A new category of hiring is gaining traction in the American workforce that puts skills ahead of traditional credentials and gives more attention to employees without a four-year college degree. They're called "new-collar careers"—not white- or blue-collar careers. According to the Harvard Business Review, this shift benefits many workers unable to advance because they don't have a bachelor's degree and are stuck in low-paying jobs. As more companies search for job candidates with skills, instead of college degrees, new-collar workers are finding new opportunities in the job market and making competitive salaries.
What Are New-Collar Careers?
A report by Harvard Business School and Accenture titled "Dismissed by Degrees" argues that degree inflation—the rising demand for a four-year college degree for jobs that previously did not require one—is a substantive and widespread phenomenon, making the U.S. labor market more inefficient. The report found more than 60% of employers rejected otherwise qualified candidates in terms of skills or experience simply because they did not have a college diploma.
Enter new-collar careers. These jobs are different from blue-collar careers in that they typically don't involve physical labor. They differ from white-collar careers because they emphasize skills training instead of a college degree requirement. The demand for new-collar careers is changing the tide of recruiting. And forward-thinking organizations are striking through the "four-year-degree required" line in their job descriptions.
Even factory jobs are making a comeback, with skilled manufacturing positions such as industrial production managers, manufacturing engineers, and specialized machinists potentially offering high salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while jobs requiring higher levels of education are expected to grow faster overall, there remains significant opportunity in skilled occupations that don't require a four-year degree.
As AI transforms work and talk of a recession lingers, people are questioning whether a degree is really worth it, discovering that new-collar workers fit the bill.
"These jobs are skills-driven, where learning happens on the job and adaptability matters just as much as credentials," explains Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius. "New-collar roles challenge the idea that a degree is the only path to success. By showcasing practical skills, a portfolio of work or even strong referrals, people can build meaningful, well-paying careers without racking up more student debt or spending years in school."
Top New-Collar Careers With Incomes Over 100K
Recent analysis by Resume Genius identifies ten of the most promising new-collar career options, offering six-figure salaries plus career growth opportunities. The team used five criteria to analyze the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other labor market sources:
- A median salary of over $100,000
- No formal degree requirement
- Minimal to no physical labor
- Remote or hybrid work options
- Less than a 50% risk of being automated by AI
Career experts used these five future-proof qualities to select the top ten new-collar jobs, ranked from highest to lowest median annual salaries, followed by estimated job growth based on current BLS projections and estimated AI job takeover risk according to automation research from Oxford Martin School and McKinsey Global Institute:
- Marketing manager ($135,030). Help companies find the right audience and grow their reach, managing budgets and teams. Growth outlook: positive, AI Takeover Risk: moderate.
- Human resources manager ($140,030). Shape company hiring, support employees and manage workplace policies and labor law compliance. Growth outlook: stable, AI Takeover Risk: low.
- Sales manager ($138,060). Lead teams that drive revenue for the company. Growth outlook: stable, AI Takeover Risk: moderate.
- Computer network architect ($130,090). Design and build networks that connect computers and allow companies to communicate and share data. Growth outlook: strong, AI Takeover Risk: moderate.
- General and operations manager ($129,330). Oversee multiple teams to keep businesses running smoothly. Growth outlook: stable, AI Takeover Risk: moderate.
- Information security analyst ($102,600). Protect the company's digital systems and data from computer misuse and cyberattacks. Growth outlook: very strong, AI Takeover Risk: moderate.
- Sales engineer ($121,520). Sell complex products through technical knowledge and explanations of how products work. Growth outlook: stable, AI Takeover Risk: moderate.
- Health services manager ($117,960). Handle the business side of healthcare, coordinating various departmental schedules with changing regulations. Growth outlook: strong, AI Takeover Risk: low.
- Art director ($111,040). Set the visual tone of products and manage designers, guide concepts and ensure that work aligns with the client's vision. Growth outlook: modest, AI Takeover Risk: moderate.
- Construction manager ($106,980). Supervise building projects like timelines, budgets and work safety and efficiency. Growth outlook: favorable, AI Takeover Risk: very low.
How To Start High-Paying, New-Collar Careers
"Many new-collar jobs reward people who are proactive and work well with others because that's often what the roles demand day-to-day," observes Nathan Soto, another career expert at Resume Genius. "Since these roles tend to evolve quickly, employers often look for candidates who are flexible, quick learners and comfortable using new tools or workflows. Showing that you're open to feedback and willing to grow on the job can make just as much of a difference as formal credentials."
- Earn certifications that match the job. Industry-recognized certifications demonstrate that you have gained relevant skills without formal work experience. Programs similar to the Google Cybersecurity Certificate or the Associate Professional in Human Resources are widely accepted and are available online. The certifications can be completed quicker than college degrees and at a lower cost.
- Volunteer or freelance to gain hands-on experience. Practical, real-world experience is one of the best ways to build credibility and can make a big impact on your resume. You can offer your skills to local businesses, nonprofits or startups such as helping a nonprofit organize inventory in Google Sheets or setting up email campaigns for a small business.
- Build a portfolio. A strong portfolio gives hiring managers a tangible sense of your abilities. If you're a marketing professional, you might include sample campaigns or content, or IT professionals can showcase troubleshooting case studies or network setups.
- Conduct informational interviews. If you speak directly with professionals in your field, it can provide valuable insight into what employers are looking for in an ideal candidate. You can use these conversations to ask about daily responsibilities, career paths and tools of the trade. In some cases, these connections also can lead to future referrals or mentorship opportunities.
A Final Takeaway On New-Collar Careers
The skills-first approach to "new-collar careers" goes against the long-held traditional grain that the four-year college degree—a symbol of accomplishment, prestige and pride—is imperative for social acceptance and career success. However, it's important to note that while these alternative career paths show promising growth, advancement in some fields may still be enhanced by formal education. For job seekers considering these pathways, researching specific employer requirements in your target industry and region remains essential.
