21 Hardest & Easiest Jobs That Pay $100K (College Or Not)

If you want to earn more money, the world is your oyster.

Earning a six-figure salary is an attractive prospect for many, and I found there are jobs that pay $100K that can be both hard and easy.

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, and other reliable sources, I’ve compiled a list of 21 easiest jobs that pay $100K, with or without a degree.

Quick Picks

My Favorite Job – Blogging
Earn Passive Income – Real Estate Investing
Best Paying Job Without A Degree – Construction Manager
Best Paying Job With A Degree – Physician
Many Entry-Level Positions – Editor/Proofreader

No Degree: Easiest Jobs That Pay $100K

It’s a common misconception that you need a college degree to land a high-paying job.

In reality, many of the best jobs pay six figures without demanding a four-year degree.

Some of these jobs might require specialized training or certifications, but they offer the potential for a high salary without the burden of student loan debt.

So here are the best jobs I found that can make $100K+ per year:

1. Blogger

Annual Salary: $73,199 – $122,500 per year

Blogging was my side hustle turned success- we make 6 figures with this blog, which helped us quit our jobs!

Successful bloggers like Pat Flynn, Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, and Harsh Agrawal make over $100K per year without a degree.

To start blogging, you need to choose a niche you are passionate about and create valuable content.

Next, you should optimize your blog for SEO and promote it to a target audience using social media and advertising tools.

Then, to make money, you need to monetize your writing- with affiliate marketing, sponsored articles, ads, and more.

My FREE Start Your Blog Boot Camp can show you the step-by-step process for starting your own blog and suggest how you can monetize your hard work.

2. Real Estate Investor

Annual Salary: $139,851 per year

Investing in real estate can be a profitable venture, and some investors make over six figures annually without a formal education.

However, success in real estate requires attention to detail and market knowledge. That’s where Fundrise comes in.

Fundirse offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies real estate investing, catering to beginners and experienced investors.

They get all the details on real estate properties so you can invest in commercial properties and residential rentals without extensive solo research.

They ensure your investments are well-managed, hire a property manager, and get maintenance done, therefore reducing your workload and maximizing your returns.

Read more about it in my in-depth Fundrise Review!

3. Editor (Proofreader)

Annual Salary: $64,017 – $103,500 per year

Do you have a good eye for spotting mistakes in writing? If you do, being a proofreader or editor might be a great job.

They ensure written content, like books or articles, is error-free and reads well. Being detail-oriented is key!

You don’t need a fancy degree for this job; a high school diploma is often enough, and you can take online courses to get training or certification.

What’s important is that you’re good with language, spot mistakes, and work well with others.

Not sure about how to get started? There’s a helpful free workshop offered by Proofread Anywhere where you can learn more and get better at proofreading.

4. SEO Specialist

Annual Salary: $65,435 – $100,500 per year

If you’re looking for a top-notch job in the digital realm, consider becoming an SEO Specialist.

These experts specialize in elevating websites’ rankings on search engines, attracting more visitors and clicks to land sales.

Beyond keywords, they excel in communication and teamwork, collaborating effectively with colleagues, web developers, and clients.

The best part? You don’t necessarily need a college degree if you can learn about SEO from online courses or use AI tools.

Tools like Jasper AI can give you a competitive edge by automating and optimizing content for clients. In the dynamic world of SEO, it helps you stay ahead of the game.

5. YouTuber

Annual Salary: Widely Varies

Whether you’re into teaching tutorials about computer programs or want to get paid to play video games, there’s room for you to shine and rake in six figures as a YouTuber.

You don’t need a high school or college diploma to succeed here. Your specific skills depend on your channel, but you need a dash of creativity, your unique voice, and interesting content.

You can create videos on whatever you want, grow a following, and earn money from ads and merch on your YouTuber channel.

Want to learn how to create optimized content that can make you thousands per month?

Taking the course Mastering YouTube helped me launch the Savvy Couple channel- it can give you insider tips to turn your passion into a lucrative career.

6. Video Editor

Annual Salary: $59,523 – $108,000 per year

Speaking of YouTubers, who helps them get all those videos spliced and ready for viewers?

Video editors edit content for various platforms, ensuring videos look impressive and engage an audience.

You can go to college to learn about programs to edit videos or learn from YouTube or online courses.

I learned about video editing in high school and can do some basics, so you can invest a little time and see if video editing could be your new high-paying career.

7. Real Estate Agent

Annual Salary: $95,321 – $189,735 per year

Becoming a real estate agent is a high-paying opportunity in the real estate sector. They help clients with buying and selling homes and businesses.

This takes strong communication skills and some research skills to find the right buyers and properties for your clients.

The typical educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, but agents must also complete specific real estate courses and pass a licensing exam.

Real estate agents sometimes have bachelor’s degrees, often in finance or business, but I know people who became agents without degrees.

Various real estate associations offer comprehensive programs covering essential topics, from real estate fundamentals to legal considerations and mortgage financing.

8. Commercial Pilot

Annual Salary: $109,000 per year

Becoming a commercial pilot can turn your dream of flying into a reality and potentially lead to a six-figure income.

You don’t need a college degree, but training is a must to keep people safe and get you off the ground. Here are the key steps:

Training and Licensing: Commercial pilots require extensive training and licensing.
FAA-Approved Training: You must complete a training program at an FAA-approved facility.
Certifications: Obtain the necessary certifications.

The FAA certifies numerous civilian flight schools, including those affiliated with universities, providing various pathways to pilot training.

9. Construction Manager

Annual Salary: $98,679 – $153,500 per year

In the world of construction, construction managers are the ones who make sure everything runs smoothly.

They oversee construction projects, making sure they finish on time and within budget.

Some job sites may require a college degree, but most managers start out working in construction to gain experience and work their way up to managing.

Becoming a successful construction manager is all about dedication and using your knowledge to build things properly as a team.

Jobs That Pay $100K With A Degree

Now that I’ve covered the easiest jobs that pay $100K without a degree, let’s look at some jobs that pay $100k:

10. Marketing Manager

Annual Salary: $84,827 – $149,500 per year

Marketing managers are essential for successful product and service promotions, creating and executing marketing strategies.

This can include determining the target audience for your clients and creating materials and campaigns to reach them and land sales.

To start a career in this well-paying field, you typically begin with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related area.

During your education, courses in consumer behavior, market research, and even art history can be helpful. Some employers may prefer marketing manager candidates with a master’s degree.

Marketing managers wear multiple hats, from assessing demand and identifying potential markets to developing effective pricing and customer retention strategies.

11. Web Developer

Annual Salary: $87,739 – $141,000 per year

Web development is one of the best jobs that offers well-paying opportunities.

Web developers create and manage websites and must be good with programming languages and design to make them functional and look good.

Learning HTML and other languages like JavaScript will be important to succeed as a web developer.

Many companies will require a bachelor’s degree in computer science to get hired, but some freelancers get by with certificates from online courses.

12. Computer Programmer

Annual Salary: $75,302 – $123,500 per year

Computer programming is a recession-proof job since there’s often strong job security due to constant computer and information technology advancements.

Computer programmers have the important job of writing and testing code for software, making sure everything runs smoothly.

You create apps and software and oversee an organization’s computer systems to see if things are functional for end users.

You don’t necessarily need a college degree to become a freelance computer programmer; you can succeed with a good grasp of programming languages.

But if you want to work for top companies like Microsoft, Google, or Dell, you’ll need a college degree and some experience under your belt.

13. Physician

Annual Salary: $229,300 per year 

Physicians diagnose and treat patients for various medical conditions, ranging from injuries to diseases, and often provide preventive healthcare advice.

There are two types of physicians: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), equally qualified but with slightly different approaches to patient care.

M.D.s use traditional methods of medical care, while D.O.s emphasize preventive medicine and holistic patient care.

Becoming a physician starts with a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and three to nine years of internship and residency, depending on medical school and your specialty.

14. Accountant

Annual Salary: $65,556 – $100,000 per year

Accountants help businesses and clients handle finances and money, from auditing their records to managing their money or taxes.

Becoming an accountant starts with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business. You’ll learn the necessary skills and can apply for jobs right out of college.

You can also take it further and earn more by becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). But you’ll need to pass a national exam and meet your state’s credit hours.

You can also earn more as you gain experience or if you specialize in certain finances- ZipRecruiter has some accountants earning over $370,00 per year!

15. Lawyer

Annual Salary: $135,740 per year

Becoming a lawyer is one of the best-paying careers with job security nationwide. However, it does take around seven years.

First, you’ll study law, history, or social science for four years in undergrad and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Then, it’s off to law school for three more years to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and pass the bar exam to practice law legally.

Once you pass, you’re officially a lawyer and can start working defending clients and companies in court.

16. Dentist

Annual Salary: $159,530 per year

Dentists can easily earn over $100K a year to diagnose and treat oral health issues, ensuring patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Becoming a dentist requires specialized education and training, including a bachelor’s degree and four years of dental school.

You’ll need to secure a state license by passing the required exams to practice.

If you’re considering this career, you can start preparing in high school by taking biology, chemistry, and math courses.

17. HR Manager

Annual Salary: $130,000 per year

Human resources managers make sure employees are treated right and that company rules follow the law.

In this job, you handle everything from hiring and training to ensuring employees are happy and following the rules.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or something similar, you can become a risk manager or an HR manager.

18. Public Relations Specialist

Annual Salary: $67,440 – $128,450 per year

Public relations specialists are the experts in ensuring a client or organization looks good to the public.

A bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism is usually the first step. Some jobs might also want you to have special certifications.

Experience matters, too, from internships or school projects like a newspaper. You’ll need good people skills, the ability to multitask, and strong speaking and writing abilities.

19. Psychologist

Annual Salary: $113,353 a year

Psychologists are experts who help people deal with mental and emotional issues.

They use this information to decide the best way to help, often through talking therapies since they can’t prescribe medication.

To be a psychologist, you need a Ph.D., which ensures you’re well-trained to help people. You need a special state license and usually about 10 years of experience to practice.

20. Air Traffic Controller

Annual Salary: $132,250 per year 

Air traffic controllers are the experts who make sure planes fly safely in the sky.

There are different paths to join the ranks of air traffic controllers. You can attend a special college program, rack up work experience over several years, or combine both.

To become an air traffic controller, you’ll need special training and a certificate from a place that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves.

You’ll also need to be a U.S. citizen and pass medical and background checks.

21. Veterinarian

Annual Salary: $105,840 per year

Veterinarians are the go-to experts when it comes to the health and well-being of animals.

In their day-to-day work, veterinarians diagnose and treat various animal health issues, from diseases to injuries.

They conduct regular check-ups and use diagnostic tools like lab tests and X-rays to pinpoint the best treatments.

You’ll need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, which equips you with the specialized knowledge to offer top-notch care for our furry, feathered, or scaled friends.

You can also specialize in different animals, like farm vets, who have a higher median salary of $173,509 per year.

FAQs

What is an easy but high-paying job?

A job that demands minimal effort and education but yields a high salary can be considered an easy job.

Some examples of easy jobs include:

Blogger
Proofreader
Marketing Manager
Property Manager
Web developer

Ultimately, the easiest job for you will depend on your unique talents and interests.

For example, I like budgeting and finance but can’t imagine becoming an accountant and doing taxes every day. That wouldn’t be easy for me, though it would pay well.

But coding is an interest I have, and you know how it goes- if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.

Can I make $100,000 per year?

Yes, you can do it! Many jobs pay over $100K, though some jobs that pay 100K+ are hard to get.

To earn $100K a year, learn about the six-figure jobs in your area and work hard to get the skills and qualifications you need.

Let’s look at this scenario that shows that with the right skills, experience, and a bit of a rate boost, making $100,000 a year as a freelance writer is within reach.

Goal: Make $100,000 a year

Step 1: Break it down to a weekly goal:

$100,000 ÷ 52 weeks = $1,923.08 per week

Step 2: Pick a career you enjoy and pays well:

Blogger
Editor
Real Estate Investor

If you’re new to a field or don’t have much experience, you may not make the top earning numbers yet; but you can get there as you pursue your career.

Or for some high-paying jobs, like dentist or physician, you must go to school before wracking in the cash.

Can I make $100K per year without a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, you can earn $100K per year without an undergrad degree.

While some of the best-paying jobs require an advanced degree, like a bachelor’s or master’s degree, some don’t.

Examples of jobs that pay over $100K per year without a degree include bloggers, editors, plumbers, and construction managers.

These jobs require extensive on-the-job training and certifications but can lead to a six-figure salary.

What hard job is most worth the money?

The hardest and most rewarding jobs that pay over $100K per year include:

Investment banking analyst
Veterinarian
Data scientist
Information security analyst
Chemical engineer

What best-paying jobs need a degree?

The best jobs in the medical field, such as anesthesiologist, orthodontist, and dentist, require a degree and specialized training, but they are essential and help save lives.

Other best jobs that pay $100k that need a degree include:

Computer scientist
Information systems manager
Information security analyst
Physician assistant

These positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, an advanced degree or higher, relevant experience, and specific problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

Is going to college (and having debt) worth earning $100K a year at some jobs?

However, it can also be expensive and lead to student loan debt. It’s crucial to weigh the costs and benefits and choose a career path that aligns with your interests and values.

If you’re interested in one of the best jobs that require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and offer high pay, going to college can be worth the investment.

If you take out $200K in loans, earning $100K means you can pay them back faster than if you went to school for degrees that don’t have high-paying careers.

You may also want to consider community college and earn an associate degree, take online courses, or apply for more scholarships to reduce your debt burden.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, many jobs pay $100K that may fit your skills, education, and experience.

The possibilities are endless, from blogging and real estate investing to marketing management and dentistry.

The key is to find a six-figure job that is in demand, offers specialized skills, and provides a good work-life balance.

It’s important to research, develop the right skills, and find career paths that suit your interests and career goals.

Making $100K per year and reaching financial freedom is achievable with hard work and dedication!