How To Make Money Without College: 39+ Awesome Ways

Nowadays, it's taken for granted that having a degree is the only way to make money beyond minimum wage. However, many ways to learn how to make money without college exist that don't require selling a kidney.

How to Make Money Without College Online

Working online is a great way to learn how to make money without a degree if you're looking for flexibility, semi-location independence, and potential for high earnings (and you can even use AI like ChatGPT to make money in all sorts of ways online).

1. Niche Websites/Authority Websites

Niche websites are sites that cover a sub-segment of a market. An example of this might be a website that reviews golf clubs.

We have a guide on how to build a niche website that explains more about this.

Authority websites are similar, but are designed to be a definitive resource on a topic. An example would be Bodybuilding.com or Healthline.

The downside to niche or authority websites is that they take time to get going. You also need either money to hire people or skills to do the work on your own.

2. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a rapidly growing field that encompasses many skills. As with most areas of marketing, the results you provide are more important than your degree.

This is another area I have personal experience in, running a web agency since 2020. To get started in digital marketing, you need a skill such as:

• Content Writing
• Copywriting
• Web Development
• Web Design
• Link Building
• Graphic Design

The earning potential with a digital marketing agency is relatively high, with top earners pulling in seven figures or more. However, expect long hours at the beginning and a lot of rejection on the path to your first few clients.

3. White Hat Hacker

Just as casinos often hire former card sharks and counters to help patch security holes, companies also hire hackers to help strengthen their online security.

White hat hackers can make a decent salary by performing tasks such as penetration testing to find weaknesses in the website and software of a company or organization (you can even do something similar with these website testing jobs).

4. SEO expert

Search engine optimization, or SEO, is the process of improving both the quality and the quantity of traffic from search engines.

There are a few different skills that go into this. Many SEOs are, in fact, SEO managers or even project managers, delegating out individual tasks to specialists in areas such as content, link building, and web development.

5. Translator/Interpreter

If you benefit from being bilingual or, even better, a polyglot, you can find plenty of translation work. This is especially true for high demand translators such as Chinese and English or Arabic and English.

So if you've got linguistic skills that go further than just the English language, you can use them to your advantage to find high paying jobs and generate a good income.

6. Website Designer/Web Developer

Web designers are responsible for designing the layout, usability, and visual aspects of a website. Web developers are typically involved with creating the core architecture of the site.

Many designers and developers are self-taught by working on their projects. Computer science degrees don't matter so much in this field as much as your ability to deliver results.

7. Copywriter/Content Writer

Copywriters are tasked with sales-focused writing designed to convert readers/listeners (radio, TV, podcast ads) into buyers and we have a full guide on how to be a copywriter from home. On the other hand, content writers are focused on writing long-form content that informs readers about a topic (like this article).

As mentioned above, many other content writers I know and I do not have a degree. Instead, I learned about digital marketing and internet-based businesses through first-hand experience.

8. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants perform a variety of administrative tasks for business owners. While the common idea is that VAs are low-paid workers in third-world countries, this is far from the truth.

Many VAs are well-paid specialists capable of performing tasks that save business owners hundreds of hours each year. This can include handling phone calls, automating email outreach, scheduling appointments, and more.

9. Photographer

Photography has long been an excellent way for people with the right skills and no degree to make money (and there are lots of ways for how to make money with photography). With the advent of digital technology, entry into the field has become much easier without the need for dark rooms.

There are many types of photographers. Some of the more common types include:

• Food Photography
• Wedding Photography
• Lifestyle Photography

10. Graphic Design

Graphic designers create logos, menus, brochures, and other visual elements for individuals and companies. While you can get a degree in graphic design, it isn't necessary.

There are many online courses free and paid to learn graphic design, and your abilities will count in the long term more than a degree.

The average salary for graphic designers in the U.S. ranges between $25-50k per year. However, graphic designers in major metro areas or those who freelance via the best freelance graphic designer websites can earn much more.

11. Investor

Modern technology has made investing more accessible and decentralized. Common investment opportunities include:

• Forex
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Mutual Funds and ETFs
• Commodities

You should expect to spend thousands to tens of thousands on your way to proficiency. It's also not a career for the faint of heart, as stock market earnings can be sporadic and losses extreme.

12. Blogger

Bloggers write content either for their personal websites or for established online publications such as BuzzFeed or Men's Journal.

While blogging has a connotation with low-paid interns, that isn't always the case. Many well-paid bloggers are earning a comfortable income working full-time.

A good rule is that blogging for companies will pay proportionate to the level of expertise needed. Attorneys writing for a law publication will earn more than celebrity bloggers.

The average salary for bloggers is between $30-50k each year. However, personal bloggers from the top money making blogs make hundreds of thousands to millions each year.

13. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing. Affiliates get paid by businesses for each conversion, whether it's each person that buys a product or a per-metric rate.

Getting started in affiliate marketing takes time. When it comes to affiliate marketing for beginners, you should expect to spend at least a year or more before seeing any real results.

14. Dropshipping/eCommerce

Dropshipping is one of the best online business models whereby a person sells products to be fulfilled by a wholesaler or manufacturer.

The primary benefit is that this is a lower-cost way to get started than traditional eCommerce, and an excellent way to make money without a degree.

15. Start a YouTube Channel

YouTubers create video content, usually in a specific niche but also based on their personal lives, for viewers to consume.

You could be a professional YouTuber if you have something interesting to talk about, such as a hobby you're passionate about.

Becoming a pro-YouTuber is an uphill battle that requires years of patience and consistency. However, the rewards can be significant. The average salary for successful YouTubers is between $30-100k yearly.

Odd Jobs You Can Do Without a Degree

Let's start with odd jobs that you can do when first trying to learn how to make money without a degree.

These are in no particular order, with some simply allowing you to fill in the gaps in your income and others offering a much more substantial income opportunity.

16. Property Rental

Whether you've saved up over the years or you've inherited property, real estate remains one of the best ways to make money.

The best part about renting out a property is that no one will ask which school you graduated from. Real estate is still one of the best ways to create a recurring income stream without a degree.

17. Start a Consulting/Coaching Service

There is likely something you are an expert in that others would be willing to pay you for. This can be anything from tech skills to cooking and everything in between.

Make a list of everything you are good at worth money and start looking for people through social or other payment methods.

18. Service Industry

Bartending and waiting tables may not be the first jobs you think of when it comes to making money without a degree, but don't discount them entirely.

Depending on the location, bartenders and waitstaff can be highly compensated by way of tips. This is especially true in high-volume tourist locations in the United States such as:

• Miami
• Los Angeles
• Las Vegas
• New York City

19. Deliver Food

Depending on where you live, working as a delivery driver for companies like UberEats and GrubHub can be quite lucrative.

It might not be the first job you think of when you hear the term career change, but as long as you treat it like a business, tracking your miles and factoring in wear and tear on your vehicle, you will come out well ahead in the end.

20. Give People Rides

As with food delivery, ridesharing can be one of the great ways to make extra money in your spare time or a full-time income in major metropolitan areas and medium-sized cities.

This can be an excellent way to go if you don't mind having random strangers in your back seat throughout the day. No degree is required.

Some downsides exist, such as dealing with drunks and sometimes irate passengers late for an appointment. However, many people find ridesharing to be rewarding monetarily and enjoyable.

21. Teach Something You Love

With the advent of learning platforms such as Udemy, anyone can become a paid teacher. As with consulting, you don't have to be a subject expert. Just know more than entry-level people.

Think about your hobbies and passions and what people may be willing to spend money to learn. Are you a good writer, have a knack for painting, or maybe you're an expert on medieval Slavic studies?

22. Babysitting

A tried-and-true classic for teenagers and young adults, babysitting can be a great weekend side job to earn extra income.

At the higher level, some babysitters can earn a high full-time income. However, a degree and advanced certificates are usually preferred for these positions as teaching and tutoring are often involved.

There are apps such as Urbansitter that can help you connect with needy families. However, working with a placement company can also be a good option.

23. Show Your Love for Pets

If you don't mind being around other people's furry friends, there are a whole host of ways to earn money with animals that don't require a degree.

Some of the best ways to make money with animals include:

• Pet Sitting
• Dog Walking
• Boarding Pets
• Dog and Cat Grooming (check out our list of dog grooming business names here)

Some jobs can even allow you to transition into a full-time career, such as owning a grooming or boarding business.

24. Help People Clean Up Their Yards

Lawn care is a booming $100 billion+ industry in the United States. While some jobs in the sector require advanced degrees (landscape architects, botanists, etc.) many jobs do not.

As with the pet-related jobs listed above, landscaping can quickly become a full-time career and even an extremely lucrative entrepreneurial endeavor.

25. Create a Product/Company

This is easier said than done. However, creating a product that people need and are willing to pay for is one of the most lucrative ways to make money without a degree.

Some of the best examples of entrepreneurs who hit it big despite not having a degree include:

• John Paul Jones DeJoria (Paul Mitchell, Patron Tequila)
• Richard Branson (Virgin Group)
• Ray Kroc (McDonald's)
• John D. Rockefeller (Standard Oil Company)

The key to success when going this route is persistence and consistency. You will face a lot of rejection, but the upsides are astronomic if you succeed.

26. Offer To House Sit

House sitting isn't necessarily the most lucrative way to earn money, but it does eliminate one of your most significant expenses.

As a house sitter, you will be responsible for taking care of a property, including the inside and outside, while an owner is away. For temporary stays, this may include pet sitting.

How To Make Money Without College: High Paying Jobs

While the above odd jobs can help you fill the gaps in your income, most of them won't provide a stable career or lead to long-term riches.

27. Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers are some of the highest-paid non-degree holding workers, and for good reason. This is not a job for you if high-stress environments cause you anxiety.

28. Culinary, Executive, or Head Chefs

While not all chefs will have the glamour of celebrities like Gordon Ramsey or Anthony Bourdain, it's still a high-paying position at the right restaurant (and you also provide SEO help to restaurants).

Be aware that the path to this isn't easy, and the road is filled with high-stress work environments and long hours.

29. Insurance Agent

Insurance agents in the United States earn an average of between $45-60k per year. However, the sky's the limit, especially when you start getting into high-earning markets such as New York City or specialized insurance types.

While no degree is required to become an insurance agent, having a background in mathematics can help and may give you a leg up over other applicants for training programs.

30. Professional Athletes

It's estimated that there are over 11,000 professional athletes in the United States across all sports. While that may not seem like a lot, having a genuine interest in athletics, an indisputable talent, and willingness to pursue a physically demanding job, it can be a great way to earn a living without a degree.

The average professional athlete in the U.S. earns just over $50k, and top athletes make tens of millions of dollars if not more. That's before you factor in speaking engagements, sponsorships, and other money-making opportunities.

31. Carpenters

Carpenters are responsible for constructing, repairing, and installing building frameworks. Their average salary in the United States is between $40-80k per year.

So, even while learning and just getting started, you can support yourself and put away some money.

32. Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal workers fabricate, build, and install products made from metal sheets such as air ducts, ventilation systems, and furnaces.

As with carpentry, sheet metal workers generally go through an apprenticeship program that provides on-the-job education and training.

The average salary for sheet metal workers in the United States is between $40-80k per year.

33. Sound Engineering Technician

While there are many sound engineering programs where people can become certified, many still make it in the industry from on-the-job training.

A way to get started is by becoming a stagehand for a production company. You can usually get on-the-job training and move into audio engineering.

34. Hearing Aid Specialist

Hearing aid specialists perform various duties, including administering hearing tests, interpreting results, taking ear impressions, and more.

While a degree isn't required, you will usually need to complete a training program and apprenticeship. Knowing American Sign Language can also give you an advantage and help you to potentially command higher pay.

35. Masonry Worker

Masonry workers are responsible for laying bricks and concrete for construction projects or making building repairs.

This is another trade where having a degree isn't necessary. Instead, you will learn through on-the-job training and education, typically through a multi-year apprenticeship. It's sometimes a physically demanding job – but it has its perks and rewards.

Brick masons in the U.S. can expect to earn between $35-65k yearly after completing their program and becoming certified.

36. Wind Turbine Technician

Green energies are a rapidly growing market, which means the salaries for skilled laborers in these industries can be pretty high.

As with other skilled labor positions, wind turbine technicians will learn on the job and are not required to have a degree. Many start with only a high school diploma.

37. Real Estate Agent

Real estate has long been a way for people without university degrees to make money, and becoming an agent is a great way to break into the industry.

One thing to be aware of is that being a real estate agent is a boom or bust business. Getting in at the wrong time can mean low pay until the market picks up again, which can be years.

38. Elevator Installer and Repairer

Another skilled labor job with high earning potential, elevator installers and repair technicians are in high demand around the U.S.

No degree is required to become an elevator installer, with many having only a high school diploma. Instead, you will go through an apprenticeship and obtain your certification and license.

39. Electrician

Electricians are highly-skilled laborers with solid earning potential, like brick masons and carpenters.

As with the other skilled labor positions on this list, you will complete a paid apprenticeship with on-the-job education and training.

40. Commission Sales Work

If you have the gift of gab and don't mind the rejection faced on the way to the top, sales can be an excellent job for people without degrees.

A caveat to this is that some sales jobs will require you to have a degree, such as pharmaceutical sales or other high-level positions.

When Is it a Good Idea to Skip College?

There's an easy way to determine if a college degree is right for you. Before deciding to take out the loans and signing up for courses, ask yourself:

If there are no professional licensing requirements, such as with attorneys or engineers, you likely don't need to go to university to study the subject.

These are usually more affordable than universities and will likely deliver better results.

When Is it a Good Idea to Go to College?

If you plan on going into a field that requires professional licensing, such as architecture or medicine, university is the way to go.

It will also make finding internships and on-the-job training easier after completing university. The good news is these are usually higher-paying careers, so paying back student loans shouldn't take as long.

Someone Who's Made It Without a College Degree

As a bit of reassurance, I'm one of those who has made it quite well in life without a university degree.

While I've had a few years of college and university, studying journalism then business administration, respectively, but I've never completed either program.

After a few years in, I decided to take everything I had saved and began backpacking throughout Central America and Asia. Along the way, I managed to upskill my writing, learn how to make money writing, and begin earning a living as a content writer, one of the ways to make money listed above.

Doing this has helped me avoid tens of thousands or more in student loans and other living-related expenses many college students accumulate to obtain a degree. I've also managed to carve out a living that provides a lot of flexibility, which I thoroughly enjoy doing.

Final Thoughts on How To Make Money Without College

Don't let the lack of a degree discourage you from a rewarding and lucrative career. Whether you decide to go into a skilled trade or take a less traditional career path and develop the next big affiliate website, there are plenty of options.

Having a college degree can open the door to high paying jobs, but formal education is becoming less and less of a necessity. Without a college degree or even a high school diploma, you can still make a decent living – and there's the added advantage of avoiding student debt or even having to take on a full-time job.

For the vast majority of people looking to make more money, continuing education in a formal setting isn't necessarily the best value for their time and money, or even the best career path.

The most important thing to know is that you will have to work hard and be patient. Most of the jobs or activities listed above will take a few years to get going, especially with online work.

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