Wyoming
Construction workers -- including these roofers in Casper -- are among the highest-paid workers without bachelor's degrees in Wyoming.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $62,000
Wyoming is America's least populous state, known for its national parks and outdoor tourism. It's a state with one of the largest shares of good jobs held by workers without bachelor's degrees: 62%.
Wyoming's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in natural resources (paying a median of $80,000); manufacturing (paying $72,000); and installation, maintenance and repair (paying $70,000).
The number of mining jobs in the state has dropped significantly over the past decade, but a recent report by the Western Organization of Resource Councils suggests that thousands of new jobs for miners could be created in coming years by cleanup and reclamation efforts at inactive coal mining sites.
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Wisconsin
Demand is growing strong in Wisconsin for non-degree financial services workers, including real estate agents.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $54,000
Wisconsin, also known as "America’s Dairyland," leads the nation in milk production, but job opportunities go far beyond making cheese.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $67,000) and construction (paying $59,000).
Financial services make up the fastest-growing industry in the state. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. predicts that within five to 10 years, the state will have more jobs in finance than available workers.
Wisconsin positions in finance not requiring bachelor's degrees include jobs for real estate brokers; insurance agents; and computer programmers in the emerging field of fintech.
West Virginia
Growing tourism is creating jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree in Harpers Ferry and elsewhere in West Virginia.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $58,000
West Virginia’s economy has long relied on coal. But the industry has been in decline, so now, West Virginia is looking to tap a treasure trove of other natural resources.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in natural resources (paying a median of $70,000); construction and extraction (paying $66,000); and management (paying $65,000).
The state has a large store of recoverable natural gas in the Marcellus and Utica shales in the north and the Rogersville Shale in the south, say West Virginia University experts, plus raw materials for chemical and metals production.
As the Mountain State charts a course for a prosperous future, hiring is expected to expand in the tourism, energy, aerospace and biotech sectors, says the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
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Washington
Aircraft maker Boeing is a major job generator in Washington.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $59,000
Between 1991 and 2015, Washington state added 30,000 good-paying blue-collar jobs and 93,000 good-paying skilled-services jobs, the Georgetown researchers say.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $71,000) and manufacturing (paying $63,000).
The largest employer in Washington is a major manufacturer: the giant aircraft maker Boeing, which has roughly 71,000 workers.
Workers without degrees can look forward to new opportunities in Washington's clean energy, maritime and technology industries — sectors the state is committed to expanding, says the Washington Department of Commerce.
Virginia
Virginia is a major producer of tobacco.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $57,000
Historically, agriculture has been Virginia’s economic backbone, and today the state is a major producer of soy, tomatoes and tobacco. It also has a huge food production industry.
Virginia's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $72,000); public administration (paying $63,000); and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $60,000).
However, recently the biggest sector to see job growth in Virginia has been construction. There were 6,900 new construction jobs added between October 2019 and October 2020 — 3,100 of which were added between September and October of 2020 alone.
Vermont
Computer chips are a major industry in Vermont.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $54,000
Like other East Coast states, Vermont is a leader in health care and education — so it should come as no surprise that the largest employer is the University of Vermont Medical Center, with 7,860 workers.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); information and financial services, including real estate (paying $60,000); and sales ($57,000).
Though the state's top employer is tied to a public university, Vermont’s main export isn’t grads — it’s computer chips. And you don’t necessarily need a bachelor's degree to work in chip manufacturing.
The top five industries for employing people without four-year degrees are manufacturing, construction, health services, retail trade and finance.
Utah
Mining is one of Utah's major industries.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $56,000
Utah has a proud mining history, and gold is still the state’s most valuable export. But tourism also is huge, thanks to the state’s five national parks, seven national monuments, six national forests and world-famous ski resorts.
Utah's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $67,000), transportation (paying $60,000) and sales (also paying $60,000).
The largest employer is Intermountain Healthcare, providing work for around 38,000 people.
Besides its many jobs in mining, farming and tourism, Utah has one of the highest concentrations of aerospace positions in the U.S., including related military jobs.
Texas
Jobs practically gush out of the oil industry in Texas.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $57,000
Texans are doing a happy dance to the beat of the state's thriving job market. The Lone Star State is projected to add 1.7 million jobs by 2028, with only 40% of these new jobs requiring some form of postsecondary education.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $70,000) and manufacturing (paying $61,000).
With so many job opportunities, Texas' population is growing twice as fast as California's.
The energy industry — including oil and gas extraction — is huge here. And Texas is making significant job gains in mining and logging; construction; and manufacturing, says the Texas Labor Market Review.
Tennessee
Foreign tourism is helping to drive job growth in Tennessee.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $54,000
Tennessee’s employment prospects were looking downright rosy, at least before the pandemic. In 2018 it saw the fastest growth in international visitors in the country, which brought in a record-high $22 billion in domestic and international travel spending.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); transportation and utilities (paying $59,000); and sales (paying $58,000).
More tourism dollars flowing in would mean more jobs for residents.
Wholesale trades, health care and social services also saw strong job growth in 2018, says the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
South Dakota
Utilities offer good jobs in South Dakota.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $52,000
South Dakota’s fields and fertile farmlands were the inspiration for Little House on the Prairie, though the state’s agriculture economy has been struggling recently. Nonfarm industries are doing OK.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in transportation and utilities (paying a median of $61,000); management (paying $59,000); and sales (paying $56,000).
South Dakota’s Department of Labor and Regulation projects that the state’s manufacturing industry will add 3,000 more workers by 2024 and that jobs will be available for welders, assemblers, machinists and inspectors.
Given the growing number of skilled jobs in this state, the employment outlook for workers without bachelor's degrees is promising. Almost 70% of workers in South Dakota do not hold four-year degrees.
South Carolina
South Carolina offers non-degree workers an abundance of administrative jobs, including management positions that pay well.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $53,000
Though South Carolina may be known for its beaches and farms, the state's biggest export is automotive equipment. And administrative and supportive services make up the largest industry here.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $63,000); and transportation and utilities (paying $57,000).
South Carolina's good jobs in administration include general management, human resources and clerical work — none of which requires a bachelor's degree.
Nearly half the state's workers with good jobs don’t hold four-year degrees, according to the Georgetown University study.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has been adding non-degree jobs in health care.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $56,000
Before the coronavirus hit, Little Rhody was still in the process of recovering jobs lost in the Great Recession a decade ago.
On the upside, Rhode Island had gained 15,000 skilled-services positions since 1991. That’s a 37% increase in good jobs for workers without four-year degrees, mostly in health care and financial services, says WPRI News.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $71,000); information and financial services, including real estate (paying $58,000); and construction (paying $57,000).
The state’s biggest employer is the Lifespan system of hospitals, which employed 15,674 workers in 2019.
Pennsylvania
Downtown Pittsburgh is a major financial center.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $56,000
Pennsylvania has seen great development in recent years — at least in certain parts of the state. Between 2015 and 2018, the 15 counties that make up the southeastern part of the state gained 133,000 new jobs, while the 19 counties that make up the western region only added 3,000 jobs.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $67,000); and transportation and utilities (paying $60,000).
Pennsylvania used to be known for its steel mills. Today, its main manufactured exports are coal; medicines and vaccines; propane; aircraft engines and parts; and motorcycles, says the U.S. Census Bureau.
But the largest industry is finance, including insurance and real estate, according to the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Oregon
Logging is big in Oregon.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $56,000
Oregon is seeing a population explosion thanks to its healthy job market and high quality of life. The state has a thriving computers-and-electronics industry that recently employed more than 37,000 people.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $67,000); construction (paying $60,000); and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $58,000).
Besides technology, these other sectors will keep adding jobs, according to Business Oregon: metals, machinery and medical products manufacturing; business services; organic food and beverages; forestry; and outdoor gear.
As in the rest of the country, Oregon’s health sector is growing, too. In fact, Providence Health & Services is the largest employer in the state, with close to 21,000 employees.
Oklahoma
Energy is so important to Oklahoma's economy and even the state Capitol building has an oil well on the grounds.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $55,000
The Sooner State offers a number of job opportunities for residents without a degree — according to Georgetown’s findings, in 2017 more than 70% of all workers in Oklahoma did not have a BA.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in natural resources (paying a median of $64,000); management (paying $62,000); and transportation and utilities (paying $60,000).
Some 20% of all jobs in Oklahoma are tied to oil and natural gas. The energy industry can be a volatile one, but Oklahoma has other strong sectors that can help keep the state’s economy steady even if oil prices and demand fluctuate.
Those industries include financial services; transportation and distribution; agriculture; and aerospace and defense.
Ohio
Ohio's automotive industry will be adding thousands of jobs over the next six years.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $55,000
Ohio’s population is gaining faster than other Midwestern states despite sluggishness in northern Ohio. The state’s largest industry is health care, and its shining star is the Cleveland Clinic, one of the largest hospitals in the country.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); and transportation and utilities (paying $59,000).
Ohio’s automotive industry has a promising future and is expected to increase its workforce by 19% to 28,800 employees by 2024, according to Cleveland.com.
The state's steel, oil and gas drilling industries also are primed to grow jobs that don't require a four-year degree.
North Dakota
Oil and natural gas drilling has been driving the growth in jobs in North Dakota.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $57,000
North Dakota is a remote state known for its strong farming culture and the recent economic boom driven by the oil and natural gas discovered beneath the state's wide plains.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in natural resources (paying a median of $80,000); management (paying $70,000); and transportation and utilities (paying $67,000).
Although 90% of North Dakota’s land is still used for farming, its oil and gas extraction industry has outstripped agriculture as the state’s main economic engine.
But North Dakota is trying to keep its economy diversified so it doesn’t rely too heavily on energy. For non-degree workers, that means job opportunities in construction, transportation, manufacturing and retailing.
North Carolina
The Bank of America corporate center towers over downtown Charlotte. Financial services are a top source of non-degree jobs in North Carolina.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $53,000
Historically, North Carolina’s tobacco, furniture and textiles were its main money makers — but today, the state is more focused on farming and on producing wines and high-tech engineered fabrics.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); information and financial services, including real estate (paying $57,000); and sales (paying $56,000).
North Carolina is the home of banking giants Bank of America and BB&T. Other industries that are major employers include aviation and defense; trucking; IT; energy; and pharmaceuticals, says the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
In 2017, Forbes ranked North Carolina as the Best State for Business for the first time ever.
New York
Information and financial services provide good jobs for workers without bachelor's degrees in New York.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $59,000
New York's economy is the third-largest among the states — and growing. In October 2020, the state’s private sector added 45,600 jobs, according to the New York State Department of Labor.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $70,000) and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $62,000).
But the number of jobs for workers without four-year degrees has fallen significantly. Prior to the pandemic, New York had lost 340,000 blue-collar jobs and 120,000 skilled-services jobs since 1991, as lower-paying manufacturing jobs moved overseas.
In their place, New York has focused on the more skilled manufacturing of computer products, cellphones, video games and more. Big opportunities also exist in education; professional and technical services; and health care.
New Mexico
Tourism is an industry creating non-degree jobs in New Mexico.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $58,000
After decades of strong population and economic growth, New Mexico is seeing tougher times. Though the state added around 14,000 jobs between 2017 and 2018, its recovery from the Great Recession was slow.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in natural resources (paying a median of $70,000); transportation and utilities (paying $62,000); and management (also paying $62,000).
Oil and gas production, tourism and the federal government are New Mexico's main economic drivers and job creators.
While more young adults and seniors are entering the state, taxpaying adult workers aged 30 to 59 are leaving in droves, says U.S. News. This poses a major problem for the state’s cash-poor government and for business.
New Jersey
New Jersey's ports are reliable sources of good jobs for workers without bachelor's degrees.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $61,000
With its three seaports and a major international airport (in Newark), New Jersey offers a successful transportation-and-distribution hub that employs legions of workers who don’t need degrees to get the job done.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's are in management (paying a median of $77,000); information and financial services, including real estate (paying $67,000); and construction (paying $66,000).
Besides transportation, New Jersey’s other major industries include biopharmaceuticals; chemical and metal manufacturing; and technology services.
Health care is also expected to see strong growth in the state, at least through 2026.
New Hampshire
Many jobs in New Hampshire are tied to tourism.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $58,000
It’s a mixed bag for workers without bachelor's degrees in New Hampshire: The state has a strong economy backed by tourism, health care and high-tech manufacturing, but job growth has been slow.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $71,000); and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $64,000).
The state has been losing jobs in construction, the hospitality industry and retail, says New Hampshire Employment Security.
One of the reasons jobs are slipping away is that it's difficult for employers to attract workers to New Hampshire, given the state's aging population and limited housing.
Nevada
The sprawling Las Vegas area has created a steady supply of construction jobs.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $55,000
When the going gets tough, the tough get going — and Nevada’s job growth has been staggering. After losing 175,000 jobs in the Great Recession, the state managed to create 250,000 new ones, says the Sierra Sun.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $62,000); and construction and extraction (paying $60,000).
The multibillion-dollar tourism and gaming industries in Las Vegas had recovered, at least before the pandemic, and northern Nevada was profiting from a tide of technology.
While other states have lost hundreds of thousands of jobs for people without bachelor's degrees since 1991, Nevada added 38,000 blue-collar positions and 83,000 skilled-services jobs.
Nebraska
Nebraska's top industry is food production, including beef.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $53,000
Where there’s beef and bacon, you can thank Nebraska. Food manufacturing is the state's largest industry by total payroll dollars, and it's been adding thousands of jobs per year.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $62,000); transportation and utilities (paying $61,000); and sales (paying $60,000).
Rail transportation carries the food produced in Nebraska to the rest of the country, so the two industries are closely linked. Military and defense hiring has been steady here, too.
Some of the state’s major employers include the University of Nebraska, the Union Pacific Railroad, Mutual of Omaha (insurance) and TD Ameritrade.
Montana
Montana is a center of copper mining.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $57,000
Montana residents have benefited from some of the nation's largest gains in good-paying skilled-services jobs since 1991.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in natural resources (paying a median of $75,000); transportation and utilities (paying $64,000); and management (paying $61,000).
Though the state is often considered synonymous with copper mining and agriculture, Montana has a diverse economy. Other major industries here include travel and tourism; construction; and timber.
Health care is expected to add the most jobs over the next decade: an average of 1,300 per year.
Missouri
Farming and food production generate non-degree jobs in Missouri.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $54,000
Visitors are probably most familiar with St. Louis and Kansas City, but farmland makes up most of Missouri's footprint. For this reason, the agri-food sector has been a major moneymaker for the state.
Missouri's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $64,000); transportation and utilities (paying $60,000); and construction (paying $57,000).
Missouri government officials are determined to expand the state's businesses and bring in new investment.
The auto industry is back, thanks to big investments from GM and Ford; Missouri's natural resources are ready to be tapped for energy-sector growth; and IT is growing thanks to major retailers setting up data centers in the state.
Mississippi
Farming is the leading industry in Mississippi.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $53,000
With 11 million acres of farmland and 30% of its population working in agriculture, farming is most definitely Mississippi’s leading industry. Manufacturing gets the second spot.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $66,000); transportation and utilities (paying $59,000); and construction (paying $55,000).
In recent years, Mississippi's largest employment increases — on a percentage basis — have been in natural resources and mining.
Although gambling and entertainment grew wildly a decade ago, the recession pulled the plug on all of that, as fewer visitors and locals wanted to risk their money on gambling. The pandemic has only cemented those losses.
Minnesota
The Mayo Clinic employs thousands in Minnesota, including many non-degree workers.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $56,000
Minnesota has a low unemployment rate and lots of jobs for workers without bachelor's degrees, thanks to its diversifying economy.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $68,000); construction (paying $60,000); transportation and utilities (also paying $60,000); and sales (the same).
The Mayo Clinic is the state's largest employer, and manufacturing is strong here, as well.
The state is also one of the top producers of wind power in the country, and the related reduction in energy costs is helping to lure more data-center hosting companies to settle here.
Michigan
Michigan still provides good non-degree jobs in manufacturing, especially automaking.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $56,000
Although you might find this shocking, carmaking is not the biggest industry in Detroit: It’s finance, insurance and real estate, says The Center for Michigan.
However, General Motors is still the largest employer in Michigan, with around 46,800 workers in the Great Lake State last year.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $66,000); manufacturing (paying $60,000); and transportation and utilities (also paying $60,000).
Massachusetts
Massachusetts' cranberry production is part of its long-established food-processing industry.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $60,000
Massachusetts is a highly educated state that has lost 105,000 blue-collar jobs and 20,000 skilled-services jobs since 1991.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $72,000); and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $63,000).
The state has built a sizable health care industry and a fast-growing technology sector, and it's No. 1 in the country for high-tech research and development and life science, according to The Boston Globe.
The good news for workers without four-year degrees is that Massachusetts has a long-established manufacturing industry, and that fishing, food processing and food storage also are reliable sources of jobs not requiring bachelor's degrees.
Maryland
Maryland has become a hub for cybersecurity.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $60,000
Maryland leads the country in producing delicious blue crabs and soft clams, but there’s a lot more going on here than seafood and fishing. The state’s top industries also include aerospace and defense and manufacturing.
Maryland's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $73,000); public administration (paying $71,000); and professional and management services (paying $70,000).
Maryland’s manufacturing is focused on printing and publishing; food; and machinery and chemicals. Plus, the state is known as a center for cybersecurity.
Biomedical science and research is also a big economic and employment driver, with Johns Hopkins University and its institutions employing more than 50,000 people in the state.
Maine
Lobstering is still a big part of the economy in Maine.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $55,000
The past few decades have seen major changes in Maine's economy and the kinds of jobs available. Its technology, tourism and health care industries have grown as other sectors have contracted.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); manufacturing (paying $60,000); and production (paying $58,000).
Maine was traditionally a shipbuilding and paper-making hub, with an added focus on fishing. It still produces more paper and wild strawberries and ships out more lobster than most states put together, but jobs have been slipping away from those areas.
With its pretty coastline, Maine has a tourism industry that grew to 109,500 jobs in 2018.
Louisiana
Louisiana relies on the oil industry to provide good jobs for workers without bachelor's degrees.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $60,000
Louisiana is famous for its jazz and soul food, but the state's economic lifeblood is oil refining. Although Louisiana has some diversity in its industries, it is heavily dependent on oil and its fluctuating prices.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in natural resources (paying a median of $77,000); management (paying $70,000); and construction and extraction (paying $66,000).
In the aftermath of the Great Recession, and due to volatility in oil prices, Louisiana has struggled to grow its economy and jobs. In 2017, it had the worst economic growth in the country for the second year in a row, according to U.S. News.
The state's strongest sectors for jobs not requiring bachelor's degrees are utilities, construction and oil and gas extraction.
Kentucky
One of Kentucky's largest employers is the giant health insurer Humana.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $55,000
Kentucky has come a long way from its coal mining past (but its bourbon is still legend). Today, four out of the five largest employers in the state are in health care.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $66,000); construction and extraction (paying $60,000); and transportation and utilities (paying $59,000).
Kentucky’s fast-growing colleges — the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville — support a booming health care sector.
And the state is now America’s shipping and logistics hub: It's home to UPS Worldport Hub, DHL’s Superhub and Amazon’s Prime Air Hub.
Kansas
Kansas ranks third for beef production.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $55,000
In 2019, Kansas saw jobs grow by 0.5% and unemployment decline by 3.2%, leading to the lowest unemployment rate in the Bluegrass State since 1978.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $62,000); transportation and utilities (paying $61,000); and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $60,000).
Kansas' agriculture industry leads the country in wheat milling and production, and the state ranks third for beef production.
While Kansas has been a strong producer of oil and natural gas, it has been embracing alternative energy sources, including wind and solar power.
Iowa
Iowa remains a major farming state.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $53,000
Iowans are hard workers, and in 2019 more of the Hawkeye State’s working age population was employed than anywhere else in the country.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); transportation and utilities (paying $60,000); and sales (paying $56,000).
The state’s single largest employer is the University of Iowa, with more than 14,000 people on staff.
Iowa has a strong agriculture and food industry; it has invested in renewable and alternative energies, including ethanol, wind and biodiesel production; and its growing tech industry employs more than 92,000 people.
Indiana
Pharmaceuticals have become one of Indiana's major industries.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $55,000
Indiana had a somewhat rough decade since the Great Recession, but the state was at full employment in 2019 according to the Indiana Business Review.
Indiana's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $63,000); transportation and utilities (paying $60,000); and construction and extraction (paying $58,000).
Hondas, Toyotas and Subarus are assembled in Indiana, and auto manufacturing is one of the state’s largest industries.
Transportation, information technology and manufacturing research and design round out the Hoosier State’s other main sectors.
Illinois
Chicago and the rest of Illinois are home to dozens of America's largest employers.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $58,000
Due to political issues and bad economic management, Illinois found itself deep in debt in 2017. This pushed legislators to raise business and property taxes, leading to an exodus of big business from the state, says U.S. News.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $70,000); and construction and extraction (paying $63,000).
Unfortunately, as businesses picked up and left Illinois, they took workers with them. In 2018 the state had the country’s highest migration rate (aside from Alaska) and the lowest credit rating ever given to a state, according to Forbes.
Yet the Land of Lincoln is still home to 37 of the 500 companies in the U.S. with the highest revenue, according to the 2020 Fortune 500 list. It also has a diverse range of industries, like its huge services sector that includes hotels, accounting firms and health care providers.
Idaho
Micron Technology operates a massive computer chip plant in Boise, Idaho.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $54,000
Idaho’s population is booming right now — it was the fastest-growing state in America in 2019. Droves of out-of-staters are coming to work in Idaho's growing tech industry, centered in Boise, according to NPR.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $61,000); transportation and utilities (paying $60,000); and sales (paying $57,000).
Computer chip makers Micron Technology and ON Semiconductor are major players in the state’s tech industry. Idaho’s top industries also include food processing, chemicals, lumber/wood/paper products, mining and tourism.
Unlike many states that have posted big job losses for workers without four-year degrees, before the pandemic Idaho added 34,000 blue-collar jobs and 37,000 skilled-services positions since 1991.
Hawaii
Many non-degree jobs in Hawaii are linked to the state's largest industry, tourism.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $57,000
Hawaii's gorgeous island ecosystem supports its biggest industry: tourism. Up until the coronavirus arrived, tourism had been growing every year, with visitor arrivals in 2019 totalling 10,424,995 — a 5.4% increase over the previous year.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); construction and extraction (paying $62,000); and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $61,000).
Generally, skilled-services jobs for non-degree workers pay better in Hawaii than in other states.
Tropical Hawaii grows, processes and exports sugar cane, pineapples, flowers, coffee and macadamia nuts. The services industry, which includes hotels, finance, government, real estate and private health care, also is going strong.
Georgia
Though Georgia has been diversifying its economy, it remains a major agricultural state.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $54,000
Georgia's economy has been expanding continuously since 2009, says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The best jobs in Georgia not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); construction and extraction (paying $62,000); and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $61,000).
Georgia is one of the top states for growing jobs that don't require a four-year degree. Since 1991, it added 63,000 blue-collar jobs and 232,000 skilled-services jobs.
The state's largest industries include energy, carmaking, film, tourism and agriculture. Georgia remains the largest pecan producer in the world, and it provides peaches, blueberries, peanuts and vidalia onions.
Florida
Florida's cruise industry offers ample opportunities for workers without bachelor's degrees.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $54,000
The long-term outlook is sunny for job hunters in Florida — projections show that the Sunshine State will add 1,178,107 new jobs between 2020 and 2028.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $63,000 a year); transportation and utilities (paying $58,000); and sales (paying $57,000).
Workers without four-year degrees ordinarily find plenty of opportunities in the state's tourism industry; its major international exports sector; and the many aerospace companies with operations in Florida.
Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware, is a major center of the financial industry.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $56,000
The First State had the fastest growing economy in the country in 2018, led by Delaware’s explosive finance and insurance industry, says the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $67,000 a year); health care (paying $61,000); and construction (paying $58,000).
Delaware, a small state with just under a million residents, has added an average of about 3,400 new jobs a year since 2008. The state's population is growing by about 10,000 residents a year.
Financial advisers, computer systems analysts, social workers, teacher assistants, office clerks, construction workers, carpenters, truck drivers and freight movers are among the state's most in-demand workers right now.
Connecticut
Travelers — known by its red umbrella — is one of the insurance giants with operations in Connecticut.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $60,000
Connecticut is one of the top states for insurance and financial services and is a leader in large-scale manufacturing.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $78,000); IT, finance and real estate ($66,000); and manufacturing ($62,000).
Connecticut's growing industries also include digital media (video production, software design and television) and tourism.
Workers tend to earn more in Connecticut than in other states, and good jobs are plentiful for those without four-year degrees. Work experience in a particular field can lead to a higher-than-average management salary.
Colorado
Colorado has become a center for craft beer.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $57,000
Colorado’s economy is positively buzzing and is rated one of the best in the country. Technology, agriculture, real estate, craft beer, cannabis, energy and tourism are the fastest-growing industries defining the Colorado economy, says KMGH-TV.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $66,000); manufacturing (paying $60,000); and sales (also paying $60,000).
One of Colorado's employment engines has been Lockheed Martin, which currently has more than 10,000 employees in the state.
Another jobs generator is the state's craft brewing industry. Colorado's 400-plus craft brewers lead the world in craft beer production.
California
California's financial services industry offers good jobs to non-degree workers.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $59,000
California has the world’s fifth largest economy thanks to its diversity, new ventures and sheer number of productive workers. The state's impressive job growth has been led by financial services, real estate and manufacturing.
California's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $72,000); and information and financial services, including real estate (paying $62,000).
The University of California is the largest employer in the state, employing more than 227,000 people.
In Cali, residents may not struggle to find work — but the state’s mind-bogglingly expensive real estate market can make it hard for workers to find affordable housing.
Arkansas
Food production offers plenty of jobs for Arkansas workers without bachelor's degrees.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $54,000
Arkansas is hanging on to its strong agricultural roots, but it's also becoming more of a center for transportation and logistics thanks to the presence of Walmart. Rural areas are shrinking as suburban towns expand.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $62,000); transportation and utilities (paying $60,000); and sales (paying $57,000).
Manufacturing is the industry with the most non-degree jobs: an estimated 48,000. In 2017, food production made up 30% of all manufacturing jobs in the state.
Arkansas' biggest export is aerospace and related aircraft parts, and logging is at an all-time high.
Arizona
As Arizona's population grows, workers without bachelor's degrees will be able to count on plenty of construction jobs.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $55,000
Arizona was hit hard by the Great Recession, but the state’s recovery was strong. In 2017, Arizona was among the top 10 states for job creation, new people moving in and population growth, reports AZ Central.
According to the Georgetown study, the state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); manufacturing (paying $59,000); and sales (paying $58,000).
Education, health services and construction are among the industries adding the most blue-collar and skilled-services positions not requiring four-year degrees, says the University of Arizona’s Economic and Business Research Center.
Alaska
Fishing is a huge industry in Alaska.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $62,000
Lower oil prices have been holding back Alaska’s economic growth. Few jobs are being added, causing Moody’s to downgrade Alaska’s economic outlook from “stable” to “negative” in 2019.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in natural resources (paying a median of $83,000); construction and extraction (paying $73,000); and management (paying $72,000).
With unemployment high, Alaska has seen a continuous net migration loss over the past several years.
The state's top industries are petroleum; its tourism sector; and its huge fishing industry.
Alabama
Alabama is strong in auto manufacturing.
Median pay for non-degree workers: $56,000
Alabama was historically known for coal mining and steel and iron production, but the economy has developed a great deal. State officials report new investment is creating aerospace jobs and that Alabama’s biotech industry is gaining ground.
The state's best jobs not requiring a bachelor's degree are in management (paying a median of $65,000); transportation and utilities ($61,000); installation, maintenance and repair ($59,000); and manufacturing ($58,000), according to the Georgetown study.
Alabama is strong in automotive manufacturing, with plants that assemble cars for Mercedes, Honda and Hyundai. Its second-biggest export is chemicals.
But the state had yet to fully recover from the Great Recession by the time the pandemic arrived, and its governor fears recent tariffs could destroy thousands of jobs in Alabama's fragile economy.
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