When it comes to jobs that pay over 200k a year, you might immediately think of careers that require an advanced degree, such as doctors, dentists, or lawyers.
But the truth is plenty of high-earning jobs are available that don’t require a degree. Whether you’re a creative person or enjoy working with numbers, there is a job out there that will suit you.
These careers can bring in more than $200k a year without requiring a bachelor’s degree.
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Real Estate Associate
As a real estate associate, you will be responsible for managing the buying and selling of properties, negotiating contracts, and providing expert advice to your clients. This job requires strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and an in-depth understanding of the real estate industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for real estate brokers and sales agents was between $65,460 and $175,000 in 2022. However, top earners in this field can make over 200k a year, especially if they work in high-end markets or specialize in luxury properties.
One way to boost your earning potential as a real estate associate is to work for a large brokerage firm that offers commission-based compensation. In this model, you’ll earn a percentage of the sale price every time you close a deal, which means that your earnings will depend directly on how many properties you can sell.
Voice-Over Artist
If you have a talent for creating distinct voices or narrating stories, then a career as a voice-over artist might be the right choice for you.
Voice-over artists provide their voices for films, TV shows, commercials, video games, and other audio productions. To be successful in this field, you’ll need an outstanding voice that can convey different emotions, accents, and timing.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for voice-over artists in the United States is $68,962, with some top-earning professionals making over 200k a year.
Please note that voice-over work can be highly competitive, and you’ll need to have connections in the industry or a remarkable portfolio of past projects to stand out from the crowd.
Business Owner
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for making smart business decisions, starting your own company could be the path to wealth and success.
As a business owner, your income potential is almost limitless, as you can scale up your operations and hire more employees as your company grows.
The amount of money you can make as a business owner will depend on the field you choose, your level of investment, and your ability to attract and retain customers. However, many successful entrepreneurs earn over $200k a year or millions of dollars.
SEE: 7 Businesses You Can Start With $5,000 or Less
Some of the most profitable industries for small business owners include tech startups, e-commerce, healthcare, and real estate.
To increase your chances of success, consider working with experienced business mentors, networking with other entrepreneurs, and investing in marketing strategies that help you reach your target audience.
Social Media Marketer
Social media has become one of the most important marketing channels for businesses of all sizes, and as a result, the demand for skilled social media marketers has skyrocketed. As a social media marketer, your job will be to create and implement social media campaigns that drive leads, increase brand awareness, and engage with customers.
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for social media marketers in the United States is $51,311; more experience and skillset can make an individual earn up to 200k. This job requires excellent communication skills, a creative mindset, and proficiency in social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
To stand out as a social media marketer, you must demonstrate your expertise by building a strong portfolio of past campaigns, developing a deep understanding of social media analytics and metrics, and staying up-to-date with the industry’s latest trends and best practices.
Web Developer
Web development is in high demand as large and small businesses look to build and maintain their online presence. If you have an eye for detail, technical skills, and experience in coding, web development can be a lucrative career choice. According to Indeed, web developers in the United States earn an average annual salary of $75,000. However, those at the top of the field can earn upwards of $200,000 annually.
As a web developer, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining websites, often working with teams of designers, marketing specialists, and other development professionals. You’ll need to be comfortable with coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and software applications such as Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
Truck Driver
Truck driving is another career option that can net you a six-figure salary without a degree. With the ongoing demand for goods to be transported across the country, truck drivers are in high demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for a truck driver in the United States is $48,000 a year. However, those with experience and seniority can earn upwards of $200,000 annually, transporting oversized freight.
To become a truck driver, you must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet other state and federal requirements. You can typically obtain your CDL through a vocational school or community college, with the option of companies providing on-the-job training.
Independent Contractor
If you have specific skills, such as web design, social media marketing, or graphic design, consider working as an independent contractor.
Independent contractors are self-employed professionals who provide services to businesses and organizations on a contract basis. As an independent contractor, you’ll be responsible for finding work, setting your rates, and managing your finances.
The earning potential for independent contractors can be enormous, with some earning $200,000 a year or more. However, it’s important to remember that you must factor in costs such as taxes, healthcare, and retirement savings.
While the work of an independent contractor can be more flexible, it can also require a higher level of organizational skills, self-discipline, and comfortability with networking and self-promotion.
Stock Trader
Although a finance degree can help you break into the field of trading stocks, it’s not a prerequisite. The art of trading stocks is a high-stress, high-risk career option, but the potential rewards are enormous. According to Glassdoor, experienced stock traders can earn upwards of $200,000 a year, with those working for investment banks earning even more.
To become a stock trader, you’ll need a knack for analysis, patience, a deep understanding of market trends and the ability to react systematically, and the willingness to take risks. Furthermore, trading requires discipline and intuition, learning from mistakes, and unwavering confidence.
Personal Trainer
With an increasing emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, the demand for personal trainers has never been higher. Personal trainers are trained professionals who work with clients one-on-one to help them achieve their fitness goals.
While a degree in exercise science or kinesiology is helpful, it’s not required. Instead, most gyms and fitness centers require certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
The average annual salary for a personal trainer in the United States is $52,000. However, experienced and certified personal trainers can earn upwards of $200,000 annually.
To succeed as a personal trainer, you must know anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and fitness trends. Furthermore, you must have excellent communication skills, patience, and an ability to connect with people of all ages, abilities, and fitness goals.
Conclusion
Breaking the myth that a college degree is the only path to a high-paying job. There are various professions that offer excellent earning potential without formal education.
From brokers to skilled trades and entrepreneurship, individuals have numerous opportunities to achieve financial success through their skills, experience, and determination.
So, whether you have a degree or not, with hard work, continuous learning, and a passion for what you do can open doors to a fulfilling and lucrative career.