In this article, we will look at the 10 best-paying jobs with high school degrees. We have also discussed companies that hire individuals with high school degrees in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 30 Best Paying Jobs With High School Degrees.
10. Lodging Manager
Average Salary: $73,230
Lodging managers oversee hotels to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction. A high school diploma is the typical entry requirement, and on-the-job training is common. The field is expected to grow by 7%, adding 3,400 jobs between 2022 and 2032.
9. Virtual Assistant
Average Salary: $74,625
A virtual assistant is a remote professional who provides administrative, clerical, or support services to clients or businesses from a distance. They handle tasks such as email management, data entry, scheduling, and research.
8. Insurance Agent
Average Salary: $76,950
An insurance agent is a sales professional who helps clients select and purchase insurance policies to protect against financial loss or risk. They work for insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate, and Geico in the United States, advising clients on coverage options and processing policy applications and claims.
7. Transportation Inspector
Average Salary: $79,770
Transportation inspectors ensure the safety and compliance of vehicles, infrastructure, and transportation systems. They inspect vehicles, tracks, bridges, and equipment, enforcing regulations and standards.
6. Farm Manager
Average Salary: $83,790
Farm managers oversee different agricultural operations, from crop production to livestock management. They often have a high school diploma and related work experience. These professionals manage farms, ranches, or agricultural businesses, making decisions on planting, harvesting, animal care, and equipment maintenance.
With 922,900 jobs in 2022, the field is expected to see a 5% decline between 2022 and 2032, resulting in a loss of 42,300 jobs, largely due to technological advancements that require fewer managers. To read more about latest developments in the agricultural industry, see our article about Top 20 AI and Robotics Companies Transforming the Agriculture Sector.
5. Power Plant Operator
Average Salary: $88,960
Power plant operators control and maintain machinery that generates electricity from coal, gas, or nuclear energy sources. Their responsibilities usually include monitoring systems, adjusting controls, and conducting routine maintenance. They are well-paid owing to the critical nature of their job and the technical expertise required.
4. Detectives and Investigators
Average Salary: $91,610
Detectives and investigators play a crucial role in maintaining law and order. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and solve crimes. Their work helps bring criminals to justice, ensuring public safety and trust in the legal system. It is one of the most mentally stimulating jobs.
3. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Average Salary: $93,960
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix vertical transportation systems. Their job can be hazardous due to working in confined spaces and handling heavy equipment. The necessity for precision and safety in this role, combined with the risk explains their high salaries.
2. Gambling Manager
Average Salary: $95,830
A gambling manager oversees the operations of gambling establishments, such as casinos or betting facilities. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with local regulations, managing staff, and optimizing the gaming experience for customers.
1. Distribution Manager
Average Salary: $108,910
Distribution managers are well-compensated primarily because of their pertinent roles in streamlining supply chains and ensuring efficient operations. Within the Management of Companies and Enterprises industry, these professionals have a 50th percentile salary of $146,980. Additionally, in the Warehousing and Storage sector, where the focus is on efficient distribution and storage, distribution managers earn an annual mean wage of $101,980. It is the best-paying job with high school degrees.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at Top 20 Most Desirable Jobs in the World and 10 AI Tools to Land Your Dream Job
