What are the best jobs you can get after passing your GED exam? Take a look at these top-tier GED jobs you can pursue after getting your GED.
If you dropped out of high school and are thinking of earning your GED, you may be wondering what kind of jobs will be available to you. The good news is 96% of employers accept a GED in place of a high school diploma and there are many well-paying career paths you can take.
The following GED jobs offer steady demand, high salaries, and require additional training and education but not a college degree. Check them out, as they may just open new doors for you.
- Elevator Installer
Elevators and escalators in commercial and residential buildings need to be regularly inspected and repaired to safely transport people and equipment to other floors. As an elevator installer and repairer, you can expect to make nearly $80,000 annually with a job outlook that is faster than the national average.
You can learn how to earn your license—which is required in 35 states—through an apprenticeship.
- Hairdresser
If you love keeping up with the newest hair trends and would enjoy helping other people look their best, you can become a licensed cosmetologist with a GED. You’ll need to attend a cosmetology or vocational school and take exams to earn your license.
A cosmetology career requires on-going education to stay on top of the latest styles and cutting techniques. The median salary is over $26,000 but can increase if you own and operate your own salon.
- Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots get to see new places and often provide assistance by working with rescue missions, aerial photographers, firefighters, and more. You may charter flights for tourists or do some crop dusting. It’s an exciting career that gives you the opportunity to see new places and every day on the job is different.
Commercial pilots need aviation training and must earn their license from the Federal Aviation Administration. You can expect an average salary of over $75,000.
- Hearing Aid Specialist
You may find there’s nothing more rewarding than giving people the gift of hearing when you work as a hearing aid specialist. These professionals learn how to assess hearing and fit and adjust hearing aids. With our growing aging population, this career is expected to be in high demand in the coming years.
The pay is also quite good, with an average annual salary of nearly $55,000.
- Electrician
Licensed electricians have the freedom to work for a company or strike out on their own as their own business. They will always be in demand for commercial and residential buildings for both new construction and repair jobs.
After receiving your GED you may start vocational training or seek an apprenticeship to become an electrician. Depending upon the state where you’re licensed, you can expect to earn up to nearly $55,000 a year.
- Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers receive a pretty penny for safely guiding pilots through take-offs and landings; most earn over $87,000 annually. It’s a high-pressure job, but if you think you have what it takes you’ll need to receive training at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy before you turn 31. You’ll also need to pass medical and security training and be a U.S. citizen.
- Fitness Instructor
Fitness instructors help people get and stay at shape at health clubs, specialty studios, and medical facilities, or they may choose to work independently. After earning your GED you’ll want to receive certification in physical fitness and any specialty areas such as Pilates or yoga. Fitness instructors earn on average $18 an hour and often enjoy perks such as free gym memberships.
- Building and Construction Inspectors
Building and construction inspectors ensure that a building’s structure is sound, safe, and meets local and national regulations. This is considered one of the safer jobs to hold in the construction industry, and most training for it is acquired while on the job. Building and construction inspectors earn an average salary of over $55,000.
- Plumber
Although it can be a messy and sometimes tricky job, plumbing is one of the most lucrative careers a GED can give you. Plumbers in the top paying 25% earned almost $70,000 a year.
You’ll need a few years of vocational and on-the-job training, and then must pass an exam to earn your license. Many plumbers also complete apprenticeships to learn first-hand from someone in the business.
- Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help people find their dream home and sell their current properties. They may also sell commercial real estate space.
Good people skills and knowing how to multi-task will help you achieve success in real estate. You’ll need training, usually offered through a real estate agency. Many real estate agents operate as independent freelancers and earn over $41,000 annually, but this can fluctuate by state and commission.
How Do I Earn My GED?
Most of the steps needed to earn your GED can be done online, but the actual testing itself takes place at a physical testing center. You first need to learn what your state’s guidelines are for testing fees and retaking the test.
Next, you’ll want to register for the GED and take classes and tutorials online to study all subject matters covered. There are lots of free GED classes online to help you study.
The test itself takes over seven hours to complete. You’ll want to score at least 150 on each portion of the exam. Score 170 or higher, and your GED diploma will indicate that you passed with honors. Your score is usually available three hours after completing the exam.
Great GED Jobs Are Available To You
You’ll be eligible for these lucrative GED jobs and many others upon passing the GED test. The best part is many of these are jobs you can begin right away after additional training is met, and you won’t have to worry about high college student loans to pay off.
Check out our latest education posts to learn how an associate’s degree or higher can qualify you for certain jobs.
