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

Last updated December 19, 2023

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 degree!

Library Assistant

Library assistants work in public libraries where they shelf books, assist patrons, and help people find the materials they need. Library assistants typically only need a high school diploma and a postsecondary certificate. In 2022, library assistants made an annual median salary of $35,280.

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

Data Entry Clerk

Data entry clerks support government agencies in running smoothly and efficiently. They organize and digitize files, update customer accounts, and provide customer service. Data entry clerks typically do not need a four-year degree, but might need experience with customer service and programs like Microsoft Office. In 2022, data entry clerks made an annual median salary of $37,970.

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 Services Assistant

Social services 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. Social services assistants typically only need a high school diploma to work. In 2022, social services assistants made an annual median salary of $38,520.

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

Accounting Technician

Accounting technicians 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 many accounting technicians typically have a bachelor’s degree, it is possible to enter into this field with a high school diploma. In 2022, accounting technicians made an annual median salary of $45,860.

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

Court Clerk

Court clerks perform many administrative duties to assist lawyers, judges, and officers of local and federal courts to hold smooth and effective trials. Court clerks file and maintain records, swear in jury members, and record trials. Entry-level court 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 2022, court clerks made an annual median salary of $46,280.

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

Mail Carrier

Mail carriers work for the United States Postal Service to deliver mail and packages to people’s homes, fostering relationships with the community along the way. Mail carriers don’t need a bachelor’s degree, but must pass a written exam before being hired. In 2022, mail carriers made an annual median salary of $53,680.

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 2022, financial clerks made an annual median salary of $45,570. 

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

Passenger Vehicle Driver

Passenger vehicle drivers operate public transit. 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 2022, passenger vehicle drivers made an annual median salary of $37,540.

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

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