* Occupation: A high school graduate working in construction might earn significantly more than one working in retail.
* Location: Cost of living and wages differ greatly between states and even cities within a state. A high school graduate in New York City will likely earn more than one in rural Nebraska, even in similar jobs.
* Experience: Years of experience in a field will generally increase earnings.
* Industry: Some industries simply pay more than others, regardless of education level.
* Individual skills and ambition: Strong work ethic, specialized skills, and career advancement opportunities all affect earnings.
While you can find average income figures for high school graduates from various sources (like the U.S. Census Bureau), these are broad averages and don't reflect individual circumstances. It's more helpful to research specific occupations that interest you and look at salary ranges for those positions within your desired location. Websites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provide detailed occupational outlook information.