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Whether they go by the title coder, developer, software engineer, hacker, or programmer, those who can help create computer programs, apps, sites or systems are in hot demand — and you can earn a high salary writing code without a formal education.

Bloomberg calls the software development job market “the highest demand market in 20 years,” with the unemployment rate in this sector at half of the unemployment rate overall.

The newswire reports:

“While companies are writing bigger checks, they are also adopting new strategies to find engineers for an economy where software is penetrating even mundane processes. Companies are focusing more on training, sourcing new talent through apprenticeships, and looking at atypical pools of candidates who have transferable skills.”

As every single vertical of our professional and personal lives is moving online — to phone apps and functions, voice-activated artificial intelligence like Alexa and Google Voice, manufacturing and retail systems — anything involving a screen and digital communication.

While computers are replacing humans in many ways, someone must do the back-end work that creates and runs that technology. Programmers are the professionals that create software that runs our phones, computers, apps, websites, and systems.

If you have technology skills already or you simply want to learn, a career in coding and computer technology could be a safe bet. Keep reading to find out what coders do, how well this job pays, and how to get started in this growing field:

How to become a coder without a college degree

If you want to become a coder, there are two main avenues to get you there. You can either earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, or you can take steps to learn some basic computer languages and learn how to code online from the comfort of your home.

The fastest way to become a coder is to focus on web development since this is one area that is bursting with potential. Pretty much every business needs a website these days, right? With a solid background in coding and some basic experience, you can begin providing coding services in your area or online.

13 jobs that pay well and do not require a degree

Step 1: Take coding courses online. 

The good news about coding education is that all kinds of colleges and organizations offer free resources you can access online. 

You can take an introductory computer science course for free through Harvard’s edX, for example. And actually, Harvard offers all kinds of free online courses in technology such as data science, Python, and JavaScript.

Udemy offers coding courses for very affordable prices — some free, others starting at $17.99 — at every level, from beginner to advanced languages like Python and CSS, as well as job interview and career skills for programmers.

Step 2: Learn by doing by practicing coding from scratch. 

Spending time figuring out computer markup languages such as HTML and CSS on your own. Practice makes perfect, and that you’ll learn a lot by making your own mistakes and figuring out how to fix them. 

You’ll also want to learn how to use JavaScript for front-end web development, and a language such as PHP for back-end development. Remember that you can take free courses in these languages, but the best way to learn to use them is through experimentation on your own. In the end, employers are looking for proven skills more than a degree or certificate.

Python is a great, universal language to learn because it is commonly used and easy to understand and use. There is a large, free programming community and open documentation that makes Python a very accessible and flexible tool for all levels. 

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Step 3: Build a few websites or apps on your own. 

Take the time to visualize, create, and build your own websites or apps. Try and fail, then try again. The best way to gain the experience you need is to try and fail on your own until you finally succeed.

Step 4: Look for new clients, either paid or pro bono. 

Once you have some products that showcase your own work, offer your coding services for free at first so you can get some experience under your belt. Find potential clients online through websites like Fiverr.com and Upwork.com, or by asking people you know who might need help.

Step 5: Find junior programmer jobs.

Check out job boards such as ZipRecruiter.com, Indeed.com and CareerBuilder. Both feature an ever-changing roster of entry-level positions.

Coding for beginners — where to learn coding online

Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced programmer who is ready to learn a new language or coding skill, there are several solid online courses for you.

Coursera

Coursera offers thousands of online classes, many of them from tenured professors at top universities, in a wide range of subject matters, from the humanities to life sciences and more. Many classes are free, and others less than $100 for semester-length programs.

Each of these programming and coding classes has a free 7-day trial, and comes with a sharable professional certificate of completion:

Google Data Analytics

In this course, you’ll learn: 

• How to clean and organize data for analysis
• How to complete analysis and calculations using spreadsheets, SQL and R programming
• How to visualize and present data findings in dashboards, presentations and common visualization platforms

Google Project Management

In this course, you’ll learn: 

• How to create effective project documentation and artifacts in various project phases
• Foundations of Agile project management, with a focus on implementing Scrum events, building Scrum artifacts, and understanding Scrum roles
• Strategic communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management through real-world scenarios

Google UX Design

In this course, you’ll learn: 

• How to empathize with users, define pain points, ideate solutions, create wireframes and prototypes, test and iterate on designs
• Basics of UX research, like planning research studies, conducting interviews and usability studies, and synthesizing research results
• Foundational UX concepts, like user-centered design, accessibility, and equity-focused design
• How to create a professional UX portfolio that includes 3 end-to-end projects: a mobile app, a responsive website, and a cross-platform experience

IBM Data Science

In this course, you’ll learn: 

• All about data science and what a data scientist’s job entails, plus methodology to think and work like a data scientist 
• Tools, languages, and libraries used by professional data scientists 
• How to import and clean data sets, analyze and visualize data, and build and evaluate machine learning models and pipelines using Python 
• How to apply various data science skills, techniques, and tools to complete a project and publish a report 

Google IT Automation with Python

In this course, you’ll learn: 

• How to automate tasks by writing Python scripts
• How to use Git and GitHub for version control
• How to manage IT resources at scale for physical and virtual machines in the cloud
• How to analyze real-world IT problems and implement strategies to solve those problems

IBM Technical Support

In this course, you’ll learn: 

• Day-to-day IT support tasks, including computer assembly, wireless networking, installing programs, and customer service
• How to provide end-to-end customer support, ranging from identifying problems to troubleshooting and debugging
• How to use systems like Linux, Domain Name Systems, Command-Line Interface, and Binary Code

IBM DevOps and Software Engineering

In this course, you’ll learn: 

• How to develop a DevOps mindset, practice Agile philosophy and Scrum methodology
• How to create applications using Python language, using various programming constructs and logic, including functions, REST APIs, and libraries
• How to build applications composed of microservices and deploy using containers (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift) & serverless technologies
• Tools for automation, continuous integration (CI) and continuous deployment (CD) including Chef, Puppet, GitHub Actions, Tekton and Travis

IBM Mainframe Developer

In this course, you’ll learn: 

• How to identify the different architectural families, explain the enhancements for each architecture family and the functions of an operating system
• How to explain the concept of a Sysplex and describe methods available for z/OS security
• How to define the IOCP statements for the IOCDS and explain the concept of activation profiles
• How to describe the process of IPLing an operating system

Codeacademy

Codeacademy is a leading, recognized site for developer, coding, web and app development, data science, machine learning and related skills. Courses typically run 6 to 10 weeks, and are taught by experienced industry leaders.

Price: $19.99/month for unlimited access.

Codeacademy reports 45 million students have taken its courses.

Codeacademy’s monthly fee includes courses in:

• HTML & CSS
• Python
• JavaScript
• Java
• SQL
• Bash/Shell
• Ruby
• C++
• R
• C#
• PHP
• Go
• Swift
• Kotlin
• Web Development
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Developer Tools
• Machine Learning
• Code Foundations
• Web Design
• Game Development
• Mobile Development
• Data Visualization
• Cybersecurity

edX

edX is a platform on which nearly 200 top universities offer a wide range of academic and continuing education courses — including from Harvard, Berkeley, MIT, University of Texas and more. 100% free. 

Simplilearn

Simplilearn is another leader in online learning in digital developer skills, but a level up from Codeacademy. Simplilearn offers master certificate programs taught by leaders from major tech companies like Uber, Google, Microsoft and Facebook.

Simplilearn courses are self-guided, come with 24/7 assistance and support, and practical assignments, learning tools and guides. This is closer to a more traditional academic training with exams and a certificate award.

The Simplilearn website is robust, and each course description describes the real-life applications for the skills being taught, as well as salary and job market data. Courses start at around $700 each, and include lifetime access, as well as use of related courses for free.

Course topics include blockchain, digital marketing, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, full stacks developer, ITIL and Six Sigma.

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Udemy

Udemy is an incredibly popular online learning platform that offers courses on a wide variety of topics, including on programming languages like C++, C#, Java, React, JavaScript, and Python.

Python is a particularly valuable coding language to consider learning, used in everything from software development, data analysis, automation, and data visualization. One of the best Python Courses currently available on Udemy is their Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for 2024.

The course is designed to help you master Python in as little as 100 days. Each day, you’ll be given anew project designed to teach you new skills, from building websites and games to apps and data science.

Why we love Udemy’s Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for 2024:

• Well structured course that break down coding into easy to digest pieces. Broken up over 100 days with roughly 1 hour spent per day.
• Project oriented approach: Each day has a coding challenge to apply what you have learned and builds upon previous days as you continue through the course.
• Tons of great reviews: More than 216,000 students have completed the course, which has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on more than 47,500 ratings.
• Covers a wide array of topics from creating websites, apps, and games from one of the students I know (Garrett!).

Coding for beginners — where kids can learn coding online

If your child is interested in coding, you can find kid-friendly coding courses online.

Free options like Google’s Code Next aim to teach coding and computer skills to teens in underserved communities. However, anyone can access their free online curriculum and learn coding at home.

Paid options like CodeMonkey are affordable and don’t require any experience to get started.

CodeMonkey

CodeMonkey offers online coding courses for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The curriculum uses real programming languages but does it in a way that feels like playing a game. The program uses animation and drag-and-drop style navigation to help children learn.

CodeMonkey offers a free, 14-day trial with no credit card required at signup. Courses are self-directed, made to go at your child’s pace. You can upgrade for as little as $6 per month for one child or $12 per month for up to three children.

Families who homeschool can set up a homeschool account that supports up to five students and two teachers starting at $20 per month. 

It takes less than a minute to set up an account. You can register as a parent and create and account for your child, or your child can set up an account with your permission.

Once registered, your child can start taking courses, which range in difficulty from beginner to advanced.

CodeMonkey is a great option for its affordability, ease of use, and the fun way it teaches complex coding.

codeSpark

codeSpark is an app built to teach kids ages 5-10 coding (though any age can use it) through fun game design. coSpark includes:

• Unlimited coding challenges
• New skills introduced weekly
• Hundreds of education puzzles
• Access for up to 3 children

codeSpark uses word-free technology so kids can learn to code even if they don’t yet know how to read. The company uses funds from its at-home subscription to fund computer science programs at low-income schools.

codeSpark costs $9.99/month, and you can cancel at any time.

How long does it take to become a coder?

Some online coding courses can be taken in as little as six weeks, though they may only teach you entry-level coding skills. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field typically takes four years. 

These videos tell you more about what to expect:

Going back to school at 30 or 40: Is it worth it for single moms?

What kind of tasks do coders/programmers do?

We already mentioned how coders use source code to get computers to do what they want using their own language. However, the tasks involved in speaking with computers are more complex than that.

Tasks can also vary widely depending on the type of work a coder does most. A coder who works for a computer programming firm may work on a specific project for years, for example. A self-employed coder may instead focus on helping a startup build an app.

If you plan to work as a self-employed coder who operates their business from home, you will likely want to focus on code used to build websites, including HTML and CSS. Learning to understand and use these languages can go a long way toward helping you secure clients who need this type of help, and you can learn a lot of these skills on your own.

Still, coders from all industries perform many of the same tasks no matter what kind of work they do. The main workplace tasks of coders include:

• Use computer languages to build websites and applications
• Use computer languages to help clients with front-end and back-end development of their websites and programs
• Write computer programs in a variety of languages including Java and C++
• Update existing programs per client or employer specifications
• Create and test new code for various projects

Keep in mind that this list is not all-inclusive. Coders who are self-employed and working from home may find themselves taking on additional tasks such as marketing their business. Work-at-home coders also need to do their own bookkeeping (or hire it out) and communicate with their clients directly.

The good news is, coding is mostly solitary work. Whether you get a coding job you can do from home, work as a self-employed coder, or pick up a full-time job in a physical office, you won’t have to interact with people all day long. Most coders work independently on their projects once they know what their clients or employers want, which can be a huge plus if you’re not huge on working in teams (right here — that is why I for years I have written at home, all by my lonesome — and loved it!).

What skills do you need to be a programmer?

This may seem obvious, but the main skill you need to become a coder, developer or programmer is a broad understanding of at least a few of the most popular computer languages.

You don’t need to become an expert on every language out there since technology is always changing, and new source code is created all the time, but you need to be proficient in at least a few that are used frequently in your area of coding work.

It also helps to have a general curiosity about technology and its applications. You don’t need to be obsessed with computers, but you need to feel comfortable working with one for the bulk of your workday.

Additional skills you’ll need include:

• Problem-solving skills that allow you to troubleshoot and solve problems on your own
• Self-reliance and discipline since you’ll mostly be working alone
• Logic that allows you to assess and understand computer languages that may seem complex or confusing to others
• Attention to detail since computer languages must be correct to work how you want them to
• Patience to deal with numerous tedious and lengthy processes, especially since coding can be a painfully slow task on its own
• An excellent memory since you’ll need to pull all sorts of information from the depths of your mind
• Communication skills that allow you to effectively talk to clients and employers to gain insight into their needs

While some coders work for computer programming and design firms, others work in industries such as finance and manufacturing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that 5% of computer programmers are self-employed. Because so many businesses need the help of coders, professionals who work in this field are not limited to a specific industry.

How much do coders/programmers earn?

Salaries for coders can vary a lot depending on their level of skill and the type of jobs they take on. However, the fact that technology continues to take hold of our lives means that these workers are often paid handsomely for their knowledge and expertise.

Also, keep in mind that experts in some computer languages can earn a lot more than others. According to Glassdoor data, a senior Java developer can earn between $82,000 and $158,000 since that particular computer language is in high demand. An expert in Python could expect to earn $96,000 or more, but someone who mostly works with SQL may top out at around $88,000.

The lesson here? Become an expert in the coding languages that pay the most!

This sounds like a lot of money either way, but there are many factors that go into those salaries, ranging from how efficient you are to the coding languages you know, your experience, and even where you live. Coders in coastal cities and state capitals may earn more than rural coders due to an increase in demand for their skills as well as the higher cost of living in those areas, for example.

Also, note that self-employed coders could earn a lot more — or a lot less — depending on the type of work they do and the amount of work they take on. If you can fill your work calendar with clients and focus on one task such as building websites, you could earn a nearly unlimited income.At the end of the day, it’s a great time to become a coder since the demand for computer skills only seems to increase each year. The BLS notes that jobs with computers will increase 13% during the decade the ends in 2026, and that’s twice the pace of all other jobs combined.

Pros and cons of being a coder/programmer

Becoming a coder is a smart move if you love computers and working alone, but that doesn’t mean this job is perfect. Some of the main pros and cons of coding work include:

Pros of becoming a coder:

• You can build your own business and work at home
• Coders earn excellent wages for their skills and expertise
• Coding jobs should be in demand for decades to come
• You may not need a college degree to work as a coder

Cons of becoming a coder:

• You will do almost all your work on a computer and by yourself (could be a pro or a con)
• Technology is always changing and adapting, so you need to be a lifetime learner
• You may earn less if you only become familiar with source code that isn’t in high demand

Coder vs programmer?

When trying to determine the difference between coder vs programmer, the answer depends on who you ask. These terms can all be interchangeable, according to some. Others argue there is a difference in skill level and expertise (see below). However, all these titles can all be referred to as a programmer. Roughly, it goes like this:

Coders

Coders are the least experienced level of programmers and are usually beginners skilled in just one coding language. Typically, a developer or programmer (see below!) creates the code, and assigns the task of code writing to a coder. Some people are offended by the term “coder” and prefer “junior developer or “junior programmer.”

These are some programmer jobs available with Microsoft:

• Jr. Software Developer
• Backend Developer
• Front End Developer
• Salesforce Developer
• Full stack Developer

Programmers and software developers

The titles “programmer” and “software developer” are often used interchangeably and are more experienced than coders — typically capable of writing error-free code in a minimum of two to three coding languages.

Programmers and developers often oversee a software development project from start to finish, and are held responsible for the design and project management of developing an application.

A developer tends to be formally educated in computer science or engineering, whereas the other job titles may not require any formal education at all — but proof of competence.

The following related jobs are available through Amazon:

• Software Development Engineer
• Senior Software Development Engineer
• Senior Software Dev Engineer
• Software Development Engineer – Amazon Web Services Systems Manager
• Technical Program Manager
• Front End Engineer

Other coder names

Beyond the coder vs programmer issue, there are other coder names you should be aware of. Here are the major ones:

Hacker

A hacker is someone who creates something new using code. This person is also a programmer, but not all programmers are hackers. Hackers are considered more innovative and creative than a developer.

Software engineers

Software engineers rank higher than programmers and developers, and are typically fluent in at least three programming languages and are responsible for high-level design and architecture of a product.

Engineers oversee the programmers and developers, who implement the more detailed aspects of the design. A software engineer is often responsible for setting up servers, tackling security, networking, hardware devices, etc.

There are many, many computer languages to work with and understand. For example, coders need to have a grasp on programming languages you have probably heard of such as Java, Python, JavaScript, and SQL, PHP, C++ and with other languages that are more obscure. With so many languages in use, coders need comfortable with the demand to stay current on tech and be constantly learning.

Software analyst

Someone assigned to document, dissect, and understand the need for the software. Usually, someone working directly with users to qualify and quantify their needs, but is not usually adept enough to know how to solve it.  Mostly the folks who can communicate well, but lack the technical capabilities to deliver.

Architect / Designer

Someone who has strong development experience. They also have conceptual skills to see the larger picture of how the software fits into the company’s larger systems and goals.

Heavily involved in the ‘why’ and not just the ‘how’. A software architect/designer has strong leadership, communication and management skills. This rule often combines the Developer and Analyst skill sets, and also has a lot of experience in the trenches with programming/coding.

What jobs use coding? 25 coding jobs you can get if you know how to code in 2024

According to a recent Glassdoor ranking of the 50 Best Jobs in America for 2022, several jobs for coders rank at the top of the list. Here are some of those jobs with their median base salary and the code languages you might need to learn.

• Full Stack Engineer ($101,794) – HTML, CSS, JavaScript, plus a back-end language like Ruby, PHP, or Python
• DevOps Engineer ($120,095) – Python, JavaScript, Ruby, Perl
• Machine Learning Engineer ($130,489) – Python, R, Java, Javascript
• Data Engineer ($113,960) – Python, Java, Scala
• Software Engineer ($116,638) – Python, Java, C++, Scala
• Java Developer ($107,099) – Python, Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Back End Engineer ($112,384) – Python, Ruby, PHP, Java
• Cloud Engineer ($118,999) – Python, Golang, Ruby, Java
• UX Designer ($97,047) – HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Front End Engineer ($81,136) – CSS, HTML, JavaScript

These are some other jobs that use coding:

• Computer Programmer
• Web Developer
• IT Support
• Data Analyst
• Project Manager
• Data Scientist
• Mainframe Developer
• Computer and Information Systems Manager
• Full Stack Developer
• Front-End Developer
• Back-End Developer
• Software Application Developer
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Computer Systems Engineer

Where to find coding jobs

Remember how we said coders were in demand? They are, and you should find work much easier as a result.  Here are some of the best places to search for your first coding gig:

• Check out job boards such as ZipRecruiter.com, Indeed.com and CareerBuilder. Both feature an ever-changing roster of entry-level and advanced coding positions, some of which are seeking remote workers.
• Create a profile on Fiverr.com and/or Upwork.com. Use the platform to find coding work for individuals and businesses.
• Update your LinkedIn profile to note your renewed focus on coding. You want to make sure your profile shows up in searches if someone is looking for a coder in your area.

To market yourself to potential clients, create a website that showcases who you are, and what you offer. Coding skills in action!

How to get coding jobs: Can I get a job coding from home?

Because most coding jobs only require a computer and internet access, coding is one of the best high-paying jobs you can do from home. In July 2022, there were nearly 140,000 remote developer and remote programmer jobs listed on Indeed.com.

To build up your resume during and after training, consider applying to internships and taking on freelance coding jobs for clients through freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr. Having these real life experiences will make you a more attractive candidate than someone applying to a job with just a coding certificate.

Once you start landing projects, look for leverage: AI tools can speed up coding, automate client support, and help you market your services. To compare vetted options for 2026—including code assistants, chatbots, AI search, and customer service platforms—discover the best AI tools for business and choose the ones that fit your workflow.

More work-from-home career opportunities:

Bookkeepers can earn a salary, or build a business earning $60+/ hour, which can be more than $100,000 per year. Entry-level bookkeeper jobs can pay $20/hour. Bookkeeper Business Launch is the top-rated online video course to help you start and run a successful, 6-figure bookkeeping business. Learn about other six-figure jobs.

Or, learn more about how to become a bookkeeper, including how to start a bookkeeping business and find bookkeeping jobs.

If you’re good with numbers, you may also be interested in a career in medical billing and coding.

If you’re great with words, detail and grammar, you may also be interested in a proofreading career, which can pay $15-$30 hour from home, on your schedule. This post outlines what it takes to get started as a proofreader and how to find clients.

I’ve got even more work-from-home job opportunities here in this post.

Home health aides help the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or cognitive impairments live independently. They assist with daily tasks like bathing, preparing meals, and reminding clients to take their medication. 

Working as a home health aide can be rewarding, providing companionship to clients who feel isolated and lonely due to their limited mobility. 

Demand for these jobs is strong today and looking ahead. Re: pay:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average hourly wage for home health aides in 2021 was $14.07, or $29,260 per year. How much you’re able to earn, though, depends on where you live and your experience level. 

Per the BLS, the highest pay for a home health aide in 2021 was $18.98 per hour, or $39,480 annually. You can typically command more money in large metropolitan areas, with more years of experience, or if you have additional credentials. 

Keep reading to learn what HHA certification entails — plus discover what a home health aide actually does and how much you can expect to earn:

How to become a certified home health aide

1. Understand what home health aides do
2. Make sure you have the appropriate certifications
3. Get the right training
4. Search for jobs on job boards like Care.com and ZipRecruiter.com

Home health aide certifications

• American Caregiver Association (ACA) 
• National Board for Home Care and Hospice Certification (NBHHC) 
• National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) 

Home health aide classes

• Penn Foster
• Ashworth College
• Southern Technical Institute (STI)
• Blackstone Career Institute (BCI)
• Udemy

Home health aide classes in person

• How much are home health aide classes in person?
• How long are HHA classes in person?

FAQs about being a home health aide

How to become a certified home health aide in 4 steps

1. Understand what home health aides do

The job of a home health aide is quite varied and can look different depending on the day and on your client. 

In general, HHAs provide the following services:

• Housekeeping duties like laundry, changing bed sheets, and washing dishes
• Shop for groceries as well as meal planning, preparing, and/or serving meals
• Bathing, grooming, dressing, helping to use the toilet, and other personal activities
• Driving clients to doctor’s appointments or arranging their transportation
• Picking up prescriptions and reminding clients to take their medication
• Monitoring and recording a client’s condition, which could include taking vital signs and documenting how much they ate during meals
• Providing emotional comfort, support, and companionship

Watch this video to get a glimpse of a day in the life of a home health aide: 

2. Make sure you have the appropriate certifications

Each state has a minimum requirement as set by federal law, which states that you need at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training, to work for a home health agency that receives Medicare reimbursement. Some states require more than the federal minimum for this. 

However, there are some private home health agencies that don’t accept Medicare. You may be able to work for a home health agency without holding a certification or license from your state, although these agencies will still have their own set of requirements for working there. 

You can find your state’s requirements by Googling “home health aide certification requirements for [insert state here].” Depending on where you live, you may also have to pass a state-issued exam and complete a criminal background check to receive your HHA certification.

12 quick job certifications

3. Get the right training

Popular places to look for HHA training programs that meet your state’s certification requirements include universities, community colleges, vocational schools, nonprofit organizations, home health agencies, and nursing facilities. 

Not all training programs have a formal education requirement, but some will require you to have a high school degree or equivalent to enroll. 

Learn more about going back to school.

4. Search for jobs on job boards like Care.com and ZipRecruiter.com

Websites like Care.com and ZipRecruiter post openings for part-time and full-time home health aide gigs. Other popular job websites to check out include Indeed and Glassdoor. Most jobs in this industry will be from licensed agencies.  

Simply type “home health aide” into the search bar and put in your zip code to find openings in your area. You can even set email alerts on these websites to get new job listings sent straight to your inbox. 

You can also read our Care.com review.

12 no background check jobs

Home health aide certifications

According to the American Caregiver Association, national caregiver certification is expected in the industry. 

You may seek this type of certification because your client’s insurance company requires it, you need to fulfill a continuing education requirement to maintain your certification, or you want to boost your resume, increase your chances of getting a job, or find higher-paying work. 

However, it’s important to note that national home health aide certifications won’t necessarily meet state-level requirements. You’ll need to check with your state, local government, or licensing board to confirm the requirements for getting certified in your state.  

PHI, an organization working to transform eldercare and disability services, has a list of training requirements in each state. Penn Foster, an online school that offers home health aide training, has a list of links to state and professional resources so you can search for your state’s certification requirements. 

A few organizations offering home health aide certifications at the national level include: 

American Caregiver Association (ACA) 

Cost: $99

The ACA is the national certifying organization for caregivers. It offers a self-guided certification course that can be completed in two days online. It’s ideal for new caregivers, experienced caregivers, self-employed caregivers, caregivers who want to start their own businesses, and more. 

Once you complete the course, you’ll receive your certification and be added to the ACA’s internal National Caregiver Registry (NCR). Potential employers may contact the ACA to verify you’re on the NCR and in good standing. 

National Board for Home Care and Hospice Certification (NBHHC) 

Cost: $99 application fee, $499 registration fee

The NBHHC was founded by the California Association for Health Services at Home, a trade association that represents home care providers. 

The NBHHC offers a few specialty certifications for home health aides: 

• Certified Home Care Manager: This includes staff moving into a leadership position at a smaller HHA agency. You typically need at least one year of experience as a manager in a home care or hospice environment. 
• Certified Home Care Administrator: This includes senior staff that has held an administrator position in an HHA or hospice agency for at least one year or held a manager position at an agency for at least five years. 
• Certified Home Care Executive: This includes senior administrators who have a minimum of three years experience working at a medium- to large-size agency. 

The NBHHC’s certification process includes submitting a formal application, and if deemed eligible, taking and passing an exam. The exam can be taken onsite with paper and pencil or on a computer at a Pearson VUE testing center. Certification is valid for four years. 

National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) 

Cost: $50 application fee, $500 exam fee

The NAHC is a nonprofit organization representing the 33,000 home care and hospice organizations in the United States.

The NAHC offers a Certified Home Care and Executive (CHCE) certification for individuals who work in leadership positions at HHA agencies. This three-hour timed test is given online. Certification is valid for four years. 

Same-day pay jobs: 26 instant payout opportunities for quick cash

Home health aide classes online

If you’re ready to become an HHA, there are plenty of home health aide classes you can take online to help prepare you for certification and licensure in your state. 

Just note: Not all online home health aide training programs will meet every state’s requirements. Always do your research and confirm requirements with your state, local government, and/or licensing board. 

Here are some legit online home health aide training programs to consider: 

Penn Foster

Cost: $799-$989

Penn Foster’s online programs are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools.

This comprehensive home health aide training program consists of 200 hours of online study and an externship worth 40 hours, which meets or exceeds the certification requirements for many states. 

However, Penn Foster notes this training program does not meet requirements for HHA certification or licensure in California, New Jersey, New York, Mississippi, or Washington, D.C. 

Ashworth College

Cost: $799-$989

Ashworth College’s online programs are accredited by the DEAC, Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), from which it also holds an A rating. 

This comprehensive home health aide training program consists of 18 self-paced online lessons available in eBook format, including lessons on elderly patient care, child care, and controlling infections. 

Ashworth College notes this training program does not meet requirements for HHA certification or licensure in California, New Jersey, New York, Mississippi, Indiana, or Washington, D.C.

This training program also does not include the federally mandated 16 hours minimum of supervised practical training to become a home health aide. You’ll have to pursue that portion of the requirements independently. 

Southern Technical Institute (STI)

Cost: $239

STI’s online programs are licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. The institute also holds an A+ rating from the BBB.

This home health aide training program meets certification requirements for home health aides in Florida, where there’s no state exam to become a home health aide. 

You’re given two options to achieve certification from STI: a 40-hour certificate (which allows you to work for a licensed-only agency in Florida) or a 75-hour certificate (which allows you to work for a Medicare or Medicaid home health agency in Florida). 

Once you complete the online class, you’ll need to attend a two-hour, hands-on clinical session in person to meet the requirements for certification. 

Blackstone Career Institute (BCI)

Cost: $1,214-$1,442

BCI’s online programs are accredited by the DEAC and the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. 

This comprehensive home health aide training program consists of 17 self-guided online lessons that go through the basics of anatomy, nutrition, home health care, and how to find a job as a home health aide. It’s ideal for those looking for entry-level work in the field. 

BCI states its online program does not lead to certification since requirements vary by state. The institute recommends checking with your state licensure to see what the requirements are in your state. 

This program also does not include the federally mandated 16 hours minimum of supervised practical training to become a home health aide. You’ll have to pursue that portion of the requirements independently. 

Udemy

Cost: $84.99 Currently $18.99

Udemy is an online learning and teaching marketplace with more than 185,000 courses available. Its home health aide training program has a 4.5/5-star rating from students, based on more than 200 reviews. 

The self-paced course includes 20 lessons and is taught by a professional with a master’s degree in public health and more than 15 years of experience in clinical medical practice and home health care training. 

The goal of this class is to arm you with the basic knowledge and skills you need to pass a certification exam; it does not meet the minimum requirement (75 hours) for home health aide training.

Home health aide classes in person

If you prefer to learn in a classroom setting, you can search for in-person home health aide classes “near me.”

How much are home health aide classes in person?

Taking classes at a community college will be cheaper than signing up for a course at a larger university. In general, though, these classes range in price from $300 to $650. 

How long are HHA classes in person?

Federal guidelines mandate home health aides receive a minimum of 75 hours of classroom instruction. Most HHA classes meet for a few hours each day or each week, so it could take you anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete an in-person course. 

FAQs about home health aides

What do home health aides do?

Home health aides help older adults or people with chronic illnesses or disabilities live independently. HHAs assist with everyday tasks in the home and also provide companionship and emotional comfort to their clients. 

Taking care of elderly parents? 5 tips for the sandwich generation

What is the job outlook for a home health aide?

The job outlook for health home aides is very good. As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, there will be many more seniors who need assistance in the home in the coming years. 

According to the BLS, the industry is expected to grow by 33% by 2030. This is considered much faster growth than other jobs, which average 8% growth overall by 2030. BLS estimates close to 600,000 job openings per year through the end of this decade. 

How much are home health aide classes online?

Online home health aide classes range in price from $100 to $1,000, depending on which organization you sign up with. Note that not all online classes satisfy state requirements, so you should verify that information before taking the class. 

How long are HHA classes online?

Online HHA classes are usually self-guided, so you can go at your own pace. Some can be completed in as little as two days, while others may take you up to a year or more to complete. Note that not all online classes satisfy state requirements, so you may need to complete additional work outside of an online class. 

Not sure if being a home health aide is right for you? Check out these related careers:

• Medical billing and coding
• Nanny
• Doula – and how to build a six-figure doula business
• Childcare provider
• Dog groomer

Need a little extra cash? Don’t go looking for a new job just yet. Chances are, there are several items in your house that you can sell to make money fast.

We put together a list of items you can offload to make some extra cash, including:

Best things to sell for cash
Household items
Things you can sell online
Tips on where to sell them
FAQs

Quick take: What can I sell to make money? Your stuff!

Americans have way too much crap, but also tend to be broke, with little cash savings despite garages, closets and basements full of unused clutter. 

If you’re broke, take a hard look at things you don’t use or like, and sell them for cash. In my research, the items that fetch the most cash quickly include jewelry, silver and gold, electronics, sports equipment and vehicles. 

So, if you are wondering what can I sell to make money, look around you for the answer.

Best things to sell

All of the items on these lists can be sold on popular selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay — or at an old-fashioned garage sale.

We also list for each one item-specific places you can sell your stuff to make money:

1. Cars

Sell your car using an online classifieds site like Craigslist, or keep things simple and park the vehicle in your front yard with a large “FOR SALE” sign on top. You can also get cash for junk cars through sites like Peddle, Autotrader and Carvana. Plus, you can get cash for your junk car. 

Where to sell:

• Peddle
• Autotrader
• Vroom
• Carvana
• CarMax
• eBay Motors

Or, you can get cash out of your car — or lower monthly payments — by refinancing your auto loan. Bonus: you could skip payments for up to 90 days.

Can’t afford your car payment? See if you qualify to refinance for a lower payment.

Auto Credit Express is A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau:

• Average Saving:  $1,700 or $143 per month
• Minimum Credit Score: 525
• APR from 3.99%
• Loan Amounts: $5,000 – $45,000
• Vehicle Criteria: Under 10 Years/150K Miles

Get a refi quote from Auto Credit Express in 30 seconds >>

Need a ride you can afford, read out post on 6 ways to get a free or low-cost car.

Where can I sell my car for the most money?

2. Jewelry

If you’re hoping to resell jewelry online, you can expect to earn back around 30% of the original purchase price — more for fine jewelry (like Van Cleef, Tiffany’s, Cartier, Harry Winston, and David Yurman) in good condition. 

If you have the creative gene, look for custom charms manufacturers like Monterey Custom Charms for super unique enamel charms for bracelets and necklaces. Awesome quality, easy to resell, and build your side hustle.

Costume jewelry has virtually no value. However, sterling silver jewelry, gold jewelry, and diamond jewelry — including diamond tennis bracelets, gold chains, watches, necklaces and earrings — may fetch you some cash.

Where to sell:

• CashforGoldUSA.com or CashforSilverUSA.com
• The Real Real 
• Jewelry auctions
• Local jewelers 
• Pawnbrokers

When it comes to selling jewelry online, our No. 1 choice is CashforGoldUSA.com and its sister site CashforSilverUSA.com, for a few reasons: 

• Better Business Bureau A+ rating
• Payouts within 24 hours
• 10% bonus if you ship within 7 days
• Price match guarantee
• Free return guarantee
• Insured up to $150,000 by Lloyds of London while held (plus up to $5,000 through Jewelers Mutual Insurance while in transit)

Read our CashforGoldUSA review and get a quote with CashforGoldUSA now >>

CashforGoldUSA buys diamond engagement rings and antique and estate jewelry.

Don’t want to sell your jewelry? You could also get a loan on jewelry. Diamond Banc lends up to $500,000 on jewelry, including watches. Read our Diamond Banc review and get a quote now from Diamond Banc >>

3. Gold

Gold jewelry and gold coins are good things to sell to make money online — and you can also sell gold bullion, gold scrap, and raw gold. 

Austin Coin Buyers is a trusted option for people looking to sell gold coins and other precious metals in the Austin area.

Learn more about how gold is valued and the best way to sell it.

Where to sell:

• Online buyer CashforGoldUSA.com
• Pawn shops 
• Local jewelry stores

15 coins worth money: Do you have any at your house?

4. Silver

There are likely more silver pieces hiding in your home than you might think — including items such as silver flatware, silver jewelry, medals, pins, and U.S. silver coins minted before the 1960s. 

November 12, 2026, silver futures closed at $50.07, compared with $30 at the beginning of 2025.

Where to sell:

• CashforSilverUSA.com
• Pawn shops 
• Auction houses 

Coin machines and more: 9 ways to cash in coins

5. Watches

Before you list your old watch online or sell your Rolex to a pawn shop, do your research. Look online to see how much similar watches recently sold for on eBay or another resale site. You can also sell an old Apple Watch, or trade it in at the Apple store or Best Buy.

Where to sell:

• CashforGoldUSA.com
• Worthy
• myGemma
• Pawn shops 
• Auction houses 

6. Your wedding dress

If your wedding gown is in good condition and isn’t more than a couple of years old, you should be able to earn back a good percentage of its retail price — especially for dresses from top-name designers like Vera Wang and Monique Lhullier. 

Gown reseller Still White estimates the resale value of a $5,000 2019 Vera Wang wedding dress at $2,760. For a lower-end designer such as Maggie Sottero, you’ll likely be able to earn around $560 for a dress originally priced at $1,200. Consider having the gown professionally cleaned before you list it.

Where to sell:

• Nearly Newlywed
• Tradesy 
• Still White 
• Vinted 
• Local and online consignment shops

7. Books

You can sell all genres of books online, everything from textbooks to children’s books. Clear out your bookshelves and offload old books onto a digital selling platform or bring them into a local used bookstore.

Where to sell:

• Thriftbooks
• Amazon
• BookScouter 
• Local used bookstores 

8. Bikes

Whether you have a colorful children’s bike or a professional road bike, chances are there’s someone out there who would love to purchase your bicycle. Grab any set of wheels that’s collecting dust in the garage and list it online. 

Where to sell:

• Bike Exchange 
• OfferUp
• PinkBike Marketplace
• The Pro’s Closet

9. Tools

For tools that are in good condition, you may be able to get as much as 80-90% of the original price. Drills and saws seem to be in especially high demand. 

Where to sell:

• SawMillCreek
• Ruby Lane (for antique tools)
• OfferUp
• Pawn shops 
• Auction houses 

10. Clothes you no longer wear

Is your closet overflowing with clothes? Clear out any old clothes you haven’t worn in six months or longer. 

One easy way to keep track is to hang up your clothes with the hanger hook facing toward you. When you wear something, put it back with the hanger facing away. Anything left facing toward you at the end of a year (or any time period you set) can be sold. 

Where to sell:

• Poshmark
• ThredUp
• Mercari
• Vinted
• Plato’s Closet 
• Search for local consignment shops “near me”

Household items to sell for quick cash

11. Baby items

Strollers, pack n plays, clothes, toys, high chairs, baby gates, baby swings, cribs… It’s no secret that babies come with a long list of accessories and equipment. Make money online by reselling the items you’re finished using.

Where to sell:

• Once Upon A Child
• Kid to Kid 
• Plato’s Closet 
• WeePea

12. Children’s clothes and toys

Children’s clothes are an easy thing to sell — and since kids typically outgrow things fast, your child’s closet is likely full of items that could pick up a few bucks each.

Where to sell:

• Once Upon A Child
• Kid to Kid 
• Plato’s Closet 
• WeePea

13. Furniture

Big-ticket furniture items like an old couch, dresser, or kitchen table and chairs will move quickly online if they’re in good condition.

Where to sell:

• OfferUp
• Chairish
• Sotheby’s Home 
• Route 66 Furniture
• Remoov 
• Recycler 

Learn more about how to sell used furniture and furniture donation.

14. Kitchen gadgets and appliances

You’ll probably need to keep your refrigerator and stove (unless you want to replace them). But smaller appliances can fetch a nice chunk of cash on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Think about items you don’t use on a regular basis, such as a juicer, coffee maker, toaster, blender, or air fryer.

Where to sell:

• 5Miles
• OfferUp
• Shpock 

Learn more about selling appliances.

15. Fitness equipment

If you’re asking yourself, “What can I sell to make money?” — and a lot of it — pieces of fitness equipment are great high-value items to sell. The bigger the piece, the more money you’re likely to make — a nice treadmill could get $300-500 online. 

Where to sell:

• OfferUp
• Bonanza
• WeBuyGymEquipment

16. Lawn and garden equipment

Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, rakes, and smaller items like gloves and hand trowels can all be resold online.

Where to sell:

• OfferUp
• Bonanza
• Tradyo 

17. Old cellphones

Your old cellphone might be worth some money. Even a broken phone can be sold or traded in for cash. Some phone plans will buy back your phone or let you exchange it for a discounted new one.

Where you could sell:

• Amazon
• OfferUp
• uSell
• ecoATM
• Best Buy

18. Old computers, tablets and ebook readers

If you have additional electronics lying around, these are fair game, too. Think about any computers (desktop or laptop), tablets and ebook readers (such as Amazon Kindles) you may own. Don’t forget their accessories, too — like an external computer keyboard or mouse.

Where to sell:

• Amazon
• OfferUp
• Gazelle
• NextWorth 

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19. Video game consoles and games

If your kids have outgrown their video games, sell the equipment to make some extra cash. While most video games aren’t worth much, some can command thousands of dollars — and you never know what’s hiding in your spare room.

Where to sell:

• Amazon
• OfferUp
• Gameflip 
• The Old School Game Vault

20. Sell scrap for cash

Pieces of scrap metal (think aluminum, brass, or steel) can be sold for cash. Some of the most common scrap metal items you might find around the house include aluminum cans, car batteries, and cast iron. You can also go metal detecting.

Where to sell:

• CashforGoldUSA
• Liberty Gold and Silver
• JM Bullion
• OfferUp

Where to find a “scrap yard near me” to sell scrap metal

Things to sell to make money online

21. Purses and accessories

Ladies, clean out those purses you never use and list them online or at a local consignment store. Accessories like scarves and sunglasses can also make you some money.

Where to sell:

• Plato’s Closet 
• Poshmark
• ThredUp
• Vinted
• Style Encore

22. Sneakers/running shoes

One of the best things to sell to make quick cash: your shoes! If you have a pair of running shoes from a well-known brand that are in good condition, you can sell these online.

Where to sell:

• Poshmark
• ThredUp
• Vinted
• Plato’s Closet 

23. Sports equipment

Parents, kids, and athletes of all ages are always looking for used sports equipment they can buy to cut down on costs for the season. Both large items such as a pitchback net and smaller items like a baseball glove will sell. Don’t overlook that bucket of golf balls — it will sell, too.

Where to sell:

• Play It Again Sports
• SidelineSwap
• OfferUp

24. Backpacks and hiking gear

You might be able to earn back about half the retail value of the hiking gear you recently bought for one trip. Old backpacks are good things to sell, too.

Where to sell:

• Vinted
• GearTrade
• OfferUp

25. Musical items

You can sell instruments, sheet music, and other gear (like guitar pedals or amps) online. Make sure any old band instruments are clean and in good condition.

Where to sell:

• Music Go Round
• Reverb
• Estate sales
• Flea markets

26. Collectibles

A collectible is any item that’s worth much more than it was initially sold for (typically because it’s rare and/or popular). Vinyl records, comic books, and stamps are examples of common collectibles. 

Where to sell:

• CashforGoldUSA (if the item contains gold, silver, or platinum)
• Etsy
• Estate sales
• Flea markets

27. Home decor

Your home decor items (things like paintings, rugs, and other decorative items) can be resold online if they’re in good condition. 

Where to sell:

• Chairish
• Poshmark
• OfferUp

28. Holiday decorations

Christmas, Easter, Halloween, even Valentine’s Day — the holiday decorations you stuff in your attic and use once a year could bring in some cash online.

Where to sell:

• Chairish
• OfferUp
• Poshmark

29. Printables

If you’re looking for easy things to sell, printables might be the perfect fit. Use a free design tool like Canva to design and create printables such as planners, trackers, journal pages, coloring sheets, or stationery. Then sell them online.

Where to sell:

• Teachers Pay Teachers
• Etsy
• Amazon

30. ebooks

If you have a talent for writing, write a short ebook and sell it online. Pick a topic you’re interested in — something you can talk about with expertise and that a certain audience will enjoy.

Where to sell:

• Etsy
• PayHip
• Blurb
• Teachers Pay Teachers
• Amazon
• Google Play

31. Your spare room

Do you have an extra bedroom or a furnished basement? Set up a profile with AirBnB or VRBO to offer your spare room as a short-term rental for travelers passing through.

Where to sell:

• AirBnB
• 5Miles
• OfferUp

Home Exchange review: How does house swapping work?

32. Your services

The things you can sell don’t necessarily have to be material things. Think about your talents and how you can monetize them. Are you a great artist or graphic designer? Can you build custom furniture pieces? You can also do freelance work as a virtual assistant, proofreader, or bookkeeper. 

Where to sell:

• 5Miles
• Upwork
• Steady
• Fiverr

You can also consider donating blood plasma for money.

Also check out our post on the best side hustles.

What are the best items to resell?

Reselling is a great way to earn extra income. As a reseller, you’ll buy an item upfront for a reasonable price, then markup the price and sell it yourself. The markups may be small or significant, depending on what you’re selling. 

Here are the best items to resell:

33. Jewelry

Many people have unwanted or broken gold, silver, platinum, and other fine jewelry that is worth its scrap metal value. Likewise, if you have designer jewelry, you can sell or auction it for a potentially significant payout. 

Even costume jewelry can turn a profit if you have enough of it. Check estate sales, wholesale suppliers, and even family and friends to source your jewelry.

Where to resell:

• CashforGoldUSA
• CashforSilverUSA
• DiamondsUSA
• TheRealReal
• Ebay
• Vestiaire Collective
• Jewelry store

34. Vintage jewelry

You can find antique and vintage jewelry such as earrings, brooches, necklaces, cameo pendants, and rings at yard sales, estate sales, antique shops, and online sites like ebay. 

Where to resell:

• Etsy
• Ruby Lane
• Vestiaire Collective

35. Engagement rings

If you have gotten divorced and no longer want your engagement ring, you can sell it for cash. 

Where to resell:

• DiamondsUSA
• TheRealReal
• Vestiaire Collective
• Etsy

36. Antiques

According to IBIS World, a provider of research data across multiple industries, the antique market size is on a steady incline. It’s grown over 13% between 2018 and 2023 and is a $2.8 billion industry. You can source antiques from garage sales, antique dealers, and online sites like ebay.

Where to resell:

• Ebay
• Consignment shops
• Flea markets
• Auctions

37. Household furniture

You can get used or like-new furniture from places like overstock warehouses, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore. If you don’t have a truck to pick up the furniture, you’ll have to rent one. You’ll also need a place to store them until they sell.

Where to resell:

• Chairish
• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace
• OfferUp

38. Clearance items

Go to the clearance section of any store (in-person and online) to get steep discounts on all types of merchandise. Seasonal items are often 50% off or more once the season has passed, and you can clean up on items and resell them next year when they are in demand.

Where to resell:

• Amazon
• Ebay
• Facebook Marketplace

What are the best resell sites?

• Amazon — As the world’s largest online retailer, this platform is ideal for selling merchandise of all kinds, but it’s best for selling home and kitchen goods, beauty/personal care items, clothing, accessories, toys, and electronics. 
• ebay — ebay is both an auction website and marketplace for small and large goods. Registered users can sell just about anything, from earbuds to motorcycles. It’s a great site for selling electronics, smartphone accessories, toys, collectibles, jewelry, clothing, and furniture.
• Poshmark — Poshmark is a social marketplace for selling secondhand or like-new clothing, home goods, electronics, beauty items, and pet accessories.
• Facebook Marketplace — This is Facebook’s ecommerce platform where you can sell items locally or ship them. It’s a good place to sell vehicles, electronics, clothing, and home goods like furniture and kitchen appliances.
• Etsy — Etsy is a global online marketplace focused on supporting small businesses. While Etsy sellers tend to offer custom, handcrafted, and homemade goods, it’s also a place to sell vintage items, jewelry, furniture, and decorative pieces for the home.
• Mercari — An online marketplace that allows you to sell easily from an app on your smartphone or through a web browser. It’s a great site to sell items locally or via shipping. Popular items to sell include electronics, clothing, handbags, vintage items, home goods, smartphones, and video games.
• thredUP — An online consignment shop, thredUP allows you to sell clothing and handbags of all kinds, from vintage to luxury.
• The RealReal — A luxury consignment marketplace where you can resell items from brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. It’s a good place to sell jewelry, clothing, and watches.
• Craigslist —A classifieds website where people can advertise items for sale. It’s an option for selling vehicles, furniture, jewelry and more. Be aware that people using Craigslist are often looking for a steep bargain, so it might not be the right place for reselling high-end items. 

39. Sell internet data

If you’re looking for modern ways to earn extra cash online, you can also sell internet data and earn money by sharing your unused bandwidth through trusted apps and platforms. Many people have internet capacity they don’t fully use, and certain services allow you to securely share a portion of that connection in exchange for rewards or payments. While it won’t replace a full-time income, it can be an easy passive way to generate a little extra money each month.

Where to sell:

• Peer-to-peer bandwidth sharing apps
• Data monetization platforms
• Passive income apps that reward internet sharing

Want to sell stuff right from your smartphone and get paid quickly? Check out 21 apps for selling stuff online or “near me”

FAQs

What can I sell to make money in one day?

You can sell clothing, jewelry, purses, electronics, bicycles, and other things around your house through platforms where you can meet up with a buyer the same day like Craigslist, ebay, and Facebook marketplace.

Designer clothing and accessories will fetch a higher profit, but there is also a great demand for baby clothing (it’s a multi-billion-dollar business).

What can I sell to make money fast?

You can sell gold, silver, diamonds, and other fine jewelry quickly at a local jewelry store, pawn shop, or through an online cash for gold buyer. CashforGoldUSA is our top choice for selling precious metals online.

What are the easiest things to flip for profit?

The easiest things to flip for profit are clearance items. Since you can buy them at a hefty discount, you increase your potential to make money if you price them just right and sell at the right time. You can post the items on a resale app like Mercari or ebay and ship them (or deliver them in person). 

Bottom line: If you need cash, there are lots of things to sell for cash that are in your house right now.

If you’re like us, you probably have lots of stuff around your house that you rarely (or never) use. Those things could be turned into cash, especially if you need to make money quickly.

If you love reading but hate seeing errors in writing, then a career as a proofreader could be a great fit for you. 

Proofreading is an incredibly flexible work-at-home job for moms. You can work full time, part time, and also as a freelance proofreader, and earn $20 to $60 per hour.

But what do proofreaders really do and how do you get proofreader jobs online?

After reading this article, you’ll know exactly what proofreading is, how you can learn to do it, and what you need to do to find proofreader jobs.

Keep reading for specifics:

How to become a proofreader

1. Learn on the job
2. Teach yourself
3. Take an online course to learn to proofread

Do you need a degree to be a proofreader?

What do proofreaders do?

Are proofreaders in demand?

• Court transcript proofreader
• Print media proofreading
• Academic proofreading

How much do proofreaders earn?

How to become a proofreader and find work

How to get proofreading jobs

• Proofreading Services
• CACTUS
• UPWORK
• FLEXJOBS
• FREELANCER
• FIVERR

Starting a proofreading business as a freelancer

• Services your proofreading business could offer
• How to get clients for your proofreading business

Bottom line: How do I start a career as a proofreader?

How to become a proofreader

There are many potential paths that you can take to become a proofreader. Some are faster than others, but all of them can work. Below are three of the most common routes: learn on the job, teach yourself, or take an online proofreading course.

1. Learn on the job

This is a great option for anyone who already works at a company that produces content of any type, whether digital or print. Next time a piece of content is being finalized, volunteer to act as a proofreader, even if the project is outside of your department or outside your normal realm of duties.

So don’t be afraid to volunteer! It’s a great way to build up the experience and skills you’ll need if you want to turn proofreading into a career.

2. Teach yourself

This is probably the hardest route to take, simply because it depends on your own personal motivation and accountability, but just like any other skill, it’s totally possible to teach yourself to become a proofreader.

If you want to go this route, you should first make sure that you understand the various proofreader’s marks that you’ll need to use in marking up your pages—there are a lot of them! 

Beyond that, you should familiarize yourself with the various “styles” or “handbooks” that your employers or clients would expect you to know. These books outline specific rules of spelling and grammar, and truly form the bedrock of a proofreader’s expertise. The most widely used are:

• Chicago Manual of Style
• Associated Press Stylebook (AP Style) 
• Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook
• American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual
• American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style
• Strunk & White’s Manual of Style

13 jobs that pay well and do not require a degree

3. Take an online course to learn to proofread

While learning on the job and teaching yourself can work, by far the quickest route to becoming a freelance proofreader is to take an online course from someone with personal success in the industry — who can teach you the skills you need, and how to land gigs and build a business.

While there are many potential courses to choose from, my favorite is Proofread Anywhere, which was recently acquired by Onfolio Holdings Inc.¹

Read our complete review of Proofread Anywhere.

Do you need a degree to become a proofreader?

The good news is you don’t need a degree or even special training to be a proofreader. And you don’t need years of experience. All you need is a pair of eagle eyes, excellent attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and good communication skills. 

If you’re the kind of person who spots errors on restaurant menus, social media, and billboards from a mile off, then proofreading could be the perfect work-from-home opportunity for you.

In the United States, there is currently no official proofreading certification. That said, it’s hugely important that you make sure you know how to do the job before you start looking for clients.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you’re an excellent proofreader just because you were good at English in school. Language changes over time, and it’s easy to pick up bad grammar habits, especially considering how much time we spend on social media these days. 

You only get one opportunity to impress a client. For obvious reasons, clients expect a high level of accuracy from a proofreader, so taking on clients before you’ve verified your skills is a huge risk.

There are training courses like Proofread Anywhere you can take that will teach you how to proofread properly and how to find the most common mistakes in writing. This way you get lots of practice and you can hone your skills without risking your reputation.  

What do proofreaders do?

Proofreaders are the final set of eyes on a piece of written content. After content has been written and edited, a proofreader will look over the piece and fix any remaining errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and style. A proofreader makes sure the copy aligns with the publication’s style.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to:

• Earn money doing something they love — reading and finding grammar and style errors.
• Proofreaders tend to passionately love the hunt of finding errors and mistakes
• Work from home
• Stay home with their kids while earning a living
• Do interesting work
• Start a low-cost business from home 

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Are proofreaders in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, editor jobs, including proofreading, are expected to grow 5% between 2020 and 2030.

Given the rise of self-publishing, anyone can write a book. They don’t need to wait until they get picked up by a book agent and have their book sold to a publishing house. They can publish their own book on Amazon or on their own website. 

But that also means they have to look after every aspect of the book publishing process themselves — everything from proofreading and editing to cover design and marketing. 

Now, since they’re not likely to be professional proofreaders themselves, they need to hire a professional. 

There is also a huge amount of content being published online every day. Every single second, in fact! Bloggers and other content creators also hire proofreaders, as do marketing and advertising agencies that publish content on businesses and publications’ websites. Academic publications, book publishers and corporate communications also require proofreading.

Court transcript proofreader

Legal proceedings require an exact transcription of what was said and what happened in court, which is written out by court reporters.

Court transcript proofreaders handle proofreading for court reporters, ensuring that what was typed is accurate, grammatically correct, and free of spelling and other errors.

Court transcript proofreaders make an average of $42,636 per year, according to Ziprecruiter.

There are also other types of transcription proofreaders, including those that work for online transcription companies like Rev.com, podcasts, and television networks.

Proofread Anywhere offers a course on transcript proofreading, which covers:

• Proofreading skills
• Spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Business setup
• Where to find clients
• How to secure clients

Print media proofreading

Newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, printed labels, greeting cards — anything that’s printed and distributed often needs to be proofread.

According to Ziprecruiter, magazine proofreaders make an average $49,365 per year.

Academic proofreading

Academic proofreaders read through research papers and textbooks to ensure there are no typos or spelling and grammatical errors.

They make an average $54,316 per year.

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How do I get paid to proofread? How much could I make?

As a general proofreader, you can work with a wide variety of clients and earn $20 to $50+, depending on the project.

Reputation is everything. A proofreader can save an author or business a lot of embarrassment and negative reviews by ensuring that their content is error-free. 

The types of clients you can work with include self-publishing authors, publishing houses, businesses, government organizations, bloggers, course creators, marketing and advertising agencies.

How much you can earn as a proofreader depends on your experience level and how long it takes you to proofread a document. As you gain more experience, you will be able to charge more for your services and increase your hourly rate by becoming more efficient.

It also depends on how proactive you are in marketing your business. 

It’s possible to make a very good living as a proofreader.

It’s possible to make a very good living as a proofreader. According to ZipRecruiter, as of June 2o23, freelance proofreaders earn an average of $53,733 a year in the United States or an average of $25/hour (and upwards of $87,500 per year).

That’s not bad considering you’re making money reading and doing something you love!

To give you a real-life example, Caitlin Pyle made $43,000 a year proofreading part-time — working 20–25 hours a week. Now she runs her own company from home teaching people just like you how to become proofreaders.

Stay to the end of the free workshop, and get $100 off the course!

Proofreading can be very flexible — you can work as a full-time proofreader or just keep it as a side hustle. You can increase your working hours if you want to earn more money, or you can work part-time hours if you just want a little extra money to cover bills or something fun!

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How do I become a proofreader with no experience?

If you have no experience as a proofreader, we recommend starting with a course like Proofread Anywhere’s General Proofreading course, where you’ll learn proofreading skills, and earn certificate of completion to show potential clients and add to your resume.

A solid resume, highlighting the right skills, is essential for standing out to employers. Once you learn the skills you need to proofread, start by picking up freelance gigs through sites like Upwork and Fiverr, and ask people in your sphere of influence for recommendations. You can even use a free resume template to help create a professional resume that reflects your new qualifications and experience.

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How to get proofreading jobs

Proofreaders are tasked with the final edit of a piece of content — a website, book, magazine, newspaper, marketing materials, or even a menu — to ensure that the grammar, spelling layout and other details of the copy are correct, as well as within the style of the publisher. 

In the world of book publishing, a proofreader is someone who “proofs” a book, by comparing the final version against prior rounds of edits. Their job is to ensure that all edits have been put in place as indicated in the prior rounds. 

If you’re looking for proofreading jobs, it helps to know that many companies also use slightly different terminology and titles to describe the same exact thing. Other titles you should keep an eye out for include:

• Edit/editor
• Copyedit/copyeditor
• Cold read/cold reader
• Line editor  

If you’re looking for proofreading jobs online, then online jobs boards are a good place to start, but don’t rely on these alone. Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, and LinkedIn allow you to search through thousands of job postings by specific keywords, making it really easy to find a job that appeals to you. 

So how do you find online proofreading jobs?

One of my favorite online job boards in general is ZipRecruiter:

That being said, there are lots of companies hiring freelance proofreaders. Each company will have different requirements and offer different levels of pay. Below is a list of some of the most popular.

PROOFREADING SERVICES

This company advertises full- and part-time remote proofreading positions. You’ll need to complete an application form and a timed quiz before they will hire you. 

CACTUS

Cactus hires proofreaders who specialize in the academic and medical fields, so you’ll need a graduate degree in a specialized area to be hired. 

You can also set up profiles on some freelancer websites like the ones below to find freelance proofreading jobs. 

UPWORK

Prospective clients will post an ad detailing what they need, and you pitch for the job, telling them exactly why you’re the best candidate for the job.

FLEXJOBS

This paid job board is exclusively filled with career-level postings for jobs that allow moms to work from home, telecommute, work part-time, or otherwise flexible positions.

FREELANCER

This is very similar to Upwork in that clients will post an ad, and you pitch to them. It’s important to fill out your profile properly so that these sites match you to proofreader jobs that you’re suitable for. 

FIVERR

Fiverr is a little different. You create “gigs” for different price points depending on how long the document is, the turnaround time, and the level of editing you will provide, for example. Clients will search through these gigs and choose the freelance proofreader that they feel will do the best job. 

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Not interested in finding a job? You could set up a business on the side.

Services your proofreading business could offer

• Proofreading advertising and marketing copy 
• Proofreading emails 
• Proofreading website copy 
• Proofreading grant proposals 
• Proofreading academic papers 
• Proofreading and fact-checking op-eds 
• Proofreading and researching blog posts 
• Proofreading business plans 
• Proofreading speeches and presentations 
• Proofreading press releases

How to get clients for your proofreading business

You can also attract clients by being active on social media. Posting on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and engaging with potential clients in a natural, helpful way is a great way to attract clients. 

Take advantage of any opportunities to be included on online directories, such as Self-Publishing School’s Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex. (Listing on this rolodex is an exclusive benefit of the Proofread Anywhere training course I talk about below.)

As I mentioned above though, make sure you know what you’re doing before you take on clients!

Bottom line: How do I start a career as a proofreader?

If you want to start a career as a proofreader, consider enrolling in a comprehensive proofreading course, including those offered online.

Plus, if proofreading isn’t for you, check out our list of other high-paying, work-from-home careers:

• Grant writing
• Bookkeeping (plus check out our review of Bookkeeper Launch and learn how to find a bookkeeping job)
• Coding
• Medical billing and coding
• Dog grooming

Related: Find even more work-at-home careers

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SOURCES

1. Onfolio Holdings Inc. Provides Corporate Updates and Reports Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results, Nov. 14, 2022 globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/11/14/2555401/0/en/Onfolio-Holdings-Inc-Provides-Corporate-Updates-and-Reports-Third-Quarter-2022-Financial-Results.html