**New Report Highlights Early Career Earnings for Texas High School Graduates, Value of Further Education**
AUSTIN, TX – A new report from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), utilizing wage data from the Texas Workforce Commission, provides a comprehensive look at the early career earnings of Texas public high school graduates, underscoring the significant financial benefits of pursuing postsecondary education. The report tracks earnings one, three, and five years after graduation for several cohorts.
For the Class of 2017-18, the median annual earnings one year after high school graduation stood at approximately $25,600. By their third year post-graduation, these same individuals saw their median earnings rise to $36,500. A similar upward trend was observed for the Class of 2015-16, with median earnings of $24,000 one year out, $34,300 three years out, and $41,600 five years after graduating high school.
The report's most striking finding reveals the substantial impact of postsecondary education on earning potential. Five years after graduating, the Class of 2015-16 showed significant differences based on their educational attainment beyond high school:
* Graduates with only a high school diploma earned an average of $35,100 annually.
* Those who obtained an associate's degree saw their earnings jump to $46,900.
* Graduates with a bachelor's degree commanded significantly higher wages, averaging $65,100.
* Even specialized certifications boosted earnings, with those holding certifications averaging $44,100 annually five years out.
This data covers graduates from the 2010-11 school year through 2018-19, offering valuable insights into career pathways and economic outcomes for Texas youth. Local residents can explore data specific to their region and even individual school districts to understand local trends and opportunities. The full report and detailed breakdowns are available on the Texas Education Agency website at tea.texas.gov/earlycareerearnings.
