Here are some of the high-paying jobs that only require high school graduates or equivalent. Which occupations are the best fit for you? Here’s how to find out.
Don’t believe everything your sixth-grade homeroom teacher told you about college. No, a college diploma is not required for success in life. While having a diploma or advanced degree does, on average, result in greater pay, this does not mean that persons without degrees are unsuitable to succeed in today’s workforce.
Firefighter
Median salary: $49,620
Job requirements:
- Supreme physical fitness
- Courage, confidence, resilience, and ability to work well under pressure
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
Respond to emergency situations beyond fired
Attend to car crashes, chemical spills, flooding, and more
Use sophisticated firefighting equipment
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Median salary: $42,680
Job requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to work in extreme environments
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
Assemble solar modules, panels, and support structures as necessary
Apply weather sealing to all relevant fixtures
Examine designs to determine requirements for assembly
Wind Turbine Technician
Median salary: $54,370
Job requirements:`
- High school diploma or GED
- Experience working with hand tools and power tools
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
Troubleshoot or repair wind turbines
Resolve electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions
Inspect or repair fiberglass turbine blades
Plumber
Median salary: $53,910
Job requirements:
- Outstanding troubleshooting and repair skills
- Plumbing experience
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
Faucet repairs
Water heater installation
Plumbing system replacements

Electrician
Median salary: $55,190
Job requirements:
- High school diploma
- Electrician apprenticeship
- Valid driver’s license
Job responsibilities:
Install, maintain, and repair electrical components (cable, conduit, wiring)
Read and interpret electrical plans and blueprints
Organize and control tools and materials
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Medical Assistant
Median salary: $53,610
Job requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalency
- CPR certification
- Excellent communication skills
Job responsibilities:
Coordinates referrals, scheduling, and correspondence
Register patients according to established protocols
Assists in nursing care as directed by RN
Insurance Sales Agent
Median salary: $50,600
Job requirements:
- Property and casualty insurance license
- Strong communications and sales skills
- Self confidence and excellent initiative
Job responsibilities:
Sell and service insurance policies
Conduct underwriting assessments
Serve as a liaison between the customer and insurance provider
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