You’ve worked your tail off for years, but you still can’t seem to get ahead. You’ve been thinking about returning to school, but the thought of more student loans is daunting. What if we told you that you didn’t need a degree to get a high-paying job?
Believe it or not, there are plenty of high-paying jobs out there that don’t require a four-year degree. And many of them are even remote jobs, which means you can work from anywhere in the world.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 high-paying jobs that you can get without a degree. So what are you waiting for? Start your job search today!
What Are High-Paying Remote Jobs You Can Get Without a Degree?
Not everyone has the opportunity to go to college or get a traditional degree. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a high-paying job. In fact, there are many high-paying remote jobs you can get without a degree.
All you need is some determination, the right skills, and a strong work ethic. So don’t give up on your dreams. There are plenty of high-paying jobs out there that don’t require a degree. Just take a look at the list below.
Virtual assistant
A virtual assistant is a viable option for those who want to work from home and have some administrative skills. As a virtual assistant, you might do things like manage a team’s calendar, answer customer service emails or run social media campaigns.
Depending on your skills and experience, you could make anywhere from $25 to $75 an hour as a virtual assistant. And there are plenty of opportunities out there; you just need to know where to look.
Web Developer
If you’re looking for a high-paying remote job that doesn’t require a degree, web developer is a viable option. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the number of web developer jobs will grow by 27% over the next decade.
As a web developer, you’ll be responsible for designing, coding and managing websites. You’ll need strong coding skills and a thorough understanding of how websites work. If you’re interested in becoming a web developer, there are several courses and tutorials you can take to get started.
Copywriter
Copywriters work in marketing, crafting content for websites, advertising campaigns and more. You don’t need a degree to be a copywriter—it’s more about having writing experience and being able to write persuasively.
Experience isn’t everything though—it’s just as imperative to have a comprehensive portfolio of examples of your work in order to land remote copywriting jobs. Also, make sure you have an understanding of trends in the industry and can keep up with the latest developments.
If you’re looking for remote copywriting jobs, you’ll probably want to start by reading job postings and getting in touch with relevant companies. They’ll often list requirements like word count, research skills and deadlines. It’s imperative to be organized, thorough and familiar with digital marketing techniques.
You may also want to consider joining online job boards or freelancing websites like Upwork or Freelancer so that prospective clients can find you more easily. These sites are a helpful way of submitting your portfolio for review by potential employers.
Social Media Manager
Social media managers help businesses maximize their social media presence by creating content, responding to comments, promoting products and services, and engaging with followers. This job requires exemplary writing skills, excellent communication skills, proficiency with various social media platforms, and a basic understanding of design.
You don’t need a degree for this job since you can learn how to use the popular social media platforms on your own. However, some employers may prefer that you have a degree or certification in digital marketing. Some companies will have you manage their accounts part-time while others need someone full-time. On average, you can expect to earn around $20-$25/hour as a social media manager.
SEO Specialist
Do you have some knowledge of coding and digital marketing? Then you might want to consider becoming an SEO specialist. A successful SEO specialist can earn up to $50,000 annually, and they don’t need any formal education or a degree. All they need is a thorough understanding of keyword research, coding skills, and an ability to understand the customer’s needs.
It certainly helps if you have an understanding of popular web development tools like HTML and CSS, as well as content management systems like WordPress or Ghost. You’ll also need to know how to optimize content for search engine robots, and be able to monitor website performance for maximum visibility on search engines. Successful SEO specialists will also have to stay on top of the latest trends in the world of online marketing. They will use this knowledge to regularly evaluate their strategies and tweak them accordingly.
Graphic Designer
Graphic design might just be the perfect job for you if you have a knack for design and creativity and don’t have a degree. You can create high-quality visuals for websites, logos, posters and other materials to help brands stand out.
Of course, you need some skills to make this work. You should know how to use design software like Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign—but fear not! You can learn these from tutorials online or from friends who know the ropes.
You should also be able to come up with creative ideas quickly, as well as understand color theory, typography and branding. Working with clients is also imperative, so make sure you’re comfortable communicating your ideas in an effective way, as well as taking feedback on board. With the right skillset, you could be making big bucks per hour!
Proofreader
Proofreader is one of the top remote jobs that doesn’t require a degree. It’s highly sought-after because no matter what kind of content you create, it needs to be error-free. As a proofreader, you’ll be responsible for spotting any errors in writing and making sure documents are written in the correct language, grammar and style. Plus, you can make an impressive $23/hr.
The job involves carefully reading through texts to find any typos, misspellings or grammatical errors and then cross-checking the text against its original source. You’ll also need to be familiar with multiple style guides while pitching creative ideas on how to make the content better.
At the end of the day, proofreading isn’t just about catching mistakes—it’s also about making sure that everything is flawless and error-free!
Data Entry Clerk
Are you proficient at data? Becoming a data entry clerk could be the perfect option for you! Even though it’s a bit of a tedious job, it pays well and doesn’t require formal qualifications.
Data entry clerks often work on their own and are responsible for entering data into computer systems accurately and in a timely manner. While the job may involve repetitive tasks, the primary focus is accuracy so that the final product meets the company’s expectations.
And because of the lack of required credentials, companies don’t expect expertise in any particular software or task. For instance, depending on your role, you might have to enter customer orders or client information into databases. The job entails understanding instructions and using specified software to carry out tasks while also taking care to double-check your work before submitting it to ensure accuracy.
Translator
If you’re bilingual, then you may want to consider becoming a translator. As more and more companies do business across borders, there’s an increased demand for multilingual professionals who can help translate content from one language to another.
Translators use their fluency in multiple languages to rewrite text into a new language, while still preserving the original meaning. They also update existing translations and review texts to make sure they are accurate and grammatically correct.
Translators generally specialize in one or two languages, but many have personal networks of native speakers who help review translations for accuracy and make sure cultural nuances are properly conveyed. In addition to language skills, translators need strong communication skills, attention to detail and an understanding of different cultures.
Many companies offer remote translator jobs, so you can work from home or wherever you happen to be at the time. As with many roles on this list, the pay varies depending on experience and the languages spoken, but it can range anywhere from $20-30 per hour or higher with additional benefits included!
Customer Service Representative
Are you a people person who likes to help others? Then you might want to consider becoming a Customer Service Representative. It’s one of the top high paying remote jobs you can get without a degree.
In this role, your job will be to provide help and advice to customers who need assistance with their product or service. You’ll also be responsible for resolving customer issues and answering any questions they may have. As a Customer Service Representative, you should have excellent communication and organizational skills.
Plus, you’ll be able to work from anywhere in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your cozy bed or out exploring a new city—as long as you have access to reliable internet and a quiet space, then you can do your job perfectly well. Most companies offer flexible hours and competitive pay rates so it’s definitely worth looking into.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s important to remember that while a degree may give you an advantage in certain fields, it is by no means a requirement for success. There are plenty of high-paying jobs out there that don’t require a degree, and with the right mix of experience, skills, and drive, you can land one of them. So don’t let the lack of a degree hold you back from pursuing your dream job—there’s a good chance it won’t be necessary.