entry level travel writing jobs

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How To Get Travel Writing Jobs + 17 Websites To Find Them

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What are travel writing jobs?

Best places who offer travel writing jobs, how to get travel writing jobs, ready to get started.

Are you an avid traveler who always can tell a fascinating vacation story? Is your inbox filled with emails from hotels and airlines offering promotions?

Do your friends know who they can ask for advice on which places in France they should visit this summer? If you are a travel geek willing to share your personal experience with a wider audience, it’s time to bag your dream job as a travel writer.

We’ve combed many travel resources and websites to find travel writing jobs so you don’t have to

Before diving into travel writing jobs, lets start with what travel writing is. Travel writing is the creation of content about traveling, cities and countries, cuisines, hotels, attractions, etc.

Living in a modern world challenges people to read, analyze and consume content faster thus the demand for travel writers who can provide readers with actionable tips is growing. People want to get valuable information in a shorter time, and your advice helps them do so.

There are also travel writing jobs whose target audience is people who just love to read about journeys and different experiences. In this sense, travel writing is close to journalism revealing the topic through the prism of geography, culture, history, and religion.

Travel journalism is not a new format. Road journals have been a long-established genre that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. Whether you are an ardent culinary nomad, travel guide author or just looking to find a place to publish your long-form adventure story, check out these websites offering travel writing jobs.

Trip101 is a network of travel experts around the world. The website publishes guides, to-do lists, and articles about specific destinations.

They cover not only popular cities but also off-the-beaten-track destinations like Mongolia and Tibet. If you specialize in one-stop travel guides and have a soft spot for non-standard accommodation booking platforms, drop them a line.

2. Infatuation & Zagat

Infatuation & Zagat is a restaurant recommendation website where you can find reviews about the best food and drink spots.

They are always looking for talented writers who would bring a fresh perspective to the industry by demonstrating a good knowledge of restaurants around the globe. Freelance positions are open in top destinations in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

3. Growth Machine

Growth Machine is a team of content marketers that help businesses drive more traffic to their websites. They are on the lookout for freelance writers in any niche, from health and wellness to travel topics.

4. Gaijinpot Travel

Gaijinpot Travel provides English-speaking foreigners with info about relocation, staying and living in Japan. Their guides help expats seamlessly immerse themselves in the local culture along with the tips on job searching, accommodation and shopping.

If you lived in Japan for over a year, you can submit short destination reports and listicles and get paid upon publication.

5. Wanderful

Wanderful is dedicated to supporting women in their travel experiences. Do you want to positively transform the way women travel?

They are interested in stories from women of different identities and value unique insights into local history through the lives of women who shaped it. Payments range between $50 and $150 per article. Read the guidelines here.

6. World Nomads

World Nomads connects locals and travelers who are eager for new fascinating places and cross-cultural encounters.

The publication accepts personal stories about adventures that taught you something meaningful or changed your perspective on life. They offer .50 USD per word for written stories.

7. Hostelgeeks

Hostelgeeks specializes in hostels guides and travel tips provided by locals and expats. If you can tell captivating stories about local fun things to do in these destinations, submit your article!

8. To Do Canada

To Do Canada features the best things to do, places to go and events in Canada. Are you an expert on local tourist attractions? Feel free to send them your resume and a topic summary.

9. Tropikaia

Tropikaiais a gateway to the world’s beautiful islands and tropical beaches. Have you ever spent a week on Maui? Share your experience with a new audience and get paid.

10. AngelList

AngelList is a platform for tech startups, angel investors and job seekers. You can find job listings from travel startups as well.

11. Online Writing Jobs

Online Writing Jobsis a content agency helping brands create content in various fields, including the travel industry. They offer staff freelance positions for US residents.

12. Big 7 Travel

Big 7 Travel is a global travel website that provides its audience of 2.5 million users with inspiring ideas on what to see and do in every city. Join their content team and create guides to your city.

13.  Destination360

Are you geographically savvy but lack travel experience? Don’t fret, since Destination360 are looking for people to work with the website team. Knowledge of Search Engines, Keywords, and an understanding of search engine marketing is preferred.

14. Scripted

Scripted connects freelance writers with brands of all shapes and sizes. Freelance writers’ profiles are sorted and listed in such categories as software and technology, cars, health, business, travel and lifestyle.

15. Tripoto

Tripoto is a social travel platform where travelers share their stories, itineraries and other helpful information. Work as a freelance travel expert and earn some money by answering their travel-related questions!

16. Thrifty Nomads

Thrifty Nomads’ mission is to inspire affordable travel. They are interested in practical articles and travel hacks and pay for good content.

17. TravMedia

TravMedia is a global media network that connects travel journalists with PR professionals. Once you register, you get access to the industry’s press releases, trends, PR events etc.

On TravMedia, writers can land assignments from editors or announce their travel plans to get more assignments from media outlets. Having a polished profile allows you to pitch yourself to travel industry organizations and develop connections with long-term clients.

For many aspiring writers, working in the travel industry may seem like a dream job. However, to succeed as a travel writer, having the sole ability to travel is not enough.

Travel writers should be able to craft interesting stories, take good photographs and edit them, write engaging social media posts, and market themselves as authors and publishers.

This is a competitive field as there are many travel bloggers, influencers and crowdsourced websites allowing everyone to contribute images and reviews.

If you run a personal travel blog and look for a way to turn it into full-time travel writing jobs , check out these tips.

1. Learn from industry experts

First of all before landing travel writing jobs, you need to study the industry thoroughly.

It’s crucial to identify what major publications exist in this area, the difference between them, what topics editors are interested in. Study other writers’ work and analyze what their readers like in those stories.

2. Define your niche

What do you want to write about? There are countless categories of travel writing jobs and content, e.g. blogs, itineraries, essays, travelogues, guidebooks, round-ups. Since the market is crowded, differentiating one’s style has become extremely hard.

The key to success has always been the same – you need to become a source of useful information that would inspire your readers and motivate them to go and see new places themselves. Readers love comprehensive content due to a lack of time to study all available resources.

Secondly, a professional approach is always highly estimated. Write your guides as if you were working for National Geographic. That doesn’t mean adhering to a specific style but maintaining a professional attitude to what you are doing.

Doing research, collecting historical facts, increasing your knowledge of geography and anthropology will lend authority to any article. If you have a degree not related to media, your education can give you an edge in bringing a fresh perspective to the field.

3. Pitch publications

As soon as you return from your next trip, make sure you have several travel story ideas. The common mistake among beginners is pitching destinations, not stories.

While there are millions of tourists visiting India annually, your article should highlight specific angles of your journey. What did your journey teach you? What’s so special about your experience that you need to share it?

After you have been featured as a guest writer on popular niche websites (the more leading publications you score, the more chances you get to land well-paid travel writing jobs) you can move up to press trips.

It’s quite rare that freelance writers get invitations to press trips from travel agencies or tourism boards unless they’ve got an assignment from an editor. An assignment is proof that a magazine included the article in the editorial calendar.

Are you a travel blogger? Contact local hotels, restaurants, tourist bureaus before going on a trip and offer to write about their services. If you have a solid portfolio and run a popular travel blog, you may end up with profitable collaboration and cover some expenses.

Search for conferences, PR events, travel exhibitions in your city to get acquainted with PR reps and get in front of new brands. You can send follow-up emails after the events to remind of the service you offer. This will increase your chance of getting dream travel writing jobs.

Even though travel writing jobs may not be lucrative, it takes a lot of time and effort before you start making a living as a writer. Travel bloggers and journalists are given the rare opportunity to navigate their life in the way they want and create their own adventure story.

Most who earn a full-time income from freelancing are generating it from various streams, writing and selling books, digital products, podcasts, working on paid campaigns. Along with that, they formed long-term relationships with editors and businesses hence get steady assignments.

Another key challenge many professionals are likely to face in the field is that travel writing jobs can be physically demanding. Sometimes you have to write and send a travel report after rushing through a bunch of locations in one day if you are on a press trip.

To create interesting texts, you also need to read travel articles as much as possible and follow the latest trends. Consider exercising a journalist approach with its principles of truthfulness and public accountability.

Since modern travel content is mostly a business activity, its subject gravitates either to advertising or entertainment. Being a good travel writer implies understanding what your readers need, without trying to make an instant profit but minding readers’ cultural enrichment.

Stay true to yourself and keep up the good work!

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• Travel Writing Jobs: 18 Magazines and Blogs that Pay Writers

How Much Do Travel Writers Get Paid?

How do you become a travel writer, 18 paying travel markets, 1. aaa washington, 2. backpacker, 3. backroads, 4. desertusa, 5. escapees magazine, 6. international living, 7. lonely planet, 9. pathfinders travel, 10. porthole magazine, 11. recreation news, 12. road & travel magazine, 14. rvtravel, 15. transitions abroad, 16. texas highways, 17. wanderlust, 18. world nomads, get paid to write for travel markets.

Love to travel and want to write for others who share your passion? Now that the tourism industry is finally starting to show signs of life again, travel writing and blogging jobs are once again becoming ample.

In fact, there are tons of markets in the travel niche that will pay you to write about a variety of topics, from feature articles covering offbeat destinations to tips for planning the perfect family getaway. Some pubs might even commission you to write about your own interesting travel experiences. 

While there’s a common perception that travel writers spend much of their time jet-setting around the world, travel writing jobs don’t always require you to hit the road before you start typing. There are all kinds of gigs available in the travel industry for freelance writers, including some for those just starting out.

Our list here will help you get started if you’re looking to land freelance gigs in the travel niche. But remember that opportunities also abound when it comes to business -writing possibilities in this industry, including travel copywriting, itinerary writing, and guidebook writing-so don’t stop here.

Before we delve into our list of travel writing jobs and travel blogging jobs for freelancers, let’s talk about how you can expect to be paid as a travel writer.

According to Glassdoor , the average travel writer in the United States earns about $54,105 per year. That’s not bad for writing about topics you love.

Of course, how much you actually earn will depend on many factors, including how often you write and for which publications. But the travel industry can certainly be a lucrative niche once you get your foot in the door.

You’ll notice that most of the markets on our list pay competitive rates, often in the $0.25/word range and up.

If you want to become a travel writer, obviously you’ll need a strong interest in travel! It often helps if you have a significant amount of first-hand travel experience, too.

If you’ve decided that this is the niche you want to focus on, it’s time to jump in. 

You can get started by carefully reviewing the markets on our list here and selecting the ones you’d like to pitch. 

After that, your next steps are:

• Study the submission guidelines 
• Familiarize yourself with the publication and its style by reading some recently published articles
• Develop a story idea that aligns with what the editors are looking for
• Do some research and fine-tune your angle
• Craft your pitch, and send it off to an editor

If you follow that strategy-and keep pushing forward-you’ll be well on your way to landing solid travel writing gigs.

Check out these 18 travel writing markets that pay writers.

Want to write about the state of Washington? AAA Washington runs a travel-themed website as well as a magazine, Journey , that focuses on destinations in Washington state and northern Idaho. The content is geared toward educating and informing readers about interesting activities, places to go, and places to stay in the region.

Contact: Tweet or email editor-in-chief Jim Hammerand .

Rate: Reportedly pays up to $0.50/word, but freelancers can also pitch a rate.

Backpacker is a bimonthly print and digital magazine focused on foot-based travel-primarily hiking-throughout North America. About 50% of the stories in this pub are written by freelancers, which means there may be opportunities for you. 

Your pitch will have the best chance of being accepted if you’re willing to start off by writing a short assignment for the pages in the departments section. Plan to write an impactful story with a valuable take-away for the reader.

Contact: See the Editorial Directory section in the guidelines and pitch the editor of the section you’re hoping to write for.

Rate: Varies; reportedly $0.25-$0.50/word depending on the section.

Backroads USA is a monthly publication with a focus on motorcycle touring-related guides, tips, and information. The editors look for articles about unique or obscure roadside attractions or eateries and interesting destinations. Note that all feature articles submitted to this pub must be accompanied by high-quality photographs.

Contact: Email the editor .

Rate: $75 and up

Interested in writing about topics related to the North American desert or surrounding regions? Consider pitching DesertUSA. This digital resource features a blog that includes articles about travel, Native American culture, regional history and geology, and southwestern arts and crafts. Note that all writers for this blog are required to provide digital images along with their stories.

Contact: Email or Tweet publisher Jim Bremner.

Rate: $50 per article

Escapees is a bimonthly magazine geared toward RVers who enjoy traveling and exploring. They seek general interest RV-related topics, how-to articles, photo features, profiles, and other travel features. All freelance submissions will need to include photos, and stories should be written in a conversational tone. One particularly nice perk of writing for this mag is that they reimburse the expenses of writers on assignment.

Pay: $25-$200 per story

Contact: Email assistant editor Kelly Evans-Hill . 

International Living offers both a blog and a magazine geared toward helping people retire affordably by living abroad. They need interviews, reviews of relevant new products, how-to guides, and travel features. 

Rate: $250-$400 for print articles; usually about $0.10 per word for blog/website articles.

Contact: Email editorial director Eoin Bassett to pitch a print article or contact digital editor Annie Hannon to pitch a blog post.

Lonely Planet is a travel adventure-themed website that publishes feature content, daily news stories from around the world, and guidebooks. The editors are particularly interested in receiving pitches for inspirational, visually pleasing content. 

Rate: Varies; up to $0.30/word according to reports on WhoPaysWriters

Contact: Tweet editor-at-large Sebastian Modak or reach out via email .

8. Oregon Coast Magazine

Oregon Coast is a bimonthly magazine focusing on the coastal region of Oregon. Both new and established writers are invited to submit pitches. Regularly featured topics include community profiles, driving or walking tours, special events, historical pieces, nature, and restaurant features.

Contact: Send an email to editor-in-chief Rosemary Camozzi .

Rate: $100+ depending on the word count and type of story

Pathfinders is a travel magazine geared toward people of color. Its goal is to help readers plan where to travel and how to get there, what to do while at their destination, and where to dine or stay. All articles from new writers must be submitted on spec unless agreed otherwise, meaning that a completed article must be sent in.

Contact: Email editor P.J. Thomas .

Rate: $150 per article

The cruise industry is finally beginning to rebound after a very tough year. If you’re knowledgeable about cruises and want to write about topics that entice readers to travel by cruise ship, consider pitching this pub. Regular article themes include personal experience stories, how-to guides, historical and general interest stories, and travel features about destinations that can be reached by ship. Porthole pays for the travel expenses of writers on assignment.

Contact: Send a message to Editor-in-Chief Bill Panoff or email a pitch to [email protected] .

Rate: Varies; generally pays $500-$600 for assigned feature stories

Recreation News provides travel coverage with an emphasis on destinations in the Mid-Atlantic (including Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia). They publish print and digital editions as well as a weekly newsletter. Pitch an interesting, conversational article that focuses on a specific locale with details about places to stay and eat. The editors state that they especially like to publish articles pertaining to outdoor recreation of any kind. Note that any seasonal articles need to be submitted at least ten months in advance. 

Contact: Email Editor Marvin Bond

Rate: $50-$300

Road & Travel Magazine is an online publication featuring topics about automotive, travel, and personal safety. This pub’s mission is to help readers make informed decisions when it comes to planning trips, staying safe on the road, and purchasing vehicles. While articles are intended to appeal to a wide variety of readers, the target audience is women ages 29-59. 

Contact: Reach out to editor-in-chief Courtney Caldwell via email or LinkedIn .

Rate: Varies; typically up to $100

Want to write about road travel? Check out Rova -a digital and print magazine that emphasizes embracing life on the highways and byways of North America. Millennials and Gen-Xers are the target audience for this mag, and the editors seek articles with a focus on the ways in which roads connect people to places and experiences.

Contact: Send a message to editor-in-chief Gemma Peckham on LinkedIn or fill out the pitch submission form.

Rate: $200 per article

RVTravel is a website that features a blog and other content related to camping and the RV lifestyle. They accept submissions of full articles as well as pitches for stories, press releases, and even poems. If your article is successfully published, there’s a chance you could be brought on as a regular paid contributor or columnist.

Contact: Send a message to editor Chuck Woodbury or submit your idea via the pitch form .

Rate: Undisclosed

Transitions Abroad is an online resource for people interested in traveling to work, study, volunteer, teach, or intern. Regularly published articles cover topics such as worldwide bargains for travelers on a budget; how-to guides related to living, working, and studying abroad; and features about travel opportunities and community-organized tours.

Contact: Contact editor Gregory Hubbs on LinkedIn or send your pitch via email .

Rate: $50-$150 per post.

If you live in Texas or have strong familiarity with the state, consider pitching Texas Highways . The official travel magazine of Texas, this publication is geared toward all Texans and everyone who is interested in exploring the state. Review the guidelines carefully and consider pitching a story about Texas culture, history, or scenery; a small town; or a hidden gem.

Contact: Message managing editor Matt Joyce on LinkedIn or send your pitch via email .

Rate: Up to $0.50/word

Wanderlust is a UK-based website and print publication that seeks articles about unique, intriguing destinations around the world. Regular topics include destination features, trip planner features, advice articles, and shorter “pocket guide” and “dispatch” pieces.

Rate: Pay varies but averages around $0.25 per word.

Contact: Message managing editor Tom Hawker on LinkedIn or send an email .

World Nomads publishes content about transformative travel-related experiences in the form of authentic, personal narratives. Pitch a story that describes a life-changing journey and how it affected you, the way you view the world, and what you learned from the experience.

Contact: Reach out to managing editor Kate Duthie on LinkedIn or via email .

Rate: $0.50/word

If you’re looking to land work as a travel writer, dive right in.

This list gives you a good jumping-off point, but there are lots of ways to land work in this niche. Competition for popular travel magazines can be fierce, so consider pitching some of the lesser-known pubs where you’ll have the best chance of finding success.

Always read the guidelines for any market very carefully. You’ll often have the best chance of breaking in if you start out by pitching a shorter article. In some cases, the editors even provide specific guidance about which sections you should aim to write for if you’re a new prospective writer for their publication.  Once you prove yourself, you can often move up to higher-paying assignments.

Study the potential client or market, do your research, and submit your pitch. Then keep going. That’s the way to launch a career as a travel writer.

Christin Nielsen is a freelance writer based in Virginia. She specializes in writing for digital and print publications as well as nonprofit organizations.

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…while you sleep.

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How to Find Entry-Level Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners

Right now, a record-high number of people are considering a freelance writing career. My inbox is overflowing with questions from newbies. And the first question is: “Where can I find freelance writing jobs for beginners?”

If that’s you, sending hugs! I totally feel your confusion. The freelance marketplace is a big, complicated place. There are lots of types of paid writing, and different kinds of clients, too.

I’ve been helping writers get started for a dozen years now. And I know how mystifying it can be. You feel like there’s a door you need to find, a person you need to know, a secret you must unlock to become a freelance writer.

But really, the path to freelance writing jobs for beginners is simple.

You need to find someone willing to let you write for them. That’s it.

You get a few samples and boom — you have a portfolio to show. And you’re on your way.

There are fairly simple, break-in writing assignments that newbies tend to get. I’m going to outline what they are below.

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10 High-paying entry-level jobs with no experience

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10 high-paying entry-level jobs 

Start your career on the right foot.

When you picture a well-paying career, you may imagine a trajectory where you start at the bottom of the ladder — perhaps even as an unpaid intern — and work your way up. And if you’re entering the workforce for the first time, it’s natural to worry about how to maximize your earning potential . 

But stepping into a lucrative role isn’t reserved for people with decades worth of jobs on their resumes. There are several high-paying entry-level jobs that require no experience, and some don’t even ask for certificates or degrees. 

If financial stability is your highest priority right now, start your career in an entry-level job that pays well. Once you’re in a comfortable place, you can pursue other avenues of work or education — or continue to rise up the ladder in your new field.

Everyone has different career priorities. In a survey conducted by a professional recruitment company, respondents ranked good work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and remuneration as critical reasons to stay at or leave an organization. If you fall into the category of those whose primary career concern is achieving financial wellness , then you’re likely hoping to find a high-paying job. 

But you may be concerned that you'll face limited opportunities if you haven’t earned a college degree or had much prior work experience. That isn’t the case — you can strategically choose a well-paying entry-level role that gives you the freedom to build professional experience and skill up in your spare time. 

These roles may not be perfectly aligned with your ideal career, but they’re an excellent place to start earning and build foundational skills. And after you’ve grown your bank account and boosted your resume, you can always begin to apply for jobs in your dream industry. Of course, you may wind up discovering that this unexpected career path is exactly what you need.

Here’s a list of 10 high-paying jobs without a degree or experience.

1. Real estate agent 

Thanks to the commissions-based pay structure of this role, go-getters showing expensive properties can earn a healthy salary of over $100,000 annually. The average annual salary for a real estate agent is $65,850 .

This role is perfect for anyone who enjoys forging interpersonal relationships , has excellent communication skills , and can hold firm in a negotiation . You’ll get even more out of the work if you’re interested in architecture and design and feel gratified helping others find a dream home. 

Becoming a real-estate agent doesn’t require prior experience, but you must prepare for roughly 4–6 months. During this time, you’ll need to research your state’s requirements for licensure, study for the exam, and pass it . Once licensed, you can market your services locally or join an agency with a reputable name in the industry. 

2. Software developer

While some software companies require a degree in computer science, others seek talented coders who are excellent problem solvers — regardless of their level of professional experience and schooling. 

You can prepare yourself for one of the most in-demand and highest-paying entry-level jobs in the marketplace by attending a development boot camp program. These part-time courses generally last from 3–6 months, and upon completion, you’ll be proficient in popular programming languages. 

Make yourself a standout candidate by building a portfolio and writing a convincing cover letter highlighting the essential soft skills for a development role. Demonstrate that you’re a solutions-focused team player , a motivated auto-didact, and excellent at time management . You could earn in the six-figure range when you score your first role, with the average annual salary being $132,930 .    

3. Entry-level laboratory technician

If you’re interested in science but aren’t sure how you’d like to specialize, consider a role as a laboratory technician. In this position, you’ll perform diagnostic testing, maintain lab equipment, and present your experimental findings. You’ll assist and learn from scientists and perhaps find career direction and mentorship in the process.

Great laboratory technicians pay close attention to detail , have excellent analytical skills, and learn quickly. You should also have a high-school diploma or equivalent, like a GED, and — depending on your state — licensure in the field .  

In your first lab tech role, you can expect to earn around $42,818 annually , based on the average. And you can grow in the role to earn upwards of $60,000. 

4. Firefighter

If you’re a natural helper, you likely gravitate toward service roles such as emergency response. Firefighting could be an excellent fit for your inherent skill set, and the work is rewarding. Not only will you save lives, but you’ll also form part of a tight-knit team and remain physically fit. 

The base requirements for becoming a firefighter generally include passing a physical exam and providing a clean criminal record . However, you can make your resume more attractive by citing volunteer work and soft skills like empathy , active listening , and adaptability .

Employers will reward your service to the community with a healthy salary. As a firefighter, you’ll earn an average of $56,310 per year and enjoy benefits like a retirement fund, pension, and health, dental, and life insurance. Firefighting also offers optimistic job security. AI won’t take your role any time soon.

5. Executive assistant

Future business owners who want to gain an inside look at the workings of an organization might consider an entry-level role as an executive assistant. You’ll handle correspondence, office management duties, and schedules — generally supporting a high-ranking employee. 

Administrative assistants must demonstrate emotional intelligence and excellent organizational skills . You should also be willing to hone corporate communication abilities, writing clear and polished emails to clients and conversing with executives. It also helps to be a forward-thinker. If you’re always two steps ahead of the person you support, you’ll streamline their schedule and intuit their needs, whether that’s printing a deck or making sure the coffee maker works before an important meeting. 

This high-paying job with no experience affords assistants a lucrative average salary of $71,060 per year . Plus, you’ll receive valuable on-the-job lessons. You’ll touch every aspect of a company’s operations — even if superficially — meaning you’ll likely leave this role understanding the basics of human resources , accounting, and how to communicate with professionals on all rungs of the corporate ladder.  

6. Graphic designer

If you have a creative side and artistic abilities, becoming a graphic designer is a strong bet for a high-paying, low-experience role. In the position, you’ll design images and branding elements to help companies and individuals share their values and promotional information. 

One day you might create an eye-catching menu for a cafe, and another you could design social media posts for a clothing company. There’s plenty of diversity in the role, so you can choose to flex your creative muscles however you see fit.

As an aspiring graphic designer, you’ll need to provide a portfolio that highlights your artistic abilities. And you needn’t have professional experience to create this document. Make mock logos and brand kits and imbue your social media pages and application materials with a strong sense of aesthetics to prove your skills. 

On average, graphic designers earn around $64,500 annually . As you grow a professional portfolio and demand for your services increases, you can boost your earnings.

7. Medical assistant

If you’d like to become a physician someday but the price tag or time commitment of medical school daunts you, save up and earn practical industry-related skills as a medical assistant. In this role, you’ll support doctors and perform basic medical tasks like escorting patients, taking their vital signs, and noting symptoms. 

To begin work as a medical assistant, you must earn a diploma in the field. You will also need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant exam . Then, you can apply for an entry-level position. Be sure to highlight your compassion, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team on your resume. 

This emotionally rewarding work also offers a financial perk. You’ll earn around $40,700 per year based on the national average, and the exposure and experience in the medical field are priceless. 

8. Social media manager

Turn your proclivity for Instagram into a career by becoming a social media manager. You’ll create multi-channel strategies for brands and individuals that help them reach wider audiences with resonant content. 

To excel in this role, you must have your finger on the pulse of current trends, a good sense of aesthetics and catchy marketing copy, and a penchant for analytics. You’ll use data to assess the success of your client’s campaigns and improve upon them.  

Social media managers typically need a bachelor’s degree, but you can hold this role with no experience or formal schooling by building your own strong brand. Companies want real-world results, and if you can generate them on your social media accounts, it speaks volumes for your skills. Alternatively, you could seek an internship to learn the trade before applying for a manager role. 

New social media managers earn roughly $57,000 annually , and there’s excellent potential for career growth . If you become a social media marketing manager , you could earn in the low six figures .

9. Claims adjuster 

If you have an eye for detail and enjoy helping others, consider a position as a claims adjuster. In this role, you’ll assess property damage on behalf of an insurance company so it can determine how much to pay affected parties. 

Aside from having a keen eye, claims adjusters should have strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Much of your job will consist of conversing with insurance holders, taking comprehensive notes, and reviewing reports.

You can become a claims adjuster with virtually no experience. Holding a high school diploma is a perk for recruiters, and if your state requires it, you may need to obtain your adjuster’s license . Once you begin work, you can expect to earn in the $70,000 range annually (the average).

Perhaps you’ve written a novel but need to save up while it sells and royalties start to pour in. While you wait, you can use your English degree skills by working from home in a full- or part-time role as a freelance writer.

In this high-paying entry-level job requiring no experience, you’ll create blog or marketing content or help clients draft professional texts. You may also find work as a ghostwriter, assisting another in penning their novel or memoir. While you may not need professional experience to score a freelance or contractor role, you should prepare a portfolio of writing samples. Create a mock text if you haven’t written the type of content the recruiter is looking for. 

If you work for a company as a junior copywriter, you can earn an annual salary of around $56,000 in your first role. These companies provide solid job security as the organization finds clients and manages contracts with them. You just get to write.

If you freelance, you’ll have to market your services, and your earnings may be low until you build a client base. But you can take on exciting projects and build a firm under your name. And as your own boss, you’ll have greater control over your workflow and the types of projects you take on.

Financial wellness brings peace of mind. You have savings for an emergency, establish a healthier work-life balance , and can put money away for the future. Starting your career with a high-paying entry-level job helps to ensure you create a stable financial base to build upon. 

And if money isn’t your top priority when starting your career path, that’s valid. Perhaps you prefer to share expenses with roommates and forgo dining out while you launch a small business or pursue a graduate degree in a field you’re passionate about. Everyone’s journey toward a fulfilling career is different. Follow your instincts and make decisions that support your happiness and mental health and that are financially feasible.

Invest in your career

Get your promotion. Make your career change. Build the future you dream about. And do it faster with a world-class BetterUp Coach by your side.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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More From Forbes

5 high-paying side hustles you can start now.

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Having a side hustle can help you achieve your dream purchases, such as buying a house or car, or ... [+] paying for multiple vacations each year

Paying off debt? Side hustle.

Saving for a major purchase or event such as buying a house or paying for a wedding?

Side hustle.

Exploring your passion and want to increase your disposable income?

Yes, you guessed right. Side hustle.

Side hustles are fast becoming the go-to solution for professionals of all age groups, as they seek to combat inflation and the cost of living, the financial, emotional, and career struggle of being laid off or unemployed, and regain control over their lives.

Approximately 54% of Americans have a side hustle in 2024 according to MarketWatch , and even globally, many professionals are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. Some have been so successful at it that their side hustles have exceeded their wildest expectations, and they have gone on to make their side hustle their full-time job.

High-Paying Side Hustles To Start Now

If you're reading this article, you most likely have the same aspirations for your career and financial success as well. Below are compiled five high-paying side hustles that you can start today, using your existing skills and expertise, a laptop, and a solid internet connection.

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Outlander finally comes to netflix with an incredible new season, drake and kendrick lamar feud timeline lamar drops second diss track 6 16 in la, 1. freelance writing and copywriting.

Freelance writing is one of the deceptively "easiest" side hustles to launch right away, because there are virtually no barriers to entry. You don't even need to be an accomplished writer, renowned journalist, or have won the Nobel Laureate to make a successful career as a freelance writer. Within this domain alone, there are numerous opportunities for you to explore, relevant to different niches, such as copywriting, ghost-writing, email marketing, blog writing, and article writing.

That being said, you will need to have a strong portfolio and actively push your personal brand to win clients and a steady stream of income.

2. Virtual Assistance

Research shows that virtual assistants will soon be extinct as a profession, thanks to AI (artificial intelligence) tools that have swarmed and taken over tasks that would typically go to a VA, such as calendar bookings and scheduling and email management.

However, that doesn't mean that it is impossible to have a side hustle as a virtual assistant. There are people who would rather trust a human to help them with tasks related to their business that they would trust technology.

Besides, you can define yourself as a cut above the rest by researching what your potential client base needs, and offering niche services that cannot easily be replaced by AI.

3. Graphic Design

Graphic design is another quick-to-launch side hustle. If you have the skills and the software, you can work from home and create fabulous designs, from branding elements, to marketing materials, to social media content, to printables.

4. Web Development

Another high-paying side hustle is web development; now that freelancers worldwide are trying to launch their presence and online platforms, and start-ups are appearing everywhere, you can take advantage of this time and offer your web development services at an hourly or project rate (if you have web development expertise of course).

5. Consulting

Businesses of all sizes are seeking ways to improve their online presence, reach their target audience effectively, and implement AI into their workflow. If you have expertise in areas such as SEO and digital marketing strategies, content marketing, PPC advertising, AI, or have a background in human resources, you can offer consulting services to companies based on your specialism.

This can be delivered conveniently via videoconferencing, and you can charge premium rates for your specialized knowledge and services. You could even consider joining an expert network (such as GLG Insights) so that you are in the know when new consulting and corporate research opportunities become available.

You can turn almost anything into earning potential

If you excel in your chosen field, consistently deliver exceptional results, and build a strong reputation within your industry alongside ongoing learning and effective marketing, you will attract more clients and there will be no limit to your earning potential.

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