Do you really need a college degree to make a ton of money?
With the way people are taking out loans and busting their butts to get degrees they’ll never use, you might think the answer is yes.
However, in this post you’re going to discover the jobs that pay over 200K without a degree.
If you search the Internet for these types of jobs almost every result will include some kind of medical, legal, or engineering field.
But not everybody wants to commit financial suicide just to make $200,000.
There are other ways to do it.
In most cases, the only investment needed is: your time, less money than college, or a combination of both.
There is one thing that you need to be aware of though…
You can’t get a six-figure job without investing in developing your skills.
That’s just not realistic.
If that’s what you secretly want, then you might as well marry rich or try your luck in Vegas.
Now, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, here are some jobs that can give your bank account a $200,000 boost.
Jobs That Pay Over $200K Without a Degree
These are the jobs you can pursue without putting yourself and your future generation in massive student-loan debt.
1. Direct Response Copywriter
Imagine using a pen and a piece of paper to write a single letter that makes $2 billion dollars.
Or how about writing another letter that barely makes $100 million.
If those scenarios seem totally unbelievable, then you’ve probably never heard about the rich world of Direct Response Copywriting (DRC).
In simple terms – DRC is a form of persuasive writing where you (the writer) get someone to take a specific action, using the words you put on paper.
That action can be making a purchase, donation, or clicking a link in the online world.
You’ve seen these letters before. They appear in your mailbox, email, and favorite magazines.
For example: there’s the one letter that asks you to donate to the wounded veterans who fought for your freedom. And the other letter asking you to sponsor a kid in Vietnam for a few cents.
Those letters generate millions of dollars for the companies that mail them.
And that’s why companies are happy to pay you a ton of money just to write letters.
But that’s not all…
You can even earn royalties or a percentage of the sales generated from those letters every time they’re mailed out.
Some letters run for years, which means you can make a fortune in passive income.
As long as you can write the way you speak, connect with people, and convince them to do something… you can literally write your way to a six-figure salary.
2. Blogging
Blogging gives you the unique opportunity to be your own boss, control your time, and make unlimited amounts of money.
It’s one of those rare cases where you can turn a tiny investment into six figures and transform your life faster than you think.
Most people think that blogging is a waste of time.
That’s because they’ve never launched a blog, or they started one and it flopped so now they’re salty about it.
You see, the simplicity and unlimited financial potential of blogging is what makes it so appealing to everyone.
However, the vast majority of people approach blogging with a selfish mindset. And in doing so, they forget the most important thing, which is…
A blog is a business, not a hobby.
There are many bloggers making unfathomable amounts of money and living lives that most people can’t even afford to dream about.
Those rich bloggers are self-employed, working whenever they want from anywhere in the world.
Starting a blog isn’t rocket science. You can have your blog up and running in just 7 days (or a weekend if you’re tech savvy).
If you treat it like a business and invest the time to make it successful, blogging can be extremely rewarding.
3. Web Developer
Got a thing for computers?
Interested in making websites from scratch?
Then you can extract some serious coin from this job (or customers).
You basically have two options when it comes to web development:
- You can either work for a company, or
- Work for yourself.
Both have pros and cons but… working for yourself can fast-track your earnings to that $200K figure.
There’s no shame in working for someone else. But unless you’re super-talented, it’s going to take you a few years to earn a $200,000 salary.
That’s because you’ll need to gain some experience – just like with most jobs, or anything in life for that matter.
Now, you may hear a lot of noise from folks saying you need a Computer Science degree to do this job…
Just tune them out. Smile and thank them for their opinion.
The only drawback to not having a degree is that you’ll need a portfolio.
But you can easily ditch the herd by completing projects and expanding your knowledge to sharpen your skills. Plus…
The more skills you acquire, the more expensive you become to the company or client looking to hire you.
This is a field of perpetual learning that you can enter by simply enrolling in a bootcamp.
Websites like Codecademy and freeCodeCamp can teach you everything you need to jumpstart your web development career.
4. Social Media Marketer
What would you say if I told you that you can make a fortune by helping small businesses use social media?
If you’re serious about making money, you’d ask me…
“How is that even possible?”
Well I’ll tell you how…
It’s possible because most small business owners are clueless when it comes to using social media to generate revenue.
In fact, most owners get overwhelmed just trying to setup their accounts. And those who do manage to get setup are often better off having never done so at all.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, pick 10 businesses in your local area and check out their social media profiles right now. Go on, I’ll wait…
Did you do it? How good were the profiles?
The reality is, these people are older than social media itself.
All they’re good at is running their business. They don’t have time to mess around with all the social media mumbo jumbo.
That’s why they’ll turn to an expert like you to help them out.
But you’re not just helping them setup their profiles. You’ll be getting them hoards of customers.
And for that, they’ll gladly pay you $500, $1000, or even $10,000+ to do the job on a monthly basis.
And that’s just if you have ONE client!
Imagine how much you’d make with a handful of clients…
Not bad right?
5. Software Developer
Do you like finding solutions to difficult problems?
Does the thought of building apps or games interest you?
If so, you should consider becoming a software developer.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to spend 60+ hours a week working like a slave for a penance.
The developers who do that and complain about it are either working in startups or lack common sense (not taught in schools).
Working for a startup isn’t bad. In fact, it’s a great way to boost your experience.
However, you should have a bigger vision for your future – unlike the developers looking for the next big thing.
The secret to being a highly paid software developer is to show companies (or clients) that you can provide value quickly. Then they will be happy to hire or invest in you.
As for learning how to code, you can do that in about 9 months. Maybe less if you don’t have a full-time job and are efficient with your time.
All you need is your laptop, internet access, and your favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Isn’t it amazing what you can do with just a laptop these days?
6. VMWare Engineer
Are you clueless about what this type of job is about?
Don’t worry. This is just another tech-related job.
In simple terms… it involves uploading software (VMWare) on servers so that operating systems like Windows and Linux can be installed on those servers.
This allows those operating systems to run in a virtual environment.
Speed and reduced downtime are just some of the benefits of doing this.
Now don’t let the title of “Engineer” throw you off. This is definitely a job you can get without a college degree.
As a VMWare Engineer you’ll be responsible for babysitting the entire system.
Most of your daily activities will revolve around management and administration type work. That’s because, once setup, the system pretty much runs itself.
According to some engineers, the worst part of the job is when upgrades are rolled out. Due to the sheer volume of the servers, it can be a pain in the ass to configure.
It’s definitely one of the more technical jobs. But you can get started by investing in a course to become certified.
And after a couple years, you can earn six figures and amazing perks with the right company.
So if you love interacting with computers, problem-solving, and making decisions, then this might be something to consider.
7. Sales
Did you know that 98.1% of readers will skip this job?
Okay, so I made that statistic up.
But the truth is… this is probably the least desirable job on this list.
Nothing gets more hate than sales.
People don’t want to be sold and they don’t want to sell to others. It feels wrong, scammy, and sleazy.
So why is it even on this list?
Because without sales you can’t make money or do anything.
And you know what’s funny?
Despite your feelings about sales, you are a salesperson.
At one point you’ve sold your friends on doing something that they didn’t know or were thinking about doing…
Maybe it was watching a Netflix show or sampling a new restaurant.
Whatever it was, you sold them on the decision to do it.
You see, sales really is about showing people the benefits of something and helping them feel like they made a good decision.
You don’t need to act like a used-car salesman.
Sales is so easy that with just a phone, list of numbers, and a product or service, anyone can make six figures in 365 days.
8. Stock Trader
Want to trade your way to a six-figure lifestyle?
You can do it by becoming a stock trader.
Now, we’re not talking about the wolves on Wall Street.
That’s a nice gig for anyone interested in the fast life, long hours, and high-stress environments.
Chances are, you aren’t that person.
You see it’s possible to create financial freedom trading stocks without a prestigious college degree. There are thousands of people doing it everyday.
If you’re concerned about losing money, don’t be. You can learn how to become a stock trader for FREE.
There are platforms like Wall Street Survivor that allow you to trade real stocks in simulation mode. (It’s like a game where you use fake cash.)
And once you’ve acquired the knowledge, you can begin to invest your hard-earned money with confidence.
To get started as a stock trader, you need to invest in a reputable course.
You’ll also need to expand your knowledge by reading and immersing yourself in the field.
If you’re dedicated and determined, there’s no reason you can’t be successful.
The stock market doesn’t have to be complex.
If you’re looking to trade up to a better income and life, it’s an amazing opportunity.
9. Consulting
Fun fact: The average person has no idea what a consultant actually does.
It’s true. If you ask random folks on the street, most would be clueless.
You see, there are many different fields of consulting.
However, they all come down to one thing… solving problems.
A business or client will hire you to figure out how to increase revenue, improve efficiency, or both.
If you have experience in a particular field, enjoy talking to people, and love solving problems, then you can turn that into a lucrative consulting career.
And if you don’t have any experience, that’s okay. You will need to invest in yourself by taking a comprehensive course.
The right course will help you pick an industry to focus on, teach you how to get clients, and turn you into a problem solving machine.
You don’t need to be an expert to become a consultant.
As long as you can produce the results people want, they won’t care if you’re from Harvard or Timbuktu.
10. Independent Contractor
Ever seen the movie where the hero is a badass Transporter for hire?
Well… this career isn’t anything like that.
The type of independent contractor I’m talking about is the one who performs a skilled trade.
This includes your electrician, plumber, landscaper, carpenter, cleaner, etc.
It’s easy to overlook someone who does manual labor.
No one wants to talk to Dave, the guy who cuts grass for a living.
There’s nothing sexy or interesting about his job. He’s in the sun all day sweating. He doesn’t wear a suit and he looks dirty. Eww.
Now imagine if one day Dave pulls up to your house in a bright orange Lamborghini to collect payment for his services.
I bet that might make you (and the neighbors) curious right?
Or you might just say… “OMG, I think Dave is a drug dealer”. (LOL)
You see, there are people who have turned their “little” skill into a rich six-figure salary.
They’ve done it by doing things that everyone else is too busy to do – or don’t want to do.
Becoming an independent contractor isn’t rocket science.
You’ll need to learn a skill, gain experience, get a license, and purchase some tools and equipment.
Then you can start doing those unsexy and dirty jobs that pay ridiculously well.
11. Real Estate Agent
Location. Location. Location.
That’s the main thing you need to remember if you want to become rich as a realtor.
Speaking of location, how many people do you know eager to buy property in rural Alabama?
Probably not a lot.
That means if you live in such a market, you’re going to have to move somewhere else – e.g. California or New York.
You’re also going to need to tune out the noise of failing agents. And believe me there are many.
You see, there are lots of agents who work tons of hours doing “stuff” to keep themselves busy.
None of them focus on actual revenue generating activities. That’s why they struggle to make any kind of life-changing income.
Then you have the hustlers…
After getting their license in a month or so, they come out the gates flying.
These folks have a plan and they work the hell out of that plan.
What separates them from everyone else is their willingness to invest in marketing, technology, and personal development.
It’s not hard to beat the majority of lazy realtors.
You just need to put in the time to gain experience and build relationships with your clients.
If you do that, you’ll become very successful.
Being a realtor is glamorous and can be tremendously profitable.
It’s also one of those jobs where you’ll have to spend money to make money.
12. Personal Trainer
My wife’s personal trainer makes over $200,000 and she only sees my wife 1-2 times a month.
Huh!?
But wait there’s more…
Her trainer only has 30 clients.
Crazy right?
Most personal trainers might see this and think it’s absurd.
They’ll say it’s impossible to make $200,000 unless you’re training celebrities or wealthy people.
While that may be true, there are many normal folks who spend tons of money every year trying to get the body of their dreams.
For instance, no one in my family is a celebrity nor are we loaded like the Rockefellers.
The problem is… most personal trainers don’t understand the concepts of value proposition and smart business.
As a result, they’re stuck making an average salary with rock bottom prices.
That’s why it’s easy for you to step in and capitalize on their ineptitude.
All you have to do is invest the time to learn what it takes to create a personalized service.
By creating an environment that prioritizes your clients’ goals and getting them the results they want in an efficient manner, you’ll put yourself in the top 1% of personal trainers.
If you’re into fitness, there’s an opportunity for you to have tremendous success.
13. Hairdresser
Here’s a number your brain can’t process…
$44,000,000,000 (forty-four BILLION).
That’s how much the hair salon industry is worth.
There are over a million hair professionals in America, which may seem like a lot.
But it isn’t. Not when you consider that the US population is in the hundreds of millions.
There are lots of people out there who love to spend money on their personal appearance.
Some are even willing pay more for a first-class experience.
You see, most professionals think it’s just a haircut. They’re the ones happy making enough to afford the next iPhone.
But the folks who have clients willing to fly them halfway around the world are offering much more than that. They’re the ones you need to emulate.
If you’re looking to cut out a piece of this industry for yourself you’re going to need a few things…
First you’ll need to sharpen your skills in salon (or barber) school.
Next you’ll have to get a gig in a shop to boost your experience.
After that you’ll need to focus on growing your clientele by providing amazing service.
The main thing with a career in hairdressing is that you’ll need to pay your dues. But once you figure out how to become invaluable to your clients, you can make well beyond $200,000.
Take this woman for example. She was able to put her daughter through medical school and get a brand new Mercedes for FREE!
Who would have thought cutting hair could be so profitable?
14. Truck Driver
When the economy is booming, goods need transporting.
That makes being a truck driver a great opportunity for you.
Especially if you love the idea of driving across the country and getting paid a pretty penny to do so.
Obviously you need to gain some experience first.
The best companies in this industry are the ones that have outstanding training programs.
Some even help you get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which you need to be a truck driver.
Now, you may be concerned about being on the road a lot and away from your family.
While that may be the case for some drivers, others enjoy schedules that allow them to be at home on the weekends.
Again, it all depends on who you work for.
Another bonus of this job is… you can turn it into a full-blown business by having your own fleet of trucks and drivers.
This allows you to do work for any business you choose – instead of being tied down (employed) by one company.
Truck driving won’t appeal to everyone. But it’s definitely a proven way to make a lucrative income.
15. Oil Rig Worker
Although this list isn’t ranked in any particular order, this one was listed last for a few reasons.
First, it’s possible to make a killing as a specialized worker in the oil industry.
However, that means you’ll have to work offshore or in unstable countries.
This leads to the second point…
It’s a very dangerous job. This isn’t for the faint of heart.
If you’re not prepared to handle that kind of risk for the massive reward, you’re better off choosing another high-paying job.
The third reason has to do with the lack of security. Your job is tied to the economy.
Depending on your position in the industry, you can be let go anytime.
When oil prices drop, companies will drop you. That means you’ll be unemployed until things pick up again.
If you do decide to enter this field then here’s what a former oil worker suggests…
“Work like a beast. Use all the overtime you can to fatten your paycheck. Bank all the money you make. Avoid wasting it on booze, pickup trucks, and women looking to have your baby so you can take care of them. Do this for a few years and then get the hell out of the industry. Either start a business within it or find a new career.” – ex-Oil Man
Now that’s some pretty damn good advice, isn’t it?
As risky as the job is, oil is still the black gold that powers most of the world.
The oil and gas industry is your gateway into that world of ridiculous income potential.
Choose Your Target and Go After It
You’ve just discovered a list of jobs that pay $200K without a degree.
There are probably other jobs you can do that weren’t covered here. If you can think of one, drop us a line and we’ll add it.
But for now, this is the best list of $200K jobs you’ll find.
Some offer you a faster track to success. Some are more labor intensive than others. Some can be turned into small businesses. And some can get you killed.
As usual, the only obstacle standing between you and the income you want is… YOU!
At the end of the day, your desire, relentless effort, and hunger to get what you want, will determine your success.
Speaking of success, sharing is a great way to attract it. And you can start doing that by sharing this post online to help others looking for six-figure jobs.
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