Transitioning from being a full-time parent to re-entering the workforce can feel daunting, especially if you don’t hold a college degree. But here’s the truth you need to hear: meaningful career opportunities exist, even without formal education credentials.
The skills you’ve developed as a stay-at-home mom are invaluable. From multitasking to problem-solving, you’ve mastered abilities that many employers actively seek. Combine that with your determination, and you’ll find there are plenty of jobs offering flexibility and financial stability.
This blog will explore the best job options for stay-at-home moms without a degree, along with salary expectations, tips to get started, and steps to kick off your next exciting career chapter.
Key Takeaways
- Your Skills Are Valuable: Many employers prioritize soft skills over formal education. Skills like time management and problem-solving can set you apart.
- Flexible Jobs Are Available: Explore opportunities in areas like virtual assistance, freelance writing, babysitting, and online tutoring.
- Real Estate is a Top Pick: For those who want high earning potential and flexibility, real estate can be an ideal career path.
- Starting is Simple: You can begin most jobs with basic certifications or minimal training.
- Long-Term Success is Achievable: The right approach can lead to fulfilling roles that align with both your family’s and personal goals.
Why Your Mom Skills Are Career Assets
Before jumping into specific job roles, take a moment to reflect on the skills you’ve honed through years of parenting. Managing household budgets? That’s financial acumen. Juggling kids’ schedules, appointments, and projects? Those are pure project management skills. Handling conflicts between siblings? You’ve already got a natural flair for diplomacy.
More and more employers value these “soft skills,” often over formal degrees, for roles requiring organization, communication, and problem-solving. Recognizing their value changes the way you approach future career opportunities.
How can a stay-at-home mom make money with no degree? Here are some options.
Top Career Options for a Former SAHM With No Degree
Each of these career options takes into consideration your existing skill set and the flexibility many mothers need.
1. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants perform remote administrative tasks for businesses, including managing emails, scheduling appointments, and managing social media. This job is perfect for someone with strong organizational skills.
Skills Required: Basic computer proficiency, strong communication, attention to detail, and time management.
Getting Started: Sites like Belay and Fancy Hands are excellent resources for finding entry-level virtual assistant roles.
Average Salary in California: $31.48/hour (Indeed, July 2025)
2. Freelance Writer
If words are your strength, consider writing blog posts, website content, or marketing materials for companies. Freelance writing offers both flexibility and significant earning potential.
Skills Required: Excellent writing abilities, basic SEO knowledge, and research proficiency.
Getting Started: Start on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr and use free tools to develop an initial portfolio.
Average Salary in California: $29.85/hour (Indeed, July 2025)
3. Customer Service Representative
Many companies offer remote roles for customer support via phone, email, or chat platforms. The work can be steady, often with the potential for benefits.
Skills Required: Patience, problem-solving, good communication, and basic technology skills.
Getting Started: Employers like Working Solutions or Arise hire and train remote customer service representatives.
Average Salary in California: $25.42/hour (Indeed, July 2025)
4. Tutor
Whether it’s helping kids with their homework or teaching conversational English, tutoring plays to skills you probably already use at home.
Skills Required: Patience and subject knowledge, potentially in areas like math, reading, or language arts.
Getting Started: Companies like Tutor.com or Wyzant hire tutors, often without degrees.
Average Salary in California: $30.79/hour (Indeed, July 2025)
5. Bookkeeper
If you’re detail-oriented and good with numbers, bookkeeping offers stable income potential.
Skills Required: Basic accounting knowledge, strong organizational skills, and mathematical aptitude.
Getting Started: Certifying courses through programs like Intuit QuickBooks can set you up for success.
Average Salary in California: $22.81/hour (Indeed, July 2025)
6. Data entry clerk or transcriptionist
These roles involve inputting data into computer systems or converting audio files into text. They are great for detail-oriented individuals seeking remote, flexible work.
Skills Required: Fast and accurate typing, attention to detail, and basic computer proficiency.
Getting Started: Platforms like Rev, Clickworker, and TranscribeMe offer entry-level positions with flexible schedules.
Average Salary in California: $18.18 – $27.80/hour (Indeed, July 2025)
7. E-commerce seller (Etsy, eBay, or Amazon)
Starting an online store allows you to monetize your creativity or reselling expertise. Whether through handmade crafts or curated items, e-commerce offers an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurial moms.
Skills Required: Basic marketing knowledge, customer service skills, and creativity in finding or creating products.
Getting Started: Research profitable niches, start small, and choose platforms like Etsy for handmade goods, eBay for collectibles, or Amazon for a broader audience.
Average Salary in California: Varies
8. Childcare provider or babysitter
If you’ve already been caring for kids, offering childcare services can be a natural side income opportunity. You can provide this service at home or find part-time babysitting jobs.
Skills Required: Knowledge of child safety, first aid, patience, and the ability to engage with children of various ages.
Getting Started: Obtain certifications like CPR or first aid and advertise through parenting groups or platforms such as Care.com.
Average Salary in California: Varies
9. Pet sitter or dog walker
For animal lovers, pet care services are a rewarding way to earn money and set your own schedule.
Skills Required: Reliability, physical fitness (for dog walking), and a passion for working with animals.
Getting Started: Sign up on sites like Rover or Wag and gather reviews from initial clients to grow your reputation.
California Salary Expectations: Varies
10. Online surveys or market research
Participating in online surveys or focus groups is a quick and easy way to earn money. While not highly lucrative, these gigs are flexible and require minimal effort.
Skills Required: Basic internet navigation skills and the ability to follow instructions.
Getting Started: Register on trusted survey platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Pinecone Research.
California Salary Expectations: Typically part-time or supplemental income, around $500–$5,000 annually
Real Estate Offers Exceptional Potential
For moms looking for unlimited income potential combined with flexibility, a career in real estate is an exciting option.
Why real estate works for moms
Real estate aligns perfectly with the skills you’ve already mastered. Whether navigating local school districts or keeping track of schedules, your experience can give clients confidence in your abilities. Additionally, the flexibility allows you to work around your family’s needs while earning a substantial income.
Salary expectations in California
According to a 2024 survey of Allied Schools alumni, the average income of a part-time real estate agent is $79,250. Not bad for a flexible, part-time job!
Get insights into how real estate commissions work by interacting with our FREE commission calculator.
How to get started
To become a real estate agent, you’ll need to complete pre-licensing education and pass California’s state exam. Allied Schools is specifically built for busy moms, as you can complete your required coursework entirely online.
Why consider Allied Schools
- Flexible Learning: Complete your coursework online at your convenience.
- California Expertise: Learn from instructors who understand the local market.
- Proven Success: Allied has helped over 350,000 students launch their real estate careers.
Now is the perfect time to take the skills you’ve developed as a mom and turn them into a fulfilling career. Take the first step today. Identify one job that excites you and begin researching how to get started. If real estate interests you, explore Allied Schools and our programs, specifically designed for moms like you.
Your years as a SAHM already show your dedication and abilities. Now, it’s time to use those traits to create a career path that fits your life and goals. There are plenty of jobs for stay at home moms with no degree! You’ve got this!
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Allied Schools alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Allied strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
