What are some good career jobs without a high school diploma?

I'm curious about what career paths are available if someone doesn't have a high school diploma. Ideally, I'd love to know about jobs that offer growth opportunities or higher pay without needing a diploma.

While earning a high school diploma is often seen as a pathway to more career opportunities, there are several jobs you can still pursue without one. I'll share a few broader categories that you might want to explore, but keep in mind many of these careers still require skills, experience, or vocational training:

1. Trades: Plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry are just a few examples of trades that often do not require a high school diploma. These jobs often require apprenticeships or other forms of on-the-job training and can lead to roles like foreman or project manager over time.

2. Hospitality: Roles in restaurants, hotels, or event planning can start without a high school diploma, but there's often ample opportunity for advancement. A line cook can eventually become a sous chef or head chef, a hotel concierge could work their way up to hotel management, and so on.

3. Retail: While retail positions such as sales associates or cashiers may not require a high school diploma, dedicated employees often can move up into managerial positions or even higher corporate roles within retail chains.

4. Transportation and Delivery Services: Delivery drivers, couriers, and truck drivers often do not require a high school diploma, although some roles may need a specific license like a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

5. Sales: Sales positions, particularly ​those like car sales or real estate, can be lucrative and often do not require a high school diploma, although real estate does require a license which is dependent on passing an exam.

It's important to note that while these are destinations you can reach without a high school diploma, paths like vocational training or earning a GED can often open up more opportunities and potentially lead to higher income. It's worth considering these options as well.