6 Fast‑Growing Careers Gen Z Can Enter Without Four-Year Degrees
It's not all doom and despair for Gen Z.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Louis indicated that Gen Zers often face underemployment in the current job market. Uncertain employment prospects can make it unappealing to spend four years studying for an expensive bachelor's degree rather than entering a trade or doing a two-year college program that allows you to start making money more quickly.
Save Savory: Why Going 'Ingredients Only' Will Stretch Your Paycheck Like You Won't Believe
Sign Up: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking
If you'd like to skip the traditional four-year degree, consider these six fast-growing career options for Gen Zers. These picks are based on the latest occupational projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and offer competitive median salaries.
Wind Turbine Service Technician
Estimated job growth (2024-2034): 50%
Median annual salary (2024): $62,580
As renewable energy becomes more common, wind turbine service technicians are expected to benefit from the fastest growth of all careers through 2034. This role may be a good fit if you don't mind challenging mechanical work outdoors, including installing, maintaining and repairing equipment and aren't afraid of heights.
You'll typically need a certificate or associate's degree in wind energy or wind turbine technology, which helps prepare you for more specialized on-the-job training on the different equipment.
Physical Therapy Assistant
Estimated job growth (2024-2034): 22%
Median annual salary (2024): $65,510
Physical therapy assistants are in high demand as Americans get older and more people face chronic conditions. This career can be fulfilling for Gen Zers who want to help and educate patients dealing with pain and mobility issues that hurt their quality of life.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, becoming a physical therapy assistant requires completing an accredited two-year college program that includes clinical experience and getting licensed or certified in your state.
Avionics Technician
Estimated job growth (2024-2034): 8%
Median annual salary (2024): $81,390
If you'd like to work with planes but prefer to avoid the most physically demanding mechanic work, an avionics technician career is an alternative with good job prospects. You'd install, maintain, repair, replace and test the plane's electronic systems and keep everything documented.
You'll typically need to complete a certificate program that has Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, which typically takes up to two years. You'll also likely need additional training for different equipment manufacturers.
Health Information Technologist
Estimated job growth (2024-2034): 15%
Median annual salary (2024): $67,310
Gen Zers who are passionate about healthcare and like working with tech should consider becoming a health information technologist. This fast-growing career involves working with various electronic health systems and databases and keeping patients' data confidential.
You can enter the health information technology field with a related associate's degree. You might also need an industry certification, such as the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Electrician
Estimated job growth (2024-2034): $62,350
Median annual salary (2024): 9%
Not only are electricians always needed, but the hands-on work means AI won't replace these trade workers anytime soon. If you don't mind the physical and dangerous aspects of the job, being an electrician allows you to perform diverse tasks, such as installing wiring and outlets, fixing complex issues and testing equipment. Plus, self-employment is an option.
What's unique about this career is that you can get started with an electrician apprenticeship, which often takes four years but pays you while you learn and gain experience. After this training, you'll also need to meet the exam requirements for your state's journeyman license.
Dental Hygienist
Estimated job growth (2024-2034): 7%
Median annual salary (2024): $94,260
If you'd like to earn a very lucrative salary in a fast-growing career that lets you make an impact on patients' oral health, consider becoming a dental hygienist. Ideal for those with good dexterity and interpersonal skills, this job can involve everything from cleaning teeth and taking X-rays to providing patient education and making reports for dentists.
According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association, you can get started with a two- to three-year dental hygiene associate's degree program, which requires clinical work. You must also pass national and state exams to claim the registered dental hygienist title.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: