Start a New Career in New York Without a College Degree

New Yorkers are known for making things happen. Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or farther upstate, you’ll find plenty of jobs that do not require a four-year degree. Many offer steady pay, hands-on learning, and a chance to grow into something long-term.

SkillUp gives you a place to explore your options. You can browse short training programs, look through job listings that match your goals, and use free tools to help shape your next move.

At a Glance

Work in New York Without a Degree

Median hourly wage (no degree jobs)

$21.30 - $27.36

Top industries hiring

health care, transportation and warehousing, building trades, hospitality and service leadership, manufacturing, tech support

Open jobs on SkillUp’s board today

7600+

Find Opportunities Across New York

Looking for other states? Explore all locations.

Growing Careers in New York

New York’s labor data highlights a mix of hands-on roles and support positions that do not require a bachelor’s degree. These paths are strong across both urban and rural regions:

  • Home health and personal care aides
  • Medical assistants
  • Truck drivers and delivery drivers
  • Electricians
  • Heating and air conditioning technicians
  • Building maintenance and repair technicians
  • Warehouse and logistics workers, including forklift operators and inventory roles
  • Computer and tech support specialists

Fast Training Options in New York

SkillUp connects you with training options that help you build a new skill set without a long-term commitment. Many programs are offered by community colleges, training nonprofits, and workforce partners and can be completed in months, not years:

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 New York, common options include CDL driving, home health support, HVAC installation, medical assisting, logistics roles, and IT help desk work.

New York Featured Partners

Why Choose SkillUp?

FAQs

Which non-degree jobs pay well in New York?

Medical assistants, CDL drivers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and logistics coordinators often earn strong starting wages, depending on the region.

Are remote jobs available in New York without a degree?


Yes. Many tech support, customer service, and administrative jobs offer remote or hybrid options, especially in NYC and larger metro areas.

What short programs help me get hired quickly?


CDL training, medical assisting certificates, HVAC and electrical apprenticeships, and IT support courses are common fast-start options.

Where can I find low-cost training in New York?


Community colleges, nonprofit training groups, and workforce boards offer accessible training tied to local demand. SkillUp pulls these options together so you can compare them easily.

Are apprenticeships common in New York?


Yes. The state offers strong apprenticeship pathways in electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, building maintenance, and related trades.

Which public sector roles in New York don’t require a degree?


Public transportation, parks and facilities maintenance, administrative support, public safety support, and sanitation roles often do not require a bachelor’s degree.

Ready to Explore What’s Next?