11 High-Paying Careers You Can Upskill Into—No Grad School Required

You don’t need a master’s degree—or even years of experience—to land a six-figure job.

With inflation, layoffs, and automation transforming the job landscape, upskilling has become one of the most strategic moves for career growth and stability. The good news? You don’t have to go back to school for years to make a big leap in salary.

We analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify 11 fast-growing, $100K+ jobs that don’t require a graduate degree or clinical license. 

These careers are ideal for professionals in adjacent roles, such as administration, sales, education, or customer service, who are ready to apply their high-income skills to transition into a more lucrative field. These jobs meet four criteria:

Let’s dive into the best six-figure jobs you can upskill into in 2025.

1. Data Scientist

• Median salary: $112,590
• Job growth: 36% (much faster than average)
• Why it’s hot: AI and big data are driving demand for professionals with data analysis skills who can analyze and interpret information to guide smart business decisions.
• How to upskill: Start with Excel, SQL, and Python. Platforms like Google’s Data Analytics Certificate or IBM’s Data Science program can get you started.
• Great for: Admins, marketers, analysts, and self-taught coders

2. Information Security Analyst

• Median salary: $124,910
• Job growth: 33%
• Why it’s hot: With cyber threats on the rise, businesses need trained pros with IT skills to protect their networks.
• How to upskill: Earn a CompTIA Security+ or CISSP certification to master skills for new jobs.
• Great for: IT support staff, military veterans, or system administrators

3. Medical and Health Services Manager

• Median salary: $117,960
• Job growth: 29%
• Why it’s hot: As the healthcare sector grows, leaders with strong healthcare skills are needed to manage teams, systems, and regulations.
• How to upskill: Focus on healthcare operations, compliance, or patient services.
• Great for: Healthcare admin staff, nurses, or HR pros

4. Software Developer

• Median salary: $131,450
• Job growth: 17%
• Why it’s hot: Every company needs apps, platforms, and automation tools.
• How to upskill: Learn Python or JavaScript with platforms like Codecademy. Build a portfolio and apply for junior roles.
• Great for: Career changers from any industry with an interest in coding

5. Financial Manager

• Median salary: $161,700
• Job growth: 17%
• Why it’s hot: Companies need financial leaders to manage growth and minimize risk.
• How to upskill: Gain advanced Excel and financial reporting skills. CFA or CPA is helpful but not required.
• Great for: Bankers, accountants, or finance-savvy operations managers

6. Personal Financial Advisor

• Median salary: $102,140
• Job growth: 17%
• Why it’s hot: People need help navigating debt, savings, and retirement. List related skills on your resume to stand out to hiring managers. 
• How to upskill: Pass the Series 7 and 66 exams to start advising.
• Great for: Salespeople, client service reps, or those with finance experience

7. Management Analyst

• Median salary: $101,190
• Job growth: 11%
• Why it’s hot: Businesses need consultants to help them streamline operations and stay competitive.
• How to upskill: Take courses in Lean Six Sigma or project management. List upskilling on your resume to stand out. 
• Great for: Admins, ops staff, project coordinators, and business grads

8. Computer Systems Analyst

• Median salary: $103,790
• Job growth: 11%
• Why it’s hot: These analysts bridge the gap between IT and business needs.
• How to upskill: Learn ERP platforms and basic database management.
• Great for: QA testers, customer support reps, or IT generalists

9. Construction Manager

• Median salary: $106,980
• Job growth: 9%
• Why it’s hot: The demand for infrastructure upgrades and green buildings keeps rising.
• How to upskill: Earn OSHA certifications and explore construction management courses to improve your construction skills and impress recruiters. 
• Great for: Skilled tradespeople, site supervisors, or veterans with logistics backgrounds

10. Marketing Manager

• Median salary: $159,660
• Job growth: 8%
• Why it’s hot: Strong marketing is key to growth, especially online.
• How to upskill: Get certified in Google Ads, HubSpot, and Meta Blueprint. See how to list certifications on your resume to stand out. 
• Great for: Social media managers, content creators, or communications professionals

11. Project Management Specialist

• Median salary: $100,750
• Job growth: 7%
• Why it’s hot: PMs are essential to keeping business and tech projects on track.
• How to upskill: Earn a CAPM or PMP. Learn new job skills such as Agile and Scrum basics.
• Great for: Admins, event planners, ops leads, or anyone with coordination experience

Your Next Step: Build the Resume That Lands the Job

Each of these career paths offers a way up by learning new job skills, and MyPerfectResume is here to help you stand out. Use our Resume Builder to craft a resume that highlights your transferable skills and new certifications, even if you’re changing fields. Explore our job fair checklist to prepare for your next career fair with confidence.

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Methodology

MyPerfectResume analyzed U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to identify jobs with median salaries of $100K+, strong projected growth, and no graduate degree requirements. Roles were filtered for accessibility through short-term training or certification and suitability for workers transitioning from adjacent roles, such as administration, sales, or education.

About MyPerfectResume

MyPerfectResume Resume Builder with professional templates is designed to help job seekers elevate their careers. The easy-to-use platform was created to eliminate the hassle of resume writing, offering professionally written examples, free expert tips, step-by-step guidance to make a resume, and valuable interview advice to create an outstanding job application effortlessly. Since 2012, MyPerfectResume's Resume Builder has helped more than 11 million job seekers create their perfect resumes online. Its comprehensive employment surveys have been featured in Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, Newsweek, USA Today, BBC, Workable, and more. Stay connected with MyPerfectResume’s latest Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Pinterest updates.