8 Easy Jobs That Pay $80K a Year or More

If you're aiming to get ahead financially, you might be surprised to find out that there are many jobs that pay $80,000 or more per year and don't require an advanced degree or countless years of specialized training.

Many are accessible, often requiring only a high school diploma, associate degree, or specific certifications, and offer the potential for substantial earnings.

Here are eight jobs that are relatively straightforward to break into and involve skills that are generally simple to acquire. As an added plus, they could help you break into a less stressful financial life.

Truck driving offers a direct route to high earnings with minimal educational requirements. Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is essential, but many training programs can be completed in a few weeks. Over-the-road (OTR) drivers often earn more due to the extended distances covered.

According to Indeed, the average salary for a truck driver in the U.S. is approximately $95,161 per year, with top earners making up to $201,436 annually. And while it can be tiring, the main skills required involve driving, adhering to safety regulations, and staying on schedule — all of which can be learned relatively easily.

Chauffeuring is a service-oriented role that requires excellent driving skills and customer service. Typically, a high school diploma and a standard driver's license are sufficient to start, though some positions may require a special license or certification.

While the average hourly wage for chauffeurs in the U.S. is around $22.88, equating to approximately $65,858 per year, those working with high-end clients or in metropolitan areas can earn significantly more. Indeed reports salaries reaching up to $111,723.

Writers can do many different things, from creating content to technical documents. Many writers are self-taught or have backgrounds in unrelated fields, making it accessible to those without formal education in the field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors have a median annual wage of $72,270, with 25% of workers earning more than $100,990. Technical writers, who specialize in creating manuals and technical documents, make a median salary of $91,670, with the top 25% earning at least $102,260.

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Voice-over artistry involves providing vocal performances for various media, including commercials, animations, and audiobooks. Often, the only things you need to enter this field are a clear speaking voice and the ability to convey emotion — no formal degree required.

Many voice-over artists work as freelancers, allowing for flexible schedules and the opportunity to work from home. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for voice-over artists in the U.S. is $116,875, with some making as much as $234,638.

Life coaches assist clients in achieving personal and professional goals by providing guidance and support. This profession doesn't require a degree, though there are some certifications available to help with credibility.

Many life coaches operate independently, allowing them to schedule their time flexibly. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a life coach in the U.S. can reach up to $111,000 annually. Success as a life coach typically depends on effective networking and delivering tangible results to your clients.

Electricians install and repair electrical systems in homes and businesses. The professional usually requires a high school diploma and some sort of apprenticeship or vocational training, which takes a few years to complete.

Licensing requirements vary by state, and the work can be physical, but the skills needed are generally attainable. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for electricians is at least $80,260 for 25% of workers.

Real estate agents assist clients in buying and selling properties. The role requires a high school diploma and passing a state licensing exam, with many states offering pre-licensing courses that can be completed in a few weeks.

The BLS reports that 25% of real estate agents make $81,460 or more, with the top percent of earners making at least $119,590.

Web developers design and create websites, ensuring functionality and user experience. Many enter the field with an associate degree, but it's also common for individuals to be self-taught through online courses and coding bootcamps.

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for web developers is $95,380, with the top 10% earning at least $157,280.

Securing a job that pays $80,000 or more annually doesn't necessarily require a four-year degree or extensive experience. There are many roles out there that offer a high earning potential and require only accessible training or self-directed learning, which can be easily attainable for those looking to build wealth.

An influential trend is the increasing shift toward skills-based hiring. According to one study from Harvard, 37% of employers consider experience as the most important aspect in hiring, not formal schooling. This shift opens doors to lucrative jobs for those seeking alternatives to conventional four-year education tracks.