What Are Low-Stress, High-Paying Jobs With No Degree?
From ceramic artist to home construction worker, here are 12 answers to the question, “This may sound like a dream—but what are low-stress, high-paying jobs that don’t require a degree?”
- Ceramic Artist
- Content Creator and Copy Writer
- Sales Representative
- Real Estate Agent
- Elevator Installer/Repairer
- Web Developer
- Luxury Travel Advisor
- Air Traffic Controller
- Freelance Digital Marketing Consultant
- Business Owner or Investor
- Pet Sitter
- Home Construction Worker
Ceramic Artist
Nowadays, people can pay quite a lot for a piece of functional art. Small, local ceramics businesses are very successful. To get started, you don’t need a degree or particularly high funds. In fact, what matters most here are the artistic vision and manual skills.
Natalia Brzezinska
Marketing and Outreach Manager, ePassportPhoto
Content Creator and Copy Writer
I left the 9-to-5 hamster wheel to start my content writing business. In less than three years, I tripled my income and worked 20-40% fewer hours. It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get here, and my stress level was sky high in the early days. But working from home, working fewer hours, getting paid more, and having more time off has helped to create the work-life balance I craved with all my previous jobs.
Disclaimer: I have a bachelor’s degree. But I could have started this business without one. No client has ever required it.
Alli Hill
Founder and Director, Fleurish Freelance
Sales Representative
While there are few jobs that offer both high pay and low stress without requiring a degree, one option could be a sales representative in industries such as pharmaceuticals or technology. Although some companies may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, it is not always a requirement, and many successful sales representatives have been able to advance through experience and on-the-job training. The median annual wage for sales representatives in these industries was $83,610 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, it’s important to note that sales can also be a high-pressure job with performance-based pay, and success often depends on meeting sales quotas and building strong relationships with clients.
Will Gill
Event Entertainer, DJ Will Gill
Real Estate Agent
For those looking to make a good living with minimal stress, there are several high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. While these positions may not be as well known as more traditional career paths, they can offer a great deal of job satisfaction and financial reward.
One of the most popular options is becoming a real estate agent. While a real estate license is required, the requirements vary by state, and the process is relatively straightforward. Real estate agents can make a great living, with potential earnings of up to six figures. Besides commissions from sales, agents are also eligible for additional income from referral fees, property management, and other services.
Another high-paying job that doesn’t require a degree is in the medical field. Many medical jobs, such as medical coding and billing, medical transcription, and medical transcriptionist, require little to no formal education.
Lukasz Zelezny
SEO Consultant, SEO Consultant London
Elevator Installer/Repairer
As elevator installers/repairers, individuals maintain and repair elevators, escalators, and other vertical transportation systems in buildings. They read and interpret blueprints, connect electrical wiring, test equipment, or conduct preventive inspections. The role involves some paperwork, as professionals must keep service records of all maintenance and repair tasks.
The job typically requires a high school diploma and an apprenticeship, lasting anywhere from two to five years. Once certified, elevator installers/repairers can expect to earn a median annual salary of around $84,990. The job outlook is positive, with employment projected to grow seven percent by 2030.
Elevator installers/repairers often work in tight spaces and at heights, so you’ll need a strong stomach and a steady hand. But for those up to the challenge, this profession offers a chance to earn a high salary without a college degree while keeping essential building systems safe and efficient.
Nina Paczka
Community Manager, Resume Now
Web Developer
Web development is an example of a low-stress job that pays well and doesn’t require a degree. Many web developers are self-taught, and there are plenty of paid and free online courses available for those just starting out in the field.
It’s a great career path if you’re looking for a flexible job because self-employed web developers can set their own hours and take on as much (or as little) work as they want. How much you work will affect how much you earn, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers typically earn $78,300 per year.
Samuel Johns
CPRW and Career Counselor, Resume Genius
Luxury Travel Advisor
Become a luxury travel advisor. To do this exciting profession, you don’t need a degree. It’s low-stress, high-paying, and helpful. As a luxury travel advisor, you create unforgettable experiences for affluent clients. Their excitement and satisfaction after a well-planned trip can be incredibly fulfilling.
The job duties involve determining clients’ needs, suggesting dream travel packages, and even organizing expeditions from A to Z. Big-budget clients want advisors to know the product through firsthand experience. To meet their expectations, luxury travel advisors inspect accommodations and activities themselves. Traveling the world and experiencing some of the most luxurious destinations on the planet is another perk of the job.
Top-performing luxury travel advisors can earn well over six figures. Those specializing in certain types of travel, such as adventure travel or luxury cruises, may earn higher salaries because of their specialized knowledge and experience.
Agata Szczepanek
Community Manager, LiveCareer
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers manage the movement of air traffic to ensure the safety and efficiency of flight operations. They typically work in control towers at airports and rely on sophisticated technology to track planes and provide pilots with instructions. The job requires extensive training and certification but doesn’t require a degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for air traffic controllers is $124,540, and the job outlook is stable.
It’s important to note that even though a degree may not be required, these jobs often have strict training and certification requirements, and the hiring process can be competitive. Thoroughly researching any career path you’re interested in pursuing is always a good idea to ensure it aligns with your interests and goals.
David Reid
Sales Director, VEM-Tooling
Freelance Digital Marketing Consulting
One great low-stress, high-paying job that doesn’t require a degree is being a freelance digital marketing consultant. As companies increasingly move their advertising and customer engagement online, the need for digital marketing expertise continues to expand. Unlike other high-paying professions, becoming a freelance digital marketing consultant doesn’t cause special education or certification—and the income potential is enormous!
You can learn digital marketing for free or at a low cost online. YouTube is a great way to learn, and companies like CXL and HubSpot offer more structured courses on topics ranging from conversion rate optimization to SEO. By building a strong portfolio of successful campaigns, cultivating relationships with satisfied clients, and working in lower-stress areas of the field, you can maximize your earning potential while minimizing stress and expense.
Axel DeAngelis
Founder and Marketing Strategist, Jumpcoast
Business Owner or Investor
I honestly don’t believe such a thing exists. Having more money comes with its own form of high-stress situations. I think business owners and investors can position themselves to make lots of money without physical stress.
However, you can’t just position yourself, make lots of money, and then never have to worry again. The world is forever changing and that high-paying job now may be mediocre 10 years from now.
Kristina Ramos
Reverse Recruiter, Find My Profession
Pet Sitter
Sitting with disabled pets when their parents are not around is one of the most fulfilling jobs you can do, and get paid highly without requiring a degree. This job requires you to be good with pets, which comes naturally to most people or can be learned with the proper dedication. Pay special attention to the needs of disabled pets, and market your services through your network to attract clients.
Liam Liu
Co-founder and CMO, Parcel Panel
Home Construction Worker
Home construction jobs can pay well without being stressful or requiring a college degree. While the work can be physically demanding, it is also rewarding if you like working with your hands. Like exercise, physical labor can even relieve stress by getting you active and focused.
The demand for residential construction is often high, giving you plenty of options. The pay will vary from job to job and place to place, but you can also increase your pay by getting more experience, specializations, or certifications.
While there may be some roles that require a college degree, many others do not. You are much more likely to learn the skills you need on the job, in an apprenticeship, or at a trade school. This is a great option for those who don’t want to go to college and accumulate student debt, instead of getting into the workforce faster.
Robert Himmaugh
Office Manager, Acadian Windows
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