On a typical day, you might ring out customers, clean your workspace, and perform other shop maintenance tasks. No Diploma? No Problem! - Atlanta Technical College U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Janitor Occupational Outlook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Grounds Maintenance Worker Occupational Outlook. But that simply isnt true. Thats one animal per night, with no breaks! Average Annual Salary: $29,000. While on-the-job training is provided, security guards must be in decent physical condition to contend with possible threats. The main advantage of pet sitting is that it molds to fit almost any school, study or work schedule. On average, about 40% of the people who study for their GEDs dont pass the test. You could spend 4 of those weeks taking classes and another 2 weeks completing clinical duties. By the time you finish your vocational program, you may possess a new set of employable skills. 1. 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. Why we ranked it #4: Unlike trucking, oil, gas and many other shrinking industries, solar energy is booming. For example, you can pursue a welding certificate without an educational prerequisite. Due to the high industry demand, there are often overtime hours available. Dog Walker Earning potential: If you need to make a quick buck, this isnt the job for you. You can also choose to offer massages from an office, your home, or travel to clients homes. Median salary: Average continuous mining machine operators make around $57,000 per year, with the highest operators in the field making around $78,000. What to read next: If youre looking for your first full-time job, check out this guide to writing a no-experience resume. Most trade schools require a high school or GED diploma. Why we ranked it #1: Freelance writing is a relatively easy field to break into. If you happen to have Amazon Flex near you, its a great way to make extra money. You may be able to get hired based on your interview, even if your resume is thin. Aircraft Mechanic. These may be trade schools that don't require a high school diploma or GED. "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. More. These jobs can provide you with the valuable experience you need to gain new skills and will allow you to learn relevant industry knowledge. Vocational programs that dont require high school diploma can help you get ready for a professional license, a new job, or a higher salary. 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. 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. It also has a super high upside, particularly for highly-demanding or technical subjects like computer science, finance or any other specialized niche. Credits often need to come from a regionally accredited school, though, in order to be eligible for transfer. Back in high school, "nobody ever talked about apprenticeships," she says. Networking with local businesses could help you get started. Thats because correcting errors in writing is a little easier than creating good writing of your own. Average Annual Salary: $29,000. That makes them in-demand, employable skills. No diploma? 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. With specialty training, hands-on work and jobs in high-demand, skilled trades give students a wide range of secure, high-paying and satisfying careers. Landscaper 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. 2. Southwestern College offers admittance to applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED if they are 18 years old or older. Required fields are marked *. Good programs also include regular academic classes. Enrolling in a trade school can be one way to advance your qualifications and marketability. Photographers have an eye for aesthetics and can create a well-composed picture. But after a few happy clients, youll be able to prove your merit and raise your rates. Barista National average salary: $13.73 per hour Primary duties: A barista makes and serves coffee, tea and foods like sandwiches, muffins and cookies. However, you may be able to join the National Guard, which has programs to help recruits complete their GED. This job requires extensive knowledge of cars, including brakes, electrical systems, engines, and more. Knowledgeable and experienced trade workers are desirable employees because they are hard to replace. Skilled Trades. While it might not offer a great salary, becoming a home health aide is a foot in the door of the medical field. Median salary: While there is a long-term risk of losing your job to automation in the truck driving industry, there are stellar gains to be had in the short term. The GED program requires students to complete 40 class hours to be eligible to take the Inglewood Adult School test. The Ability to Benefit (ATB) program is designed for people who didnt graduate from high school. Luckily, little to no experience is required for this job, as on-the-job training is always provided. Average Annual Salary: $28,713. 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. By 2021, one in five new jobs in Ontario is expected to be in trades-related occupations. The 10 highest-paying jobs you can get without a college degree - CNBC Roughly ten percent of the United States population lacks a high school diploma, so if youre hitting the job market without one, youre not alone. 14 Six Figure Jobs (That Don't Require A College Degree) - Ken Rusk Trade schools and community colleges can be strategic options for ATB students. Most bloggers dont make much money until a year or two in. Students who did not graduate from high school cannot receive financial aid. 20. You might even be ready to apply for a license in your field. Why we ranked it #4: Graphic designers have extremely high earning potential provided you have strong skills and a fantastic portfolio. Some programs, though, dont even take a full year to complete. Mental health support is often on a school counselors plate too. Because the concept of virtual assisting is so new, there is not a clear job description for a VA. For those without a diploma, landing a job as a VA is just a matter of finding a client who requires the skills you have. Central Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Warehouse worker National average salary: $12.92 per hour Primary duties: A warehouse worker has several job responsibilities. If you dont have a high school diploma, look for apprenticeships or internships that offer you on the job training. Schools only get this type of accreditation after proving that they know how to provide a good education. Landscapers spend the majority of their day outside, tending to gardens, parks, and other scenic locations. After all, you should never accept an ill-fitting job simply because you arent sure where to look. They often carry out tasks like bookkeeping, appointment scheduling, managing emails, doing data entry and many, many more. 10% of American adults that didnt complete high school, Highest Paying Jobs Without a High School Diploma, #4. Some of the links on our website are sponsored, and we may earn money when you make a purchase or sign-up after clicking. Does not having a high school diploma affect your life? Instead, a school might ask you take a proficiency test to show that youre ready to be a student. 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. The perks of freelancing are many, including that you get to work when you want, doing what you want, for the people you want. To create a financial plan, you first have to think about the big picture. Its not unheard of for top bloggers to make six figures per month. Other jobs to look into include customer service work, delivery jobs, and construction jobs. Most trade, vocational and tech schools require a high school diploma or a GED and you should approach those that dont with a healthy dose of skepticism.Those schools tend to be expensive, for-profit institutions with poor reputations, and you might be better off investing your time and resources in earning your GED and then applying to a better program. 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. These and many other fields will continue . 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. They earn a whopping $130,420 per year! Even though massages cost the customer around $75 per hour, as business owners, massage therapists pay for oils, a massage table, rental space, and overhead to conduct their business. You can check out accredited online schools to find the right vocational training for your future job goals. 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. Earning Potential: If youre a commission-based salesperson, the upside is nearly unlimited. Some state licensure boards list a high school diploma or a GED as one of the requirements. Earning potential: If youre starting out, you can expect to make about $15 an hour as a virtual assistant, and up to $20 with a few years of experience. VAs need a wider skillset than writers and proofreaders. Not having a high school diploma doesnt need to stand in your way. While students may take courses online, they must be or intending to be residents of California. 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. Here is a list of the ones we identified, along with a brief note: These are a few common questions about this topic. Trade Schools That Don't Require A GED Or High School Diploma - Gedeno Harris says she wishes she had found this path sooner. These jobs can range from customer service to construction, as well as entry-level roles that can lead to high-paying positions with experience. El Camino College offers a GED and High School Diploma program. Your email address will not be published. You can do all those things that may not be tangible when you're living paycheck to paycheck.". Some trade programs are associated with regionally accredited colleges. There are trade schools that do not require a GED or high school diploma but keep in mind that state licensing requirements for a number of professions vary by state. 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. A Guide to Trade Schools and Vocational Programs - US News This role is similar to the Nuclear Power Reactor Operator role, but spread out in more states. An earlier version of this story implied construction managers did not need a bachelor's degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers tools to help people understand the earning potential of different careers. When writing this article, we conducted extensive research to identify the best possible jobs for people without high school degrees. What are some tech jobs that . Accreditation is a sign that your career diploma comes from a school with a good reputation. The skills you learn as a carpenter can also give you a springboard to create your own business or get your own jobs on the side. And thats especially true for those who didnt finish high school, because these jobs often pay more when earnings are calculated on a per-hour basis than their equivalent non-gig counterparts. If you know friends or family who work in fields that interest you, you should reach out and communicate your interest. If you have a car that meets those specifications, driving for Uber or Lyft is a flexible job with a low barrier to entry no diploma is necessary. 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. While its understandable for anyone to be anxious during an interview, visibly showing it can hurt your chances. Gateway Community and Technical College offers admission to students without high school diplomas or GEDs. There are ways to be successful in a career without having a high school diploma. Learn more about. Average Annual Salary: $36,000. Typically working in a grocery store or deli shop, butchers cut and prepare meats, as well as weigh, package, and display them for customers. Your employer might also be motivated to help you enroll in school. Security guards or bouncers will monitor and patrol the premises of a building to ensure safety and security. On-the-job training is provided. This may be especially important if you study for a career that requires being licensed. Here are a few more traditional options for those who havent completed high school. Therefore, having people skills is a must for this position. High school diploma or equivalent. Though this is typically a fast-paced environment, the lack of experience required makes it a great entry-level position. Trade Schools That Don't Require a High School Diploma or GED Average Annual Salary: $24,000. Depending on the location, this kind of work can be extremely fast-paced. ACT scores must be submitted when applying. Why we ranked it #2: Construction workers of all stripes have solid earning potential. HVAC Technician - $48,730 (on-the-job training or trade school education) Home and Building Inspector - $60,710. Average Annual Salary: $31,000. Can You Go To College Without A GED Or High School Diploma? That way, youd have two new diplomas by the time you finished up your program! Welcome to The Ways To Wealth. Your lack of diploma wont even come up in a freelance writing career if you have great writing skills and stellar samples in your portfolio. 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. Gateway Community and Technical College offers admission to students without high school diplomas or GEDs. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. "They're missing out on a whole bunch of options this way," he says. Trade school programs typically take 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on the type of program and school. You dont necessarily need a diploma, but you do need skills and a plan. Typically only requiring a high school degree and on the job training, power plant operators can make serious money. Trade schools can qualify students for specialized jobs that other people are not often trained to do. There is a wide range of jobs out there that dont require a high school diploma or GED. The best VAs are those who have a variety of skills, are quick to learn, and are willing to take on multiple roles which will in turn give them more career capital and skills to boost their earnings and future opportunities. Even if you don't need to graduate high school to attend a trade school, you may need to be a certain age (e.g., at least 17 years old). $39,960. Jenni Sisson is a freelance writer and editor focused on personal finance, technology and entrepreneurship. 2023 Best Colleges That Don't Require High School Diploma or GED It allows applicants who are enrolled in career programs to receive grants or other tuition assistance. Greenville Technical College offers a number of online trade programs for students who have not obtained a GRE or high school diploma. After a few years as a drywall taper, you will have the skills, experience and industry connections to create your own company, should you choose. Often, the things learned in trade school are skills that the general public doesnt possess. 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. Earning potential: This job requires intense, long-term, on-the-job training as well as intense concentration throughout the shift. The pay ceiling for proofreaders is not as high as it is for writing. "Having a decent wage or a nice income, you can do some financial planning," Harris says. You can plan for emergencies. For that reason, extensive training is required for certain aspects of the job. 10 Highest-Paid Trade Jobs - College Consensus This can be a first step on a career path to law enforcement, corrections, military or a similar career. Where to get started: Sign up with Lyft and/or Uber. 23 Jobs That Don't Require a High-School Diploma - The Ways To Wealth Yes, you can be successful without a high school diploma. Both take time to build. For example, the report authors write, "Women have lower median lifetime earnings than men at every level of education." Trade diplomas are usually specific to particular career opportunities, so its helpful to choose your field carefully. Drivers sign up for blocks (or shifts), and deliver packages in that particular time frame on a specific route. Keep in mind that pay for this job can be rather random, as its based on the number of clients you take and how far they need to drive. "That's why somebody who can do air conditioning will make more than somebody who becomes a schoolteacher.". Getting certified might allow you to take on new responsibilities at work. The general age requirement for attending trade school is 16 years old. The forecast for these positions is good, with growth expected to be 25% from 2016 to 2026. A career as a cable/fiber optics technician is another one of the highest paying trade school jobs today and offers the potential for an even brighter tomorrow. Once you do, it's one of the best jobs without a degree around and can snag you a salary of about $68,485 a year. Resources: Many drywall tapers get on-the-job training, but the Carpenters Union does offer training courses in drywall finishing and other construction subjects. Working an average day, you might receive a few vehicles that you have to repair, upgrade or provide general maintenance for. Santa Rosa Junior Collegeisaccreditedby the Western Association of Schools andColleges. Median . With little to no supervision, this kind of job requires someone whos detail-oriented. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that installation, maintenance, and repair occupations pay a median annual salary of $48,750. Being a construction worker entails building a variety of structures, from houses to parks and everything in between. Even still, many vocational programs are offered by community colleges. Even without a high school diploma, you can discover a broad range of jobs in your area. Janitors are a crucial part of any workspace, sweeping, mopping, and otherwise taking care of minor maintenance. The military once treated GEDs as they would any other high school diploma. Theyre often focused on jobs that involve a lot of hands-on work. Consequently, you'll have to check your state's licensing requirements to ensure you'll be able to practice your trade once you graduate. The more experience, skills and training you can get (whether thats on the job or from a course), the greater your earning potential will be. You will need to find an Electrician school or apprenticeship program. 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. Show confidence. Most clients care more about what you can do for them than degrees or diplomas. Yes, trade school is worth it for many students. Part of what the government will look at is easing entry requirements for those, figuring. If you enjoy working with your hands, you might go to trade school to be trained as a mechanic, a welder, or an HVAC technician. While it might be difficult to achieve this position without a high school diploma, you can have all the experience required without one. Accreditation can also make a difference during a job search. 3. "You get to create what needs to happen in this room. 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. Jobs in the skilled trades (plumber, electrician, locksmith, etc.) Cerritos College offers admission to students who are 18 years old or older and dont have high school diplomas or GEDs. Median annual salary: $94,790 Annual salary for top earners: $125,340 That's how Isis Harris, in Portland, got her training to become an electrician, a career, she says, that helps her feel fulfilled both physically and mentally. A GED diploma can help you get into trade school, apply for college, or qualify for a job that requires a high school diploma. The seasonality of construction jobs makes them ideal for those pursuing education or training during the winter months. Here are several options that offer relatively high salaries and require no education to start. High earning potential. Weve focused the list on those that provide career capital, allowing you to build your skills into a higher salary and future opportunities. One of the activities involved wiring a lightbulb. In his professional career hes written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Many of these . The free 76-minute workshop explains how to know whether proofreading is a good fit for you, and how to get started if you decide that it is. The first job will be the hardest to land, and it likely wont pay much. Vocational school isnt for just one particular career path. If you really want to kick-start a sales career, study up on sales books like To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink. Students may apply for courses within 2 weeks of classes starting. Never miss an opportunity thats right for you. Southwestern College offers admittance to applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED if they are 18 years old or older. To be a shopper, you must be able to lift 30 pounds or more and have a reliable car and a smartphone. The GED credential is considered a high school equivalency diploma. On the other hand, auto mechanic school usually takes about 2 years. Look into receiving a GED. Of course, this type of position requires you to have a phone and reliable phone service, as well as persuasive communication skills. Recommended resource: The best place to get hired as a freelance designer is on Upwork, and we wrote a detailed guide to getting your first job on the site. One survey notes that a third of beginning freelance writers made between $21 and $40 hourly. 23.50%. Often, these jobs are higher paying, but to ensure that you have the proper experience, its important to read job descriptions thoroughly before applying. Since the jobs are regionally based, employers often pay per diem expenses to cover hotels and food. 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 Some are even same day pay jobs, which allow you to access your earnings immediately upon completion of a shift or gig. Proofread Anywhere is the go-to resource for people looking to break into the work-from-home proofreading industry. Those still in high school may apply for the dual credits program to allow them to earn credits early. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Get the data. The term caretaker encompasses a wide range of positions, from working with children to working with the elderly or disabled individuals. You get to play with fur babies and get paid for it. On a typical day, you might inspect the building, locate trespassers, and determine whether someone will be denied entry to your building/park. Here are some tips for succeeding at virtual job fairs.