10 High Paying Jobs for High School Dropouts

Last updated on August 26th, 2023 at 11:31 am

Every year, around 1.2 million students in the United States drop out of high school, or approximately 7,000 students every day. In the EU, the average proportion of early school leavers aged 18–24 in 2020 was 9.9%.

Due to the stigma associated with high school dropouts, many firms prefer to hire school leavers over dropouts.

However, this does not imply that there are no employment opportunities. In fact, there are numerous opportunities that could lead to a highly successful career.

There are numerous jobs in high demand that do not require a high school diploma or equivalent. 

Many of these require little to no prior experience, allowing workers to learn expertise and abilities on the job or through apprenticeships. 

These are the ideal jobs for high school dropouts: 

1. Construction manager

Firstly, a job for dropouts is becoming a construction manager! 

In addition to managing workers from start to end, construction managers plan, coordinate, and manage the budgets for projects. In addition to coordinating projects with architects and contractors, they aid in the planning phase.

As a high school dropout, you will need to join an apprenticeship and study the profession on the job in order to gain employment.

To be successful in this field, you will begin as a construction worker and advance through the ranks. Taking courses in leadership and management boosts your chances of obtaining a managerial career.

2. Mechanic

Becoming a mechanic is a pick among the jobs for high school dropouts. 

You can repair vehicles and light trucks as an automotive service technician or mechanic in the automotive business. As the job requires the use of technology, you may be required to develop computer skills on the job or enroll in outside programs. With time and experience, however, you will be able to acquire the abilities necessary to work on larger vehicles and resolve more difficult issues, and thus earn better pay.

This lucrative occupation is in high demand all over the world, thus skilled mechanics can earn a big salary if they master the trade.

3. Sales representative

Another job for dropouts to consider is being a sales representative!

Wholesalers and manufacturers seeking to hire sales representatives frequently place a greater emphasis on candidates’ ability to meet quotas than on their academic credentials. The position is well-compensated, and you can increase your income through commissions. Consider pursuing a job as a sales representative if you enjoy communicating with others and have excellent communication skills.

If you are successful in this line of work, you can rise through the ranks to become a supervisor and then a store or area manager, leading your own sales representative team.

4. Food service manager

In the food service industry, restaurant managers receive adequate compensation. A high school diploma is not required to obtain a management position in the sector. A background in food service and a thorough understanding of the day-to-day operations of the firm will assist you to obtain employment. However, the profession requires long hours and late evenings, as well as some weekend work.

To be successful in this position, you must have excellent leadership qualities, be able to communicate clearly and earn the respect of your team. Additionally, you will be required to work on your days off to guarantee that your numbers are accurate.

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5. Administrative assistant

The majority of chances for secretaries and administrative assistants do not require a high school diploma so it would be a good job for dropouts. However, you will face severe competition from those with a high school diploma or college degree.

Your interview performance and related work experience will offer you an advantage. The position also provides profitable opportunities for advancing to a senior administrative position.

6. Entrepreneur

Being a successful entrepreneur depends on your abilities and work ethic, not your academic credentials. If you believe in an idea and can turn it into a business, you will be able to create employment opportunities for yourself and others.

You will not be the lone high school dropout to achieve entrepreneurial success. Consider Richard Branson, who dropped out of school and went on to establish Virgin Group (and was a billionaire along the way).

If you’re serious about flourishing as an entrepreneur, you may want to consider taking management courses and seminars to improve your business management skills. Additionally, you should examine the practices of other successful entrepreneurs, as doing so will aid your development.

7. Home health aide

As a home health aide, you will be responsible for assisting individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairments with dressing, bathing, and hygiene needs. You will work in a range of environments, such as patients’ homes, group homes, and day services programs.

This job for dropouts is not for the weak-minded, so you must possess honesty, physical stamina, and outstanding interpersonal skills. This position is suitable for those who wish to improve the lives of others.

8. Floral designer

If you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for flowers, this could be an excellent career choice for you.

Floral designers, often known as florists, create ornamental displays, bouquets, and other floral arrangements for individual clients, locations, and occasions.

This is a vocation that offers on-the-job training, so you will be able to gain knowledge and experience by working alongside an experienced florist who can show you the ropes.

9. Electrician

With a lifetime earnings projection of $1.4 million, becoming an electrician might be rather rewarding. In addition, this high-paying construction profession is in hot demand!

As an electrician, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, companies, and factories, among other environments.

This position requires business abilities, physical stamina, problem-solving skills, physical strength, critical thinking skills, color vision, and customer service skills.

10. Machinist

As a high school dropout, you also have the option of becoming a machinist or a tool or die-maker. You will be responsible for setting up and operating a number of computer-controlled and mechanically-controlled machine tools in order to manufacture a wide range of precision metal components, instruments, and tools.

Physical stamina and manual dexterity are necessary skills for this occupation. Additionally, you must possess good analytical, mechanical, and technical skills, as well as a mathematical aptitude.

Choosing to forego finishing high school is not a death sentence; there are many rewarding occupations available even to those who lack a certificate. Keep in mind that failure is not an option.

Have you not completed high school? What sort of career did you end up pursuing? Tell us about it in the comments area if you wish!