Best paying jobs for people with a high school diploma or less. A Career Selector

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Best paying jobs for people with a high school diploma or less.

It's not true that a college education is required for every good paying job. This selector features over 120 occupations that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics require only a high school diploma or less and pay a median wage from about $36,000 to over $80,000 per year. Wages vary by geography. Over half these jobs require moderate to long-term on-the-job training or apprenticeships, while the remainder require a short-term or no on-the-job training.

Would you consider jobs that require more than a high school education?

OK, show me careers that might require some college.

Maybe, I want know the best way for me to make money in the gig economy.

Just show me the good jobs which are appropriate for people with no more than a high school education.

The first selector question is below.

1. While education beyond high school is not necessary for the jobs listed in this selector, some jobs typically include special training. Which, if any, do you prefer?
Short-term on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
Apprenticeship
No special on-the-job training.

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

2. Some jobs expect applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some don't.
Jobs open to job applicants with less than a high school education
Jobs open to job applicants who are high school graduates and those with a GED
No preference

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

3. Which sort of work setting would you consider?
Indoor
Outdoor
Office
Shop
Factory, plant or warehouse
Traveling, including travel to work sites and to visit customers.

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

4. What you be comfortable wearing to work?

Office attire

Work clothes

Uniform

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

5. Working hours can vary, depending on the job. Some jobs require employees to work more or less than the usual work week. Which of the following do you ACCEPT? Work hours beyond the normal daytime hours usually pay more.
Overtime work
Weekend work
Holiday work
Evening and/or night work

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

6. Working hours can vary, depending on the job. Some jobs require employees to work more or less than the usual work week. Which of the following do you want to AVOID? Work beyond the usual hours will often interrupt your personal life including your chance to pursue an education.
Overtime work
Weekend work
Holiday work
Evening and/or night work

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

7. Every job has its challenges. Which of these challenges are you up for?
Dangerous work
Long periods of standing or sitting
Physically demanding work
Uncomfortable work
Fast paced work
Work-related pressure
Exposure to weather
Dirty, dusty, messy, greasy or smelly work environments

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

8. Some jobs are more promising than others.
Higher potential jobs preferred. This rating is based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor's projected percent change in employment from 2012 to 2022
Higher paying jobs preferred. These median wages are based on data are from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics survey.

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

9. Some jobs require special aptitudes and abilities. Do you have any of the following?
Creativity
Self-motivated, initiative
Physical strength

Prioritize your choice above:

Low Priority High Priority

Now that you have answered all the questions, continue to the Recommend A Job For Me! button below.

Employment Counselor Tip:

A Two Year College May Be Your Best Option
People with career and technical educations and community college associate's degrees are more likely to be employed than their counterparts with bachelor's degrees. Some 30 million jobs in the United States that pay an average of $55,000 per year don't require four-year academic degrees.

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