High salary with a high school degree?

Hi, just graduated from high school and thinking about putting off college for a bit. Wondering, what are some high paying jobs you can get with just a high school degree?

Certainly, there are quite a few career paths that require only a high school degree and can potentially offer high salaries. However, it's important to note that several of these paths require specific vocational training, certifications, or sometimes even apprenticeships to get started. Here are a few examples:

1. Commercial Pilot: With appropriate flight training and certification, commercial pilots can earn a good salary. This can include flying charter planes, emergency air transport, firefighting drops, and more.

2. Elevator Installers and Repairers: This job involves assembling, installing, repairing, or maintaining electric or hydraulic passenger or freight elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.

3. Power Plant Operators: These operators control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. While a high school diploma is usually all that's required, trainees often learn their trade through on-the-job training.

4. Nuclear Technicians: They assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear energy production. A high school diploma along with extensive on-the-job training is typically what’s needed.

5. Petroleum Technicians: They adjust and maintain oil field tools or equipment and are usually trained on the job and require only a high school diploma.

6. Police Officers and Detectives: Although there can be a wide range of salaries in law enforcement, with time and promotion, one can earn a respectable income. Police academies accept high school graduates.

Please remember that 'high paying' is relative, and while these jobs can offer good salaries, they might not compare with occupations that require higher education. It's also worth noting that salary can often come with trade-offs like high stress, irregular hours, or strenuous work conditions. It's important to balance the potential income with your passions, talents, and lifestyle preferences.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning college isn't the only path for further education. Trade schools, certification programs, and other post-secondary education avenues can also offer routes to well-paying careers.