Can you find high-paying jobs without a high school diploma?

I'm curious if there are any high-paying jobs that don't require a high school diploma. Has anyone come across opportunities like this? I'm considering my options and want to know what's out there.

Indeed, it is possible to find high-paying jobs without a high school diploma, although these types of jobs often require specific skills or trades. Some examples include:

1. Commercial pilots: It is surprising to note that a high school diploma is not required to become a commercial pilot. However, this career requires many hours of flight experience and obtaining a variety of licenses and certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The median salary for commercial pilots, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is over $87,144 a year.

2. Entrepreneurs: While not traditionally considered a "job," entrepreneurship is a path to earning income that does not require a high school diploma—although it does come with its own set of risks and challenges. Many successful entrepreneurs didn't complete high school but found success by launching their own businesses. Entrepreneurial success varies widely, and it largely depends on the business type, market demand, and the entrepreneur's skills and effort.

3. Electricians: Although some electricians have a high school diploma or equivalent, others learn their trade through an apprenticeship program, which typically lasts four to five years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2024 was $58,500 per year.

4. Oil rig workers: These jobs can be physically demanding and often require that you live on the rig for extended periods of time. However, they come with high salaries and don't require a high school diploma. The median wage for service unit operators in the oil, gas, and mining industries was around $55,000 in 2024, with some earning over $76,000.

Remember, while these examples show that it's possible to earn a high salary without a high school diploma, many high-paying jobs do require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Achieving a high school degree opens up more opportunities and often leads to higher wages over the long term. It's also important to know that attaining the required skills, experience, or certifications for these roles often requires a substantial commitment of time and effort, similar to earning a degree.