NextChapter

Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Southeast

Atlanta has the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Southeast: 528 jobs in our data.November 2026 edition. Updated monthly, from open jobs we verified on employer career sites.

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Key facts

  • #1 Atlanta, GA: 528 jobs
  • #2 Charlotte, NC: 298 jobs
  • #3 Miami, FL: 257 jobs
  • 72 cities ranked in the Southeast
  • Data as of November 2026
  1. 1Atlanta GA528 jobs
  2. 2Charlotte NC298 jobs
  3. 3Miami FL257 jobs
  4. 4Louisville KY251 jobs
  5. 5Tampa FL194 jobs
  6. 6Nashville TN170 jobs
  7. 7Orlando FL143 jobs
  8. 8Raleigh NC142 jobs
  9. 9Richmond VA136 jobs
  10. 10Arlington VA125 jobs

What stands out

  • The lead is wide: Atlanta (528 jobs) is well clear of Arlington at #10 (125 jobs).
  • Atlanta is the largest market in the top ten, with 3,586 jobs matched to an occupation behind its figure.
  • Cities with fewer than 60 jobs matched to an occupation are not ranked, and small differences between neighbouring ranks are not meaningful.

Why this ranking matters

What it shows

A four-year degree is not the only way into a professional job. Counting the openings in occupations that typically need less shows which cities have the most of them.

How to use it

If you do not have a four-year degree, the top cities show where the most such roles are. Big markets lead in the count, so read it with the share list.

The top 25

  1. 1

    Atlanta GA

    528 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    528
    Share of the city's jobs
    15%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    3,586

    Hiring most here: Emory University, Oxford College of Emory University, Capgemini Invent

    Based on 3,586 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Atlanta

  2. 2

    Charlotte NC

    298 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    298
    Share of the city's jobs
    14%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    2,175

    Hiring most here: Truist Financial, Scout Motors, SMBC Americas

    Based on 2,175 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Charlotte

  3. 3

    Miami FL

    257 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    257
    Share of the city's jobs
    17%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    1,526

    Hiring most here: University Of Miami, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Princess Cruises / Holland America Line

    Based on 1,526 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Miami

  4. 4

    Louisville KY

    251 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    251
    Share of the city's jobs
    19%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    1,319

    Hiring most here: BrightSpring Health Services, Norton Healthcare, GE Appliances

    Based on 1,319 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Louisville

  5. 5

    Tampa FL

    194 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    194
    Share of the city's jobs
    16%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    1,179

    Hiring most here: DTCC, University of South Florida, Tampa Electric

    Based on 1,179 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Tampa

  6. 6

    Nashville TN

    170 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    170
    Share of the city's jobs
    14%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    1,214

    Hiring most here: Oracle, Amazon, Vanderbilt University

    Based on 1,214 openings.

  7. 7

    Orlando FL

    143 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    143
    Share of the city's jobs
    15%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    924

    Hiring most here: Lockheed Martin, Lockheed Martin Services, Sikorsky Aircraft

    Based on 924 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Orlando

  8. 8

    Raleigh NC

    142 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    142
    Share of the city's jobs
    14%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    1,019

    Hiring most here: First Citizens Bank, Dewberry, MaintainX

    Based on 1,019 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Raleigh

  9. 9

    Richmond VA

    136 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    136
    Share of the city's jobs
    17%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    819

    Hiring most here: Mckesson, Capital One, Genworth Financial

    Based on 819 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Richmond

  10. 10

    Arlington VA

    125 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    125
    Share of the city's jobs
    10%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    1,270

    Hiring most here: Amazon, Bloomberg Industry Group, AWS

    Based on 1,270 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Arlington

  11. 11

    Jacksonville FL

    105 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    105
    Share of the city's jobs
    15%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    704

    Hiring most here: Confidential, Intercontinental Exchange, UF Health

    Based on 704 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Jacksonville

  12. 12

    Fort Lauderdale FL

    91 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    91
    Share of the city's jobs
    21%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    427

    Hiring most here: North Broward Hospital District (Broward Health), Autonation, Town & Country Credit Union

    Based on 427 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Fort Lauderdale

  13. 13

    Knoxville TN

    79 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    79
    Share of the city's jobs
    25%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    315

    Hiring most here: University of Tennessee, University of Tennessee System, Covenant Health (Tennessee)

    Based on 315 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Knoxville

  14. 14

    Tallahassee FL

    77 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    77
    Share of the city's jobs
    16%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    482

    Hiring most here: State of Florida, L3HARRIS Technologies, Florida

    Based on 482 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Tallahassee

  15. 15

    McLean VA

    69 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    69
    Share of the city's jobs
    9%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    750

    Hiring most here: Capital One, The MITRE, Steampunk

    Based on 750 openings.

    Jobs and employers in McLean

  16. 16

    Memphis TN

    64 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    64
    Share of the city's jobs
    13%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    479

    Hiring most here: ALSAC / St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, SpaceX, University of Memphis

    Based on 479 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Memphis

  17. 17

    Huntsville AL

    63 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    63
    Share of the city's jobs
    7%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    877

    Hiring most here: L3HARRIS Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin

    Based on 877 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Huntsville

  18. 18

    Birmingham AL

    60 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    60
    Share of the city's jobs
    14%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    427

    Hiring most here: Uab Medicine Enterprise, Genuine Parts Company, Brasfield & Gorrie

    Based on 427 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Birmingham

  19. 19

    Greensboro NC

    60 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    60
    Share of the city's jobs
    20%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    303

    Hiring most here: Cone Health, Kaiser Permanente, Guilford County Schools

    Based on 303 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Greensboro

  20. 20

    Durham NC

    56 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    56
    Share of the city's jobs
    11%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    491

    Hiring most here: Duke University, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, GSK

    Based on 491 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Durham

  21. 21

    Charlottesville VA

    55 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    55
    Share of the city's jobs
    17%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    322

    Hiring most here: UVA Health, University of Virginia, University of Virginia-Main Campus

    Based on 322 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Charlottesville

  22. 22

    Alpharetta GA

    51 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    51
    Share of the city's jobs
    12%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    414

    Hiring most here: Morgan Stanley, Fiserv, Landis+Gyr

    Based on 414 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Alpharetta

  23. 23

    Alexandria VA

    48 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    48
    Share of the city's jobs
    13%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    357

    Hiring most here: Kearney, Patent and Trademark Office, Analytic Services (ANSER)

    Based on 357 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Alexandria

  24. 24

    Boca Raton FL

    45 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    45
    Share of the city's jobs
    18%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    254

    Hiring most here: Compass, Baptist Health South Florida, SBA Communications

    Based on 254 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Boca Raton

  25. 25

    Virginia Beach VA

    42 jobs

    Jobs that do not need a four-year degree
    42
    Share of the city's jobs
    23%
    Jobs matched to an occupation
    180

    Hiring most here: HII Mission Technologies, Amazon, Commander, Navy Installations Command

    Based on 180 openings.

    Jobs and employers in Virginia Beach

Full ranking

All 72 cities that qualified, with the figure each is ranked on.

RankCityScoreSample
1Atlanta GA528 jobs3,586
2Charlotte NC298 jobs2,175
3Miami FL257 jobs1,526
4Louisville KY251 jobs1,319
5Tampa FL194 jobs1,179
6Nashville TN170 jobs1,214
7Orlando FL143 jobs924
8Raleigh NC142 jobs1,019
9Richmond VA136 jobs819
10Arlington VA125 jobs1,270
11Jacksonville FL105 jobs704
12Fort Lauderdale FL91 jobs427
13Knoxville TN79 jobs315
14Tallahassee FL77 jobs482
15McLean VA69 jobs750
16Memphis TN64 jobs479
17Huntsville AL63 jobs877
18Birmingham AL60 jobs427
19Greensboro NC60 jobs303
20Durham NC56 jobs491
21Charlottesville VA55 jobs322
22Alpharetta GA51 jobs414
23Alexandria VA48 jobs357
24Boca Raton FL45 jobs254
25Virginia Beach VA42 jobs180
26Greenville SC39 jobs241
27Reston VA37 jobs540
28Fairfax VA36 jobs260
29Melbourne FL35 jobs230
30Herndon VA34 jobs597
31Roanoke VA34 jobs129
32Montgomery AL33 jobs150
33Savannah GA33 jobs135
34Columbia SC32 jobs229
35Fort Myers FL32 jobs114
36Charleston SC31 jobs233
37Augusta GA31 jobs130
38Norfolk VA30 jobs219
39Wilmington NC30 jobs144
40Manassas VA27 jobs178
41Chattanooga TN27 jobs154
42Pensacola FL27 jobs108
43Mobile AL26 jobs100
44Macon GA25 jobs74
45Lexington KY24 jobs153
46Naples FL24 jobs146
47Chesapeake VA24 jobs92
48Brentwood TN22 jobs125
49Asheville NC22 jobs93
50Sterling VA21 jobs240
51Sarasota FL21 jobs140
52Clearwater FL21 jobs120
53Palm Beach Gardens FL21 jobs119
54Gainesville FL21 jobs99
55Fayetteville NC20 jobs77
56St. Petersburg FL19 jobs101
57Chantilly VA18 jobs417
58Marietta GA18 jobs180
59Springfield VA18 jobs175
60Cary NC18 jobs161
61Lakeland FL18 jobs69
62Coral Gables FL17 jobs165
63Norcross GA17 jobs96
64Frankfort KY17 jobs92
65Daytona Beach FL17 jobs74
66Winston Salem NC17 jobs70
67Doral FL16 jobs99
68Jackson MS16 jobs87
69Columbus GA16 jobs75
70Concord NC16 jobs61
71Franklin TN15 jobs90
72Lawrenceville GA15 jobs63

How this ranking works

A city's score is the number of its open professional roles whose occupation typically needs less than a bachelor's degree: an associate degree, a postsecondary certificate, some college, a high school diploma or no formal credential (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

A posting does not state a degree. Each is matched to its standard occupation, and the education shown is what the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists as typical for entering that occupation. Some employers ask for more or less, and about one posting in a hundred has an occupation we could not match, which is left out. Only cities with at least 15 such jobs and 60 matched jobs are ranked, and a city where one employer posts at least half the openings is not ranked, so a single company cannot decide a city's score. Our board is professional roles, so these are a small share everywhere.

Sample bar: cities with fewer than 60 openings are not ranked.

Sources: NextChapter job data: open professional roles, matched to standard occupation (SOC) codes; Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-35: typical entry-level education and projected employment change by occupation. Data as of November 2026.

Our job data covers professional roles on the career sites of employers we track, so figures describe that market, not every job. Spot an error? Tell us.

Questions

Which city ranks first: cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the southeast?
Atlanta has the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Southeast: 528 jobs in our data.
How many cities are ranked?
72 cities have at least 60 jobs matched to an occupation, so the list has 72 entries.
How is the ranking calculated?
A city's score is the number of its open professional roles whose occupation typically needs less than a bachelor's degree: an associate degree, a postsecondary certificate, some college, a high school diploma or no formal credential (Bureau of Labor Statistics). A posting does not state a degree. Each is matched to its standard occupation, and the education shown is what the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists as typical for entering that occupation. Some employers ask for more or less, and about one posting in a hundred has an occupation we could not match, which is left out. Only cities with at least 15 such jobs and 60 matched jobs are ranked, and a city where one employer posts at least half the openings is not ranked, so a single company cannot decide a city's score. Our board is professional roles, so these are a small share everywhere.
How often is it updated?
Every month. This is the November 2026 edition. Older editions stay on this site at their own dated addresses.

More rankings

Cite this ranking

NextChapter, “Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Southeast,” November 2026 edition. https://launchyournextchapter.com/rankings/cities-with-the-most-jobs-that-do-not-need-a-four-year-degree-in-the-southeast

Link to it: <a href="https://launchyournextchapter.com/rankings/cities-with-the-most-jobs-that-do-not-need-a-four-year-degree-in-the-southeast">Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Southeast (NextChapter, November 2026)</a>

Download the data: CSV · JSON. Free to use with a link back.

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