SAVE FOR LATER
Last month, a reader emailed asking if there were “any real jobs” she could do without finishing her associate’s degree. She’d been applying to remote positions for weeks and kept hitting the same wall: “Bachelor’s degree required.”
It’s important to realize that for most companies, that degree requirement is often a filter, not an actual necessity. Companies use it to narrow down applicants, but what they really need is someone reliable who can do the work.
I’ve spent the last few years tracking which remote jobs actually hire people without degrees, not just entry-level positions that pay barely above minimum wage, but legitimate work that pays $15-$50+ per hour. Some require specific skills you can learn in a weekend. Others just need someone organized and consistent.
This guide covers 17 remote jobs that don’t require a college degree. I’ve included realistic pay ranges, what employers actually look for, and exactly where to apply. No fluff about “turning your passion into profit.” Just straightforward information about work that pays.
If you’ve got reliable internet, basic computer skills, and a few hours to commit each week, you’re more qualified than you think.
The Real Requirements Most Employers Care About
Forget the degree checkbox. Here’s what gets you hired for remote work:
- Reliable internet and a quiet workspace (even if it’s a corner of your bedroom)
- Basic tech skills – email, video calls, Google Drive, or Microsoft Office
- Time management – can you meet deadlines without someone watching over you?
- Clear communication – writing emails, taking direction, asking questions when you’re stuck
That’s it. If you can handle those four things, you’re qualified for more than you think.
17 Jobs That Pay Well (And How to Land Them)
1. Virtual Assistant
What you do: Handle emails, schedule appointments, manage social media, organize files, whatever keeps a business running smoothly.
Pay range: $15-$30+ per hour
Where to start: Belay, Time Etc., or Fancy Hands (beginner-friendly platforms)
Real requirement: Organized + responsive. You don’t need fancy software skills. Most clients will train you on their systems.
2. Customer Service Representative
What you do: Answer calls, emails, or chats to help customers with orders, tech issues, or account questions.
Pay range: $14-$20 per hour
Where to start: Amazon, Apple At Home Advisors, or Liveops
Real requirement: Patience and a quiet background. Many companies provide paid training.
3. Bookkeeper
What you do: Track income and expenses, reconcile accounts, and prepare reports for small businesses.
Pay range: $18-$35 per hour
Where to start: Free course at bookkeeperbusiness.com or Bookkeepers.com job board
Real requirement: Attention to detail + basic math. QuickBooks training helps but isn’t required to start.
4. Proofreader
What you do: Review written content for typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting errors.
Pay range: $15-$40 per hour (court transcripts pay more)
Where to start: Proofread Anywhere course (teaches general and legal proofreading) or Scribendi
Real requirement: Strong grammar skills. If you catch typos in everything you read, you’re halfway there.
5. Social Media Manager
What you do: Create posts, schedule content, respond to comments, and track engagement for businesses.
Pay range: $15-$50 per hour
Where to start: Reach out to local businesses on Facebook or take Bobby Hoyt’s free social media course
Real requirement: Know how to use Instagram, Facebook, and basic scheduling tools like Later or Buffer.
6. Transcriptionist
What you do: Listen to audio recordings and type them into text documents.
Pay range: $15-$30 per hour
Where to start: Rev (easy entry), TranscribeMe (beginner-friendly), or take legal or medical courses for higher pay
Real requirement: Fast, accurate typing. If you can type 60+ words per minute, you’re good.
7. Data Entry Specialist
What you do: Input information into spreadsheets, databases, or company systems.
Pay range: $12-$20 per hour
Where to start: Axion Data Services, Clickworker, or SigTrack
Real requirement: Basic computer skills and consistency. It’s repetitive but pays reliably.
8. Online Tutor
What you do: Help students with homework, test prep, or learning new skills via video call.
Pay range: $15-$60 per hour
Where to start: Tutor.com, Wyzant, or Outschool (if you want to teach classes)
Real requirement: Strong knowledge in a subject, like math, English, science, or even hobby skills like art or music.
9. Freelance Writer
What you do: Write blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, or email newsletters for businesses.
Pay range: $20-$100+ per article (depending on length and topic)
Where to start: Contently, Compose.ly, or pitch small businesses directly
Real requirement: Clear writing. You don’t need perfect grammar. Just the ability to explain things simply.
10. Graphic Designer (Canva-Based)
What you do: Create social media graphics, flyers, or simple logos using templates.
Pay range: $20-$50 per project
Where to start: Offer services on Fiverr or Upwork, or reach out to small businesses on Instagram
Real requirement: Eye for design + Canva skills (free to learn). No Adobe experience needed.
11. Online Moderator
What you do: Monitor forums, Facebook groups, or comment sections to remove spam and enforce community rules.
Pay range: $12-$25 per hour
Where to start: ModSquad, The Social Element, or reach out to large Facebook group owners
Real requirement: Active online presence and ability to stay calm when people get heated.
12. Email Support Specialist
What you do: Answer customer questions via email instead of phone calls.
Pay range: $13-$22 per hour
Where to start: LiveWorld, Working Solutions, or Shop
Real requirement: Strong written communication. If you hate phone calls, this is perfect.
13. Search Engine Evaluator
What you do: Review search results for Google, Bing, or other engines to improve accuracy.
Pay range: $12-$18 per hour
Where to start: Appen, Lionbridge, or Telus International
Real requirement: Internet research skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions.
14. Online Researcher
What you do: Gather data, compile reports, or verify facts for businesses, authors, or marketing teams.
Pay range: $15-$30 per hour
Where to start: Wonder (answers research questions), Upwork, or reach out to authors and bloggers
Real requirement: Strong Google skills and curiosity.
15. Appointment Setter
What you do: Call or email potential customers to schedule sales calls or consultations.
Pay range: $12-$25 per hour (sometimes commission-based)
Where to start: Real estate agents, insurance brokers, or sales coaching companies often hire
Real requirement: Comfortable on the phone and able to handle rejection without taking it personally.
16. Online Community Manager
What you do: Engage members, start discussions, and grow online communities for brands or influencers.
Pay range: $15-$40 per hour
Where to start: Reach out to course creators, membership sites, or influencers who manage groups
Real requirement: Active participation in online communities + people skills.
17. User Testing
What you do: Test websites or apps and share feedback on what works or feels confusing.
Pay range: $10-$60 per test (tests take 10-20 minutes)
Where to start: UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics
Real requirement: Ability to speak your thoughts out loud while clicking through a website.
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan
Step 1: Assess What You Already Have
Before you apply anywhere, get honest about:
- Your current resources: Do you have a computer, stable internet, and a quiet space to work?
- Your available time blocks: Can you commit to set hours, or do you need ultra-flexible gigs?
- Your startup tolerance: Are you okay with free training, or do you need paid-from-day-one work?
Write this down. It’ll help you skip jobs that don’t fit your life.
Step 2: Pick One Job and Learn the Basics
Choose one role from the list above—just one. Google “[job title] + free training” or check YouTube for walkthroughs.
For example:
- Virtual Assistant → Watch free videos from Abbey Ashley
- Bookkeeper → Take the free intro course at Bookkeeper Business
- Transcriptionist → Do the free practice tests at TranscribeMe
Spend 2-3 hours learning what the job actually involves. You’ll know pretty fast if it’s a fit.
Step 3: Create a Simple Resume (Even If You Haven’t Done This Before)
You don’t need fancy formatting. Just include:
- Contact info (email + phone number)
- Skills section (software you know, tasks you can do)
- Experience (paid jobs, volunteer work, or even personal projects like managing your family budget or organizing a school event)
Use free templates from Canva or Google Docs. Keep it to one page.
Step 4: Apply to 5 Places This Week
Pick five companies or platforms from the job descriptions above. Submit applications.
Don’t overthink this. Most remote jobs get hundreds of applicants—you won’t get every one. Apply, move on, apply again.
Set a goal: five applications per week until you land something.
Step 5: Follow Up After 3-5 Days
If you haven’t heard back, send a quick email:
“Hi [Hiring Manager Name or ‘Team’],
I applied for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I’m really interested in this role and would love to discuss how my skills could help your team. Let me know if you need any additional information.
Thanks,
[Your Name]”
Most people never follow up. You’ll stand out just by sending this.
What to Expect in Your First 30 Days
Week 1: You’ll feel overwhelmed. That’s normal. Bookmark tutorials, ask questions, and give yourself time to adjust.
Week 2: Tasks start feeling familiar. You’ll stop Googling every little thing and develop a rhythm.
Week 3: You’ll hit your first mistake. Don’t panic—just own it, fix it, and learn from it.
Week 4: You’ll realize you can actually do this. Confidence builds. You might even start eyeing better-paying opportunities.
The first month is always the hardest. Once you’re past it, remote work becomes second nature.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every “work from home” opportunity is legit. Skip any job that:
- Asks you to pay upfront for training or equipment
- Promises “easy money” with no real job description
- Requires you to buy inventory or recruit others (that’s MLM)
- Sends you a check and asks you to wire money back
- Contacts you only through text or messaging apps (no company email)
Real employers don’t ask for money. Ever.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Starting out, most people trip over the same handful of mistakes. Here’s what to watch for:
Spreading yourself too thin. Pick one or two opportunities and focus. Master one income stream before adding another. By concentrating on a limited number of ventures, you increase your chances of success and reduce the overwhelm that often comes with managing multiple projects. For those exploring additional income options, consider side hustles for families that can engage everyone and make the experience enjoyable. This approach not only strengthens your financial position but also fosters family bonding through shared activities. In addition, it’s essential to keep your personality and preferences in mind when choosing your ventures. For those who may prefer solitude or quieter environments, exploring side hustles for introverts can be particularly beneficial. These opportunities allow you to generate income while still enjoying the comfort of your own space and working at your own pace.
Underpricing your work. Check market rates and charge accordingly. Low rates attract difficult clients and make it harder to earn what you need.
Skipping contracts or agreements. Even for small jobs, get terms in writing. This protects both you and your client.
Ignoring taxes. Set aside 25-30% of earnings for self-employment taxes. Open a separate savings account and transfer money immediately after each payment.
Not tracking time. Use a simple spreadsheet or app to log hours worked and income earned. This helps you identify which opportunities actually pay well per hour.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need credentials to start earning. You don’t need a business plan, a fancy website, or even much experience. What you need is the willingness to try something new and the consistency to show up.
Pick one job from this list. Spend a few hours learning the basics. Apply to five places this week.
That’s it. No overwhelm, no overthinking – just action.
The work is out there. Go get it.