Having high income skills can dramatically transform a professional’s life, offering pathways to financial stability and career satisfaction that might otherwise be inaccessible. Acquiring these skills can help job seekers negotiate for higher wages and achieve more flexible work arrangements. High-income skills not only pave the way for more money, but acquiring new skills can also mean more job satisfaction, more professional development, and more opportunities to build a robust network. We hear you: what can’t high income skills do?
In this guide, we’ll explore the following:
- The 10 best high income skills for 2024
- How to select the right high income skills for you
- The best strategies to help you navigate a new career transition
Let’s get started!
The 10 best high-income skills to help you earn more money this year
1. Digital or social media marketing
High income skills such as content creation, social media management, and digital marketing are highly valued and can earn professionals specialising in these skills some pretty impressive salaries.
These skills are often suitable for freelance or contract work, making them an excellent fit for aspiring digital nomads or those aiming to launch their own creative agencies. If the thought of working while exploring new places excites you, this career path could be your ticket to a more adventurous lifestyle!
You could begin by improving your personal social media platforms or by offering to assist local small business owners in enhancing their online visibility at a discounted rate. This experience can serve as a launching pad for your digital marketing career. Now imagine enjoying a slice of pizza in Rome as you click 'Post'!
Earning Potential: $60,000 - $75,000 per year, depending on experience and expertise. It’s best to build your portfolio so you have examples to show potential clients. More clients, more moola!
2. Scheduling and administrative skills
While it’s widely known that executives can earn impressive salaries, did you know that their administrative assistants can also achieve impressive incomes as well? If you have a talent for organisation and performing administrative duties, you’re already equipped with key skills for an executive assistant position.
This role demands a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. For those preferring a more relaxed administrative role, virtual assistance is an option, which allows you to support clients remotely with various organisational tasks.
Additionally, becoming a professional scheduler can also be a high income skill. It typically involves a few weeks of training in project management software such as Primavera, and it can lead to well-paid positions in project management.
Earning Potential: $58,000 - $74,000, depending on skill level and experience.
3. Driving skills
The transportation sector has a variety of in-demand skills, one of the most notable and financially rewarding being truck driving. To become a truck driver in New Zealand, you’ll need to obtain a Class 5 driver’s licence, a process that can take several months.
However, while truck driving can involve extensive hours, there are also plenty of short-haul opportunities that enable drivers to return home daily. If trucking doesn't appeal to you, you might consider training as a taxi driver or air traffic controller. Both roles offer the potential to earn a substantial income, even with limited academic qualifications.
Earning Potential: $51,000 - $68,000 on average. Delivery trivers typically get paid the highest salaries, followed by bus drivers and truck drivers.
According to the New Zealand Transport Authority, the normal waiting period between obtaining a learner licence and a Class 5 licence can be shortened by enrolling in an approved course. Be sure to check out the official NZQA website for more information.
4. Massage therapy
Around the world, the demand for massage therapists is on the rise, as more healthcare practitioners and patients recognise the therapeutic benefits of a high-quality massage. To become a licensed massage therapist in New Zealand, you'll need to enroll in a recognised massage therapy program and gain practical experience. Additionally, massage therapists can choose to specialise in different techniques or methods, enabling them to cultivate a dedicated clientele based on these specific skills.
Earning Potential: $50,000 - $67,000, depending on experience.
5. Dog grooming
If you love animals but veterinary medicine isn't your calling, dog grooming might be the high income skill for you! Building up a client base might require some time and patience, but once you’re an established dog groomer, loyal pet patrons and referrals can help your business thrive. Impressively, you can even acquire the necessary grooming skills through online courses in just a few months. Alternatively, if dog grooming doesn't quite suit your interests, pet sitting and dog walking are other profitable options, particularly in urban areas where demand for such services is high. These roles provide not just good income but also the joy of working with animals. Winning!
Earning Potential: $47,000 - $80,000, depending on your client list and the services you offer.
6. Skilled trades
Construction has a reputation for being physically demanding, however not all trades require backbreaking work to achieve financial stabilty. Electricians in New Zealand can often complete their education in 3-4 years. You could also explore specialised construction skills, such as tile setting or carpentry. For individuals not interested in pursuing a traditional four-year degree, vocational schools, such as Toi Ohomai and Wintec present an excellent pathway to acquire specialised trades skills.
Earning Potential: $47,000 - $58,000. Some of the highest paying trades include plumbing, builders, carpenters, concreters and HVAC technicians.
In a recent EWRB Report, it was revealed that there were over 32,500 licensed electricians in New Zealand. Now that’s a lot of experts keeping all the lights on!
7. Data analysis
For those with an analytical mindset, self-education can pave the way to a rewarding career in data analysis. You could focus on learning programming languages, such as Python, along with data visualisatkon tools like Tableau and data extraction with SQL. Having a background in statistics or mathematics can help, too! Fortunately, the majority of the foundational knowledge you need is accessible online. Mastering these in-demand skills can be a multi-year journey; however, once you've got the fundamentals down, you can secure an entry-level position that will allow you to earn while you continue to refine your expertise.
Earning Potential: $72,000 - $85,000 on average. Experienced data analysts can even earn over $100,000.
8. Writing, graphic design, photography or videography
If you possess a talent for writing, or a keen eye for visual artistry, these high-income skills can help earn you a significant amount of money. Most creative professionals dictate their own schedules, allowing them the freedom to pursue these passions alongside a full-time role if necessary. Specialised services like wedding photography, graphic design and videography, for instance, are particularly profitable ventures that can be reserved for weekends. Building a client base may take time and dedication, but with time, effort and skill, a creative career path can change both your life and your income.
Earning Potential: $60,000 - $85,000 on average, depending on experience. For professionals in creative roles with more experience, pay can get more than $80,000 per year.
9. E-commerce management
In today's digital marketplace, skills in e-commerce management are in high demand. Careers in e-commerce encompass a range of roles, from overseeing operations to providing customer service, to executing marketing strategies and managing advertisements. These high-income skills can be acquired through online learning platforms and not necessarily requiring a tertiary degree. For this reason, e-commerce is a promising industry for professional growth this year. Once you’re confident with your knowledge, you can begin by offering your services to local small business owners and build your portfolio.
Earning Potential: $85,000 - $100,000 on average. Experienced E-Commerce specialists can earn more than than $100,000.
10. Online tutoring
Many families are ready to invest significant resources into tutoring services that can help their children get accepted into prestigious universities. Getting started requires a solid understanding of the New Zealand education system, particularly in subjects like English and Maths, where students often need extra support. If you excel in areas such as NCEA level English, leverage your strengths by offering specialised tutoring with the skills you already possess.
Earning Potential: $60,000 - $70,000, depending on the experience of the tutor.
As detailed in a recent NZQA report, over 160,000 students study towards their NCEA exams every year. That’s a lot of students that could use the help of a great online tutor!
How to choose a high-income skill
Choosing a skill that genuinely captivates your interest is not just preference; it's a cornerstone of long-term success. An authentic interest in your skill will also see you through challenging periods, maintaining motivation when the initial excitement of a new venture might wane.
To help you choose a high-income skill, we recommend the following:
- Reflect on aspects you enjoyed most in previous roles, and those you'd prefer not to revisit
- Identify your defining characteristics, values and passions
- Consider core values you consider essential in a workplace or organisation – this can help you envision your optimal working environment.
- Assess your preferred level of social interaction within your professional setting
- Define what your ideal work-life balance looks like
Figuring out the answers to these questions will help you cross off skills that don't fit what you want in your career. If you can't decide on one skill that's perfect for you, narrow your choices down to two or three. Then, look closely at each of these options to see which one really fits your career goals and how you like to work. This step is key to picking the right skill for your future job.
To deepen your understanding, you could:
- Network with seasoned professionals to learn about their career paths and the benefits and challenges they face in their roles. If the people you know can't help you make connections in your field, reach out to acquaintances who might be able to introduce you to the right people.
- Join online communities to engage with others—look to local LinkedIn discussions, Facebook groups, or open conversations on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed to exchange insights and experiences.
- Make sure you understand any official requirements or certifications needed for the skill you want to develop. Some skills may require a special licence or proven expertise, so it's important to know what you need to qualify for jobs in that area.
How to make a successful career change and earn more money:
Embracing a fresh skill set can help boost your income significantly. When learning any skill, it’s important to do your own research, and consider how a career change could change your life.
Here are some other factors to consider:
- Shifting careers without savings or a stable financial plan can be challenging. can get tricky, especially if you're diving into learning a new trade and scouting for chances. Can't chuck in the day job just yet? Suss out skills that are flexible enough to learn on the side like digital marketing, online selling, data wrangling, or snappin’ and filming.
- It's important to take your current lifestyle into consideration. While high-earning skills are attractive, they may not align with your ideal lifestyle. It’s crucial to assess what kind of work-life balance is important to you and to choose skills that fit within that framework. Be honest with yourself about the lifestyle you desire and pursue skills that will complement it, rather than disrupt it.
- Generally speaking, the time it takes to learn new skills varies. For instance, investing extensive hours in an industry like massage therapy only to find it unsuitable for you can be disheartening. Before embarking on the journey to acquire a new skill, carefully consider the time needed to become proficient. Ensure that the area of expertise you choose is one you can envision enjoying long-term.
- Engaging in work that excites you can fuel your enthusiasm and dedication. As you learn new skills, prioritise what truly inspires you and matches your interests. This passion is what will motivate you to excel and find satisfaction in your professional life each day.
- While some skills are universally in demand, others may be more specialised and dependent on regional job markets. Consider if the new skill you want to acquire is in demand in your area or if you're open to relocating. Be mindful that an oversaturated market or insufficient demand can hinder opportunities, so always be sure to do your research.
Deciding to change careers is a courageous decision that, with strategic planning and a bit of determination, can lead to a rewarding new chapter in your professional life.
Key takeaways
- Learning a new skill is one of the best ways to earn more money this year
- There's a wide array of skills you can learn on your own or through courses
- Investing in your growth is important—don't be afraid to take a chance on yourself
- Remember to think carefully about the benefits and disadvantages of each skill and the work-life balance it offers as it relates to your current lifestyle
- Choose to learn a skill that plays to your strengths and interests
If you're a Kiwi professional looking to step up your career game, cvapp.nz has got you covered. We're all about giving you the best career tips and tricks with our in-depth guides and professional advice. And hey, our online CV builder? It's a breeze to use. You'll be whipping up polished, professional CVs in no time!
