12 Cool Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

Professional nanny

Emily Joy Wallace started as a nanny when she was 13 years old. She’s now 29 and works as a teacher and artist. For seven years, she worked as a professional nanny for more than 12 families. The first little girl she babysat is now 16 years old, and they still keep in touch. Wallace loves knowing she played a part in so many children’s formative years. During her time as a nanny, she averaged an income of $32,000 per year, she says.

‘I hoped that by being with children I would have time to practice my art, songwriting, and other passions. Plus I find it so fulfilling to help kids with drawing, being a good friend, baking, and believing in themselves.’ (Here’s one way to encourage a child: Let them play with imaginary friends!)Her time in childcare led to teaching abroad, and she now works in childhood education in Costa Rica. While she’s happy with her path, she’s battled some insecurity along the way. She said, ‘Not having a degree was hard for me at first, but I never felt like it was a priority. The work I’ve done is different and not something many people do for very long or pursue as a career.’ Still, the work is meaningful for Wallace. Currently single and without children of her own, the children she works with feel like an extended family.

‘I feel the journey of working with children in different capacities has kept me young at heart,’ she says. ‘I feel so much joy as I look back at all the kids I have adventured with.’ Salary: According to the 2012 INA Nanny Salary and Benefits Survey, the national average hourly rate for babysitting or short-term assignments is $16 per hour. The national average gross weekly salary for full-time live-out nannies is $36,660. The national average gross weekly salary for full-time live-in nannies is $34,000. Suggested skills: nurturing, empathetic, patience, creativity, warmth, playfulness, imaginative