23 Jobs That Make a Lot of Money: Most Lucrative Careers

Ready to level up your paycheck with a high-paying job?

Say goodbye to wondering which jobs will fatten up your bank account– I’ve got the inside scoop on careers that bring in the big bucks across different industries.

No more fretting about your educational background– it’s time to focus on landing that dream job and watching those dollar signs roll in.

Whether you’ve got a fancy degree or not, there’s a pathway to serious cash waiting for you that may fit your background and skills.

Quick Picks

Best Freelancing Career – Proofreading
Earn Passive Income – Blogging
Best For Beginners – Freelance Writing
Find Freelance Jobs Of All Kinds – FlexJobs

10 Jobs That Make A Lot Of Money: No Degree Needed

Did you know you don’t always need a college degree to land a high-paying job?

There are plenty of gigs out there that offer a sweet paycheck without requiring job seekers to have a bachelor’s degree.

Here are my tips for jobs you could start, no schooling needed:

1. Proofreading

Average Annual Salary – $57,736
Requirements – No degree required

Maybe you’ve got a knack for spotting typos and ensuring that everything reads just right. If you do, becoming a proofreader could be just what you are looking for in a high-paying gig.

Proofreaders have the flexibility to work remotely and set their own schedules, making them the masters of their own destiny.

Plus, in today’s digital age, where error-free content is king, the demand for skilled proofreaders is higher than ever.

Proofread Anywhere’s FREE workshop is a fantastic resource for learning about proofreading and starting your new freelance career.

2. Blogger

Average Annual Salary – $49,443
Requirements – No degree required

If you’ve got a passion for a particular subject and love writing, starting a blog could be your ticket to a high-paying job.

Successful bloggers often find their niche or focus on a particular topic that really gets them fired up. That way, there’s plenty to write about, and work becomes interesting!

Then bloggers monetize their work with ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing- things that have earning potential for years with an active audience.

Want to learn more about blogging? Sign up for my FREE Start Your Blog Bootcamp to find out my strategies for running this blog and earning 6 figures!

3. Freelance Writer

Average Annual Salary – $50,875
Requirements – No degree required

A freelance writer covers all sorts of topics and formats– think blog posts, articles, website content, you name it.

The versatility of a freelance writer is boundless; you can create SEO-optimized articles, pen heartfelt personal essays, or snappy social media posts.

What’s cool is that freelance writers have the freedom to pick and choose their projects, set their own schedules, and work from pretty much anywhere with Wi-Fi.

My FREE Freelance Write From Home eBook can help you get started with some of the writing basics and start making money from home.+

4. Bookkeeper

Average Annual Salary – $43,971
Requirements – Depends on the job; most require a high school diploma

From balancing the books to handling transactions, bookkeepers keep the financial side of things running smoothly for multiple clients.

The beauty of bookkeeping is that you can do it from pretty much anywhere, making it a dream job for those who love the idea of working remotely.

Getting certified with a course like Bookkeeper Launch can open doors to even higher-paying gigs, all without the need for a fancy degree.

5. Facebook Ads Manager

Average Annual Salary – $122,419
Requirements – Varies per job; higher-paying jobs may require 3 years of experience or a degree

Social media is taking over as the star player in almost every business’s marketing playbook. Becoming a Facebook Ads Manager could be your ticket to a seriously sweet gig.

Businesses are shelling out big bucks to make a splash online, and Facebook Ads Managers are the ones making it happen behind the scenes.

All you need is a solid understanding of Facebook’s advertising platform (FB Side Hustle can help!), a knack for numbers, and a way with words to whip up ad copy that stops thumbs mid-scroll.

6. Real Estate Agent

Average Annual Salary – $46,014
Requirements – No degree, but need a real estate license

Real estate agents play a pivotal role in helping clients navigate the complexities of buying, selling, or renting properties.

It’s a career path filled with endless opportunities and the potential to rake in some serious cash.

Becoming an agent requires passing an exam after completing a specific amount of real estate education.

But the commissions can be pretty sweet and make it worth getting your real estate license, making it one of those high-paying gigs you can snag without needing a degree.

7. Online Shop Owner

Average Annual Salary – $55,338
Requirements – No degree required

Anyone can start an online shop and make money selling handmade products, dropshipping products, or doing flea market flipping.

With platforms like Shopify, you can showcase your products or services without needing a physical store. It’s like having a global storefront right at your fingertips!

The cool thing about being an online shop owner is the income potential.

You can make some serious dough, especially if you get savvy with things like dropshipping, wholesale deals, or creating your own products.

8. Virtual Assistant

Average Annual Salary – $42,599
Requirements – No degree is required

Virtual assistants, or VAs for short, are like the superheroes of remote work.

They handle all sorts of tasks to help individuals and businesses stay organized and on top of things.

From managing emails and scheduling appointments to tackling customer inquiries and keeping social media accounts buzzing, VAs are the go-to folks for getting stuff done.

A popular place to find VA jobs is FlexJobs, where many beginners can find entry-level jobs.

9. Sales Manager

Average Annual Salary – $132,146
Requirements – Retail jobs don’t require degrees; other industries vary

A sales manager wears many hats and plays a crucial role in driving the success of a company’s sales team.

In retail positions, their primary responsibility is to lead and motivate the sales team to achieve or exceed sales targets.

This involves setting sales goals, developing strategies to reach those goals, motivating the sales team, identifying opportunities for growth, and closely monitoring progress.

10. Affiliate Marketer

Average Annual Salary – $75,710
Requirements – Doesn’t require a degree

Affiliate marketers promote products or services on their platforms and earn a commission for each sale made through their referral links.

It requires a good understanding of online marketing strategies, SEO, and the ability to build a strong relationship with your audience.

Legendary Marketer can help you learn about affiliate marketing! It offers many eBooks, courses, and campaigns to teach people about affiliate marketing.

13 Jobs That Make A Lot Of Money: Degree Needed

If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher, you have some serious career options to consider for better pay.

From software development to surgery, there’s a whole world of high-paying jobs waiting for folks like you.

11. Construction Manager

Average Annual Salary – $132,641
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree

Construction managers are essentially the point person for the project.

Their job is to oversee every aspect of the project, from planning and budgeting to execution and completion.

They work closely with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and laborers to ensure projects progress smoothly, stay within budget, and meet quality standards and deadlines.

This involves scheduling tasks, managing resources, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations.

12. Software Developer

Average Annual Salary – $78,090
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (computer science, software engineering, or related field)

A software developer is a high-demand professional who specializes in creating and maintaining software programs and applications.

Software developers primarily write software and build applications and systems that we use in our daily lives- mainly on our phones!

Many software developers also enter the field through an alternative career path, such as self-study or on-the-job training.

13. Data Scientist

Average Annual Salary – $119,224
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (data science)

A data scientist works across a range of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and retail.

They analyze data to help businesses make better decisions.

They use their skills in math, statistics, and programming to find patterns and insights that can improve products, predict trends, or optimize operations.

14. Surgeon

Average Annual Salary – $434,321
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, then a medical degree, followed by residency

A surgeon is a medical doctor specializing in performing surgical procedures to address injuries, diseases, and medical conditions.

These professionals utilize various medical procedures to operate on patients, tackling a broad spectrum of health issues.

Surgeons operate in hospitals, clinics, and various healthcare settings, collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

15. CEO

Average Annual Salary – $832,600
Requirements – MBA or other advanced business management degree

A CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, is the highest-ranking executive with often the highest-paying jobs in a company.

They’re responsible for making corporate decisions, managing the operations and resources of the organization, and ensuring the company achieves its goals and objectives.

The CEO typically reports to the board of directors and works closely with other top executives to develop and implement the company’s vision, mission, and strategic direction.

16. Investment Banker

Average Annual Salary – $268,674
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (finance, economics, business administration, or a related field); a master’s degree is a plus

An investment banker is a professional within the finance industry who specializes in various financial services, including advising individuals and companies on investments.

These professionals are known for their high salaries and expertise in analyzing financial data to provide strategic recommendations.

They offer guidance on investment opportunities, asset allocation, and risk management strategies tailored to the specific needs and goals of their clients.

17. Veterinarian

Average Annual Salary – $116,097
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, then Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, and a state license

A veterinarian is essentially your pet’s equivalent of a doctor.

They specialize in animal healthcare, covering everything from your household pets like dogs and cats to livestock, exotic animals, and even wildlife.

Their job is pretty straightforward: diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other medical conditions in all sorts of creatures.

18. Physical Therapist

Average Annual Salary – $100,501
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, then Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree

A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in helping people recover from injuries or surgeries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall mobility.

They work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, from athletes recovering from sports injuries to elderly patients seeking to improve their mobility and independence.

Physical therapists use a combination of hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, and specialized equipment to help patients achieve their treatment goals.

19. Pharmacist

Average Annual Salary – $151,426
Requirements – Doctor of Pharmacy degree

A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who dispenses prescribed medications accurately, verifies dosages, and checks for any potential drug interactions or allergies to prevent adverse effects.

Pharmacists also give guidance to patients on how to take their medications correctly, including dosage instructions, timing, and potential side effects.

They often work with other healthcare providers when they prescribe medication therapy and make sure that patients have the best possible outcomes from their treatments.

20. Accountant

Average Annual Salary – $61,814
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (accounting or a related field)

An accountant is responsible for tracking income and expenses, preparing financial statements, and ensuring that everything is in line with relevant laws and regulations.

Accountants have different levels of expertise and qualifications:

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs): Advise clients on financial plans, prepare and file their taxes, and create financial reports
Specialized Accountants: Focuses on internal financial management for businesses.
Auditor: Meticulously examining financial records and ensuring that companies play by the rules.
Forensic Accountant: Investigates financial crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering.

21. Orthodontists

Average Annual Salary – $152,562
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, a Dental degree (DDS or DMD), and a 2-3 year residency

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in fixing crooked teeth and other issues with your bite.

These experts have spent years studying how to fix all sorts of dental issues, from crowded teeth to pesky overbites.

Using braces, retainers, and other nifty gadgets, they work their magic to move your teeth into the perfect position gradually.

22. Chemical Engineer

Average Annual Salary – $130,030
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree (chemical engineering or a related field)

A chemical engineer is like a super-smart problem solver who uses a mix of chemistry, math, biology, and physics to create all sorts of stuff we use every day.

They are the masterminds behind all sorts of stuff you use every day, from the toothpaste you squeeze onto your brush to the fuel that powers your car.

Chemical engineers figure out how to turn raw materials into useful products, making our lives easier and more efficient.

23. Dermatologist

Average Annual Salary – $381,900
Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, then a medical degree and a residency

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails.

From the annoying acne that pops up at the worst times to those mysterious rashes that leave you scratching your head (literally!), dermatologists are the go-to pros.

But it doesn’t stop there! They’re also on the front lines of the medical field when it comes to detecting and treating skin cancer, which is serious stuff.

FAQs

What jobs do millionaires have?

Millionaires come from all walks of life and hold a wide range of jobs.

Some may have inherited a lot of money or struck it rich through investments or entrepreneurship.

Many others have climbed the ladder in traditional careers or built successful businesses over time with only a high school diploma and little to no formal education.

You’ll spot them in music, acting, tech, finance- pretty much every field you can think of!

Can I make 6 figures?

Making an average salary of six figures is totally doable!

Whether you’re aiming for a career in medicine, engineering, finance, or tech, there are plenty of paths that can lead you there.

And guess what? You don’t always need a fancy degree to make it happen.

Some folks have built awesome businesses from scratch and hit that six-figure mark without ever stepping foot in a college classroom.

How can I make 500K a year?

Making an average salary of 500K a year is a big goal, but there are definite paths to get there, usually starting with a degree followed by a few more.

One option is to aim for high-paying professions like medicine, law, or dentistry. These are the highest-paying industries, but require hard work and education to achieve $500k.

Another idea is specializing in money-making fields like the ones on my list can lead to hefty payouts with business success.

Whether it’s creating a popular app, starting a successful fashion brand, or diving into real estate, there are plenty of opportunities out there for those willing to hustle.

What careers make the most money?

Medicine is often at the top of the list. Doctors, especially those in specialties like surgery or cardiology, can rake in some serious dough.

CEOs, especially those leading major corporations, can command astronomical salaries, not to mention bonuses and stock options that can send their total compensation into the stratosphere.

Which job pays the best salary?

The highest-paying careers vary, but one of the highest-paying jobs is CEO. Salary.com says that as of January 2024, the average CEO salary in the United States is $832,600.

This puts CEOs among the highest-paid professionals, with their compensation often reflecting the size and success of the companies they lead.

Is switching careers worth it for more pay?

Deciding whether to switch careers for a higher average salary really comes down to what matters most to you.

On one hand, a bigger paycheck can open up all sorts of doors. It might mean living more comfortably, paying off debt faster, or finally taking that dream vacation.

Plus, if you’re not feeling fulfilled in your current gig, a higher salary in a new field could be just the change you need to reignite your passion for work.

Final Thoughts

From fixing grammar goofs as a proofreader to coding up a storm as a software developer, there are a lot of high-paying jobs out there just waiting for the right person.

Good-paying jobs have a variety of requirements- some that you may already have or ones that have such a high salary you may consider going back to school!

But hey, if you’re ready to skip the office and be your own boss, you should become a freelancer, put your current skills to work, and find high-paying jobs on FlexJobs.

So, what’s holding you back? If you’re hungry for a career that can fill your pockets while keeping you fulfilled, it might be time to dig in and see what’s out there!