Best jobs I can get with a high school diploma?

I'm planning to work right after graduation, so I'm researching the best jobs that only require a high school diploma. Does anyone have any recommendations or personal experiences with good-paying jobs I could get into quickly?

Sure, you're considering a lot of potential opportunities out there! Right off the bat, some well-regarded jobs that require only a high school diploma include administrative assistant positions, customer service representatives, sales associates, maintenance and repair workers, and even real estate agents. If you're interested in jobs that require a bit more physical activity, construction and extraction jobs often only require a high school diploma.

To be more specific, here are few jobs with a decent pay grade:

1. Police Officer: Though some stations may require some college, many will accept applicants with a high school diploma and will put candidates through the police academy for training.

2. Postal Service Workers: This could be a carrier or mail processor. They often have good benefits, and while the hourly wage differs based on location, it is typically above minimum wage.

3. Commercial Pilot: This doesn't require a degree, but it does require a pilot’s license. The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $94,406 as of late 2024.

4. Real-Estate Brokers: Licensing is required but taking a short course and then passing a state examination can get you there.

Some additional advice, to increase your chances of getting a good-paying job without a degree, try to showcase transferrable skills from your high school experiences. This could be from any leadership roles in clubs or sports teams, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences. Building these skills, even outside of a traditional college environment, can make you more marketable to potential employers.

Best of luck in your job search! It's great to see that you're taking proactive steps towards your future.