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20 jobs you can get with a high school diploma

20 Jobs You Can Get With A High School Diploma

Not all jobs require degrees or certifications and there are several jobs you can get with a high school diploma. These range from entry-level positions that may require further studies to progress in the career, to full-fledged positions that provide training as you go. 

Discover our top picks of jobs that don't require further education but are still financially rewarding. 

Animal keeper

Animal keepers assist qualified zookeepers in caring for animals and create the optimal environment for their stay. While this role only requires a high school diploma, further role development may require a bachelor's degree. 

Average annual pay: $29,500

Lifeguard

Lifeguards are stationed at swimming pools and beaches to ensure the safety of swimmers. They may have to perform rescue operations and have basic first-aid training. 

Average annual pay: $27,500

Title examiner

When you need to have a list of mortgages, deeds, or wills compiled, a title examiner will do this. This role entails summarizing legal documents, examining titles, and searching records for law firms, real estate agents, and other professionals.

Average annual pay: $52,500

Housekeeping supervisor 

housekeeping supervisor ensures that the team of housekeepers performs the tasks set out in the time allocated to the premises. This might be a role in a fixed location such as a hotel or guest house, or as part of a cleaning team that goes to households and businesses. 

Average annual pay: $45,000

Hearing aid specialists 

In this non-doctor medical role, the hearing aid specialist fits and chooses the right hearing aids for patients. The role entails shaping and molding the earpiece to fit perfectly. This role focuses on the hearing device and shouldn't be confused with an audiologist

Median annual pay: $59,500

Medical equipment preparers

Medical equipment needs to be sterilized and prepared before each procedure, and a medical equipment preparer does this in a medical or laboratory setting. They may also inspect the equipment for faults or defects. 

Median annual pay: $38,220

Pharmacy aides 

A pharmacy aide works under the supervision of a pharmacist. Under their instruction, they may accept prescriptions, check stock levels, and deal with incoming merchandise. 

Median annual pay: $29,930

First-line supervisors of correctional officers, police, and detectives 

These supervisors are responsible for coordinating and supervising activities for their individual units. This includes supervising and coordinating investigations, offering guidance on difficult cases, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. 

Median annual pay: From $62,220 to $99,330

Motion picture projectionist 

This job allows you to watch movies on the big screen while getting paid. All you have to do is ensure that the image and sound are in order in the cinema. 

Median annual pay: $29,350

Costume attendant 

A costume attendant has to ensure that all the performers are dressed and accessorized correctly. For plays or ensembles with many costume changes, the role can be taxing and requires good organizational skills. 

Median annual pay: $47,850

"With just a high school diploma, you can forge a career in almost every industry. " 

Concierge

If you have a knack for finding last-minute baseball tickets or have the desire to provide the ultimate in customer service to hotel patrons, this might be a good fit. A concierge is a role designed to provide the ultimate hotel experience and encourage recurring patronage. 

Median annual pay: $35,210

Switchboard operators and answering services

Good telephony skills might land you a switchboard operator or answering service job. The role may entail putting calls through to certain divisions or persons, screening calls, and scheduling appointments. 

Average annual pay: $39,500

Utility meter readers

Utility meter readers are tasked with taking down meter readings for utilities such as water, gas, and electricity. 

Median Annual pay: $45,720

Paperhangers 

The role includes the removal of old wallpapers and fabrics and the installation of new ones. You will need to know about different application methods as well as the ideal conditions for hanging. 

Median annual pay: $47,610

Pipelayers 

Pipelayers usually work under the supervision of qualified plumbers and are responsible for laying pipes. This includes pipes for storm drains, sanitation, and water. 

Median annual pay: $45,980

Fence erectors 

These individuals are skilled in the installation and maintenance of fences and gates. 

Median annual pay: $37,700

Highway maintenance workers 

These workers ensure that the highway, municipal, and rural roads are maintained and the necessary repairs take place. Highway maintenance workers are also responsible for maintaining the fences, guard rails, and sidewalks. 

Median annual pay: $45,880

Security and fire alarm system installers 

These installers install and maintain wiring and security and fire alarm systems according to the codes of the relevant state. 

Median annual pay: $48,320

Home appliance repairers

The installation of home appliances may require specialized skills, especially if gas or water lines need to be attached. Home appliance repairers can do this, plus they can repair and maintain appliances. 

Median annual pay: $44,320

Printing press operators 

Printing press operators work with specialized printing machines such as lithographs, letterpresses, and gravures. They need to know how to set up and operate these machines. 

Median annual pay: $37,770

A college degree isn't always a prerequisite for a fantastic career. With just a high school diploma, you can forge a career in almost every industry. To find a lucrative career, touch up your online profile to attract your ideal employer. 

More Tips on Finding the Right Job for You

Unsure how to put yourself out there? Learn how to build your resume with CoLab.

Start your career the right way with our guide on how to search for careers on CareerBuilder.

If you think it's hard to get a job overseas, you have to read about 10 of the easiest jobs to get abroad.  

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Know what you're getting into by researching your potential new employer