33321FL STEM Navigator: News From the Field
Audio Overview – a lively “deep dive” discussion that summarizes the key topics from this article
The traditional pathway to a six-figure salary through a four-year college degree isn’t the only route to financial success. A growing category of new-collar jobs, roles that prioritize skills and practical experience over formal education, offer lucrative career opportunities for professionals willing to develop in-demand skills through training. These positions demonstrate that expertise gained through certifications, apprenticeships and hands-on experience can be just as valuable as a bachelor’s degree in securing high-paying employment.
The demand for skilled workers is urgent and growing. “There are more than 500,000 technology jobs open right now in the U.S., and it is becoming more difficult for organizations to find candidates with the right skills to fill them,” said Kelli Jordan, IBM’s talent leader for New Collar Initiatives. “Schools are just not producing the number of students that we need to fill those roles. While IT work often requires very specific skills and knowledge, many roles do not require a four-year degree.”
Based on research from Resume Genius, here are 10 new-collar jobs that offer median annual salaries exceeding $100,000, along with tips on how to break into these roles.
Top 10 High-Paying New-Collar Jobs
1. Marketing Manager
Driving business growth through strategic campaigns, marketing managers orchestrate initiatives that establish connections between companies and their target audiences. Beyond overseeing budgets and managing creative teams, they develop data-driven strategies across digital platforms while continuously analyzing performance metrics to optimize results and maximize ROI.
Median annual salary: $159,660
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 8%
AI job takeover risk: 39%
How to break in: Start with experience in social media management or search engine optimization (SEO). Build a strong portfolio showcasing measurable campaign results and earn digital marketing certifications from platforms like Google, Facebook or HubSpot.
2. Human Resources Manager
HR managers oversee a wide range of responsibilities, including talent acquisition, employee development and implementing workplace policies. These strategic business partners navigate complex employment regulations while designing compensation structures and creating programs that boost employee engagement and retention across diverse teams.
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Median annual salary: $140,030
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
AI job takeover risk: 24%
How to break in: Begin in HR coordinator or recruiting roles, often after experience in administration, customer service or education. Earn HR certifications, such as aPHR or SHRM-CP, and build knowledge of employment law and HR software systems.
3. Sales Manager
These leaders set performance targets, coach team members and develop strategies that drive business growth while analyzing market trends and managing client relationships. Success in this role demands balancing individual contributor expertise with the leadership skills needed to motivate and guide sales teams toward achieving ambitious company objectives.
Median annual salary: $138,060
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
AI job takeover risk: 33%
How to break in: Advance from a sales representative or account executive position by demonstrating strong sales performance and leadership potential. Focus on developing communication skills, deep product knowledge and the ability to coach and motivate team members.
4. Computer Network Architect
Behind every digital communication system lies the expertise of network architects who design and implement technological infrastructure that enables organizations to share data effectively. From planning network layouts to evaluating hardware requirements, they ensure systems can handle both current demands and future growth while maintaining robust security standards, representing a prime example of new-collar jobs that prioritize technical expertise over formal education.
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Median annual salary: $130,390
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 13%
AI job takeover risk: 39%
How to break in: Start as a network technician or support specialist and earn industry certifications like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or CompTIA Network+. Build hands-on experience with network troubleshooting and system design through progressive technical roles.
5. General and Operations Manager
Organizational efficiency flows from the strategic oversight provided by general and operations managers. These versatile leaders coordinate resources across multiple departments, make critical decisions about resource allocation and identify opportunities for operational improvements while maintaining focus on both immediate performance goals and long-term organizational objectives.
Median annual salary: $129,330
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
AI job takeover risk: 36%
How to break in: Gain experience in project management, team leadership or specialized operational roles. Develop skills in process improvement, strategic planning and cross-functional team management while demonstrating measurable results in previous positions.
6. Information Security Analyst
In an era of escalating cyber threats, security analysts serve as digital guardians who protect organizational assets by identifying vulnerabilities and implementing comprehensive security protocols. These professionals monitor network activity, investigate security incidents and develop policies that prevent cyberattacks while ensuring business operations continue without disruption, making cybersecurity one of the fastest-growing new-collar jobs in technology.
Median annual salary: $124,910
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 33%
AI job takeover risk: 49%
How to break in: Start with IT help desk or technical support roles and earn cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate. Build expertise through self-directed learning, online courses and hands-on experience with security tools and incident response
7. Sales Engineer
Technical expertise meets customer relations in the role of sales engineers who bridge the gap between complex products and customer needs. Working closely with sales teams and clients throughout lengthy buying processes, these professionals excel at explaining technical specifications, demonstrating product capabilities and addressing implementation concerns while translating complex information into clear business benefits.
Median annual salary: $121,520
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 6%
AI job takeover risk: 38%
How to break in: Transition from technical support, customer service or sales roles where you’ve developed both product knowledge and customer interaction skills. Combine technical certifications with sales training and focus on your ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
8. Health Services Manager
Health services managers handle operational complexities while maintaining compliance with ever-changing healthcare regulations. From coordinating departmental schedules to managing administrative staff, these professionals implement systems that support quality patient care while controlling costs and understanding both healthcare delivery and business management principles.
Median annual salary: $117,960
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 29%
AI job takeover risk: 26%
How to break in: Start with healthcare administration experience in medical offices, billing coordination or patient services. Learn electronic health record (EHR) systems, obtain healthcare administration certifications and demonstrate the ability to manage complex operational challenges.
9. Art Director
Art directors establish visual direction for projects while managing design teams and ensuring deliverables align with client objectives and brand standards. These creative leaders oversee campaigns across various media platforms, provide strategic guidance to designers and collaborate with clients to translate abstract concepts into compelling visual communications that resonate with target audiences.
Median annual salary: $111,040
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 5%
AI job takeover risk: 34%
How to break in: Build experience in design or creative production roles while developing a strong portfolio. Take on increasingly complex projects, demonstrate ability to lead creative teams and focus on delivering measurable results for clients and campaigns.
10. Construction Manager
From blueprint to completion, construction managers orchestrate building projects by coordinating timelines, budgets and safety protocols while ensuring that all work meets quality standards. These project leaders manage complex relationships with contractors, suppliers and regulatory agencies while solving problems that inevitably arise during the construction process.
Median annual salary: $106,980
Estimated job growth (2023–2033): 9%
AI job takeover risk: 13%
How to break in: Advance from hands-on construction experience, progressing from crew member to foreman to management roles. Earn project management or safety certifications while building leadership skills and demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects successfully.
Breaking Into New-Collar Jobs
Research from Harvard Business School and Accenture shows that companies removing unnecessary degree requirements saw no decrease in productivity when hiring workers without college degrees. For professionals considering these career paths, the key lies in developing relevant skills and demonstrating your capabilities through flexibility and practical application. “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,” explains Nathan Soto, 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.”
