Certain high school students choose to start their professions once they graduate, giving them the opportunity to advance professionally and accumulate experience right away. While some of these jobs for high school graduates offer on-the-job training and the chance to progress, others call for vocational schools or certificates to acquire specialized skills. Depending on your interests and ambitions, there are various options available to you if you’re driven to enter the workforce without completing a degree.
Here are 29 jobs for high school graduates in various sectors, along with information on the typical pay, projected job growth, key responsibilities, and qualifications for each.
29 jobs for high school graduates
Below are 29 jobs that recent high school grads might want to look into.
1. A maintenance professional
National average yearly salary: $50,312
BLS employment forecast: 6% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: A maintenance technician as one of the jobs for high school graduates ensures that a structure or facility is secure, well-kept, and functional. They answer requests for inspections, repairs, and routine maintenance from residents and building administrators. They might do their job in commercial, residential, or industrial structures.
Qualifications: On-the-job training is a common practice for maintenance professionals. A maintenance technician might demonstrate to a prospective employer that they have demonstrated proficiency in their profession by obtaining certificates. Maintenance specialists can perform physically difficult activities and have a technical and mechanical expertise.
2. Hairstylist
National average yearly salary: $61,296
BLS employment forecast: 11% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: Hairstyling is one of the jobs for high school graduates. Full salon services, such as hair cutting, coloring, shampooing, blow-drying, and style, are offered by hairstylists. They design the looks of their clients based on their preferences, and they make sure that each client is happy with their services. Additionally, they could recommend or market items for maintaining good hair.
Qualifications: Hairstylists often complete a course of study in cosmetology at a school that has received state approval. To develop and keep up a clientele, they employ communication and interpersonal abilities.
3. Pharmacy assistant
$35,385 is the average yearly wage in the country.
BLS employment forecast: 7% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: Working in a pharmacy is one of the jobs for high school graduates. A pharmacy technician is in charge of monitoring insurance coverage, maintaining the register, verifying prescription orders, and engaging with consumers. Additionally, they can handle inventory and replenish when necessary, create and write prescriptions, keep the pharmacy arranged, and comprehend safe and efficient pharmaceutical procedures.
Qualifications: Pharmacy technicians must possess numeracy, problem-solving, communication, and organizing skills. While some businesses prefer high school graduates to first finish an educational course and pass an examination, others prefer to recruit and train high school graduates.
4. Home health assistant
National average yearly salary: $35,449
BLS employment forecast: 25% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: Being a home health assistant is one of the jobs for high school graduates. Home health aides provide support and medical care to the elderly, sick, and disabled, frequently in the patient’s own home. They could work for a company or the family of a patient. Patients may receive assistance from them with meal preparation, housework, and home health tasks like exercising and taking medication.
Qualifications: Medical expertise, time management abilities, and strong interpersonal qualities like patience and empathy are prerequisites for operating as a home health aide. Home health aides frequently undergo state-approved training at neighborhood colleges or trade schools or on-the-job training.
5. A physiotherapy assistant
National average yearly salary: $39,906
BLS employment forecast: 26% rise through 2031
Primary obligations: Working as a physiotherapy assistant is also one of the jobs for high school graduates. A physical therapy assistant welcomes patients and directs them to an examination room as they get ready for physical therapy. Additionally, they maintain the treatment rooms’ cleanliness and supply levels, instruct patients on how to use equipment, disinfect exercise equipment, oversee the inventory of physical therapy materials, assist physical therapists by attending to their needs, and reply to inquiries from patients.
Qualifications: Physical therapy assistants must normally have a minimum of a high school graduation, be interested in the field of exercise, and have a basic knowledge of physiology and anatomy.
6. Plumber
National average yearly salary: $55,944
BLS employment forecast: 5% increase until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Plumbing is one of the jobs for high school graduates. A plumber is a professional who fixes various fixtures, including sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. In homes, schools, and businesses, they install, repair, and maintain pipe systems. Plumbers are competent at using instruments like drills, benders, and snakes to do their tasks safely and successfully. They also have a solid understanding of how water systems operate.
Qualifications: Plumbers complete an apprenticeship program, generally requiring passing a test to obtain their license, and to acquire their skills on the job.
7. Server
National average yearly salary: $45,042
BLS employment forecast: 10% rise until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Working as a server is one of the jobs for high school graduates. A server is a member of the food service staff who provides diners in a restaurant with food and drinks. Fine dining venues, bistros, family-style restaurants, diners, and fast-casual restaurants are all places where servers can find employment. The tasks of a server can change depending on the food establishment and the time of year, and they frequently earn base pay plus tips.
Qualifications: Servers must possess problem-solving abilities and organizational skills in order to effectively serve a large number of customers at once. They typically receive training in food safety.
8. Firefighter
National average yearly salary: $50,515
BLS employment forecast: 5% increase until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Firefighting is among the jobs for high school graduates. A fireman fights flames, puts them out, and gives fire safety instructions. Firefighters are also trained as paramedics or first responders, and they offer sick or injured people emergency medical assistance. Participating in initiatives to improve public safety and health as well as driving patients to medical facilities are possible additional responsibilities.
Qualifications: Firefighters learn how to properly battle fires and conduct rope rescues at firefighting academies where they spend the majority of their training. They may acquire extra education and training through emergency medical technicians or ambulance programs.
9. Security guard
National average yearly salary: $57,169
BLS employment forecast: 3% increase until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Working in security is one of the jobs for high school graduates. In a number of locations, such as workplaces, event venues, gambling establishments, and retail stores, a security officer strives to protect people, property, and goods. Their main responsibilities include keeping an eye on the allocated location, identifying and controlling illegal activities, and calling in law enforcement when necessary to resolve disputes.
Qualifications: Security personnel must frequently attend professional training sessions and pass a background investigation in order to be eligible for a security license. They have a well-developed skill set for handling conflicts as well as excellent communication and observation abilities.
10. Solar installer
National average yearly salary: $66,710
BLS employment projection: 27% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: Solar installation is among the jobs for high school graduates. A tradesperson that installs solar photovoltaic, or PV, panels on a building’s roof in order to generate power from the sun is known as a solar installer. Customers are consulted to ascertain preferences and needs, solar panels are installed securely and safely, and when required, maintenance and repair services are provided.
Qualifications: Community colleges and vocational schools may provide courses that teach safety techniques, system design, and general PV information to people who want to work as solar installers. Once hired, installers also undergo on-the-job training.
11. A fitness professional
National average yearly salary: $55,089
BLS employment forecast: 19% rise till 2031
Primary responsibilities: Working in fitness is among the jobs for high school graduates. Fitness instructors motivate people to work out individually and in groups so they can achieve their fitness objectives. Fitness directors, group instructors who teach programs like dance or aerobics, personal trainers who work individually with customers, and teachers who specialize in particular fitness disciplines like yoga or Pilates may all be included.
Qualifications: Personal trainers frequently obtain certifications that demonstrate their expertise in the fitness industry to clients and potential employers. While some employers offer on-the-job training, others need certifications.
12. A car salesman
National average yearly salary: $79,627
BLS employment forecast: Almost no change till 2031
Primary responsibilities: Working in car dealerships is among the jobs for high school graduates. A car salesperson helps prospective clients choose a new car to buy or lease. They frequently invest a lot of time researching the cars they provide, and they are aware of the many rules and regulations pertaining to the car-buying procedure. They welcome clients, respond to inquiries about autos, oversee test drives, and prepare sales paperwork when clients buy a vehicle.
Qualifications: To convince and educate customers, car salespeople must be affable and engaging. They can comprehend, clarify, and assess borrowing and purchase possibilities with the use of math knowledge.
13. Cook
National average yearly salary: $45,295
BLS employment projection: 16% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: Being a cook in the food sector is one of the jobs for high school graduates. In the food service industry, cooks follow recipes to make meals in a variety of venues. They typically hold entry-level jobs in fast-food and fast-casual eateries and can be line cooks, prep cooks, or short-order cooks. If you love cooking, you can begin a career in the food industry as a cook and advance to roles as a chef with education, training, and experience.
Qualifications: A cook must pay close attention to detail when preparing food for customers. They are also informed about kitchen sanitation and food safety.
14. Insurance professional
National average yearly salary: $54,164
BLS employment forecast: 7% rise until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Being an insurance professional is also among the jobs for high school graduates. A typical insurance agent specializes in a particular form of insurance, like health, property, vehicle, or life insurance, and offers policies to clients based on their needs. They present customers with options for insurance policies, describe how they operate, respond to inquiries about them, and oversee them on the client’s behalf. Insurance brokers or corporations employ insurance agents.
Qualifications: In most cases, insurance agents must obtain a license from their state, which may entail attending formal training sessions or studying on their own for a predetermined amount of hours.
15. Sales representative
National average yearly salary: $71,749 annually is the average pay nationwide.
BLS employment forecast: 4% growth through 2031.
Primary responsibilities: Working in sales is among the jobs for high school graduates. A sales representative creates leads for sales, establishes targets for sales, negotiates agreements with clients, keeps track of client information, serves as the client’s point of contact, drafts and sends in sales contracts for orders, and reports on a regular basis. They often coordinate sales activities with the marketing department, make pricing plans for promotions, negotiations, and bids, and deliver sales presentations.
Qualifications: Sales representatives must possess communication skills that enable them to work cooperatively with clients, customers, sales teams, and other employees. They create connections and persuade others to purchase the goods and services they are selling by utilizing their interpersonal abilities.
16. Truck driver
National average yearly salary: $77,299 year.
BLS employment projection: 11% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: Working as a truck driver is among the jobs for high school graduates. Typically, a truck driver is employed by a transportation business that specializes in moving wholesale or retail goods. They must safely drive possibly long distances, transport and unload freight, keep an eye on the equipment and cars, and fix mechanical problems, among other duties. Additionally, they may manage routes to save on gasoline and other business assets and function as brand ambassadors while interacting with customers and the general public.
Qualifications: Truck drivers must possess exceptional driving abilities, a valid Class A driver’s license, and current knowledge of all traffic regulations.
17. A manicurist
National average yearly salary: $55,064
BLS employment forecast: 22% rise until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Being a manicurist is one of the jobs for high school graduates. Nail technicians work in spas or salons and offer a range of cosmetic treatments, including pedicures, manicures, hand massages, nail cleaning, nail repair, fillings, and artificial fingernail applications. They evaluate a client’s nail health to choose the best course of action, offer maintenance guidance, identify nail problems and infections, sanitize equipment, observe safety protocols, and keep up with the most recent nail fashions.
Qualifications: Nail technicians must complete cosmetology training and pass a state examination to get licensed.
18. Bartender
National average yearly salary: $47,313
BLS employment forecast: 18% rise until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Bartending is one of the jobs for high school graduates. A bartender prepares and serves drinks at bars, eateries, lodging establishments, event spaces, and other places. They can multitask and exhibit good customer service abilities. Bartenders frequently serve numerous customers at once, therefore these skills are also necessary for the position. Typically, they receive base pay and tips.
Qualifications: In order to learn how to properly set up and wash a bar, create cocktails, and give excellent customer service, bartenders occasionally enroll in private bartending schools. Some firms don’t require formal schooling and instead offer bartenders on-the-job training. Some firms don’t require formal schooling and instead offer bartenders on-the-job training. Candidates with prior experience in host or server positions within the food service sector may be preferred by these businesses.
20. Bus operator
National average yearly salary: $43,117
BLS employment forecast: 12% rise until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Working as a bus operator is one of the jobs for high school graduates. Passengers are moved from one location to another by a bus driver. Bus drivers come in a variety of forms, including those who operate public transportation, school buses, and tour buses. City governments, public agencies, educational institutions, and private businesses all employ bus drivers.
Qualifications: Bus drivers must have excellent eye-hand coordination and interpersonal skills. For them to drive big passenger vehicles, most states mandate that they obtain a commercial driver’s license.
21. A community health worker
National average yearly salary: $35,017
BLS employment forecast: 16% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: One of the jobs for high school graduates is being a community health worker. A community health worker is a member of the public health workforce who acts as a liaison between a community and government agencies providing social or health care. Community health professionals frequently work for charities or the government. Their main responsibilities can include assisting patients in getting to and from appointments, producing public health educational resources, and educating patients on their medical options.
Qualifications: Community health professionals must possess compassion, be able to teach others, and feel confident speaking up for people. They often spend 100 hours or so learning on the job.
23. An airline attendant
National average yearly salary: $26,504
BLS employment projection: 21% rise in employment until 2031.
Primary responsibilities: One of the jobs for high school graduates is airline attendance. Flight attendants are responsible for maintaining passengers’ safety and comfort for both public and private airlines. They assist customers in settling into their seats, go over how to use the safety features of the aircraft, and offer food, drinks, and extras like headsets, pillows, and blankets.
Qualifications: Flight attendants must be capable of providing excellent customer service and be willing to work for extended periods and travel extensively. They frequently register in flight attendant school, and most have a minimum of a high school graduation. They participate in training offered by the airline after being hired.
24. A dancer
National average yearly salary: $49,059
BLS employment forecast: 30% rise through 2031
Primary responsibilities: Dancing is one of the jobs for high school graduates. Dance professionals known as choreographers design dance routines and teach others how to execute them. They frequently choreograph dances for dance performances, musicals, advertisements, music videos, television programs, and movies. Some dancers who choreograph also perform.
Qualifications: Choreographers must possess managerial, interpersonal, and organizational skills in order to organize routines and instruct dancers in them. If you’ve already dabbled in choreography or dance for fun, this might be a fantastic career choice for you.
25. Licensed practical nurse
National average yearly salary: $60,146
BLS employment forecast: 6% rise till 2031
Primary responsibilities: Being a nurse is one of the jobs for high school graduates. LPNs work in the medical profession, assisting doctors and licensed nurses at different healthcare facilities. They assist patients with normal hygienic tasks, treating wounds, administering medication, and other necessities of basic medical care. Additionally, they might insert IVs, give vaccinations, and collect samples for lab testing.
Qualifications: LPNs must complete a year of training, frequently at a neighborhood college or technical school.
26. Baker
National average yearly salary: $47,470
BLS employment forecast: 8% rise until 2031
Primary responsibilities: Being a baker is one of the jobs for high school graduates. Bakers mix, cook, and create pastries for restaurant patrons or retail sales in culinary and production facilities. They can work as pastry chefs in commercial kitchens, bakeries, specialized shops, and manufacturing plants. Restaurant bakers can grow in their employment and pursue more education to become pastry chefs.
Qualifications: Many bakers receive on-the-job training from an experienced baker. Some bakers enter culinary schools. Opportunities for employment might be increased through a technical or culinary curriculum that teaches dietary habits, baking techniques, and cleanliness practices.
27. Police officer
National average yearly salary: $65,091
BLS employment projection: 3% growth through 2031.
Primary responsibilities: Working as a police officer is among the jobs for high school graduates. A police officer’s duties include remaining visible in the neighborhood, preventing crime, reacting to public calls, securing places of crime, and taking steps to safeguard people and their property. During an allocated shift, they normally patrol a specific area on foot, by motorbike, bicycle, or police car.
Qualifications: Police officers must be able to carry out their tasks in a safe and efficient manner, which requires the use of logical reasoning, social perception, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Prior to operating independently in the field, they finish a police academy course and on-the-job training.
28. Landscape technician
National average yearly salary: $65,043
BLS employment forecast: Almost no change till 2031
Primary responsibilities: Being a landscape technician is among the jobs for high school graduates. A landscape technician keeps the lawns and gardens in places like business buildings, private residences, golf courses, and college campuses in good condition. Watering, planting, fertilizing, weeding, and mowing are a few possible tasks. They could also put in decks, patios, walks, sprinklers, or outdoor lighting.
Qualifications: The ability to follow detailed instructions and a talent for creating and constructing aesthetically beautiful landscapes are requirements for landscape technicians.
29. A real estate broker
National average yearly salary: $94,097
BLS employment forecast: 5% growth through 2031.
Primary responsibilities: Another one of the jobs for high school graduates is being a real estate broker. The sale, purchase, and leasing of residential, commercial, and industrial property are assisted by real estate agents for their customers. Many real estate brokers focus on a particular property type, such as luxurious or vacation houses, and may work in that area of specialization. They have to manage the sales and purchases of homes and companies as well as show clients prospective homes and assist clients in selling their properties.
Qualifications: You can begin your profession by obtaining a license via a real estate association, while certain brokers also hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. After finishing your real estate course, you can sit for the licensing exam that each state offers to prospective real estate agents. Real estate brokers have excellent organizing, negotiating, and interpersonal abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous outstanding job opportunities available for high school graduates that can lead to fulfilling and successful careers. These jobs provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as the potential for advancement and higher earnings. Whether pursuing a skilled trade, entering the healthcare field, or exploring entrepreneurial ventures, high school graduates have a range of options to choose from based on their interests, skills, and goals. With dedication, hard work, and continuous learning, high school graduates can thrive in their chosen careers and build a bright future for themselves. It’s important to consider individual strengths and aspirations when exploring these job options to find the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jobs for high school graduates
- What are some outstanding job options for high school graduates?
Some outstanding job options for high school graduates include electricians, dental assistants, paralegals, computer support specialists, and personal trainers.
- Do these jobs require any specialized training or education?
Yes, while these jobs may not require a college degree, they often require specific training or certification programs. For example, electricians typically complete apprenticeship programs, dental assistants complete vocational training, and paralegals may pursue certification or an associate’s degree.
- Are there opportunities for career advancement in these jobs?
Yes, many of these jobs offer opportunities for career advancement. With experience and additional training, individuals can progress to higher-level positions or even start their own businesses. For example, electricians can become master electricians, dental assistants can become dental hygienists, and paralegals can advance to senior paralegal roles.
- What are the salary prospects for these jobs?
The salary prospects for these jobs vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry. However, many of these jobs offer competitive salaries. For instance, electricians, dental assistants, and paralegals can earn a solid income, especially as they gain more experience and expertise.
- Are there any opportunities for growth and learning in these jobs?
Absolutely! These jobs often provide opportunities for ongoing learning and professional growth. For example, electricians can specialize in specific areas such as renewable energy, dental assistants can pursue additional certifications for expanded duties, and paralegals can continue their education to become attorneys or pursue advanced paralegal roles.
It’s important to note that while these jobs are outstanding options for high school graduates, individuals should consider their own interests, strengths, and long-term goals when making career decisions. Exploring different industries, researching job prospects, and seeking advice from professionals can help high school graduates find the best path to a rewarding and successful career.