23 Jobs That Pay $50 an Hour Without a Degree

Here's a list of jobs paying $50 per hour that don't need a degree, as well as the duties and qualifications needed for each position.

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The bottom line
  • Compared to the national average of $31.95, earning $50 per hour means you are earning over 56% more than the average worker in the United States.
  • This list also includes senior roles, meaning that you may have to put in a few years to get to this level of earnings.
  • While a degree is not strictly required for these roles, some may require certifications or other qualifications.
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Is it possible to earn $50 per hour without a degree?

The answer to that is a resounding yes.

Employers are becoming increasingly flexible in their hiring requirements, and are valuing skills and experience over formal education. In fact, some of the most innovative companies in the world today, such as Google and Apple, are “notorious” for hiring employees with little to no college experience.

Don’t let your lack of a degree hold you back from landing a high-paying job. After all, if you’re good enough, employers will be more than happy to pay you what you’re worth regardless of your educational background. And, if you lack the skills, you can always practice self-teaching or take online courses to make up for it.

Here are 23 jobs that pay $50 per hour without a degree:

Property manager

Median pay: $50.00 per hour

Job duties: A property manager is a professional who ensures that a property is well-maintained, profitable, and attractive to potential tenants. In some cases, these professionals are also responsible for marketing the property and finding tenants. Some property managers also handle the finances of the property, such as collecting rent and paying bills.

Job requirements: A high school diploma and official residency are the only general official requirements for becoming a property manager and having a degree is not usually required. Some states also require property managers to have a real estate broker’s license. These licenses hold some requirements of their own, such as taking exams and completing courses. As far as the required skills go, property managers benefit from being organized, detail-oriented and good at multitasking.

Executive recruiter

Median pay: $50.00 per hour

Job duties: Executive recruiters are responsible for finding, screening, and recommending candidates to fill executive-level positions within an organization. This professional uses their knowledge of the industry and the company’s specific needs to find the best match for each position.

Job requirements: Typically, professionals in this field have a lengthy background in lower-ranked jobs in human resource management. Years of in-field experience allow recruitment professionals to know which questions to ask, what skills to look for, and where to find the candidates suitable for demanding executive positions. While having a degree will be of benefit to anyone looking to enter this field, it is not strictly necessary and it’s possible to become an executive recruiter without one.

Social media manager

Median pay: $51.00 per hour

Job duties: Social media managers are in charge of creating and maintaining a company’s presence on social media platforms. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase the visibility of the brand and engage with potential and current customers. A social media manager also monitors trends in social media and carefully analyzes metrics to report on the performance of campaigns.

Job requirements: Many social media managers start working without a formal degree. Instead of formal education, social media managers usually build their careers by gradually developing a portfolio of clients and showcasing what they have achieved for these clients. Alternatively, building a strong personal brand and social media following will also help you get your foot in the door as a social media manager. In addition to previous practical experience, social media managers can also boost their resumes with credentials like the Advanced Social Media Strategy Certificate from Hootsuite or the Social Media Marketing Certification from HubSpot.

Construction superintendent

Median pay: $51.00 per hour

Job duties: A construction superintendent can be thought of as the brains behind a construction project. This professional is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the construction process, from start to finish. The construction superintendent is in charge of coordinating the work of contractors, ensuring that quality standards are met, and keeping the project on schedule. Further, these professionals are also responsible for managing the staff related to the construction project.

Job requirements: There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the educational requirements for this job. However, most construction superintendent jobs require at least a high school diploma and years of in-field experience with the construction process. This is commonly achieved by working one’s way up from a lower-level job, such as a construction worker or contractor.

Senior project manager

Median pay: $52.00 per hour

Job duties: A senior project manager is responsible for leading and coordinating a team of employees to complete a project within the set deadline. These projects can involve anything from developing a new product to organizing an event. Most project managers have a specific area of expertise, such as information technology or marketing, and the exact job duties will vary depending on the industry you’re in.

Job requirements: In order to become a senior project manager, you will typically need at least five years of experience in project management. To land a junior project manager role without a degree, obtaining CAPM and PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) will go a long way. And, consider starting out with freelance projects to get your foot in the door. Once you build enough first-hand experience, a lack of a degree becomes much less of an issue.

Related: How to Become a Project Manager Without a Degree

Human resources (HR) manager

Median pay: $53.00 per hour

Job duties: HR managers are tasked with handling everything related to the human capital in a given organization. HR managers typically handle everything from recruiting and hiring to onboarding and training new employees. Additionally, HR managers are responsible for developing employee retention strategies and managing benefits and compensation packages.

Job requirements: HR managers are required to be skillful at handling both people and numbers. While a degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field is certainly helpful in landing an entry-level HR manager job, it’s not a must. Instead of formal education, focus on developing strong relationships and communication skills, as well as business acumen. Also, consider pursuing HR certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to bolster your resume.

Data engineer

Median pay: $53.00 per hour

Job duties: Nowadays, nearly all major organizations use data in order to make informed decisions. However, this data needs to be collected, processed, and organized before it can be analyzed. This is where data engineers come in. Data engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining the complex infrastructure that allows organizations to collect, process, and store data.

Job requirements: A degree in computer science or a related field is the traditional requirement for a data engineer. However, since professionals who work with data are in huge demand, it is entirely possible to become a data engineer without a formal degree. In order to do so, focus on completing online boot camps, building a strong portfolio of your work, and acquiring some industry-acknowledged credentials like the Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer or the Professional Data Engineer certification from Google Cloud.

Digital marketing manager

Median pay: $53.00 per hour

Job duties: A digital marketing manager is responsible for the entirety of an organization’s digital marketing strategy. This can include anything from developing and managing campaigns to overseeing the organization’s social media presence. If an organization has a specific branch dedicated to digital marketing, then the digital marketing manager is responsible for the employees of this department. Additionally, digital marketing managers often collaborate with other departments in order to ensure that the organization’s overall marketing strategy is cohesive and represents the overall vision of a company.

Job requirements: In general, digital marketing managers are expected to have at least 3-4 years of experience in digital marketing. Further, most employers will also want tangible evidence of your performance in digital marketing – our advice would be to focus on building a strong portfolio of your work and investing in digital marketing credentials such as the Digital Marketing and E-commerce certificate from Google or the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification.

Communications manager

Median pay: $54.00 per hour

Job duties: A communications manager is responsible for the development and execution of an organization’s communication strategy. This includes obligations such as developing brand messaging, managing PR campaigns, and writing/editing content. Additionally, communications managers often act as the liaison between an organization and the media. As such, they are responsible for coordinating interviews, managing press releases, and handling any other media inquiries.

Job requirements: When applying for a job as a communications manager without having a degree, you will need to focus on your writing skills and portfolios. Employers will want to see examples of your previous work, whether that be in the form of writing samples, social media campaigns, or other types of content. In addition, obtaining any relevant industry certifications such as the Certified Marketing Communications Manager (CMCM) will go a long way in making your application stand out from the crowd.

Logistics manager

Median pay: $54.00 per hour

Job duties: A logistics manager is a professional who is responsible for the efficient and effective movement of goods throughout an organization. This includes duties such as developing transportation routes, negotiating shipping contracts, and coordinating with different departments to ensure that goods are delivered on time. Additionally, logistics managers often use data and analytics to identify areas where the supply chain can be optimized.

Job requirements: If you are looking to become a logistic manager without a degree, focus on getting experience with entry-level jobs in logistics. Examples of such jobs would be working as a dispatcher, customer service representative, or even a warehouse worker. Eventually, as you have gained some valuable in-field experience, consider boosting your credentials with an industry-acknowledged certificate such as the Certified Supply Chain Professional from the Association for Supply Chain Management.

Public relations manager

Median pay: $55.00 per hour

Job duties: Public relations (PR) managers are responsible for managing the relationship between the organization they work for and the general public. Developing PR campaigns, writing press releases, and organizing events are just some common examples of the daily duties of a PR professional.

Job requirements: In order to become a PR manager without having a degree or any formal education, you’ll need to focus on building a strong portfolio that showcases your previous work in the field. This could include writing samples, social media campaigns, or any other type of public content that you can showcase to potential employers. Additionally, consider obtaining an industry-recognized certification such as the Certified Public Relations Manager (CPRM) once you get the required one year of experience.

Senior UX designer

Median pay: $55.00 per hour

Job duties: UX designers are professionals who are responsible for creating and improving the user experience of digital products such as websites and apps. This includes tasks such as conducting user research, designing wireframes and prototypes, and conducting usability tests. A senior UX designer is someone with above-average expertise in the field of UX. Thus, this professional is often tasked with more demanding, high-profile UX projects as well as mentoring and coaching junior designers.

Job requirements: Senior UX designers are typically required to have at least 2-6 years of experience working in a junior role, and you’ll have to start from junior UX designer positions before moving up the career ladder towards more senior roles. As a rule of thumb, though, if you don’t have a degree, you’ll need to focus on building up an impressive portfolio that showcases your previous user experience design work. This could include websites, apps, or any other digital products that you have worked on. Focus on creating a strong portfolio, and the job offers will come.

Cloud software engineer

Median pay: $56.00 per hour

Job duties: Cloud software engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining software solutions that run on cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This includes tasks such as designing architecture, writing code, troubleshooting issues and optimizing performance.

Job requirements: If you want to become a cloud software engineer without a degree, you will need to have a strong foundation in computer science and software engineering. Since most jobs in IT are in great demand, it is possible to go around the traditional requirement of a college degree. Instead, you can focus on making yourself attractive to prospective employers by seeking out certification opportunities offered by reputable online sources. For instance, AWS offers a range of certification exams that cover different aspects of cloud computing. Beyond that, it’s all about building the practical skills needed to succeed as a cloud engineer: coding proficiency, knowledge of cloud architectures and platforms, and a solid understanding of DevOps principles.

Scrum master

Median pay: $56.19 per hour

Job duties: The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the team adheres to the scrum framework and meets its deliverables. This includes tasks such as removing impediments, facilitating sprint planning and retrospectives, and protecting the team from external distractions. Scrum masters are often compared to project managers. However, there are key differences – a scrum master is more focused on optimizing the team’s work process, whereas a project manager is more concerned with the final outcome of a given project.

Job requirements: There are no set qualifications for becoming a Scrum Master. However, since this role revolves around being a good team leader, it is essential to have strong interpersonal and communication skills. In addition, Scrum Masters should have a good understanding of the scrum framework and how it should be applied in order to achieve optimal results. If you are interested in becoming a Scrum Master, we suggest starting with the official website of Scrum. This site offers training programs and certification opportunities that can set you up for a potential career as a Scrum Master.

Risk manager

Median pay: $57.00 per hour

Job duties: Risk managers are professionals who help organizations identify, assess, and manage potential risks in an organization. This includes tasks such as conducting risk assessments, developing risk management plans, and monitoring risk-related activities. In many cases, risk managers also provide guidance on how to avoid or mitigate risks.

Job requirements: Many professionals in risk management do hold degrees in fields such as business administration, finance, or accounting. However, that does not mean it’s impossible to succeed without one. Instead, pursue an industry-acknowledged certificate such as The Certified Risk Management Professional from the Risk Management Society as that is the current golden standard for demonstrating your proficiency in risk management.

Front-end developer

Median pay: $57.00 per hour

Job duties: Front-end developers are responsible for developing the user interface and front-end logic for web and mobile applications. Tasks such as designing interfaces, writing code, and testing user experience are all a daily part of the job of a front-end developer.

Job requirements: In order to become a front-end developer, you will need to have a strong foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In addition, it is also beneficial to have experience with popular front-end frameworks such as AngularJS, ReactJS, and VueJS. If you manage to demonstrate practical knowledge in skills associated with front-end development, employers are likely to overlook the lack of a traditional degree. After all, what matters most is what you can actually do, not the piece of paper you have.

Related: How to Become a Web Developer Without a Degree

Recruiting manager

Median pay: $57.00 per hour

Job duties: Recruiting managers are responsible for developing the hiring and onboarding process for an organization. Recruiting managers are usually employed by major corporations that need to hire large amounts of employees on a regular basis. The recruiting manager must ensure that the hiring process is efficient and effective in order to bring in the best talent for the company.

Job requirements: Generally speaking, years of experience in human resources (HR) is the single most important qualification for this role. While a degree is not needed, having working experience in HR is usually a must, and you’ll need to start from there before being able to work in a manager role.

Revenue manager

Median pay: $57.00 per hour

Job duties: Revenue managers are responsible for maximizing the revenue of an organization by carefully developing pricing strategies and managing sales initiatives. Revenue managers typically work in the hospitality industry, but this role is also relevant for other types of businesses such as retailers and e-commerce companies.

Job requirements: The educational requirements for revenue managers vary depending on the industry. For example, revenue managers in the hospitality industry are often expected to have in-field industry experience and hold certifications (Hotel Revenue Management Certification from Cornell University is one such example) that demonstrate their knowledge of revenue management strategies. In other industries, the key requirements are similar – revenue managers are expected to have in-depth knowledge of their industry combined with skills relevant to managing the revenues associated with that particular industry.

Machine learning engineer

Median pay: $57.00 per hour

Job duties: Revenue managers are responsible for maximizing the revenue of an organization by carefully developing pricing strategies and managing sales initiatives. Revenue managers typically work in the hospitality industry, but this role is also relevant for other types of businesses such as retailers and e-commerce companies.

Job requirements: The educational requirements for revenue managers vary depending on the industry. For example, revenue managers in the hospitality industry are often expected to have in-field industry experience and hold certifications (Hotel Revenue Management Certification from Cornell University is one such example) that demonstrate their knowledge of revenue management strategies. In other industries, the key requirements are similar – revenue managers are expected to have in-depth knowledge of their industry combined with skills relevant to managing the revenues associated with that particular industry.

Sales manager

Median pay: $59.00 per hour

Job duties: Sales managers are responsible for leading and motivating a sales team to achieve their quotas. In addition, these professionals are responsible for overseeing the sales strategy of the organization they work in. If the current sales strategy of a company is ineffective, sales managers are tasked with developing and implementing a new sales strategy.

Job requirements: The educational requirements for sales managers vary depending on the industry they work in. For example, someone working as a sales manager in a bank is expected to have years of experience in the banking industry or a degree in finance. In some industries, however, the demands are much less strict. In that case, in-depth knowledge of the industry of operation and an understanding of modern sales strategies can be sufficient for performing the role of a sales manager.

Director of innovation

Median pay: $59.00 per hour

Job duties: The director of innovation is responsible for leading the innovation strategy of an organization. In addition to developing and implementing innovation strategies, directors of innovation also oversee the execution of these strategies. In the modern, quickly changing business landscape, this role is relevant for all types of organizations – from small tech startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Job requirements: There are no set educational requirements for fulfilling the role of a director of innovation. However, most directors of innovation have at least five years of experience in the field they operate in. In addition, directors of innovation also need to be well-versed in different aspects of innovation – some of the examples here would be design thinking, lean methodology, and business model development.

Commercial director

Median pay: $59.00 per hour

Job duties: Commercial directors are responsible for leading and overseeing the commercial strategy of an organization. Further, these professionals are tasked with generating new business opportunities and revenue streams. A large part of the job also entails developing relationships with key clients and partners.

Job requirements: Commercial directors need to be proficient in a variety of different fields. These professionals are expected to have knowledge and experience in fields such as sales, marketing, business development, and project management. Plus, a commercial manager is also expected to have in-depth knowledge of the industry they operate in.

Senior systems engineer

Median pay: $59.00 per hour

Job duties: A senior systems engineer is responsible for leading the engineering team of an organization. In addition, these professionals are tasked with developing and overseeing the implementation of technical solutions. Further, they need to ensure that the systems they are responsible for are running smoothly and efficiently.

Job requirements: Specialists in systems engineering are in high demand, which means that this field can be entered without a formal degree if you are willing to invest a considerable amount of time in self-education. However, in order to land a senior role as a senior systems engineer, you’ll need at least 5 years of working experience in a junior role under your belt.

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.