Career Options After 12th With Low Percentage (150+ Smart Paths)

If you scored low marks in your 12th exams, don’t panic. There are still many career options after 12th with low percentage that can lead to stable income and long-term success. While some professional courses require high cut-offs, several diploma programs, skill-based courses, government jobs, private sector roles, and creative careers are open to students with lower scores.

Your percentage does not define your future. What matters is choosing the right path based on your interests and strengths. In this guide, we’ve listed 150+ career options after 12th with low marks, grouped by stream and industry to help you plan smartly.

Can I Get a Good Career After 12th With Low Percentage?

Yes. You can choose diploma courses, skill-based programs, certification courses, government jobs, or start freelancing. Many industries value skills more than marks.

What Is Considered a Low Percentage in 12th Grade?

In the US, high school students receive GPA scores rather than percentages, but for reference:

• Below 2.0 GPA (or 60% and under) is generally considered low.
• A GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 (or 60-70%) is average but may restrict entry into competitive universities.

But here’s the deal: plenty of doors are still wide open.

Want to Improve Your Score? Here’s What You Can Do First

Before diving into career options, some of you may want a second chance at your scores. You can:

• Retake specific classes in summer school
• Enroll in credit recovery programs
• Take online high school diploma completion programs (like Penn Foster or Excel High School)
• Go for GED (General Educational Development) tests if you're eligible
• These can boost your academic record and give you more choices down the road.

Career Options After Scoring Low Percentage in 12th

Here’s a comprehensive list of career pathways that don’t necessarily require high GPAs but can still lead to stable and even lucrative careers. These have been grouped into categories to help you explore based on your interests:

Creative & Visual Arts Careers (No GPA Barrier)

1. Graphic Designer
2. Fashion Stylist
3. Makeup Artist
4. Tattoo Artist
5. Photographer
6. Animator
7. Interior Decorator
8. Art Therapist
9. YouTuber
10. Illustrator
11. Digital Painter
12. Video Editor
13. Voice Artist
14. Comic Book Artist
15. Jewelry Designer
16. Set Designer
17. Muralist
18. Packaging Designer
19. Concept Artist
20. 3D Modeler

Technology & Digital Careers

1. Web Developer
2. UI/UX Designer
3. IT Support Specialist
4. Data Entry Operator
5. Digital Marketer
6. Social Media Manager
7. SEO Executive
8. Game Tester
9. App Developer (via bootcamps)
10. Cybersecurity Technician
11. Virtual Assistant
12. AI Prompt Writer
13. Email Marketing Specialist
14. Graphic Motion Designer
15. E-commerce Specialist
16. CRM Assistant
17. WordPress Developer

Healthcare (Non-Medical Roles)

1. Medical Transcriptionist
2. Pharmacy Technician
3. Phlebotomist
4. Home Health Aide
5. Dental Assistant
6. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
7. Occupational Therapy Aide
8. Physical Therapy Assistant
9. Medical Biller/Coder
10. Massage Therapist
11. Health Coach
12. Nutrition Assistant
13. Patient Care Technician
14. Medical Equipment Preparer
15. EKG Technician
16. Lab Assistant

Trades & Vocational Careers

1. Electrician
2. Plumber
3. HVAC Technician
4. Auto Mechanic
5. Welder
6. Carpenter
7. Solar Panel Installer
8. Elevator Installer
9. Industrial Machine Operator
10. Landscaper
11. Roofer
12. Painter
13. Locksmith
14. Boat Mechanic
15. Heavy Equipment Operator
16. Fire Sprinkler Technician

Hospitality, Travel, and Culinary

1. Chef
2. Pastry Chef
3. Bartender
4. Waitstaff Manager
5. Cruise Ship Crew
6. Housekeeping Supervisor
7. Concierge
8. Hotel Front Desk Clerk
9. Event Coordinator
10. Tour Guide
11. Cabin Crew
12. Resort Staff
13. Food Truck Owner
14. Travel Vlogger
15. Camp Host
16. Theme Park Staff

Business & Administration

1. Administrative Assistant
2. Bookkeeper
3. Office Clerk
4. Data Entry Clerk
5. Receptionist
6. Billing Coordinator
7. Customer Support Agent
8. Payroll Assistant
9. Store Manager
10. Call Center Agent
11. Shipping Coordinator
12. Inventory Clerk
13. Courier Dispatcher
14. Sales Associate
15. Real Estate Agent
16. Insurance Agent

Education & Training (Entry Level Roles)

1. Preschool Teacher Assistant
2. Daycare Worker
3. Special Needs Aide
4. Online English Tutor
5. After-School Program Assistant
6. Library Assistant
7. Camp Counselor
8. Playground Supervisor
9. Art Class Assistant

Fitness, Sports & Wellness

1. Fitness Trainer (with certification)
2. Zumba Instructor
3. Yoga Teacher
4. Dance Instructor
5. Martial Arts Coach
6. Lifeguard
7. Sports Referee
8. Outdoor Camp Trainer
9. Wellness Coach
10. Gym Assistant

Media, Communication & Content Creation

1. Blogger
2. Podcaster
3. Radio Jockey
4. Video Content Creator
5. Voiceover Artist
6. Script Writer
7. Meme Creator
8. PR Assistant
9. Social Media Content Producer
10. Subtitling Specialist

Freelancing & Online Gigs

1. Etsy Shop Owner
2. Freelance Writer
3. Stock Photographer
4. Amazon KDP Author
5. Print-on-Demand Artist
6. Dropshipper
7. Virtual Store Manager
8. Online Survey Taker
9. Remote Research Assistant
10. Fiverr Service Seller
11. Online Tutor
12. Language Translator
13. Resume Writer
14. Proofreader
15. Digital Product Creator

The U.S. Military

1. Cyber Systems Operator
2. Broadcast Journalist
3. Air Traffic Controller
4. Medical Laboratory Technician
5. Cryptologic Linguist
6. Helicopter Repairer
7. Paralegal Specialist
8. Aircraft Electrician
9. Special Forces
10. Sonar Technician
11. Cook

Direct to Work & Apprenticeships

Sometimes, the fastest way to get ahead is to start working and learning on the job. Many industries have apprenticeships that pay you while you learn and train you for a skilled position.

1. Firefighter
2. Police Officer
3. Commercial Diver
4. Boilermaker
5. Elevator Installer
6. Flight Attendant
7. HVAC Technician
8. Electrician
9. Plumber
10. Bank Teller
11. Administrative Assistant
12. Real Estate Agent
13. Insurance Agent
14. Sales Representative
15. Retail Manager
16. Data Entry Clerk
17. Social Media Assistant
18. Flight Attendant
19. Customer Service Representative

Courses You May Not Qualify for With Low Percentage (and What You Can Do Instead)

You might find it challenging to get into:

• Ivy League colleges or top-tier universities
• Pre-medical or pre-law programs
• Engineering (with GPA-based admission)
• Research-heavy programs in Science
• Competitive business majors

Alternatives:

• Join a community college first and then transfer to a 4-year university
• Take certification programs (Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, etc.)
• Opt for Associate's Degrees in relevant fields
• Join bootcamps for coding, design, or marketing
• Enroll in trade schools or polytechnic colleges

Low scores don’t mean low success. Many successful people in the world didn’t start with perfect grades. What matters is finding the right path that aligns with your strengths. With over 150+ career ideas here, you have options—plenty of them. Don’t give up. Plan smart, take action, and you’ll go far.