Top companies for high school graduates to begin and advance their career: list

NEW YORK (PIX11)-- High school graduates who choose not to attend college and start working right away can benefit from selecting the right company to work for. The right company can contribute to future career advancement, promotions, and higher pay, according to the American Opportunity Index.

The index measures how well America’s largest companies maximize their internal growth and prepare their employees for growth, according to their website. 

“While it is true that many young people who do not enroll in a four-year college immediately after high school will struggle to get ahead,” read their study on the best places to work for high school graduates. One in five workers without degrees out-earns the median college graduate's annual wage.” 

Best companies for high school graduates to start a career: 

1. Chipotle Mexican Grill 
2. Lowe’s 
3. Walgreens Boots Alliance 
4. Foot Locker
5. PNC Financial Services Group 
6. Gap Inc. 
7. Goodyear Tire and Rubber 
8. Best Buy 
9. Chewy 
10. Starbucks 

A study conducted by The Index showed that top companies are more likely to hire entry-level workers than other large firms. Their study also found that employees at their respective companies are more likely to get promoted and, on average, receive a 10 percent pay increase in pay, according to their study. 

The top 50 companies for high schoolers looking to join the workforce right out of high school can be found here.