Developing high income skills is one of the smartest career moves you can make. The challenge is knowing which skills are worth your time and effort.
The job market changes rapidly, and skills that are in-demand today might not be as valuable in a year (or tomorrow?). This guide focuses on skills that show strong potential for both immediate and long-term value.
Each skill on this list offers significant earning potential and appears poised for continued growth in the coming years. We’ll explore not just what these skills are, but how to develop them and which personality types tend to excel in each area.
Note: All salaries quoted in this article are based on averages from Glassdoor for 2024 – 2025.
1. Sales
Every business needs people who can connect with customers and close deals. Sales skills remain valuable regardless of economic conditions or technological changes, making it one of the most reliable paths to high income potential. Modern sales roles combine relationship building with data analysis and strategic thinking, so it’s wise to pair old-fashioned sales skills with technical abilities.
Roles and salary expectations
Sales skills open doors across nearly every industry, from technology and software to real estate and pharmaceuticals. Many professionals start as sales development representatives (SDRs), earning $63 – $104k plus commission opportunities. With experience, SDRs can advance to account executive positions, where salaries increase to $115k – $209k plus commission. Top performers often move into enterprise sales manager roles, where total compensation can reach well over $300k. For those interested in the strategic side of sales, sales operations manager positions typically offer $96k – $166k annual salaries.
Ideal for people who…
- Excel at building relationships and trust
- Think strategically about solving problems
- Handle rejection well and stay persistent
- Enjoy working toward concrete goals
- Are comfortable with data and CRM systems
- Communicate clearly and persuasively
- Like a mix of independent and collaborative work
How to get this skill
While a college degree isn’t required for many sales positions, formal education in business or marketing can be helpful. There are also entry-level sales positions that have high-earning potential, like those offered at Vector Marketing.
Beyond school and on-the-job training, you can increase your sales value by:
- Taking sales training courses or bootcamps
- Learning popular CRM platforms like Salesforce
- Finding a mentor in your desired industry
- Practicing communication and negotiation skills
- Starting with inside sales roles to build a foundation
We have lots of resources to help you grow your sales skills right here as well:
2. Data Science/Analytics
Data scientists transform raw information into actionable insights that drive business decisions. As companies collect more data than ever before, the ability to analyze and interpret this information becomes increasingly valuable. This skill combines statistical analysis, programming, and business acumen to solve complex problems.
Roles and salary expectations
Data professionals work across industries, from tech and finance to healthcare and retail. Entry-level data analysts typically start at $88k, which is nothing to sniff at for a starting role. If you invest in this high income skill, you could become a data scientist and earn between $128K – $207K, working on more complex predictive models and machine learning applications. Senior data scientists can earn between $196K – $302K, while chief data officers can make a whopping $279K – $507K per year. Many companies also offer performance bonuses based on project success and impact.
Ideal for people who…
- Love solving complex problems with data
- Have strong mathematical and statistical abilities
- Enjoy learning new programming languages and tools
- Can communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
- Pay attention to detail while seeing big-picture patterns
- Are curious and enjoy continuous learning
- Have patience for cleaning and preparing data
How to get this skill
Most data science roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field like statistics, computer science, or mathematics. However, there are multiple paths to enter the field:
- Complete a data science bootcamp or certification program
- Learn programming languages like Python and R
- Study SQL for database management
- Practice with real datasets on platforms like Kaggle
- Build a career portfolio of data analysis projects
- Take courses in machine learning and statistical analysis
3. Financial Analysis/Planning
Looking for high income skills that will still be valuable in 2025 and beyond? Financial analysis is a solid bet. Companies and individuals need smart professionals who can analyze financial data, manage investments, and guide strategic decisions. With strong financial skills, you’ll be in high demand and have the knowledge necessary to maximize your own income.
Roles and salary expectations
Financial analysts and planners have opportunities across every sector, from investment banking to corporate finance to personal wealth management. Entry-level financial analysts start at $86k, not a bad salary while you learn the ropes of financial modeling and market analysis. Senior financial analysts can earn between $124K – $189K, while investment banking associates typically make a median salary of $408K, with additional compensation through profit sharing and performance bonuses.
Ideal for people who…
- Have a knack for numbers and analysis
- Stay cool under pressure
- Follow market trends and economic news
- Can explain complex financial concepts simply
- Think strategically about risk and reward
- Are detail-oriented but can see the big picture
- Enjoy working with both data and people
How to get this skill
Most financial roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field. Here’s how to build your expertise:
- Complete relevant certifications (CFA, CFP, or Series licenses)
- Learn financial modeling and valuation techniques
- Master Excel and financial software
- Study accounting principles and financial statements
- Practice building financial models and portfolios
- Stay current with market trends and regulations
4. Project Management
Businesses of every shape and size need help managing complex initiatives. Project managers are the unsung heroes who turn big ideas into reality, coordinating teams, managing resources, and ensuring deadlines are met. As organizations tackle increasingly complex challenges, skilled project managers become more valuable—and better compensated.
Roles and salary expectations
Project managers are needed in virtually every industry, from construction and IT to healthcare and marketing. Entry-level project coordinators typically start at anywhere from $58k to $93k per year, depending on the industry and company. As a full-fledged project manager, you can earn between $103k and $183k a year, with senior project managers making up to $200k. Many companies offer additional bonuses for successfully completed projects.
Ideal for people who…
- Excel at organizing and planning
- Have strong leadership abilities
- Can juggle multiple priorities effectively
- Communicate clearly with different stakeholders
- Stay calm when plans change suddenly
- Like solving complex logistical challenges
- Are good at motivating and coordinating teams
How to get this skill
While some project management roles require specific degrees, many successful project managers come from diverse educational backgrounds. Here’s how to develop your expertise:
- Earn a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- Learn popular project management software (Jira, Asana, etc.)
- Study agile and waterfall methodologies
- Take courses in leadership and team management
- Start managing small projects to build experience
- Develop your risk management abilities
- Practice stakeholder communication skills
5. AI Development and Engineering
Artificial intelligence is transforming work as we know it, and it’s creating lucrative opportunities for those who can build, manage, and work alongside AI systems. Organizations are racing to implement AI strategies (perhaps a little too quickly), and they need skilled professionals to help them keep up. This field offers some of the fastest growing career paths in tech, with compensation packages to match.
Roles and salary expectations
AI engineers starting their careers can expect anywhere between $159k to $265k, with the figures only slightly lower for machine learning engineers. Top-tier AI research scientists pull in an average of $173k, though tech companies often sweeten these base salaries with equity packages and performance bonuses.
Bear in mind, the AI field is still developing, so salaries are likely to increase over time. Right now, an AI editor makes around $82k per year, but as more businesses look to hire folks who are skilled at editing AI content, that could very well increase into six figures.
Ideal for people who…
- Love diving deep into complex problems
- Have a solid foundation in programming
- Get excited about cutting-edge technology
- Balance technical skills with ethical thinking
- Don’t mind that the field is in flux
- Can translate technical concepts for others
- Enjoy both building and experimenting
How to get this skill
The path to an AI career is evolving as quickly as the technology itself. While advanced degrees used to be the only way in, new routes are opening up:
- Master core programming languages (Python is essential for LLM engineers)
- Build expertise in machine learning frameworks
- Take specialized AI courses and certifications
- Create practical projects using AI tools
- Learn prompt engineering fundamentals
- Join AI communities and hackathons
- Stay on top of AI ethics and regulations
6. Video Production and Editing
If you’re looking for high-paying jobs that will keep your creative spark alive, consider working in video production and editing. Video content still dominates social media, marketing, and entertainment. Companies need people who can create engaging video content that stands out in crowded feeds. From corporate training videos to TikTok to Hollywood, this creative skill set opens doors across multiple industries and can lead to both freelance and full-time opportunities. Cha-ching.
Roles and salary expectations
Video professionals can choose from various career paths. Entry-level video editors typically start at around $70k per year, while experienced editors can earn up to $171k. Corporate video producers make between $109 and $200k annually. Freelancers often set their own rates, with top professionals billing significant hourly or project-based fees.
Ideal for people who…
- Have an eye for visual storytelling
- Stay patient during detailed editing work
- Keep up with evolving digital trends
- Balance creativity with technical skills
- Work well under tight deadlines
- Can manage client expectations
- Enjoy learning new software tools
How to get this skill
While formal education can help, a strong portfolio often matters more than degrees:
- Learn industry-standard editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, as well as AI tools like Descript)
- Study color correction and audio editing
- Take online courses in video production
- Create sample projects for your portfolio
- Practice with different video styles and formats
- Learn motion graphics basics
- Build a YouTube channel or social media presence
7. Cybersecurity
Take a look at the headlines and you’ll see how desperately companies need people who are skilled in cybersecurity. (Personal note from this author—my local grocery store hasn’t had produce for a week due to a cyberhack—help!) Cybersecurity professionals protect valuable data and systems from increasingly complex attacks. If you can offer genuine safety and security for businesses, you’ll be well compensated.
Roles and salary expectations
Security roles range from technical to strategic positions. Cyber security analysts typically start at $107k, while experienced penetration testers earn between $103k and $189k a year. Information security managers make$158k – $248k, and chief information security officers (CISOs) earn an average salary of $362k (phew!). Many positions offer additional compensation through certifications and specialized skills.
Ideal for people who…
- Think like both defenders and attackers
- Stay cool under scrutiny
- Love solving puzzles and finding vulnerabilities
- Can explain complex risks simply
- Have strong attention to detail
- Take a methodical approach to problems
How to get this skill
The cybersecurity field values certifications and practical experience, which can be earned through formal degrees, short courses, or online training:
- Earn key certifications (CompTIA Security+, CISSP)
- Learn networking and system administration basics
- Study common attack methods and defenses
- Practice in home labs and virtual environments
- Participate in bug bounty programs
- Join security communities and forums
- Stay current with emerging threats
This list of high income skills will continue to evolve as technology and business needs change. We’ll update this guide regularly to reflect new opportunities and emerging fields, so be sure to check back in the future.
Want to make the most of your skills? Check out our guide on how to highlight skills on your resume.
