Even in a state full of students racking up increased college debt, a four-year degree still gives Americans about $24,000 more per year than workers with only a high school diploma, according Western Governors University's blog.
But are there ways to get a high-paying job without all that debt and a high school diploma?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' short answer is 'sure.' The slightly longer answer is sure if you're willing to work hard and get all the experience you need and maybe have a bit of luck.
Here are five high-paying jobs available to Georgians who have received their high school diploma or the equivalent:
Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers
Related work experience: Five years or more
2018 median pay: $67,950
It may be a good move financially to stay down on the farm, with an agricultural manager's wages topping $65,000 at the median levels of pay. Note, though, that this is a long-term proposition before the high earnings become reality, with the farm management positions requiring five or more years of work experience in a related occupation. And the jobs will not necessarily be plentiful in the coming decade. The BLS projected 8% fewer positions in this career slot nationwide between 2016 and 2026.
Transportation, storage and distribution managers
Related work experience: Five years or more
2018 median pay: $94,730
This is another position for high school graduates where eventually work experience will overcome a lack of higher education. But look carefully: The bountiful wages only happen after five years or more in a related job.
Food service managers
Related work experience: Less than five years
2018 median pay: $54,240
You might want to stop mocking the career paths that start as a night clerk or involve asking, "Do you want fries with that?" Food service manager positions pay almost twice as much as some other positions that take a high school diploma. And becoming a food service manager in Georgia may provide you with skills and experience portable to many other areas of the country. The BLS projects a whopping 9% increase in food service manager positions between 2016 and 2026, which translates to roughly 28,000 more such jobs nationwide in the next decade.
Credit: Ralph Barrera AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Credit: Ralph Barrera AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Postmasters and mail superintendents
Related work experience: Less than five years
2018 median pay: $75,970
When you see classified ads for postal worker jobs, they look like fantasies. No experience or college required? And, boom, you'll be grossing like $6,000 a month? But here's the thing: These jobs are quite rare, and they'll become even more rare by 2026, with the BLS projecting a bit over 20 percent decline in these positions between 2016 and 2026 nationwide.
Claims adjusters, examiners and investigators
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Work experience: None, but long-term on-the-job training is a must.
2018 median pay: $65,900
Here's a job option that requires just a high school diploma or equivalent and is in reach for those who might be willing to complete long-term, on-the-job training. And while the BLS projects a small decrease in overall positions between 2016 and 2026 (minus 1.4 percent).
And, just for fun, one to dream about:
Gaming managers
Related work experience: Less than five years
2018 median pay: $74,700
A casino or two in Georgia can't get here quick enough. There's projected to be a mild increase in jobs nationwide between now and 2026 −maybe 2.5 percent more nationwide.
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