Can you get high-paying jobs with just a high school diploma?

I'm curious if it's possible to land a high-paying job with just a high school diploma. I'm open to further training or certifications, but I'm not sure I want to commit to college. What kind of opportunities should I consider?

Absolutely, it's possible to earn a high-paying income with just a high school diploma, especially if you're open to vocational training or certifications. Many paths don't require a four-year degree and yet provide decent to high salaries. Here are a few examples:

1. Trade Skills: Jobs in the trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, can offer substantial salaries. These jobs often require a period of apprenticeship or trade school.

2. Law enforcement: Law enforcement officers including police officers, correctional officers, possibly accompanied by academy training and on-the-job experience.

3. Commercial pilots: While many pilots possess a college degree, it’s not a requirement for many commercial pilot jobs. Required flight hours and certifications may be achieved without attending a four-year college.

4. Sales: Some high-paying sales jobs, particularly in fields like real estate and pharmaceuticals, don't require a degree but can have high earning potential. However, they may require additional certification.

5. Information technology (IT): There are plenty of high-paying jobs in IT that don't require a degree, such as network specialists or database administrators. Often, professional certifications and hands-on experience will be more important in these fields.

Remember to do your research and consider what areas interest you the most. It's also important to note that while these jobs can pay well, they might also come with their own challenges such as irregular hours, physical demands, or high stress levels. Make sure to consider the full range of factors as you decide your future path.