What are the best jobs for someone with a high school diploma?

I'm considering entering the workforce after getting my high school diploma instead of going to college. What are some high-paying or rapidly growing career options for someone with just a high school diploma?

There's a growing number of career paths and industries that value skills and experience over formal education. Here are a few options you could consider:

1. Transportation and Distribution: Jobs in this category include heavy truck drivers, railway workers, and dispatchers. With a high school diploma and some on-the-job training, these positions can offer good wage prospects.

2. Skilled Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and HVAC technicians are all typically high-paying jobs you can get straight out of high school, though they do require vocational training, apprenticeships, or certifications. The pay for skilled trade work is often based on the complexity of the task and experience.

3. First-line Supervisors: These are positions where you're overseeing a team of workers in retail stores, office settings, or manufacturing plants. You'd need to work your way up, but these positions can often be obtained with just a high school diploma and offer good wage potential.

4. Medical Support: Some medical support roles, like pharmacy technicians or medical assistants, only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. They can offer stable employment opportunities because of the constant demand for healthcare.

5. Sales Representatives: In industries like wholesale, manufacturing, or services, being a sales representative can come with high earning potential and room for advancement. Good people skills and product knowledge are important.

Remember, many of these careers provide on-the-job training or require a short certification program, so taking the time to gain some practical experience and skills could significantly improve your employment prospects even without a college degree.