Can you earn an honest living if you don’t have a degree? A resounding yes! In this article, we will give you a rundown on a good number of easy jobs that pay $25 an hour without a degree.
While investing in a college diploma can open many doors, there are increasingly available jobs nowadays where more premium is put on skills, experience, or even personality. From driving a cab, managing social media accounts, designing graphics, to teaching English online, a variety of interesting jobs await those who seek smartly.
This is good news since public and private school tuition fees have increased by at least 20% over the past 10 years, according to the Manhattan Institute. More importantly, these non-college occupations have a $25 hourly paycheck, thrice more than the U.S. minimum wage.
Interested? Let’s learn more.
Easy Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree – Online/Remote
While not requiring a college degree, some jobs listed here may need certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training to hone your skills. Here are some jobs that fit the bill:
1. Virtual Assistant
How would you like to make money using social media in your spare time? Getting paid to scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok.
Virtual assistants are extremely popular now, as many online business owners need VAs to help grow their social media and business.
Gina Horkey, the mastermind who founded FullyBookedVA, started a part-time VA business in 2014, earning $4,000 monthly after 6 months. Half a year later, she was able to quit her 9-to-5 job and has since helped thousands of people build successful VA businesses, with some earning more than $10,000 monthly.
Don’t know where to start? Here is a list of over 275+ highly in-demand services you can offer and start your VA business.
2. Surveys
There are a lot of great survey apps out there that can help you make some extra money. Ibotta, Survey Junkie, and other survey apps pay pretty well, and you can cash out your money via PayPal or gift cards. Also, many different organizations conduct paid surveys.
Here are some platforms where you can get a quick sign-up bonus when you enroll in their programs:
InboxDollars. Sign up with InboxDollars for free, and you’ll get a $5 sign-up bonus when you sign up today.
Swagbucks. A $5 bonus awaits you when you sign up today and earn your first money with Swagbucks. Learn more Swagbucks hacks to maximize your earnings on the platform.
Survey Junkie. By joining one of the most popular, reliable, and easy-to-use survey websites, you will receive a $5 bonus and earn points to exchange for gift cards or cash. Learn more about Survey Junkie hacks and make more money.
Average Hourly Pay: $26
3. Freelance Writer
Do you have a knack for writing? If so, you may wonder if any jobs pay $25 an hour without a degree. The good news is that talented writers have many opportunities to earn a living without attending college.
Many freelancers earn more than $25 an hour on Upwork and Fiverr by providing services to many clients.
Average Hourly Pay: $33
4. Transcription
Transcription is the process of converting audio recordings into written text, and it’s a skill in high demand by businesses and organizations of all sizes. The best thing? You can get started with little to no experience; many online resources can help you hone your skills.
Once you’ve built up a portfolio of work, you can start charging $25 or more per hour.
Free mini-course – if you want to build your basic transcription knowledge, try this free transcription mini-course to learn the basics. Invest an hour in this free training and learn how to make money with transcription.
Hourly Pay Range: $10 – $26
5. Online Tutor
As an online tutor, you will be responsible for assisting students struggling with their coursework. But unlike traditional tutors, you will work remotely, so you can set your hours and work from anywhere worldwide.
Average Hourly Pay: $28
Image credit: AndrewLozovyi via DepositPhotos
6. Freelance Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers maintain financial records, prepare reports, and make sure all payments are on time. Although bookkeeping can be challenging, it is also a gratifying career.
Jobs that pay $25 an hour without a degree are few and far between, but bookkeepers can earn a good living without investing in a 4-year degree.
Check out this free series that shows you build your own successful bookkeeper business.
Average Hourly Pay Range: $29.21 to $43.40
7. Web Designer
People who are good at web design can make a lot of money creating websites for businesses and individuals. Many online courses can teach you the basics of web design, and many software programs make it easy to create beautiful websites.
Average Hourly Pay: $31
8. Video Editor
Video editors use software to edit and manipulate video footage, create special effects, and add audio. They typically work in television, movies, advertising, and other media industries.
While experience and talent are always crucial in this field, entry-level positions typically only require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Average Hourly Pay: $28
9. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts, with the help of computer software, to transmit ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate others. They make the layout and production design for various applications like advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
Average Hourly Pay: $31
10. Proofreader
A proofreader reads over written material to find and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. While you don’t need a degree to be a proofreader, you must have a sharp eye for detail and excellent communication skills.
Free proofreading workshop – if this sounds like something you’d enjoy exploring, I recommend checking out the free workshop: Learn How to Become a Proofreader & and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.
In this workshop, Caitlin Pyle of Proofread Anywhere will show you how to start your proofreading side hustle. Caitlin’s free course covers all the basics that you need to know to get started.
Invest an hour of your time in this free training and learn everything about starting your own proofreading business.
Average Hourly Pay: $27
Easy Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree – Part-Time
11. Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists use various techniques, such as arts and crafts, to help people with physical or mental disabilities recover from illness or injury. They also develop rehabilitation programs and provide support to patients and their families.
12. Insurance Agent
Insurance agents are the ones who help you figure out everything about insurance. They gather information about their clients, identify risks, and then create the perfect policies to offset them.
And they do it all while ensuring their clients get the best possible rate. It’s a challenging job, but someone has to do it. And if you’re good at it, you can make a pretty penny.
Average Hourly Pay: $26
13. Chef
When it comes to jobs that pay $25 an hour without a degree, few professions are as iconic as the chef. After all, who doesn’t love a good meal? And what could be more gratifying than creating a dish that brings joy to others?
Of course, becoming a chef is no easy feat. It requires years of training and experience to master the art of cooking. But for those passionate about food, no other job can compare.
Average Hourly Pay: $42
14. Business Consultant
Among great jobs that pay $25 an hour without a degree, one option is to become a business consultant.
Business consultants advise and guide businesses of all sizes, helping them to improve their operations and achieve their goals. While the job can be challenging, it can also be satisfying financially and personally.
Average Hourly Pay: $35
15. Visual Effects Artist
Visual effects artists create special effects in movies and TV shows. While the job may require a lot of experience, many studios are willing to train entry-level artists.
In addition, the pay is quite good, with most artists making $25 an hour or more.
So, if you’re looking for a good job that doesn’t require a degree, consider becoming a visual effects artist.
Average Hourly Pay: $27
Image credit: GaudiLab via DepositPhotos
16. Counselor Assistant
Counselor assistants typically work under the supervision of licensed counselors, social workers, or psychologists. They may provide direct services to clients, such as individual or group counseling, or they may assist in the operation of a counseling program.
But this is a flexible requirement. You can do it without any higher degree if you know it.
Average Hourly Pay: $26
17. Music Producer
A music producer is responsible for creating and supervising the overall sound of a recording. They work with artists to help them realize their vision and oversee the recording process’s technical aspects.
While a degree is not needed to become a music producer, many producers do have some formal training in music theory or audio engineering.
Average Hourly Pay: $27
18. Taxi Driver
You can also work as a part-time taxi driver and make enough money. Taxi drivers may need to pass a test to get their licenses. Taxi drivers may also need to attend a training program depending on the city.
While the job may not require much formal education, it requires good people skills, a clean driving record, and a knowledge of the city streets. In addition, taxi drivers must be able to work long hours on weekends and holidays.
Average Hourly Pay: Between $9-$27
19. Project Manager
If you’re seeking a high-paying job that doesn’t require a degree, consider becoming a project manager. Project managers are responsible for overseeing the work of a team and ensuring that projects are finished on time and within budget.
While you can find project management jobs in various industries, they are commonly found in the construction, IT, and engineering sectors.
Average Hourly Pay: $38
20. Property Manager
Property managers oversee the day-to-day operations of rental properties. They handle everything from searching and screening tenants to keeping the property and collecting rent.
While a college degree is not required, property managers must have strong people skills, stay organized, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It’s one of the highest-paying jobs in REITs, and it will ensure you will learn lots about real estate, where you can relatively quickly start a side hustle that will make you money while you sleep.
Average Hourly Pay: $51
21. Event Planner
An event planner is responsible for the coordination and execution of events, including weddings, birthday parties, corporate functions, and more. Creativity, organization, and people skills are essential for success in this field.
Average Hourly Pay: $28
Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree – Social Media
22. Social Media Management
If you’re looking to jump into this field, here are some things you should know.
First, it’s essential to understand the various platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, etc.). You should also be familiar with different content types (photos, videos, articles, etc.) and how to create engaging posts.
Finally, it’s helpful to have some experience with marketing or sales. These skills will make your life as social media manager easier.
Average Hourly Pay: $26
23. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is one of the hottest jobs today and will only become more prevalent. They help business owners in promoting their products and services through various social media channels, which involve creating and managing social media accounts, planning marketing campaigns, and analyzing data.
It’s a fast-paced, exciting job that requires creative and analytical skills.
Average Hourly Pay: $54
Image credit: DepositPhotos
Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree – Odd Jobs
24. Website Flipping
If you’re searching for a way to make quick cash, consider website flipping. It’s a process where you buy an existing website, make some improvements, and then sell it for a profit.
It takes some time and effort to start, but website flipping can be a great way to make money.
Average Hourly Pay: $25
25. Actuary
Actuaries use their skills in mathematics and statistics to assess risk and help insurance companies determine premiums. They typically work for banks, consulting firms, or insurance companies, and the median salary for this position is pretty good per year.
While the job requires a great deal of training, it can be advantageous financially and intellectually.
Average Hourly Pay: $36
26. Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists work with patients with difficulty communicating due to disabilities or disorders. They assess patients, develop treatment plans, and provide therapy.
A master’s degree is required for most positions, but some entry-level jobs pay $25 an hour or more.
Average Hourly Pay: $43
Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree – Blue-Collar
27. Auto Mechanic
Are you interested in working as an auto mechanic? You’re in luck! Auto mechanics are in high demand, and jobs that pay $25 an hour without a degree are easy to come by.
Of course, you will need to undergo training before working as an auto mechanic, but there are many ways to do this. You can attend a trade school, community college, or online courses.
Average Hourly Pay: $25
28. Builder
One career that often gets overlooked is construction. Though it may not be glamorous, being a builder can be very rewarding.
It pays well (an average of $34 an hour) and offers the chance to work with your hands and see the tangible results of your labor.
Average Hourly Pay: $34
29. Plumber
If you’re searching for a well-paying job that doesn’t require a 4-year degree, consider a career in plumbing. Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining the piping systems that keep our homes and businesses running.
Average Hourly Pay: $29
30. Electrician
Electricians’ job is to install and maintain electrical systems in homes and businesses. They often work long hours, but the pay is excellent.
Many electricians learn their trade through on-the-job training or apprenticeships, although some have formal training from a vocational school.
Average Hourly Pay: $26
31. Elevator Installers
Most people consider elevator installers as highly skilled professionals with years of experience and training. And while experience is always helpful, it’s optional – many companies are glad to provide on-the-job training to new hires.
Average Hourly Pay: $37
32. Carpenter
Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who build and install the framework for homes and other structures. They use their knowledge of carpentry to perform tasks such as measuring, cutting, and fitting lumber and other materials.
Average Hourly Pay: $29
Is $25 an Hour a Good Salary?
The federally-mandated hourly minimum wage is $7.95, while an average American employee earns $33.18 an hour. Some people will tell you that $25 an hour is more than enough, while others say it’s barely enough. There is no easy answer.
If you live in a small town and have few expenses, $25 an hour may be enough. On the other hand, if you live in a major city and have a lot of bills to pay, you may need more than $25 an hour.
Ultimately, the best way to answer this question is to determine your needs and how much money you need to meet them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree
Image credit: DepositPhotos
What Job Makes the Most Money per Hour?
In this list, social media marketers earn an average of $54 hourly. This new and trendy occupation uses social media marketing to promote businesses and brands.
Many jobs make more. For example, anesthesiologists make $125 per hour.
Which Retail Store Pays the Most Per Hour?
Apple Stores pay the most per hour. Retail sales associates at Apple in the United States receive a starting pay of approximately $22 per hour, 63% above the national average and a 45% increase from salary levels 4 years ago.
What Is a Low-Stress High-Paying Job?
Low-stress jobs are typically secure, flexible, non-competitive occupations with low travel requirements. High-paying means earning at least in the higher 5 figures.
Of the 31 jobs in this article, freelance bookkeeping, writing, and social media marketing can be considered low-stress, high-paying jobs.
Conclusion – Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree
With the knowledge from this article, may you be confident to start applying for that easy, $25-an-hour job that does not require a college diploma.
Build on this list since, as we previously stated, many jobs out there call for more than just a degree. Job-seek smartly!
Related reads:
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.
