Why do jobs paying $45K ask for a GED?

There are many jobs that pay $45K+, but usually, they require a GED.

If you don’t have one, even if you are well-prepared for the job, you will simply be overlooked.

You are lucky if someone gives you some time to get a GED diploma.

Otherwise, the next person with a GED or diploma will take this job and the better paycheck.

Imagine the following: You want to apply for a warehouse supervisor position that pays $48,000.

You think you qualify because you have five years of warehouse experience and know what it takes to be successful in the position.

But you’re not invited for a job interview. The posting says “High school diploma or GED required.”

And that’s the problem… You didn’t finish high school and don’t have a GED.

This happens to 2.4 million workers in America every year. Let’s explain why employers use the GED as a filter and what not having a GED actually costs you.

The math on $45K jobs

Let’s do some simple math: if you work 40 hours a week at $22 per hour, you will make $45,000 per year.

However, workers without a GED will earn $12-$15 per hour in most jobs, translating to $25,000-$31,000 per year.

So, the difference between having a GED or not is $14,000- $20,000 per year; every year!

Over a 10-year period, that means you’ll be making $140,000 to $200,000 less without a GED. That’s what you lose if you don’t have a GED.

The good news is: You can get your GED in 8-12 weeks

Most people think getting a GED takes months or years. It doesn’t.

Onsego students pass the GED exam in 8-12 weeks, on average. Let’s take a closer look at what Onsego offers:

• Video lessons that break down every GED concept
• Unlimited practice questions (you never run out)
• AI tutor available 24/7 when you’re stuck
• Real instructors review your essays
• Pass guarantee (if you don’t pass, you don’t pay)

Onsego offers several Advantage Programs, priced from $79 to $199, so your first paycheck from a $45K job covers the cost.

Why employers require a GED (even when it seems pointless)

Employers don’t care if you can pass algebra. They just use the GED as one of their screening tools.

When you have a GED, that shows three key things:

• You can commit to finishing something
• You can learn new material on your own
• You can handle pressure and manage deadlines

If, for example, an employer receives 200 applications, the GED requirement already reduces that number to 50, and that’s much easier for the employer than reviewing every resume.

Check out this post about 10 companies that will pay for your college tuition if you have a GED.

Jobs that pay $45K+ with just a GED (no college degree needed)

Let’s take a look at some jobs that pay $45K or more with just a GED.

• Warehouse supervisor (annual earnings $48,000)
• Commercial driver (annual earnings $52,000)
• Dental assistant (annual earnings $46,000)
• HVAC technician (annual earnings $51,000)
• Pharmacy technician (annual earnings $47,000)
• Paralegal assistant (annual earnings $49,000)
• Executive assistant (annual earnings $50,000)
• See also this page about why vo-tech schools require a GED

Please note that these annual earnings are averages based on BLS data, and all these positions require applicants to have a GED, not a four-year college degree.

Jobs you’re locked out of without a GED

If you don’t hold a GED, you usually don’t qualify for government jobs. Most federal, state, and city positions require at least a high school diploma or GED.

Government jobs generally offer healthcare coverage, pensions, job security, and more benefits.

If you don’t hold a GED, you can’t start trade apprenticeships, but electrician, plumber, and carpenter apprenticeship programs already pay you while you learn.

For all these positions, the starting wage is $18-$20 per hour, and after four years, you’ll be making $60,000-$80,000 annually. All these programs require you to have a GED to enroll.

Without a GED, you don’t qualify for job promotions. When, for example, you have worked as a delivery driver for three years, and a logistics coordinator position opens up, you won’t qualify for the position.

Your annual pay would jump from $32,000 to $47,000, but you don’t qualify. You simply can’t apply for the position without a GED.

Real-world example: Carlos

Let’s take a look at a real-world example: Carlos worked in retail for eight years, making $14 per hour. That compares to $29,000 per year.

Then he decided to earn his GED and completed it in 10 weeks with Onsego’s 6-month Advantage Plan.

After completing his GED, Carlos enrolled in an HVAC apprenticeship program, earning $19 per hour from the start ($39,000 per year).

After two years in the HVAC apprenticeship program, he was earning $24 per hour, totaling $50,000 annually.

For Carlos, earning his GED opened the door. The apprenticeship did the rest.

Bottom line

When evaluating job applicants, employers use the GED as a filter. Fair or not, that’s reality.

You can spend years in frustration that you’re locked out of better positions, but you can also spend 8-12 weeks getting your GED and unlock positions that pay $45,000-$55,000 per year.

The math is simple: in most states, the GED test costs between $144 and $188. Onsego’s Advantage Plans cost from $79 to $199.

So, your first paycheck at a $45K job will cover both the exam cost and the online course. You won’t regret having a GED; on the contrary! It pays off, right?

Start your free trial with Onsego today. Pass Guarantee included.

Last Updated on January 17, 2026