* Year of data: Inflation and economic shifts impact earning power.
* Location: Income levels differ significantly by geographic region (e.g., urban vs. rural, state to state).
* Specific occupation: Some jobs are more readily accessible to high school graduates than others.
* Individual factors: Work ethic, ambition, and opportunities all play a role, regardless of educational attainment.
However, some general trends consistently emerge:
* High school graduates earn considerably more over their lifetime than dropouts. This difference is not just a small margin; it's often a substantial gap in annual income and cumulative earnings.
* The income gap widens over time. The longer a person works, the more the cumulative effect of a higher salary for a high school graduate becomes apparent.
* Dropouts face higher unemployment rates. Finding and keeping stable employment is more challenging without a high school diploma.
* Dropouts have less access to higher-paying jobs. Many jobs require at least a high school diploma as a minimum qualification.
While precise numbers are difficult to provide without specifying a particular year, location, and other factors, studies consistently show that the high school graduate will earn significantly more money over their lifetime than a high school dropout. The difference represents a substantial economic advantage for those who complete their high school education.