Brief

Nondegree credentials lift median earnings by 16% for workers without college degrees

Census Bureau research finds professional certifications and licenses boost pay for many U.S. workers, especially those lacking a college degree.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:14:51 GMT

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that workers who hold nondegree credentials (NDCs) such as professional certifications and licenses earn median wages 16% higher than comparable workers without such credentials, CBS News said.

NDCs cover a range of qualifications, from vocational certificates issued by technical colleges to licenses required for trades like cosmetology. The Census data shows roughly 40% of employees in healthcare support, food service, farming, construction and repair occupations hold an NDC, while just under 40% of professionals in management, STEM, education and legal fields also possess one.

Stacie Haller, chief career adviser at ResumeBuilder.com, told CBS News that more employers are accepting NDCs in place of college degrees, noting that these credentials demonstrate specific, job‑ready skills. She highlighted AI competency certificates as especially valuable, saying every company is seeking workers who can apply AI in business settings.

Boards and associations—including the American Nurses Association—and private firms such as Google issue certifications, while licenses are mandatory for certain roles. Many NDCs require periodic renewal, and their relevance varies by industry, according to the Census researchers.

Key facts

Workers with nondegree credentials earn median wages 16% higher than peers without them. (cbsnews.com)
About 40% of workers in healthcare support, food service, farming, construction and repair occupations hold NDCs. (cbsnews.com)
Just under 40% of professionals in management, STEM, education and legal roles hold NDCs. (cbsnews.com)
Stacie Haller recommends AI competency certificates as a valuable credential for job seekers. (cbsnews.com)