For many people, success doesn’t have to mean a four-year college degree. In fact, there are plenty of careers that offer great pay, stability and opportunities for growth — all with just a high school diploma, a strong work ethic and maybe some additional certifications or apprenticeships.
At Acceleration Academies, we help students earn their high school diplomas and prepare for bright futures, whether that means college, trade school or a great career right after graduation
If you’re looking for inspiration or thinking about your next steps after earning your diploma through Acceleration Academies, we’ve got you covered.
Average Salary: $50,000–$80,000+
Truck drivers keep our economy moving. With a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you can hit the open road, explore new places and earn excellent pay — often with bonuses and benefits. Many companies even pay for your CDL training.
Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to drive within a state and 21 years old to drive across state lines. You need a valid driver’s license and must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which requires passing written knowledge and skills/road tests. Drivers must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to ensure they are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle and have a good driving history. Many drivers attend a truck driving school or training program to learn safe driving techniques, vehicle operation and federal regulations.
Why It’s Great: Short training time, steady demand and opportunities for travel.
Average Salary: $45,000–$90,000
Electricians install and repair electrical systems in homes, schools and businesses. You can learn the trade through a paid apprenticeship, meaning you earn while you learn.
Requirements: To become an electrician, you need a combination of education, hands-on training and licensing. A high school diploma or GED is usually required. Most electricians start through an apprenticeship program, which typically lasts four to five years. Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and most states require electricians to be licensed. Licensing usually involves completing an apprenticeship and passing a state or local exam on electrical theory, codes and safety.
Why It’s Great: Strong job security and the chance to start your own business later.
Average Salary: $45,000–$75,000
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technicians are essential in keeping buildings comfortable. Trade programs usually take less than a year, and certified technicians are in high demand.
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is usually required. Many HVAC technicians attend a vocational or technical school program to learn about heating and cooling systems, refrigeration, electrical systems and safety practices. Some technicians gain experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions, working under experienced HVAC professionals. Certification is often required for handling refrigerants (e.g., EPA Section 608 certification in the U.S.). Some states or cities also require HVAC technicians to be licensed.
Why It’s Great: Year-round work and opportunities to specialize or advance.
Average Salary: $50,000–$85,000
Law enforcement offers a stable career with great benefits and opportunities to serve your community.
Requirements: Most police departments require at least a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must pass a physical fitness test to ensure they can handle the demands of the job, and they must undergo medical evaluations and psychological assessments to ensure they are fit for duty. Most new officers attend a police academy, where they receive training in law enforcement procedures, firearms, self-defense, emergency response and community policing. Candidates usually must be at least 21 years old, though some departments allow applicants as young as 18 with special programs. A thorough background investigation is required, including criminal history, driving record, financial history and personal references.
Why It’s Great: Competitive pay, pensions, community connection and a clear path for promotion.
Average Salary: $40,000–$100,000+
Real estate agents help clients buy and sell homes and properties. With strong people skills and motivation, you can build a successful career without a college degree — just a state license.
Requirements: You must be at least 18 or 19 years old (varies by state) with a high school diploma or GED. Many states also require completion of pre-licensing courses, which cover real estate principles, contracts, property management and laws. After completing pre-licensing education, you must pass your state’s real estate licensing exam, which tests your knowledge of real estate laws and practices. Real estate agents must complete continuing education courses periodically to maintain their license and stay updated on laws and industry trends.
Why It’s Great: Flexible schedule and unlimited income potential.
Average Salary: $50,000–$95,000
Essential workers, plumbers install, repair and maintain the pipes and systems that carry water, gas and waste in homes, businesses and other buildings. Their work includes fixing leaks, unclogging drains, installing sinks, toilets and water heaters and ensuring plumbing systems meet safety codes. Some plumbers specialize in residential work, while others focus on commercial or industrial systems. They often read blueprints, use specialized tools, and work with a variety of materials such as copper, PVC and steel.
Requirements: Plumbers need a high school diploma or equivalent, and they must complete a paid apprenticeship that lasts four to five years. Most states require plumbers to be licensed. This usually means completing an apprenticeship, passing a licensing exam and meeting local requirements.
Why It’s Great: Good pay, hands-on work, job security and job independence.
Average Salary: $75,000
Mail carriers deliver and collect letters and packages for homes and businesses along assigned routes. They may travel by foot, truck or car, and they typically follow the same route each day.
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is typically required and you must be at least 18 years old. Many positions require a valid driver’s license, especially for routes that use postal vehicles. Applicants usually take a written exam (such as the USPS Postal Exam) that tests skills in areas like memory, problem-solving and attention to detail. New mail carriers receive on-the-job training, including learning their routes, customer service procedures and USPS policies. Most mail carriers are government employees working for the U.S. Postal Service.
Why It’s Great: Job stability, great benefits, independence, community connection and opportunities for growth.
Average Salary: $57,000
An insurance agent helps individuals, families and businesses choose and purchase insurance policies. Their main role is to assess clients’ needs, explain different types of coverage (such as life, health, auto or property insurance), and recommend policies that provide protection against financial risks.
Requirements: At a minimum, a high school diploma or GED is required. Insurance agents must be licensed in the state where they plan to sell insurance. Most states require insurance agents to complete continuing education periodically to maintain their license and stay current on industry regulations. Optional certifications can improve career prospects.
Why It’s Great: Flexibility, earning potential and job stability.
Average Salary: $61,940
An ironworker is a skilled construction professional who installs and reinforces iron and steel in buildings, bridges and other structures. Their work is essential for creating the structural framework of large construction projects.
Requirements: Ironworkers typically need a combination of education, hands-on training and physical skills. A high school diploma or GED is usually required, and most ironworkers learn through a union or non-union apprenticeship program which typically lasts three to four years. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction in welding, rigging, blueprint reading and safety procedures. Certifications like OSHA Safety Training or AWS welding certification can improve job prospects.
Why It’s Great: High demand industry, good pay and hands-on work.
Average Salary: $45,000-$55,000
These are trained professionals who help patients select, fit and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They focus on the practical side of vision care, ensuring that corrective lenses meet the patient’s prescription and fit comfortably. They bridge the gap between medical prescriptions and everyday eyewear, combining technical knowledge, precision and customer service
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is required. Many opticians complete a certificate or associate degree program in opticianry at a community college or technical school. These programs teach lens types, fitting techniques, eye anatomy and optical mathematics. Some states allow on-the-job apprenticeships as an alternative path. Most states require dispensing opticians to be licensed or registered. Requirements usually include completing an accredited program or apprenticeship and passing a state or national exam. Some states require ongoing education to maintain licensure and stay updated on new lens technologies and safety standards.
Why It’s Great: High-demand role, hands-on work and job satisfaction.
Whether your goal is to learn a trade, start a business or land a job that pays well without a college degree, one thing is certain — your high school diploma opens the door to opportunity.
At Acceleration Academies, we specialize in helping students earn their diplomas at their own pace, with personalized support and flexible scheduling. Our mission is to help every learner find their path to success — in school, work and life.
Ready to take the next step toward your future career?
👉 Learn more about enrolling at Acceleration Academies