Being a postal worker can be a physically demanding job, with some mail carriers covering significant areas on foot while others may deliver heavy packages, along with workers who keep postal offices running.

Mail carriers need to have a high school diploma or GED, pass a medical test and background check, take the postal exam and have a valid driver’s license. The mean annual wage for a mail carrier is $59,340.

Court Reporter

Court reporters create transcripts for trials and other judicial proceedings. Being a court reporter requires speed and attention to detail as well as being able to listen to trials that may involve disturbing information.

Court reporters must complete a certificate or associate’s degree program. The mean annual wage for a court reporter is $71,040.

IT Specialist

While some IT jobs require a computer science degree, others, especially entry-level roles, may not require a degree to be able to handle taking care of technology and helping people troubleshoot issues.

While a degree isn’t required, those hoping to work in IT should be able to demonstrate skills in programming and other areas, either self-taught or through a certificate-type program. The mean annual wage for an IT specialist is $63,640.

Video Editor

Video editors should be familiar with multiple editing programs commonly used in the film and TV industry and be able to create a portfolio showing their work.

It’s possible to teach yourself edition skills, or you can enroll in online courses or certificate programs. The mean annual wage for a video editor is $83,470.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in their duties, including processing prescriptions, counting and preparing medications and handling insurance paperwork.

Pharmacy technicians must go through a certificate program or get an associate’s degree, which can cost as little as $400. The mean annual wage for a pharmacy technician is $43,330.

Medical Coder

Medical coders are part of hospital billing departments and translate information from patient records into codes for insurance reimbursement and cost determinations.

Medical coders must complete a certificate course based on the type of medical office they would like to work for. The mean annual wage for a medical coder is $53,690.

Sonographer

Sonographers use ultrasounds to take images of a patient’s body. Sonographers may specialize in different parts of the body, such as the abdomen, blood vessels or heart.

Sonographers need to complete an associate’s degree program. The mean annual wage for sonographers is $89,020.