I'm considering joining the workforce right after high school instead of going to college. What are some of the best-paying jobs I can get with just a high school diploma? Would love some insights or personal experiences!
It's great that you're considering your options, and there are indeed several well-paying jobs that you can obtain with a high school diploma. Here are some of the higher-paying options:
1. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators: They control nuclear reactors. They adjust control rods to affect how much electricity a reactor generates and monitor reactors, turbines, generators, and cooling systems.
2. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: They plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities by organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations.
3. First-line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: They directly supervise and coordinate the activities of members of the police force.
4. Power Distributors and Dispatchers: They coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
5. Commercial Pilots: They pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters.
6. Detectives and Criminal Investigators: They conduct investigations related to suspected violations of Federal, State, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
7. Elevator Installers and Repairers: They assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
8. Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electrical and Electronics Repairers: They maintain and repair electrical equipment used in the generation of electricity.
9. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers: These workers operate or control petroleum refining or processing units.
10. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers: They install or repair cables or wires used in the electrical power or distribution systems.
Do note that some of these jobs might require additional certification or short-term programs beyond a high school diploma. Each job has different responsibilities, work environments, and schedules so it's crucial to research each career thoroughly and consider your interests and strengths too.
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