Formal Education Pays Off
Want to earn more money? You might need more education than a high school diploma or GED. Many higher-paying jobs require more education.
As you weigh the pros and cons of going to school, think about how education pays. People with college degrees or formal job training often make more money than those without a degree. They are also more likely to keep their jobs or quickly find a new one.
Education Pays
| Unemployment Rate | Education Level | Typical Weekly Earnings* |
|---|---|---|
| 11.7% | Didn't Finish High School | $619 |
| 9.0% | GED/High School Graduate | $781 |
| 8.3% | Some College, No Degree | $877 |
| 7.1% | Associate Degree | $938 |
| 5.5% | Bachelor's Degree | $1,305 |
| 4.1% | Master's Degree | $1,545 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
* Typical weekly earnings shown are the median wage. The median is the middle wage when listing all of the wages from low to high. The earnings are for year-round, full-time employed workers age 25 and older.
Next Steps:
- Start exploring career information.
- Search for training.
