The average starting salary for high school graduates in the United States is $30,000. That’s a lot of money, but it could be a lot more. If you’re planning on going to college, and are simultaneously planning on working part-time when you finish school, you may want to consider some skills that can help bump your starting salary more towards the six-figure range.
As high school students prepare for college, many parents ask what the average starting salary for a recent high school graduate is. Believe it or not, there will be another generation — entering their peak child-rearing years — that’s entering into the job market. It’s going to be an exciting time for them and for the work-at-home parent.
Average starting salary for high school graduates
The real value of a high school degree is the thinking skills that it provides. The average starting salary for high school grads is $33,157. You can make similar amounts with a good community college, junior college, and even career college education today. The moral? Find a way to get those skills of analytical and problem solving, writing and speaking skills, critical thinking and reading comprehension, and the ability to speak two languages. If you get those things through high school, great! If not, don’t despair! The key is to study hard in whatever you do, then find ways to make what you’ve learned work for you by becoming the best possible YOU you can be. And don’t forget one more thing: You have talent and potential–don’t ever let anyone make you believe otherwise! Good luck!!
Salaries vary by state. Check out the table above to see how your wage compares to that of others in your high school graduating class.
Desk jobs remain the best way to earn a modest income and a high chance at long-term employment. However, with the shelf life on these jobs being shorter than ever before, it’s vitally important that students start preparing themselves as early as possible by gaining plenty of experience. Furthermore, students should focus on honing the skills listed here because they will translate across almost any industry. The job market is competitive and getting more competitive every day, so make your chances better by focusing on getting a top education and learning how to make yourself marketable.
