5 Rewarding Careers You Can Start Right Out of High School

Summer is winding down, and freshmen everywhere are heading off to their first semester at college. While earning a bachelor’s degree can be a great way to start a career, college isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes you need a job you can start (and advance in) quickly and build your skills and add to your education as you go.

If that sounds like you, here are five rewarding careers in a variety of industries that don’t require a bachelor’s degree to get started:

If you’re a fact finder . . .
Try a Title Examiner Career
Median Annual Salary: $38,300
Training: On the Job

Before you can buy land to build a house or business, you have to make sure the paperwork is in order. With the skills of Sherlock Holmes, title examiners investigate claims and records (some that go back hundreds of years!) to make sure property claims are verified and processed correctly.

Career Booster: Start your career quickly, and advance your knowledge and your career with studies in real estate, paralegal studies, business, or finance.

If you want a medical job . . .
Try an EMT Career
Median Annual Salary: $30,808
Training: A high school diploma plus training program

When you dial 911 for an emergency, EMTs are often the first ones on the scene. By becoming an EMT, you’ll perform life-saving procedures that will keep patients safe and in stable condition until they reach the hospital.

Career Booster: You can start your EMT career by earning an EMT-Basic certification. Through additional training and by earning an Associate’s degree, you can advance to the EMT-intermediate and EMT-Paramedic levels, which allows you to perform more complex medical procedures (and take home some extra cash on pay day).

If you love animals . . .
Check out an Animal Groomer Career
Median Annual Salary: $19,360
Training: On the Job or a certificate program (ranging from several weeks to several months)

Under the guidance of an experience groomer, you’ll learn how to keep Spot’s coat glossy, his nails trimmed, and ears clean. Some groomers even prepare pedigreed show dogs for competition.

Career Booster: Once you get your start, earn your certification as a master canine groomer from the National Dog Groomers Association of America. This certification isn’t required, but it’s a great way to demonstrate your skills and credentials.

If you want to help people . . .
Try a Home Health Aide Career
Median Annual Salary: $20,460
Training: On the Job

No one likes staying in a hospital or rehab center. As a home health aide, you’ll care for patients and allow them to heal in the comfort of their own home.


Career Booster: As a home health aide, you’ll gain experience that will make it easy to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). You can even work while you’re enrolled in an LPN or nursing program.

If you’re detail-oriented . . .
Try a Medical Administrative Assistant Career
Median Annual Salary: $27,100
Training: On the Job

It takes a lot to make a doctor’s office run. As a medical administrative assistant, you’ll be the offensive coordinator who orchestrates the interactions of patients, nurses and doctors, making sure everything runs smoothly.

Career Booster: With additional training, you can move into a medical transcription or medical assistant role.