If you don’t have a four-year degree, but want a six-figure salary and a flexible work schedule, a so-called “new-collar” job might be the perfect fit for you.
This growing job category is “modern and skills first” — prioritizing skills and experience over a four-year degree, says Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius.
Most of the roles, such as marketing manager or human resources manager, require some level of specialized skills or training. But with relatively low barriers to entry and no manual labor, new-collar jobs can be a good fit for anyone, Chan says. She says the project-based, remote-friendly nature of new-collar roles makes them particularly well suited for Gen Z — a generation with changing work ideals.
“I think new collar jobs offer what Gen Z job seekers would value, which is flexibility, fair pay, the ability to grow based on your skills, rather than just credentials,” Chan says.
If you’re interested in finding a new-collar job well suited for you, accumulating relevant volunteer experiences or certifications can help you stand out to employers, Chan says. Just like for any role, she recommends combing through LinkedIn to find people in your desired field and setting up time to chat one-on-one.
