Positions offering livable wages without requiring a traditional degree now demand advanced digital skills. As the demand for skilled workers rises, digital credentials emerge as key assets for upward mobility and access to highly-skilled jobs.

Jobs that don’t require a traditional four-year college degree, but can still command a livable wage, are now requiring advanced digital skills, such as CRM experience, working Salesforce knowledge, and Microsoft Suite expertise.

An estimated 66% of Americans don’t have a four-year college degree, but proof of digital skills is crucial to breaking into the middle-skills market and earning a higher wage. These digital skills can be obtained through certificate programs, associate's degrees or on-the-job training, in lieu of a traditional four-year degree. Middle-skill jobs that have an emphasis on digital skills usually pay more (some up to 17% more) than traditional middle-skill jobs.

Employers are increasingly demanding that workers without bachelor’s degrees become proficient in digital skills as the economy and workforce shift from labor-intensive roles to customer service and technology-related roles. These jobs include IT administrators, Salesforce administrators, bookkeepers, and HR professionals. Roles not focused on digital skills are often restricted to construction, farming, transportation, and installation/repair jobs, according to a study by Burning Glass Technologies.

As the talent gap widens--there are 6.6 million open jobs in the U.S. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics--more organizations and individuals are looking to continuing education in software like Excel, Photoshop, and Salesforce as a solution. Many workplaces are embracing on-the-job training to engage and upskill workers. Currently, more than 80% of all middle-skill jobs require digital skills to even be considered for roles in customer service, operations, and business management.

As the need for skilled workers grows, digital credentials become instrumental in enabling upward mobility and access to highly-skilled jobs. Connect with Credly to explore how digital credentials can shape the future of your workforce.