In today’s fast-paced world, many high-income skills are not taught in traditional colleges and universities. However, post-college learning and education are equally important for professional development.
Fortunately, there are numerous virtual opportunities available for anyone to learn new, useful skills that can help them navigate their career journey and even switch careers or roles.
Expanding one’s skill set is always a good idea for those seeking a new job or career advancement. Learning high-income skills can give job candidates a leg up and make them more attractive to hiring managers and recruiters, ultimately leading to higher earning potential. These skills can be learned through online bootcamps, certification courses, YouTube tutorials, or lifelong learning sites.
Here are twenty examples of high-income skills with corresponding job titles and earning potential that anyone can learn without needing a degree in that specific area:
Google Analytics
The average salary for a Google Analytics Specialist is $57,000, with the top 10% earning up to $92,000.
To become proficient in using Google Analytics, you need to learn several essential skills. You should have a solid understanding of web analytics concepts and terminology, such as cookies, sessions, and bounce rate, as well as technical skills to use the Google Analytics platform.
Data analysis skills are also crucial for analyzing and interpreting data. The Google Analytics Academy offers free online courses and certifications covering topics such as data collection, reporting, and analysis.
You can also find many third-party courses, tutorials, and blog posts, as well as books and other resources, to help you learn.
Practicing with real-world data and experimenting with different techniques and strategies can be helpful in building your skills and experience. Learning Google Analytics can be advantageous for various roles, especially if you’re interested in Search Engine Optimization positions.
Video/Audio Editor
The average income for a Video Producer is $53,838, with the top 10% earning up to $96,000. Audio production, audio editing, and video editing are highly sought-after skills.
With the increasing demand for businesses and personalities to produce audio and video content, there is a growing need for skilled professionals in this area.
From producing podcasts to editing videos and creating TikToks, there are endless opportunities for those with camera skills. These hard skills are also valuable for entrepreneurs looking to build their own freelance work from scratch.
Software Engineering
The average income for a Senior Software Engineer is $113,000, with the top 10% earning up to $168,000.
If you’re interested in user experience and design, taking a certification or course in Adobe Suite, HTML, CAD, CSS, and other related areas can provide you with a good foundation for becoming a UX Designer which has the potential to earn a six-figure income.
Computer programming and software engineering are highly in demand, and you can learn these skills through online boot camps and software development courses.
Digital Marketing
The average salary for a Digital Marketing Manager is $68,490, with the top 10% earning up to $122,000.
Digital marketing plays a crucial role in the core strategies of many organizations, and there are numerous courses available to help you develop your advertising knowledge and skills.
With a solid foundation, you can provide valuable insights into content strategy and execution. Digital marketing is a broad field, offering both pros and cons.
Successful digital marketers can either specialize in a specific area or have a broad range of skills, depending on their preferred type of work.
Types of digital marketers include SEO marketers, PPC marketers, content marketers, social media marketers, email marketers, and mobile marketers.
Copywriting
The average salary for a Copywriter is $53,000, with the top 10% earning up to $96,000.
If you aspire to write for social media but lack the necessary skills, consider taking a copywriting course. Copywriting skills can be applied in various job roles, including social media management.
You can learn through online courses, workshops, and books, which offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Practical experience can be gained by writing copy for real-world projects, such as websites, advertisements, and social media campaigns. Networking with other copywriters can also be beneficial, as it provides opportunities for valuable insights and feedback on your work.
Leadership
The average salary for a CEO is $173,570, with the top 10% earning up to $422,000.
Leadership is a crucial skill that is often overlooked. Many leaders fail within their first two years, and this is not always their fault.
The Peter Principle describes the phenomenon where individuals who excel in their current role are promoted to leadership positions, despite lacking leadership skills.
To become a successful leader, it’s essential to learn leadership skills, increase confidence, practice empathy, and overcome the fear of public speaking.
Project Management
The average salary for a Project Manager is $75,000, with the top 10% earning up to $120,000.
Obtaining a Project Management Certification can make your resume stand out to recruiters and hiring managers. There are various online courses available that can prepare you for this certification.
If you’re interested in becoming a project manager, it’s essential to develop critical skills and obtain the necessary certifications. You can find project management jobs through different sources and learn how to navigate the job search and interview process.
Continuing education is also vital for advancing your career as a project manager. You can learn more about these topics by listening to The Career Contessa Podcast.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
The average salary for an SEO Specialist is $51,000, with the top 10% earning up to $85,000.
Search engine optimization involves building a trustworthy reputation, ensuring longevity, and leveraging search engines to your advantage. However, it’s not an easy task, as algorithms are continually changing, and the “rules” of SEO change every minute.
Building SEO skills can be advantageous due to its unpredictability. SEO experts who stay on top of trends, changes, and the best practices for streamlining their content creation are the ones who see success.
SEO jobs involve optimizing websites and online content to improve their visibility and rankings in search results pages. This includes conducting keyword research, optimizing web pages, building backlinks, and other tactics designed to improve a website’s relevance and authority in the eyes of search engines.
Organization and Administrative Support
The average salary for an Administrative Assistant is $39,000, with the top 10% earning up to $57,000.
If you have a talent for organization and administrative skills, you might be well-suited for an executive assistant role. Executive assistants are top-tier organizational professionals who blend project management, multitasking, discretion, and flexibility.
You can learn more about becoming an excellent executive assistant through various resources available online.
Sales
The average salary for a Sales Representative is $51,397, with the top 10% earning up to $86,000. The highest earners in sales are typically the best salespeople, and this is not a coincidence.
While many sales workers start with higher education or a four-year degree, it’s possible to work your way up the sales ladder with excellent persuasion skills.
Sales roles can vary, with some professionals excelling at cold-calling and generating leads, while others are better suited for building relationships to close big deals. Sales is an ideal field for those with a background in hospitality or customer-facing roles. A motivated salesperson with a base salary plus commission can earn a six-figure salary.
Trade Skills
The average salary for an Electrician is $53,000, with the top 10% earning up to $88,000.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many classic trade skills will be in high demand over the next decade, making employees with trade skills, or “blue-collar workers,” crucial.
Trade jobs require specialized skills and training, such as welding, plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry. These jobs often involve working with one’s hands and require a high level of technical expertise.
In recent years, the demand for trade jobs has increased due to a shortage of skilled workers in technical fields and the growing construction industry. Additionally, many baby boomers are retiring, leaving a gap in the workforce that needs to be filled.
Electricians, welders, plumbers, HVAC technicians, construction managers, landscapers, mechanic supervisors, carpenters, and masons are among the trades jobs in high demand.
Trade schools, vocational schools, and community colleges offer certificate and degree programs in various trades. Some employers even offer on-the-job training or sponsor training programs. You can also find many online resources, such as YouTube channels, that offer instructional videos to help you learn trade skills on your own.
UX Design
The average salary for a UX Designer is $74,000, with the top 10% earning up to $118,000.
User experience (UX) design involves creating digital products, services, or systems that are intuitive, user-friendly, and enjoyable to use. There is a growing need for skilled individuals who can create engaging and effective digital experiences across a wide range of platforms and devices.
To become a UX designer, you’ll need to gain knowledge in software such as Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, and Figma, as well as user research methods and usability testing.
Creative skills, such as creating compelling visual designs, developing intuitive information architecture and navigation, and writing effective copy, are also essential.
Successful UX designers are skilled at collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, with the ability to work closely with developers, stakeholders, and other members of a cross-functional team. UX designers play a critical role in web development, web design, and mobile app development.
Real Estate
The average salary for a Real Estate Agent is $49,000, with the top 10% earning up to $112,000.
Real estate jobs involve buying, selling, leasing, and managing property, including real estate agents, brokers, appraisers, property managers, and real estate developers.
Population growth and urbanization have led to an increased demand for housing and commercial space, creating more job opportunities in real estate. The rise of online real estate platforms has also contributed to the growth of this industry.
Many colleges and universities offer real estate programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, while private real estate schools provide courses and training programs in various areas of real estate.
Additionally, many states require real estate professionals to be licensed, which typically involves completing a certain number of hours of coursework and passing an exam.
Content Creation
The average salary for a Content Manager is $59,691, with the top 10% earning up to $113,000.
Content creation jobs involve creating various types of content for digital media platforms, including social media, blogs, videos, podcasts, and more. Content creators may work in-house for companies, agencies, or as freelancers.
The demand for content creators has been on the rise due to the increasing importance of social media and online presence for businesses. The growth of social media has created new opportunities for content creators to connect with audiences and promote products and services.
The rise of influencer marketing has also created a need for content creators who can create content that resonates with audiences and drives engagement. You can learn content creation skills by taking courses and workshops, attending conferences and events, and practicing on your own.
Familiarizing yourself with various social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter is also essential. Some popular online learning platforms like Skillshare and Udemy offer courses on content creation, and there are also many free resources available online.
Graphic Design
A graphic designer is someone who uses their creative skills to make visual content that conveys messages or ideas. They work with different design tools and techniques to create things like logos, websites, ads, packaging, and marketing materials.
On average, graphic designers earn around $47,000 a year, but the top 10% can make up to $76,000.
To be a good graphic designer, you need to know how to use software like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, understand colors and typography, and have skills in branding and data visualization. Nowadays, companies need unique and attention-grabbing designs to stand out online, so skilled graphic designers are in high demand.
Software Development
Software development is an exciting career path that involves creating and maintaining computer programs. As a software developer, you will design, code, test, and update software applications. This includes analyzing user requirements, designing software architecture, and writing code in programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, and C++. If you choose to specialize in software development, you can even enjoy the flexibility of working from home.
The average salary for a software developer is around $76,000 per year, with top earners making up to $126,000.
It’s important to note that software development differs slightly from software engineering. While software engineers consider the entire software development process, software developers primarily focus on coding and creating software applications.
Overall, software development offers a dynamic and rewarding career for those who are passionate about computers and coding. With the opportunity to work remotely and a competitive salary, specializing in software development can lead to a fulfilling professional journey where you contribute to the creation of innovative software applications.
Blockchain
Blockchain Developers earn an average salary of $100,000, with top earners making up to $166,000.
Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger distributed across a network of computers. It ensures secure and tamper-proof information storage.
The demand for blockchain professionals is high as the technology has the potential to transform industries like finance, healthcare, and supply chain management.
To work in blockchain, you need expertise in blockchain architecture, programming languages like Solidity, and knowledge of distributed systems and cryptography. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills are essential in this rapidly evolving field.
Email Marketing
An Email Marketing Manager typically earns an average salary of $52,000 per year, with the highest earners reaching up to $80,000.
Email marketing is an affordable digital marketing strategy that involves sending targeted messages through email to promote or inform. This marketing method is highly sought after because it enables businesses to effectively communicate with both existing and potential customers.
To excel as an email marketer, you need a combination of technical and creative abilities. Technical skills include familiarity with email marketing platforms and tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact, as well as knowledge of email marketing best practices such as ensuring emails are delivered successfully and managing email lists.
On the other hand, creative skills involve writing compelling content, creating visually appealing graphics and layouts, and developing engaging material that resonates with your intended audience.
Successful email marketers are also proficient in analyzing data to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and make informed decisions based on the data they gather.
Podcasting
The average salary for a Podcast Producer is $53,000, with the top 10% earning up to $96,000.
Podcasting is becoming really popular, and that means there are lots of jobs available in this field. People love listening to podcasts, so there’s a demand for professionals who can create and produce interesting podcasts that people enjoy.
To work in podcasting, you need to have some technical skills. This means knowing how to use special software for recording and editing audio. You also need to understand how to share your podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Being creative is important too. You have to be able to come up with exciting ideas for your podcast, write scripts that grab people’s attention, and have great conversations with guests you invite on the show.
It’s also important to know how to promote your podcast and build an audience who will keep coming back to listen. This is really important because there are so many podcasts out there and you want people to choose yours.
Where to Find Learning Opportunities
There are plenty of offline and online learning opportunities to help build your high-income skillset, and here are just a few more to explore:
Your Employer
If you’re currently employed, check with your HR department to find out if they offer courses or certifications at a discount rate. Many companies are happy to help their employees with professional development, especially if the newly learned skills will benefit the organization in the future.
Want to ask your boss for reimbursement or sponsorship to pay for a learning opportunity? We created a template to help you ask your boss for anything, including a learning reimbursement.
The Internet
If you noticed one similarity between these high-income skills, it’s that many of them move so fast that they couldn’t possibly be taught in a traditional institution.
One of the greatest soft skills with the most earning potential is curiosity. If you’re looking to build or grow any high-income skills, keep on top of what’s happening around you.
The best way to earn the “big bucks” these days is to act as a full-time learner:
- Use free resources on the internet to introduce yourself to app development.
- Connect with thought leaders on Twitter to learn the latest trends and hacks.
- Read up on the latest developments in AI and machine learning.
- Heck, you can learn almost anything on YouTube.
Use the internet as your digital mentor and never stop learning.
Online Courses
LinkedIn Learning
Take a look at LinkedIn Learning, which has hundreds of courses to help fine-tune your high-income skills. Learn HTML and software development or writing and agile project management to help you along your career journey.
Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning platform with thousands of classes on a variety of topics that can help you develop high-income skills. Skillshare offers in-depth classes on everything from Business Analytics to UI/UX Design.
Coursera
Use Coursera to learn without limits. Start, switch, or advance your career by learning anything from copywriting to leadership skills. Coursera collaborates with leading universities and companies to teach the latest and greatest skills.
No Comments