Top Jobs in Queens for People Without a Degree
Top Jobs in Queens for People Without a Degree
1. Dental Assistant
Dental assistants in Queens earn roughly $21.14–$21.87 an hour on average. ZipRecruiter+1
Top-paying practices and those looking for experienced or certified assistants may offer higher pay or additional benefits, possibly pushing closer to or above $25–30/hr. Indeed+1
Duties include chair-side assisting, sterilizing instruments, preparing rooms, and patient support — a stable role with growth potential if you gain experience or certification.
2. Orthodontic / Dental-Specialty Assistant
Similar to general dental assisting, but roles in orthodontics or specialty practices can offer slightly higher hourly wages, especially with demand and specialization. Indeed+1
No degree is strictly required — sometimes a short dental-assistant course, on-the-job training, or certification helps boost pay and job security. https://www.nysmda.com/+1
3. Medical or Dental Sterilization Technician / Support Staff
Many medical and dental offices — including hospitals and clinics — need staff to sterilize equipment, prep rooms, and support hygienic control. These roles typically require minimal formal education and can offer steady wage work plus benefits. Job postings in Queens reflect ongoing demand. Indeed+1
4. Entry-Level Healthcare Support / Clinic Assistant
Community clinics, urgent-care centers, and medical practices in Queens often hire support staff (reception, basic patient prep, intake, record-keeping) without requiring a degree. These roles can provide a stable starting wage with potential for growth. Glassdoor+1
5. Assistant in Oral Surgery / Endodontics (Specialty Dental Office)
Specialty dental practices — e.g., oral surgery, endodontics — may pay higher wages for assistants who help with more complex procedures. Some job postings note $25–30/hour or more for experienced assistants. Indeed+1
6. Dental Floater / Mobile Dentistry Assistant
“Floater” positions (working in multiple offices or mobile dental clinics) can offer flexibility and competitive pay, especially if the assistant can travel and take on varied tasks. Queens-area ads sometimes list these roles with attractive hourly pay. ZipRecruiter+1
7. Patient Scheduling and Dental Office Admin / Receptionist
Many dental offices combine front-desk/admin and assisting roles — handling scheduling, billing, record-keeping, and chair-side help. These hybrid roles often require no college degree but reward strong organization and communication skills. ZipRecruiter+1
8. Sterile Processing or Instrument-Prep Technician (Medical / Dental Clinics)
Hospitals, community clinics, and dental offices need sterile-processing technicians (cleaning, sterilizing, prepping instruments) — an entry-level but essential role that often pays a stable wage without requiring a degree.
9. Healthcare Support Worker / Patient Care Assistant in Clinics or Nursing–Assistance settings
Some healthcare facilities hire assistants for non-dental roles — helping with patient intake, basic care, sanitation, or administrative support. While pay varies, these jobs often don’t require college and offer steady employment in medical settings.
10. Entry-Level Radiology or X-Ray Technician Assistant (Dental or Medical Offices)
Some dental offices or clinics in Queens offer roles assisting with dental or medical radiography — including taking and processing X-rays — as long as you have the relevant certification or on-the-job training. These roles often pay more than basic chair-side duties. Glassdoor+1
🎯 Why These Jobs Work Without a Degree (and How to Boost Earnings)
Minimal formal education required — Many of these roles require only a high school diploma, certification, or on-the-job training rather than a 4-year degree.
Strong demand in Queens/NYC — Given the dense population and many dental/medical practices, there is steady demand for assistants, support staff, and clinic workers.
Opportunity for certification or specialization — Gaining credentials (e.g., radiology license, dental-assistant certification) or specializing (e.g., orthodontics, instrument sterilization) often leads to better pay or advancement. https://www.nysmda.com/+1
Room for growth — With experience and reliability, many assistants move up to senior assistant roles, front-desk administration, office management, or even dental hygiene — without requiring a four-year degree.
Flexibility — Some jobs offer part-time, flexible, or “floater” schedules, which can suit people balancing other commitments.
✅ Summary
If you’re based in Queens (or nearby) and don’t have — or don’t want to pursue — a college degree, there are many well-paying healthcare and dental-related jobs available. Becoming a dental assistant or working in related supportive roles is among the most accessible and potentially rewarding paths. With training or certification, experience, and reliability, you can build a stable, well-paid career with real opportunities for growth — and often with less than the time and cost required for a traditional four-year degree.
If you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!
