High-Paying Jobs You Can Get With Just a High School Diploma
With the rising cost of higher education, many individuals are exploring career paths that don't require a college degree. A high school diploma or its equivalent can be a gateway to a variety of well-paying and fulfilling jobs. This article explores some of the best job opportunities available to high school graduates, highlighting their median salaries, job growth projections, and key responsibilities.
The Appeal of Skipping College
The decision to forgo a four-year college degree is becoming increasingly attractive due to several factors, most notably the ever-increasing burden of student loan debt. Many are beginning to look for careers that don’t require a college degree. The idea of entering the workforce sooner, earning a competitive salary, and avoiding substantial debt is a compelling one for many.
High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree
Career Institute compiled a list of 80 jobs that don’t require a degree and have an average annual median salary of more than $50,000. While some of the jobs listed may need a bit more education and require a postsecondary nondegree award, many of the jobs only require a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also discover that some of the best high-paying jobs on the list don’t require any formal education credential.
Commercial Pilot
The highest-paying job without a degree is that of a commercial pilot, which was found to have a median annual wage of $121,430. The only education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, although all commercial pilots will need training and to earn their commercial pilot’s license before being able to start the job.
Farm Labor Contractor
The highest-paying job with the least amount of schooling was found to be farm labor contractors, who earn a median wage of $61,910 and require no formal education at all.
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Fastest Growing Jobs
The career that is projected to have the highest job growth between 2019 and 2029 is that of wind turbine technicians, which are estimated to see an incredible 61% increase in the number of jobs that will become available during this time. Wind turbine technicians were found to earn an annual median salary of $52,910 and require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Career Opportunities for High School Graduates
High school graduates have great options when it comes to careers. Here are 16 opportunities for those with high school degrees or equivalents. News 100 Best Jobs ranking, and require only a high school diploma or no degree. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Electrician
Electrician ranks No. 1 among the Best Construction Jobs and No. 7 among the Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree. The median salary for electricians is $60,240, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 6.4%. A high school diploma or equivalent is required to get started as an electrician. From there, you can go to technical school or start an apprenticeship program that may take up to five years. Most states require electricians to be licensed. Electricians install and repair wiring, electrical power and lighting systems in new buildings and established properties.
Flight Attendant
Flight attendant ranks No. 3 among the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree and No. 5 among the Best Social Services Jobs. Flight attendants are members of the flight crew responsible for maintaining the safety, security and comfort of passengers. The median salary for flight attendants is $63,760, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 11.4%. Most airlines require flight attendants to have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate as well as experience working in customer service.
Hearing Aid Specialist
Hearing aid specialist ranks No. 1 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree and No. 4 among the Best Health Care Support Jobs. The median salary for hearing aid specialists is $59,020, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 14.5%. Hearing aid specialists help individuals with hearing loss to fit, select, and maintain their hearing aids and enhance their quality of life. To become one, you can either obtain a degree in hearing instrument fitting and dispensing or receive on-the-job training at your workplace.
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Plumber
Plumber ranks No. 4 among the Best Construction Jobs and No. 8 among the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree. The median salary for plumbers is $60,090, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 2.3%. While you don't need a four-year college degree to become a plumber, many unions and businesses require prospective plumbers to receive a set amount of hours of technical education, which could include topics such as applied physics and math as well as up to 2,000 hours of paid training working alongside an experienced plumber.
Carpenter
Carpenters rank No. 6 among the Best Construction Jobs and No. 19 among the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree. The median salary for carpenters is $51,390, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 0.9%. They construct and repair building structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. After earning a high school diploma, most carpenters go through an apprenticeship program in which they typically complete a set number of hours of technical training in areas like basic carpentry and blueprint reading.
Choreographer
Choreographer ranks No. 2 among the Best Creative and Media Jobs and No. 9 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. The median salary for choreographers is $50,990, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 5%. Choreographers create and direct original dance movements and routines for performances and productions. They typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent although it's not required. Many start their careers as dancers and hone their skills for years.
Bus Driver
Bus drivers pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations following a predetermined route and schedule. The median salary for bus drivers is $50,890, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 5.4%. To become a bus driver, you typically only need a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, most states require bus drivers to be at least 18 years old and 21 to drive across state lines. Once hired, bus drivers typically receive a few months of on-the-job training.
Community Health Worker
Community health worker ranks No. 2 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. The median salary for community health workers is $46,190, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 14.1%. Community health workers can get started with high school diplomas and some on-the-job training. Depending on the employer, certification may be required. Community health workers are the point people for social services and health services providers. They find out what health-related issues affect the people they serve, then share that data with services providers.
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Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Solar photovoltaic installer ranks No. 3 among the Best Construction Jobs. The median salary for solar photovoltaic installers is $45,230, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 22.3%. This job usually requires only a high school diploma, but some workers may also take classes in community colleges or technical schools. Once hired, solar photovoltaic installers undergo a one-year training period. Depending on the state, a license may also be required. These workers assemble solar PV panels on the roofs of buildings, and the panels convert solar power into electricity.
Maintenance and Repair Worker
Maintenance and repair worker ranks No. 3 among the Best Maintenance and Repair Jobs and No. 8 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. The median salary for maintenance and repair workers is $44,980, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 3.6%. Maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment and buildings. To become one, you'll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and practical on-the-job training. Some states may require you to become licensed as well.
Construction Worker
Construction workers are jack-of-all-trades professionals who often work in teams to complete construction projects. The median salary for construction workers is $40,750, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 4.4%. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the type of construction project, but they typically 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.
Delivery Truck Driver
Delivery truck drivers typically deliver packages from a distribution center to businesses and residences and stick to a particular delivery area. The median salary for delivery truck drivers is $40,410, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 11.5%. You can get started without a high school diploma in some cases, but employers usually prefer high school graduates. Once hired, you'll receive on-the-job training that may last up to a month.
Optician
Opticians are professionals who specialize in fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses. The median salary for opticians is $39,610, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 2.7%. A bachelor's degree is not required to enter this profession since most aspiring opticians receive on-the-job training. Note that 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.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technician ranks No. 7 among the Best Jobs Without a Degree. The median salary for pharmacy technicians is $37,790, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 5.6%. After getting a high school degree or equivalent, a pharmacy technician may learn the role through on-the-job training. They fill prescriptions, communicate with customers about medications, and work with pharmacists or other medical professionals.
Security Guard
Security guards safeguard people, property and assets and are responsible for monitoring and patrolling designated areas to prevent theft or unauthorized access. The median salary for security guards is $34,750, and the expected job growth by 2032 is -1.3%. Since most security guard positions offer on-the-job training, this job provides an opportunity to enter the workforce quickly without the need for extensive formal education.
Taxi Driver
Taxi drivers take people to airports, across town and anywhere else they want to go. The median salary for taxi drivers is $30,670, and the expected job growth by 2032 is 20.6%. 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.
Skills and Traits for Success
While a college degree may not be required for these jobs, certain skills and traits are essential for success. These include:
- Strong Work Ethic: Employers value employees who are reliable, punctual, and dedicated to their work.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication, both written and verbal, is crucial for interacting with colleagues, clients, and customers.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to identify and solve problems efficiently is highly valued in any job.
- Technical Aptitude: Depending on the job, a basic understanding of technology and the ability to learn new software and equipment can be beneficial.
- Willingness to Learn: A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is essential for staying competitive in the workforce.
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