10 Great Jobs For Single Moms Without A College Degree

In today’s society, there is a lot of pressure to obtain a college degree. But what if you don’t have one? Does that mean you can’t have an amazing, fulfilling career?

Not at all! In fact, many single moms without degrees have found success in various fields. Oprah Winfrey is one of the world’s most famous and successful women, and she never even graduated from college. So yes, you can have a thriving career even without that piece of paper!

In this article, we explore ten great jobs for single moms without a college degree. 

Table of Contents

• Freelance Writer
• Proofreader
• Social Media Manager
• Virtual Assistant (VA)
• Fitness Instructor
• Photographer
• Music Teacher
• Dog Walker
• Nail Technician
• Personal Chef
• Final Thoughts

Freelance Writer

If you’re a mom with no college degree, don’t fret – plenty of freelance writing jobs will allow you to work from home. Many companies are now specifically seeking freelance writers who do not have a college degree. Many times, all you need is some good writing skills and a willingness to learn.

One great way to find work as a freelance writer is to check out job postings on freelancer websites like Upwork and Guru. There, you’ll find various writing jobs for writers without a college degree. 

You can also search for specific clients or companies that interest you and reach out to them directly about potential freelance opportunities.

The third option is to network with other writers and professionals in your field. Meeting other writers can help you learn about new opportunities, and networking with professionals can help you build relationships that could lead to future work opportunities.

Regardless of which route you choose, the most important thing is to be persistent and keep pitching yourself to potential clients.

Requirements

As mentioned, most writing companies don’t require a college degree. However, there are some basic requirements that you’ll need to have to be a freelance writer. Here are a few of them:

• Excellent writing skills are probably the most important requirement for any freelance writer. You need to be able to write well and have a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation.
• It’s important that you’re familiar with the topic you’re writing about so that you can write quality content relevant to your audience.
• As a freelance writer, it’s equally important that you’re able to meet deadlines consistently.

Salary

According to payscale.com, an entry-level freelance writer earns around $$15 per hour in 2022. Keep in mind that this is just a general guideline; some writers may earn more while others may earn less. If you want to make more money, consider pursuing additional skills and training.

Proofreader

Proofreading work for moms with no college degree is a great way to make money from home. You can find online proofreading jobs, or you can look for work with a local business. Either way, it’s great to make extra cash and stay home with your kids.

One of the best things about proofreading work is that it doesn’t require any special training or education. As long as you have good grammar and spelling skills, you’re good to go. 

Requirements

Proofreading is a skill that can be learned and perfected with practice. Some general requirements are needed to be successful at proofreading:

• Proofreaders must be able to catch errors in text, whether it is a mistake in grammar, punctuation, or spelling. To do this, they need to have a good understanding of the English language.
• Proofreaders must be able to reproduce the text exactly as it was written without making any changes. This includes both the content and the formatting of the text.
• Working independently is another key requirement, as proofreading often requires working on several projects at once.

Salary

The average salary for entry level proofreading work is around $15 per hour, but this can vary depending on your skills and the company you work for.

Social Media Manager

Many companies are now looking for social media managers who can relate to their customers on a personal level. So what does a social media manager do?

Basically, they create and manage the company’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They also work to increase brand awareness and create engaging content that will encourage customers to interact with the company online.

There is no one definitive path to becoming a social media manager. However, many social media managers have college degrees in marketing or communications. But there are still opportunities for moms who want to work in social media but don’t have a college degree.

The best way to become a social media manager without a degree is to start out as an assistant or intern. Shadow a social media manager and learn as much as you can about the role. Then, look for online courses and tutorials that teach social media management basics. Finally, put your skills to use by starting your own blog or helping small businesses with their social media presence.

Requirements

There are some requirements that are specific to social media manager work that doesn’t necessarily need a college degree. Here are some of those skills and traits:

• As a social media manager, you will be interacting with customers and clients through various platforms, so it’s vital that you have strong communication skills.
• In addition to communicating with customers, you will also be writing content for the company’s social media pages, so having good writing skills is a must. 
• The social media landscape changes rapidly, so it’s crucial that you stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

Salary

The average salary for a social media manager with a year or less experience is around $41,000 in 2022. However, many factors, such as experience and location, can affect this number. 

Moms with the skills necessary to be social media managers often find that they can negotiate a higher salary and better benefits than those who do not have experience in this field.

Virtual Assistant (VA)

Another option is to become a virtual assistant. 

A virtual assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. Tasks can range from managing email and scheduling appointments to creating marketing materials and social media posts.

The great thing about virtual assistant work is that it can be tailored to fit your own skills and interests. If you’re good at organizing and managing data, you might want to focus on tasks like creating spreadsheets and tracking budgets. If you have a flair for design, you could create graphics or videos for clients’ websites or social media pages. And if you’re strong in customer service, you could answer client emails or help them troubleshoot problems.

Requirements

Below are some requirements you’ll need to meet to qualify for VA positions.

• The most important requirement for this type of work is strong computer skills. You’ll also need to be proficient in Microsoft Office and have excellent communication and organization skills.
• Being able to work independently is another key requirement, as is having a reliable internet connection and a quiet workspace.
• If you have experience in customer service or social media marketing, that’s a plus!

Salary

There are a few things to consider regarding how much you should be paid as a virtual assistant. Experience, skills, and the type of work you are doing all play a role in what you should charge.

But generally speaking, most people start charging around $10 to 15 an hour. If you have more experience or specialized skills, you may be able to charge more.

Fitness Instructor

Still investigating which career will work with your schedule and doesn’t require a college degree? Becoming a fitness instructor may be the perfect fit.

As a fitness instructor, you can set your own hours, choose the classes you want to teach, and make your own income. You’ll also get to help people improve their health and wellbeing, which is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Requirements

There are many different ways to become a fitness instructor, so there’s likely an option that will fit your needs and interests.

• You can find certification programs through organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). These programs provide you with the necessary training to teach group fitness classes or individual workouts.
• If you’re already experienced in working out and have some knowledge of anatomy and physiology, you may be able to skip certification altogether and start teaching classes right away.

Salary

Instructors at fitness centers typically earn an hourly wage, ranging from $15 to $25 per hour. Annual salaries for full-time instructors average around $35,000. Nevertheless, experienced instructors with specialized certifications can earn significantly more.

Photographer

There’s no need to feel down if you’re a mom with no degree. Plenty of photographers work without any formal education in the field. It’s all about learning the ropes and getting started.

You can start by shooting photos for friends and family or starting your own business. There are also many online courses available that can teach you the basics of photography. And if you want to learn more, many conferences and workshops are available to help you improve your skills.

Requirements

Don’t let a lack of degree stop you from pursuing your dreams; there are many ways to become a successful photographer.

• Start by building a portfolio of your work. This will help you showcase your skills and attract new clients.
• Get involved in your local photography community. There are plenty of groups and forums where photographers can share tips and advice.
• Learn as much as you can about photography. The more knowledgeable you are, you’ll be better equipped to run your own business.
• Stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in photography. This will help you stay competitive and keep your clients coming back for more.

Salary

The average wage for new freelance photographers is around $18 an hour in 2022. This may not be as much as you would make if you had a degree in photography, but it’s more than many other freelance jobs pay. 

Remember that your salary may vary depending on your clients, experience, and skill level. Additionally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of equipment and software when calculating your potential income!

Music Teacher

Many moms out there want to work in the music field but don’t have a degree. Maybe they took some classes in college but never completed the degree. Or maybe they never went to college at all. Does this sound like you? If yes, music teaching is a great career for you. 

But what’s so great about being a music teacher? 

It’s a flexible job that allows you to set your own hours and work from home. You also get to teach something you love.

Requirements

Teaching music is not always an easy field to break into. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

• Start by looking into what degrees or certification programs are available in your area. Many school districts require their music teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in music education or a related field. Nonetheless, there may be some opportunities for teaching assistants or private tutors for those who do not have a degree.
• Get involved in your community by volunteering with local schools or churches that offer music programs.

Salary

Music teachers are paid well, but the amount they make can vary depending on their experience and education level. 

The average salary for a music teacher with a bachelor’s degree is $45,000 per year. However, if you are a mom with no degree, you may be able to find work as a music teacher earning an hourly wage of $20 or more.

Dog Walker

There are plenty of reasons to become a dog walker if you’re a mom with no degree. Flexible hours, a set income, and the ability to work from home are just some benefits. Perhaps most importantly, being a dog walker means there’s always work available. Dogs need walked every day, regardless of the weather or the economy.

It’s not as hard as it may seem to get started in this business. All you really need is some experience with dogs and a love for them. Many people also offer pet-sitting services, so if you have some experience in that area too, you’ll be set!

Requirements

Of course, there are a few things you should take into account before becoming a dog walker.

• Make sure you have some experience working with dogs; if you don’t have any experience, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter or taking an online pet care course.
• Be sure to check your local laws to see if dog walking is allowed in your area (some cities prohibit it).
• Invest in quality gear like sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a good dog leash and harness.

Salary

A dog walker typically earns an hourly wage, but this can vary depending on experience, location, and company size. Generally, a dog walker can earn anywhere from $10 to $15 per hour. 

Note that these are just averages; your salary as a dog walker may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation.

Nail Technician

Working as a nail technician can be a great career choice if you’re a mom with no degree. Nail technicians typically work part-time, so you can easily fit it into your schedule. And since most nail salons are open during the evening and on weekends, you can still take care of your kids during the day.

Another great thing about being a nail technician is that you don’t need a lot of training or experience to get started. Most nail salons will provide you with all the training you need to do basic manicures and pedicures. 

And if you’re naturally passionate about nails, this job is a great way to use your passion while making some extra money!

Requirements

There are a few different ways to become a nail technician if you don’t have a degree:

• One way is to do an apprenticeship with an experienced technician. During the apprenticeship, you will learn the basics of working with nails, including how to do a manicure and pedicure, apply artificial nails, and remove them.
• You can also take classes at a beauty school or online, which can teach you everything from creating French tips to giving a gel manicure.

Salary

Many nail technicians earn between $8 and $15 per hour, with the average being around $10 per hour. This may vary depending on the salon, your level of experience, and your geographical location. Additionally, many salons offer commission-based pay structures, so you could potentially make more money by meeting sales goals or bringing in new clients.

Ultimately, it is essential to research and ask around to determine the average salary for nail technicians in your area.

Personal Chef

Working mothers often have to make difficult choices when it comes to their careers. For many, finding a job that allows them to balance work and home life is a challenge. But what if you want to be a chef? Can you work as a chef if you are a mom with no degree?

The answer is yes. You can definitely work as a personal chef if you are a mom with no degree.

Personal chefs prepare meals for their clients in their own or the client’s homes. They typically charge by the hour, so this is a great option for someone who wants to make extra money without committing to a traditional job.

But here’s something really interesting – personal chefs typically do not have to pay for their own supplies (food and ingredients) as they are provided by the client.

Requirements

There are no specific requirements for becoming a personal chef. If you have experience in cooking and love to cook for others, you may be able to become a personal chef without any formal training.

Salary

Personal chefs can make a lot of money. Depending on their experience, the size of the event, and how many hours they work, personal chefs can make anywhere from $25 to $200 per hour. 

For moms with no degrees, working as a personal chef could be the best way to make a very comfortable living.

Final Thoughts

Society tells us that in order to have a successful career, we need a college degree. But if you don’t have one, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of mediocrity.

There are plenty of ways to make a good living without having a degree, such as becoming a freelance writer, virtual assistant, fitness instructor, or more.

The key is to be open to new possibilities and to never give up on your dreams. With the right attitude and some hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.