For many people with blindness or low vision, we often hear the same advice: get a college degree to improve your chances of employment.
But what if you don’t have a college degree? Or what if you simply don’t want one?
A recent Investopedia article highlights the top jobs you can land with just a high school diploma or GED. The data, based on projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), shows there are millions of opportunities available — and some offer solid pay.
Understanding these options can help you build a career path that works for you.
Why This Matters
About 28% of Americans age 25 and older have a high school diploma as their highest level of education, according to Census data.
For members of the blind community, college is not the only pathway to meaningful employment. What matters most is being able to confidently demonstrate:
- The skills you bring
- The adaptive techniques you use
- How you perform tasks effectively
With preparation and the right approach, well-paying work is possible without a four-year degree.
Jobs with the Most Openings
According to BLS projections, these roles are expected to have the highest number of annual openings through 2034.
Home Health and Personal Care Aides
This role is expected to have about 765,800 openings per year.
These workers assist people with disabilities or chronic illnesses with daily living activities. Growth in this field is projected at 17% over the next decade.
Median pay in 2024: about $34,900 per year.
This field may be especially relevant for blind workers interested in caregiving roles and who can demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Customer Service Representatives
Expected annual openings: approximately 350,000.
Customer service roles can often be performed using screen readers, adaptive software, and phone-based systems.
Office Clerks
Expected annual openings: approximately 300,000.
Clerical roles may include data entry, filing, scheduling, and administrative support — many of which can be performed effectively with accessible technology.
Higher-Paying Options Without a Degree
Some jobs requiring only a high school diploma offer significantly higher pay.
First-Line Office Supervisors and Administrative Support Workers
Median pay in 2024: $66,140 per year.
Top earners can make over $136,000, particularly in specialized industries.
These roles involve supervising clerical and administrative staff and may be a strong option for blind professionals who build experience in office environments and develop leadership skills.
Other Roles in the Top 10
Additional high-demand jobs include:
- Secretaries and administrative assistants
- Food service supervisors
- Security guards
- Child care workers
- Maintenance and repair workers
- Assemblers and fabricators
Together, the top 10 jobs account for nearly four out of 10 projected openings at the high school education level.
Importantly, many of these openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers — not just new job creation. That means opportunities continue even in slower economic periods.
What This Means for the Blind Community
The conventional wisdom says a college degree is your best chance at employment. For some people, that’s true.
But for others, especially those who:
- Want to enter the workforce quickly
- Prefer hands-on or supervisory roles
- Learn best through practical experience
- Cannot or choose not to attend college
There are viable, sustainable options.
The key is preparation. Be ready to explain:
- How you use adaptive technology
- How you complete tasks safely and efficiently
- What accommodations you may need
Confidence and competence matter more than a degree alone.
Penny Forward’s Bottom Line
A college degree can open doors — but it is not the only key to success.
If you have a high school diploma or GED, you still have options. With the right training, skills, and confidence in your alternative techniques, you can pursue well-paying, meaningful work.
Financial empowerment includes knowing your career options and choosing the path that fits your strengths and goals.
Read more here: The Top 10 Jobs You Can Land with Just a High School Diploma or GED
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