I'm not sure college is for me, but I don't want to miss out on my earning potential. Does anyone know which fields or positions offer the best salaries for high school grads starting? Any advice is appreciated!
While pursuing a four-year degree does generally lead to higher earnings in the long run, there are certainly high-paying jobs that only require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, bear in mind that many of these jobs could require extensive on-the-job training, apprenticeship, certification, or physical labor.
One of the highest-paying fields for high school graduates is trade work, which includes positions such as electricians, plumbing, elevator installers, HVAC technicians, or boilermakers. These jobs often involve considerable on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program and can potentially earn over $50,000 annually.
The transportation industry also offers high-paying job opportunities. For instance, commercial pilots who operate unscheduled flights (like charter flights or aerial tours) typically have a median pay of around $86,000. Pilots need only have a high school diploma, though they will need to acquire a commercial pilot's license and might benefit from flight school. Long-haul truck drivers can earn quite a bit, especially if they own their trucks.
Sales can be another lucrative career choice with a high school diploma. While not all sales positions are high-paying, those in certain industries like pharmaceuticals, real estate, or technical and scientific products can break into six figures with enough experience and success in the field.
Lastly, first-line supervisors in firefighting and prevention, and detectives and criminal investigators in the public service sector can earn a substantial income as well, often upwards of $70,000 annually.
Remember that these figures are average or median salaries and that compensation can vary considerably based on geographic location, years of experience, skill level, employer size, and other factors.
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