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Do you want to make more money?
Of course you do!
If you’re looking for ways to increase your income, then you should consider learning new skills.
There are a number of high income skills that can help you earn more money.
These range from artistic to technical skills, bringing in more money than the average qualification.
In this article, we dive into the best high income skills to learn and earn the most money possible.
Most of the skills on this list do not require a formal college education, and you can move closer to financial security with little more than tenacity and a goal.
Table of Contents
32 High Income Skills To Learn
What Is A High Income Skill?
High income skills can get you an income that allows you to live your dream life.
In most cases, you will earn six or more figures a year.
Don’t make the mistake that these ideas are just for a day job.
You can do these as your side hustle to bring more money to your daily job.
These are in high demand in most situations, but they don’t necessarily require a college degree.
You can learn high income skills using free resources such as YouTube.
Some skills are so in demand that you can find courses for cheap, such as free coding courses, and many classes at your local community college can get you off on the right foot.
The Best High Income Skills To Look Into
#1. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing skills revolve around those you can use to turn a profit using platforms such as Facebook or Instagram.
These skills allow you to:
- Sell products or services
- Improve your client’s reputation and following
- Keep them relevant
Most of your clients are too busy to worry about social media, and that’s all the better for you.
Social media is a skill social media marketers have crafted well, putting money in their pockets while solving a problem for clients.
Social media marketing is not something you need to go to college for, but you need to keep up with market trends, the platforms you work on, and how to respond to different demographics.
#2. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is similar to social media marketing, but your focus differs.
You might hear terms like content marketing or online marketing as they are very similar.
Instead of narrowing it down to a specific platform, digital marketing requires expertise in different areas, and you blend your studies in:
- Consulting
- Social media strategy and advertising
- SEO
- Email marketing
- Content marketing
Digital marketing allows individuals to make money through digital means, usually relying on ad revenue or clicks.
You can mix this with other high income skills, particularly copywriting, to increase traffic, convince readers, and increase revenue.
Digital marketing works well for your own business. Still, there is no shortage of companies looking for someone to help them in this area.
Working in content marketing for a business would have you oversee the content calendar and manage people responsible for producing and publishing new content and posting on social media.
#3. Email Marketing
Email marketing specialists create and send emails to customers on behalf of their company.
They also track the results of the emails to see how effective they are.
If you are interested in working in email marketing, then you will need strong writing and communication skills.
Email marketing is closely related to affiliate marketing and copywriting, as your goal is to increase the readership of your emails.
You do this by being persuasive and writing engaging content.
#4. Affiliate Marketing
Suppose you own a blog or have a following on social media.
In that case, you can look to increase your skills in affiliate marketing.
Affiliate marketing occurs when your online presence produces income for you by recommending other people, services, or products.
You earn money based on:
- Product promotion
- Service recommendations
- Commission from your posts
Affiliate marketing takes a lot of trial and error to get the hang of.
People won’t just start buying from you because you recommend a product or service.
You need to build trust and attract the people in a buying mode to your offer to convert.
The good news is that a college degree isn’t required here.
You can read many books and online case studies and use trial and error to learn how to make it work for you.
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And suppose you can become successful at affiliate marketing.
In that case, you will be in high demand for any content marketing positions open, as this skill will help the company earn even more income.
#5. Software Development
Software development is a skill that is not going away anytime soon, and software developers are likely to be even more in demand in the future.
Software developers are responsible for various digital tasks. Their skills are used anywhere computers are, including smart devices like phones or tablets.
They help you bring your ideas to life on the screen using programming languages such as:
- Java
- Python
- C++
#6. Mobile App Development
Another high income skill to consider is mobile app development.
More people use their mobile devices to surf the web and live their lives, from ordering food to hailing a ride.
If you have an idea for a mobile app, you can learn how to develop it and then sell it on the app store.
Or you can offer your services to businesses that need mobile apps developed.
To become a mobile app developer, you must know how to code in either Objective-C or Swift for iOS apps or Java for Android apps.
It’s worth the effort to break through in this industry, and there are countless courses and even app-building software ready to get you started.
#7. Software Engineering
If you are an analytical person, software engineering could be for you.
Software engineers perform various functions, from designing and maintaining systems to troubleshooting and optimizing software.
While you can teach yourself some of the skills needed for this position, a college education will help tremendously as high-level math is required.
#8. Data Science
A data scientist identifies the questions that need asking and how to answer them using data.
They theorize and forecast based on the information at hand and use artificial intelligence to help predict the future.
You will need to know programming languages and how to use data visualization tools to be successful.
In addition, most employers want to see a college degree as well.
#9. Data Analyst
A data analyst is very similar to a data scientist.
They are responsible for analyzing data and extracting insights, and they work with a team of analysts to understand data patterns and trends.
Most scientists are senior-level, while the analyst is a junior-level position.
An analyst still needs to have specialized skills to perform their job, which includes strong math skills and the ability to code.
#10. IT Support Professional
IT support professionals provide technical assistance to users and help solve computer problems.
If you have strong problem-solving skills and enjoy helping people, then a career in IT support might be for you.
To become an IT support professional, you will need to have strong math skills and be able to code.
#11. Business Analytics
Business analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions.
They collect data, analyze it, and then present their findings to the company.
In our global world, more and more companies need analysts to help them make smarter decisions based on many variables.
#12. Web Development And Web Design
Web development uses programming tools such as JavaScript, but web designers accomplish a similar product using design tools.
While we have the two clumped together, they’re two tiers of a similar industry.
Creating web pages is not simple, and even small businesses need help from web developers to maintain relevance.
A web developer creates websites without building tools, reducing the restrictions put on the site.
This skill pays off more in the end, but it requires more upfront effort in learning programming languages and developing your portfolio.
A web designer creates websites using the tools available to them.
This form of web design ties into graphic design, but you can use images and tools aside from your own creation.
A web designer may make less, but this is a good starting point for understanding the basics of a strong web design.
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#13. Graphic Design
Graphic design focuses on how you can use visual elements to:
- Capture attention
- Please your audience
- Evoke certain responses
The skill of graphic design works well both online and offline, and you can zero in on areas like logo design, commission-based work, website banners, flyers, and more.
Graphic designers are not web developers but can cross over into web design.
You need some artistic talent or skill to start.
Still, most of your development relies on learning how to use online products like Procreate or Photoshop.
#14. Content Creation
Content creation ties into social media, but you’re more on the hook here for creating online content such as:
- Blog posts
- Photo captions
- Video scripts
You set the tone for how your client acts on their account by creating relevant and compelling content regarding their goals.
#15. Amazon Web Services Cloud Certification
If you are interested in working in the cloud, you should consider getting an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Certification.
An AWS Certified Solutions Architect is responsible for designing and implementing AWS cloud solutions.
They work with a team of engineers to create scalable and high-performing systems.
The certification test varies between $100 and $300, but this is just for the exam and does not include study materials.
#16. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is one of the hottest skills in the job market right now.
An artificial intelligence engineer is responsible for developing and implementing AI solutions.
They work with a team of engineers to create systems that can learn and improve over time.
As more and more industries adopt AI technology, the need for more engineers will only increase.
#17. UX Design
UX design is a great way to use creativity to help businesses improve their products and services.
A UX designer is responsible for creating user-friendly designs.
A UX design project manager works with a team of designers and engineers to create products that people love to use.
#18. Cybersecurity
A cybersecurity analyst is responsible for identifying and preventing cyber attacks.
They work with a team of security experts to keep systems safe from hackers.
To become a cybersecurity analyst, you will need strong technical and problem-solving skills.
You should also have skills in coding and know how to build websites.
#19. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search engine optimization is another high income skill that ties in nicely with others.
Companies lean on search engine optimization to rank higher in search engine results, translating to higher click rates and more sales.
While companies will pay quite a bit for someone well versed in this area, you must understand how to achieve this.
You can find plenty of online courses to help you learn this valuable skill, and you may need to invest in specific software or research tools.
#20. Sales Skills
Sales are one of those high income skills that adapt to the environment.
In the past, having good sales skills helped you earn commission on the floor and work your way up in the company.
It remains one of the most valuable derivatives of communication skills.
This highly marketable skill allows you to sell much more than products, and you don’t need a specific degree to prove your worth.
You need to stay up to date with your industry, know your market, and understand trends.
Because sales are heavily based on performance, the more you know, the more money you can earn.
#21. YouTube Creator
People love to watch videos to learn new things, so if you are comfortable in front of a camera, this could be for you.
But you also need to have other skills too.
You have to be trustworthy and relatable, as well as be able to explain things in a way people can easily understand.
To get started, you only need a camera and an internet connection. Then you can start uploading videos.
#22. Video Producer
While many want to make videos, not everyone is skilled at producing and editing them.
Using your skills, you will make the video look its best and offer suggestions to the video creator on improving the quality of the video using lighting, microphones, teleprompters, etc.
#23. Animator
Some people want a YouTube channel but don’t want to be in front of a camera.
So they decide to show animation videos instead.
The only problem is they have no idea how to animate.
If you do, then there is a market for you.
With video content exploding in popularity, animators can make serious money.
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The easiest way to get started is to post your services on multiple freelance sites and let potential clients find you.
Once you have a client, ask them to refer you to their friends and others who might need your services.
#24. Real Estate
Real estate is a great way to make a lot of money.
Not only do you earn money for buying and selling houses, but you can also make money flipping and renting out houses.
Since you will be the first to know of properties that come on the market, you can acquire properties before they come on to the market.
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Success in this profession is about connections and being there for your clients.
#25. Day Trading
A day trader buys and sells stocks throughout the day.
Using fundamental or technical analysis, they quickly buy and sell stocks for a quick profit.
You don’t need formal education for this career. However, reading books and taking online courses related to the topic will benefit you.
The biggest drawback is that you can lose money if your position falls in value.
The good news is you can limit this with various strategies, but you can never eliminate the risk.
#26. Copywriting
Many organizations teach copywriting, including SkillShare, and you can take this skill almost anywhere.
Not to be confused with copyright, this is one of the soft skills you learn before you graduate high school.
Regardless of what you do, your goal is to write words that capture and hold attention.
Copywriting might be the most accessible high income skill, but it requires a deep knowledge of grammar and communication.
You must understand many other skills to be effective here, including sales and SEO.
#27. Online Course Creation
Many skills can be taught without the need for formal education.
Because you don’t always need formal education, this is where online course creation comes into play.
You identify a problem and then see if a large enough audience is willing to pay to learn how to solve it.
If so, you create online courses that teach how to solve the problem.
Alternatively, you could create online courses for others who have already identified the problem and solution but need help designing the online course.
#28. Writer
You might not think writing would be a high income skill, but you would be wrong.
It is a very highly desirable freelance skill that many online entrepreneurs need.
To make money online with a website, you need to create content.
But writing articles on many topics is time-consuming, so website owners outsource this need.
If you can write engaging articles, you have yourself an income stream.
It does help to have knowledge of the subject matter or how to research a topic thoroughly.
Another critical skill is understanding search engine optimization so the articles you write have a chance to appear in search results.
#29. Website Creation
In our online world, you can create websites and flip them for profit if you have the right skills.
You can either identify poor-performing sites that already exist and improve them, or you can create a brand new site.
In either case, you will have to complete the back-end work to make the website look, feel, and run smoothly.
Then you will have to add content to produce advertising revenue, on which you will base your sales price.
It is a lot of work, but the payoff can be in the tens of thousands of dollars or more.
#30. Project Management
A product manager is responsible for the development and success of a product.
They work with a team of engineers and designers to create a product that meets the customer’s needs.
To become a product manager, you must have strong problem-solving skills and communicate effectively.
#31. Blockchain
When it comes to blockchain, many people think of cryptocurrency.
But it extends much further than this.
Blockchain allows digital information to be recorded and shared but not edited.
A blockchain developer is responsible for developing and implementing blockchain technology.
They work with a team of engineers to create a decentralized system that businesses or individuals can use.
#32. Trade Skills
Something that many people look over when considering high income skills in the modern age is the need for trade skills.
Regardless of the trade, you work in, the knowledge you hold is a very relevant skill that deserves recognition.
The world would stop turning without plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and more, and it’s unforgivable to forget that.
These remain some of the most in-demand skills and hold true as higher income skills throughout the years.
You learn on the job as an apprentice, but the knowledge you gain is priceless as you can start your own business or continue to work for someone else.
Finally, it is worth keeping in mind how high demand these skills will be in the coming years.
With more people focusing on formal education and other careers, there is a serious lack of tradesmen, making your knowledge only that much more valuable.
How To Monetize High Income Skills
Having these high-paying skills only takes you so far.
You need to understand where to use them to generate money solely from your new skill.
The best ways to turn these skills into more income include:
- Finding a new job or renegotiating your salary
- Starting up freelance work in your free time
- Creating multiple online courses with your knowledge
- Writing eBooks
- Blogging
Freelancing is one of the best ways to monetize a high income skill as you control everything, from working with multiple clients to the rate you charge.
With the right approach, you will find that the time you took to develop high income skills pays off.
How To Learn High Income Skills
There are various ways to learn these skills.
The most obvious is through a college education.
But not all require this level of commitment.
Only certain positions, like project management and engineering, will require a college education.
Others, like content marketing and web development, can be learned on the job, through online courses, or books.
Arguably the best of the existing resources to learn high income skills is to do so on the job.
If you can find a way to get your foot in the door at a company and learn as you go, you will be well served.
In this situation, the employer effectively pays you to learn the skills.
And if you need to take college classes, you might be able to negotiate with your employer to cover some of the cost.
Final Thoughts
There are 32 high income skills you should develop if you want to earn as much money as possible from your career.
The jobs related to these technical skills are in high demand, so any education you get is worth it.
The only caution I would make is to not just focus on the hard skills of learning these concepts.
Make it a point to grow your interpersonal skills, like communication, listening, teamwork, organizational skills, patience, and empathy.
These soft skills can help you not only further your career but your personal life too.
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I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.