Free tool · Education and licensing
Do I need a degree? Check the typical education for a job, layer by layer.
Pick a job to see three separate things: the education BLS says is typical for entry, what licensing applies where TryHired has verified it, and our own guidance, labelled as such.
Quick answer
Whether a job takes a degree has three separate answers. BLS publishes the typical entry-level education for each occupation, which is typical, not a legal requirement. Licensing is set by each state, and TryHired shows it only where it has verified the state boards. Our guidance is a third, labelled layer. This checker shows all three side by side and never boils them down to a yes or no.
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Data Layers 1 and 2 are data; layer 3 is labelled guidance. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
How to read it
Three layers, never merged
1 · BLS typical entry education
What BLS says workers typically need to enter the occupation, plus related experience and on-the-job training. Typical, not a legal requirement. Beneath it, what workers told O*NET’s survey, with withheld answers flagged.
2 · Legal / license requirement
Shown only where TryHired has verified the state boards (registered nurses, CPAs, public-school teachers), with the official board link for your state where checked. Everywhere else: “not established here”.
3 · TryHired guidance
Our editorial view, built from layers 1 and 1b by a fixed rule and labelled as guidance. It is not data, and it never replaces the posting you are applying to.
By typical education
Typical entry education for 134 careers with a how-to-become guide
Data BLS typical entry-level education of each career's occupation. Typical, not a legal requirement.
Doctoral or professional degree typical (21)
- How to become an Anesthesiologist (BLS occupation: Anesthesiologists, SOC 29-1211)
- How to become an Astronomer (BLS occupation: Astronomers, SOC 19-2011)
- How to become an Audiologist (BLS occupation: Audiologists, SOC 29-1181)
- How to become a Chiropractor (BLS occupation: Chiropractors, SOC 29-1011)
- How to become a Clinical Psychologist (BLS occupation: Clinical and counseling psychologists, SOC 19-3033)
- How to become a Dentist (BLS occupation: Dentists, general, SOC 29-1021)
- How to become a Dermatologist (BLS occupation: Dermatologists, SOC 29-1213)
- How to become a Judge (BLS occupation: Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates, SOC 23-1023)
- How to become a Lawyer (BLS occupation: Lawyers, SOC 23-1011)
- How to become a Neurologist (BLS occupation: Neurologists, SOC 29-1217)
- How to become an OB-GYN (BLS occupation: Obstetricians and gynecologists, SOC 29-1218)
- How to become an Optometrist (BLS occupation: Optometrists, SOC 29-1041)
- How to become an Orthodontist (BLS occupation: Orthodontists, SOC 29-1023)
- How to become a Pathologist (BLS occupation: Physicians, pathologists, SOC 29-1222)
- How to become a Pediatrician (BLS occupation: Pediatricians, general, SOC 29-1221)
- How to become a Pharmacist (BLS occupation: Pharmacists, SOC 29-1051)
- How to become a Physical Therapist (BLS occupation: Physical therapists, SOC 29-1123)
- How to become a Podiatrist (BLS occupation: Podiatrists, SOC 29-1081)
- How to become a Psychiatrist (BLS occupation: Psychiatrists, SOC 29-1223)
- How to become a Radiologist (BLS occupation: Radiologists, SOC 29-1224)
- How to become a Veterinarian (BLS occupation: Veterinarians, SOC 29-1131)
Master's degree typical (15)
- How to become an Anesthesiologist Assistant (BLS occupation: Physician assistants, SOC 29-1071)
- How to become an Archaeologist (BLS occupation: Anthropologists and archeologists, SOC 19-3091)
- How to become an Athletic Trainer (BLS occupation: Athletic trainers, SOC 29-9091)
- How to become a CRNA (BLS occupation: Nurse anesthetists, SOC 29-1151)
- How to become an Epidemiologist (BLS occupation: Epidemiologists, SOC 19-1041)
- How to become a Historian (BLS occupation: Historians, SOC 19-3093)
- How to become a Librarian (BLS occupation: Librarians and media collections specialists, SOC 25-4022)
- How to become a Neuropsychologist (BLS occupation: Psychologists, all other, SOC 19-3039)
- How to become a Nurse Practitioner (BLS occupation: Nurse practitioners, SOC 29-1171)
- How to become an Occupational Therapist (BLS occupation: Occupational therapists, SOC 29-1122)
- How to become a Physician Assistant (BLS occupation: Physician assistants, SOC 29-1071)
- How to become a Principal (BLS occupation: Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary, SOC 11-9032)
- How to become a School Counselor (BLS occupation: Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors, SOC 21-1012)
- How to become a School Psychologist (BLS occupation: School psychologists, SOC 19-3034)
- How to become a Speech Pathologist (BLS occupation: Speech-language pathologists, SOC 29-1127)
Bachelor's degree typical (37)
- How to become an Accountant (BLS occupation: Accountants and auditors, SOC 13-2011)
- How to become an Actuary (BLS occupation: Actuaries, SOC 15-2011)
- How to become an Aerospace Engineer (BLS occupation: Aerospace engineers, SOC 17-2011)
- How to become an Animator (BLS occupation: Special effects artists and animators, SOC 27-1014)
- How to become a Biologist (BLS occupation: Biological scientists, all other, SOC 19-1029)
- How to become a Biomedical Engineer (BLS occupation: Bioengineers and biomedical engineers, SOC 17-2031)
- How to become a CEO (BLS occupation: Chief executives, SOC 11-1011)
- How to become a Civil Engineer (BLS occupation: Civil engineers, SOC 17-2051)
- How to become a Construction Manager (BLS occupation: Construction managers, SOC 11-9021)
- How to become a Creative Director (BLS occupation: Art directors, SOC 27-1011)
- How to become a Cyber Security Analyst (BLS occupation: Information security analysts, SOC 15-1212)
- How to become a Data Scientist (BLS occupation: Data scientists, SOC 15-2051)
- How to become an Electrical Engineer (BLS occupation: Electrical engineers, SOC 17-2071)
- How to become a Fashion Designer (BLS occupation: Fashion designers, SOC 27-1022)
- How to become a Financial Advisor (BLS occupation: Personal financial advisors, SOC 13-2052)
- How to become a Forensic Scientist (BLS occupation: Forensic science technicians, SOC 19-4092)
- How to become a Graphic Designer (BLS occupation: Graphic designers, SOC 27-1024)
- How to become a Hospital Administrator (BLS occupation: Medical and health services managers, SOC 11-9111)
- How to become a HR Manager (BLS occupation: Human resources managers, SOC 11-3121)
- How to become an Interior Designer (BLS occupation: Interior designers, SOC 27-1025)
- How to become a Journalist (BLS occupation: News analysts, reporters, and journalists, SOC 27-3023)
- How to become a Loan Officer (BLS occupation: Loan officers, SOC 13-2072)
- How to become a Mechanical Engineer (BLS occupation: Mechanical engineers, SOC 17-2141)
- How to become a Meteorologist (BLS occupation: Atmospheric and space scientists, SOC 19-2021)
- How to become a Network Engineer (BLS occupation: Computer network architects, SOC 15-1241)
- How to become a Nutritionist (BLS occupation: Dietitians and nutritionists, SOC 29-1031)
- How to become a Recruiter (BLS occupation: Human resources specialists, SOC 13-1071)
- How to become a Registered Nurse (BLS occupation: Registered nurses, SOC 29-1141)
- How to become a Software Engineer (BLS occupation: Software developers, SOC 15-1252)
- How to become a Substitute Teacher (BLS occupation: Substitute teachers, short-term, SOC 25-3031)
- How to become a System Administrator (BLS occupation: Network and computer systems administrators, SOC 15-1244)
- How to become a Technical Writer (BLS occupation: Technical writers, SOC 27-3042)
- How to become an Underwriter (BLS occupation: Insurance underwriters, SOC 13-2053)
- How to become an UX Designer (BLS occupation: Web and digital interface designers, SOC 15-1255)
- How to become a Web Developer (BLS occupation: Web developers, SOC 15-1254)
- How to become a Writer (BLS occupation: Writers and authors, SOC 27-3043)
- How to become a Zoologist (BLS occupation: Zoologists and wildlife biologists, SOC 19-1023)
Associate's degree typical (10)
- How to become an Air Traffic Controller (BLS occupation: Air traffic controllers, SOC 53-2021)
- How to become a Dental Hygienist (BLS occupation: Dental hygienists, SOC 29-1292)
- How to become a Mortician (BLS occupation: Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers, SOC 39-4031)
- How to become a MRI Tech (BLS occupation: Magnetic resonance imaging technologists, SOC 29-2035)
- How to become a Paralegal (BLS occupation: Paralegals and legal assistants, SOC 23-2011)
- How to become a Physical Therapy Assistant (BLS occupation: Physical therapist assistants, SOC 31-2021)
- How to become a Radiation Therapist (BLS occupation: Radiation therapists, SOC 29-1124)
- How to become a Radiology Tech (BLS occupation: Radiologic technologists and technicians, SOC 29-2034)
- How to become an Ultrasound Tech (BLS occupation: Diagnostic medical sonographers, SOC 29-2032)
- How to become a Vet Tech (BLS occupation: Veterinary technologists and technicians, SOC 29-2056)
Postsecondary nondegree award typical (14)
- How to become a CNA (BLS occupation: Nursing assistants, SOC 31-1131)
- How to become a Commercial Pilot (BLS occupation: Commercial pilots, SOC 53-2012)
- How to become a Cosmetologist (BLS occupation: Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, SOC 39-5012)
- How to become a Dental Assistant (BLS occupation: Dental assistants, SOC 31-9091)
- How to become an Esthetician (BLS occupation: Skincare specialists, SOC 39-5094)
- How to become a Firefighter (BLS occupation: Firefighters, SOC 33-2011)
- How to become a HVAC Technician (BLS occupation: Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, SOC 49-9021)
- How to become a LPN (BLS occupation: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, SOC 29-2061)
- How to become a Massage Therapist (BLS occupation: Massage therapists, SOC 31-9011)
- How to become a Mechanic (BLS occupation: Automotive service technicians and mechanics, SOC 49-3023)
- How to become a Medical Assistant (BLS occupation: Medical assistants, SOC 31-9092)
- How to become a Paramedic (BLS occupation: Paramedics, SOC 29-2043)
- How to become a Phlebotomist (BLS occupation: Phlebotomists, SOC 31-9097)
- How to become a Truck Driver (BLS occupation: Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, SOC 53-3032)
Some college, no degree typical (2)
- How to become an Actor (BLS occupation: Actors, SOC 27-2011)
- How to become a Bookkeeper (BLS occupation: Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks, SOC 43-3031)
High school diploma or equivalent typical (29)
- How to become an Administrative Assistant (BLS occupation: Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive, SOC 43-6014)
- How to become a Bank Teller (BLS occupation: Tellers, SOC 43-3071)
- How to become a Carpenter (BLS occupation: Carpenters, SOC 47-2031)
- How to become a Chef (BLS occupation: Chefs and head cooks, SOC 35-1011)
- How to become a Correctional Officer (BLS occupation: Correctional officers and jailers, SOC 33-3012)
- How to become a Crime Scene Investigator (BLS occupation: Detectives and criminal investigators, SOC 33-3021)
- How to become a Detective (BLS occupation: Detectives and criminal investigators, SOC 33-3021)
- How to become a Diesel Mechanic (BLS occupation: Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, SOC 49-3031)
- How to become a Dispatcher (BLS occupation: Public safety telecommunicators, SOC 43-5031)
- How to become an Electrician (BLS occupation: Electricians, SOC 47-2111)
- How to become an Executive Assistant (BLS occupation: Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants, SOC 43-6011)
- How to become a Flight Attendant (BLS occupation: Flight attendants, SOC 53-2031)
- How to become a Home Inspector (BLS occupation: Construction and building inspectors, SOC 47-4011)
- How to become an Insurance Agent (BLS occupation: Insurance sales agents, SOC 41-3021)
- How to become a Lineman (BLS occupation: Electrical power-line installers and repairers, SOC 49-9051)
- How to become a Machinist (BLS occupation: Machinists, SOC 51-4041)
- How to become a Personal Trainer (BLS occupation: Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors, SOC 39-9031)
- How to become a Pharmacy Technician (BLS occupation: Pharmacy technicians, SOC 29-2052)
- How to become a Photographer (BLS occupation: Photographers, SOC 27-4021)
- How to become a Plumber (BLS occupation: Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, SOC 47-2152)
- How to become a Police Officer (BLS occupation: Police and sheriff's patrol officers, SOC 33-3051)
- How to become a Private Investigator (BLS occupation: Private detectives and investigators, SOC 33-9021)
- How to become a Property Manager (BLS occupation: Property, real estate, and community association managers, SOC 11-9141)
- How to become a Real Estate Agent (BLS occupation: Real estate sales agents, SOC 41-9022)
- How to become a Real Estate Broker (BLS occupation: Real estate brokers, SOC 41-9021)
- How to become a Security Guard (BLS occupation: Security guards, SOC 33-9032)
- How to become a Sterile Processing Technician (BLS occupation: Medical equipment preparers, SOC 31-9093)
- How to become a Travel Agent (BLS occupation: Travel agents, SOC 41-3041)
- How to become a Welder (BLS occupation: Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers, SOC 51-4121)
No formal educational credential typical (6)
- How to become a Barista (BLS occupation: Fast food and counter workers, SOC 35-3023)
- How to become a Bartender (BLS occupation: Bartenders, SOC 35-3011)
- How to become a Cashier (BLS occupation: Cashiers, SOC 41-2011)
- How to become a Construction Worker (BLS occupation: Construction laborers, SOC 47-2061)
- How to become a Sales Associate (BLS occupation: Retail salespersons, SOC 41-2031)
- How to become a Server (BLS occupation: Waiters and waitresses, SOC 35-3031)
Ranked lists by education level: Highest-paying jobs without a degree · Highest-paying jobs with an associate's degree · Highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's degree · Highest-paying jobs with a master's degree
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Method
How this checker works
Method
How this page is built
The checker covers the 831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections 2025–35 that carry a typical entry-level education. Layer 1 is BLS’s education and training assignment for each occupation (typical entry-level education, work experience in a related occupation, typical on-the-job training) and, beneath it, O*NET 31.0’s survey of what level workers say the job needs. O*NET withholds low-precision answers; when a withheld answer could be the largest, the checker does not name a most common answer.
Layer 2 shows licensing only for registered nurses, CPAs and public-school teachers, where TryHired has checked state board links (each link opened and matched to the board on 2026-10-28; links older than 90 days are not shown). For every other occupation the layer says “not established here”: TryHired has not checked, which is not a finding either way.
Layer 3 is TryHired’s editorial guidance, chosen by a fixed rule from layers 1 and 1b, and labelled as our view.
What this page can't tell you
Sources- What a specific employer asks for: BLS and O*NET describe occupations, not job postings.
- Licensing for occupations outside the three checked professions, and any licensing requirement value (exams, hours, fees, degree level).
- Whether a degree is worth it for you: that depends on your situation, and no data on this page measures it.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35, education and training assignments by detailed occupation (public domain).
- O*NET 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. TryHired selected, ranked and combined the data; O*NET is not responsible for these pages.
- State licensing-board links: TryHired's licensing-board pilot, each link opened and checked against the board's own page on 2026-10-28. Discovery directories: NCSBN, NASBA and NASDTEC, which are coordinating associations and do not issue licenses.
Disclosure. TryHired sells HIRED, a paid job-search program. This checker is free and doesn't require it.