As I'm approaching graduation, I'm considering skipping college for now and going straight into the workforce. Does anyone know which jobs pay well straight out of high school?
Sure, there are a number of good career options that don't need a four-year college degree and can provide a decent income right out of high school.
1. Trade professions: Certain trades like electricians, plumbers, mechanics or HVAC technicians often only require a certification, which you can obtain through vocational training or apprenticeships. These jobs often have solid salaries, especially with some years of experience.
2. IT Support: Many tech companies need IT help desk or customer support roles that do not require a degree. With some self-taught skills or a certificate, you could land an IT role that typically has a high growth potential.
3. Sales: If you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, sales can be a viable career with commission-based salary structures. Real estate, car sales, and insurance sales are some examples.
4. Commercial Driving: With a quick certification course, you can become a commercial truck driver. Demand for truck drivers can drive high wages, but be aware it often involves long hours and a fair bit of travel.
5. Entry-level Healthcare: Jobs like certified nursing assistants or phlebotomists require short-term training programs and can offer competitive wages, along with the opportunity to help people.
Remember that while these jobs might offer a higher starting salary than other jobs available to recent high school grads, they also often involve manual labor, irregular hours, or other challenging working conditions. Consider what will be the best fit for you, not just in terms of salary, but also lifestyle, job security, and long-term career progress.
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