Careers for high school graduates
High school graduates have great options when it comes to careers. Here are 16 opportunities for those with high school degrees or equivalents. Some jobs on this list also require some postsecondary training, but there’s no need to go into college debt for them.
The jobs on the list are taken from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs ranking, and require only a high school diploma or no degree. Data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
16. Security Guard
Median salary: $34,750
Expected job growth by 2032: -1.3%
Security guards safeguard people, property and assets and are responsible for monitoring and patrolling designated areas to prevent theft or unauthorized access. Since most security guard positions offer on-the-job training, this job provides an opportunity to enter the workforce quickly without the need for extensive formal education.
Learn more about security guards.
15. Bus Driver
Median salary: $50,890
Expected job growth by 2032: 5.4%
Bus drivers pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations following a predetermined route and schedule. To become a bus driver, you typically only need a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, most states require bus drivers to be at least 18 years old and 21 to drive across state lines. Once hired, bus drivers typically receive a few months of on-the-job training.
Learn more about bus drivers.
14. Carpenter
Median salary: $51,390
Expected job growth by 2032: 0.9%
Carpenters rank No. 6 among the Best Construction Jobs and No. 19 among the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree. They construct and repair building structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. After earning a high school diploma, most carpenters go through an apprenticeship program in which they typically complete a set number of hours of technical training in areas like basic carpentry and blueprint reading.
Learn more about carpenters.
13. Taxi Driver
Median salary: $30,670
Expected job growth by 2032: 20.6%
Taxi drivers take people to airports, across town and anywhere else they want to go. They may have flexible hours that allow them to take breaks and rest. Depending on the state, taxi drivers may need a special license, but no formal education credential is required.
Learn more about taxi drivers.
12. Construction Worker
Median salary: $40,750
Expected job growth by 2032: 4.4%
Construction workers are jack-of-all-trades professionals who often work in teams to complete construction projects. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the type of construction project, but they typically include erecting scaffolding, loading and unloading building materials, installing foundations and operating heavy machinery. Construction workers don’t need formal education to start since they undergo ample on-the-job training.
Learn more about construction workers.
11. Optician
Median salary: $39,610
Expected job growth by 2032: 2.7%
Opticians are professionals who specialize in fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses. A bachelor’s degree is not required to enter this profession since most aspiring opticians receive on-the-job training.
Note that some states may require opticians to be certified in eyeglass or contact lens dispensing by passing exams from the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners.
Learn more about opticians.
10. Delivery Truck Driver
Median salary: $40,410
Expected job growth by 2032: 11.5%
Delivery truck drivers typically deliver packages from a distribution center to businesses and residences and stick to a particular delivery area. You can get started without a high school diploma in some cases, but employers usually prefer high school graduates. Once hired, you’ll receive on-the-job training that may last up to a month.
Learn more about delivery truck drivers.
9. Plumber
Median salary: $60,090
Expected job growth by 2032: 2.3%
Plumber ranks No. 4 among the Best Construction Jobs and No. 8 among the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree. While you don’t need a four-year college degree to become a plumber, many unions and businesses require prospective plumbers to receive a set amount of hours of technical education, which could include topics such as applied physics and math as well as up to 2,000 hours of paid training working alongside an experienced plumber.
Learn more about plumbers.
8. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Median salary: $45,230
Expected job growth by 2032: 22.3%
Solar photovoltaic installer ranks No. 3 among the Best Construction Jobs. This job usually requires only a high school diploma, but some workers may also take classes in community colleges or technical schools. Once hired, solar photovoltaic installers undergo a one-year training period. Depending on the state, a license may also be required.
These workers assemble solar PV panels on the roofs of buildings, and the panels convert solar power into electricity.
Learn more about solar photovoltaic installers.
7. Choreographer
Median salary: $50,990
Expected job growth by 2032: 5%
Choreographer ranks No. 2 among the Best Creative and Media Jobs and No. 9 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. Choreographers create and direct original dance movements and routines for performances and productions. They typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent although it’s not required. Many start their careers as dancers and hone their skills for years.
Learn more about choreographers.
6. Maintenance and Repair Worker
Median salary: $44,980
Expected job growth by 2032: 3.6%
Maintenance and repair worker ranks No. 3 among the Best Maintenance and Repair Jobs and No. 8 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. Maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment and buildings. To become one, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and practical on-the-job training. Some states may require you to become licensed as well.
Learn more about maintenance and repair workers.
5. Pharmacy Technician
Median salary: $37,790
Expected job growth by 2032: 5.6%
Pharmacy technician ranks No. 7 among the Best Jobs Without a Degree. After getting a high school degree or equivalent, a pharmacy technician may learn the role through on-the-job training. They fill prescriptions, communicate with customers about medications, and work with pharmacists or other medical professionals.
Learn more about pharmacy technicians.
4. Flight Attendant
Median salary: $63,760
Expected job growth by 2032: 11.4%
Flight attendant ranks No. 3 among the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree and No. 5 among the Best Social Services Jobs. Flight attendants are members of the flight crew responsible for maintaining the safety, security and comfort of passengers. Most airlines require flight attendants to have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate as well as experience working in customer service.
Learn more about flight attendants.
3. Electrician
Median salary: $60,240
Expected job growth by 2032: 6.4%
Electrician ranks No. 1 among the Best Construction Jobs and No. 7 among the Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to get started as an electrician. From there, you can go to technical school or start an apprenticeship program that may take up to five years. Most states require electricians to be licensed.
Electricians install and repair wiring, electrical power and lighting systems in new buildings and established properties.
Learn more about electricians.
2. Community Health Worker
Median salary: $46,190
Expected job growth by 2032: 14.1%
Community health worker ranks No. 2 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. Community health workers can get started with high school diplomas and some on-the-job training. Depending on the employer, certification may be required.
Community health workers are the point people for social services and health services providers. They find out what health-related issues affect the people they serve, then share that data with services providers.
Learn more about community health workers.
1. Hearing Aid Specialist
Median salary: $59,020
Expected job growth by 2032: 14.5%
Hearing aid specialist ranks No. 1 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree and No. 4 among the Best Health Care Support Jobs. Hearing aid specialists help individuals with hearing loss to fit, select, and maintain their hearing aids and enhance their quality of life. To become one, you can either obtain a degree in hearing instrument fitting and dispensing or receive on-the-job training at your workplace.
Learn more about hearing aid specialists.
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16 Best Jobs for High School Graduates originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 02/29/24: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
