Feeling down about your career options because you only have a GED? Don’t worry, things are changing! In 2023, there are many job opportunities available for people who have completed their General Education Diploma.
In this Article we will discuss the jobs you can get with a GED in 2023.
About GED
A General Education Development (GED) test is a set of four subject tests designed to assess high school-level knowledge and skills. Passing the GED grants a credential recognized by most U.S. colleges and employers as equivalent to a high school diploma.
1. Content: The GED covers four subjects – Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
2. Eligibility: You need to be at least 16 years old, not enrolled in high school, and not a high school graduate to take it.
3. Testing Format: This test can be taken on computer at an approved testing center or online under certain conditions. The language of instruction is mostly English, but the GED is also available in Spanish.
4. Scoring: Passing score for each test is 145 out of 200. If you pass all sections, you receive the GED certificate.
5. Preparation: Various resources are available for GED preparation including study guides, prep classes (both online and offline), and practice tests.
6. Costs: Prices vary by state; usually between $30-$40 per subject test ($120 – $160 total).
7. Benefits: A GED can help with gaining employment, entry into college or vocational programs, or for personal satisfaction.
Remember, each state may have specific requirements or exceptions so always check your local guidelines before starting your GED journey.
What Jobs Can You Get With A GED In 2023
Best 20 jobs that pay the most and only require a GED :
1. Real Estate Appraiser
Average Salary: $62,470 per year
Primary Duties: The main job of appraisers is to figure out how much properties are worth when they are being sold, rented, or financed. They carefully look at things like where the property is, what condition it’s in, and how much similar properties are selling for. They use different methods to do this. Appraisers also study what’s happening in the real estate market, gather information, and write detailed reports about how much a property is worth. Their knowledge helps make sure that property assessments are fair, accurate, and unbiased.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: $46,360 per year
Primary Duties: Air Traffic Controllers are very important for keeping aviation safe. They guide aircraft during takeoff, landing, and while they are flying. They monitor flight paths, provide clearances, and ensure safe separation between aircraft. They tell pilots important information like the weather and if a runway is available. They coordinate with other air traffic controllers, ground staff, and pilots to ensure planes efficient movement .
3. Firefighter
Average Salary: $44,275 per year
Primary Duties: Firefighters play a crucial role in ensuring public safety. Their primary duties include :
- Responding to emergency calls
- Extinguishing fires
- Rescuing people and animals
- Providing medical aid
- Managing hazardous materials incidents
They also conduct fire inspections, educate communities about fire safety, and maintain firefighting equipment.
4. Plumber
Average Salary: $24.26 per hour
Primary Duties: Plumbers are skilled professionals responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems. Their primary duties include :
- Interpreting blueprints
- Measuring and cutting pipes
- Installing fixtures and appliances
- Detecting and repairing leaks
- Ensuring proper water pressure, and conducting routine maintenance
Plumbers also diagnose plumbing issues, provide cost estimates, and adhere to safety standards and building codes.
5. Electrician
Average Salary: $23.70 per hour
Primary Duties: Their primary duties include :
- Reading blueprints
- Installing wiring and electrical components
- Ensuring compliance with local and national electrical codes
- Diagnosing and repairing electrical issues
- Using tools to test and troubleshoot electrical systems
They also provide recommendations for improvements, adhere to safety protocols, and stay updated on the latest electrical technologies and regulations.
6. Personal Shopper
Average Salary: $21.87 per hour
Primary Duties: The main responsibilities of a Personal Shopper are to understand what clients like and need, choose the right clothes and accessories for them, and make sure they have a customized shopping experience. They keep up with the latest fashion trends by doing research and going to stores. Personal Shoppers also help clients with fashion advice, put together outfits, and give styling tips. They are responsible for handling purchases, returns, and exchanges in an organized manner.
6. Elevator Technician
Average Salary: $21.52 per hour
Primary Duties: Elevator technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators, escalators, and similar equipment. Their primary duties include reading blueprints to determine equipment specifications, assembling and installing elevator components, performing regular inspections to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
7. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Average Salary: $21.00 per hour
Primary Duties: A Solar Photovoltaic Installer assembles and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops or other structures. Their primary duties include :
- Assessing the site for installation
- Measuring and cutting solar panels
- Connecting panels to the electrical system
- Ensuring proper wiring and grounding
They also perform system testing, troubleshoot issues, and provide routine maintenance.
8. Carpenter
Average Salary: $20.73 per hour
Primary Duties: The main tasks of carpenters involve interpreting blueprints, measuring and cutting materials, and utilizing different tools like saws, drills, and sanders. Carpenters are also responsible for installing structures like doors, windows, and cabinets, making sure they are straight and firmly in place.
9. Automotive Technician
Average Salary: $19.50 per hour
Primary Duties: Automotive technicians are responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles. They inspect vehicles, identify problems using diagnostic tools, and perform necessary repairs or replacements. Technicians also conduct routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations. They ensure vehicles meet safety and emission standards, and often work with complex electronic systems.
10. Powerplant Operator
Average Salary: $19.30 per hour
Primary Duties: Powerplant operators are responsible for controlling and maintaining machinery used to generate electricity. They monitor power production, adjust controls, and respond to emergencies. Operators ensure equipment operates efficiently, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot issues to prevent downtime.
11. Boiler Mechanic
Average Salary: $18.35 per hour
Primary Duties: Boiler mechanics specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining boilers and related systems. They inspect boiler components, identify malfunctions, and repair or replace faulty parts. Boiler mechanics also perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and testing safety devices, to ensure boilers operate safely and efficiently.
12. Private Investigator
Average Salary: $17.95 per hour
Primary Duties: Private investigators conduct research and surveillance to gather information for various purposes, such as legal cases, background checks, or locating missing persons. They interview people, analyze records, and use surveillance techniques to uncover relevant details.
13. Dental assistant
Average Salary: $17.90 per hour
Primary Duties: Dental assistants support dentists during patient procedures and perform administrative tasks in dental offices. They prepare treatment rooms, assist with dental procedures, sterilize instruments, and educate patients on oral hygiene. Dental assistants also manage patient records, schedule appointments, and handle billing.
14. Landscaper
Average Salary: $13.59 per hour
Primary Duties: Landscapers design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces, including gardens, lawns, and hardscapes. They select and plant vegetation, install irrigation systems, and create landscape designs. Landscapers also perform tasks like mowing, pruning, and fertilizing to keep outdoor areas visually appealing and healthy.
15. Telemarketer
Average Salary: $12.80 per hour
Primary Duties: Telemarketers engage potential customers over the phone to promote products or services. They use scripts to explain offerings, address customer inquiries, and persuade individuals to make purchases. Telemarketers must possess excellent communication skills, be persuasive, and maintain a polite and professional demeanor.
16. Security Guard
Average Salary: $12.50 per hour
Primary Duties: Security guards protect properties, assets, and people by patrolling designated areas, monitoring surveillance equipment, and inspecting buildings for security breaches. They may also control access points, respond to alarms, and detain individuals involved in suspicious activities.
17. Custodian
Average Salary: $11.85 per hour
Primary Duties: They perform tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors, cleaning restrooms, and emptying trash receptacles. Custodians may also perform minor repairs and notify maintenance staff of larger issues. Their work creates a clean and comfortable environment for occupants, contributing to overall well-being.
18. Barista
Average Salary: $11.57 per hour
Primary Duties: Baristas work in coffee shops or cafes, they prepare and serve a variety of coffee beverages and snacks. They operate espresso machines, grind coffee beans, and create aesthetically pleasing coffee art. Baristas interact with customers, take orders, and provide information about menu items. They maintain cleanliness in the cafe and handle cash transactions.
19. Server
Average Salary: $11.38 per hour
Primary Duties: Servers work in restaurants, taking customer orders, delivering food and beverages, and ensuring guests have an enjoyable dining experience. They memorize menu items, offer recommendations, and accommodate special requests or dietary restrictions. Servers collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely order preparation.
20. Housekeeper
Average Salary: $11.32 per hour
Primary Duties: Housekeepers primary duties include cleaning and sanitizing rooms, bathrooms, and common areas, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors, and doing laundry. They also restock supplies, dispose of trash, and may perform light maintenance tasks.
