Job Profiles for the GED Grad
by Leonard Williams
So, do you know what you want to do after you get your GED? Some GED students have a specific goal in mind, but others just want a better job. What better jobs are out there? That’s a question I hear a lot. I’ve put together profiles of some jobs that you might not have thought of, for people who’ve earned their GED.
1. Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy Aides
If you enjoy working with people and want to help people in need, think about becoming a physical or occupational therapy aide. Aides usually need only a high school diploma or GED, and get training on the job to work with physical therapists or occupational therapists to help their patients. There is a possibility for advancement as a physical or occupational therapy assistant, with additional education, and if you enjoy working in this field, you can continue your education in therapy or another field of health care. You’ll need to be able to move around, do lifting, and do physical work with patients.
There were over 45,000 physical or occupational therapist aide jobs in 2004, but most jobs are for physical therapist aides. The number of jobs in both areas is growing much faster than average, by more than 27%. Most physical therapy aides earn between $17,990 and $26,310, and occupational therapy aides earn between $19,080 and $31,910. If you go on to become a therapy assistant, the pay is much higher, between $31,060 and $44,050. Want more information? Check out the U.S. Dept of Labor at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos166.htm and http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos167.htm
2. Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Human resources assistants work in an office and generally need only a high school diploma or GED. Working as an HR assistant, you have the opportunity to advance to other, higher paying human resources jobs. Most jobs are full time, and the number of jobs in this field is increasing at about average, 9 to 17 percent, so jobs should continue to be available.
Most HR assistants earn between $25,780 and $38,770, and the highest paid jobs are with the Federal government. For more information, check out the U.S. Dept. of Labor site at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos150.htm
3. Travel Agent
You can work as a travel agent with just a GED, but be prepared. A lot of employers want workers who are familiar with computer, since most travel is booked by computer. You can find training and employment information at the American Society of Travel Agents.
Being a travel agent can be great if you’re good with computers and love travel. There are over 100,000 travel agents all across the country, but the number of jobs is going down slightly. Most travel agents earn between $21,600 and $35,070 a year. Want more information? Check out the U.S. Dept. of Labor site at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos124.htm
