Build a New Career in Michigan Without a College Degree

If you're thinking about a career shift in Michigan, you’re in good company. Across the state, plenty of employers hire people based on skill and dedication rather than a four-year degree.

SkillUp gives you an easy starting point. You can explore short training programs, look through screened job listings, and use free resources to help map out a path toward steadier work and stronger pay.

At a Glance

At a Glance: Work in Michigan Without a Degree

Median hourly wage (no degree jobs)

$10.55 - $16.89

Top industries hiring

health care, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, skilled trades, renewable energy, IT support

Open jobs on SkillUp’s board today

14,000+

Find Opportunities Across Michigan

Looking for other states? Explore all locations.

Growing Careers in Michigan

Michigan’s labor data points to a mix of hands-on roles and support positions that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. These paths offer steady hiring across the state:

  • Medical assistants
  • Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
  • Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers and pipe fitters
  • Maintenance and repair technicians
  • Warehouse and logistics coordinators, including forklift operators and inventory roles
  • Computer user support specialists

Fast Training Options in Michigan

SkillUp helps you find options from community colleges, training nonprofits, and workforce programs across the state that prepare you for stable work without a long-term commitment. Many programs take less than a year, and some only a few months:

CDL training for commercial truck driving
Medical assisting, phlebotomy, and EKG technician programs
HVAC, electrical, and plumbing training, including apprenticeships
Maintenance and industrial technician programs
IT support, networking, and cybersecurity basics
Warehouse and logistics courses, including forklift and inventory systems

Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Well

SkillUp’s job board only lists roles that meet our standards:

• No degree required

• Pay a living wage for your area

• Skills that can be learned in less than 12 months (and some as little as 2-4 weeks!)

Across Michigan, that often includes roles like CDL drivers, medical assistants, CNC operators, HVAC installers, maintenance techs, logistics staff, and IT support specialists.

Michigan Featured Partners

Why Choose SkillUp?

FAQs

Which non-degree jobs pay well in Michigan?

Truck drivers, CNC machinists, electricians, HVAC technicians, maintenance workers, and medical assistants often start with strong wages and grow from there.

Can I find remote work in Michigan without a degree?


Yes. Many tech support, customer service, and administrative roles offer remote or hybrid options, especially around Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor.

What short programs help me get hired quickly?


CDL programs, medical assisting certificates, HVAC and electrical apprenticeships, CNC training, and IT support courses can lead to fast hiring.

Where can I find low-cost training?


Michigan Works!, community colleges, and nonprofit training centers offer affordable and accessible programs across the state. SkillUp brings these options together so you can compare them easily.

Are apprenticeships available in Michigan?


Yes. Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, construction, machining, and industrial maintenance apprenticeships are widely available.

Which public sector roles don’t require a degree?


Transportation staff, building maintenance roles, public safety support positions, clerical and administrative roles, and park or facility operations jobs often hire without a bachelor’s degree.

Ready to Explore What’s Next?