What's a lucrative job with a high school diploma?

Not everyone can go to college, but I've heard some jobs still pay well with just a high school diploma. Does anyone have suggestions or personal experiences with financially rewarding jobs in this category?

Absolutely! While a college degree can certainly open up many job opportunities, there are numerous high-paying jobs that only require a high school diploma. Here are a few:

1. Transit and Railroad Police: For individuals interested in law enforcement, a high school diploma is often enough to start a career. Transit and railroad police typically patrol railroad yards and transit stations. They ensure safety, investigate crimes committed on transit systems and may cover large geographical areas.

2. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators: This job involves operating or controlling nuclear reactors, which doesn't require a degree. Operators will need extensive on-the-job training and must pass a licensing exam, however.

3. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers: These managers plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage or distribution activities. Apart from a high school diploma, relevant experience in the field is necessary.

4. Power Distributors and Dispatchers: These are the people who manage the systems that distribute and generate electric power. A high degree of technical skill is required, as well as safety training.

5. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers: This job requires a high school education and an apprenticeship. These people install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment in buildings.

6. Detectives and Criminal Investigators: This role involves collecting evidence and gathering facts for criminal cases. Some police academy training may be necessary (varying from state to state).

It's important to note that though these positions may not require more than a high school education, they do usually involve extensive on-the-job training and/or apprenticeships, and the salaries can vary considerably by region and with the amount of experience you have. For instance, while an entry-level position may not pay particularly high, with experience and time on the job, the salary could increase significantly.