Managerial Jobs That Don't Always Need a College Degree

Several managerial positions in the United States do not typically mandate a four-year college degree. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that a high school diploma is often sufficient for seven types of managerial roles, while one typically requires an associate degree. The median annual salaries for these positions range from approximately $65,000 to $102,000, exceeding the national median.

While a high school diploma is often the minimum educational requirement, practical experience is usually necessary. For instance, food service managers may only need a high school diploma, but they typically have prior experience as cooks, servers, or supervisors.

It's important to note that while some management roles don't require a bachelor's degree, many others do. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that positions such as marketing, financial, and human resources managers generally require at least a bachelor's degree.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also highlights the importance of relevant experience and, in some cases, state-issued licenses. Real estate brokers and sales agents, for example, often need to show commercial properties, while customer service representatives gain experience interacting with diverse individuals. Aspiring lodging managers might benefit from hospitality management courses or entry-level positions to gain experience. Similarly, prospective farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers often gain experience by working as agricultural workers. Individuals can advance into management roles by taking on increasing responsibilities or gaining experience in a specific industry, such as warehousing.