Did you know that you can get a STEM job without a college degree?  The Department of Labor has identified a number of STEM jobs that typically need less than a bachelor's degree to get started and also pay close to or above the median for all occupations in 2015: $36,200.

Web developers and computer user support specialists are on top of the fastest growing list and the list with most openings, projected 2014-24.  Web developers make $64,970, with 58,600 openings and 26.6% job outlook, much faster than the average for all occupations.  Demand will be driven by the growing popularity of mobile devices and ecommerce.   Computer user support specialists make $48,620, with 150,500 openings and 12.8% job outlook.  More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software. 

According to the Occupataional Outlook Handbook, important qualities for web developers include:

• Concentration. Web developers must sit at a computer and write detailed code for long periods.
• Creativity. Web developers often are involved in designing the appearance of a website and must make sure that it looks innovative and up to date.
• Customer-service skills. Webmasters have to respond politely and correctly to user questions and requests.
• Detail oriented. When web developers write in HTML, a minor error could cause an entire webpage to stop working.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, important qualities for computer user support specialists include:

• Customer-service skills. Computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic. They must often help people who are frustrated with the software or hardware they are trying to use.
• Listening skills. Support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation.
• Problem-solving skills. Support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them.
• Speaking skills. Support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand.
• Writing skills. Strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as real-time web chat interactions.

The Department of Labor also confirms that even with rising cost of a 4-year degree, a bachelor's degree is really worth it.  Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that most high-paying jobs require at least a bachelor's degree for entry.

You can learn more from the Department of Labor post: Get a STEM Job With Less Than a 4-Year Degree.