Intro
Discover 20 high-paying jobs that dont require a college degree. Explore lucrative career paths in fields like technology, healthcare, and skilled trades, with median salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $100,000. Learn about in-demand positions, job requirements, and growth opportunities for high school graduates seeking fulfilling and well-paying careers.
While many high-paying jobs require a college degree, there are several options that can be pursued with only a high school diploma. These jobs often require specialized training, certifications, or apprenticeships, but they can provide a good income and a sense of fulfillment.
In this article, we will explore 20 high-paying jobs that can be obtained with a high school degree. We will also discuss the required skills, training, and certifications for each job, as well as the median salary and job outlook.
Trade Jobs
Trade jobs are in high demand, and many of them can be pursued with a high school diploma. Here are a few examples:
1. Electrician
- Median salary: $55,000 - $90,000 per year
- Job outlook: 10% growth (faster than average)
- Required training: Apprenticeship or vocational training
- Skills: Electrical systems, circuitry, safety protocols
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings, homes, and factories. They must have a strong understanding of electrical systems and safety protocols.
2. Plumber
- Median salary: $45,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job outlook: 14% growth (much faster than average)
- Required training: Apprenticeship or vocational training
- Skills: Plumbing systems, pipefitting, water treatment
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair pipes, fixtures, and appliances that are connected to water and gas systems. They must have a strong understanding of plumbing systems and safety protocols.
3. HVAC Technician
- Median salary: $40,000 - $70,000 per year
- Job outlook: 13% growth (faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Heating and cooling systems, ventilation, refrigeration
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in buildings. They must have a strong understanding of HVAC systems and safety protocols.
Transportation Jobs
Transportation jobs are essential to the economy, and many of them can be pursued with a high school diploma. Here are a few examples:
4. Truck Driver
- Median salary: $40,000 - $70,000 per year
- Job outlook: 5% growth (as fast as average)
- Required training: Commercial driver's license (CDL)
- Skills: Driving, navigation, logistics
Truck drivers transport goods and materials from one place to another. They must have a strong understanding of driving regulations and safety protocols.
5. Aircraft Mechanic
- Median salary: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job outlook: 5% growth (as fast as average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Aircraft systems, maintenance, repair
Aircraft mechanics repair and maintain aircraft engines, landing gear, and other systems. They must have a strong understanding of aircraft systems and safety protocols.
6. Automotive Technician
- Median salary: $35,000 - $60,000 per year
- Job outlook: 4% growth (as fast as average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Automotive systems, maintenance, repair
Automotive technicians repair and maintain cars, trucks, and other vehicles. They must have a strong understanding of automotive systems and safety protocols.
IT and Technology Jobs
IT and technology jobs are in high demand, and some of them can be pursued with a high school diploma. Here are a few examples:
7. Web Developer
- Median salary: $40,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job outlook: 13% growth (faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Web development, coding, design
Web developers design and build websites, applications, and other online platforms. They must have a strong understanding of web development and coding languages.
8. Cybersecurity Specialist
- Median salary: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
- Job outlook: 31% growth (much faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Cybersecurity, network security, threat analysis
Cybersecurity specialists protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They must have a strong understanding of cybersecurity and threat analysis.
9. Data Analyst
- Median salary: $50,000 - $90,000 per year
- Job outlook: 14% growth (faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Data analysis, statistics, visualization
Data analysts collect and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. They must have a strong understanding of data analysis and statistical methods.
Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare jobs are essential to the well-being of society, and some of them can be pursued with a high school diploma. Here are a few examples:
10. Dental Hygienist
- Median salary: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Job outlook: 11% growth (faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Dental hygiene, patient care, radiology
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients, and provide preventative dental care. They must have a strong understanding of dental hygiene and patient care.
11. Pharmacy Technician
- Median salary: $30,000 - $50,000 per year
- Job outlook: 7% growth (as fast as average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Pharmacy operations, medication management, patient care
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing medication, processing prescriptions, and providing patient care. They must have a strong understanding of pharmacy operations and patient care.
12. Medical Assistant
- Median salary: $25,000 - $40,000 per year
- Job outlook: 19% growth (much faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Medical terminology, patient care, administrative tasks
Medical assistants perform administrative tasks, take vital signs, and prepare patients for exams. They must have a strong understanding of medical terminology and patient care.
Other High-Paying Jobs
Here are a few more high-paying jobs that can be pursued with a high school diploma:
13. Real Estate Agent
- Median salary: $40,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job outlook: 7% growth (as fast as average)
- Required training: Licensing program
- Skills: Real estate, sales, marketing
Real estate agents help clients buy and sell properties. They must have a strong understanding of real estate and sales techniques.
14. Insurance Agent
- Median salary: $40,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job outlook: 5% growth (as fast as average)
- Required training: Licensing program
- Skills: Insurance, sales, customer service
Insurance agents help clients choose insurance policies and provide customer service. They must have a strong understanding of insurance products and sales techniques.
15. Sales Representative
- Median salary: $40,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job outlook: 5% growth (as fast as average)
- Required training: On-the-job training
- Skills: Sales, marketing, customer service
Sales representatives promote products or services to customers. They must have a strong understanding of sales techniques and customer service.
16. Construction Supervisor
- Median salary: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
- Job outlook: 8% growth (faster than average)
- Required training: On-the-job training or certification
- Skills: Construction, management, safety protocols
Construction supervisors oversee construction projects and ensure they are completed on time and within budget. They must have a strong understanding of construction and safety protocols.
17. Telecommunications Equipment Installer
- Median salary: $50,000 - $90,000 per year
- Job outlook: 8% growth (faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Telecommunications, installation, maintenance
Telecommunications equipment installers install and maintain telecommunications equipment and networks. They must have a strong understanding of telecommunications systems and safety protocols.
18. Solar Panel Installer
- Median salary: $40,000 - $70,000 per year
- Job outlook: 69% growth (much faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Solar energy, installation, maintenance
Solar panel installers install and maintain solar panel systems on homes and buildings. They must have a strong understanding of solar energy and safety protocols.
19. Wind Turbine Technician
- Median salary: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
- Job outlook: 57% growth (much faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Wind energy, maintenance, repair
Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. They must have a strong understanding of wind energy and safety protocols.
20. Geothermal Power Plant Operator
- Median salary: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
- Job outlook: 12% growth (faster than average)
- Required training: Post-secondary training or certification
- Skills: Geothermal energy, operations, maintenance
Geothermal power plant operators oversee the operation and maintenance of geothermal power plants. They must have a strong understanding of geothermal energy and safety protocols.
What are some high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree?
+Some high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree include trade jobs, transportation jobs, IT and technology jobs, and healthcare jobs. Examples of high-paying jobs in these fields include electrician, truck driver, web developer, and dental hygienist.
What skills are required for high-paying jobs with a high school diploma?
+Skills required for high-paying jobs with a high school diploma vary depending on the job, but common skills include technical skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Additionally, many high-paying jobs require certifications, licenses, or specialized training.
What is the job outlook for high-paying jobs with a high school diploma?
+The job outlook for high-paying jobs with a high school diploma varies depending on the job, but many of these jobs are in high demand and have a positive job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in fields such as trade, transportation, and healthcare are expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive list of high-paying jobs that can be pursued with a high school diploma. Remember to research each job thoroughly and consider your skills, interests, and job outlook before making a decision.