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5 Jobs That Require Minimal Experience (But Pay Over $55 an Hour)

These gigs don't require much from you, but could give a lot in return.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated June 25, 2026

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Your time is valuable. That's why it's important to land a job that uses your unique skills, doesn't bog you down, and pays you well for each of your hardworking hours. For most of us, getting hold of this perfect trifecta is more a matter of finding the right job than having the perfect credentials.

Those with a can-do attitude and some basic skills can tap into great occupations that require minimal experience and ultimately help them get ahead financially. These unicorn roles often include a lot of flexibility and remote work opportunities.

Here are seven jobs that require minimal experience but pay substantial hourly rates.

Editor's note: Pay data was taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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AI trainer

Hourly wage: $58 (upper 25% of earners), according to Mercor

Did you know you could make over $60 per hour as an AI trainer? These professionals write, analyze, edit, and rate interactions between AI models to fine-tune their effectiveness. Many jobs in this field offer on-the-job training and require the trainer to hold a bachelor's degree.

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Freelance photographer

Average hourly wage: $62.54, according to ZipRecruiter

Getting pictures taken for every occasion is all the rage, so why not get in on the action? Degrees aren't mandatory for a photography career, but you might want to start by working as a second shooter for a more experienced photographer.

A quality camera and editing software could also help you kick-start your portfolio, and you'll be well on your way to a thriving freelance gig.

Freelance UX tester

Median hourly wage: $56 (upper end), according to Glassdoor

A UX (user experience) tester is one of the best-kept secrets in the best-paying freelance tech jobs. These professionals test the usability of different software. Usually, the only requirements are competency and internet access.

Journalist

Hourly wage: up to $77.10 (top 10%)

If you have a passion for reporting and writing, becoming a journalist could be just the thing for you. Some journalists have risen through the ranks with minimal schooling. You could look to on-the-job training, a mentor, or an internship to get your foot in the door and become a journalist.

Social media manager

Median hourly wage: $54, according to Career.com

Social media is another highly in-demand career that has allowed many freelancers to work remotely. Social media managers help companies manage their online presence and develop growth strategies. More experienced social media managers can make up to $65 per hour.

This type of position usually doesn't necessitate formal training or credentials. However, minimal experience in managing online platforms is helpful for entering this job market.

Bottom line

Any shift in your career can come with some growing pains, but certain jobs can help you put more money in your pocket. These nine options are a great place to start, so you won't waste your time with less lucrative gigs.

And if working remotely is your next big goal, the good news is that most of them can be done from the comfort of your own home. But remember that many employers now view remote work as a perk that permits them to pay their work-from-home employees less than their in-office counterparts.

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