The science industry offers a wide variety of jobs that you can pursue without a degree. Often, professionals can obtain these jobs by receiving on-the-job training or earning special certifications. If you’re interested in working in the science industry and don’t have a degree, you may benefit from reviewing different jobs for non-degree professionals in the field.
In this article, we explore eight different jobs in the science industry that don’t require a degree, including details about each role’s salary and daily job duties.
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8 science jobs you can get without a degree
Here are in-depth overviews of eight jobs in the science industry that you can pursue without a college degree.
1. Veterinary Assistant
National average salary: $36,396 per year
Primary duties: A veterinary assistant is an animal care professional who specializes in caring for, feeding and cleaning up after animals under a veterinarian’s supervision. In this role, a veterinary assistant aids a veterinarian in conducting patient exams and administering medication to pets, weighing them, taking samples and assisting with administering vaccines. They may also be responsible for conducting clerical work, such as filling out patient forms before and after visits, and custodial tasks, such as sweeping up pet hair after an examination.
2. Laboratory Assistant
National average salary: $42,486 per year
Primary duties: A laboratory assistant is a professional who specializes in assisting senior laboratory assistants, head scientists and researchers with their daily tasks. Their tasks can vary, but they typically prepare lab equipment for use, clean surfaces after use, prepare experiments and take note detailed notes on the work. A laboratory assistant may also complete some clerical work, such as writing down steps for experiments, entering data into databases, organizing experiment files and delivering files and reports to others, such as fellow scientists or superiors.
3. Forester
National average salary: $48,639 per year
Primary duties: A forester, commonly referred to as a conservation or forestry worker, is a professional who works to develop and protect natural forests. Foresters plant seedlings to grow forests, apply insecticides to ward off insects and harmful animals, measure trees, identify diseases and maintain and clean up natural areas. They may assist with conducting prescribed fires to maintain forests, removing plants and trees from natural areas and relocating any animals that may live in those environments.
4. Research scientist
National average salary: $53,558 per year
Primary duties: A research scientist is a professional who specializes in conducting in-depth research about a variety of scientific topics. In this role, professionals design research studies and experiments to analyze data in controlled investigations and trials. Research scientists may work for the government, environmental protection organizations or universities to perform their research.
5. Food technologist
National average salary: $56,110 per year
Primary duties: A food technologist is a food science professional who uses their expertise to help produce and preserve food and conduct quality control to ensure its health level and cleanliness. Food technologists prepare lab equipment for use and operate it to test different types of food. They review test results and create detailed reports of their findings to deliver to superiors, food hygiene organizations and the government. Food technologists also analyze the chemical properties of various foods and ingredients and test them for safety.
Some professionals may even examine crop specimens and test animal feed to gain further knowledge about the chemical properties of ingredients.
6. Dental laboratory technician
National average salary: $68,303 per year
Primary duties: 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
Primary duties: 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
Primary duties: A computer scientist is a computer programming professional who specializes in creating computer software and hardware. In this role, professionals create new computer systems and test them, develop software projects, debug and revise the software, use programming languages to create applications and create testing algorithms. Computer scientists also solve computer-related issues by troubleshooting systems and designing complex, detailed solutions.
Tips for getting a science job without a degree
Consider these helpful tips when trying to get a science job without a degree:
Pursue certifications
Some science-related jobs may require you to earn certain certifications. Because of this, you may have increased employment chances if you pursue certifications directly related to the science job of your choice. For instance, if you hope to become a computer scientist, you may consider earning certifications that confirm your ability to use different programming languages.
Gain relevant work experience
Work experience can play a crucial part in obtaining the science job of your choice. You may gain work experience by pursuing entry-level science jobs. You can also volunteer in science-related positions, such as a lab assistant for a scientific organization, to gain this experience. Getting work experience can give you information to add to your resume and expand your knowledge of the science field.
Take educational courses
You may find it beneficial to enroll in education courses that relate to the science job of your choice. For instance, if you’re interested in becoming a forester, you may take a course on wood preservation. Having this education can help you earn the knowledge needed for the role. You can also list this education on your resume to communicate what you know to a hiring manager.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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