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Table of contents

What are high income skills?
20+ high income skills for the 2024 job market
Adding high-income skills to your resume
How to learn high-income skills
More skills resources
Key takeaways about high-income skills

In an era where job roles are constantly changing, high-income skills offer a path to both professional fulfillment and financial success.

These skills, often rooted in advanced knowledge and expertise, are highly sought after by employers. Understanding and developing these skills can enhance your career prospects and ensure long-term growth and stability.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

What makes a skill “high income.”
Top 20 high-income skills in today’s job market.
Adding skills to your resume.
How to learn high-income skills.
Other skills to add to your resume.

Let’s get the show on the road.

What are high income skills?

High-income skills are specialized abilities or proficiencies that command a high salary in the job market due to their demand and the value they provide to employers or clients.

For the purposes of this article, high-income skills are skills that will help you earn six figures in your career, positioning you for substantial financial success and professional growth.

To give you a bit more detail, here’s the criteria we used to put together our high-income skills list:

High demand across various industries.
Enable individuals to create substantial value for their organizations.
Often — but not always — require a high level of expertise.
Frequently transferable across industries.

Alright, without further ado, here are 20 high-income skills we often see on the resumes of top earners.

20+ high income skills for the 2024 job market

The time has come! Let’s walk through the top 20 high-income skills, plus a few others to consider pursuing. These are the skills you should learn if you want to make more money in 2024 and beyond.

1. Corporate law

Corporate law is a specialized field focusing on the legal aspects of business operations. It covers areas like mergers, acquisitions, governance and regulatory compliance.

Corporate lawyers help companies navigate regulations, mitigate risks and make informed decisions that impact profitability.

Corporate law is valuable across various sectors, including finance, technology, healthcare and manufacturing. As you can see, there are a lot of options for practicing this skill set.

2. Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Ever wondered how your phone recognizes your face or how Netflix knows what you’ll want to watch next? That’s AI and machine learning in action.

These cutting-edge technologies are reshaping industries left and right. From healthcare to finance, everyone’s jumping on the AI bandwagon. Why? Because it’s all about making smarter decisions faster.

Skills in AI and machine learning are in high demand. Both tech companies and traditional businesses are seeking experts in this field, making it a promising career path for those interested in technology and problem-solving.

Plus, it pays well. According to Coursera, AI engineers make over six figures even in more affordable places like Columbus, OH.

3. Blockchain development

Blockchain isn’t just about cryptocurrencies anymore. This technology is shaking things up in finance, supply chain and even healthcare.

With blockchain skills, you can build decentralized applications and smart contracts. It’s complex stuff, but that’s why it’s in demand.

With companies exploring blockchain for security and transparency, skilled developers are becoming hot property. If you enjoy coding and want to be at the forefront of tech, this could be your golden ticket.

4. Data science and analytics

In a world drowning in data, data scientists are the lifeguards. They turn raw information into actionable insights.

This field combines statistics, programming and business knowledge. You’ll be crunching numbers, spotting trends and helping businesses make smarter decisions.

From tech giants to small startups, everyone’s looking for data wizards. It’s a technical skill that’s not just lucrative, but also intellectually stimulating.

5. Product management

With product management skills, you can orchestrate the creation and launch of new products. Product management bridges the gap between design, engineering and marketing.

This skill set blends technical knowledge, business strategy and interpersonal abilities. It involves strategizing, prioritizing features and ensuring customer satisfaction.

With the accelerating pace of product development across industries, product management skills are in high demand. It’s a challenging field that offers significant rewards.

6. Cloud computing

Cloud computing skills power much of our digital infrastructure. They enable the apps we use daily and make data accessible from anywhere.

This skill set involves designing, implementing and managing cloud infrastructure. It requires continuous learning to keep pace with evolving technologies.

As businesses of all sizes migrate to the cloud, these skills are increasingly valuable. Cloud computing expertise is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving and staying current with tech trends.

7. Crisis management

Crisis management skills help organizations navigate challenging situations effectively. These abilities are crucial for handling unexpected events, from PR issues to global disruptions.

This skill set involves quick decision-making, clear communication and strategic damage control. It requires the ability to stay calm under pressure and think critically.

With the rapid spread of information through digital channels, crisis management skills are increasingly valuable. They’re well-suited for individuals who excel in high-pressure situations and enjoy problem-solving.

8. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity skills protect sensitive data and systems from evolving digital threats. This expertise is crucial in our interconnected world.

The field encompasses ethical hacking, developing robust security systems and staying ahead of cybercriminals. It requires constant learning and adaptation.

As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, organizations are prioritizing cybersecurity. These skills offer job stability, the satisfaction of safeguarding digital assets and a great deal of money.

9. Sales & negotiation

Sales and negotiation skills are foundational in the business world. They involve understanding customer needs, building relationships and crafting mutually beneficial agreements.

This skill set combines psychology, strategy and effective communication to create value for all parties involved. Every organization needs individuals who can drive revenue and close deals. Mastering these skills will easily increase your job opportunities and potentially lucrative compensation.

10. E-commerce strategy

E-commerce strategy skills involve optimizing online retail operations. This goes beyond setting up web stores to encompass digital marketing, user experience and logistics management.

These skills allow you to enhance every aspect of the online shopping journey. They involve data analysis, conversion optimization and customer retention strategies.

As retail increasingly shifts online, e-commerce strategy skills are highly valuable. Anyone interested in the intersection of technology and retail should take note.

11. Augmented and virtual reality

AR and VR skills enable the creation of immersive digital experiences. These technologies are finding applications beyond gaming, in fields like teaching and healthcare.

This skill set combines creativity, programming and an understanding of human-computer interaction. It involves designing and developing experiences that blend digital and physical realities.

As AR and VR applications expand, so does the demand for these skills. They’re well-suited for individuals who want to shape innovative, interactive experiences.

12. Technical writing

Technical writing is a type of writing skill that transforms complex information into clear, accessible content. This ability bridges the gap between technical experts and end-users.

These skills involve distilling complicated concepts into user-friendly documentation. From software manuals to scientific papers, technical writing makes intricate ideas comprehensible.

As technology becomes more sophisticated, the value of effective technical communication increases. These skills are ideal for those who excel at explaining complex topics and have an affinity for technology.

13. Project management

Project management skills ensure efficient execution of business initiatives. They involve overseeing tasks from inception to completion and adhering to timelines and budgets.

This skill set encompasses planning, coordination and problem-solving. It requires the ability to unite diverse teams and drive projects to successful outcomes.

Organizations consistently seek ways to enhance efficiency, making project management skills highly valuable. These abilities suit individuals who are organized, enjoy collaboration and find satisfaction in bringing plans to fruition.

14. Web development

Web development skills power the digital landscape, creating the websites and applications used daily. These abilities shape the online experiences of millions.

This diverse skill set ranges from designing intuitive user interfaces to programming robust back-end systems. It combines creative design with technical abilities.

As businesses expand their digital presence, the demand for web development expertise continues to grow. These skills are well-suited for those who enjoy coding, solving problems and seeing their creations come to life online.

15. SEO/SEM marketing

SEO and SEM skills enhance online visibility for businesses. They involve optimizing web content and managing digital advertising to improve search engine rankings.

This skill set blends technical knowledge with creative marketing strategies. It requires data analysis, trend awareness and the ability to adapt to evolving algorithms.

As online presence becomes crucial for businesses, SEO and SEM skills are increasingly valuable. They’re ideal for individuals who enjoy analyzing data, keeping up with digital trends and developing strategies to increase online traffic.

16. Advanced statistical analysis

Advanced statistical analysis is like speaking the secret language of data. This skill lets you uncover patterns and insights in vast seas of information.

Mastering complex mathematical models allows you to solve real-world problems across diverse fields. From predicting market trends to analyzing clinical trials, these skills have wide-ranging impacts.

As businesses become more data-driven, the ability to perform advanced statistical analysis is increasingly valuable. It’s perfect for those who love working with numbers and want to make a tangible impact.

17. Mobile app development

Mobile app development skills put the power of creation at your fingertips. You can build the apps that wake people up, keep them fit, entertain them and connect them with others.

This skill set blends creativity with technical know-how, allowing you to bring ideas to life on the small screen. With millions of apps and billions of users, mobile app development skills are in high demand. It’s ideal for those who enjoy coding and want to create tools people use every day.

18. Environmental engineering

Environmental engineering skills equip you to be a champion for our planet. These abilities let you tackle everything from pollution control to sustainable resource management.

This skill set combines engineering principles with environmental science to solve ecological challenges. It’s about creating practical solutions for a greener future.

As climate change concerns grow, environmental engineering skills are increasingly sought after. They’re perfect for those wanting a career that’s both technically challenging and environmentally impactful.

19. Health informatics

Health informatics skills bridge the gap between healthcare and technology. They allow you to revolutionize patient care through data management and analysis.

This skill set involves managing and analyzing health information to improve medical outcomes. It’s a unique blend of healthcare knowledge and tech savviness.

With the healthcare industry increasingly relying on data, health informatics skills are highly valued. They’re ideal for those passionate about both health and technology.

20. Game development

Game development skills allow you to architect virtual worlds and craft experiences that captivate millions. This isn’t just about coding — it involves storytelling, art design and understanding player psychology.

From mobile puzzles to immersive VR experiences, these skills open up endless creative possibilities. They combine technical prowess with artistic vision.

With the gaming industry booming, game development skills are always in demand. They’re perfect for creative problem-solvers who want to entertain and engage people in new ways.

More high income skills

If you’re looking for more skills related to your industry, consider using a resume builder. Enter your job title and get a list of skills you can add to your resume in one click.

Before we share advice on building a resume, here are a few more high-income skills:

Renewable energy technologies
Digital marketing
UX/UI design
Supply chain management
Robotics
Software development and programming
IT support and administration
Financial analysis
Video production and editing
Copywriting
Graphic design

Next, we’ll show you how to learn these skills so you can start making more money.

Adding high-income skills to your resume

Do you know what makes your skills even more impressive? Representing them well on your resume. High-income skills, in particular, make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Here’s how you can add high-income skills to your resume.

Step 1

Professional summary

Start with a strong summary statement that highlights your most relevant skills.

This section should be a concise snapshot of your expertise and achievements, capturing the attention of hiring managers. For example:

Dynamic data scientist with over five years of experience in data analysis and machine learning. Proven track record of leveraging data-driven insights to drive strategic decisions and improve operational efficiency.

Tailor this summary to reflect the high-income skills most relevant to the job you are applying for to make sure it aligns with the job description.

Step 2

Work experience

Detail your skills in the context of your work history, showing how you applied them in real-world scenarios.

Include specific achievements and quantify your results to demonstrate your impact. For example:

Lead Data Analyst, XYZ Corporation (2018 – Present)

Utilized advanced statistical techniques to analyze large datasets, resulting in a 20% increase in operational efficiency
Developed machine learning models to predict customer behavior, contributing to a 15% increase in sales.

This approach not only highlights your high-income skills but also provides concrete evidence of your accomplishments.

Step 3

Education

Highlight any skills gained through formal education, certifications or training programs.

Mention relevant coursework, projects, and academic achievements that demonstrate your proficiency in high-income skills. For example:

Master of Science in Data Science, University of ABC (2016 – 2018)

Relevant coursework: machine learning, big data analytics, statistical analysis.

Additionally, include any certifications such as PMP, AWS or Google Analytics that showcase your expertise and commitment to continuous learning.

Step 4

Skills section

Create a dedicated skills section to list your skills for easy visibility.

This section should include both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the job. For example:

Skills

Data analysis
Machine learning
Project management
Cybersecurity
Advanced Excel
Strategic planning

Use bullet points to make this section clear and easy to read.

By the way, if you find it challenging to format your resume effectively, consider using a resume builder.

These tools offer resume templates and guidance to ensure your resume looks professional and includes all necessary sections to highlight your high-income skills.

How to learn high-income skills

You can’t learn a high-income skill overnight or in a week. But six months? Maybe!

From pursuing certifications to taking an online course to attending a boot camp, here are the most effective ways to acquire the types of lucrative skills that’ll make employers fight over you.

Take online courses

Taking online courses is a flexible and effective way to build high-income skills. Every year, tens of millions of people learn new skills via online courses.

Here are some of the benefits of this method:

Flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Access to high-quality education from top universities and industry experts.
Often more affordable than traditional in-person courses.
Diverse learning materials include video lectures, readings, quizzes and hands-on projects.

The time required to build up a skill through online courses can vary depending on several factors such as the complexity of the skill, the depth of the course and the learner’s prior experience.

Let’s take data science as an example. The Udemy Complete Data Science Bootcamp includes around 31 hours of on-demand video, touching on everything from Python to machine learning. Meanwhile, on Coursera, you will find a Data Science Specialization from Johns Hopkins University that takes about 11 months to complete, at a pace of four hours per week.

Next, let’s talk about in-person skill boot camps.

Attend a boot camp

Attending a boot camp can be a transformative experience, equipping you with the necessary skills to enter high-demand fields. While the difficulty is more intense than some of the other methods, boot camps tend to take place in a compressed time period and can quickly turn you into an expert.

Here are a few benefits to learning skills via a boot camp:

An intensive learning experience gives you a chance to gain significant skills in a short period.
Hands-on training helps you apply what you’ve learned immediately in real-world scenarios.
An industry-relevant curriculum that often reflects current job market demands.
Networking opportunities help you connect with peers, instructors and industry professionals.

Boot camps are particularly suited for tech skills such as software development, data science, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, product management and digital marketing.

Boot camps vary in their intensity and duration. Here are three popular boot camps that illustrate this point:

General Assembly (software development, data science, digital marketing)
- Duration: 12 weeks full-time, 24 weeks part-time.
- Description: Offers comprehensive boot camps with hands-on projects and career support.
Flatiron School (software development, data science, cybersecurity)
- Duration: 15 weeks full-time, 40 weeks part-time.
- Description: Known for its immersive programs and strong career services.
Springboard (data science, cybersecurity, digital marketing)
- Duration: Six to nine months self-paced, 15 weeks full-time, 40 weeks part-time.
- Description: Offers mentor-guided learning with a focus on real-world projects and job guarantees.

When deciding if a boot camp is the right path for you, consider your learning style, career goals and financial situation.

Earn a certification

Earning a certification can be a strategic move to improve your career prospects. This method can be quite involved, but the results speak for themselves.

Here are a few reasons certifications may be a good choice for you:

Formal recognition of your expertise in a particular field makes you more appealing to employers.
Increased job opportunities for roles that require specific credentials.
Higher earning potential because employers value certified professionals and are willing to pay a premium for their expertise.
Move up the career ladder more quickly by showcasing your commitment to professional development.

Here are a few certifications associated with high incomes:

Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Description: Recognized globally, PMP certifies competence in leading and directing projects.
- Duration: Requires 35 hours of project management education and passing a four-hour exam.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Description: Validates expertise in designing, implementing and managing cybersecurity programs.
- Duration: Requires five years of work experience and passing a six-hour exam.
Data Science Certification from DataCamp
- Description: Comprehensive certification covering data manipulation, statistical analysis and machine learning.
- Duration: Self-paced; typically completed in six to 12 months.

By investing in certification programs, you demonstrate a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in your field.

Seek mentorship

Seeking mentorship is a good move for your professional growth, giving you a chance to develop new skills and achieve your career goals with the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable professionals.

Here are a few reasons we recommend this method:

Personalized guidance based on your specific goals and needs helps you navigate your career path more effectively.
Accountability and motivation via regular check-ins with a mentor keep you true to your progress and goals.
Learn valuable lessons that you can apply to your own professional journey.
Networking opportunities introduce you to key contacts and open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Here are a few ways to find a good mentor:

Professional networks like LinkedIn allow you to reach out to experienced professionals in your network and join groups that offer mentorship.
Formal mentorship programs are offered by companies, universities and professional organizations. For example, American Corporate Partners has a mentorship program for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
Online mentorship platforms like MentorCruise and GrowthMentor help you sign up and connect with mentors who match your career goals and needs.

One last note — finding the right mentor can make a significant difference in your career trajectory, even if it doesn’t immediately increase your income.

More skills resources

Interested in more skill-boosting insights? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got the roadmap to help you navigate your skill development journey.

Key takeaways about high-income skills

Tech skills dominate

Many of the highest-paying skills are in the tech sector, including AI, blockchain and cybersecurity.
Online learning makes skill acquisition accessible

With numerous online courses and boot camps available, acquiring high-income skills is more accessible than ever.
Versatility pays off

Many high-income skills, such as data analysis and project management, are applicable across multiple industries.
Continuous learning is key

The job market is constantly evolving, and staying relevant means continuously updating your skills.
Investmenting in skill development pays off

While acquiring these skills may require time and resources, the potential return on investment in terms of increased earning power can be substantial.

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.