Additional training, such as a GED, apprenticeships, or a certificate may be needed for a job that doesn’t require a high school diploma. If you do acquire a high school diploma equivalent, then check out this article on high-paying jobs without a degree. For now, continue reading as we further examine these training options.
A Guide to High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma
Most jobs require applicants to have a formal education. The minimum qualification is usually a high school diploma. However, even if you don’t have this degree, you can still find jobs that don’t require a high school diploma. In fact, you don’t have to settle for a minimum wage job, as there are plenty of high-paying jobs that don’t require a high school diploma and offer a good annual wage.
For some, the cost of education is too high. For others, school is simply not for them. If you don’t know how to find jobs that don’t require a high school diploma, then continue reading. In this guide, we will identify what jobs are available to you, show you where to find these jobs, and examine further training that is available to you.
Plumber
Primary duties: Plumbers repair, replace and maintain the functionality of water pipes, fixtures and waste systems. They design plumbing systems for new buildings, repair broken pipes and install replacement fixtures. They handle a range of issues, including leaks, flooding and low water pressure.
Primary duties: Police officers pursue and apprehend criminals, file reports concerning crimes and endeavor to keep the peace in their communities. They drive specialized vehicles and use a specific set of tools while includes handguns, handcuffs and communication devices.
Requirements: Police officers must take and pass a police entrance exam and graduate from a local police academy to be qualified to pursue a career in law enforcement. The academy training involves physical conditioning, firearms training and criminal law.
What fields should I apply in?
There are a wide range of career options available for those without a formal high school diploma. However, it is important to pay close attention to job postings so you’re sure you meet the qualifications and requirements before you apply.
After you have found the ideal job for you, you will need to prepare a resume, apply for the job and complete at least one interview to receive an offer. There are several steps you can take to help increase your chances of getting a job that doesn’t require a high school diploma, such as:
1. Craft your resume.
Be sure to use active language in your resume by using power words like “achieved,” “earned” or “accomplished.” Before you send out your resume, make sure you proofread it to check for spelling and grammar errors. It is also a good idea to have a trusted friend or family member proofread your resume.
2. Tailor your resume for each job.
For each position you apply to, it’s important to tailor your resume to fit that job description. In your resume, include only relevant work experience, achievements, education and skills that match the job posting.
For example, if you are applying to a position in retail, your resume should list skills and previous work experiences relevant to a retail position, such as customer service experience, problem-solving skills and time-management skills.
3. Interview with confidence.
4. Find an apprenticeship or internship.
To develop the specialized skills necessary to work in your desired career field, it may be beneficial to find an apprenticeship or an internship program. These programs are designed to help you learn from experienced professionals and expand your skill set so you can be successful in your career. Working in an internship or as an apprentice allows you to build your resume by showing that you have some prior experience in that field.
5. Earn a GED.
As an alternative to a high school diploma, a GED certificate is a measure of language arts, math, social studies and science aptitude. You will need to review the GED requirements in your area and pass the exam. Upon passing the exam, you earn a high school equivalency credential, which is like getting a high school diploma. Earning a GED can provide an abundance of advanced educational and career opportunities.
6. Work with an employment agency.
Employment agencies are organizations that match employees to employers. These agencies help you find employment by focusing on your skills and matching those skills to different jobs. Employment agencies are designed to fill all types of jobs in a wide range of career fields. These professionals are dedicated to helping you find a job that promotes your skill set.
What jobs can I get without a high school diploma?
1. Housekeeper
Primary duties: Housekeepers clean office buildings, hotels and hospitals. Typical duties include replacing bedding, cleaning rooms and bathrooms, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, replacing toiletries and making beds. No formal education is required, though on-the-job training may be necessary.
2. Server
Primary duties: Servers take customer orders, answer questions about the menu, sell food and drinks, accept payments and relay orders to the kitchen staff. A server helps with customer service and helps keep the restaurant running smoothly. Training is required as part of the job.
3. Barista
4. Custodian
Primary duties: Custodians make sure that office buildings, schools, churches and sports parks are kept clean. A custodian picks up garbage, sweeps, mops, vacuums, cleans and stocks bathrooms and cleans windows. It is the custodian’s job to take care of minor building maintenance and any necessary repairs. Training is provided.
5. Security guard
Primary duties: A security guard monitors and patrols buildings and the surrounding premises to keep them safe and secure. Typical duties of a security guard are to monitor surveillance equipment, inspect buildings, address trespassers and permit or deny entry. Security guards must exhibit strong attention to detail and be in good physical condition. On-the-job training is often provided.
6. Florist
Primary duties: Florists grow, arrange and sell flowers and floral arrangements for special occasions such as weddings, funerals and holidays. Florists can be employed at a floral shop or in the floral department of a grocery store. This job requires knowledge of flowers and plants, including how they grow and how to care for them.
7. Telemarketer
Primary duties: Telemarketers contact potential customers by phone to offer goods or services. A telemarketer follows a prepared sales outline to persuade the customer to purchase goods or services. This position requires the use of a phone and computer. Successful telemarketers have strong organizational and data entry skills.
8. Landscaper
Primary duties: A landscaper works outside to enhance gardens, parks and other various landscapes. A landscaper helps with plant growth, cleans outdoor facilities and trims overgrown plants. Landscapers may work for a private company or as a city or state employee. No formal education is required, but landscapers should enjoy working outside.
9. Shuttle driver
Primary duties: Shuttle drivers transport passengers and luggage along a predetermined route. They may pick passengers up at a hotel and drive them to the airport and vice versa. This job requires safe driving practices, the ability to memorize a route, organization and punctuality. Additionally, shuttle drivers should be courteous and friendly toward passengers and assist with luggage. Training is provided, though drivers need a CDL permit and sometimes a passenger endorsement on their licenses.
10. Butcher
Primary duties: Butchers cut and prepare meats for sale. They clean and maintain tools and equipment and weigh, package, price and display products. A butcher can be employed in a standalone shop or through a grocery store. No education is required. However, extensive training is needed to learn how to prepare and cut meat safely and sanitarily.
11. Customer support representative
Primary duties: Customer support representatives assist customers with questions, provide information about products and services, accept orders, process returns and handle complaints. This role focuses on helping the customer with all aspects of their purchase and keeping them happy and satisfied. This job requires excellent communication skills.
12. Dog walker
Primary duties: Dog walkers take dogs outside for walks and or play with them. A dog walker may feed and water dogs and take them out afterward. They may have several clients at once or work for an agency. For this position, dog walkers should be comfortable handling and caring for different breeds of dogs. Experience around animals is beneficial for this job.
13. Construction worker
Primary duties: Construction workers perform various duties related to building projects. They remove debris, build scaffolding, load and unload building materials and operate heavy machinery. No education is required, though construction workers should enjoy being outside. Training is required to operate large equipment.
14. Nanny
Primary duties: A nanny cares for children. They live with the family, performing most of the childcare responsibilities, or they could watch children during periods when the parents are unavailable. Main responsibilities include preparing meals, monitoring activities and playing with children. This position requires organization and creativity. Previous experience in childcare is beneficial.
Sources:
https://careerkarma.com/blog/jobs-that-dont-require-a-high-school-diploma/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-you-can-get-with-a-high-school-degree
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/no-high-school-diploma-jobs