15 Jobs That Pay $35 an Hour Without a Degree

You don't need a college diploma to earn a decent wage. Here are 15 jobs that pay $35 per hour without a degree, as well as their job responsibilities and prerequisites.

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The bottom line
  • Most of the highest-paying jobs in the world can be attained without a degree, with the exception of the medical field.
  • This list includes jobs from a variety of industries, from programming all the way to fashion design.
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To compile this list of jobs that pay $35 an hour without requiring a degree, I considered three main factors: the hourly median pay, job requirements, and the percentage of no-degree jobs available.

The salary numbers used in this article were only obtained from consistent sources such as Salary.com, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and PayScale. Data on the percentage of degreeless job offers were gathered by using Boolean search operators on LinkedIn.

Keep in mind that every job tends to have a wide range of salaries depending on seniority, location, and other factors. The numbers listed here are simply the medians for each position in the United States.

These are jobs that will pay you $35 an hour without requiring a degree:

Cyber security analyst

Median pay: $35.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 65.1%

Job duties: Cyber security analysts are responsible for monitoring and protecting an organization’s computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, or theft. They may also be responsible for the recovery of lost data, as well as investigating and assessing the root cause of security breaches.

Job requirements: To work as a cyber security analyst, you’ll need to get certified. The CEH, CompTIA Security+, and CISA certifications are some of the options available to you. Although many cyber security professionals have a college education, it is not necessary and most employers (65.1%) do not require one.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Stockbroker

Median pay: $35.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 95.2%

Job duties: Stockbrokers help individuals and organizations buy and sell stocks and other securities. They work with clients to assess their financial goals and investment options and then recommend specific investments. Knowledge of finance, together with strong communication and interpersonal skills, are essential for this job.

Job requirements: Stockbrokers are required to pass certification exams such as the Series 7 and Series 63 exams in order to get licensed. Many stockbrokers have a degree, but it is not necessary and a very small minority of open jobs require a degree from applicants. Additional licensing exams such as the Series 6, Series 3, and Series 65 may also be required depending on the career path you choose.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Related: Guide to Becoming a Stockbroker Without a Degree

Data scientist

Median pay: $35.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 45.45%

Job duties: Data scientists are responsible for finding new methods to capture and analyze data. They work with data analysts to ensure that data is properly organized and interpreted for use in business decisions. An excellent grasp of mathematics, numbers, and statistics will go a long way in this career.

Job requirements: While most data scientist positions require a master’s or bachelor’s degree, there are a couple of ways to get your foot in the door without one. Focus on getting hands-on experience, building a portfolio of projects, and getting certified in data science through programs such as IBM’s Data Science Professional Certificate.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Product manager

Median pay: $35.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 64.5%

Job duties: Product managers are responsible for leading the development and launch of new products. They work with cross-functional teams to assess customer needs, develop product requirements, and create go-to-market strategies. Product managers also track post-launch metrics to ensure that products are performing well and making a positive impact on the business.

Job requirements: Without a degree, you’ll want to get certified as a product manager as soon as possible. Some of the most sought-after certification exams include the Certified Product Manager (CPM) exam and the Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM) exam from the Association of International Product Marketing & Management (AIPMM).

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Software engineer

Median pay: $35.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 64.3%

Job duties: Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with teams of developers to create new features for existing applications or to build new applications from scratch. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

Job requirements: Obtaining a college degree or passing licensing exams is not always necessary to become a software engineer. However, employers tend to prefer candidates with real-world experience and a portfolio of projects. Thus, you’ll need to focus on building your skills and experience by participating in coding challenges, attending hackathons, and building small applications.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Accountant

Median pay: $35.37 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 52.2%

Job duties: Accountants are responsible for recording, classifying, and verifying financial transactions. They may also sometimes be expected to provide tax advice to clients and businesses, ensure compliance with financial laws, and perform financial audits.

Job requirements: A degree in accounting is not always necessary to become a general accountant. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), however, are required to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and to pass the CPA exam. Thus, you’ll be slightly limited in your job prospects if you don’t have a degree in accounting. In the end, though, around half of open positions for accountants do not require a degree.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Technical writer

Median pay: $35.89 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 57.2%

Job duties: Technical writers create, edit, and proofread technical documentation such as user manuals, installation guides, and design specifications. They must have a strong understanding of how to communicate complex technical information in an easy-to-understand way and must be able to collaborate with subject matter experts to gather the necessary information.

Job requirements: Technical writers work with a wide range of topics and depending on the position, you may be expected to have experience with technical subjects such as development or engineering. While many technical writer positions require a degree, they still form a minority of the total jobs available.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Business operations manager

Median pay: $36.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 57.98%

Job duties: Business operations managers are responsible for the overall performance of a company’s business operations. They develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs, manage budgets, and oversee day-to-day activities.

Job requirements: Stakeholder management, strong communication skills, and experience with business operations are crucial skills for any business operations manager. A degree is not always required for this role, but many employers prefer to hire candidates with relevant work experience in a similar role.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Business consultant

Median pay: $36.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 64.97%

Job duties: Business consultants provide expert advice to businesses on a wide range of topics such as marketing, operations, and finance. They work with clients to help them identify and solve problems, make improvements, and increase profits. In addition, they may also be responsible for designing and implementing new business processes or systems.

Job requirements: Business consultants are expected to have a diverse knowledge of business and management principles. While a degree is not necessary, many employers prefer to hire consultants with at least a few years of experience in a related role. There are also a couple of certification exams available, including the Certified Business Consultant (CBC) and the Small Business Consultant Certification.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Fashion designer

Median pay: $36.45 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 72.3%

Job duties: Fashion designers sketch ideas for new clothing lines, select fabrics, and colors, and oversee the production of their designs. They must be able to create designs that are both stylish and practical, and often work with manufacturers to bring their designs to market.

Job requirements: Above all else, an impressive portfolio of past designs will be the most important factor in your success as a fashion designer. While degrees are available in fashion design, many successful designers have not completed one and the industry is full of self-taught individuals. Possessing strong business, marketing, and communication skills will also give you an edge.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Film director

Median pay: $36.73 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 64.52%

Job duties: Film directors are responsible for the overall creative and technical direction of a film. They work with writers, producers, and other crew members to create a vision for the film and then oversee its production.

Job requirements: When it comes to finding work as a film director, the one factor that matters above all else is your portfolio. While degrees are available in filmmaking, many successful directors have not completed one. A strong portfolio of past work is essential, as is experience directing short films or other video content that you can demonstrate to future clients or employers.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Web developer

Median pay: $37.12 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 81.1%

Job duties: Web developers are responsible for the design and development of websites. While back-end web developers are responsible for the functionality of websites, front-end developers are responsible for the look, feel, and user-friendliness side of things.

Job requirements: As is the case with most types of developers, employers typically want you to have practical, hands-on experience with web applications and development frameworks. A degree in computer science or a related field will give you the theoretical knowledge you need, but most employers are more interested in what you can do than in what you know. That is also why a tiny minority of open web developer positions demand a degree from applicants.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Related: Guide to Becoming a Web Developer Without a Degree

Data analyst

Median pay: $38.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 57.13%

Job duties: Data analysts examine data and use their findings to improve business processes. They may be responsible for data mining, statistical analysis, and reporting. Or, depending on the role, they may be more focused on data visualization and helping stakeholders understand the findings of data-driven projects.

Job requirements: Employers are typically only willing to hire candidates without a degree if they have sufficient experience and expertise working with data. This may mean that you need to have several years of experience as a data analyst, or alternatively, significant experience with a specific data analysis tool or software before you’re able to start landing the best-paying jobs.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Related: Guide to Becoming a Data Analyst Without a Degree

Flight attendant

Median pay: $38.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 69.8%

Job duties: Flight attendants are responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers on board an aircraft. They greet passengers, provide them with information about the flight, and serve them food and drinks. They must be able to handle difficult situations calmly and effectively, and often work long hours, including overnight and weekend shifts.

Job requirements: While a degree is not typically required to become a flight attendant, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Plus, most airlines also require that you be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport, and pass a medical and security screening. Plus, language skills are crucial, as international flights are the norm for most airlines.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

Business analyst

Median pay: $38.00 per hour

Percentage of no-degree jobs: 55.6%

Job duties: A business analyst is a professional who helps organizations improve their performance. They may do this by developing and implementing new business processes, or by helping to optimize current ones. Not only are business analysts expected to have deep knowledge of business operations, but they must also be able to communicate complex ideas effectively to stakeholders.

Job requirements: Many business analyst positions require a degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field. However, many employers are willing to hire candidates without a degree if they have sufficient experience and expertise. This is why it’s crucial that you focus on building up your skills and experience as a business analyst if you want to succeed in this field.

Open no-degree jobs: USA | AU | UK | EU | Worldwide

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.