7 Unskilled Jobs That Will Pay You Big in 2022
A college degree may be the best way to earn big bucks, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of unskilled jobs out there. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for all professions in 2022 will be $28,000, but some of these positions may pay even more! Check out our guide on how to get one of these jobs that are in high demand and pay big, regardless of your credentials or college education.
1) Become a Driver
With companies like Uber and Lyft creating new opportunities for on-demand work, driving is more popular than ever. What used to be a tedious task of shuttling people around town has become an exciting way to make some spare cash while you’re running errands. If you have your own car and some extra time, there are a slew of platforms out there that can get you started as a driver with little cost to you.
2) Become an EMT
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics respond to emergency situations, often saving lives and treating injuries. On average, EMTs and paramedics make $32,080 a year. To become an EMT or paramedic, you’ll need to earn either an associate degree or a certification from your state’s department of public safety. Earning an associate degree can take anywhere from two years to four years; state certification programs require that candidates complete 144 classroom hours.
3) Become a Caregiver
According to a study published by Home Instead Senior Care, caregivers can expect to see a 32% increase in job opportunities from 2016 to 2022. This is largely due to aging Baby Boomers and a growing desire for senior living options that allow seniors to stay at home. For less than $10 an hour, you can provide assistance with everyday tasks like meal preparation, transportation, and medication reminders. Most importantly, these jobs have flexible schedules which allow you to focus on other pursuits outside of work—like building your own business.
4) Become a Tutor
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growing demand for educational services, making tutor a promising choice for those looking to go into business for themselves and willing to put in a little effort. If you’re comfortable with subject matter that may be outside your expertise, such as math or English language arts, tutoring can be an easy way to make extra money on nights and weekends—and it’s a position that can quickly morph into small side business idea if you enjoy working with students.
5) Become a Teacher Assistant
Teaching assistants can expect to earn around $28,000 annually by 2022, according to the BLS. While that’s only $13.58 per hour based on a 40-hour work week, it does represent an increase of more than 3 percent from today’s pay for teaching assistants.
6) Start a Business on the Side
The most successful entrepreneurs say they knew they were taking a risk when they started their businesses. They had what Richard Branson has called the entrepreneurial spirit, and they decided to bet on themselves. But if you want to start a business on your own time—and without putting your full-time job at risk—you may want to consider starting one on the side. It can be an excellent way to get experience running a business, develop new skills, and make some extra cash along the way.
7) Get Paid to Exercise
If you want to lose weight without spending a lot of money, getting paid to exercise is one of your best options. There are several options for taking cash to work out. Some gyms offer memberships that pay users if they meet specific goals—and some even hire people to train customers. Other companies have rewards programs, such as prepaid credit cards, gift cards and special offers. One popular example is Ibotta, which offers rebates on certain purchases if you take pictures of your receipts and send them in.