Jobs with Good Wages Straight Out of High School?

I’m about to graduate high school and am curious about what jobs offer good yearly wages without needing further education. Are there certain fields or industries that pay well right out of high school?

Sure, there are several careers that you can pursue straight out of high school, which pay well without requiring a college degree. Interestingly, a number of these jobs are in industries where there's a high demand for skilled workers. However, keep in mind that while these jobs might not require a formal degree, many do require vocational training, an apprenticeship, or some form of on-the-job training.

1. Skilled Trades: These include positions like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. For example, electricians earned, on average, about $60,370 in 2020. Keep in mind though that these fields usually require vocational training or an apprenticeship.

2. Transportation: Truck drivers, delivery drivers, and other roles in transportation often only require a high school diploma. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, truck drivers had a median pay of $47,130 in 2020.

3. Retail and Sales: If you have a knack for sales, you might consider becoming a real estate broker or an insurance sales agent. Entry-level positions in these fields often require only a high school diploma, although you would need to earn a license to advance.

4. Tech: While many tech jobs need a degree, there are some, like a computer support specialist, where you could potentially get started with just a high school diploma plus some relevant certifications.

5. Protective Services: Roles such as police officers and firefighters typically require a high school diploma, although additional training is usually required.

6. Post Office: Postal service workers don't typically need education beyond high school—and earn a median pay of about $52,060 per year.

Remember, if there is a specific industry you're interested in, try to find an entry-level job in that field. Even if it doesn't pay significantly well initially, you can gain experience and work your way up to a higher-paying position.