A Guide to High-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma

Most jobs require applicants to have a formal education. The minimum qualification is usually a high school diploma. However, even if you don’t have this degree, you can still find jobs that don’t require a high school diploma. In fact, you don’t have to settle for a minimum wage job, as there are plenty of high-paying jobs that don’t require a high school diploma and offer a good annual wage.¹

For some, the cost of education is too high. For others, school is simply not for them. If you don’t know how to find jobs that don’t require a high school diploma, then continue reading. In this guide, we will identify the available jobs, show you where to find them, and examine further training options available to you.

What Are Good Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma?

Good jobs that don’t require a high school diploma are hands-on, skill-based, or casual jobs. These jobs may require an alternative to a high school diploma, like a GED, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training, and might have additional requirements depending on the field.¹

Don’t be put off if the job description calls for a high school diploma when doing a job search. If you think you can learn the necessary skills on the job and are willing to work hard, you should still apply. For example, taxi drivers, janitors, housekeepers, baristas, servers, cashiers, construction laborers, roofers, grounds maintenance workers, and hand material movers are all roles where many employers focus on skills and training rather than formal schooling.¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹

Why Get a Job That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma

• Flexibility: Casual jobs, like barista, server, or housekeeper, are commonly available without a high school diploma. These jobs offer flexibility without long-term commitments, and typically emphasize customer service or reliability over formal credentials.² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶
• More efficient worker: If you don’t have a high school diploma, you may have to work harder to impress your boss and prove yourself. This can make you a more efficient worker and help you advance your career.
• Quick and easy to apply: Often, jobs that don’t require a high school diploma are quick and easy to apply for, and the typical duties involved are easy to learn with short-term, on-the-job training.¹

Is It Easy to Find a Job That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma?

Yes, you can find jobs that don’t require a high school diploma, but availability and pay vary by location and employer. BLS shows that a large share of U.S. jobs fall into occupations that typically require no formal educational credentials, with a 2023 median wage of $35,520 and modest projected growth through 2033.¹ That means opportunities exist, especially in roles that train on the job, though pay can be lower on average than occupations requiring more education.

Jobs in Demand Now That Don’t Require a High School Diploma

Below are common jobs that typically do not require a formal educational credential as an entry requirement. Some are entry-level positions with short-term training, while others can lead to long-term career paths.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma?

Taxi Drivers

Taxi drivers (including ride-hailing) pick up customers and drive them to their destinations. They can work for a taxi company or be self-employed. Employers emphasize people skills, safe driving, knowledge of local routes, and maintaining a clean vehicle. Most cities require a valid driver’s license, a clean record, and sometimes special licensing or permits.¹⁰ ¹²

Construction Laborers

Construction laborers assist with building roads, homes, and commercial structures. Job ads emphasize moving materials, operating basic tools, following safety procedures, and supporting skilled trades. Many employers provide safety training (e.g., OSHA-10) and short-term on-the-job training, with opportunities to advance into apprenticeships.⁷

Roofers

Roofers install and repair roofing systems. Listings highlight the ability to work at heights, use hand tools, follow safety protocols, and work outdoors in various weather. Most learn on the job; some enter through apprenticeships.⁸

Grounds Maintenance Workers

Grounds workers install and maintain landscaping, mow and trim, prune shrubs or trees, and keep outdoor areas safe and tidy. Employers seek reliability, ability to operate equipment safely, and attention to detail; training is often provided.⁹

Hand Laborers & Material Movers

These workers manually move freight, stock, and other materials, pack and load items, and keep work areas clean. Employers focus on physical stamina, safety awareness, and reliability; jobs typically include short-term on-the-job training.¹¹

Janitors

Janitors clean and maintain buildings such as schools, offices, hotels, and nightclubs. Typical tasks include sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, restocking supplies, and performing light maintenance. Employers list reliability, ability to follow checklists, and safe handling of cleaning chemicals as key requirements, with training provided on the job.² ¹³

Housekeepers

Housekeepers work in offices, hotels, hospitals, and private homes. Duties include making beds, replacing linens, cleaning bathrooms, dusting surfaces, and reporting maintenance issues. Employers often highlight time management, attention to detail, and the ability to lift or stand for long periods; training is generally provided.³ ¹⁴

Baristas

Baristas typically work at coffee shops or restaurants. Employers look for friendly customer service, the ability to learn how to operate espresso machines, follow drink recipes, and handle cash/POS systems. Many roles are entry-level, with on-the-job training and no formal credentials required.⁴ ¹⁵

Servers

Servers take orders, answer customer questions, deliver food, handle payments, and coordinate with kitchen staff. Job ads emphasize multitasking, communication, and a customer-first attitude. Many positions offer flexible schedules and provide training, and earnings often include tips.⁵ ¹⁶

Cashiers

Cashiers work wherever a cash register or POS is used, such as grocery and retail stores or gas stations. Typical duties include scanning items, handling payments, issuing receipts or refunds, and answering basic product questions. Employers value accuracy, basic math, and a helpful attitude; training is typically provided.⁶ ¹⁷

What Training Do You Need for a Job That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma?

Additional training, such as a GED, apprenticeships, or a certificate, may be needed for a job that doesn’t require a high school diploma. If you do acquire a high school diploma equivalent, then check out this article on high-paying jobs without a degree. For now, continue reading as we further examine these training options.

GED

GED stands for Tests of General Educational Development. The GED tests are a series of four subject tests a person takes to demonstrate their high school academic knowledge. A GED is seen as an alternative to a high school diploma. Fees and scheduling vary by state; the full exam can be completed in one day or across multiple sessions. (Check your state’s official GED testing site for current details.)

Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships are a great way to land a high-paying job. Not only do you receive hands-on training from an expert, but you often get paid while you learn. In addition, apprenticeships can often evolve into full-time work. Roofers and construction helpers are good examples of jobs that offer apprenticeships or structured on-the-job training.⁷ ⁸

High School Equivalency Certificate

A high school equivalency certificate is aimed at high school students who leave before graduation. You must demonstrate you have the same skills and knowledge as a high school graduate by taking a test. Once you pass the test, you are issued a high school equivalency certificate.

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help You Get a Job That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma?

Yes—with caveats. A coding bootcamp can help you build marketable skills without a college degree, but some bootcamps require a high school diploma or GED for admission. For example, Flatiron School and Chegg Skills (formerly Thinkful) list a high school diploma or GED among their admissions requirements.²¹ ²² By contrast, Nucamp does not require a diploma or GED to enroll.²³

If you prefer an alternative to a traditional bootcamp, Google Career Certificates are widely recognized, skills-focused programs with no degree required that you can complete online at your own pace.²⁵

If you are considering a job that doesn’t require a high school degree, these are some coding and tech training options to consider:

• Nucamp (no diploma or GED required).²³
• Flatiron School (HS diploma or GED required).²¹
• Chegg Skills (formerly Thinkful) (HS diploma or GED required).²²
• Google Career Certificates (no degree required).²⁵

Where to Find Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma and Pay Well

Now that you know what jobs are available to you and the additional training you might need, it’s time to learn where to start your job hunt and find the types of jobs that don’t require a high school diploma.

Indeed

Indeed is a global job site with over 250 million active users. The site is free to use, and it offers job seekers the ability to search and apply for jobs, post resumes, and research companies. You can easily search for jobs that don’t require a high school diploma. (See the employer job-description guides we referenced above for examples of role expectations.)¹² ¹³ ¹⁴ ¹⁵ ¹⁶ ¹⁷

Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a fast-growing job and recruitment site that provides detailed insights into jobs and companies. You can use Glassdoor to find average salaries, company ratings, company reviews, and interview techniques. Unlike other career sites, employees are the ones who share all of this information.

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ZipRecruiter 

ZipRecruiter aims to create meaningful connections between job seekers and employers across a wide variety of industries. It is one of the easiest job posting sites available. ZipRecruiter started as a tiny business, but today it connects millions of people all over the world.

Ready to Start Your New Career?

Now that you have all the knowledge you need to find the right job for you, it’s time to start your career. Getting a job without a high school diploma can be challenging. You will need to work hard and be persistent in your search.

However, if you take advantage of the resources available to you, such as free online classes, job-ready certificates, or coding bootcamps that fit your situation, you will give yourself the best possible chance of finding the best high-paying job that doesn’t require a high school diploma.²³ ²⁵

Jobs That Don’t Require a High School Diploma FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-summary.htm
2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/janitors-and-building-cleaners.htm
3. https://www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/maids-and-housekeeping-cleaners.htm
4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/food-and-beverage-serving-and-related-workers.htm
5. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/waiters-and-waitresses.htm
6. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/cashiers.htm
7. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-laborers-and-helpers.htm
8. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm
9. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/grounds-maintenance-workers.htm
10. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/hand-laborers-and-material-movers.htm
11. https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/taxi-driver
12. https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/janitor
13. https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/housekeeper
14. https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/barista
15. https://ca.indeed.com/hire/job-description/restaurant-server
16. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-description-for-a-cashier
17. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
18. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm
19. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm
20. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/delivery-truck-drivers-and-driver-sales-workers.htm
21. https://flatironschool.com/admissions
22. https://www.chegg.com/skills/programs
23. https://www.nucamp.co/faq/do-i-need-a-ged-high-school-diploma-to-enroll
24. https://grow.google/certificates/