Basic Tech Jobs That Don't Require a Degree

Help Desk Technician

Help desk technicians provide technical support to computer users. They are the first point of contact for people experiencing computer or software problems.

Working from home or in traditional office settings, entry-level help desk professionals assist customers with problem-solving and teach users how to properly navigate technology. Besides general computer knowledge, help desk technicians possess excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills.

These technicians collaborate with customers, IT team members, and other stakeholders to resolve technical issues. They often work in the healthcare, education, government, and business sectors.

Help desk technicians with strong technical skills and customer service abilities may pursue advancement opportunities as network and computer systems administrators, information security analysts, and software developers.

Education Required: A help desk technician often needs at least a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer coursework in computer science or a related field. IT certifications can also increase earning potential. Certifications like CompTIA can provide a comprehensive foundation for entry-level candidates.

Experience Required: Many help desk technician roles may not require prior experience. However, hiring managers may prefer candidates with customer service experience.

Median Salary: $57,910

Job Outlook, 2021-2031: +6%

Technical Support Specialist

Technical support specialists collaborate with customers, IT staff, and management to resolve computer systems, software, and hardware issues. They can work in healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

These professionals most often work in customer service and technical support and can pursue advancement opportunities in management and consulting. Non-degree education, such as certification programs and bootcamps, can help prepare candidates for this role.

Technical support specialists often collaborate with diverse coworkers, work remotely, and land positions with flexible schedules.

Education Required: A technical support specialist must often hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers prefer candidates with associate or bachelor's degrees. The CompTIA A+ Core Series is recognized as an industry standard for this position.

Experience Required: Employers may not require technical support experience, but they generally prefer workers with problem-solving and customer service skills. Experience with Android and iOS platforms can give applicants an edge in the hiring process.

Median Salary: $57,910

Job Outlook, 2021-2031: +6%

Systems Administrator

Systems administrators coordinate the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially multi-user computers, such as servers. They perform regular maintenance by installing system updates and monitoring network activity. These professionals also respond to user requests to troubleshoot issues.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently are essential for this role. System administrators collaborate with other IT staff, such as network engineers and database administrators. They may also travel to on-site locations.

System administrators have many advancement opportunities, including network and information systems management roles. Many industries hire system administrators, including government, healthcare, finance, and education. Key benefits include competitive salaries, job security, and flexible hours.

Education Required: Hiring managers often prefer candidates with at least bachelor's degrees in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Although applicants with extensive experience may not need a degree. Having specialty certifications like the Red Hat certified system administrator can set candidates apart from the competition.

Experience Required: Depending on the job specifications, system administrators may not require prior experience. Prior work in customer service, computer science, or a related field can help candidates land these positions.

Median Salary: $80,600

Job Outlook, 2021-2031: -3%

Information Security Analyst

These professionals ensure the security of organizations' networks and systems. They collaborate with IT staff to plan and implement security measures that protect sensitive information and communications.

These professionals also monitor networks for security breaches and provide incident response efforts. Information security analysts can work in an office environment or remotely as contractors or employees.

They can advance into management or roles as department leads. Industries that hire security analysts include healthcare, finance, government, and education.

Education Required: While employees may prefer professionals with degrees, some hiring managers may seek candidates with relevant certifications or experience.

Experience Required: Hiring managers may require at least one year of experience in IT security operations. Required technical skills include network security and data security.

Median Salary: $102,600

Job Outlook, 2021-2031: +35%

Mobile App Developer

Mobile app developers develop and maintain applications for mobile devices. They work with teams of designers and developers to create and improve applications. These developers also collaborate with other departments to ensure that applications meet users' needs.

This position requires strong technical skills and a good understanding of mobile platforms. These professionals should also be comfortable working independently and troubleshooting problems.

Typical employment sectors include the gaming, retail, and healthcare industries. Mobile app developers have many advancement opportunities, including becoming lead developers or managers.

Education Required: Employers may hire candidates with experience and relevant coursework or certifications instead of formal degrees. For instance, mobile app development bootcamps cover programming languages, full-stack development, and other fundamental skills.

Experience Required: Prior experiences that may benefit a mobile app developer include working with programming languages, mobile development platforms, and mobile app tools and frameworks.

Average Salary: $78,000 (May 2023)

Job Outlook, 2021-2031: +25%

Web Developer

Web developers create websites, coordinating the site's look and feel. They partner with web and graphic designers to deliver websites for individuals and organizations. Effective web developers have good problem-solving skills and think creatively to devise solutions to problems.

Web development companies typically employ these professionals. Alternatively, a web developer may work in-house for an organization to create and maintain the company's website. Some web developers are freelancers.

With many advancement opportunities, web developers can move into tech leadership roles or launch web development companies.

Industries that hire web developers include advertising, marketing, and public relations; computer systems design and related services; and management of companies and enterprises.

Education Required: Employers may prefer candidates with relevant work experience and portfolios of completed projects. Bootcamps, certifications, or courses can also prepare candidates to become web developers.

Experience Required: Experience with web development technologies and frameworks may offer applicants an advantage. Candidates can showcase app samples created in collaboration with other developers and key stakeholders in their portfolios.

Median Salary: $78,300

Job Outlook, 2021-2031: +23%

Software Developer

Software developers design, develop, and test software applications. Working with other developers and departments, they create and maintain high-quality software products while ensuring the software meets user needs. These professionals also analyze user needs and software requirements to plan for time and cost constraints.

Additional duties include documenting all aspects of software development, researching new software development tools, and remaining current on software development trends.

A software developer often advances by taking on more responsibility, such as leading a team of developers or working on more complex projects. They may also advance by moving into management or executive positions.

Education Required: Hiring managers often seek candidates with bachelor's degrees in computer science or other related fields, although motivated learners can break into the industry through coding bootcamps, self-study, networking, and earning credentials. Certifications for the software developer role include the certified software development professional and certified software development associate credentials.

Experience Required: Candidates for software developer roles do not need prior experience. However, it may be beneficial to have a background in computer programming.

Median Salary: $109,020

Job Outlook, 2021-2031: +25%

Software Tester

A software tester (or quality assurance engineer) evaluates software to ensure it meets requirements and remains free of bugs. They work closely with software developers and other stakeholders to create test plans, execute tests, and report any functionality issues.

Testers may also write and maintain test automation scripts. Most software testers work in the information technology industry, with opportunities available in other sectors.

With experience, software testers can advance to lead testing positions or other tech leadership roles.

Education Required: There are often no higher education requirements for this role. Certifications appropriate for this role include certified software tester and certified tester foundation level credentials.

Experience Required: Prior experience in quality assurance or software testing gives candidates a significant advantage. Other relevant experience may include working with software development tools, such as bug tracking systems or test management tools.

Average Salary: $56,470 (January 2022)

Job Outlook, 2021-2031: +25%