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Do you ever just look at people who have successfully climbed the corporate ladder and think, “Wow, they have it all!”
Maybe the idea tempted you to find careers that pay well, but you ended up seeing your usual 9-to-5 jobs. If you’re anything like me, you know how draining office jobs can be. They can leave you feeling uninspired and unfulfilled.
What if I told you that you can make upwards of $200k a year in a job that isn’t your usual corporate job? In fact, achieving that sum is more possible if you work a job that you genuinely enjoy, because according to studies, happy people earn more money.
I’d have to agree with that one because when I left my corporate job to do the side hustles that I love, I found myself becoming more financially successful and fulfilled.
I want that for you, too, which is why I’m sharing this list of surprising jobs where you can make $200k a year. Yes, it’s possible! Regardless of whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or someone fresh from college, it’s within your reach to make at least $1,000 a day.
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1. Freelance Writer
Would you believe me if I told you that every word you write can turn into a paycheck? As a freelance writer, that’s the world you’ll live in.
Many people think that unless you’re a bestselling author, you won’t be able to make money from writing. What they don’t realize is that there are plenty of ways for writers to monetize their skills other than writing novels.
Just take a look at this freelance writer who makes over $300,000 a year. No, she doesn’t have a bestselling book, but she does ghostwrite blog posts and e-books.
The truth is, there’s an ever-growing demand for skilled writers. Businesses, and even individuals like bloggers, are constantly looking for people who can write high-quality content for them. They know that words can make people move.
I mean, think about the last time you bought something online. You were swayed by a persuasive Facebook post or email campaign, weren’t you? Don’t worry, I’m guilty of that, too!
As you can see, businesses are seeing success thanks to the beautiful writing of freelance writers behind their marketing efforts.
So if you have a way with words and a passion for storytelling, what are you waiting for? Freelance writing is just one example of the many fun jobs that pay $200,000 a year without a degree, so this is an opportunity that anyone can grab.
More than that, it’s perfect for people who prefer to work alone and on their own terms. You have the freedom to set your hours, choose your own clients, and work from anywhere in the world.
Does this sound like a dream job for you? Then, you can start your journey through online platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. The more experience you get, the more chances you have of earning $200,000 or more in a year!
Pros: You have control over your schedule and workload.
Cons: There’s the need to always be on the lookout for new clients if you want to reach $200k a year.
2. Blogger
It’s hard to believe that you can earn $200k in a year with no experience, but here I am!
If it’s not yet clear from my blog posts, I’m now a full-time blogger who earns a six-figure income yearly, and I did all this without any idea what to do. I just wanted to look for something exciting away from my 9-to-5 banking job. Next thing I knew, I was learning how to start a profitable blog.
To be honest, starting a blog was intimidating at first. When I started, I took the time to understand the basics like setting up my blog. It might all sound overwhelming, but as long as you’re committed to growing your blog, anything’s possible.
The first step is to choose a niche that truly excites you. If your goal is to monetize your blog, then it should reflect your interests and unique perspectives to attract and engage an audience.
Are you interested in traveling to different countries on a budget? You can start a travel blog that guides readers on how to make the most of their vacation on a limited budget. In my case, I’m very passionate about personal finance and I wanted to share my experience of getting out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, so I started this blog to help readers achieve their financial goals.
Once you’ve selected a niche, you should focus on creating high-quality and valuable content. You should always offer something to your readers. Otherwise, they wouldn’t want to read on. Do this consistently until you build a loyal following. By then, you’ll have the opportunity to monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or ads.
Pros: There’s no limit to how much you can earn as a blogger as long as you’re consistent with your outputs and efforts.
Cons: There is a steep learning curve and you can’t expect results right away.
3. Sales Representative
It seems hard to find a flexible and high-paying entry-level job, but that’s what being a sales representative offers.
Sales representatives are the ones who directly interact with customers on behalf of a business. As a sales representative, you’ll generate leads, contact customers, and build relationships with them, all with the goal of increasing sales for a company.
There are sales representatives across all industries, like food and beverage, finance, and health care. Regardless of what your passion is, there’s most likely a sales representative position for that.
Although you can’t earn $200k right off the bat, there’s a lot of potential for high commissions and bonuses in this field. It’s very rewarding, especially if you put in hard work and dedication. Plus, the job offers flexibility to set your own schedule and work remotely. That’s pretty hard to beat!
Most of the time, it really doesn’t matter how you do things as long as you’re meeting targets. Although it comes with its own set of challenges, such as the competitive environment and rejection, those who thrive in achieving goals and interacting with people can excel in this role.
For those who want to break into the field, there are a lot of resources that you can look into. YouTube, for one, is a great place to find tutorials, tips, and insights from experienced professionals in the sales industry. I also recommend checking out websites like Sales Hacker and Hubspot.
Pros: Sales representatives experience flexibility in their schedule and earnings. They can earn high commissions and bonuses, so their earning potential depends on their performance.
Cons: There’s a high pressure to meet sales targets.
4. Pilot
Do seeing clouds around you relax you? Did you ever want to navigate the endless expanse of the sky? There aren’t a lot of professions that offer the same thrill as being a pilot.
Contrary to what most people think, pilots don’t just fly planes from one point to another. They do more than sit in the cockpit and put the plane on auto-pilot. They’re actually highly trained professionals, ensuring that we, as passengers, are safe and comfortable throughout a flight. This means that, as a pilot, you need to do everything from pre-flight inspections to making real-time decisions so you will have a smooth journey.
Although a college degree isn’t required to become a pilot, you will have to go through meticulous training. It will take you anywhere from 1 to 4 years to complete extensive flight training before you can become a real pilot.
It’s challenging work, for sure, but because of the specific skillset you need, you get paid a lucrative salary. In fact, being a pilot is one of those fun jobs that pays well because you get to travel the world, too!
Pros: This job is very rewarding, so you can expect job satisfaction in this field.
Cons: Becoming a pilot requires years of training, which isn’t cheap!
5. Corporate Lawyer
With how big some businesses are, they can also go through legal mazes that need expert guidance to navigate. That’s where corporate lawyers come in.
Corporate lawyers never have a boring day. It’s like they’re constantly trying to solve puzzles, from paperwork to deals to disputes. The job of a corporate lawyer will depend on the company they’re representing, but they generally advise corporations about their legal rights and responsibilities.
As a corporate lawyer, you need to be constantly updated with the latest laws and regulations in your industry. There’s a lot of critical thinking and problem-solving involved, so it’s not the kind to go into if you’re looking for easy jobs.
Before you can become a lawyer, you need to finish law school and pass the bar exam. This is to ensure that you have the necessary skills to give competent legal advice, especially since you’re handling matters that can impact many people.
With how demanding and powerful this job could get, it’s clear that it’s one of the most common $200k salary jobs. But despite that, corporate lawyers usually find fulfillment and happiness in their work because it’s not the same thing every day. They also get to make a great impact on their clients’ businesses, so there’s no question that it’s a rewarding job.
Pros: More than the lucrative salary, there is a lot of room for growth in this profession.
Cons: In many cases, you can expect corporate lawyers to have long hours and stressful work in many cases.
6. Deep Sea Diver
I’m sure you’re surprised to see this one on the list! I was surprised myself when I found out that deep-sea diving is a lucrative profession! But this all makes sense when you realize just how much bravery you need to be in this field.
There are some people who enjoy the mysterious depths of the ocean. If you’re one who wants to discover what lies beneath the waves, then you might just make a great deep-sea diver.
As a diver, there are many things you can do underwater. Most divers are commercial divers, which means that they focus on tasks like repair and maintenance. Some would do rock drilling or underwater painting, while others would do underwater welding. Yes, these are real things!
However, there are also divers whose jobs are to explore more of the ocean’s depths and marine life. They usually conduct scientific research.
This career offers a lot of excitement, but also a lot of challenges. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s fulfilling, not only in terms of monetary compensation but with the things you’ll see and discover.
Some divers even get to have trails named after them!
In a great year, a deep sea diver could work only 6 to 8 months and make more than $200,000. Of course, it’s important to remember that a deep sea diver has no set salary. The income will vary greatly on the project, location, and your level of experience.
Pros: It’s a unique and exciting career that offers a lot to be discovered. It’s not boring at all!
Cons: There’s a lot of risk involved, including sickness and accidents.
7. Dermatologist
It’s no surprise that the medical field has a lot of jobs that pay $200k a year. But what’s surprising is how in-demand dermatologists are. Every year, the dermatology industry grows by 1.2%.
Since conditions like skin cancer are becoming more prevalent, more and more people are looking for skincare solutions and preventive care, so they run to dermatologists to help them.
A typical workday for a dermatologist involves a lot of consultations, where patients come in with various skin concerns, ranging from acne and eczema to suspicious moles and skin lesions. Dermatologists will evaluate these concerns and provide treatment.
In some cases, dermatologists will perform non-invasive or minor surgeries. But they also do more advanced surgeries for complex issues.
To become a dermatologist, you need to have extensive medical training, like any other job in the field. You also have to go to medical school and complete residency. All in all, it usually takes someone 10 to 12 years to become a licensed dermatologist.
It’s obviously not a quick and easy path, but it’s a worthwhile journey. Many people think that dermatologists only do skin treatments for aesthetics, but they actually play a bigger role in a patient’s life. They make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of many people, which is already very fulfilling on top of the lucrative salary.
Pros: There’s a high demand for dermatologists, so you can expect to have job stability.
Cons: Even after a lengthy training, you’ll still experience long hours and high stress.
8. Real Estate Agent
When thinking of high-paying jobs, a real estate agent may not be at the top of your head, but it’s actually one of the professions where earnings can be well above $200,000 per year.
The key to becoming a successful real estate agent is location. When you’re in a place with houses that are high in demand, like major cities or wealthy neighborhoods, there’s a greater potential to earn more.
Each day in the life of a real estate agent is different, so if you’re looking to break out of the monotony of an office job, this could be the perfect career for you. Some days, you’ll meet new clients, and some days, you’ll go to different locations to show the properties. But a big part of the work is negotiating deals and closing sales.
What’s great is that this job offers a lot of flexibility. You don’t even have to work every day. As long as you’re closing deals and helping people find their dream homes, you have the freedom to work how you want.
To even enhance your opportunities in the industry, you can take advantage of online pre-license courses. These courses provide comprehensive training on principles, laws, and practices, giving you enough knowledge and skills to succeed in the field. Going through these courses can also help you prepare for your state licensing exam if you wish to pursue it!
Pros: There’s a lot of variety and networking opportunities.
Cons: Since there is high competition, it can be challenging to reach your goals.
9. Art Director
No two days are the same for an art director. Some days, art directors will do nothing but touch base with clients and workmates so everyone is on the same page. On other days, they will be surrounded by nothing but colors, trying to find the perfect one that captures their message.
Life is vibrant when you’re an art director. For those who can’t stay still doing the same thing over and over again, art direction is a great career path!
But it’s not always colors and interaction. There’s also a lot of strategic and creative thinking that goes into it. Art directors need to be innovative. Regardless if they’re producing something for a brand’s advertising campaign or creating the visuals for a film, they need to always come up with something new and memorable.
It doesn’t sound too easy, right? Because it isn’t. There’s a lot of time, effort, and mind power that goes into the job.
The reward for that sacrifice, however, is witnessing your visions come to life. The satisfaction of seeing your ideas materializing is worth it. Of course, we can’t forget the fact that it’s very profitable, especially when you’re handling multiple projects.
Pros: You’ll have all the creative freedom over your projects.
Cons: Most of the time, you’ll have to work long hours.
10. Video Editor
Can you bring together frames that have nothing to do with each other and turn them into a captivating story? That’s a great skill to have, and it’s one that can make you earn upwards of $200k a year.
Video editors are in high demand because of platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where everyone consumes videos left and right. Did you know that 33% of all online activity is video consumption? People see a lot of videos when they go online, so businesses and individuals are on the lookout for people who can make theirs stand out.
With the right editing skills, you can transform simple footage into an attention-grabbing reel that can make someone purchase a new bag. A video can also make people laugh or cry. That’s how powerful videos are when done right.
Keep in mind, though, that if you want to earn $200k a year as a video editor, you will have to be at the top of your game. You need to have the experience and expertise to deliver high-quality work consistently.
Once you’ve gained enough experience and a solid portfolio, it will be easier to draw in clients who are willing to pay you what you’re worth.
Pros: There’s a high demand for video editors, so chances are you won’t have a hard time looking for clients.
Cons: There are usually tight deadlines for videos, especially when it’s for social media.
11. Hairdresser
I’m sure you didn’t expect to see this one on this list. It’s very surprising, but many hairdressers are able to bring in at least $200,000 a year.
Of course, it’s not as easy as it seems. Hairdressers need to have a solid clientele before they can achieve this, but it’s doable. Just take a look at this hairdresser from Detroit who earns more than $200k a year.
The best thing about this is that you don’t need any formal education to be a hairdresser. Classes in hairstyling and cosmetology are helpful, but many successful hairdressers have learned these skills over time and through hands-on practice.
There is a lot that goes into this job more than meets the eye. It’s not only about cutting hair. As a hairdresser, you’re in charge of making someone feel good, whether it’s by styling them or doing their hair color.
There is a lot of flexibility since you can set a by-appointment schedule. For those who are more experienced, it’s possible to earn a significant income without working full-time hours.
Remember that success as a hairdresser will require a lot of dedication, time, and effort. You have to continuously learn new techniques, on top of building and maintaining positive relationships with your clients.
Pros: There’s a lot of creative freedom and variety.
Cons: The income can be inconsistent, especially when you’re still building your name and reputation.
12. Physician
Everyone in the world has to keep up with their health at one point or another. So you have to see a physician, which only means that they are constantly in demand.
Physicians are essential healthcare providers who diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, from common ailments to complex diseases. Although the main goal of a physician is to help as many people as possible, we can’t deny that it offers many opportunities for a lucrative salary, with the average being more than $100k a year.
For physicians who have specializations and are more experienced, it’s possible to earn $200k a year or more.
This career path has its own set of challenges, though. First of all, you can’t be a physician without attending medical school. It would take you at least 10 years to become a licensed physician. Physicians also face demanding work schedules, including long hours, overnight shifts, and being on call.
It’s clearly not an easy job–no job that pays this much is easy–but it’s one that’s enjoyable and fulfilling for those who are passionate about helping others with their health.
Pros: Becoming a physician makes you a highly respected member of society, especially with the opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact.
Cons: The training is demanding, but it doesn’t stop there. Once you start working, it becomes even more demanding.
FAQs
1. How can you make 200k a year?
There are many ways to make $200k a year. People most commonly enter the medical, tech, and finance industries if they’re looking to make this kind of salary in a year. These are proven industries that offer high salaries because of the specialized skills needed to thrive in these jobs.
However, there are also more uncommon jobs like deep sea diving and hairstyling that have opportunities to earn $200k a year.
2. What job pays the highest salary?
Medical field jobs are home to some of the highest-paying careers. Surgeons, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists are among the medical professionals with the highest salaries. They can earn half a million dollars or more in a year, especially those who are more experienced in their specialization.
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