🎓 “Diploma in One Hand, Ambition in the Other: High-Income Careers You Can Reach Without a Degree”

Mayor Veals 💎
Apr 4
3 min read

“Don’t let nobody tell you your story’s already written. You got the pen. Write something legendary.” – Inspired by Queen & Slim

Let’s be real: college isn’t the only way to level up anymore — especially not for folks who’ve already pushed through to get their high school diploma and are hungry for more. Whether you graduated recently or it’s been a minute, there’s a new wave of careers that pay $75K+ — and all you need is the right certification, not a degree.

Let’s talk about why this matters for us.

💥 Why This Is a Game-Changer for Black and Brown Communities

Generational freedom starts here: These careers let you skip the debt and start building wealth faster.
Representation matters: We're still underrepresented in high-income fields like tech and skilled trades. That means there’s room for us to take over.
Your life, your terms: Some of these roles are remote, flexible, and allow for entrepreneurship down the road.

💼🔥 Careers You Can Get With Just a High School

Diploma + Certification

1. Cloud Support Associate / IT Support Specialist

Average Salary: $72,000–$90,000
Get Certified:
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- CompTIA A+
Why it slaps: Remote work, upward mobility, entry point into tech.
Black Excellence Vibe: Think Issa from Insecure learning code and flipping the game from her living room.

2. Electrician / HVAC Technician

Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000+ (especially if you go union or start your own business)
Get Certified:
- NCCER Electrical Certification
- HVAC Excellence or EPA Certification
Why it hits: High demand, apprenticeship options, often no student loans.
Real Talk: Black-owned contracting businesses are booming — be the plug, literally.

3. Commercial Truck Driver (CDL-A)

Average Salary: $75,000+ with experience and bonuses
Get Certified:
- Local CDL Training School (Many offer 3–6 week programs)
Why it's dope: You can be on the road or lease your own truck and become a business.
Think: Tyrese from Baby Boy, but this time with a plan and passive income.

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

Average Salary: $85,000–$110,000
Get Certified:
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate
- CompTIA Security+
Why it’s powerful: Fight cyber threats, work from home, and always in demand.
Motivation: Protecting the culture… digitally.

5. Wind Turbine or Solar Energy Technician

Average Salary: $70,000–$95,000
Get Certified:
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
- Community College Clean Energy Programs
Why it's righteous: Green jobs = future money, minimal competition, dope outdoors work.
Imagine: A modern-day Radio Raheem — but he’s saving the Earth and stacking checks.

📚 Bonus Resources for the Culture:

Blacks in Technology Foundation – Free access to tech education and events.
UrbanVillage.Network Career Courses – Courses made for us, by us.
CareerOneStop.org – Filter for “high pay, low education” jobs.

✊🏾 Final Word from Urban Village:

Your diploma is a launchpad, not a limit. You can learn the skills, get the certs, and step into jobs that pay what you deserve — without a single college debt payment.

You ready? Because this ain’t just about money — this is about legacy.