Some of the best jobs for high school graduates include customer service representative, general office clerk, delivery driver, construction laborer, and maintenance worker. These positions generally don’t require a four-year college degree, and many offer on-the-job training.
For graduates interested in building a longer-term career, skilled trades such as electrician, plumber, and HVAC technician can offer higher earning potential after additional training. Other options include solar panel installation, insurance sales, and working as a flight attendant.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, many occupations that require only a high school diploma provide opportunities for employment and advancement. However, higher-paying careers may require apprenticeships, licenses, certificates, or previous experience, and median salaries should not be confused with entry-level pay.
Best Jobs for High School Graduates Compared
| Job | Median annual pay | Entry requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Representative | $44,770 | High school diploma, on-the-job training |
| General Office Clerk | $45,010 | High school diploma, on-the-job training |
| Delivery Truck Driver | $43,950 | High school diploma, driving requirements |
| Construction Laborer | $46,680 | Usually no formal education requirement, on-the-job training |
| General Maintenance Worker | $49,590 | High school diploma, on-the-job training |
| Solar PV Installer | $53,140 | High school diploma, technical/on-the-job training |
| Electrician | $63,190 | Apprenticeship, often licensing |
| Plumber | $63,800 | Apprenticeship, often licensing |
| HVAC Technician | $61,010 | Usually technical training, sometimes licensing/certification |
| Insurance Sales Agent | $62,280 | High school diploma, state license |
| Flight Attendant | $63,580 | High school diploma, employer training and other requirements |
These figures are May 2025 median annual earnings across workers in each occupation, not starting salaries for recent high school graduates. Entry-level pay can be substantially lower, particularly in occupations where new workers begin as apprentices or trainees.
5 Jobs You Can Start After High School
These positions generally have lower barriers to entry and may allow graduates to start working without several years of additional education.
1. Customer Service Representative
Median annual pay: $44,770
Customer service representatives answer questions, resolve complaints, process orders, and help customers by phone, email, chat, or in person.
Many positions require only a high school diploma and provide short-term training after hiring. The occupation can be a practical way to develop communication, problem-solving, and computer skills that transfer to other office roles.
Customer service positions also exist across industries such as retail, finance, insurance, telecommunications, and healthcare.
The downside is that dealing with frustrated customers can be stressful. Employment is also projected to decline 5% from 2025 to 2035 as more basic customer interactions become automated.
2. General Office Clerk
Median annual pay: $45,010
General office clerks perform everyday administrative tasks such as processing documents, maintaining records, responding to email, entering information, and answering phones.
These jobs can suit graduates who prefer an office environment and are comfortable working with computers and routine administrative processes.
Experience as an office clerk may lead to more specialized administrative or coordinating positions, depending on the organization and the employee’s skills.
One limitation is that many repetitive clerical duties are increasingly automated. Long-term opportunities may depend on developing stronger software, organization, communication, or industry-specific skills.
3. Delivery Truck Driver
Median annual pay: $43,950
Delivery truck drivers transport packages, food, supplies, and other relatively small loads between businesses, distribution facilities, and customers.
This job can appeal to people who prefer being on the road rather than sitting at a desk all day. Drivers often work independently for much of their route.
Requirements vary by employer and vehicle. Applicants may need an appropriate driver’s license, a minimum age, and an acceptable driving record.
This category should not be confused with long-haul heavy truck driving. Operating large commercial trucks can involve different age restrictions, training requirements, and a commercial driver’s license.
4. Construction Laborer
Median annual pay: $46,680
Construction laborers perform physical work on building and infrastructure projects.
Typical duties can include:
- preparing job sites;
- moving construction materials;
- using basic tools;
- assisting skilled tradespeople;
- cleaning and organizing work areas.
Many workers learn their duties on the job rather than completing a college program before entering the field.
Construction work can also expose graduates to trades such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and equipment operation.
The main drawbacks are physical demands, outdoor working conditions, and the possibility of irregular schedules. Working as a laborer also does not automatically qualify someone for a skilled trade without additional training.
5. General Maintenance and Repair Worker
Median annual pay: $49,590
General maintenance workers keep buildings, equipment, and basic systems functioning.
They may work in:
- apartment complexes;
- hotels;
- schools;
- hospitals;
- office buildings;
- commercial properties.
Entry-level employees frequently learn from more experienced workers on the job. The role can help graduates develop practical skills involving tools, basic repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance.
However, general maintenance workers are not automatically qualified to perform every electrical, plumbing, or HVAC task. Certain work may require specialized training or a professional license.
6 Career Paths That Require Additional Training
These careers do not normally require a four-year bachelor’s degree, but they should not be confused with jobs that most graduates can begin fully qualified immediately after high school.
6. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Median annual pay: $53,140
Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, install, and maintain systems that convert sunlight into electricity.
A high school diploma is typically sufficient as the formal entry-level education, although some workers complete technical courses. Training often continues on the job.
One of the biggest attractions is projected employment growth: BLS expects employment of solar PV installers to increase 37% from 2025 to 2035.
The work is hands-on and can provide a technical career without a bachelor’s degree, but it is also physically demanding. Installers frequently work outdoors, travel to job sites, and may work on roofs or other elevated structures.
7. Electrician
Median annual pay: $63,190
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and systems.
The typical path looks more like:
High school → apprenticeship → experience and qualification → licensing where required
Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship that typically lasts four to five years. Apprentices combine paid work with technical instruction while gradually developing more advanced skills.
BLS projects electrician employment to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035.
The median salary above applies to electricians across the occupation. A new apprentice should expect to earn less while learning the trade.
Graduates interested in this route can explore registered programs through Apprenticeship.gov.
8. Plumber
Median annual pay: $63,800
Plumbers install and repair pipes, fixtures, and systems that carry water, gas, and other materials.
Like electricians, plumbers commonly learn through an apprenticeship rather than a four-year college program.
The typical route involves a high school education followed by several years of paid training and any licensing requirements that apply in the state or locality.
Plumbing can offer a long-term skilled career for people who prefer hands-on technical work.
The trade can also involve physically difficult tasks, cramped work areas, emergency calls, evenings, or weekends. The $63,800 median salary represents established workers across the occupation, not the starting pay of a new apprentice.
9. HVAC Technician
Median annual pay: $61,010
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair climate-control systems.
Unlike some jobs in the first section, HVAC usually requires additional preparation. A postsecondary nondegree technical program is a common entry route, although other training paths exist.
Depending on the work performed and the state, technicians may also need licenses or certifications.
Employment is projected to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035, making HVAC an attractive option for graduates interested in mechanical and technical work.
The trade can involve uncomfortable temperatures, tight spaces, seasonal workloads, and emergency service calls.
10. Insurance Sales Agent
Median annual pay: $62,280
Insurance sales agents help customers select and purchase insurance policies.
A high school diploma may be sufficient for entry, although some employers prefer applicants with additional education or sales experience. Agents must also obtain the appropriate state license before selling insurance products.
Communication, persuasion, customer service, and relationship-building skills are especially important.
The profession can provide a career path without requiring a bachelor’s degree, but it is sales-oriented. Compensation can also include different combinations of salary, commissions, and incentives, depending on the employer.
Someone who strongly dislikes sales targets may prefer another career path.
11. Flight Attendant
Median annual pay: $63,580
Flight attendants are responsible for passenger service and, more importantly, safety duties aboard aircraft.
A high school diploma or equivalent is generally sufficient educationally, but getting hired involves additional requirements.
Candidates typically must:
- meet the airline’s minimum age requirement;
- pass the hiring process;
- complete employer-provided training;
- meet applicable FAA certification requirements.
Airlines may also prefer candidates with previous customer service experience.
The job can appeal to people who enjoy travel and working with passengers, but it comes with irregular schedules, nights away from home, weekends, holidays, and competitive hiring.
It should therefore be viewed as a career option available to high school graduates rather than a job that every graduate can begin immediately.
How to Choose a Career After High School
The best job depends on more than salary. A useful first step is separating positions you can realistically pursue now from careers that require months or years of additional preparation.
How Soon Can You Start?
If earning income quickly is the priority, jobs such as customer service, general office work, delivery, construction labor, and basic maintenance may offer a faster route into employment.
If you can invest time in training, electrician, plumbing, HVAC, and other technical paths may provide stronger long-term opportunities.
What Kind of Work Do You Prefer?
Consider the environment you would actually like to work in:
- Office and computer work: office clerk or customer service representative.
- Hands-on work: construction, maintenance, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work.
- Sales and communication: insurance sales.
- Travel and customer service: flight attendant.
- Outdoor technical work: solar PV installation.
A career with a higher median wage may still be a poor choice if you strongly dislike its daily working conditions.
What Training Is Required?
“No college degree required” does not mean “no training required.”
Different careers may involve:
- immediate on-the-job training;
- technical certificates;
- apprenticeships;
- employer training;
- state licenses;
- professional certifications.
Check the actual requirements for your state and prospective employer before committing to a particular path.
What Are the Long-Term Prospects?
Compare more than today’s starting wage.
Useful factors include:
- employment growth;
- opportunities to advance;
- training requirements;
- working conditions;
- long-term median pay;
- whether skills can transfer to other roles.
High school graduates have several career options that don’t require a four-year college degree. Entry-level jobs in customer service, administration, delivery, construction, and maintenance can provide opportunities to start working relatively quickly. Those willing to complete additional training may find longer-term opportunities in electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, solar installation, or other skilled occupations. The best choice depends on how soon you want to start working, the training you’re prepared to complete, and the type of career you’d like to build.
