Are you a mom without a college degree looking for a somewhat flexible job to help support your family? I hear you. I was in the same situation and wanted to know my options. Below I compiled 13 of the BEST jobs for moms with no degree required!
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It turns out that there are numerous ways moms can make an income WITHOUT having a college degree! Below we will talk about each job, and why it might be a great fit for you! I am sure there is something for everyone on this list!
- Esthetician
- Entrepreneur
- Childcare Provider
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Cardiac Monitor Technician
- Photographer
- Permanent Jewelry Artist
- Virtual Assistant
- Fitness Instructor
- Bookkeeper
- Bartender
- Content Creator
Esthetician
Do you love all things skincare? Do you enjoy helping people? Then a career as an esthetician might be a good fit for you!
I personally have been an esthetician for years, and have always found it to be pretty flexible and lucrative.
I have successfully been able to fit being an esthetician into my schedule with a toddler and baby at home.
How much can I make?
The earning potential as an esthetician totally depends on what route you choose, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics the median salary is $37,300 per year. In my experience, you can totally scale up if you choose to start your own practice as an esthetician.
How do I get started?
While you do not need a degree to get started as an esthetician you do need an esthetician license for the state that you live in to practice as one. Your schooling can typically be completed in 3-6 months depending on if you go full or part-time. After you complete your schooling you may apply for your license and take written and practical examinations.
You can search for schools in your state here!
Entrepreneur
While being an entrepreneur is more of a lifestyle rather than a job, I wanted to put it on this list and point out the benefits of this option.
As an entrepreneur, you can start your very own business in virtually any industry, and make it as flexible as you need it to be!
You certainly do not need a degree to start a business. All you need is an idea and some basic business knowledge. Luckily nowadays there are courses for pretty much anything including places like Skillshare and Teachable.
How much can I make?
Your earning potential is limitless when becoming an entrepreneur! You can work as little or as much as you want to. With that said, it is best to find a work-life balance that best suits you and your family.
How can I get started?
All you need to get started is an idea and a business plan. With determination and consistency, you can have the business of your dreams and do what you love!
I highly recommend this route for moms with no degree as it gives you flexibility and the ability to use your creativity to create something for yourself. Some of the jobs on this list can even be made into your very own business!
Childcare Provider
As a mom, we are at home with our little ones all of the time so why not help out other moms, and watch their kids? As a home-based childcare provider, you not only get to stay at home with your kids you are able to earn an income while doing it!
A college degree is not required, but certain licensing as well as early childhood education classes would be a great way to legitimize your childcare business right from the start.
How much can I make?
A childcare provider’s salary depends on which setting you are working in. Whether that is home-based, a preschool, or a daycare facility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics the median salary for a childcare provider is $27,490 per year.
How can I get started?
To get started right away all you need is to find a few moms in need of childcare! Once you gather a few clients you can decide whether you would like to turn your hustle into a full-blown business.
From there you can focus on getting yourself established as a small business, and look into your state’s licensing requirements.
While it is not necessary to be licensed in order to watch someone else’s children. It is a good idea so you and your clients both feel protected should any issues arise.
It is also beneficial for your clients to be able to write off their childcare expenses at the end of the year, but in order for them to do that your business has to be legitimate.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Have you been thinking of pursuing a career in the medical field, but don’t have a college degree? A career as a certified nursing assistant might be right for you! Working in the healthcare field is a smart way to ensure that you have work for years and years to come.
CNAs are at the front lines of healthcare working at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities taking care of all of the patient’s needs. Working as a CNA is perfect for moms with no degree because it can be very flexible.
Oftentimes a CNA’s schedule is 3 12-hour shifts, but you can also work part-time or overtime as needed. In addition, you can work nights when your children are asleep! A good way to gauge potential schedules is to look at CNA job postings online for your local hospital and see what the schedules are like.
How much can I make?
As a CNA you will make a set hourly rate but have the opportunity to make more through overtime and shift differentials.
According to Indeed CNAs make an average of $34,670 per year not including overtime.
How can I get started?
In order to get started as a CNA, you have to go through a Certified Nursing Assistant certification program which can often be taken online. You can browse certification programs in your area here. After completing the program you will take your state licensing exam.
However, in many cases, you can obtain your training for free from skilled nursing facilities and even some hospitals. The facility will often hire you as a patient care tech, and pay for you to get your CNA certification.
Cardiac Monitor Technician
Do you wish to be a vital part of a healthcare team? Cardiac monitor technicians monitor several patients’ heart activity and interpret heart rhythms from a central monitoring location.
The setting for this career takes place in the hospital, and schedules for this job are usually in shifts and can be for nights and weekends as well.
How much can I make?
According to ZipRecruiter the national average for this job is $48,783 a year. For a job not requiring a college degree that is a great starting point!
How can I get started?
In order to get started as a cardiac monitor technician, it is a good idea to either be working in a hospital already or know someone who does.
To make yourself more competitive for the position it would be a good idea to take a cardiac dysrhythmias course before applying or taking coursework in a similar area of study.
While a college degree is not required, a cardiac dysrhythmias course and exam are often required and can be provided by the hospital.
Photographer
Do you have a knack for snapping the best photos? A photography career might be a good fit for you! Photographers can work in many niches including, family, maternity, product styling, fashion, and more!
How much can I make?
According to Indeed the national average for photographers is $43,329 per year. However, this number can fluctuate greatly on your experience and expertise!
How can I get started?
In order to get started as a photographer, all you need is a good-quality camera, and some photos to show off your work!
A great option would be the Nikon D3500. Although recently discontinued you should be able to find stock and use this affordable beginner-friendly camera to launch your business!
Permanent jewelry artist
You may be asking yourself, what is permanent jewelry anyways? Permanent jewelry is the latest jewelry trend where a permanent jewelry artist secures a custom-fit chain on your body, and welds the jump ring closed. You can read more on permanent jewelry here!
There is currently high demand and low competition for this service so this is the perfect business or side hustle for moms!
How much can I make?
According to microweldingtoday.com, you can make $30-$150 per bracelet depending on what materials you use. So if you are able to have several customers per day or offer services to large groups you can make a good income!
How can I get started?
To get started as a permanent jewelry artist you do not need any certifications or a degree. You do however need to learn how to work with jewelry and learn how to safely use a micro welder. Luckily both of these tasks are pretty simple, and you can learn from the manufacturer of the welder you choose.
Additionally, you can sign up with companies like Link X Lou who actually hire and train people to be “Linkers” in their local region!
Virtual Assistant
Are you computer savvy? You may be able to help someone remotely by being a virtual assistant! Tasks can include data entry, sales, schedule management, and admin work.
Virtual assistants help many business owners and professionals all around the world. The best part is you get to set your own schedule. Can only work during nap time and after the kids go to bed? No Problem!
Finding work as a virtual assistant can be competitive, but I recommend starting your search on a website like Upwork. In addition, network with local small businesses near you and ask them if they need to outsource any work and see if they offer you tasks you are qualified for!
How much can I make?
According to Small biz trends the annual salary for a virtual assistant is $37,023 per year. Your pay varies by experience and the number of hours you work.
How can I get started?
To get started as a virtual assistant you can get started right away by marketing yourself and your expertise to potential clients!
A degree is not required, but if you choose to make yourself more competitive you can take a specialized virtual assistant course like The Savvy System course!
Fitness Instructor
As a fitness instructor, you can choose to teach yoga, pilates, barre, or any other type of fitness class that suits your needs and interests! If you enjoy exercising and helping others reach their fitness goals and lead a healthy lifestyle it may be a great fit!
How much can I make?
According to Zippia, group fitness instructors make about $34,348 per year. If you were to combine that with a monetized fitness Youtube channel the opportunities are endless!
How can I get started?
To become a fitness instructor you will first need to select a specialty and become certified in that specialty before you can lead classes and teach others. As a fitness instructor, you pick up available classes to teach at various studios near you.
If it interests you, you can always start your very own fitness studio or offer online classes remotely to an audience you can build through social media platforms!
Bookkeeper
Do you love numbers? A job as a bookkeeper might be in the cards for you. Bookkeepers are responsible for organizing and keeping track of a business’s financial records.
Bookkeepers play an essential role in keeping the business on track and being able to make suggestions to business owners on how to better manage their finances.
How much can I make?
According to Accounting.com bookkeepers on average make $45,160 per year. Bookkeepers can often work remotely so it is very possible to make your own schedule with this job.
How can I get started?
To start a career in bookkeeping you do not need a degree to get started. All you need is the knowledge, bookkeeping principles, and confidence in your skills!
It would be a great idea to take a bookkeeping course like the Intuit Bookkeeping Professional Certificate offered by Coursera in order to be confident in your skills as a bookkeeper.
Personal Shopper
Looking for a gig you can sign up for in a matter of minutes, and begin shopping as soon as this week? Becoming a personal shopper with companies like InstaCart and Shipt has never been easier.
The flexibility of this job is unmatched, and you are guaranteed to already have the skills needed.
How much can I make?
According to Glassdoor, Instacart shoppers make an average of $36,497 per year. With the opportunity for tips and bonuses with these companies, you can occasionally make more.
How can I get started?
To get started with one of these companies all you do is sign up and see if they are accepting applicants in your area. You typically will have to go through a background check, but shortly after you should be able to start accepting shopping orders!
Bartender
As a mom, you are wrangling little ones day in and day out. Let’s face it, you may not always be having the most stimulating conversations.
As a bartender, you get to interact with a lot of different types of people. In addition to potentially being flexible, you get to work in an upbeat environment and (hopefully) make generous tips!
How much can I make?
According to Indeed, the average base salary of a bartender in the United States is $48,711 per year. Of course, that can fluctuate with your tips!
How can I get started?
To get started as a bartender you can often start off as a back bar and from there you can move up into a bartender position. In this role, you get a foot in the door and can learn the ropes on the job.
Another way would be to attend a formal bartending school where they teach you everything you need to know about bartending before you apply for a position.
Content Creator
You may be wondering what a content creator is exactly. Content creation can be anything from blogs to youtube to podcasts!
The basics are you create useful content for people on the internet and present it in a way that is clear, concise, and helpful to your audience. From there you can monetize your content through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsorships!
How much can I make?
According to Glassdoor content creators made an average of $45,963 per year. Being that blogging can be done anytime anywhere this can be one of the best jobs for moms with no degree.
How can I get started?
To get started as a content creator you can begin right away and can learn as you go. In addition, there are some great online resources such as Youtube, or this blog post by Tried and True Mom Jobs!
Being a mom without a degree can have you feeling limited in your options for finding a flexible job. With this list in mind, I am sure you can find something that will work for you and your family!