I'm trying to figure out my options after high school and wonder if there are any really well-paying jobs for someone with only a high school diploma. I'm not sure if college is right for me, so any advice would be helpful!
It's great that you're exploring your options post-high school. Not everyone has to go to college to be successful, and there are numerous pathways one can take to find their own definition of success.
Regarding high-paying jobs for high school graduates, here are few:
1. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: These are the professionals who coordinate the storage, distribution and transportation of goods. The median wage can go over $90,000 annually.
2. Power Plant Operators: They control and manage the systems that generate and distribute electrical power. This role averages over $80,000 annually.
3. Elevator Installers and Repairers: They install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment. This role also averages a median wage of over $80,000 annually.
4. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators: These professionals monitor and operate nuclear reactors. They must pass a licensing exam and median annual wage can range over $90,000.
5. Police and Detectives: With just high school diploma and going through police academy, one can become a police officer or a detective. The median wage is around $65,000 annually, however, for experienced officers in certain jurisdictions, it can go much higher.
6. Commercial Pilots: Without a degree, one can become a pilot for charter flights, rescue operations, firefighting, aerial photography, and crop dusting. This role varies significantly in pay, but the median wage is over $80,000.
7. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers: They operate and control petroleum refining or processing units. This role's median wage is also over $70,000 annually.
Please note though, that while these jobs don't require a college degree, they may require specific training or certifications, so it's crucial to look into the details of what each job entails. The salaries can also vary considerably based on location, experience, and level of responsibility.
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