What careers take less than a year

Do you want to switch jobs but avoid having to spend the minimum of two years and maybe longer getting an associate's degree? There are jobs out there that make great money but do not need the employee to have years of further education in order to qualify for the position. While a higher education is often correlated with better earnings, there are occupations out there that offer decent rates.

A high school diploma or its equivalent, together with a few classes taken at a community college or vocational school, may be sufficient education for some of these positions, while others need completion of specialized certificate programs.

All pay incomes that are at least $40,000 annually on average, and some provide the opportunity for even higher earnings with further education or experience. The following information on median pay as well as the occupational outlook was supplied by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.

Here Are Ten Good Jobs for Which You Can Receive Training in One Year or Less

1. HVAC Mechanic/Installer

HVAC professionals are trained to install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) systems. Technicians in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning often finish an apprenticeship program or a program of study at a trade school or community college.

Depending on the course, students may complete their training in as little as half a year. In certain places, technicians are required to have licenses, and all states and the federal government have standards that must be followed by HVAC mechanics and installers when it comes to the handling and disposal of refrigerants.

Median Annual Salary: $48,730

The predicted annual percentage increase in employment for the period 2019-2029 is 4 percent, according to the Occupational Outlook.

2. A Practitioner of Massage

Massage therapists provide benefits to their customers including the reduction of pain and tension, stress relief, and promotion of overall wellbeing. The practice of massage is governed by laws in most jurisdictions, and many of these laws require therapists to have licenses. Most massage therapy schools require students to have at least a high school diploma and call for at least 500 hours of classroom time.

Median Annual Salary: $42,820

The job market is expected to grow 21 percent from 2019-2029.

3. Dental Assistant

Dental assistants often get their education on the job, in contrast to dental hygienists, who normally have a degree of at least an associate's level in the field. In certain areas, dental assistants are required to finish an authorized dental assisting program, which typically lasts for one year and results in the awarding of a certificate upon successful completion. Additionally, dental assistants may be required to complete a certification test if such a requirement is mandated by the state in where they work.

Median Annual Salary: $40,080

7 percent growth is projected for the labor market between 2019 and 2029.

4. The Reporter in the Court

Transcribing the proceedings of legal processes such as depositions, hearings, and trials is the responsibility of court reporters. You need to have strong listening and writing abilities, along with exceptional focus and attention to detail, if you want to be successful in this position. Court reporters who are employed in legal contexts are required to have a license or certification in several jurisdictions. There are several postsecondary credential programs for court reporters that are offered by community colleges and technical schools. In most jurisdictions, court reporters are also required to complete a brief period of on-the-job training.

Median Annual Salary: $60,130

9 percent growth is projected for the labor market between 2019 and 2029.

5. Truck Driver

Goods are transported across vast distances by truck drivers who specialize in long-haul routes. This is not an easy profession since it requires long driving days and often weeks of travel to different locations. Training, on the other hand, may be completed in as little as three to six months at a community college or via a private school. Truck drivers are required to get a commercial driver's license upon the completion of their schooling and the receipt of their certificate (CDL).

Median Annual Salary: $45,260

The following occupations are projected to see a 2% to 5%

6. Installer of Solar Photovoltaic Systems

There has been an uptick in the number of positions in the green energy sector, many of which provide competitive pay, bright career prospects, and minimally time-consuming education requirements. Installers of solar photovoltaic systems, who are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of solar panels, often need a high school education, as well as courses from a community college and on-the-job training.

Median Annual Salary: $44,890

The job market is expected to grow by 51 percent between 2019 and 2029.

7. Construction Equipment Operator

Operators of construction equipment employ various pieces of heavy gear to assist in the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. They could also be responsible for cleaning the equipment, making repairs to it, and keeping it maintained. These employees are required to have a commercial driver's license and may be required to have other licenses as well, such as a license to operate a crane. Others begin their careers in the construction equipment operator field with just a high school education and on-the-job training, in contrast to those who have completed an apprenticeship or attended a vocational school.

Median Annual Salary: $48,160

4 percent growth is projected for this occupation between 2019 and 2029.

8. Real Estate Agent

Do you have any interest in pursuing a career in the real estate industry? It is generally possible to get started in the real estate business by completing a few real estate classes, passing a state licensing test, and gaining on-the-job experience working with a certified real estate broker. After some time has passed, you will likely be eligible to become a real estate broker and operate your own office if you have at least a year of experience under your belt as well as some more training.

Median Annual Salary: $50,730

2 percent growth is projected for this occupation between 2019 and 2029.

9. Private Investigator

Using specialized technologies, different types of surveillance, and different kinds of interviewing tactics, private investigators acquire information and carry out investigations. It's possible that they work for individual customers or for financial or insurance businesses. The majority of private detectives and investigators get their training on the job, which may take anywhere from a few months to an entire year. In addition, many of them have prior experience working in police enforcement or the military. A valid license is necessary to practice in the majority of states.

Median Annual Salary: $50,510

8 percent growth is projected for this occupation between 2019 and 2029.

10. Agent for Cargo and Freight Transport

Goods may be transported more easily to and from shipping ports and terminals with the assistance of cargo and freight agencies. If you have a graduation from an accredited high school, you won't have any trouble getting started in this line of work. On the job training is where a lot of agents get their start.

Median Annual Salary: $43,740

8 percent growth is projected for this occupation between 2018 and 2028.

How to Get Your Foot in the Door with These Jobs

Prerequisites for the Research

It is possible that you may need extra work experience, the development of your talents, and perhaps certification or licensing in order to qualify for the career that you are interested in. As a result, the first thing you need do while making the change is to determine what kinds of qualifications and certifications you will need to get.

For instance, if you want to become a private investigator or a real estate agent, the state in which you live would most certainly need you to pass a licensure test. On the other hand, if you want to work as a cargo and freight agent or a dental assistant, you may be able to learn on the job.

You may get a head start on your investigation by looking up the job profile in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. You'll discover an overview of the responsibilities, educational requirements, and working environment of each employment there, among other things.

Because the requirements may frequently differ from state to state, you should look out the details on the website of your state's department of labor.