What are some high paying jobs for recent high school graduates?

I'm about to graduate high school and I'm not planning on college right away. I'm curious about which jobs pay well for someone fresh out of high school. Any career paths I should look into?

There are several career paths that may lead to decent pay for high school graduates and do not require an immediate college degree. Here are a few:

1. Commercial Truck Driver: You will need to earn a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), but the training is relatively short compared to a traditional college education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay can be around $54,320 per year.

2. Oil Rig Worker: An entry-level job on an oil rig, known as a "roustabout," can earn an annual salary of around $52,470. These jobs often involve physically demanding labor, but they usually offer training on the job.

3. Construction / Heavy Equipment Operator: Working with heavy machinery in a construction setting can offer good wages, with median pay around $44,130 per year. For this labor-intensive job, training usually happens on the job or through an apprenticeship.

4. Postal Service Mail Carriers: With an annual median pay of around $56,330, this job requires high school education and short-term on-the-job training.

5. Real Estate Agent: The pay can vary widely, and there's potential for high earnings if you're good at sales. Some successful agents earn six-figure salaries. However, you do need to take a course and pass a licensing exam.

6. Wind Turbine Technician: This job requires a technical degree, which you can get through a 2-year program. The median annual pay is around $61,770.

7. Postal Service Clerks: These jobs tend to have solid job security and benefits. The median pay is $59,240 per year. Some of these roles require exams, while others require on-the-job training.

Remember, the job market can vary by location, so it's important to consider where you live or where you're willing to move. Salary figures can differ based on a range of factors including your experience, skills and the cost of living in your area. Additionally, many of these jobs offer the possibility of overtime pay, which could substantially increase your annual income. In addition, some of these positions offer opportunities to advance and increase your earnings over time.