Projected job openings in occupations typically requiring some postsecondary education, 2024–34

Of the more than 800 detailed occupations for which BLS develops employment projections, 106 typically require postsecondary education, but not a bachelor's degree, for entry. Specifically, 51 occupations typically require a postsecondary nondegree award, such as a certificate; 48 occupations typically require an associate’s degree; and 7 occupations typically require some college but no degree. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to have 237,600 openings each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034, more than any other occupation at this level of education. It’s helpful for these truck drivers to have good manual dexterity and other fine motor skills, as well as to be detail oriented and adaptable.

The 10 occupations typically requiring postsecondary education, but not a bachelor's degree, that are projected to have the most job openings account for nearly 63 percent of openings projected in occupations at this level of education. In 2024, wages for 3 of these 10 occupations, as well as almost three-quarters of occupations at this level of education, were higher than the median of $49,500 for all occupations. (A median wage is the point at which half of workers made more than the amount, and half made less.)

These data are from the Employment Projections program. For more information, see “Education level and projected openings, 2024–34” in Career Outlook.