Possibilities with a GED

Are there jobs you can get without a high school diploma or GED? Yes, but more and more employers are requiring a GED or high school diploma. In fact, only about 27 percent of US jobs don’t require a GED or diploma, which means that the vast majority of jobs do require one. Getting a GED can open the door to many new opportunities. And with great online resources, you can get a GED and start applying for better jobs that will get you started down an exciting new career track.

Jobs You Can Get with a GED

1) Administrative Office Support: jobs let you work in an office and use your general computer and literacy skills.

  • Administrative assistants or secretaries

  • Bill collectors

  • Customer service representatives

  • Financial clerks

  • Information clerks

  • Receptionists

  • Tellers

2) Building and Grounds Cleaning

  • Grounds maintenance

  • Cleaning and janitorial roles

  • Pest control

3) Community and Social Services

  • Community health worker

  • Social service assistant

  • Counselor (in some areas)

4) Construction, Installation, and Repair: can work in and around land and buildings. Look for apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs to learn a valuable trade.

  • Construction laborer

  • Carpenter

  • Glazier (window setter)

  • Ironworker

  • Sheet metal worker

  • Woodworker

  • Equipment operator

  • Installer of insulation, drywall, tile, or security systems 

  • Machinist

  • Masonry worker

  • Electrician

5) Food Service and Preparation: Restaurants and catering companies often don’t even require a GED, so you might be ahead of some of your coworkers if you have one.

  • Bartender

  • Baker

  • Cook

  • Food prep worker

  • Waiter or other staff member

6) Forestry, Fishing, and Farming: These industries involve being outside and working with natural systems.

  • Farming equipment operator

  • Animal breeder

  • Hunter’s working hand or apprentice

  • Fishing deckhand

7) Healthcare and Personal Care You can assist in healthcare, which is one of the biggest industries in the US, with a GED.

  • Childcare worker

  • Nurse or healthcare assistant 

  • Aide in home health, occupational or physical therapy, personal care, or psychiatric settings

8) Legal: Legal professionals usually have a higher education, but you can work in the legal industry with a GED.

  • Title abstractor

  • Title examiner

  • Title searcher

9) Management: Managing others is a great way to earn more and experience greater responsibility. Start with a GED at an entry-level position, work hard, and learn a lot, and you may rise to a management role in industries such as: 

  • Food service

  • Agriculture or ranching

  • Real estate

  • Property management

  • Lodging

10) Protection

  • Bailiff

  • Correctional officer

  • Private detective

  • Security guard

  • Surveillance officer

11) Sales

  • Insurance salesperson

  • Manufacturing or wholesale salesperson

  • Retail sales representative

  • Cashier

12) Transportation

  • Aircraft cargo handling supervisor

  • Bus driver

  • Delivery truck driver

  • Taxi driver

  • Chauffeur

  • Marine oiler or sailor

The Sky is the Limit with a GED

If nothing on the list above is appealing to you, don’t worry. When you get your GED, you are opening doors for your future. Earning a GED can be a stepping stone to allow you to continue on to a college education or a certificate that may lead you to any job you want. The first step to all of this begins with earning your GED. 

Irance Reddix