26 Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree

Here's a list of jobs that pay $25 per hour and are accessible to people who haven't attended college.

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Key takeaways
  • While $25 per hour is lower than the median U.S. national average, it’s a fantastic starting point for many entry-level positions across a wide range of industries.
  • In this pay bracket, there is a multitude of options available for people who didn’t go to college, and many of these jobs are in fields that are growing rapidly.
  • While none of the positions on this list require a degree, some of them do require a high school diploma, GED, or certification in order to qualify.
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With college degrees inflating in price and the job market increasingly moving towards skills-based hiring, many people are looking for alternatives to a college education.

And, rightfully so.

There are a number of good-paying jobs that don’t require a degree, and it’s not the type of unskilled labor jobs that many would expect. Without going to college, it’s entirely possible to land a specialized job in the legal, real estate industries, or even medical industries. And, without any student debt weighing you down, your earning potential is high from the get-go.

These are 26 jobs that pay $25 per hour without a degree:

Counselor assistant

Median pay: $25.00 per hour

Job duties: A counselor assistant is a professional who is responsible for providing mental support to their clients in a variety of different contexts. For example, counselor assistants are often hired by schools to support students who are experiencing personal difficulties, bullying, or academic struggles. In this role, the counselor assistant would help the student by providing them with guidance and counseling.

Job requirements: In terms of educational requirements, a high school diploma or GED will be all you need to become a counselor assistant. However, many employers require some experience working in counseling, so starting with an internship or volunteer work may be needed. Internships for counselor assistants are often provided by counseling centers, schools, or government organizations.

Copywriter

Median pay: $25.00 per hour

Job duties: Copywriters are responsible for crafting the written content that appears in advertisements, websites, and other marketing materials. In order to create effective copy, copywriters must have a strong understanding of the products or services they are promoting as well as the needs and wants of their target audience.

Job requirements: Excellent written English and communication skills are a must for any copywriter. In terms of formal education, unless you are working for a large media organization, employers usually don’t look for any credentials from copywriters. I have been employing copywriters myself for years and an applicant’s chances of landing a job always come down to their portfolio of previously written work. Build a strong portfolio, and you’ll be able to get a job as a copywriter without any formal education.

Insurance agent

Median pay: $25.00 per hour

Job duties: Insurance agents are responsible for helping their clients choose the right insurance according to the financial possibilities, background, and needs of each client. In order to do this, agents must first get to know their clients and understand their current situation as well as their long-term goals. Once the agent has a clear understanding of their client’s needs, they can then begin to offer them different insurance policies that would be most beneficial for them.

Job requirements: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for becoming an insurance agent. However, some companies do prefer candidates with a degree in a business-related field and with a high school diploma, the jobs available to you may be slightly limited. Plus, another requirement is that you’ll need to be licensed in order to work officially. Each state has different requirements for licensure and I recommend you check out the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) website for more information about the specific requirements in your state.

Music producer

Median pay: $25.00 per hour

Job duties: Music producers are responsible for overseeing the production of music recordings in studios. In this role, they work with recording artists to ensure that the final product meets the standards set by the artist, label, or other clients. Music producers also typically have a hand in selecting which songs will be recorded, as well as working with engineers to create the desired sound for each track.

Job requirements: There are no educational requirements for becoming a music producer and your ability to produce well-received music is what will ultimately determine your success in this field. If you want to get paid as a producer, you will have to invest some time into honing your skills – learn the ins and outs of the software you use, try to develop your own unique style, and build up a portfolio of your work. After this, consider monetizing your production skills at online freelancing platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.

Translator

Median pay: $25.16 per hour

Job duties: Translators are responsible for translating documents or other forms of text from one language to another. In order to do this accurately, they must have a strong understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as any cultural context that might be relevant to the text they are working with.

Job requirements: As long as you have an excellent command of at least two languages, you can become a translator. In fact, it is common for many translators to start off as freelancers that offer their services on online job platforms. From there, you can gradually start building up your portfolio. Once you do have some experience and a solid portfolio, you can apply to become a full-time translator for a major organization. Alternatively, you can continue working as a freelancer or even start your own translation agency.

Firefighter

Median pay: $25.24 per hour

Job duties: Firefighters deal with combating and extinguishing fires in buildings, usually working in teams. In addition, firefighters are also tasked with responding to other fire-related emergencies. For example, a firefighter can be responsible for dealing with car accidents and ecological disasters like forest fires.

Job requirements: The minimum requirement for becoming a firefighter is to have a high school diploma. However, all firefighters must complete a state-certified fire academy program before they can officially begin working. This program entails everything from fitness tests, to learning about firefighting techniques and strategy, to gaining first-aid certification. To enroll in these programs, the easiest way to start is by checking your state’s requirements and getting in touch with your local fire department.

Paralegal

Median pay: $25.44 per hour

Job duties: Paralegals are responsible for assisting lawyers with a variety of tasks, from conducting legal research to drafting documents to communicating with clients. In many ways, paralegals are the backbone of a law firm, as they handle a lot of the grunt work that lawyers simply don’t have time for.

Job requirements: Most states will not have any set educational requirements for becoming a paralegal. By far the easiest way to get started in this field is by earning an industry-acknowledged credential from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. For someone completely new to the field, the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam would be the best option, while the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam would be a good fit for an experienced professional looking to take the next step in their career as a paralegal.

Private detective

Median pay: $25.64 per hour

Job duties: Private detectives, also known as PIs, are hired to carry out a variety of tasks, from finding missing persons to conducting surveillance to gathering evidence for legal cases. In order to do this effectively, private detectives need to have keen observation skills, as well as be comfortable working a mentally and emotionally demanding job.

Job requirements: There are no formal educational requirements for becoming a private detective. However, most professionals in this field have a background in law enforcement, military service, or a related field. In addition, many private detectives also hold formal degrees in criminal justice or a related field. If you do have the skills and the background necessary for this job, then you have two options – becoming an entrepreneur and starting your own PI firm or trying to find work at a PI agency.

Graphic designer

Median pay: $25.66 per hour

Job duties: Graphic designers are responsible for the visual look of a variety of different materials, from websites and ads to magazines and product packaging. In order to create these visuals, graphic designers need to have strong artistic skills, as well as be proficient in using design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Job requirements: While a common path to becoming a graphic designer involves getting a degree in graphic design from an accredited college or university, it’s not a requirement. Many professionals in this field are entirely self-taught and as long as you have a strong portfolio of your work, you should be able to find work as a graphic designer.

Chef

Median pay: $25.66 per hour

Job duties: Chefs are responsible for everything that goes on in the kitchen of a restaurant, from coming up with new dishes to managing the kitchen staff. In order to be successful in this role, chefs need to have great leadership skills, as well as be creative and passionate about food.

Job requirements: To become a chef, you will need several years of experience working in the lower positions in a professional kitchen. Many chefs also choose to get a degree from a culinary school, although this is not always necessary. In addition, for chefs that plan on opening their own restaurant, an in-depth understanding of business management is also essential.

Customer relationship manager

Median pay: $26.00 per hour

Job duties: Customer relationship managers oversee the relationship between a company and its customers. In practice, this can mean anything from handling customer complaints to developing new marketing strategies. In addition, customer relationship managers are also often directly responsible for managing the customer service staff.

Job requirements: Typically, a high school diploma is the only official requirement for this job. However, most customer relationship managers come with a lengthy background of in-field customer service experience. In addition, many companies will look for credentials that demonstrate your capabilities for fulfilling this role.

Computer support specialist

Median pay: $26.69 per hour

Job duties: Computer support specialists provide technical assistance to computer users of a given organization. This can involve anything from providing instructions on how to use specific software programs to resolving more complex technical issues. In order to do this effectively, computer support specialists need to have great customer service skills, as well as be proficient in using different types of software.

Job requirements: Strictly speaking, a high school diploma is the only requirement for becoming a computer support specialist. However, employers in this field will generally prefer candidates who manage to demonstrate their expertise in fundamental IT skills. To do this, many computer support specialists invest in certifications like the CompTIA A+ or Network+ certifications. In addition, computer support specialists are usually expected to have a working knowledge of at least 2 programming languages.

Medical coding specialist

Median pay: $27.00 per hour

Job duties: Medical coding specialists are responsible for translating the medical records of patients into codes that can be used for billing and insurance purposes. In order to do this accurately, medical coding specialists need to have a strong understanding of medical terminology, as well as be detail-oriented and proficient in using different coding systems.

Job requirements: A formal degree in medicine is not necessary for this career. Instead, medical coding specialists are generally trained using certificate or diploma programs in medical coding. These programs are quite rigorous and cover topics ranging from human anatomy to insurance regulations and coding standards. To get an idea of what these programs entail, have a look at the list of credentials offered by American Health Information Management.

Restaurant manager

Median pay: $27.00 per hour

Job duties: Restaurant managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. This includes everything from managing staff and controlling inventory to developing marketing strategies and ensuring that the customer service standards are met. In order to do this effectively, restaurant managers need to have an in-depth understanding of the restaurant industry, strong leadership skills, and an ability to tolerate high-stress work environments.

Job requirements: When it comes to educational requirements, a high school diploma is enough for this role. Most restaurant managers, however, have years of experience in lower-level positions in the restaurant industry. In addition, some restaurant managers are also formally educated in fields such as hospitality or business management. When it comes to certifications, the various credentials offered by ServSuccess would be a great option for those looking to push their careers forward in this field.

Visual effects artist

Median pay: $27.00 per hour

Job duties: Visual effects (VFX) artists are responsible for creating the visual effects that are used in movies, television shows, and video games. This can involve duties like creating computer-generated imagery (CGI), animating 2D graphics, or even setting up the visuals of events like concerts and stage shows. In order to do this effectively, visual effects artists need to have some artistic capabilities, as well as proficiency in visual effects software and related technical skills like 3D modeling.

Job requirements: While many VFX artists hold formal degrees in computer animation or graphic design, a degree is not always a requirement for the role. Many VFX artists are entirely self-taught and have carved themselves a career by building a strong portfolio of work. Likewise, there are also many VFX artists who have started their careers in other related fields, such as video editing or graphic design, and then transitioned into VFX later on. Above all, you need to focus on mastering the software you work with – for this, we advise investing in certification programs like the Certified VFX Expert from Rebelway or the 3D Foundations Certificate from GC Masters.

Drone operator

Median pay: $27.00 per hour

Job duties: Drone operators are responsible for flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for a variety of purposes. This can include tasks like taking photos and videos, conducting research, or even delivering packages. In order to do this effectively, drone operators need to have a good understanding of drone technology, as well as be able to fly the drones safely and within the legal guidelines of the country they operate in.

Job requirements: In terms of educational requirements, there is no set path to becoming a drone operator. Many drone operators are self-taught, while others may have experience in related fields such as aviation or photography. If you want to get certified, however, there are a few programs you can look into, such as the Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.

Electrician

Median pay: $27.36 per hour

Job duties: Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. This can involve tasks like wiring buildings, troubleshooting electrical problems, and working with blueprints. In order to do this effectively, electricians need to have a strong understanding of electronics and electrical theory, as well as be able to safely use the tools of the trade.

Job requirements: As long as you are 21 years old and hold at least a high school degree, you are eligible to become an electrician. However, in order to get started, you need to go through an electrician training program at a trade school. Alternatively, many new electricians choose to seek out apprenticeship opportunities offered by individuals or companies working in the electrical construction industry. Once you have some experience under your belt, you may also consider getting certified by a national organization like the National Electricians Contractors Association (NECA).

Interior designer

Median pay: $27.43 per hour

Job duties: Interior designers are responsible for creating functional and aesthetically-pleasing interior spaces. This involves tasks like selecting furniture and fixtures, choosing color schemes, and arranging space layouts. To succeed in this job, interior designers need to learn how to create projects that combine the artistic sensibilities of the designer with the needs and wants of their clients.

Job requirements: Many of the most highly-rated interior designers in the world entered this field without a formal degree. To do the same, you need to self-educate yourself using resources like online design courses, classic books on design, and observational visits to design studios and showrooms. Most states in The US will demand interior designers to pass the NCIDQ qualification. So, once you do have enough theoretical knowledge to get started, it is crucial to also take the exam in order to officially start working in this field.

Related: Guide to Becoming an Interior Designer Without a Degree

Digital marketer

Median pay: $28.00 per hour

Job duties: Digital marketers are responsible for creating and executing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services online. This can involve tasks like developing marketing strategies, managing social media accounts, creating content, and conducting market research. Digital marketers need to have a strong understanding of how to use various digital marketing tools and channels, as well as be able to effectively communicate with clients and customers.

Job requirements: There are no strict educational requirements for becoming a digital marketer. However, most employers in this field will want to see tangible evidence of your skills and experience, such as a portfolio of past projects or a list of satisfied clients. In addition, many digital marketers choose to demonstrate their proficiency in this field with online certificates from Google, Digital Marketing Institute, or HubSpot.

Building inspector

Median pay: $28.00 per hour

Job duties: Building inspectors are responsible for ensuring that structures comply with local, state, and federal building codes. This can involve tasks like reviewing construction plans, conducting on-site inspections, and issuing violation notices. Building inspectors need to have a strong understanding of building code requirements, as well as be able to safely navigate around construction sites.

Job requirements: The minimum requirements for becoming a building inspector vary by state, but most states will require you to have at least a high school diploma. In addition, many building inspectors also have a background in the construction industry, either through formal education or previous work experience. Many states will also require you to pass a state-specific exam in order to become licensed and start working officially.

Water transportation worker

Median pay: $28.48 per hour

Job duties: Water transportation workers operate and maintain vessels that are used for transport, fishing, and other water-based activities. Usually, this involves tasks like loading and unloading cargo, conducting repairs, and keeping the vessel clean. To do this job effectively, workers need to have a strong understanding of maritime laws and regulations, as well as being able to safely navigate the waters.

Job requirements: The minimum educational requirement for becoming a water transportation worker is a high school diploma. However, most employers will prefer candidates who have some form of formal maritime training, such as a certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition, all workers in this field must obtain a valid Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMC) before they can start working.

Plumber

Median pay: $29.00 per hour

Job duties: Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining piping systems in residential and commercial buildings. Tasks like fixing leaks, replacing broken pipes, and installing new fixtures are all a part of the job responsibilities of a plumber.

Job requirements: When it comes to educational requirements, a high school diploma is all that is needed for this job. However, plumbers generally go through an apprenticeship program that lasts 3 to 5 years. After successfully completing the apprenticeship, most states will also acquire plumbers to pass an exam and get an official working license to their name.

Sommelier

Median pay: $29.00 per hour

Job duties: A sommelier is responsible for selecting, ordering, and serving wine in a restaurant. Other tasks of a sommelier may include storing wine properly, educating customers about different wines, and making recommendations that pair well with food.

Job requirements: Most sommeliers start out in entry-level jobs (waiter, receptionist, etc.) in the restaurant industry. After a few years of practical industry experience, many of these workers choose to specialize in wines and start learning about the subject in-depth by taking local wine courses, going on wine trips, and reading wine publications. Eventually, professional sommeliers should also consider getting a globally-recognized certification like the ones offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. In most cases, the employer of the sommelier is willing to pay for the training and certifications that are related to the hospitality industry.

Budget analyst

Median pay: $29.00 per hour

Job duties: Budget analysts are responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring an organization’s financial plan. This usually entails tasks like preparing budget reports, analyzing trends, and making recommendations to the senior management.

Job requirements: While many budget analyst jobs will require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, there are a limited number of positions available for people with only a high school diploma or an associate’s degree. However, even with jobs like these, you will need to have tangible evidence of your capabilities in handling numbers and financial planning. For this, consider investing in certifications like the Certified Public Accountant and the Project Management Professional.

Account manager

Median pay: $29.00 per hour

Job duties: The job responsibilities of an account manager vary depending on the industry they work in. However, in general, these professionals are responsible for overseeing a portfolio of clients and ensuring that all of their business-related needs are being met. This usually includes tasks like developing new business opportunities, maintaining relationships, and providing customer service.

Job requirements: While this job does not have any concrete educational requirements, account managers usually have several years of experience in the industry they work in. In addition to in-field experience in the industry of operation, account managers also need to be highly competent in sales. In fact, many professional account managers hold sales credentials like the Certified Sales Professional (CSP.)

Librarian

Median pay: $29.24 per hour

Job duties: Librarians are responsible for organizing and managing a library’s collection of books, documents, and other resources. In addition to this, librarians also offer reference services, assist with research projects, and teach library patrons how to use the resources available to them.

Job requirements: In general, a degree in library science is required to work as a librarian. However, some jobs may only require a bachelor’s degree in another field along with a professional certification in library science. As an example, becoming a school librarian does not have requirements as strict as those of a public librarian.

Sander Tamm

Sander Tamm

Founder @ Degreeless. I write about online education, self-teaching, and the job market. Last year, my articles were read by over 1 million people and my writing has been featured by Neil Patel, AOL, HackerNoon, The Baltimore Sun, Independent Australia among others.