In this article, well examine 20 of the best jobs you can get without a high school diploma in the United States, showcasing a wide range of fields, experience levels, and even work from home positions. Both take time to build. Even though you dont have a high school diploma, you might qualify for federal financial aid to help with school. Requirements vary from one school to another, but some trade programs dont require students to get a high school diploma before enrolling. These programs allow you to learn from other professionals in a particular field, giving you the experience needed to further your career. Dropping out of high school may have limited your earning opportunities, but going to trade school can help provide a fresh start. And you can see the accomplishment every day of what you did the day previously.". Landscaper You might even be ready to apply for a license in your field. Why we ranked it #2: This job is limited to car owners with four-door vehicles that are less than 15 years old. Where to get started: Sign up with Instacart and/or Shipt. Students who did not graduate from high school cannot receive financial aid. "The friends that I had there were going to college that's what the big excitement was around.". This is great for anyone with the storage space to house inventory, as well as the upfront capital to purchase it. You can work as many or as few hours as you like, whenever you have time. You do have several options to make a decent living in a traditional job without a high school diploma, but they may be less than glamorous. Examples include a standalone beauty school or a nursing assistant program at a local hospital. The first job will be the hardest to land, and it likely wont pay much. But career counselors can be hard to find. Yes, trade school is worth it for many students. To accommodate concerns, many jobs have migrated to remote workspaces. Students without high school diplomas may attend all degree programs except for any Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Art programs. Explore ATC Programs That Don't Require A High School Diploma or Equivalent. Here are some tips for succeeding at virtual job fairs. Students may apply for courses within 2 weeks of classes starting. It's common knowledge at this point that the more education you have, the more money you'll make. Part of what the government will look at is easing entry requirements for those, figuring. ACT scores must be submitted when applying. To create a financial plan, you first have to think about the big picture. Then, you can take the GED test and receive a GED Certificate, an accomplishment similar to a high school diploma. Food couriers report average salaries between $10 and $20 per hour. You can plan for emergencies. Thats one animal per night, with no breaks! No problem. 20. Why we ranked it #1: Freelance writing is a relatively easy field to break into. What to read next: If youre looking for your first full-time job, check out this guide to writing a no-experience resume. Recommended resource: Virtual Assistant Internships free webinar. The Ability to Benefit (ATB) program is designed for people who didnt graduate from high school. You dont necessarily need to be an expert in these subjects to write about them (though experience helps) you just need to be good at research. But just getting a degree for the sake of getting a degree has spelled trouble in the past for his students. Warehouse worker National average salary: $12.92 per hour Primary duties: A warehouse worker has several job responsibilities. In New York State, 47% dont pass. Both trade school and community college can be options for students without a GED, but heres how they differ from each other: Trade programs are often delivered by community colleges, so there can be some overlap between the two categories. Trade schools generally require a high school diploma, although some may accept students who have passed the GED test. Youll have access to more funding options if your program is at least 15 weeks long, but you may even get some assistance with shorter trade programs. Instead, the trade school requirements might include taking a placement test or getting recommendations from teachers or bosses. On-the-job training will likely be provided, but having prior knowledge of these systems will improve your chances of being hired. If youre a full-time worker or a busy parent, you might appreciate the flexibility of distance learning. Ruiz sees his job as expanding the number of options students consider for themselves post-graduation. Why we ranked it #6: While some massage therapists work for franchises, doctors offices or hotels, most are in private practices. Most bloggers dont make much money until a year or two in. Getting certified might allow you to take on new responsibilities at work. Trade schools can offer training in different vocations, such as: Trade training is sometimes offered by community colleges, but other organizations can run vocational programs as well. April 18, 2022, at 4:32 p.m. A Guide to Trade Schools. For this reason, its always a good idea to keep your resume updated, and include as much relevant experience as possible. Drivers sign up for blocks (or shifts), and deliver packages in that particular time frame on a specific route. Trades exist within a wide range of industries . Resources: Many drywall tapers get on-the-job training, but the Carpenters Union does offer training courses in drywall finishing and other construction subjects. Instead, select opportunities that allow you to build career capital the skills and experience that will grow your income in the future. If you want to earn into the high five figures without a college degree, consider one of these 10 occupations: 10. Find Taxi cab driver/Uber Driver jobs near me, Security Guard/Bouncer Depending on your niche, you could end up with an annual salary near $53,310 to $63,000. Recommended resource: Proofread Anywheres free webinar. By evaluating and providing feedback on new items, product testers can enjoy working from the luxury of their home. Consider what you want to spend your hours and days doing, and make moves to create that life for yourself. This can be a first step on a career path to law enforcement, corrections, military or a similar career. Most clients care more about what you can do for them than degrees or diplomas. Solar Photovoltaic Installer - $44,890 (on-the-job training) Millwright - $55,060 (on-the-job training or vocational education) There you have it. One of the activities involved wiring a lightbulb. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in installation, maintenance, and repair are expected to increase 3% over the next ten years. The perks of freelancing are many, including that you get to work when you want, doing what you want, for the people you want. It might be a slow start while you learn the ropes, but once you learn your product and your market, your income can grow quickly. You can still earn good money even if you didn't finish high school. People without a high school diploma can expect higher unemployment rates. The requirements can vary from one program to another, so you can check a schools website for details. Most colleges require a high school diploma or a GED for admission, but some trade schools accept other credentials instead. There are a variety of potentially easy and high-quality jobs out there that dont require a high school diploma or GED. Thats because correcting errors in writing is a little easier than creating good writing of your own. 3. To find out whether you qualify for ATB funding, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Often, youll receive calls from customers who need help, whether that entails answering their questions, providing information, handling complaints, or processing returns. These jobs are much more widespread than shuttle car operators, which is the best-paying job according to the chart above. In his professional career hes written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Generally speaking, these jobs can be lower-paying but will serve as a gateway to advancing your career. In other words, you wont receive a diploma from your local public school, but you will have a document that shows that youre on par with 12th-grade graduates. By the time you finish your vocational program, you may possess a new set of employable skills. 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. This is a good fit when you dont have a high school diploma because most clients care far more about your portfolio than your formal education. "Your specific education has its value and the value varies enormously," Carnevale says. A construction worker needs to know how to work with hammers, saws, drills, and even heavy machinery. "There is a lack of access to college counseling," says Jonathan Ruiz, a college adviser working with KC Scholars in the Kansas City metro area. Depending on the location, this kind of work can be extremely fast-paced. Examples of entry-level jobs include: On the other hand, there are also several jobs for those without a high school diploma that require experience in a certain niche field. But they also feature programs in fields like health care, technology, and graphic design. The world wide web is your oyster. Some vocational colleges allow you to enroll without a high school or GED diploma. Virtual assistants perform many of the same functions as a secretary or executive assistant, only they work remotely, often for multiple clients rather than one boss. If you go to an accredited school, you may be able to receive federal financial aid to help pay for vocational training. If you know friends or family who work in fields that interest you, you should reach out and communicate your interest. Like a housekeeper, on-the-job training is usually provided. Typically working in a grocery store or deli shop, butchers cut and prepare meats, as well as weigh, package, and display them for customers. Not having a high school diploma doesnt need to stand in your way. Average Annual Salary: $23,000. Even still, many vocational programs are offered by community colleges. Find Retail Sales Associate Cashier jobs near me, Delivery Driver If youre interested in learning a skilled trade, then vocational school is often the quicker and more affordable option. All Rights Reserved. Whether youre applying to be a housekeeper or a construction worker, your resume serves as your first impression. 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. You dont necessarily need a diploma, but you do need skills and a plan. With little to no supervision, this kind of job requires someone whos detail-oriented. And that will cost you big bucks in the coming years. Credits often need to come from a regionally accredited school, though, in order to be eligible for transfer. Trade school can lead you down many different career paths. Lamar Institute of Technology offers admission to applicants who dont have high school diplomas. Applicants must be age 17 or older and must have worked at least 75 days as an agricultural worker and been eligible for the Migrant Education program in the past two years. Applicants must be age 17 or older and must have worked at least 75 days as an agricultural worker and been eligible for the Migrant Education program in the past two years. If you really want to kick-start a sales career, study up on sales books like To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink. Earning potential: Entry-level freelance writers can expect to start out making minimum wage (or less). Landscapers spend the majority of their day outside, tending to gardens, parks, and other scenic locations. While students may take courses online, they must be or intending to be residents of California. "You can save some money. Proofread Anywhere is the go-to resource for people looking to break into the work-from-home proofreading industry. Your higher education experience can include trade school or college. When you imagine what its like to work as a barista, think of your typical coffee shop. Rather, there are trade diplomas that correspond to many different jobs. For example, if you can add structural and substantive editing to your skillset where you help your clients improve things like plot, style and tone you will expand both your market and your earning ability. This may be especially important if you study for a career that requires being licensed. Politely and professionally explain why youd be a great fit for the role, without worrying about your educational background. Jobs that don't require a high school diploma The majority of jobs require skills and relevant experiences, but not necessarily a high school diploma. And at the end of the day, you look back and, like, you've completed this apartment unit. Earning potential: Beginners can expect to make around $12 an hour proofreading, and possibly more if they've taken a course or have a certification. Bakersfield Collegeisaccreditedby the Accrediting Commission for Community and JuniorCollegesof the Western Association of Schools andColleges. 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. Those still in high school may apply for the dual credits program to allow them to earn credits early. An academic skill assessment and a meeting with an academic advisor must be done to determine the applicants eligibility. You can also work up to sales from an entry-level job, like from an auto service technician to car sales. These and many other fields will continue . A thick skin, the ability to connect with people, and a willingness to learn are the main prerequisites to sales. However, by adding other skills, you can boost the career capital of a proofreader position. 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. 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. Media and communication equipment workers. For instance, if you applied for a child caretaker position, it would be wise to include your teenage babysitting experience on your resume. In the 2014-2015 school year, the student-to-counselor ratio was about 482:1, according to research from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The job security that comes from working in an in-demand field with wages that allow her to support herself and her 2-year-old son brings peace of mind. Adding technological skills like SEO, WordPress knowledge, and CMS systems can lead to other high-demand positions, such as a website content manager. 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 of all workers with a bachelor's degree. High school diploma or equivalent. Learn how to get started: Freelance writing jobs for beginners + the best sites and strategies for getting hired. Why we ranked it #7: It has the highest base salary of any option on this list, but its highly competitive and will be difficult to land (pun completely intended) without at least an associate degree or applicable aviation experience. However, you may be able to join the National Guard, which has programs to help recruits complete their GED. By starting a blog, youll learn skills that are highly sought-after in the digital world: SEO, social media management, content management, writing, editing, WordPress, HTML and digital marketing, to name a few. If youre ready to go further with your education and your career, a trade school certificate can help demonstrate your workforce readiness. St Charles Community College offers admissions to applicants who have not received a high school diploma or GED if they have the Ability to Benefit status. Here are a few resources that can help you learn more: Despite some outlying examples, gig economy jobs probably wont make you rich. Most often, florists work in either a grocery store or at a specific flower shop. On-the-job training is provided. Theyre often focused on jobs that involve a lot of hands-on work. To apply to the program, applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts from high school. Cerritos College offers admission to students who are 18 years old or older and dont have high school diplomas or GEDs. Please explore the list of courses below. The term caretaker encompasses a wide range of positions, from working with children to working with the elderly or disabled individuals. Knowing what job you want to do after finishing your program can help you decide where to go to trade school. Jordan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and earned her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and her Bachelor's in Business Administration. VAs need a wider skillset than writers and proofreaders. While no formal education is required to become a butcher, thorough training is needed to prepare meat in a safe and sanitary manner. Gateway Community&Technical Collegeisaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Trade jobs are considered to be in high demand because they constitute a highly skilled workforce that facilitates a variety of everyday tasks. In addition, you might find some scholarships that are intended especially for students like you who want to get a fresh start. Some programs may require potential students to be 17. Average Annual Salary: $24,000. When youre the boss, you get to determine the educational requirements. All you need is a laptop, Wi-Fi and a way to receive payment, and youre good to go. If you pass them, youll qualify for your GED. Due to the high industry demand, there are often overtime hours available. While no formal education is required for these positions, having experience taking care of people is a plus. St.Charles Community Collegeisaccreditedby The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association ofCollegesand Schools. "Having a decent wage or a nice income, you can do some financial planning," Harris says. "The simple advice to high school students to 'go to college' no longer suffices," the authors write. One of those tools, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, sorts career options based on average pay, the level of education needed and how much the profession is expected to grow over the next 10 years. "Wiring that circuit, I did it correctly and the light came on and I was like, 'This is it!' Consequently, you'll have to check your state's licensing requirements to ensure you'll be able to practice your trade once you graduate. He's been in schools where counselors are overworked with too many students to serve. There are few opportunities to advance in the profession without further education. Here are some examples of no high school diploma jobs: 1. Doing Starbucks drink runs and delivering takeout can make you a pretty penny, even when you dont have a car (as most companies let you deliver via bike, scooter, motorcycle or even on foot). Earning potential: General construction workers make a modest $37,080 per year, but those with specialized skills such as ironworkers ($53,210) and elevator installers ($88,540) make much more. If youre still having difficulties getting hired, or simply want to increase your chances, here are some additional tips: Refine your resume. For over 10 years, Degree Planet has been dedicated to helping college students like you find degrees that match your career goals and interests. Salesperson. While some of the higher paying trade jobs will require a substantial investment on licenses and lengthier courses, others can be started immediately . "That's why somebody who can do air conditioning will make more than somebody who becomes a schoolteacher.". No votes so far! These are just a few of the different freelance job opportunities many of which are open to those without a high school diploma. Central Community College is a Nebraska community college that may accept students who do not have a high school diploma or GED. As part of this research, we read dozens of similar articles on the topic. After meandering for more than a decade taking some college classes and holding lots of different jobs Harris signed up for a course designed to let her sample different jobs in the construction industry. Greenville Technical College offers a number of online trade programs for students who have not obtained a GRE or high school diploma. Trade school programs typically take 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on the type of program and school. Enrolling in a trade school can be one way to advance your qualifications and marketability. The light came on for me. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that installation, maintenance, and repair occupations pay a median annual salary of $48,750. Average Annual Salary: $28,713. Earning potential: This job requires intense, long-term, on-the-job training as well as intense concentration throughout the shift. Not having one can make some things more challenging and will cause more roadblocks, but it can happen. But after a few happy clients, youll be able to prove your merit and raise your rates. No diploma? Southwestern College offers admittance to applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED if they are 18 years old or older. "You use your body, of course, because it's a physical job. Some trade schools don't require a high school diploma or GED certificate, but state licensing requirements for various professions vary. Typically only requiring a high school degree and on the job training, power plant operators can make serious money. 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. Generally, the end goal of a customer service representative is to leave their caller happy and satisfied, and since many people call because they are confused or upset about something, this task requires excellent communication skills. Earning potential: The upside here is huge. 4 Remote Jobs That Don't Require a High School Diploma. Sysco, Wal-Mart, and GP Transco offer some of the highest salaries in the industry. Sales Rep If you're incredibly personable and persuasive, you could make bank as a sales rep. 7. Amazon Flex is the major player in this space. Examples of types of trade jobs including being a plumber, hairstylist, or landscaper. Servers are a crucial part of what makes restaurants tick. These jobs can range from customer service to construction, as well as entry-level roles that can lead to high-paying positions with experience. Product testers are usually hired by marketing firms or companies to test new products. Web Developer Retail salespeople, for example, make an average of just $27,320 per year, while sales engineers make $108,830. Technical programs usually take less time, cost less money, and cover fewer academic subjects than college programs. After all, there is zero margin for error. That being said though, no formal education is required and you can receive on-the-job training. On an average day, youd prepare customized drinks, as well as serve simple foods like sandwiches, pretzels, muffins, and cookies. Employers may put more stock in programs from accredited schools. You might also have the option to earn vocational credits through online study. A serial side hustler, Sisson has started businesses selling maple syrup, teaching piano lessons, transcribing medical records, selling on eBay, mystery shopping and more. These groups offer a variety of resources that can help you succeed in school, and you might also get to know other students who are in vocational training. That way, youd have two new diplomas by the time you finished up your program! Average Annual Salary: $31,000. 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. As a telemarketer, you might try to convince someone to buy a product using a pre-fashioned sales outline. No license or training is required to start, but prior experience installing drywall or working with tools is always a plus. Your employer might also be motivated to help you enroll in school. Even if youre unable to pursue typical forms of higher education, you can still hone your skills and become more experienced in a field by taking part in apprenticeships and internships. On a typical day, you might inspect the building, locate trespassers, and determine whether someone will be denied entry to your building/park. are often overlooked by people considering college or traditional office jobs, but the fact is: Skilled trades jobs often pay very well and almost never require a college degree (in fact, many don't even require a high school diploma, although your job search will certainly be . Personal shopper Photographers have an eye for aesthetics and can create a well-composed picture. Earning potential: The median income for this position is $46,470 annually or about $23 per hour. It takes a lot of courage, skill, and effort to be successful without a high school diploma. Trade schools and community colleges can be strategic options for ATB students. Of course, this type of position requires you to have a phone and reliable phone service, as well as persuasive communication skills. 9. Earning potential: Most courier gigs pay by the job, so your hourly wage is determined by the size of the order, any tips you receive, and the proximity of orders on your route. In Ontario, there are almost 40 skilled trades that don't require a high school diploma, but 106 that do. Its pretty hard to think about who youll be five years from now when you have bills to pay and bacon to bring home today. You will need to find an Electrician school or apprenticeship program. As with freelance writing, graphic design clients wont ask about your high school diploma; theyll want to see your portfolio. If you lack experience, you should be on the lookout for entry-level jobs that will help you build your career going forward. Learn how to get started: Check out our guide to getting started as a freelance graphic designer. Skilled Trades. Summary. Why we ranked it #3: Thanks to remote work technologies like Slack and Zoom, virtual assisting has exploded in popularity in recent years. Instead, a school might ask you take a proficiency test to show that youre ready to be a student. On average, about 40% of the people who study for their GEDs dont pass the test. 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. As a grocery shopper, you get everything on the customers grocery list in the store for their order.
trades that don't require a high school diploma