Throughout high school you hear the same mantra: "Go to college so you can get a good job." College is not a reality for everyone. Tuition has skyrocketed over the years and even the most affordable schools leave students in a mountain of debt. There are other job options available that aren't mentioned. The jobs listed below require only a high school diploma, but special training, or a license or certification is still needed.

1. Firefighter

This job is not for the faint of heart. Firefighters face dangers as they battle raging flames to save lives. Firefighters have to have a basic emergency medical technician certification. The median salary of a firefighter is $46,870 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2. Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents are the one who help people find their dream homes. The highest level of education needed to obtain a real estate license is a high school diploma. Realtors get paid based on commission, so salary varies. According to realtor.com, the average commission rate is 6 percent.

3. Truck Driver

Truck drivers are paid to drive cross-country and deliver cargo. They must complete training to learn how to operate a large truck and obtain a commercial driver's license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers' earn an average salary of $40,260.

4. Postal Worker

Postal workers need only to pass an exam, which tests your ability to differentiate between addresses and such. After being hired, workers often receive on-the-job training for a brief period of time. The median pay for postal workers is $56,790 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.