Are you hoping to land a well-paying job with just a GED? You’re in luck! A GED (General Educational Development) certificate is an alternative to a high school diploma that allows individuals to demonstrate their academic skills and knowledge. Contrary to popular belief, a GED opens doors to the same opportunities as a traditional high school diploma, including leading to well-paying jobs with good career prospects.
If you haven’t obtained a GED or are in the process of getting one, you can access all the GED study materials in the most reputable online GED test prep course. This course will help you attain your GED and set you on the path to success.
In this article, we’ll explore the top paying jobs for GED holders, their salaries, and the opportunities available to you with a GED certificate.
Postal Service Processor
A career as a Postal Service Processor offers a stable and rewarding opportunity, with an average salary ranging from $59,000 to $72,000 per year. These professionals are responsible for handling the processing of incoming and outgoing mail, which includes sorting mail by hand or using automated machines, operating various mail processing equipment, and maintaining accurate records of mail handled.
A GED or high school diploma is required for this position, along with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. As e-commerce continues to grow, the demand for efficient mail processing remains critical, making this role essential to the operations of the United States Postal Service and similar organizations.
Overall, becoming a Postal Service Processor is an excellent option for people with a GED seeking reliable employment in a vital public service sector.
Postal Service Mail Carrier
A Postal Service Mail Carrier is an essential role within the postal system, offering an average salary ranging from $57,000 to $69,000 per year. Mail Carriers are responsible for sorting and delivering mail along designated routes, which can include residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and rural locations.
Their primary duties involve sorting mail to ensure it is organized for efficient delivery, operating vehicles or walking on foot to deliver mail and packages, and collecting outgoing mail from mailboxes.
Additionally, they may be required to sell postal products, such as stamps and money orders, and provide customer service by answering questions about postal regulations.
To qualify for this position, candidates need a GED or high school diploma, along with the ability to lift heavy mail sacks and walk long distances. The job requires physical stamina, good communication skills, and attention to detail, as Mail Carriers must adhere to delivery schedules and maintain accurate records of mail delivered and collected.
Check Out: How Do You Get a GED?
Real Estate Appraiser Jobs
Real Estate Appraisers, also known as Valuation Consultants or Appraisers, play a crucial role in the real estate market by assessing property values for various purposes, including sales, mortgages, purchases, and investments.
Their annual salary typically ranges from approximately $69,000 to $200,000, depending on factors such as experience, education, certification, and geographic location.
Job Description
The primary responsibility of a Real Estate Appraiser is to determine the final estimated values of properties. This involves analyzing various factors, including the property’s location, the value of similar properties in the area, replacement costs, depreciation, and the income potential of the property.
Appraisers must prepare detailed written reports that adhere to appraisal standards, outlining the methods and data used to arrive at their estimations. These reports are essential for clients, lenders, and other stakeholders involved in real estate transactions.
Required Education and Skills
To become a Real Estate Appraiser, a GED or high school diploma is required, although many appraisers hold a bachelor’s degree in fields such as finance, real estate, or business.
Additionally, aspiring appraisers must complete specific coursework and obtain state certification or licensure, which often involves passing an examination.
The demand for Real Estate Appraisers is expected to grow steadily, with positions projected to increase by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driven by the ongoing need for property transactions, as well as the increasing complexity of real estate markets.
Certified residential appraisers are particularly in high demand, as they can command higher fees for their services due to their advanced qualifications and expertise.
With the right education, skills, and certifications, individuals can thrive in this profession, providing essential services that support property transactions and investments. Obtaining a GED can qualify you for a career as a real estate appraiser.
Find Out: Fastest Way to Earn a GED Diploma
Boilermaker
Boilermakers, also known as Boiler Mechanics or Boiler Technicians, are responsible for assembling, constructing, repairing, and maintaining boiler house auxiliaries and stationary steam boiler systems. Boilermakers can earn a competitive salary, with an average annual income ranging from $69,000 to $105,000.
Their primary duties include:
- Aligning plate sections or structures for assembling boiler frame tanks and/or vats using power and hand tools, wedges, plumb bobs, dogs, and turnbuckles.
- Testing assembled vessels and monitoring how boilers and boiler furnaces are cleaned.
- Inspecting boiler fittings and checking, repairing, or replacing regulators, safety valves, water columns, automatic control mechanisms, and auxiliary machines.
- Attaching rigging and signaling hoists or crane operators to lift heavy parts into place.
Required Education
To become a Boilermaker, individuals typically need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Completion of an apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction
- Proficiency in using torches, caulking hammers, jacks, power saws, welding equipment, threading dies, or metalworking machinery
- Knowledge of construction and building procedures to ensure public safety
Earth Driller
Earth Drillers, also known as Drill Operators, Blast Hole Drillers, or Well Drillers, play a vital role in various industries, including construction, mining, and environmental exploration.
They operate a range of drilling equipment, such as pneumatic, rotary, and churn drills, and their annual salary typically ranges from $47,000 to $84,000, depending on factors like experience, location, and the specific nature of their work.
The primary responsibilities of Earth Drillers encompass a variety of tasks essential for tapping into subsurface resources.
- Operating Drills: Using various drills to tap subsurface water, salt deposits, and to facilitate mineral exploration or soil testing.
- Core Sampling: Removing core samples during mineral exploration to assess soil and rock characteristics.
- Controlling Drilling Operations: Starting, stopping, and controlling the drilling speed of machines, as well as inserting casings into drilled holes.
- Regulating Parameters: Adjusting air pressure, downward pressure, and rotary speed based on the type of concrete or rock being drilled.
- Using Explosives: In some cases, Earth Drillers may facilitate the use of explosives in construction and mining operations.
To succeed as an Earth Driller, you need a high school diploma or GED, although formal education may not always be required. Technical skills are essential, particularly in operating drilling machinery and understanding mechanical systems.
Problem-solving abilities are crucial for identifying issues and determining effective solutions during drilling operations.
Plumber
The national average salary for plumbers is approximately $73,341 per year. This figure can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of employer, whether it be a small business, a larger organization, or self-employment.
Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining water, sewage, and gas pipes, as well as plumbing fixtures such as sinks and toilets in both residential and commercial buildings. Their primary duties include:
- Inspecting and Troubleshooting: Plumbers inspect plumbing systems to identify issues and troubleshoot problems effectively.
- Repairing Pipes and Fixtures: They repair or replace damaged pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures to ensure proper functionality.
- Unblocking Drains: Plumbers are tasked with unblocking pipes, drains, and toilets to prevent backups and ensure smooth operation.
- Providing Cost Estimates: They offer cost estimates to customers for plumbing services and repairs, helping clients understand the potential expenses involved.
- Ensuring Compliance: Plumbers ensure that their work complies with applicable safety standards and building regulations, which is critical for maintaining safety and legality in plumbing installations.
Required Education and Skills
To become a plumber, certain educational qualifications and skills are typically required:
Education: A high school diploma or GED is generally a requirement to enter the plumbing profession. This indicates that with a GED, you can still pursue a well-paying job in this field.
You don’t necessarily need a degree from Harvard or any prestigious institution to achieve success in your career. Check Out>> Does Harvard Accept GED
Terrazzo Worker/Finisher
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers, also referred to as Terrazzo Installers or Terrazzo Tile Setters, specialize in crafting decorative and resilient surfaces using a blend of cement, pigment, sand, and marble chips. They apply these materials to stairways, floors, and cabinet fixtures, with average salaries ranging from $44K to $72K.
These professionals measure precise amounts of ingredients according to standard specifications and formulas. They use scales and graduated containers to mix terrazzo or grout in portable mixers. A fundamental understanding of building, construction, and design principles is essential.
Terrazzo Workers must be adept at surface grinding using power grinders and polishing with surfacing or polishing machines. They cut metal strips for division purposes and embed them into the terrazzo base to create color changes or joints, forming intricate patterns or designs while enhancing durability against cracks.
Massage Therapist
The National average salary of a massage therapist is $46,232 per year. Massage therapists manipulate clients’ muscles and soft tissues to alleviate pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, or enhance relaxation.
They typically work in clinics, spas, fitness centers, or clients’ homes. Key responsibilities include developing treatment plans with clients, assessing medical histories and current injuries, documenting treatments, and collaborating with doctors and physical therapists as part of clients’ recovery programs.
Certification is mandatory for massage therapists and can be pursued with a GED as the educational prerequisite. Alternatively, aspiring massage therapists can attend trade schools that do not require a GED or high school diploma.
Truck Driver
The National average salary of a truck driver is $74,931 per year. Truck drivers are tasked with transporting goods using tractor-trailers or heavy trucks. They may be employed by a trucking company or operate independently by owning or leasing their own truck.
Key responsibilities include ensuring safe loading of goods onto the truck, conducting pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety, maintaining accurate logs of driving hours and mileage, and adhering to federal and state regulations.
Find Out: Do You Need a GED to Get into Trucking School?
FAQS
What Is the Highest Paying Job With a GED?
The highest paying job for individuals with a GED often varies by industry, but positions such as commercial pilot, air traffic controller, and certain roles in the tech field, like web developer or IT specialist, can offer substantial salaries.
Many of these careers require additional training or certifications, but they provide excellent earning potential without a traditional high school diploma.
How Can I Make Money With Only a GED?
With only a GED, you can make money by exploring various career paths such as skilled trades (like plumbing or electrical work), sales, or entry-level positions in healthcare and technology.
Additionally, consider freelance opportunities, online tutoring, or starting a small business. Gaining certifications in high-demand fields can also enhance your earning potential and open doors to better job prospects.
Can You Make It in Life With a GED?
Absolutely! Obtaining a GED demonstrates determination and a commitment to personal growth. With a GED, you can pursue higher education, vocational training, or directly enter the workforce.
Many successful individuals have achieved great things in life despite not having a traditional high school diploma. The key is to focus on developing marketable skills, gaining experience, and continuously expanding your knowledge and opportunities.
What Is the Highest Paying No Degree Job?
The highest paying jobs that don’t require a degree often involve skilled trades, technology, or specialized fields. Positions like air traffic controller, commercial pilot, and radiation therapist can offer excellent salaries without a traditional college education.
However, these careers typically necessitate specific certifications, licenses, or extensive on-the-job training to qualify for the highest pay scales.
Where Can I Access GED Study Materials?
You can access GED study materials online through a GED test prep course, where you can find comprehensive GED practice tests, study notes, and free quizzes to help you successfully pass the GED and secure a well-paying job.