High School Diploma: Promising Career Paths and Salaries

For many, a college degree has become increasingly unattainable. However, a high school diploma can still pave the way for a fulfilling and financially stable career. This article explores various job opportunities available to high school graduates, highlighting potential earnings, growth prospects, and alternative paths to economic mobility.

Opportunities for High School Graduates

High school graduates have a variety of career options across different sectors. Here are some opportunities for those with high school degrees or equivalents:

Security Guard

Security guards play a crucial role in safeguarding people, property, and assets. They monitor and patrol designated areas to prevent theft or unauthorized access. The median salary for security guards is $34,750. Although the expected job growth by 2032 is projected to be -1.3%, the on-the-job training provided makes it an accessible entry point into the workforce.

Bus Driver

Bus drivers are responsible for the safe transportation of passengers, adhering to predetermined routes and schedules. With a median salary of $50,890 and an expected job growth of 5.4% by 2032, this occupation offers stability. A high school diploma or its equivalent is typically required, and most states mandate drivers to be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving). New hires usually receive a few months of on-the-job training.

Carpenter

Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who construct and repair building structures and fixtures using wood and other materials. The median salary for carpenters is $51,390, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 0.9%. Most carpenters undergo an apprenticeship program after earning a high school diploma, which includes technical training in areas like basic carpentry and blueprint reading.

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Taxi Driver

Taxi drivers provide transportation services to individuals, taking them to various destinations. They may have flexible hours that allow them to take breaks and rest. Depending on the state, taxi drivers may need a special license, but no formal education credential is required. The median salary for taxi drivers is $30,670, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 20.6%.

Construction Worker

Construction workers are versatile professionals who work in teams to complete construction projects. Their duties can include erecting scaffolding, loading and unloading building materials, installing foundations, and operating heavy machinery. Construction workers don't need formal education to start since they undergo ample on-the-job training. The median salary for construction workers is $40,750, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 4.4%.

Optician

Opticians specialize in fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses. While a bachelor's degree is not required, aspiring opticians typically receive on-the-job training. Some states may require opticians to be certified in eyeglass or contact lens dispensing by passing exams from the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. The median salary for opticians is $39,610, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 2.7%.

Delivery Truck Driver

Delivery truck drivers deliver packages from distribution centers to businesses and residences within a specific area. While a high school diploma may not always be mandatory, employers generally prefer high school graduates. On-the-job training, lasting up to a month, is typically provided. The median salary for delivery truck drivers is $40,410, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 11.5%.

Plumber

Plumbers install and repair water and drainage systems in residential and commercial buildings. While a four-year college degree is not required, many unions and businesses mandate prospective plumbers to receive technical education, including applied physics and math, along with up to 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. The median salary for plumbers is $60,090, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 2.3%.

Read also: High School Diploma Jobs

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble solar panels on building roofs, converting solar power into electricity. A high school diploma is generally sufficient, although some workers may attend community colleges or technical schools for additional training. A one-year training period is common, and a license may be required depending on the state. The median salary for solar photovoltaic installers is $45,230, and the expected job growth by 2032 is a substantial 22.3%.

Choreographer

Choreographers create and direct original dance movements and routines for performances and productions. While a high school diploma or equivalent is generally expected, it's not always a strict requirement. Many choreographers begin their careers as dancers and refine their skills over several years. The median salary for choreographers is $50,990, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 5%.

Maintenance and Repair Worker

Maintenance and repair workers maintain and fix machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with practical on-the-job training. Some states may also require licensing. The median salary for maintenance and repair workers is $44,980, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 3.6%.

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, communicating with customers, and managing prescriptions. A high school degree or equivalent is required, and training is often provided on the job. The median salary for pharmacy technicians is $37,790, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 5.6%.

Flight Attendant

Flight attendants ensure the safety, security, and comfort of airline passengers. Most airlines require at least a high school diploma or GED certificate, along with customer service experience. The median salary for flight attendants is $63,760, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 11.4%.

Electrician

Electricians install and repair wiring, electrical power, and lighting systems in buildings. A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary to begin an electrician career. Training options include technical school or apprenticeship programs, which can last up to five years. Most states require electricians to be licensed. The median salary for electricians is $60,240, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 6.4%.

Community Health Worker

Community health workers connect individuals with social services and health services providers. They identify health-related issues affecting their communities and share that information with service providers. A high school diploma and on-the-job training are common entry requirements, and some employers may require certification. The median salary for community health workers is $46,190, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 14.1%.

Hearing Aid Specialist

Hearing aid specialists help individuals with hearing loss by fitting, selecting, and maintaining hearing aids. To become one, you can either obtain a degree in hearing instrument fitting and dispensing or receive on-the-job training at your workplace. The median salary for hearing aid specialists is $59,020, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 14.5%.

Geographic Considerations: Where a High School Diploma Pays Off

The value of a high school diploma varies significantly depending on the state, influenced by factors like median wages and cost of living.

States with High Earning Potential

North Dakota: High school graduates earn a median annual wage of $48,400. The state’s low cost of living (index: 88.6) gives their income an effective purchasing power of $54,628-the highest in the nation.
District of Columbia: D.C. offers a competitive return for high school graduates. With a median annual wage of $57,430 and an adjusted wage of $51,832, D.C. still offers a competitive return for high school graduates.
Iowa: A median annual wage of $45,760 combined with a low cost of living (index: 88.8) gives diploma holders an adjusted income of $51,532.
Alaska: Alaska stands out with one of the highest raw median wages ($51,180) among high school graduates.

States with Lower Earning Potential

Florida: A high school graduate’s median annual wage of $42,100 is undercut by a high cost of living (index: 103.5), leaving an adjusted wage of just $40,676.
California: High school graduates earn a median wage of $47,410, the high cost of living (index: 112.6) brings their adjusted income down to $42,105.
Mississippi: Despite its lower living costs (index: 87.3), still ranks among the worst states due to its low median annual wage for high school diploma holders ($36,940), resulting in an adjusted wage of $42,314.

National Capital Area Comparison

Maryland: Has a median annual wage of $47,150, but with a high cost of living (index: 104.0), that income adjusts down to $45,337.
Virginia: Follows closely, with a median wage of $45,150 and a cost of living index of 100.7, resulting in an adjusted wage of $44,836.

Industries with High Earning Potential

For high school graduates seeking high-paying career paths, several industries offer strong earning potential without requiring a college degree.

Utilities: Lead the way, with a median annual wage of $84,710.
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction: Follow at $61,890.
Construction: Offers solid wages at $58,950.
Information technology: Ranks among the top, with median earnings of $57,370.

Job Availability by State

In Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, and Wisconsin, over 41% of all jobs require no more than a high school diploma, the highest percentage in the nation. For comparison, the national average is 37.4%, while in states like Maryland and Massachusetts, it drops to 33%.

Wage Growth for High School Graduates

Nationally, median wages for jobs requiring only a high school diploma increased by nearly 20% across industries from 2019 to 2023 and grew by over 7% between 2022 and 2023. Arizona leads the nation in wage growth for high school graduates, with a 12.29% increase in just one year. Nebraska and North Carolina round out the top five, with wage growth near 9%.

Wage Equity: High School vs. Bachelor's Degree

In North Dakota and Wyoming, high school graduates earn over 65% of what their college-educated counterparts make. In North Dakota - High school graduates earn 65.1% of bachelor’s degree wages ($48,400 vs. Wyoming - High school graduates earn 64.6% of bachelor’s degree wages ($47,650 vs. South Dakota - High school graduates earn 63.4% of bachelor’s degree wages ($42,410 vs. Montana - High school graduates earn 62.3% of bachelor’s degree wages ($44,760 vs. Iowa - High school graduates earn 61.3% of bachelor’s degree wages ($45,760 vs.

Alternative Career Paths: Associate Degrees

Nationwide, median wages for jobs requiring an associate’s degree have grown by over 13% from 2019 to 2023 rising from $54,940 to $62,270 and increased by 3.5% between 2022 and 2023. Some states have seen even more dramatic jumps, with Montana (+12.21%), Tennessee (+12.15%), and Idaho (+11.74%) leading the nation in associate degree wage growth year over year between 2022 and 2023. In the National Capital Area, Maryland saw a strong 9% wage increase for associate degree holders between 2022 and 2023, while D.C.

Nationwide, associate’s degree holders earn 76% of what bachelor’s degree holders make, a significant improvement over the 55% wage comparison for high school graduates.

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