Jobs for High School Graduates

High school prepares students to function at entry level jobs. Students who receive special certifications can land jobs that pay more than they'd normally earn with only a high school diploma. Many jobs are available for people who have graduated high school.

United States Armed Forces

A person needs a high school degree, or GED, to enlist in the military. Military recruiters visit high schools looking for students about to graduate. Students can also process with a recruiter after they graduate high school. The military offers competitive entry level salaries to those straight out of high school. After successfully processing in, enlistees go to basic combat training, then proceed to a job specialty school. The military gives high school graduates the opportunity to gain leadership and responsibility experience.

Law Enforcement

High school graduates can begin careers in law enforcement. They apply with the city, county, or state they want to work for, and attend a police academy. They learn law enforcement, criminal law, courtroom procedures, apprehending and processing suspects, firearms, self defense and other police duties. Law enforcement, like the military, offers leadership and experience starting with the entry levels.

Government Employment

Entry-level local, state and federal jobs offer opportunities for high school graduates. Local and state entry-level positions include cashier, janitors, clerks and administrative assistants. Other positions include public lifeguards, vehicle drivers and receptionists. High school students can also apply for entry level employment with the Department of Homeland Security, State Department, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Justice.

Tourism and Hospitality

The tourism and hospitality industries welcome high school graduates to work retail cash registers, prepare meals and manage fast food restaurants. They can also bus, serve, do dishes, and work the cash register at family restaurants. Graduates who are 21 years old can also work at a bar. Other jobs include working as a commercial lifeguard, parking valet, maid, hotel receptionist, banquet server, pool attendant and housekeeping. Graduates can also work as security guards at malls or hotels.

Overseas English Teacher:

The demand to learn conversational English is increasing around the world. Some tutoring positions are open to people with a high school diplomas rather than college degrees. People who teach English overseas go to schools, orphanages, or monasteries to teach in full-immersion formats. Most of these tutoring positions do not require the ability to teach using the native tongue. Many positions are short term assignments, measured in months. Candidates go to a four- to six-week course in their target country, then get assigned to a location.