I'm considering going straight to work after high school and wondering what jobs offer high pay with only a high school diploma. I'd love to know about any options or industries I should explore.
Sure, while a college degree generally opens up more opportunities and higher salaries, there are numerous jobs that you can enter with a high school diploma that offer competitive salaries. Here are a few:
1. Trade Careers: Skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) often require an apprenticeship after high school but can lead to well-paying jobs. For instance, electricians make a median annual wage of about $56,180 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
2. Transportation Careers: Careers like commercial pilots and subway/transit operators often only require a high school diploma along with a specific license. A commercial pilot, for example, earns a median annual wage of $86,080.
3. Law enforcement and Fire Fighters: Several positions in these fields only require a high school diploma, plus academy training and job-specific certificate programs. For example, police officers make a median annual wage of about $65,170.
4. Construction and Extraction Occupations: Some positions include construction and building inspectors or elevator installers and repairers. For instance, elevator installers and repairers earn a median annual wage of $84,990.
5. Sales Representative: While a degree can be helpful in some industries, a high school diploma can get you started in many sales positions. According to the BLS, sales representatives for wholesale and manufacturing industries earn a median annual wage of $63,000.
Remember, though, that many of these jobs also require specific training, apprenticeships, or certifications. Additionally, this doesn't account for potential career advancement which can sometimes be limited without a degree. Always think about your long-term career goals and personal interests when making such decisions!
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