There are many reasons why individuals may seek out simple, high-paying jobs. Perhaps you want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible and need to find a job that doesn’t require extensive education or training. Or you may be seeking a healthy work-life balance with a job that isn’t mentally or physically strenuous.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of options for simple or easy jobs that pay more than the national median wage. We’ve compiled a list of the best simple high-paying jobs, with answers to frequently asked questions about how to find and apply for one. We also spoke to Huy Nguyen, Intelligent.com’s chief education and career advisor, for insight into how to land one.
How to Find a Simple High-Paying Job
Define what ‘simple’ and ‘easy’ mean to you
The definition of a simple or easy job will vary from person to person. Before reviewing this list and other job options, it’s important to clarify exactly what you mean by seeking a simple job.
For this list, we defined simple jobs as those that don’t require a significant amount of formal post-secondary education. However, this doesn’t mean these jobs will be simple or easy for everyone. Some rely heavily on physical labor, working in dangerous conditions, or frequent travel. Others require certain aptitudes, like strong communication skills or technical abilities, which may vary from person to person.
When searching for jobs, individuals should always carefully read job descriptions and consider the mental, physical, and emotional demands of a position and how they align with their personal aptitudes and needs. Many career assessments and personality tests can help individuals determine what industries or jobs might be a good fit.
Consider long-term goals
Individuals should also think about their long-term plans and how the simple, high-paying job they’re seeking fits into those plans. Are you looking for a simple, high-paying job as a means of short-term employment, or are you looking to build a career?
If this job is meant to be the foundation of a long-term career, it may be helpful to consider the employment outlook, industry trends, and growth potential when selecting a simple high-paying job. Many fields allow individuals to gain promotions through experience and knowledge, while others may require workers to have formal education before they can move into leadership or management roles.
Those who want to earn the most money in the shortest amount of time may want to focus more on jobs with high earning potential, even if they don’t necessarily lead to long-term career development.
Review all career and education options
While these jobs offer relatively high salaries with few formal education requirements, individuals should note that, generally, having a degree leads to higher overall earnings. A degree will also open up a wider range of career options, as many fields have high-paying jobs requiring formal education.
Individuals can explore the following degree programs that lead to high-paying careers and jobs:
- Highest-Paying Certificate Programs
- Highest-Paying Associate Degrees
- Highest-Paying Bachelor’s Degrees
- Highest-Paying Master’s Degrees
- Highest-Paying MBA Concentrations
Top Simple, High-Paying Jobs
Insurance sales agents
Median annual salary: $59,080
Projected job growth (through 2032): 6%
Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Insurance sales agents sell different types of insurance, including life insurance, health and long-term care insurance, and property insurance for cars, homes, and other valuable property. Job responsibilities typically include contacting and interviewing potential clients, explaining features of various insurance policies, customizing insurance programs to fit individual client needs, and assisting clients with the insurance claims process. To become an insurance sales agent, individuals typically need a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training.
Flight attendant
Median annual salary: $68,370
Projected job growth (through 2032): 10%
Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Flight attendants have various responsibilities before, during, and after flights related to helping passengers, ensuring safety, and keeping the aircraft clean. Their most important responsibility is helping passengers in the event of an emergency, which includes directing evacuations, performing first aid, extinguishing fires, and protecting the flight deck. Flight attendants don’t typically need formal post-secondary education, but must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Lodging manager
Median annual salary: $65,360
Projected job growth (through 2032): 10%
Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent
‘Lodging manager’ is an umbrella term for various positions within lodging establishments, including general managers, front-desk managers, and convention service managers. Duties typically include inspecting guest rooms, public areas, and grounds for cleanliness and appearance; answering questions from and assisting guests; interviewing, hiring, training, and sometimes firing staff members; and coordinating the facility’s front-desk activities. Although a degree isn’t typically required for this role, individuals usually must have experience in a lodging facility or the hospitality industry to qualify for these positions.
Occupational health and safety technician
Median annual salary: $57,920
Projected job growth (through 2032): 14%
Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Occupational health and safety technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to many work environments and procedures. They work to implement and evaluate programs aimed at mitigating risks to workers, property, the environment, and the public. In the event of a workplace safety incident, they investigate its cause and analyze data from the incident to recommend improvements to prevent future incidents. Although some technicians earn an associate degree, many learn about their responsibilities and develop skills through on-the-job training.
Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Median annual salary: $85,420
Projected job growth (through 2032): 8%
Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical power-line installers and repairers install, maintain, or repair the power lines that move electricity. Other related duties include identifying defective devices, voltage regulators, transformers, and switches; inspecting and testing electrical power lines and auxiliary equipment, as well as climbing poles and transmission towers or using truck-mounted buckets to reach equipment. They may be employed by local utility companies or crews that work on the interstate power grid. Apprenticeships are a common form of on-the-job training for this role.
Railroad workers
Median annual salary: $73,580
Projected job growth (through 2032): 2%
Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Railroad workers fulfill many duties that ensure that passenger and freight trains run safely and on time. For example, locomotive engineers drive freight or passenger trains between stations and monitor systems that measure the train’s operation, such as speed and air pressure. Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers maintain and monitor equipment to ensure the trains run safely. On-the-job training is typical in this profession.
Electrician
Median annual salary: $61,590
Projected job growth (through 2032): 11%
Minimum education required: Apprenticeship
An electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Responsibilities for this position typically include reading blueprints or technical diagrams, inspecting electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers, identifying electrical problems using various testing devices, and following state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code. Most states require that electricians be licensed, and it’s common for electricians to train through an apprenticeship or technical school program.
Court reporter
Median annual salary: $63,940
Projected job growth (through 2032): 2%
Minimum education required: Postsecondary certificate
Court reporters have a critical role in legal proceedings, which require an exact record of what occurred. These workers are responsible for producing a complete, accurate, and secure transcript of depositions, trials, and other legal proceedings. They also index and catalog exhibits used during legal proceedings. Many states require court reporters to be licensed or certified by a professional association, with licensing requirements varying by state.
Computer support specialist
Median annual salary: $60,810
Projected job growth (through 2032): 6%
Minimum education required: Postsecondary certificate
Computer support specialists provide technical support to users or networks, with responsibilities that differ based on who they’re helping. Computer network support specialists analyze and troubleshoot computer network problems and help maintain their organization’s networks. User support specialists, also called help-desk technicians, usually provide technical help to non-IT computer users by responding to requests for assistance in person or by phone, online chat, or email. Individuals can prepare for this job by earning an associate degree or completing relevant IT certificate programs.
Medical registrar
Median annual salary: $62,990
Projected job growth (through 2032): 16%
Minimum education required: Associate degree
Medical registrars create and maintain information databases, such as those used to track a particular disease or condition. They review patients’ records and pathology reports to verify completeness and accuracy, assign classification codes to represent the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and benign tumors, and track treatment, survival, and recovery. Typically, individuals need an associate degree to qualify for these positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find a simple high-paying job?
There are numerous ways to find simple, high-paying jobs. Many companies post available jobs on sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Monster, and LinkedIn, as well as on their websites. Certain industries, like food service and retail, may post signs and information in their establishments if hiring.
Utilizing your network is also key if you’re job-seeking. Let the people in your life know that you’re looking for employment opportunities, and provide them with details about the type of job you’re looking for. Connect with people in person and online who can connect you with employment opportunities in your area of interest. Make sure you have up-to-date profiles on sites like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter so potential employers can reach out to you if they feel you’re suitable for a role.
What basic skills do you need for a simple high-paying job?
Each simple high-paying job requires different specific skills based on the position’s responsibilities. However, certain skills apply to most jobs, regardless of industry or essential tasks.
“With the rapid pace of technology and industry change, employers are increasingly placing more value on candidates that can adapt and learn new skills on demand,” says Nguyen. “They are looking for people who can thrive in uncertainty, adapt to new technologies and processes, and creatively solve challenges.”
According to Nguyen, other in-demand skills include time management, effective communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and the ability to learn new technology, and emotional intelligence.
Individuals can develop these skills through work, volunteer, or general life experience or by enrolling in an easy certificate program that will also provide them with a credential to add to their resume for added appeal to prospective employers.
How do you apply to a simple high-paying job?
The job application process varies from position to position. For the most accurate information about how to apply for a simple, high-paying job, it’s always best to read the job description carefully, as this is likely where you’ll find the instructions for applying. You can also contact the company’s hiring manager or human resources department if you have questions about the application process.
Generally, individuals apply for a job by submitting an application, resume, and cover letter. Hiring managers review these materials and invite candidates who seem most well-suited for the position for an interview. Depending on the position, skill assessments or background checks may also be required as part of the interview process.
While it’s a good idea to have an updated resume and general cover letter on hand, tailoring your resume and cover letter to the specific jobs you’re applying to can increase your odds of passing the initial screening process and obtaining an interview.
How much can you make per year with a simple high-paying job?
The amount that an individual can earn per year with a simple high-paying job depends on various factors, including industry, specific job, education and skill level, and location.
Industries with many positions to fill, such as computer and information technology or transportation, may offer higher salaries to incentivize workers to enter the field. However, individuals should investigate the correlation between education level and earning potential, as the highest-paying jobs in a field are typically reserved for those with a higher level of post-secondary education. Similarly, some high-paying roles may require workers to have significant work experience.
Location is also a factor, as median salaries vary by state and city. Cost-of-living also contributes to this, as a lower salary in an area with a lower cost-of-living may be more beneficial than a higher salary in a more expensive area.