10 jobs for your students that don’t require a degree

There are a number of your students graduating right now that aren’t going to attend college. Reasons can include they have no interest in furthering their academic career or they may not have the funds available for them to attend. Some students just don’t enjoy school and choose to begin their work careers immediately after high school.

However, people with only a high school diploma have more than double the unemployment rate of people with a bachelor’s degree or higher and earn half as much pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ recent unemployment report.

To steer high school graduates to good options, the jobs site Simply Hired has released a list called the 10 Best Jobs for 2016 That Don’t Require a College Degree.

Simply Hired took into account average salary, the number of jobs available, geographic distribution of jobs across the country, past and projected growth for the job and industry, and potential career paths.

Most of the jobs do require additional training, certifications or licenses, as noted.

Here is their list:

1. Licensed practical nurse

Average salary: $38,776

Education: one-year certification

2. Electrician

Average salary: $44,867

Education: state-based license

3. Construction and building inspector

Average salary: $49,365

Education: Some states require certification

4. Plumber

Average salary: $49,574

Education: state-based license

5. Truck driver

Average salary: $47,399

Education: one-year certification

6. Legal secretary

Average salary: $44,441

Education: none

7. Massage therapist

Average salary: $36,557

Education: training program and state-based license

8. Automotive mechanic

Average salary: $30,646

Education: varies by employer

9. Phlebotomist

Average salary: $28,623

Education: certification required by some states

10. Emergency dispatcher

Average salary: $26,959

Education: training program, certification required by some states

Many of your students will take the traditional path after high school – college. However for those that aren’t interested in that path, making them aware of potential careers that don’t require a college degree is a great place to start.