Oct 29, 2024

Question of the Day: What are the top 3 fastest growing careers that don't need a 4-year degree?

Are these fast-growing careers worth the hype?

Answer: 

  1. Wind Turbine Service Technician (44.9% growth from 2022-2032)
  2. Physical Therapist Assistant (26.1% growth from 2022-2032)
  3. Occupational Therapist Assistant (24.0% growth from 2022-2032)

Questions:

  • How might the demand for careers without a 4-year degree affect decisions about education and training?
  • What challenges might someone face when choosing a career that doesn’t require a 4-year degree?
  • How important is salary when considering a fast-growing career that doesn’t require a degree?

 

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day you can use in your classroom.

 

Behind the Numbers (U.S. Department of Labor):

Plenty of opportunities exist for workers without a bachelor’s degree. In 2022, about 7 out of 10 jobs were in occupations that don't require a 4-year degree for entry. Of note: More than half of the occupations featured are related to healthcare, a field that is expected to experience strong demand through the 2022-32 decade. Take diagnostic medical sonographers: this occupation is expected to grow five times faster than the rate for all occupations, and median wages were more than $80,000 in 2022.

About the Author

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.

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