How a GED Can Help You Get a Job
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
The majority of industries have some types of jobs available for people with a high school education. Here is a list of some of the industries and types of jobs you can get with a GED.
Administrative Office Support
These jobs let you work in an office and use your general computer and literacy skills. Roles include:
- Administrative assistants or secretaries
- Bill collectors
- Customer service representatives
- Financial clerks
- Information clerks
- Receptionists
- Tellers
Arts
Artists can pursue work in crafts, fine art, or floral design.
Building and Grounds Cleaning
A GED can help get you work in:
- Grounds maintenance
- Cleaning and janitorial roles
- Pest control
Community and Social Services
A GED can help to get you a job as a:
- Community health worker
- Social service assistant
- Counselor (in some areas)
Construction, Installation, and Repair
You can work in and around land and buildings in many roles with a GED, including as a(n):
- 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
Look for apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs to learn a valuable trade.
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. Roles include:
- Bartender
- Baker
- Cook
- Food prep worker
- Waiter or other staff member
Forestry, Fishing, and Farming
These industries involve being outside and working with natural systems. Roles include:
- Farming equipment operator
- Animal breeder
- Hunter’s working hand or apprentice
- Fishing deckhand
Healthcare and Personal Care
You can assist in healthcare, which is one of the biggest industries in the US, with a GED. Roles include:
- Childcare worker
- Nurse or healthcare assistant
- Aide in home health, occupational or physical therapy, personal care, or psychiatric settings
Legal
Legal professionals usually have a higher education, but you can work in the legal industry with a GED as a:
- Title abstractor
- Title examiner
- Title searcher
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
Protection
With a GED, you can apply for job roles that are responsible for protecting people, including:
- Bailiff
- Correctional officer
- Private detective
- Security guard
- Surveillance officer
- Police officer (in some locations)
Sales
Motivated workers have been attracted to sales for centuries. It’s a way of directly affecting the income of companies. You can become quite valuable as a(n):
- Insurance salesperson
- Manufacturing or wholesale salesperson
- Retail sales representative
- Cashier
Transportation
Meet a variety of people and see different areas with a transportation job, which can include:
- 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.
My name is Ellie Brooks and I am working on getting my G.E.D. I am 18 years old.
Good luck Ellie! You can do this!
very interesting, good job and thanks for sharing
I’m Samiul Islam.
Can I apply for canadian student visa after complete the GED cours??
Hi Samiul! We’re happy you’re getting the GED. You would need to contact the Canadian government regarding a student visa. For more information, click here.
So hypothetically by getting my GED now, I can enroll in college before I am supposed to graduate? This being said, will a GED be as effective as a diploma?
Hi Nikko! Please email help@ged.com to see if you’re able to take the GED. Have a great day!
Hi I Am Nayana
Can I get admission in physical therapy after pass GED Give more information Please help me.
Hi Nayana! Almost 98% of colleges in the U.S. accept the GED, meaning you could start a physical therapy program there after taking the GED!
Is it important to have a GED if you want to apply for work in USA? I am from India
Hi Sanna! A GED may not be required but it will definitely be beneficial to have. It shows you have a high school proficiency and GED grads can earn on average $9,000 more than those without a diploma.
Is the GED online test available in California? If you pass it online, what school accredited the certificate? What shows on the diploma/certificate ?
Hi Luis! It is available online in California as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. It’s accredited by GED Testing Service, which is recognized by over 98% of colleges in the United States.
Need get ged soon as possible
Hi Carnell. You can get started by creating a free account at GED.com. From there you’ll find everything you need to pass the GED test including free study guides and other great study tools!
Can I get a GED at 17
Hi Kara! Underage testing depends on what state you’re testing in. For more information on in-person underage testing click here: https://ged.com/about_test/price_and_state_rules/. If you’re looking to take the online GED test at 17 you can see if your state allows it here: https://ged.com/state-information-online-testing/.
Anything else in the medical field you can be? I always wanted to be a surgeon or a homocide detective 🕵️♀️
Hi Shay! You can become any of those things with a GED you’ll just need to attend college first!
Hi,
My name is Alyssa Varela and I am 16 years old and school is just not for me. Would I be able to take the GED test?
Hi Alyssa. Many states have age restrictions when testing. For the rules and age restrictions in your state go here: https://ged.com/about_test/price_and_state_rules/.
School has always been a huge struggle for me. I am now halfway through my sophomore year of high school, and it’s becoming very clear that this is just not something that will work for me. I want to be successful in life, and possibly have a job in interior design. Can I do these things with a GED?
Hi Clare. We always suggest staying in school to get the best education you can. However, to answer your question, you could accomplish all of those things with a GED.
Hi , I was wondering i can be a social worker with a ged.. or work at a food stamps office
Hi Terica! Yes you can attend college with your GED so you should be able to obtain one of these jobs.
Hi my name is alex and I want to become a sheriff in colorado would I be able to when I get my GED.
Hi Alex! You may be required to take courses beyond the GED, but getting your GED would be a great first step to following that career path.
im 20 years old would i still be able to get a GED?
Hi Andrea! Yes you can get your GED, visit our website for more information and to schedule your test https://ged.com/about_test/scheduling/