You may take on a few side hustles while you pursue more training or education. Air traffic control specialists are compensated well for this, though. The program offers students personalized assistance in the application process, free workshops, and scholarship opportunities. "The simple advice to high school students to 'go to college' no longer suffices," the authors write. Average Annual Salary: $23,904. 9. And one thing we found was that many publications list jobs that do, in fact, require a diploma and/or the attainment of an even higher education level. Greenville Technical College offers a number of online trade programs for students who have not obtained a GRE or high school diploma. Some jobs may offer lower wages to those individuals who do not have a high school diploma which could result in poverty for that person. There are few opportunities to advance in the profession without further education. If you didnt finish high school, trade schools that dont require the GED or a diploma can provide a strategic path toward a successful future. Jobs in the skilled trades (plumber, electrician, locksmith, etc.) Southwestern College offers admittance to applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED if they are 18 years old or older. Once you get a few positive client reviews, you can charge more. Plus, you might take courses beyond your immediate subject area, and some of those credits might be transferrable to a four-year college. The study found that in the years 2017 through 2019, on average, 16% of high school graduates, 23% of workers with some college and 28% of associate degree holders earned more money than half. Average Annual Salary: $49,000. When evaluating whether a job or opportunity will build career capital, look for any of these three things: For instance, a dental receptionist job may have decent pay and not require a diploma, but there isnt a clear path out of that job and on to better things. Studies have shown that, on average, someone with a bachelor's degree will earn more than someone with an associate degree or a yearlong certificate. In New York State, 47% dont pass. He says not only is there not enough time in the day to meet one-on-one with students, but there are so many other demands that get in the way of college and career talk. Can you be successful without a high school diploma? Training, certification, or experience In order to master a trade, you'll need to learn from the experts; and you can always up-skill and take your craft even farther! Landscaper "Your specific education has its value and the value varies enormously," Carnevale says. Earning potential: Instacart shoppers report an average of above $14 per hour, though with a good batch of orders, thorough knowledge of the store and/or a good tip, the hourly wage can exceed that. Working an average day, you might receive a few vehicles that you have to repair, upgrade or provide general maintenance for. Some technical programs prepare students for the GED as well as a trade. Generally speaking, landscapers need to have experience working with plants and enjoy working outside. And that will cost you big bucks in the coming years. Job opportunities may also vary by location, as states with harsh winters will have little to no employment options during the coldest months. These jobs are much more widespread than shuttle car operators, which is the best-paying job according to the chart above. A drywall taper is a great job for high school students during the summer, those looking to start a career, or those pursuing other education at night or online. The school offers an open door policy. Here are a few resources that can help you learn more: Despite some outlying examples, gig economy jobs probably wont make you rich. The light came on for me. He gives them quizzes and resources that make them think about the skills and experiences they've had and how they might translate into a career. The average salary of a salesperson varies widely based on the industry and commission structure of the position. Credits often need to come from a regionally accredited school, though, in order to be eligible for transfer. Going back to school can be a big change, so it can be beneficial to have support in place. The perks of freelancing are many, including that you get to work when you want, doing what you want, for the people you want. With that in mind, here are a few remote jobs that don't require a high school diploma: Customer Service Representative Average Annual Salary: $29,000 Both take time to build. If you know friends or family who work in fields that interest you, you should reach out and communicate your interest. You might even be able to earn your high school credentials while working toward a career certificate. Your experience with animals (even if its just house sitting for pets or caring for your own dog/cat) is much more important to pet parents than a high school education. Typically only requiring a high school degree and on the job training, power plant operators can make serious money. Some vocational colleges allow you to enroll without a high school or GED diploma. After all, you should never accept an ill-fitting job simply because you arent sure where to look. Self-reliance and prosperity are still within your reach. High school diploma or equivalent. Central Community College offers different admission options for those without high school diplomas or GEDs. As part of this research, we read dozens of similar articles on the topic. Dropping out of high school may have limited your earning opportunities, but going to trade school can help provide a fresh start. Where to get started: Read our guide on how to make money on Amazon and check out our list of the best things to sell online. VAs need a wider skillset than writers and proofreaders. Beauty School If you sell on your own site, all your earnings are yours to keep, but its pretty difficult to compete with the marketing and global mindshare of major e-commerce sites like eBay and Amazon even with the sellers fees involved. The skills you develop in that job may lead you to another receptionist position, but they are unlikely to lead to much else. Back in high school, Isis Harris never imagined herself working as an electrician everyone around her was just so focused on college. Construction Worker Why we ranked it #1: A blog is more of a business than a side hustle. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College. You can do all those things that may not be tangible when you're living paycheck to paycheck.". Politely and professionally explain why youd be a great fit for the role, without worrying about your educational background. Though many require some photographers to have a high school diploma or college degree, neither is a requirement to get into the field. For instance, if you applied for a child caretaker position, it would be wise to include your teenage babysitting experience on your resume. He says when he first got into the data, he was surprised at how many opportunities there were in high-paying jobs that didn't require a bachelor's degree. But by focusing only on what you can earn right now, you may be pigeonholing yourself into a low-earning or low-demand skill set. You can also work up to sales from an entry-level job, like from an auto service technician to car sales. Cerritos Collegeisaccreditedby the Accrediting Commission of Community and JuniorColleges. A barista also handles customer service and keeps the restaurant clean. Those still in high school may apply for the dual credits program to allow them to earn credits early. ATB expands financial aid eligibility to students enrolling in colleges without high school diploma or GED. To demonstrate what you know, youll take four tests. An earlier version of this story implied construction managers did not need a bachelor's degree. Aircraft Mechanic. This job entails cutting and selling flowers to customers, as well as designing arrangements for weddings, funerals, and holidays. Show confidence. They earn a whopping $130,420 per year! Full-time drivers can make solid money, but expenses like car payments, insurance, and gas are the drivers responsibility. Many types of sales . Sometimes, technical credits will transfer into an associate or bachelors degree program. Average Annual Salary: $37,000. 7. Why we ranked it #4: Unlike trucking, oil, gas and many other shrinking industries, solar energy is booming. Lamar Institute of Technology offers admission to applicants who dont have high school diplomas. More. Average Annual Salary: $23,000. Earning potential: The pay for security guards is less than stellar ($31,050 annually), and it can be a dangerous and/or boring job. After a few years of experience and additional education, home health aides can go on to become LPNs, RNs, ultrasound techs and other medical professionals. As a grocery shopper, you get everything on the customers grocery list in the store for their order. An estimated 39 million American adults dont have a high school diploma. To apply to the program, applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts from high school. That makes them in-demand, employable skills. Drivers sign up for blocks (or shifts), and deliver packages in that particular time frame on a specific route. But once you get your first freelance client, your ability to deliver solid results will be all that matters, and your work will dictate your income (rather than your educational credentials). No license or training is required to start, but prior experience installing drywall or working with tools is always a plus. Schools only get this type of accreditation after proving that they know how to provide a good education. You can also talk to an admissions counselor for more information. To enroll in an online vocational certificate program or associate degree program, you'll typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate. You may be able to get hired based on your interview, even if your resume is thin. "Where you go matters less which makes this whole experience and the set of decisions students have to make a lot more complicated. Sysco, Wal-Mart, and GP Transco offer some of the highest salaries in the industry. Janitors are a crucial part of any workspace, sweeping, mopping, and otherwise taking care of minor maintenance. Theyre often focused on jobs that involve a lot of hands-on work. Even if you dont have a high school diploma, you should still show confidence during interviews. With that in mind, here are a few remote jobs that dont require a high school diploma: Customer Service Representative Mental health support is often on a school counselors plate too. Requirements vary from one school to another, but some trade programs dont require students to get a high school diploma before enrolling. Even still, many vocational programs are offered by community colleges. Security guards or bouncers will monitor and patrol the premises of a building to ensure safety and security. Typically working in a grocery store or deli shop, butchers cut and prepare meats, as well as weigh, package, and display them for customers. $42,150. If youre on the job hunt, dont just look for the next open position and call it done. You get to play with fur babies and get paid for it. They also note, "Depending on the education level, Asian and White workers earn more than workers who are Black, Latino, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or Native American/Alaskan Native.". Security guards at casinos (known as gaming surveillance officers) enjoy slightly better pay at $36,880 annually. Enrolling in a trade school can be one way to advance your qualifications and marketability. Jobs For People Without High School Diploma, Jobs That Don't Require Background Checks, 8 Entry Level Jobs That Dont Require a High School Diploma, 8 Experienced Jobs That Dont Require a High School Diploma, 4 Remote Jobs That Dont Require a High School Diploma, Types of Jobs You Can Get and What to Look Out for. For obvious reasons, this position requires experience with computers and working with computer code. Automotive Technician If you love all things canine, dog walking might just be the job for you. On a typical day, you might ring out customers, clean your workspace, and perform other shop maintenance tasks. Students who are 16 years old may apply and work toward their GED at the same . No diploma? So the job comes with flexible hours. Required fields are marked *. 10% of American adults that didnt complete high school, Highest Paying Jobs Without a High School Diploma, #4. These and many other fields will continue . Of course, this type of position requires you to have a phone and reliable phone service, as well as persuasive communication skills. So please get familiar with your state's specific licensing requirements to learn if you will be allowed to practice the trade you've learned so hard upon graduation. Jenni Sisson is a freelance writer and editor focused on personal finance, technology and entrepreneurship. While some of the higher paying trade jobs will require a substantial investment on licenses and lengthier courses, others can be started immediately . Some trade schools also accept the HiSET. Many people (even teenagers) make full-time salaries with e-commerce, though if you sell as a third-party on a site like Amazon, be prepared for the company to take its cut which can come close to 20%. If you dont have those things, you can still set up an e-commerce store based on the dropshipping model, where you never actually touch the products youre selling. If you pass them, youll qualify for your GED. However, by adding other skills, you can boost the career capital of a proofreader position. Education requirements: Ranges from a high school diploma to bachelor's degree depending on the type of products being sold Experience needed: Minimal; on-the-job training usually required All other sales reps: Annual salary range: $27,320 to $120,460 Average yearly job openings: 146,800 Rather, construction inspectors don't need a bachelor's degree, but earn wages about the same as what the median person with a bachelor's degree earns. Why we ranked it #1: Freelance writing is a relatively easy field to break into. Here are some various trade school programs that don't require a high school diploma: 1. Just about anyone can be a food courier, regardless of education. You may still need a high school or GED diploma to become licensed in your trade. This position requires experience working with dogs, and work opportunities can vary based on location, experience, and networking. Median salary: The median annual salary for rotary drill operators is $61,840, but certain industries such as petroleum and coal can make over $100,000. Commonly, dog walkers will walk one or more dogs per day, and even act as caretakers for the animals. Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. "That's why somebody who can do air conditioning will make more than somebody who becomes a schoolteacher.". What to read next: If youre looking for your first full-time job, check out this guide to writing a no-experience resume. Here are the top 25 careers that don't require a four-year degree. Being a server is a good entry-level option, as you will receive on-the-job training. A GED diploma can help you get into trade school, apply for college, or qualify for a job that requires a high school diploma. People without a high school diploma can expect higher unemployment rates. Since the jobs are regionally based, employers often pay per diem expenses to cover hotels and food. Depending on what freelance job you choose to pursue, this might mean creating samples specifically to use for applications, or taking on a few projects for free or nearly-free.