* The specific job and industry: Some industries value experience far more than a degree (e.g., skilled trades, certain technical fields), while others prioritize formal education (e.g., medicine, law, academia).
* The type of degree: A bachelor's degree typically requires more years of education than an associate's degree, and the value of either will vary depending on the field of study.
* The quality of the work experience: Experience at a prestigious company or in a highly demanding role will likely hold more weight than a less impressive role.
* The individual's skills and accomplishments: Someone with significant achievements and demonstrable skills in their field may be seen as a strong candidate even without a degree.
While some employers might consider 5-10 years of highly relevant experience as comparable to a degree in certain contexts, this is not a hard and fast rule. It's more accurate to say that significant and relevant experience can *sometimes* compensate for the lack of a formal degree, but not always. In many cases, a degree serves as a baseline qualification, even if extensive work experience is also present.