How High School Graduates In Abilene Are Securing Great Careers

How Much Can You Earn with Just a High School Diploma in Abilene?

Did you just graduate or are you graduating soon? Are you wondering how much a high school graduate can earn right here in Abilene? With rising costs for everything from gasoline to groceries, you might be asking, "Is a high school diploma enough to make a decent living in West Texas?"

In 1973, when I started in radio, the minimum wage was a staggering $2.00 per hour. A full 40-hour week brought in $80 before taxes—about $4,000 annually. While that seemed enough back then, times have certainly changed. Today, wages for high school graduates can offer a solid living, depending on the job you land.

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What High School Graduates Earn Today

Recent data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and Stacker.com shows that high school graduates in Abilene are in a strong position. Workers with a high school diploma earn about 25% more than those without one—an average of $853 per week compared to $682. Unemployment rates for diploma holders are also lower, sitting at 4%, compared to 5.5% for those without a diploma.

If you're ready to work hard, West Texas offers real opportunities to thrive. So, let’s look a bit deeper into the actual numbers. Here are the top-paying jobs for a high school graduate in Abilene:

Top 10 High-Paying Jobs for High School Graduates in Abilene:

#10. Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Median annual wage: $56,330
Median hourly wage: $27.08
On-the-job training: Long-term
Total employment: 50 people

#9. Postal Service Clerks

Median annual wage: $56,600
Median hourly wage: $27.21
On-the-job training: Short-term
Total employment: 50 people

#8. Tax Preparers

Median annual wage: $56,850
Median hourly wage: $27.33
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Total employment: 30 people

#7. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

Median annual wage: $60,080
Median hourly wage: $28.89
On-the-job training: None
Total employment: 340 people

#6. First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Median annual wage: $63,230
Median hourly wage: $30.40
On-the-job training: None
Total employment: 390 people

#5. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Median annual wage: $72,520
Median hourly wage: $34.87
On-the-job training: Long-term
Total employment: 100 people

#4. Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Median annual wage: $78,050
Median hourly wage: $37.52
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Total employment: 380 people

#3. Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Median annual wage: $79,870
Median hourly wage: $38.40
On-the-job training: Long-term
Total employment: 70 people

#2. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Median annual wage: $87,990
Median hourly wage: $42.30
On-the-job training: None
Total employment: 60 people

#1. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Median annual wage: $101,080
Median hourly wage: $48.60
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Total employment: 30 people

These figures prove that you don’t necessarily need a college degree to make a good living. While higher education can open doors, many well-paying jobs in Abilene offer a solid income with just a high school diploma.

West Texas has opportunities for those willing to work hard and build a brighter future, making it possible to thrive without a degree. I strongly believe that a degree helps immensely so don't ever give up on getting a degree even when you're in your 60's.