The 20 Best Jobs You Can Land Without A High School Diploma

While job hunting might seem understandably discouraging at first, knowing the right jobs to look for can help you effectively narrow your search. After all, you should never accept an ill-fitting job simply because you aren’t sure where to look.

In this article, we’ll examine 20 of the best jobs you can get without a high school diploma in the United States, showcasing a wide range of fields, experience levels, and even work from home positions.

Key Takeaways:

• Roughly ten percent of the United States population lacks a high school diploma, so if you’re hitting the job market without one, you’re not alone.

• There are a variety of potentially easy and high-quality jobs out there that don’t require a high school diploma or GED.

• These jobs can range from customer service to construction, as well as entry-level roles that can lead to high-paying positions with experience.

• Whenever you’re job hunting, remember that while it’s important to be open to new things, you should also never settle for a job that isn’t right for you. Even without a high school diploma, you can discover a broad range of jobs in your area.

8 Entry Level Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma

1. Server
   Average Annual Salary: $24,000

   Servers are a crucial part of what makes restaurants tick. Generally speaking, you’d spend an average shift taking orders and relaying them to kitchen staff, as well as answering customer questions and sometimes working a register.

   Depending on the restaurant and time of day, the pace of your work environment can vary greatly. Being a server is a good entry-level option, as you will receive on-the-job training.

   Find Server jobs near me

2. Housekeeper
   Average Annual Salary: $23,000

   Housekeepers work in a wide range of environments, cleaning hotels, offices, and even private residential homes. On a typical day, you might sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and replace towels or bedding. With little to no supervision, this kind of job requires someone who’s detail-oriented.

   If you’re thinking of becoming a housekeeper, be mindful of allergies, as you wouldn’t want to work in a home with four cats if you’re deathly allergic. That being said though, no formal education is required and you can receive on-the-job training.

   Find Housekeeper jobs near me

3. Janitor
   Average Annual Salary: $23,000

   If you’re interested in becoming a janitor, you’ll have the option of working in an office, school, gym, or even at the park, to name a few. Janitors are a crucial part of any workspace, sweeping, mopping, and otherwise taking care of minor maintenance.

   Like a housekeeper, on-the-job training is usually provided.

   Find Janitor jobs near me

4. Barista
   Average Annual Salary: $24,000

   When you imagine what it’s like to work as a barista, think of your typical coffee shop. On an average day, you’d prepare customized drinks, as well as serve simple foods like sandwiches, pretzels, muffins, and cookies. Depending on the location, this kind of work can be extremely fast-paced.

   Luckily, little to no experience is required for this job, as on-the-job training is always provided.

   Find Barista jobs near me

5. Taxi cab driver/Uber Driver
   Average Annual Salary: $28,713

   Taxi/Uber drivers can work anywhere, but will typically receive more work in heavily populated areas. In this line of work, you’d typically pick up several clients per day, and drive them to their desired location. Therefore, having people skills is a must for this position.

   Keep in mind that pay for this job can be rather random, as it’s based on the number of clients you take and how far they need to drive. Additionally, you’ll need an official driver’s license and a relatively new car to work in this field.

   Find Taxi cab driver/Uber Driver jobs near me

6. Security Guard/Bouncer
   Average Annual Salary: $30,105

   Security guards or bouncers will monitor and patrol the premises of a building to ensure safety and security. On a typical day, you might inspect the building, locate trespassers, and determine whether someone will be denied entry to your building/park.

   While on-the-job training is provided, security guards must be in decent physical condition to contend with possible threats.

   Find Security Guard/Bouncer jobs near me

7. Retail Sales Associate Cashier
   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Otherwise known as a cashier, retail sales associates often work in grocery stores, gas stations, or any other shop with a register. On a typical day, you might ring out customers, clean your workspace, and perform other shop maintenance tasks.

   Though this is typically a fast-paced environment, the lack of experience required makes it a great entry-level position.

   Find Retail Sales Associate Cashier jobs near me

8. Delivery Driver
   Average Annual Salary: $37,000

   Delivery drivers are the highest paid entry-level job on this list, but keep in mind that you need a driver’s license to become one. Generally speaking, a delivery driver will pick up and drop off various packages across an assigned route.

   Time management and driving skills are essential for this position.

   Find Delivery Driver jobs near me

8 Experienced Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma

1. Construction Worker
   Average Annual Salary: $24,000

   Being a construction worker entails building a variety of structures, from houses to parks and everything in between. A construction worker needs to know how to work with hammers, saws, drills, and even heavy machinery.

   For that reason, extensive training is required for certain aspects of the job.

   Find Construction Worker jobs near me

2. Care taker
   Average Annual Salary: $23,904

   The term caretaker encompasses a wide range of positions, from working with children to working with the elderly or disabled individuals. People working in this role may work at their client’s residency or a group home.

   Some typical caretaker responsibilities include monitoring activities, preparing meals, and handling medications.

   While no formal education is required for these positions, having experience taking care of people is a plus. Additionally, certain positions may require you to take medical tests and other exams.

   Find Care taker jobs near me

3. Dog Walker
   Average Annual Salary: $23,000

   If you love all things canine, dog walking might just be the job for you. Commonly, dog walkers will walk one or more dogs per day, and even act as caretakers for the animals.

   This position requires experience working with dogs, and work opportunities can vary based on location, experience, and networking.

   Find Dog Walker jobs near me

4. Landscaper
   Average Annual Salary: $26,000

   Landscapers spend the majority of their day outside, tending to gardens, parks, and other scenic locations. On an average assignment, you might trim plants, tidy outdoor spaces, and manage plantings.

   Generally speaking, landscapers need to have experience working with plants and enjoy working outside. Job opportunities may also vary by location, as states with harsh winters will have little to no employment options during the coldest months.

   Find Landscaper jobs near me

5. Butcher
   Average Annual Salary: $29,000

   Typically working in a grocery store or deli shop, butchers cut and prepare meats, as well as weigh, package, and display them for customers. While no formal education is required to become a butcher, thorough training is needed to prepare meat in a safe and sanitary manner.

   Find Butcher jobs near me

6. Photographer
   Average Annual Salary: $49,000

   Photographers have an eye for aesthetics and can create a well-composed picture. Typically, a photographer might work for a company or client and will take photoshoots for a variety of reasons and special occasions.

   Though many require some photographers to have a high school diploma or college degree, neither is a requirement to get into the field. Apprenticeships and internships can also provide worthwhile experience and industry knowledge.

   Find Photographer jobs near me

7. Automotive Technician
   Average Annual Salary: $36,000

   Cars often need repairs, and automotive technicians aim to provide them. Working an average day, you might receive a few vehicles that you have to repair, upgrade or provide general maintenance for.

   This job requires extensive knowledge of cars, including brakes, electrical systems, engines, and more. On-the-job training will likely be provided, but having prior knowledge of these systems will improve your chances of being hired.

   Find Automotive Technician jobs near me

8. Florist
   Average Annual Salary: $48,525

   Most often, florists work in either a grocery store or at a specific flower shop. This job entails cutting and selling flowers to customers, as well as designing arrangements for weddings, funerals, and holidays.

   Though the position might be fairly easy to get into, employers will be looking for someone who has experience taking care of flowers and other plants.

   Find Florist jobs near me

4 Remote Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma

COVID-19 has impacted the job market in significant ways. To accommodate concerns, many jobs have migrated to remote workspaces. With that in mind, here are a few remote jobs that don’t require a high school diploma:

1. Customer Service Representative
   Average Annual Salary: $29,000

   Similarly to a telemarketer, a customer service representative will spend their workday calling or taking calls from customers. Often, you’ll receive calls from customers who need help, whether that entails answering their questions, providing information, handling complaints, or processing returns.

   Generally, the end goal of a customer service representative is to leave their caller happy and satisfied, and since many people call because they are confused or upset about something, this task requires excellent communication skills. Of course, you’ll also need reliable phone service.

   Find Customer Service Representative jobs near me

2. Telemarketer
   Average Annual Salary: $29,000

   Companies generally utilize telemarketers to contact potential customers over the phone. As a telemarketer, you might try to convince someone to buy a product using a pre-fashioned sales outline.

   Of course, this type of position requires you to have a phone and reliable phone service, as well as persuasive communication skills.

   Find Telemarketer jobs near me

3. Tester
   Average Annual Salary: $61,000

   Product testers are usually hired by marketing firms or companies to test new products. By evaluating and providing feedback on new items, product testers can enjoy working from the luxury of their home.

   The experience required for the position depends on the type of product tested. For instance, testing a computer program will require a different set of skills than testing an egg beater.

   Find Tester jobs near me

4. Web Developer
   Average Annual Salary: $72,000

   While it might be difficult to achieve this position without a high school diploma, you can have all the experience required without one. Typically, a web developer will work with a client to code and design the layout of the desired website. Networking with local businesses could help you get started.

   For obvious reasons, this position requires experience with computers and working with computer code.

   Find Web Developer jobs near me

Types of Jobs You Can Get and What to Look Out for

There is a wide range of jobs out there that don’t require a high school diploma or GED. Typically though, your current skills and experience will determine which fields you’ll be qualified for.

If you lack experience, you should be on the lookout for entry-level jobs that will help you build your career going forward. These jobs can provide you with the valuable experience you need to gain new skills and will allow you to learn relevant industry knowledge.

Generally speaking, these jobs can be lower-paying but will serve as a gateway to advancing your career. Examples of entry-level jobs include:

• Customer service workers

• Restaurant staff members

• Delivery jobs

On the other hand, there are also several jobs for those without a high school diploma that require experience in a certain niche field. Often, these jobs are higher paying, but to ensure that you have the proper experience, it’s important to read job descriptions thoroughly before applying.

Some of these jobs include:

• Construction jobs

• Landscapers

• Automotive maintenance workers

Tips for Getting Hired

If you’re still having difficulties getting hired, or simply want to increase your chances, here are some additional tips:

• Refine your resume. Whether you’re applying to be a housekeeper or a construction worker, your resume serves as your first impression. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to keep your resume updated, and include as much relevant experience as possible.

  For instance, if you applied for a child caretaker position, it would be wise to include your teenage babysitting experience on your resume.

• Show confidence. Even if you don’t have a high school diploma, you should still show confidence during interviews. While it’s understandable for anyone to be anxious during an interview, visibly showing it can hurt your chances.

  Politely and professionally explain why you’d be a great fit for the role, without worrying about your educational background.

• Network. If you know friends or family who work in fields that interest you, you should reach out and communicate your interest. Often, networking with other professionals is a great way to job hunt and open doors for you.

• Look into receiving a GED. Even if you never attended or completed high school, you can still receive a similar education by completing an adult learning program or technical school.

  Online or in person, you can take highschool equivalent language arts, math, social studies, and science lessons. Then, you can take the GED test and receive a GED Certificate, an accomplishment similar to a high school diploma.

• Look for apprenticeships and internships. Even if you’re unable to pursue typical forms of higher education, you can still hone your skills and become more experienced in a field by taking part in apprenticeships and internships.

  These programs allow you to learn from other professionals in a particular field, giving you the experience needed to further your career.

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.