Launchpad Jobs
Achieving Career and Economic Success Without a Degree
Launchpad Jobs highlights how nondegree workers can achieve career success through strategic job choices. It reveals that nearly 2 million workers without college degrees earn six-figure salaries, demonstrating that fulfilling and well-paying careers are accessible without a traditional four-year education.
The report identifies key 73 roles, termed "Launchpad Jobs," that offer a combination of strong wages, job stability, and upward mobility. These include positions such as EMTs, electricians, and bank tellers, which often serve as steppingstones to long-term success. Using big data analysis of career histories this report maps the trajectories of workers starting in various roles, showcasing how initial job choices influence future earnings and advancement potential.
By providing clear data and actionable insights, the report aims to support workers, educators, and policymakers in identifying pathways that lead to economic mobility and career growth for individuals without a degree. Explore the findings to understand how targeted career guidance and skill development can unlock opportunity for millions.
How You Start Matters
High schoolers who start in Launchpad Jobs are 4.4x more likely to become high earners.
