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We’ve all been lectured by our parents to get good grades in school and get high-paying jobs. The traditional way was to become a lawyer, doctor, or engineer to join the $100K+ salary club, but that’s well behind us now. With the growth of technology that flourished beyond anyone’s imagination, you can now reach that income level even without completing college.
Even President Biden shared in his SOTU that there are jobs out there paying an average of $130,000 per year and do not require a college degree!
As a graduate who had student loans, it’s difficult to not feel a tinge of envy at the thought that this is an exciting time to be alive. It seems like people are landing jobs that offer impressive salaries without the burden of massive student debt.
In the past, you needed a corporate job that involves doing boring paperwork to even reach that figure. Now, you can land fun jobs that pay $100,000 a year without a degree – some of them don’t even need you to go to an office! You can make $1,000 a day in your home with no pressure and with slow-paced jobs.
It’s normal to feel hesitant about the notion of high-paying jobs that deviate from the norm. I myself once shared that skepticism and doubted whether such opportunities truly existed. But I urge you to approach this blog with an open mind and recognize that actual individuals are earning substantial salaries in these fields. I’m an ex-corporate disgruntled worker turned joyful full-time blogger.
What is the #1 Happiest job?
The happiest job in the world is a subjective topic. A job that makes others the happiest may not be the one I’ll enjoy. Some people will find joy in well-paying corporate jobs, while others will be drawn to work that lets them stay close to their passion, even if it isn’t as lucrative. For me, blogging is the happiest job because it’s liberating and profitable, but we’ll get to that later.
If we really have to be as objective as possible, we need to turn to proper statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for insight.
As indicated by a Washington Post report, careers in agriculture, logging, and forestry receive the highest ratings for happiness and meaning while also ranking as the least stressful occupations.
The common thread connecting these roles? They’re all well-paying outdoor jobs.
What is the #1 Unhappiest job?
If I were to answer this question, I’d have to say it’s a job in the banking industry. From my own experience, I can attest to the intense competition and stress that come with careers in finance and insurance.
Based on the table we discussed earlier, it is one of the fields that ranks at the bottom in terms of happiness. It makes sense because we can’t deny that there is a lot of pressure within the corporate industry.
But even if it’s the unhappiest career for many, some people in the industry find satisfaction in facing the challenges that come their way, so what makes me unhappy may make you happy and vice versa.
Finance jobs can be very demanding because they have some of the highest salaries on the market. In the corporate world, larger paychecks usually mean greater stress and more complex daily problems to tackle. For some, the pressure may be worth the salary – and some are actually too good at handling the challenges, so they don’t feel stressed at all.
Jobs That Pay Over $100,000 a Year
Getting a six-digit-a-year salary is a dream come true for many of us. Imagine having enough to live your life more comfortably. There’s no need to be too strict with your budget when doing your groceries, nor do you have to sacrifice present pleasures for your future. What a life that must be, right?
Good news! That dream is within your reach—much closer to reality than you think. Would you believe me if I told you there are A LOT of jobs that pay generously but don’t require any experience or a college degree? Yes, it’s true! I know you’re curious, so let’s get into the first one on our list.
But before that, I want to say that something as good as this has downsides. You can’t have your cake and eat it, too. Some high-paying positions have their own challenges, such as time commitment and demanding hours. So, before you decide, you should reflect on which obstacles you’re willing to go through.
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1. Freelance Writer
Hold on a second – writing can earn you a six-figure income? That’s right! Initially, I too was in disbelief. I thought that only New York Times Best Sellers could rake in $100,000 a year from writing alone.
But after some research, various resources pointed out the different writing jobs to make money as a writer. You see, virtually every industry or individual requires a wordsmith capable of captivating and influencing audiences with their prose.
Not sure what I’m talking about? Recall the last marketing campaign that persuaded you to make a purchase – that compelling copy was crafted by a writer. The engaging video that prompted you to subscribe to a YouTube channel? A writer was behind that script.
Do you see the impact writers have on our daily lives, often in subtle ways? It’s fascinating to see their influence permeating every corner of our world, from catchy slogans on billboards and ads to the books we read for both leisure and learning.
If you want to make a $100,000 yearly income from writing, a practical approach is to refine your skills and focus on a high-paying niche. For instance, you might want to master copywriting for the tech sector, where the demand for top-notch content is strong, and the pay is rewarding.
By honing your expertise in a particular area and delivering exceptional value to your clients, you’ll enhance your earning potential and secure financial stability in your writing career.
To help you narrow your focus, consider specializing in these areas:
- Creating an eBook
- Writing an email newsletter
- Ghostwriting social media posts
- Building an online personal brand
- Doing outreach for their business
Freelance writing is an ideal late-night job for parents seeking a balance between work and family life. It offers flexibility, unlike many other professions, allowing you to adjust your working hours to suit your children’s schedules. Whether you find your productive rhythm when the kids are at school or after you’ve tucked them into bed at night, this job allows you to maximize your creativity and productivity during these quiet hours. Its potential for high income coupled with the ability to work remotely makes freelance writing not only a rewarding career but also a practical one for parents with dynamic schedules.
Pros: Work remotely, no commuting or office politics. Choose your own workspace such as a coffee shop, library, or your own room. Enjoy a flexible work schedule that fits your lifestyle.
Cons: Limited interaction with others. Writing is a solitary task that primarily depends on an individual’s skills and abilities. May not appeal to those who prefer teamwork and socializing.
2. Blogger
You may be skeptical and believe that blogging is a thing of the past, but please, grant me a few moments of your time, and I’ll reveal the true vitality of this thriving industry.
While it’s undeniable that video content has taken center stage online, blogs continue to hold their own across various sectors. Numerous businesses maintain blog sections on their websites, not only to educate their target audience but also to rank higher on Google’s search engine.
Moreover, countless individuals feel compelled to share their thoughts online, curating blogs that resonate with their readers. The fact that Medium still attracts an astonishing 134 million visits per month demonstrates the enduring appeal of both reading and starting blogs.
To add more evidence of the writing industry’s strength, I can share my personal experience as a full-time blogger. My blog generates over $100,000 in annual net income, which is a testament to the potential success of this field. I’ve documented my blogging earnings since the beginning of my journey, giving readers an inside look at how my monthly income has grown from just a few hundred dollars to a staggering $10,000 per month.
Drawing from my personal journey as a blogger, I can confirm that this path isn’t without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles I faced was the time investment required to see tangible results. Growing a following and earning a consistent income through blogging demands perseverance and patience – this is no overnight success story or a ticket to instant wealth.
I also struggled with different mistakes throughout the journey, like managing my time, making content that didn’t connect with my audience, or dealing with technical problems. But I realized that these errors were actually valuable chances for me to learn and improve.
In spite of the challenges, I’m thrilled to share that my blog has evolved into more than just a creative outlet – it has also provided me with financial stability. It’s amazing to see the power of the written word in action, and I genuinely hope that my achievements inspire others to pursue their dreams and unleash their full potential as bloggers.
To spark your imagination, here are some popular blog niches to consider:
- Food blogs
- Travel blogs
- DIY craft blogs
- Photography blogs
- Fashion and beauty blogs
How to start a profitable blog: Many readers e-mailed me and asked me what I did to get the results I get. To help you, I created this FREE 7-day e-mail course that teaches you how to start your blog without having to be an expert at what you blog about. There has been a lot of positive feedback from many readers so I highly encourage you to join my free course if you want to learn how to start a blog and make money.
Pros: It’s a very profitable job that you can start on the side without committing full-time. You can build skills and portfolios at your own pace.
Cons: Building an audience takes time (months or years). However, the payoff of monetizing their attention is worth the effort.
3. Web Developer
Thanks to today’s tools, almost anyone can create a website. Although that’s a good start to becoming a web developer, not everyone possesses the expertise to optimize a website’s performance, capacity, speed, and traffic management.
But despite that, it’s not impossible to become a top-tier web developer. You will have to invest your time and effort to continuously improve yourself and keep up with the trends, especially since they change as fast as a cat chasing a laser pointer!
The key to becoming a web developer who earns a six-figure annual salary is to expand your skill set and widen your network constantly. Growth is very crucial in this industry, so if you become stagnant, you can easily get left behind. If you have enough drive to keep up with the ever-evolving web landscape, earning $100,000 and way, way more a year will be a piece of cake. The best part? You can earn all of that working from home.
Pros: It’s a high-paying job with many opportunities. There is always a demand for skilled web developers as more and more things are done online.
Cons: In web development, revision requests can be demanding and you have to constantly adapt to an ever-changing industry.
4. Coaching Services
When you hear the word “coach,” I’m sure you instantly think of sports or fitness, but there’s actually more to coaching than that.
Coaching services can be done for unemployed individuals, businesspeople, parents, and couples, among many others. But if you aspire to make $100,000 annually through coaching, you need to tailor your services to industries that can afford premium rates.
For example, although coaching unemployed individuals to help them get their dream job is a good niche, it’s not the most lucrative option, so you wouldn’t expect to earn six digits from that. On the other hand, if you cater to entrepreneurs hoping to grow their businesses, you can charge a higher fee for your services, so that’s where you can expect to reach your annual goal.
To gain more clients, you have to stand out from the rest. You can promise your clients that you can help improve their revenue by 50x within six months. That’s a deal that’s hard to ignore. But you can lock the deal by offering a guarantee. For instance, if their business doesn’t reach the goal per year within the first six months, commit to working with them until that goal is achieved without charging additional fees.
Are you still doubting the earning potential of coaching services? Consider the case of Jereshia Hawk, who went from making $80,000 per year in a 9-to-5 job to earning a staggering $1,000,000 annually with her coaching business! If she can, you can, too!
Pros: The earning potential has no ceiling. As long as you prove your program and teachings work, more and more businesses or entrepreneurs will come for your service.
Cons: You’d have to delegate some of the tasks, which can run the risk of lowering the quality of what you teach.
5. Video Editor
I’m sure you’ve encountered a video that was just a few seconds but felt like hours because you wanted to watch it over and over again. Well, they’re so binge-worthy and irresistible thanks to the skilled hands of video editors. These artists can turn ordinary footage into content that we’ll never get enough of.
But did you know that behind the scenes of these videos is a lucrative career path?
Many businesses are willing to invest in a great video editor because videos can help them grow. A single well-edited video can be watched repeatedly by one person and shared with countless others. Just one viral video can turn a small business into a household name.
Video editing isn’t only about cutting and putting footage together, though. It’s about storytelling and creating a connection with the audience. Do you know when to add that dramatic pause? Or how to execute a perfectly timed transition? If you have such talent and you know that you’re at the top of the game, you can earn $100,000 a year as a video editor.
But there is a catch. Becoming an excellent video editor requires more than just talent. You need dedication, consistency, and continual learning and honing of your craft. Stay on top of the trends so you can keep up with what’s new and appealing in videos. There are also a lot of resources available to help you improve your skills and bring out more of your creative potential. Online courses, free YouTube tutorials, and even formal education programs are readily accessible if you want to take this path.
For those who have a more business-minded approach, you can always start a video editing agency. You don’t have to do the editing, but you’ll have to build a team of skilled editors and oversee all the projects. With a video editing agency, you can take on multiple clients at the same time, which makes it easier to reach your goal of $100,000 a year.
Pros: Video production is a popular and in-demand job that remains unaffected by AI. Human creativity is currently necessary for creating videos that effectively convert prospects into customers.
Cons: You’ll need to develop technical skills in video editing. However, with the abundance of online resources available, you can quickly learn and master these skills in your spare time.
6. Starting A Personal Brand
Diving into the thrilling adventure of building a personal brand isn’t your run-of-the-mill career choice. Parents might initially be skeptical, but the fact is, crafting a unique personal brand can unlock extraordinary financial opportunities that surpass many traditional corporate roles.
Developing and nurturing a personal brand (online presence) within a specific niche is much more nuanced than occasionally posting on social media. A common misconception is that success comes without much effort; however, the truth is you must showcase your worth to your audience, just as car manufacturers strive to captivate potential buyers.
Take, for example, the aspiration to become a culinary influencer on YouTube. Simply uploading videos of your dishes won’t attract a loyal following. Instead, you should offer insightful cooking advice, address recipe inquiries, and produce compelling content that your viewers find valuable. By doing so, you’ll position yourself as a reliable and trustworthy source of information, encouraging people to follow you and your brand. The more followers you gain, the more you can earn on YouTube.
Besides those aspects, you’ll also find yourself sharing free items like printables, which hold such great value that parting with them for free feels bittersweet. When that emotion arises, it’s confirmation that you’re genuinely contributing something beneficial to the people in your niche.
The resources you could give away include the things below.
- eBooks
- Branded merchandise
- Digital products
- 15-minute coaching sessions
- Any document that displays your expertise and knowledge
Giving out these things for free allows people in your niche to see how knowledgeable you are about your craft. This, in return, can encourage them to try out your paid services or products.
Finsavvy Panda is an example of a personal brand. If you navigate through my website, you’ll see a ton of blog posts even dating back to 2019. Go deeper into my posts and you’ll see me having conversations with my readers in the comments section.
Other than spending time talking with people, I give out free products as well! This free 7-Day Start a Blog Course is a way of giving back to my readers so they too can know how to earn through their blogs.
Pros: The ways to make money with a personal brand can be endless. As long as you have influence over a group or audience, you can monetize that through courses, coaching, cohorts, subscriptions, products, etc.
Cons: It takes time for you to build a personal brand in any niche. A loyal following doesn’t come overnight, it’s built through daily dedication to prove your competence.
7. Real Estate Broker
The world of real estate is a place where everything keeps going up. The prices of houses keep soaring and soaring, so it’s not surprising to know that those who are able to sell them can get their salaries to go up to $100,000 or more in a year.
A big part of what real estate agents earn comes from commissions, which vary depending on the property’s selling price.
But don’t forget that these commissions aren’t just handed out like party favors. While this job seems very luxurious, it comes with a lot of hard work and dedication. More than possessing a lot of people skills, real estate brokers need to have a deep understanding of property values and market trends.
Of course, these can be learned. If you want to start your real estate agent journey, you should start by taking courses to learn the different responsibilities and knowledge needed to thrive in the industry. There are many paid courses, but you should also look for the thousands of free resources available online. There is a learning curve, but really, anyone can be a successful real estate broker.
The key here is building and maintaining your network. Your network allows you to connect with potential clients and other professionals. They will also help you stay up-to-date about what’s happening in the market.
It also wouldn’t hurt to get the real estate broker exam once you’ve gained enough knowledge and experience. This can help you gain better credibility, which would lead to better opportunities. Passing the real estate broker exam means that you’re one of the superstars, and you can easily bring in a six-digit salary.
Pros: You have more earning potential than a real estate agent because as a broker you work for yourself. This means you can keep almost or entirely the commission you make.
Cons: Real estate brokers have more responsibilities to take care of – more paperwork and managing more clients.
8. Twitter Ghostwriting
Writing tweets for others is now one of the most surprising 100k salary jobs. Twitter is a platform for many to publish their opinions and thoughts online. But unlike blog posts, Twitter limits its character usage to 280. This means every word you use should play an integral part in the whole tweet. If not, you’ll be having a hard time condensing what you want to say in such short content.
You might question how someone can write tweets for a living, how is that even done? Well, you do that by ghostwriting for another person. To make this successful, don’t target just anyone, it should be people who have enough money to pay you. These are CEOs, founders, executives, venture capitalists, and the like.
There are people with those job titles who want to have an audience when they share a message or talk about a certain topic. These people are typically busy which is where you come into the picture and build them a personal brand.
As you can see, ghostwriting has gone beyond blog posts. It can now be applied to Twitter as well.
Still not sold if this is viable? Take this Twitter ghostwriter who made $200,000 last year writing for venture capitalists!
Pros: You can take on multiple clients at the same time, making this job really high-paying. Just remember to provide the same quality of work for every client.
Cons: You would have to go through multiple calls with different clients to determine if they’re a good fit for your service. This can be time-consuming but it can expand your network.
9. Dog Walking
Hold up! Before you dismiss the idea, it’s worth mentioning that some dog walkers are actually pocketing an impressive $100,000 per year. Despite common assumptions, dog walking isn’t always a low-paying, easy side hustle. Although it does feel like you’re getting paid to walk, at its core, you’re addressing a vital need by offering important pet care services to people whose busy lives keep them from caring for their beloved four-legged friends.
To truly maximize your earnings, working for someone else won’t cut it. When employed by a company, you’re limited to a set number of jobs, restricting your earning potential. What you need is to take the reins of your own dog-walking venture.
Taking charge of your own dog-walking business is like being the master of your own destiny, with full control over your workload and earnings. You’re free to navigate your own path, setting prices and work hours that align with your financial goals, ultimately crafting a start-up enterprise that suits your unique vision. As your business grows, you can onboard more dog walkers to keep up with the mounting demand for your top-notch services.
Investing in certifications and specialized training can significantly impact your ability to attract clients and expand your business. While it might call for an initial monetary investment, the returns can be well worth it. Showcasing your expertise in animal behavior and care helps to instill trust and confidence in pet owners. When they know their cherished pets are in the capable hands of a knowledgeable professional, they can rest easy, which in turn boosts the chances of repeat business and glowing referrals.
Pros: It’s one of the least stressful jobs that pays $100,000 per year. You’re essentially getting paid to work out your body as you walk the dogs around.
Cons: Be ready to work during odd hours of the day and holidays. You can’t cancel just because it’s raining or snowing outside.
10. Social Media Manager
To achieve a top-tier salary by making money online as a social media manager, simply publishing posts won’t cut it. The best in the field create online content that resonates with customers, while also making current clients feel good about their choice to work with your brand and leaving prospects feeling like they’re missing out.
In your role as a social media manager, you’re responsible for far more than merely posting updates and replying to comments. Your purview also includes orchestrating marketing campaigns, devising branding strategies, and establishing ambitious objectives for your team. It’s essential to flawlessly execute every plan to achieve the most favorable results.
Moreover, as a social media manager, it’s crucial to stay one step ahead by pinpointing trends and seizing the opportunities before they fade. Time is of the essence when crafting viral content that captures the interest of countless users. This heightened visibility can draw more people to your brand, ultimately boosting sales and generating increased revenue for your business.
Pros: It’s a fun job since you’ll be spending most of your time on your favorite platforms.
Cons: You’d need to be constantly updated on the latest happenings and trends on social media.
11. Computer Programmer
When discussing six-figure salary jobs, it’s impossible to overlook the tech sector. On average, computer programmers earn around $90,000, while top earners at major tech firms rake in anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000. The explanation for such high earnings is straightforward: the demand for exceptional programmers far surpasses their availability. The industry’s crème de la crème views programming as a passion and continually refines their skills to keep pace with the evolving landscape.
Computer programmers tackle a wide array of tasks, such as identifying problems, creating new programs, composing and scrutinizing code, combining data and systems, and maintaining operating systems. As businesses roll out new features for users and grapple with an ever-growing web of files, they require more brilliant minds than ever.
You’ll surely need a college degree to do a job this complex, right? Nope, you don’t need to have a degree to do it! There are so many courses, boot camps, and written materials that will help you be an expert in this field.
Pros: The main advantage of this job is that there are opportunities to work remotely and still earn a substantial salary.
Cons: It is a fast-paced environment that requires you to think quickly and solve problems efficiently.
12. Marketing Manager
Social media managers primarily concentrate on a business’s online presence, while marketing managers oversee a wider range of responsibilities. Large companies need to create a buzz not only online but also beyond the virtual realm.
Marketing managers typically handle tasks such as:
- Package designs
- Pricing strategies
- Public relations
- Boosting market share
- Managing campaign budgets
- Upholding a positive brand image
As you can see, marketing managers often deal with real-world operations. For instance, they may set up an eye-catching booth at trade shows to attract potential customers and convert them into paying clients.
Similar to social media managers, marketing managers also conduct extensive market research. A successful marketing manager stays informed about industry trends and quickly adapts to changes as needed.
Numerous individuals who work as marketing managers feel highly fulfilled in their roles, as they have a substantial impact on a company’s expansion. When they excel in their jobs, they frequently receive enticing offers from other organizations seeking their expertise.
Pros: This role opens up countless opportunities across various industries such as entertainment, technology, pharmaceuticals, and more, giving you the chance to explore different fields.
Cons: Executing a marketing campaign can be a daunting task when you’re working with multiple stakeholders, each with their own objectives.
FAQ
1. What is the best job to make 100K a year?
I’d highly recommend starting a blog. This option is appealing because you don’t need to leave your current job immediately. You can begin your blog as a side project driven by passion and work on it in your spare time. Once it starts generating income, you can consider transitioning to full-time.
Look at me; I had zero experience building a successful blog. But against all odds, I managed to turn it into a full-time job and leave my old career behind. So don’t think for a second that you can’t achieve the same level of success—if I can do it, so can you!
2. What is the easiest job that pays 100K a year?
A frequently asked question revolves around high-paying jobs that might not be overly demanding. First, it’s important to acknowledge that the word “easy” can be quite subjective, as different challenges resonate differently with people. What you consider the easiest jobs that pay $100k may not be easy for other people.
One profession often mentioned in this context is that of a commercial airline pilot, particularly for regional carriers. After undergoing the necessary training, pilots can earn around $100K annually. However, it’s essential to understand that while the pathway might seem straightforward, being in control of an aircraft comes with significant responsibility and continuous skill updates.
There are also roles in tech, real estate, and sales that can earn similar incomes if you excel in them. In fact, you can also find trade jobs that pay $100k. At the end of the day, it’s about finding a balance between passion and compensation.
3. What career pays the most?
Consistently, tech-focused professions rank among the best-paying jobs. It’s due to the fact that top-notch coding and programming abilities are not easy to come by. There’s a considerable number of programmers out there, but only a small portion of them actually attain the upper echelons of income.
As highlighted above, the base salary for these roles is nearly $100k annually. Thus, it’s not even essential to aim for the highest pay bracket to earn a comfortable living.
4. What job makes the most money with the least education?
Apart from blogging, dog walking is a strong contender. This job is often undervalued because people assume it doesn’t pay well, given that almost anyone can do it. However, this mindset leads them to overlook a potentially lucrative opportunity. The key isn’t the simplicity or complexity of the work, but rather the size of the problem you’re addressing for the right clientele.
Individuals with demanding corporate positions often lack the energy to walk their dogs after a long day at work. That’s where you come in, solving their problem by ensuring their furry friends are well taken care of, despite their busy schedules.
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