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.

What Are Good Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma?

Good jobs that don’t require a high school diploma are hands-on, skill-based, or casual jobs. These jobs may require an alternative to a high school diploma like a GED, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training, and might have additional requirements depending on the field.

Don’t be put off if the job description calls for a high school diploma when doing a job search. If you think you can learn the necessary skills on the job and are willing to work hard, you should still apply. For example, caretakers, taxi drivers, baristas, or construction workers are typical jobs you can get without a high school diploma.

Why Get a Job That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma

• Flexibility: Casual jobs, like dog walker and housekeeper, are easily acquired without a high school diploma. These jobs offer flexibility with no contracts or long-term commitments, and without the need for a particular educational background.
• More efficient worker: If you don’t have a high school diploma, you may have to work harder to impress your boss and prove yourself. This will make you a more efficient worker and help you to better advance your career.
• Quick and easy to apply: Often, jobs that don’t require a high school diploma are quick and easy to apply for, and the typical duties involved are easy to learn. This means you can avoid long and complicated interview processes and get a job without much hassle.

Is It Easy to Find a Job That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma?

Yes, it is easy to find a job that doesn’t require a high school diploma. Today, employees are less concerned about formal education than ever before. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an increase of over 6 million jobs per year that don’t require formal education.

Jobs in Demand Now That Don’t Require a High School Diploma

Read on for a list of the top 10 jobs currently in demand that don’t require a high school diploma. Some of these are entry-level jobs, while others are experience-based. The table also includes the basic requirements for entry for these types of jobs.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma?

Taxi Drivers

Taxi drivers pick up customers and drive them to their destinations. They can work for a taxi company or be self-employed. As a taxi driver, people skills are an essential part of the job. You must also have a clean driver’s license and a functioning car. 

Caretakers

Caretakers work with a variety of individuals, such as children or the elderly. Caretakers may work at their client’s residence or a group home. Their typical duties involve taking care of others by supervising their activities, preparing meals, handling proper medications, etc. 

Dog Walkers

If you love dogs, then this is the perfect job for you. Dog walkers are responsible for both walking and looking after dogs. This is a casual job, suitable for those looking for flexibility. Dog walkers can take on as many clients as they wish, and may choose to walk multiple dogs at the same time. No other specialized skills are required.

Delivery Drivers

The typical duties of delivery drivers involve picking up and dropping off products from one destination to another. This might be delivering groceries from a supermarket to a client’s home or working as a food delivery driver. Time management and excellent driving skills are essential for this job, but you must have a driver’s license to apply.

Security Guards

Security guards monitor and patrol building premises to ensure they are safe and secure. Primary duties involve monitoring surveillance systems, inspecting buildings and people, or granting entry to premises. You will need to pass a background check if you want to get this job.

Janitors

Janitors clean and maintain various buildings such as schools, offices, hotels, and nightclubs. Primary tasks include mopping, vacuuming floors, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, following instructions from the head janitor, and washing windows and mirrors. Janitors receive the necessary training on the job.

Housekeepers

Housekeepers work in a wide range of environments, from offices and hotels to private residential homes. Similar to janitors, their primary duties involve cleaning and maintaining these properties. Housekeepers are trained on the job.

Baristas

Baristas typically work at coffee shops or restaurants. You don’t need experience, but you can take a free online barista course or purchase some equipment to train yourself at home. Baristas should be patient, have a good manner, and have excellent interpersonal skills.

Servers

Servers take orders, answer customer questions, and serve food. You can get a job in a restaurant or with a catering company, depending on whether you are looking for full-time, part-time, or casual work. No specific educational background is required.

Cashiers

Cashiers work in a store that has a cash register, such as a grocery store or a gas station. This is an entry-level job and ideal if you are looking for casual or part-time work. Basic math skills are a plus, as are interpersonal skills, but these aren’t essential as you will receive on-the-job training. Cashiers usually earn minimum wage, but they can advance into a higher-paying job or take on administrative functions as they gain experience.

What Training Do You Need for a Job That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma?

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. 

GED

GED stands for Tests of General Educational Development. The GED tests are a series of four subject tests a person takes to demonstrate their high school academic knowledge. A GED is seen as an alternative to a high school diploma. The tests typically cost $120 and take about 7 hours to complete.

Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships are a great way to land a high-paying job. Not only do you receive excellent hands-on training from an expert, but you often get paid while you learn. In addition, apprenticeships can often evolve into full-time work. Electricians, carpenters, and engineers are good examples of jobs that offer apprenticeships.

High School Equivalency Certificate

A high school equivalency certificate is aimed at high school students who leave before graduation. You must demonstrate you have the same skills and knowledge as a high school graduate by taking a test. Once you pass the test, you are issued a high school equivalency certificate. 

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help You Get a Job That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma?

Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you get a job that doesn’t require a high school diploma. If you want to work in the tech industry this is the ideal path for you. A coding bootcamp is a short intensive program that teaches students job-ready technical skills. These bootcamps offer focused programs that teach you exactly what you need to thrive in a particular tech field. 

If you are considering a job that doesn’t require a high school degree, these are some coding bootcamps that should be on your radar:

• Flatiron School 
• Thinkful
• Nucamp

Where to Find Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma and Pay Well

Now that you know what jobs are available to you and the additional training you might need, it’s time to learn where to start your job hunt and find the types of jobs that don’t require a high school diploma.

Indeed

Indeed is a global job site with over 250 million active users. The site is free to use and it offers job seekers the ability to search and apply for jobs, post resumes, and research companies. You can easily search for jobs that don’t require a high school diploma. 

Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a fast-growing job and recruitment site that provides detailed insights into jobs and companies. You can use Glassdoor to find average salaries, company ratings, company reviews, and interview techniques. Unlike other career sites, employees are the ones who share all of this information.

ZipRecruiter 

ZipRecruiter aims to create meaningful connections between job seekers and employers across a wide variety of industries. It is one of the easiest job posting sites available. ZipRecruiter started as a tiny business, but today it connects millions of people all over the world.

Ready to Start Your New Career?

Now that you have all the knowledge you need to find the right job for you, it’s time to start your career. Getting a job without a high school diploma can be challenging. You will need to work hard and be persistent in your search. 

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However, if you take advantage of the resources available to you, such as free online classes or coding bootcamps, you will give yourself the best possible chance of finding the best high-paying job that doesn’t require a high school diploma.

Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma FAQ