Career Tips
Science Jobs You Can Get Without A Degree
The scientific business provides a diverse range of employment that can be pursued without a degree. Professionals frequently gain access to these positions through on-the-job training or unique qualifications. If you want to work in science but don’t have a degree, you should look into non-degree careers in the subject.
Science jobs you can get without a degree
1. Veterinary assistant
- National average salary: $36,396 per year
A veterinary assistant is a trained animal care professional who is responsible for caring for, feeding, and cleaning up after animals under the direction of a veterinarian. A veterinary assistant assists a veterinarian in performing patient checkups and delivering medication to pets, as well as weighing them, collecting samples, and administering immunizations. They may also be in charge of secretarial activities such as filling out patient forms prior to and after appointments, as well as custodial duties such as vacuuming up pet hair after an examination.
2. Laboratory assistant
- National average salary: $42,486 per year
A laboratory assistant is a professional who helps senior laboratory assistants, chief scientists, and researchers with their everyday work. Their responsibilities vary, but they often prepare lab equipment for use, clean surfaces after use, plan experiments, and keep detailed records on the work. A laboratory assistant may also perform clerical tasks such as recording experiment steps, inputting data into databases, organizing experiment files, and distributing files and reports to colleagues or superiors.
3. Forester
- National average salary: $48,639 per year
A forester, often known as a conservation or forestry worker, is a professional who works to enhance and preserve natural forests. Foresters sow seedlings to expand forests, use insecticides to repel insects and hazardous animals, measure trees, discover diseases, and maintain and clean up natural places. They may help to maintain forests by conducting planned fires, removing plants and trees from natural regions, and relocating any animals that may live there.
4. Research scientist
- National average salary: $53,558 per year
A research scientist is a specialist who specializes in performing extensive research on a wide range of scientific topics. In this position, professionals design research studies and experiments to assess data in controlled investigations and trials. Research scientists may conduct their research for the government, environmental protection organizations, or institutions.
5. Food technologist
- National average salary: $56,110 per year
A food scientist is a food science specialist who uses their skills to assist in the production and preservation of food, as well as quality control to assure its safety and cleanliness. Food technologists prepare and use lab equipment to test various types of food. They examine test results and write extensive reports about their findings to present to superiors, food hygiene organizations, and the government.
Food technologists also study and evaluate the chemical qualities of various foods and components to ensure their safety.
Some specialists may study crop specimens and test animal feed to learn more about the chemical qualities of substances.
6. Dental laboratory technician
- National average salary: $68,303 per year
A dental laboratory technician is a professional who uses their expertise to design different dental tools and appliances. Typically, dental laboratory technicians don’t interact directly with patients at a dental or orthodontics office, but instead create dentures, bridges, orthodontics, crowns, retainers and other teeth support and repair items by using realistic molds of patients’ mouths. They usually work closely with dentists and orthodontists, in addition to dental hygienists and dental assistants, to accomplish their tasks.
7. Junior data analyst
- National average salary: $77,896 per year
A junior data analyst is a data professional who uses their expertise to assist higher-ranking data analysts with their work. Junior data analysts use their skills to collect, clean and organize large groups of data. They also enter data in databases, process this information and report it in a manner that’s easy for others to interpret. Junior data analysts work under one or several senior data analysis professionals who teach and guide them on ways to assist with larger projects.
8. Computer scientist
National average salary: $108,567 per year
A computer scientist is a computer programming expert who focuses on developing computer software and hardware. Professionals in this field design and test new computer systems, construct software projects, debug and update software, create applications using programming languages, and develop testing techniques. Computer scientists also handle computer-related problems by debugging systems and creating intricate, detailed solutions.
Tips for getting a science job without a degree
Pursue certifications
For example, if you want to be a computer scientist, you might think about obtaining certifications that demonstrate your proficiency in various programming languages. This is because some science-related jobs may necessitate the acquisition of specific certifications, so pursuing certifications that are directly related to your desired science job may increase your chances of getting hired.
Gain relevant work experience
Work experience can help you land your dream science job. You can get work experience by pursuing entry-level science positions. You can also obtain experience by volunteering in science-related professions, such as a lab assistant for a scientific organization. Getting work experience might help you build your resume and increase your knowledge of science.
Take educational courses
Enrolling in education courses related to your desired science job may prove advantageous. For example, if you want to become a forester, you could take a course on wood preservation. Having this education can help you gain the knowledge required for the position. You can also include this education on your resume to communicate your knowledge to a hiring manager.