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Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

Last updated April 2, 2025

There are many government jobs at the city, state, and federal levels that don’t require a four-year degree! These job opportunities typically also offer solid pay, vacation and sick time, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Here are eight government jobs that don't require a four-year degree!

Library assistant

Library assistants shelve books, assist patrons, and help people find the materials they need. They typically only need a high school diploma and a postsecondary certificate. In 2023, library assistants made an annual median salary of $36,700.

Closeup image of library books neatly arranged on a shelf - Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

Information clerk

Information clerks support government agencies in running smoothly and efficiently. They organize and digitize files, update customer accounts, and provide customer service. Information clerks typically do not need a four-year degree, but might need experience with customer service and programs like Microsoft Office. In 2023, information clerks made an annual median salary of $40,540.

Employee working on a computer with two screens, her back turned to the camera - Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

Social and human service assistant

Social and human service assistants work for government agencies and serve vulnerable populations by helping them find essential resources, such as housing, social workers, and mental or physical care. They typically only need a high school diploma to work. In 2023, social and human service assistants made an annual median salary of $41,410.

Image of social service members packing supplies in plastic bags - Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks do clerical work to ensure their organization has the most up-to-date tax and financial information necessary. They manage payrolls, generate invoices, prepare budget reports, and keep track of their organization’s financial transactions. While some bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks have a bachelor’s degree, it is possible to enter into this field with a high school diploma. In 2023, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks made an annual median salary of $47,440.

Graph showing up and down lines, depicting dynamic changes in data - Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

Court, municipal, and license clerk

Court, municipal, and license clerks perform many administrative duties to assist lawyers, judges, and officers of local and federal courts to hold smooth and effective trials. They file and maintain records, swear in jury members, and record trials. Entry-level clerks typically only need a high school diploma, but may need a bachelor’s degree or postsecondary certificate to hold other positions in the judicial system. In 2023, court municipal, and license clerks made an annual median salary of $48,760.

Two individuals reviewing and signing legal documents - Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

Postal service worker

Postal service workers work for the United States Postal Service to deliver mail and packages to people’s homes, fostering relationships with the community along the way. Postal service workers don’t need a bachelor’s degree, but must pass a written exam before being hired. In 2023, postal service workers made an annual median salary of $56,510.

A large number of boxes stacked together inside a mail truck - Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

Financial clerk

Financial clerks work for government agencies and perform both administrative and customer service-oriented duties. They ensure that financial transactions are on time, keep financial records up to date, and provide clerical support as needed. Financial clerks don’t need a four-year degree and receive on-the-job training when starting in this role. In 2023, financial clerks made an annual median salary of $47,070.

Two women in an office, looking at a shared laptop screen - Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

Bus driver

Bus drivers operate public buses. The routes they work on connect small and major cities alike to transport passengers to their destinations. They help passengers with special needs or disabilities, and are knowledgeable of essential protocols in cases of emergency. In 2023, bus drivers made an annual median salary of $48,230.

Image of a public bus - Eight Government Jobs That Don't Require a Four-Year Degree

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