Boost Your Income: Top Skills to Learn in 2025

17 High-Income Skills You Need to Know in 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Mastering specific hard and soft skills can greatly improve your potential earnings.
• While some high-income skills require formal education and degrees, others can be developed through online courses, bootcamps, and certifications.
• Minova's AI Resume Builder can help you highlight these high-paying skills on your resume, grabbing the attention of recruiters at desirable companies.

While job satisfaction is important, earning a living is a primary reason for working. Although personal and professional fulfillment are desired outcomes from a career, financial stability is also essential.

However, a large percentage of workers report dissatisfaction with their current pay. While requesting a salary increase is one way to boost income, exploring and acquiring high-income skills presents another avenue for career advancement, increased market value, and enhanced earning potential.

So, which sought-after skills are worth pursuing? This guide explores high-income skills, related job titles, typical salaries, and the necessary education for relevant positions.

What are High-Income Skills?

High-income skills are abilities and expertise that enable individuals to earn a substantial income, typically in high-demand and high-value career paths. These skills are a combination of relevant hard, soft, transferable, and industry-specific knowledge.

Many high-income skills and careers require significant training, education, and experience. However, the investment can be worthwhile. Individuals who dedicate time and energy to learning these skills can benefit from lucrative job opportunities, increased job security, and improved financial stability.

While many high-paying careers still require formal education (e.g., doctor, lawyer, engineer), the digital landscape has made high-income skills more accessible. Online courses, certifications, and other resources make it easier than ever to acquire valuable skills and secure well-paying jobs.

Examples of High-Income Skills to Learn

Which skills are worth investigating? This list includes a mix of technical and soft skills that command higher pay.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in the U.S. in Q4 of 2023 was $59,384. To be considered a "high-income skill," the core skills listed here have a median salary above that average. However, compensation varies depending on experience, location, industry, employer size, and other factors.

Here's an in-depth look at some of the most in-demand, high-paying skills, their typical salaries, and how you can develop them to advance your career and earnings.

1. Software Development

Software developers have seen rapid growth, with a significant increase in demand over the past decade. Despite concerns about AI displacing developers, demand remains strong. A recent BLS report projects substantial growth for this career path, significantly higher than the average.

Software engineers focus on web and mobile app development, designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software architecture, programs, and applications. They need proficiency in programming languages, problem-solving, and development tools and frameworks.

Related job titles: Software developer Software engineer Programmer Web developer Mobile app developer Front-end developer Back-end developer Full-stack developer

Typical Pay: The pay range for a software developer typically falls between $54,000 and $119,000, with a median salary of $78,268.

Education: A bachelor's degree is usually required for software engineering or development positions, with many developers holding this type of degree. However, as skills-based hiring becomes more common, alternative education options like coding bootcamps and online courses can also lead to these roles.

2. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing involves creating marketing materials to promote products, services, or brands through digital channels. This includes social media marketing, search engine optimization, content creation, and other specialized skills used to understand consumer behavior, reach target audiences, and create effective marketing campaigns.

The job growth outlook for digital marketing professionals is better than average, suggesting continued growth in demand and pay.

Related job titles: Digital marketing manager Digital marketing specialist Digital marketing coordinator Social media manager Marketing analyst

Typical Pay: A digital marketing manager typically earns between $48,000 and $113,000, with a median salary of $74,411.

Education: Many marketing professionals have a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, advertising, communication, psychology, or a related field. However, job postings are increasingly focusing on skills rather than formal education.

3. Sales

Sales and negotiation skills rely on communication, interpersonal abilities, and emotional intelligence to effectively persuade and influence others. These are valuable high-income skills applicable to various careers, from sales to legal to human resources.

Sales manager roles are growing steadily, and with many companies planning to increase sales investments, individuals with these skills will be well-positioned in the job market.

Related job titles: Sales representative Account executive Business development manager Sales manager Account manager

Typical Pay: A sales manager typically earns between $35,000 and $132,000, with a median salary of $70,139. Many sales professionals also earn commissions on top of their base pay.

Education: Depending on the sales position, some professionals have a college degree, while others have a high school diploma and relevant experience. Developing sales and negotiation skills is crucial.

4. Data Analysis and Interpretation

Data analysis and data science skills enable organizations to make data-driven decisions. This includes data collection, visualization, and storage to ensure decision-makers have current and accurate information.

The field of data science is growing faster than average, and data analysis consistently appears on lists of fastest-growing and most in-demand skills.

Related job titles: Data analyst Business analyst Data scientist Data engineer Business intelligence analyst Data architect

Typical Pay: Data analysts typically earn between $45,000 and $94,000, with a median salary of $67,349.

Education: A bachelor's degree is the most common educational requirement for data or business analysts, with the majority holding this type of degree.

5. Financial Planning and Analysis

Financial understanding is crucial for strategic business planning. Companies rely on individuals with strong math and analytical skills to make sound financial decisions.

Employment in business and financial operations is expected to grow faster than average, making careers in this field highly valued.

Related job titles: Financial analyst Financial reporting analyst Budget analyst Financial consultant Finance manager Cost analyst

Typical Pay: Financial analysts typically earn between $50,000 and $92,000, with a median salary of $67,009.

Education: Most financial analysts have a bachelor's degree. Depending on the chosen path, professional certifications like CFP, CFA, or CPA may also be required.

6. Project Management

Project managers plan, execute, and oversee company projects to ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Nearly every organization needs project managers, making this occupation grow at an above-average rate.

Project management also builds valuable transferable skills applicable to other career paths, such as management, organization, and communication skills.

Related job titles: Project manager Project management specialist Program manager Project coordinator Project director

Typical Pay: Project managers typically earn between $51,000 and $125,000, with a median salary of $79,900.

Education: Many project managers have a bachelor's degree. However, it is possible to succeed in this field with an associate degree or high school diploma, especially with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar designation.

7. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity analysts protect a company's computer systems and networks by implementing and managing security measures to defend against cyber threats, maintaining network security to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

As company operations move online, the demand for this expertise is growing rapidly, leading to increased job security and high earnings.

Related job titles: Cybersecurity analyst Information security analyst Network security engineer Security architect

Typical Pay: The pay range is typically between $53,000 and $124,000 with a median salary of $81,316.

Education: Most cybersecurity or information security analysts need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.

8. UX or UI Design

User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers focus on ensuring a product is easy and enjoyable to use by focusing on user needs and experience, creating the visual and interactive aspects while ensuring they look good and function well.

This career field is experiencing stable growth, making it a good option for those who enjoy research, design, and collaboration.

Related job titles: UX designer UI designer User experience researcher Interaction designer Product designer Usability analyst

Typical Pay: UX designers typically earn between $54,000 and $119,000 with a median salary of $79,024.

Education: While some UX designers have bachelor's degrees, it is not a firm requirement. Work experience and core skills are more important than formal education.

9. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has become a common topic, and this growth is expected to continue, making AI jobs like machine learning engineer more in-demand.

Working in AI involves using computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language (natural language processing), making predictions based on data (predictive analytics), and learning from examples (neural networks).

Related job titles: AI engineer Machine learning engineer AI research scientist Deep learning engineer AI solutions architect

Typical Pay: Machine learning engineers with AI skills typically earn between $80,000 and $189,000, with a median salary of $126,606.

Education: Many AI specialists have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like computer science, mathematics, or engineering. As AI grows, more informal education opportunities are likely to become available.

10. Investment Management

Investment management skills involve managing and growing clients' or company's assets, such as stocks, bonds, and other securities. This includes researching investment opportunities, analyzing financial data, and making informed decisions to maximize returns, manage risk, and help companies meet their financial goals.

Job opportunities for investment or financial managers are growing much faster than average.

Related job titles: Investment manager Portfolio manager Financial analyst Investment advisor Wealth manager Asset manager

Typical Pay: Investment managers typically earn between $75,000 and $231,000, with a median salary of $122,403.

Education: Investment managers often have undergraduate degrees in business, finance, mathematics, accounting, or related fields. Many also pursue an MBA or other professional certifications.

11. Copywriting and Content Creation

Despite discussions about generative AI replacing writers, job opportunities in writing and content creation are still growing at an average pace.

Copywriters and content specialists write compelling material to engage and persuade audiences for various mediums, including websites, blogs, social media, advertisements, and other marketing resources.

Related job titles: Copywriter Content writer Content creator Marketing writer Creative writer Brand copywriter Content strategist Communications specialist

Typical Pay: Copywriters typically earn between $39,000 and $86,000, with a median salary of $58,759. Many either choose self-employment or quickly advance to management positions, increasing their earnings. A content marketing manager, for example, typically earns between $50,000 and $112,000, with a median salary of $75,061.

Education: Some copywriters have a college degree in marketing, communications, or English, but it is not a firm requirement. Work samples and experience are more important than degree type.

12. Web Development

Companies need websites, making web development skills highly in demand. Organizations hire web developers in-house, but many choose self-employment, working with various clients.

Web development involves building and maintaining websites by writing code, designing layouts, and ensuring the site is functional across devices and browsers. It requires technical skills and soft skills for communication and collaboration.

Related job titles: Web developer Front-end developer Back-end developer Full-stack developer

Typical Pay: Web developers typically earn between $41,000 and $97,000, with a median salary of $64,673.

Education: While some job postings ask for an associate's or bachelor's degree, it is not required, especially with many coding bootcamps, courses, and online resources available.

13. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has exploded in popularity. In fact, LinkedIn named cloud computing as one of the fastest-growing jobs in the tech industry.

Cloud computing skills involve managing and accessing computer resources, such as servers, storage, and databases, over the internet instead of on local hardware, allowing organizations to scan, store, process, and analyze data remotely, often using platforms like Google Cloud.

Related job titles: Cloud support engineer Cloud architect Cloud solutions architect Cloud administrator Cloud developer

Typical Pay: Cloud engineers typically earn between $55,000 and $129,000 with a median salary of $91,409.

Education: Most cloud engineers need at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to information technology, such as computer science or engineering.

14. Blockchain

Blockchain involves managing and securing digital transactions and records using decentralized and immutable technology, making these transactions secure and hard to change. Blockchain professionals develop and maintain blockchain networks, create smart contracts, and ensure data integrity and security.

Related job titles: Blockchain developer Blockchain engineer Blockchain architect Blockchain analyst Blockchain consultant

Typical Pay: Salary information for this role is harder to find as it is relatively new. However, some data reports that the average salary for a blockchain developer is substantial, proving it is a lucrative career path.

Education: Many blockchain developers hold degrees in computer science, information technology, or software engineering. However, the educational backgrounds of blockchain developers are varied, and the field is becoming more open to people with interdisciplinary skills.

High-Income Skills Without Degree Requirements

While there are always exceptions, making a career out of most of the above skills likely requires formal education. However, not all high-paying skills require going back to school.

Here is a quick look at three highly valued high-income skills without degree requirements, which also means they have slightly lower pay than most of the skills above, but require less investment in education. As you progress in any of these skills, you can continue to earn more.

15. Coding or Programming

Average Salary: $70,278

Coding and programming include more specific skills like software development, data science, and UI/UX design. While some coding jobs require a computer science degree, coding bootcamps and other educational opportunities are gaining credibility.

16. Graphic Design

Average Salary: $50,995

Graphic designers create visual concepts for advertisements, logos, brochures, websites, and more. A degree can be helpful, but a portfolio showcasing design skills is more important.

17. Search Engine Optimization

Average Salary: $52,601

SEO skills remain in demand as search engines adapt their algorithms. SEO professionals conduct keyword research and develop strategies to help companies rank well on search engine results pages. While a degree can offer foundational knowledge, online courses, videos, tutorials, and other resources can equip you with the necessary skills.

High-Paying Skills to Learn

When choosing a career path or developing skills, it is best to choose skills that will remain in demand.

Many of the skills listed above have experienced steady growth that is likely to continue. The following skills have the best opportunity for high demand in the coming years.

Trending High-Income Skills in 2024:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning (including prompt engineering)
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing

Trending High-Income Skills for 2025:

• Data analysis and business intelligence
• Sustainability and ESG expertise
• Product management

Soft skills like leadership, organization, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability will always be in demand. They are a necessary complement to technical knowledge and expertise.

How to List High-Income Skills on Your Resume

Your resume skills section is where you showcase your skills to land a job interview and a high-paying role.

Minova offers resume templates to showcase your skills in various ways.

It's easy to save skills, add new ones, and select the best skills for each job application. Matching your skills with a job description is also simple.

Ready to create your own standout resume and skills section?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which skill has the highest salary?

There isn’t one specific skill with the highest salary, as compensation varies based on experience level, industry, location, and numerous other factors. Certain hard skills like data analysis, machine learning, and software development command a high salary but so do many interpersonal skills and competencies like effective communication and strong leadership skills.

What is the highest-paying IT skill?

Some of the highest-paying IT skills include generative AI, deep learning, and computer vision.

What skills earn the most money?

It depends. From project management skills and sales to coding and cybersecurity, there are a variety of skills that can lead to high earning potential. Ultimately, the skills that will command the most money are the ones that are most in demand in the current job market—and that level of demand can change regularly.