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Several types of manager jobs typically don’t need four years of college.
Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed that seven classes of managerial jobs typically require just a high school diploma, and one typically requires an associate degree. Their median annual pay ranges from about $65,000 to $102,000, surpassing the national median of $49,500.
Being a high school graduate isn’t usually enough. Job seekers may need some experience before applying for a manager role. For example, while people can become food service managers with just a high school diploma, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said they usually need to have experience as cooks, servers, or supervisors.
While these jobs often don’t need a four-year degree, BLS found that many management roles typically want at least a bachelor’s degree. Marketing, financial, and human resources managers are among those who typically need at least a bachelor’s degree.
Below are eight US manager jobs that don’t usually require a bachelor’s degree. Wage and employment figures below are from 2024.
8. Food service managers
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Typical requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Annual wage: $65,310
Total employed: 244,230
7. Property, real estate, and community association managers
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Typical requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Annual wage: $66,700
Total employed: 296,640
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said people may need a state-issued license and some relevant experience.
“For example, real estate brokers and sales agents also show commercial properties to prospective tenants or buyers, and customer service representatives gain experience dealing with many types of people,” BLS said.
6. Lodging managers
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Typical requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Annual wage: $68,130
Total employed: 41,350
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said students who want to be lodging managers could take hospitality management classes. Those not in high school anymore could apply for jobs where they can gain experience before moving into management, such as lodging front desk jobs.
5. Funeral home managers
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Typical requirement: Associate degree
Annual wage: $76,830
Total employed: 13,120
4. Gambling managers
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Typical requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Annual wage: $85,580
Total employed: 4,620
3. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
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Typical requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Annual wage: $87,980
Total employed: 5,910
“Prospective farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers typically work as agricultural workers for several years to gain the knowledge and experience needed to run their own farm,” the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. “Some gain experience while growing up on a family farm.”
2. Postmasters and mail superintendents
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Typical requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Annual wage: $92,730
Total employed: 13,810
1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
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Typical requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Annual wage: $102,010
Total employed: 213,000
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said job seekers may need relevant experience first.
“Workers may become managers by moving into roles that require increasing responsibility or by gaining experience in a particular industry, such as warehousing,” BLS said. “For example, hand laborers and material movers may progress to become first-line supervisors before qualifying for storage and warehouse manager positions.”
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