- Earning $40 per hour places you in the top 25% of earners in the U.S. or even the top 10% of earners in many first-world countries.
- A few senior roles are also included in this list, which implies that when you first enter the job market in an entry-level position, your hourly pay may be less than $40.
By most countries’ standards, a salary of $40 per hour is high.
In the United States, for example, the median hourly wage is $31.75, meaning that if you earn $40 per hour, you’re earning significantly more than most Americans. In fact, earning $40 per hour already places you in the top 25% of earners in the U.S.
In many other countries, an hourly wage of $40 is even more impressive.
In the United Kingdom, for example, the median hourly wage converted to USD is $19.30 per hour. In Australia, the median is $25.22 per hour, and in Canada, it’s $23.05 per hour. This puts the $40 per hour wage in perspective – by most standards, it’s a high wage.
Educational institutions would like to have you believe that the only way to make such an hourly wage is by obtaining a four-year degree. However, that’s simply not true.
There are many high-paying jobs that don’t require a university degree, and in this article, I’ll be bringing your attention to 18 of them. While many of these jobs do require extensive training, certification, or experience, none of them require a degree and can be fully self-taught.
So, if you’re looking to avoid student debt and want to earn a high wage, read on.
These are 18 jobs that pay $40 an hour and don’t require a degree:
- System solutions engineer
- Interaction designer
- Senior copywriter
- Growth marketer
- Search engine optimization (SEO) manager
- Senior accountant
- Elevator installer and repairer
- Power plant operator
- Financial advisor
- Public speaker
- UX Designer
- Senior financial analyst
- UI Designer
- Full-stack developer
- Senior data analyst
- Back-end developer
- Pastor
- Executive coach
System solutions engineer
Median pay: $40.00 per hour
Job duties: System solutions engineers are responsible for designing and implementing computer systems that meet the needs of an organization. This may involve planning hardware and software upgrades or integrating new technology into existing systems. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a thorough understanding of network technologies, along with experience with different programming languages and operating systems.
Job requirements: If you manage to demonstrate your proficiency as a systems solutions engineer through self-learning, certifications, industry experience, or a combination of the three, you will still likely be able to secure a position in this field without having a degree. Some of the certifications a system solutions engineer should pursue include a CompTIA A+ certification and a CompTIA Security+ certification. Additionally, you may also want to pursue certifications in the Microsoft Certified Solution Expert (MCSE) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) programs.
Interaction designer
Median pay: $40.00 per hour
Job duties: Interaction designers create designs that facilitate positive interactions between users and technology. This may involve designing user interfaces for websites, applications, or other digital products. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong understanding of human-computer interaction principles and an eye for detail.
Job requirements: Many successful interaction designers without a degree were able to secure positions in this field by demonstrating their proficiency through building hands-on portfolios or obtaining certifications. Useful certifications to aim for include the Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience (CPUX-F) and the User Experience Qualification (UXQ).
Senior copywriter
Median pay: $40.00 per hour
Job duties: Senior copywriters are responsible for creating compelling, persuasive, and interesting marketing content. This may involve writing ad copy, web content, email marketing campaigns, or other forms of marketing collateral. To be successful in this role, you will need to have excellent writing and storytelling skills and be able to understand the needs of your target audience. And, before landing a senior copywriter position, you’ll likely need at least a few years of experience working as a junior or freelance copywriter.
Job requirements: As a senior copywriter, what matters most is your portfolio of past work. To show that you have what it takes to be successful in this role, be sure to showcase the best writing samples on your portfolio website or blog. While certifications are not required, taking a course or two in copywriting can help you to stand out from the competition. If you’re dead set on getting certified, some of the certifications you may also want to pursue include the certificate program from Blackford Centre for Copywriting, the SuccessWorks SEO Copywriting Certification, or the Copyblogger Content Marketer Certification.
Growth marketer
Median pay: $41.00 per hour
Job duties: Growth marketers analyze data, identify potential customers and marketing opportunities, and develop campaigns to drive traffic to a company’s website or increase sales of a product. To be successful in this role, you will need strong analytical skills and the ability to identify patterns in data. Additionally, you should also have an understanding of internet marketing techniques such as SEO, content marketing, and email marketing.
Job requirements: A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field is often expected for growth marketers, but there are plenty of ways around this. You need to focus on building a strong portfolio that demonstrates your analytical skills and marketing prowess. If you can show that you have successfully driven growth for past projects, clients, or employers, you will be more likely to land a job in this field without a degree. Plus, you can also get certified. Consider the Google Ads certifications, Hubspot Inbound Marketing certification, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 365 certification programs.
Search engine optimization (SEO) manager
Median pay: $41.00 per hour
Job duties: An SEO manager is a professional who improves a company’s visibility and organic search ranking in the main search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. This may involve optimizing website content, conducting keyword research, link building, and other forms of off-page and on-page SEO. To be successful in this role, you will need to have strong analytical skills and an in-depth understanding of how search engines work and how businesses can optimize their websites to improve search engine presence.
Job requirements: Very few SEO manager positions demand a degree, and this field is all about self-learning, working with real websites, and keeping up to date with SEO trends. To become an SEO manager without a formal degree, build a portfolio of previous work, showcase your skills, and you’ll be well on your way. Alternatively, you can get certified by taking an SEO course from places such as HubSpot, Moz Academy, or Yoast. Google also offers a “Google SEO Fundamentals” course on Coursera, delivered by UC Davis.
Senior accountant
Median pay: $41.00 per hour
Job duties: A senior accountant prepares financial reports, maintains the company’s ledgers, and analyzes financial data to provide insight into the company’s performance. This may involve creating budgets, reconciling accounts, processing payments, and other accounting-related tasks.
Job requirements: One of the main requirements for landing a senior accountant role is multiple years of working experience in an accounting or bookkeeping role. However, if you don’t have a degree, you can make up for this by gaining relevant experience in accounting by completing internships with local accounting firms and seeking out certification opportunities from organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Elevator installer and repairer
Median pay: $42.57 per hour
Job duties: Elevator installers and repairers are responsible for installing, repairing, replacing, and maintaining elevators. This may involve completing complex electrical and mechanical work on a wide range of components, such as cables, switches, and motors.
Job requirements: A high school diploma is typically all that is required to enter this field. However, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s degree in electronics or a related field. If you want to become an elevator installer without a formal degree, consider completing an apprenticeship through the National Elevator Industry Educational Program.
Power plant operator
Median pay: $42.83 per hour
Job duties: Power plant operators are responsible for controlling the systems that generate and distribute electric power. This may involve monitoring the performance of generators, making adjustments to the controls, and ensuring that the power plant is operating safely and efficiently. Further, power plant operators are usually responsible for maintaining, repairing, and cleaning the equipment.
Job requirements: Most power plant operators have a high school diploma or equivalent. Power plant operators usually go through extensive on-site training programs and certification requirements. Additionally, this job will often require employees to pass regular alcohol and drug tests. If you want to become a power plant operator, consider completing an apprenticeship program with the Electrical Generating Systems Association.
Financial advisor
Median pay: $42.95 per hour
Job duties: Financial advisors are responsible for providing financial planning, investment advice, and retirement planning services to clients. This may involve analyzing the client’s current financial situation, assessing their risk tolerance, and helping clients make investment decisions.
In addition, financial advisors often collaborate with clients to establish their long-term financial goals and devise ways to achieve them.
Job requirements: While a degree is not always required to become a financial advisor, most employers will prefer candidates who have passed the FINRA-administered Series 65, Series 7, and the Series 66 exams in order to officially provide financial advice in a variety of different fields.
Public speaker
Median pay: $44.00 per hour
Job duties: Public speakers deliver speeches and presentations to large groups of people. This may involve preparing the content of the presentation, rehearsing beforehand, and delivering the speech in a clear and engaging manner. Public speakers often have to speak on a wide range of topics, so it is important that they be able to research and understand complex information quickly.
Job requirements: A high school diploma is enough for public speaking jobs. However, to become a public speaker, you will need to have strong writing and speaking skills. Additionally, candidates may benefit from gaining work experience as a lecturer or an instructor at a community college or university. If you want to become a public speaker, consider taking online courses in public speaking or joining a Toastmasters club. You should also seek out all opportunities to speak in front of groups, whether it be at work, church, or school gatherings.
UX Designer
Median pay: $44.00 per hour
Job duties: An UX designer is responsible for creating user-friendly and intuitive interfaces for websites, apps, and other digital products. This may involve anything from conducting user research, to creating prototypes and wireframes, to writing code and debugging software.
Job requirements: Most employers will expect candidates to have some previous work experience in web development or user interface design. If you want to become a UX designer, consider learning the basics of HTML and CSS code and taking online courses on user experience design. Also, consider enrolling in online certification programs such as the Google UX Design Certificate, CareerFoundry UX Design Program, and the Designlab UX Academy.
Senior financial analyst
Median pay: $44.00 per hour
Job duties: A senior financial analyst is responsible for providing analysis and advice on the financial performance of a company. This usually involves conducting market research to identify new business opportunities, evaluating investment options, forecasting profits for different business strategies, and developing long-term financial strategies.
Job requirements: To land a job as a senior financial analyst, you’ll need at least a couple of years of experience in an entry-level financial analyst role. Senior financial analysts must also have excellent data analysis skills and be able to communicate complex information clearly. You should also look for internships or apprenticeships where you can gain work experience in the field. However, ultimately, you’ll still need to start from a junior-level job before you will be eligible for a senior role. When it comes to certifications, the Certified Financial Planner is generally considered the gold standard among financial analysts.
UI Designer
Median pay: $45.00 per hour
Job duties: An UI designer is responsible for creating the look and feel of digital products, like websites and apps. Usually, this will involve designing a visual interface, choosing or creating custom fonts and colors, and making sure that the overall design of the digital product is user-friendly and visually communicates the message of the brand.
Job requirements: The requirements typically expected of UI Designers include previous experience in graphic design, web design, or a related field. Without having a degree, you’ll need to demonstrate your capabilities with a strong portfolio and industry-acknowledged certifications.
Full-stack developer
Median pay: $47.00 per hour
Job duties: A full-stack developer is responsible for the development and maintenance of both the front-end and back-end components of a website or application. This means that they need to be proficient in coding, as well as have a good understanding of how design, user experience, and data architecture work in unison.
Job requirements: Since full-stack developers are sought after like needles in a haystack, it’s easy to land a role without having a degree if you manage to showcase your abilities with a strong portfolio and industry-specific certifications. If you want to become a full-stack developer, consider taking online coding courses in web development or computer science. You should also look for internships where you can gain hands-on work experience in the field.
Senior data analyst
Median pay: $48.00 per hour
Job duties: A senior data analyst is responsible for analyzing and interpreting large sets of data to identify growth opportunities in organizations, evaluate different marketing strategies, and measure the success of past campaigns. In addition, data analysts are often responsible for developing data-driven models to help organizations make more informed decisions.
Job requirements: Many data analysts do hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. In order to make yourself seen without having one, you’ll need very strong quantitative skills and be able to communicate complex information clearly. Since data analysis skills are in high demand, you might be able to land a job in data analysis if you have a strong portfolio, industry-acknowledged certificates, and a set of practical skills that can be applied in the field.
Back-end developer
Median pay: $49.00 per hour
Job duties: A back-end developer is responsible for the development and maintenance of the server-side components of a website or application. This means that they need to be proficient in coding as well as have a good understanding of how databases work.
Job requirements: Similarly to full-stack developers, back-end developers are in massive demand due to the booming tech industry, and not having a degree will not be a setback for you if you manage to showcase your abilities with a strong portfolio and industry-specific certifications. If you want to launch a career in this field, consider enrolling in a certification program such as the back-end web development certification program from Harvard Extension School.
Pastor
Median pay: $49.00 per hour
Job duties: Pastors provide religious guidance and spiritual support to members of their congregation. This may involve conducting worship services, officiating weddings and funerals, administering sacraments, and providing counseling. To be successful in this role, you should have a deep understanding of your chosen religion as well as excellent public speaking and counseling skills.
Job requirements: Whether or not you need any formal degree to become a pastor depends on your living location. While some states and countries require pastors to have a degree in theology or divinity, others do not. In order to become a pastor without having a degree, you may need to complete other forms of education such as an internship under a senior pastor. And, it’s always helpful to get involved with a local church and assist in leading worship services or teaching religious education classes.
Executive coach
Median pay: $49.00 per hour
Job duties: Executive coaches are responsible for developing individualized coaching programs for high-level executives and business leaders. This may involve conducting assessments, providing feedback, setting goals, and developing action plans. To be successful in this role, you should have a deep understanding of the modern business environment, human behavior, and motivational psychology.
Job requirements: Many executive coaches are self-employed and what matters above all is your growing list of clients. To become an executive coach without a formal degree, consider building up your portfolio by offering free coaching sessions to friends or starting your own blog focused on personal development. Once you land those first coaching clients, be sure to ask for testimonials and referrals that you can use to attract even more business.
