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There are several jobs that can pay $100 per hour or more without requiring a college degree. Some examples include:
– Freelance writers, programmers, designers, consultants – Charge high hourly rates based on expertise and demand for skills.
– Tutors in specialized or high demand subjects – Tutoring in subjects like math, science, test prep can command $100+ per hour.
– Mobile service providers – Mobile dog groomers, auto detailers, masseuses, personal trainers can make over $100/hour.
– Real estate and insurance agents – Commission-based sales jobs allow earning potential over $100/hour.
– Trade workers – Plumbers, electricians, contractors in high demand areas can make over $100 per hour.
– Delivery drivers – Drivers for companies like Uber, Lyft and food delivery can make over $100/hour during peak times.
– Service contractors – Handymen, housecleaners, photographers, videographers can set $100+ hourly rates.
The highest earning jobs tend to be skilled independent contractors or freelancers who can charge high hourly rates based on expertise, as opposed to hourly employees. The key is providing high value services with the flexibility to work independently.
Freelance Services
One of the best ways to earn over $100 per hour without a college degree is by freelancing or providing contracted services in high value areas. For example:
Freelance Programming and Development
Freelance computer programmers and developers can make $100 per hour or much more based on experience and specialty. For example mobile app developers, AI/machine learning experts, blockchain programmers, and others with in-demand skills can charge over $100/hour for contract work. The key is mastering lucrative programming languages and niches.
Freelance Writing and Content Creation
Expert freelance writers and content creators can also earn $100+ per hour. Those specializing in SEO content, technical writing, ghostwriting eBooks, copywriting, journalism, and business writing can charge premium rates with the right portfolio and clients. Volume work for content mills pays less, but direct client work allows higher rates.
Freelance Design and Creative Services
Freelance designers, artists and creatives with specialized skills also can earn over $100 per hour for projects. This includes graphic designers, web/UX designers, album cover designers, landscape design, architecture visualization, and more. Top-tier creative talent for branding and advertising agencies can charge high hourly rates.
Freelance Video and Animation
Experienced video editors, animators, and motion graphic artists can also get over $100/hour. Companies need high quality video editing and animation for marketing, social media, education, game development and other uses. Specialized skills like 3D, typography, infographic videos command higher rates.
Consulting and Coaching Services
Independent consultants with specialized expertise can also get over $100 per hour from business clients. This includes marketing, HR, financial, IT and other consultants. As well as business, life, dating, and other coaches who help clients achieve goals and improve their lives. Proven expertise allows high hourly rates.
The key for high earning freelance services is to identify and develop sought-after skills in profitable niches. And deliver outstanding results and value for clients.
Tutoring
Academic tutoring is another way to make $100+ per hour without a college degree. In subjects like:
Test Prep Tutoring
Specialized SAT, ACT, GRE tutors can make over $100 per hour, with top tutors charging as much as $400 per hour. Parents are willing to pay high rates to help their kids get into competitive colleges. Solid test scores like the SATs require specialized techniques best taught through pricey private tutors.
Math Tutoring
Math tutors also earn $100 or more. As subject mastery in math becomes more profitable. Advanced math tutoring for high school to college students in subjects like calculus, statistics, algebra can earn over $100/hour. These subjects are challenging and crucial for high-end STEM education and careers.
Science Tutoring
Science is another tutoring area that can pay $100+ per hour. Mainly advanced physics, chemistry, biology like MCAT prep for medical school. These topics are complex so demand high tutor rates. Science tutoring business can thrive in high income areas with competitive schools.
Language Tutoring
Foreign language tutors in high demand languages like Spanish also earn excellent hourly rates. As students strive for fluency and cultural immersion. Music instruction for popular instruments like piano, guitar, drums can also earn over $100/hour.
Special Needs Tutoring
Special needs tutoring in areas like autism, ADHD, learning disabilities also can earn over $100 per hour. Specialized training is required but parents are highly motivated to pay for expert skills. Reputation and referrals are key to succeed in this niche.
Effective tutoring requires specialized subject matter skills and proven teaching ability. But tutoring leverages expertise into high hourly earnings.
Insurance and Real Estate Sales
In sales, insurance and real estate agents have high income potential that can translate to over $100 per hour.
Insurance Sales
Experienced insurance agents who sell policies across auto, health, life, business, and other insurance can easily earn over $100 per hour. Top agents can sell specialized policies that pay very high commissions. And established books of business provide steady renewal commissions. The most successful insurance agents make well into six figures.
Real Estate Brokers and Agents
Experienced real estate brokers and agents can also earn over $100 per hour helping clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Commission rates up to 6% of sale prices provide high earnings potential. And many agents work part time yet earn high effective hourly rates from big sales. Luxury home sales pay the biggest commissions. Referrals are also key for the best agents.
Mortgage Brokers and Lenders
Mortgage brokers and lenders arrange home financing for huge purchase amounts, driving six figure incomes. Originating and closing on million dollar home loans can pay commissions in the thousands for a few hours work. Established referral networks keep top mortgage brokers busy with potential multi-hundred dollar hourly rates.
Business Brokerage
Brokering mergers, acquisitions and sales of multi-million dollar businesses can also yield huge commissions. Experienced business brokers earn big percentages closing deals between investors and private business owners. Lucrative enterprise sales can drive effective hourly earnings over $100/hour.
Commission-based sales in these licensed areas allows unlimited upside with no degree required. Just sales skills and hustle.
Mobile Service Businesses
Mobile service businesses provide services at client locations. Convenient on-demand service and premium pricing can translate to over $100 per hour for savvy business owners. Popular mobile services include:
| Mobile Service | Hourly Earnings Potential |
| Dog Grooming | $100 per hour |
| Auto Detailing | $100-$200 per hour |
| Massage Therapy | $100-$150 per hour |
| Personal Training | $100-$300 per hour |
| Hair and Makeup | $150+ per hour |
| Photography | $100-$250 per hour |
Mobile services leverage convenience, premium pricing, and high demand for specialized skills into potential for over $100 per hour. Low overhead, tax write-offs, and flexible hours further boost profitability. Reputation and marketing are required to build out a client base over time. But no degree is required if you have the skills and drive.
Trade Services
Skilled trades are another lucrative way to make over $100 per hour without a college degree. In-demand trades like:
Plumbing
Licensed master plumbers can earn $100 to $200 per hour. Commercial and new construction projects are most profitable. Emergency repairs also drive high billable rates. Plumbers are always in demand across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Electrical
Electricians can earn similar hourly rates to plumbers, between $100 to $200 per hour. Home rewiring projects, lighting, major appliances, and upgrades require certified electricians. Commercial electrical is also profitable for large-scale lighting, generators, distribution, and HVAC.
HVAC Technician
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians install and repair climate systems year-round. Hourly earnings range from $75 – $150 per hour or more. Urgent AC repairs in summer and heating fixes in winter drive premium rates and business volume.
General Contracting
General contractors manage major home renovation and construction projects, earning $100 to $200 per hour. Add-ons like kitchens, bathrooms, decks, etc provide steady business. Most contractors specialize in specific trades like carpentry, masonry, or plumbing.
High demand for home services combined with high hourly rates create excellent earning potential in the trades, without four-year degrees. Certifications, licenses, tools, and skills are required to be successful.
Transportation Services
Driving people and deliveries allow flexible hours with potential to earn over $100 per hour during peak times. Services include:
Ride Share Driving
Rideshare drivers with Uber and Lyft can profit during peak hours like Friday nights and holidays. Hourly earnings vary widely but rates of $25+ per hour are common during busy shifts. Surge pricing during peak demand also pushes effective hourly earnings over $100 after expenses.
Food and Grocery Delivery
Food delivery drivers for DoorDash, GrubHub and grocery services like Instacart can also profit. Per-delivery fees ranging from $10 – $20 per local drop-off can add up quickly. Regional bonuses and guarantees during busy mealtimes also help drivers earn $100+ per hour delivering food orders and groceries.
Courier Services
Independent contract couriers and messengers also earn excellent hourly rates, especially in urban areas. Law firms, banks, and large enterprises pay premium rates for on-demand document, specimen, and parcel delivery services. Couriers optimize routes and leverage high per-project rates.
Limo and Executive Driving
Upscale limo and executive sedan driving services charge premium hourly rates, allowing drivers to earn $100+ per hour. Many drivers are independent contractors dispatched via services like Uber Black. Airport transfers, corporate trips and special events provide lucrative fares.
Independent transportation contracting takes advantage of flexible hours and spiky demand, making over $100 per hour achievable during peak periods. Operational costs like fuel and vehicle wear reduce net earnings.
Other Well-Paying Jobs
Beyond the main categories above, other jobs can also pay over $100 per hour:
– Voiceover artists – $100 to $500 per hour based on experience. Remote work with studios.
– Wind turbine technicians – $50 to $100 per hour with extensive travel. Certification required.
– Senior caregivers – $20 to $30 per hour cash pay. Lucrative with long, flexible hours.
– Casino gaming managers – $50k – $150k salary works out to ~$100/hour or more.
– Distribution center managers – $80k – $120k salary equals ~$100 per hour full time.
– Piano bar entertainers – Up to $150+ per hour with tips at high-end venues.
– Contestant on game shows – Winnings can translate to $100 to $1000+ per “hour” competing on TV.
– Medical clinical trial participants – Studies can pay $100 – $10,000 depending on length and risk.
– Cruise ship entertainers – Earn up to $200 per hour on luxury cruises.
With creativity and hustle, there are many ways to earn over $100 per hour without a college degree. The most successful individuals combine specialized skills with strong marketing and self-promotion.
Conclusion
While traditional high-paying white collar jobs like law, medicine and finance require degrees, there are still many options to earn $100+ per hour with the right expertise and drive. Independent contractors in fields like programming, tutoring, sales and trades can make over $100/hour by providing high value services in demand. With some exceptions like gaming management and clinical trials, the highest earning jobs for non-degree holders are those that allow setting your own rates as a freelancer or business owner. Passive income from successful startups, books, online courses and other assets provides another path to effectively over $100/hour earnings without traditional employment. Ultimately, combining highly valuable and scarce skills with the flexibility of self-employment is the most reliable way to consistently earn over $100 per hour without a college degree.