Do you hold a GED credential? Would you like to earn more money doing something you love? Well, A GED can pave the way to a job you love and greater financial security. On average, GED holders earn $10,000 more annually and enter industries with significant growth opportunities.
With 40 million Americans lacking a high school diploma, obtaining your GED will set you apart as a standout candidate, accelerating your journey toward success.
Find out: How Do You Get a GED?
Jobs Available with a GED
Entry-Level Jobs
Entry-level jobs are roles that are typically designed for recent graduates or people with little to no prior work experience in a particular field. These positions serve as the first step on the career ladder, allowing employees to gain valuable on-the-job training and develop their skills.
Some common examples of entry-level jobs include:
- Administrative Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
- Data Entry Clerk
- Retail Sales Associate
- Food Service Worker
- Warehouse Worker
- Receptionist
- Cashier
These roles often have minimal educational or experience requirements, focusing more on an applicant’s transferable skills, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
How a GED Can Qualify You for Entry-Level Work
A GED credential is widely accepted as equivalent to a high school diploma by employers, making GED holders eligible for the same entry-level jobs as traditional high school graduates.
While a high school diploma may provide additional academic and social experiences, a GED demonstrates that a person has the core knowledge and skills needed to succeed in many entry-level positions.
Employers often view a GED as a signal of an applicant’s determination, discipline, and commitment to their education and career development.
Examples of Entry-Level Jobs Suitable for GED Holders
Some examples of entry-level jobs that are well-suited for individuals with a GED include:
Retail Sales Associate
- Greet and assist customers
- Operate cash registers and process transactions
- Maintain product displays and inventory
Customer Service Representative
- Respond to customer inquiries and concerns
- Provide information about products and services
- Troubleshoot issues and offer solutions
Food Service Worker
- Prepare and serve food and beverages
- Maintain cleanliness of work area
- Provide friendly and efficient customer service
Warehouse Worker
- Load, unload, and organize inventory
- Operate forklifts and other equipment
- Assist with shipping and receiving tasks
Receptionist
- Greet and direct visitors
- Answer and route incoming phone calls
- Perform basic administrative duties
These entry-level positions often provide on-the-job training, allowing GED holders to develop the necessary skills and experience to potentially advance within the company or industry.
Salaries of Entry-level Jobs for GED Graduates
Many entry-level positions that only require a high school diploma or GED credential can pay $29,000 to $51,000 per year on average. Examples include:
- Administrative assistant ($29,950 – $51,730)
- Receptionist
- Customer service representative
- Clerical/office support roles
Jobs in the transportation, logistics, and skilled trades industries can also provide well-paying entry-level opportunities for GED graduates, with average salaries ranging from $36,660 to $64,150 per year. Examples include:
- Truck driver
- Forklift operator
- Warehouse worker
- Maintenance/janitorial worker
Entry-level roles in community/social services, arts/crafts, and legal professions can pay $37,610 to $52,390 on average for GED holders.
With a GED, you can qualify for a wide range of entry-level jobs that offer competitive salaries, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to gain valuable work experience. The key is finding roles that align with one’s interests and skills.
Skilled Trades and Vocational Careers
Overview of Skilled Trades and Vocational Careers
Skilled trades and vocational careers encompass a wide range of professions that require specialized technical skills and training, but often do not necessitate a four-year college degree.
These careers span industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, information technology, and healthcare.
Skilled trade jobs typically involve hands-on work and the application of practical knowledge to solve problems. Vocational careers may also include service-oriented roles that require specific certifications or licenses.
How GED Holders Can Enter Vocational Training Programs
Many technical schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs welcome GED holders and provide pathways to in-demand skilled trades careers.
The process for GED holders to pursue vocational training often involves:
- Passing the GED exam to demonstrate high school-level academic skills
- Researching vocational programs and career paths that align with their interests and aptitudes
- Applying to vocational schools or apprenticeship programs that accept GED applicants
- Completing any prerequisite courses or entrance exams required by the program
- Participating in hands-on training, classroom instruction, and on-the-job learning
Examples and Salaries of Skilled Trades and Vocational Careers
Some examples of skilled trades and vocational careers that GED holders can pursue include:
Electrician Apprentice
- Assist licensed electricians in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems
- Complete on-the-job training and classroom instruction to earn an electrician license
- Median salary: $56,900 per year
HVAC Technician
- Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems
- Obtain HVAC certification through vocational training and on-the-job experience
- Median salary: $48,630 per year
Automotive Technician
- Diagnose, service, and repair vehicles using specialized tools and equipment
- Complete vocational training in automotive technology and earn ASE certifications
- Median salary: $44,050 per year
Plumber
- Install and repair pipes that carry water, gas, and waste in residential and commercial buildings
- Complete an apprenticeship program and obtain a plumbing license
- Median salary: $55,560 per year
Welder
- Use welding equipment to join metal parts together according to diagrams, blueprints, or work orders
- Obtain vocational training in welding techniques and earn industry certifications
- Median salary: $44,190 per year
These are just a few examples of the many skilled trades and vocational careers available to GED holders. With the right training and certifications, GED graduates can pursue well-paying, in-demand jobs that provide opportunities for career growth and advancement.
Healthcare and Allied Health Careers
Growing Demand in the Healthcare Sector
The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy, with employment projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by factors such as an aging population, increased emphasis on preventive care, and advancements in medical technology.
As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, so too does the need for qualified personnel to fill a variety of roles. From direct patient care to administrative support, the healthcare field offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals with varying levels of education and experience.
Entry Points for GED Holders in Healthcare Careers
For those with a GED credential, the healthcare sector presents numerous entry-level opportunities to begin a rewarding career. Many healthcare and allied health positions have minimal educational requirements, making them accessible to GED holders who are looking to enter the field.
The process for GED holders to pursue healthcare careers often involves:
- Passing the GED exam to demonstrate high school-level academic skills
- Researching healthcare programs and career paths that align with their interests and aptitudes
- Completing any prerequisite courses or training programs required for specific roles
- Obtaining necessary certifications or licenses, such as CPR, first aid, or state-specific requirements
- Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions
Examples and Salaries of Healthcare and Allied Health Careers for GED Holders
Some examples of healthcare and allied health careers that GED holders can pursue include:
Medical Assistant
- Perform administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians in outpatient settings
- Typical education: Postsecondary certificate or diploma program
- Median salary: $35,850 per year
Pharmacy Technician
- Assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications
- Typical education: High school diploma or GED, plus on-the-job training
- Median salary: $35,100 per year
Home Health Aide
- Provide basic care and assistance to elderly, disabled, or ill individuals in their homes
- Typical education: High school diploma or GED, plus on-the-job training
- Median salary: $29,430 per year
Nursing Assistant
- Provide basic patient care and assist with activities of daily living in long-term care facilities
- Typical education: State-approved education program, lasting from several weeks to several months
- Median salary: $30,290 per year
With the right training, certifications, and experience, GED graduates can pursue well-paying, in-demand jobs that offer opportunities for career growth and advancement within the rapidly expanding healthcare industry.
Administrative and Support Jobs
The administrative and support services industry encompasses a wide range of roles that provide essential clerical, organizational, and customer service functions within various organizations.
These positions are in high demand across sectors, from corporate offices to healthcare facilities to government agencies.
Many administrative and support roles do not require a four-year college degree, making them accessible to individuals with a GED credential. Employers often view a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma for these types of entry-level positions.
Learn More: How Can an Employer Verify a GED?
Required Skills and How a GED Meets Requirements
The key skills needed for administrative and support roles include:
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Proficiency in office software like word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
- Attention to detail and organizational abilities
- Customer service orientation
- Basic math and bookkeeping skills
While a high school diploma or GED provides the foundational academic skills, many employers also value relevant work experience, training, or certifications.
A GED can suffice as the educational requirement, as long as the candidate can demonstrate the necessary competencies through their background and qualifications.
Examples and Salaries of Administrative Jobs
Office Assistant
- Provide general clerical support, such as filing, data entry, answering phones, and scheduling
- May also handle basic bookkeeping, inventory management, and customer service tasks
- Median salary: $35,910 per year
Receptionist
- Greet and direct visitors, answer and route incoming calls, and perform other front desk duties
- Require strong communication and multitasking skills
- Median salary: $30,050 per year
Data Entry Clerk
- Input, process, and maintain electronic records and databases with a high degree of accuracy
- Familiarity with office software and attention to detail are key
- Median salary: $34,820 per year
Administrative Assistant
- Provide high-level administrative support to executives or entire departments
- Duties may include scheduling, travel planning, document preparation, and project coordination
- Median salary: $40,990 per year
Customer Service Representative
- Interact with customers to provide information, resolve issues, and process transactions
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills are essential
- Median salary: $35,830 per year
Public Service Occupations
Public service occupations encompass a variety of roles that serve the community and protect public safety. These positions often require specialized training, certifications, and in some cases, a high school diploma or GED.
Firefighter
Firefighters are responsible for responding to fire alarms, extinguishing fires, and providing emergency medical assistance.
While requirements vary by location, most fire departments in the U.S. require firefighters to have a high school diploma or GED, in addition to completing a training program at a fire academy.
Key responsibilities of firefighters include:
- Responding to fire alarms and other emergency calls
- Operating fire engines and other apparatus
- Extinguishing fires using hoses, extinguishers, and other equipment
- Providing emergency medical care to injured or ill individuals
- Inspecting buildings for fire hazards and enforcing fire codes
The median annual salary for firefighters in the U.S. is $50,700.
Police Officer
Police officers are responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and protecting citizens. Most police departments require officers to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as completing police academy training.
Typical duties of police officers include:
- Patrolling assigned areas and responding to calls for service
- Investigating crimes and gathering evidence
- Arresting suspects and transporting them to jail
- Writing detailed reports and maintaining records
- Providing testimony in court proceedings
The median annual salary for police officers in the U.S. is $67,290.
Security Guard
Security guards are responsible for protecting property, assets, and individuals from harm.
Common responsibilities of security guards include:
- Patrolling assigned areas and monitoring for suspicious activity
- Controlling access to buildings and checking identification
- Responding to alarms and emergencies
- Reporting incidents and maintaining security logs
- Providing customer service and assistance to visitors
The median annual salary for security guards in the U.S. is $31,050.
Correctional Officer
Correctional officers are responsible for maintaining order and security in jails, prisons, and other correctional facilities.
Key duties of correctional officers include:
- Supervising and monitoring inmates
- Enforcing rules and regulations
- Conducting searches and inspections
- Responding to emergencies and disturbances
- Preparing reports and maintaining records
The median annual salary for correctional officers in the U.S. is $47,440.
EMT/Paramedic
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are responsible for providing emergency medical care and transportation to hospitals.
Responsibilities of EMTs and paramedics include:
- Responding to emergency calls and assessing patients’ conditions
- Providing basic or advanced life support, depending on certification level
- Transporting patients to hospitals or other medical facilities
- Documenting patient care and maintaining equipment
- Participating in ongoing training and education
The median annual salary for EMTs and paramedics in the U.S. is $36,110.
These public service occupations offer stable careers with opportunities for advancement, as well as the satisfaction of serving the community. While the specific requirements may vary, a GED can be a valuable first step towards pursuing these rewarding public service careers.
Discover: Pay for GED without Taking the Test
FAQS
Can You Make It in Life with a Ged?
Yes, you can absolutely make it in life with a GED. While a high school diploma may provide additional academic and social experiences, a GED demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment to education.
With a GED, you can qualify for a wide range of well-paying jobs, pursue further education and training, and build a successful career in your chosen field.
How to Be Successful with a Ged?
To be successful with a GED, focus on developing strong skills in the exam’s core subjects – reasoning through language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Seek out tutoring from GED test prep classes to fill knowledge gaps. Aim for high scores to open doors to college, vocational training, and well-paying jobs. With dedication and a positive attitude, a GED can launch you towards your goals.
How to Make Money with a High School Diploma?
With a high school diploma, you can pursue various career paths that offer good salaries and growth potential. Consider skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians, which provide on-the-job training.
Administrative roles such as office assistants, receptionists, and customer service representatives are also viable options. The key is to develop marketable skills, gain experience, and explore opportunities that align with your interests and goals.
Can You Join the Military with a Ged?
Yes, you can join the military with a GED. While a high school diploma is the preferred credential, the military recognizes a GED as an acceptable alternative.
As a GED holder, you may need to achieve higher scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to qualify for certain military occupations. With determination and the right qualifications, a GED can open the door to a rewarding career in the armed forces.\
How Does Prepsaret Compare to Other Ged Prep Programs?
Prepsaret is often praised for its comprehensive, engaging and easy to follow lessons, user-friendly platform, and dedicated student support.
Compared to other GED prep programs, Prepsaret is known for its high-quality content, flexibility, and affordable pricing options that make it an excellent value for students looking to efficiently prepare for and pass the GED exam.