Education requirements by career

Job Title: Cashier - process payments from customer purchasing goods and services

Average annual pay: $25,020

• High school graduate

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

Answer explanation

Teenagers can get a job as a cashier before they graduate high school.

Job Title: Accountant - prepare and examine financial records

Average annual pay: $73, 560

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

Answer explanation

In order to be an accountant, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required. Many people also acquire a license in the specific kind of accounting work they want to do such as a certified public accountant (CPA). Some people choose to get a master's degree or other additional education or licensure as well.

Job Title: Mechanic - inspect, maintain and repair vehicles

Average annual pay: $44,050

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

Answer explanation

Either an associate's degree or certified training program will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to be a mechanic.

Job Title: Athletic Trainer - specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

Answer explanation

A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required plus a license before you can work as an athletic trainer. You can pursue additional education through a master's or doctorate as well.

Job Title: Computer Programmer - write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly

Average annual pay: $89,190

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

Answer explanation

While you may be able to get certification in a very specific type of computer program, a bachelor's degree will teach you much more and qualify you to work in many more jobs.

Job Title: Construction Equipment Operator - drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery (cranes, bulldozers, etc.) used to construct roads buildings and other structures

Average annual pay: $49,100

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

Answer explanation

While there are many jobs that someone with a high school diploma can perform in construction, the more skilled jobs that pay more require additional training.

Dental Hygienist: examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide preventive care

Average annual pay: $77,090

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

Waiter/Waitress: take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments

Average annual pay: $23,470

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

Veterinary Technician: do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses

Average annual pay: $36,260

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)

School Teacher: instruct young students in basic subjects to prepare them for their future

Annual average pay: $60,700

• High school diploma

• License or certificate earned after high school

• Associate's degree (2 years of college)

• Bachelor's degree (4 years of college)