Does a college grad make more than someone with just a high school diploma?

I'm curious about the salary differences between jobs requiring a college degree versus those that only need a high school diploma. How much does education level impact starting salaries in various fields?

In general, individuals with a college degree tend to have higher earning potential compared to those with only a high school diploma. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor's degree holders earned an average weekly salary that is historically double compared to high school graduates.

However, this is not the case for every single profession. For example, starting in certain trades (plumbing, electrician, etc.) may offer quite competitive salaries without a bachelor's degree. Moreover, successful entrepreneurs, although they might not possess tertiary educational qualifications, can amass significant wealth from their business ventures.

In addition, certain degrees may lead to higher starting salaries than others. For instance, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields generally provide more lucrative starting salaries compared to fields in the humanities.

Lastly, remember, just having a degree doesn't guarantee a high income. Personal skills, work ethic, location, demand for your skills, the ability to negotiate, and various other factors play a part in your potential salary.

So, while on average college grads make more than high school grads, it isn't a universal truth. The key is to align your educational path with your career goals and desired lifestyle. Starting salaries in various fields can be researched using resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or websites like Payscale and Salary.com.