Earning a six-figure salary is a goal for many professionals, but in today’s competitive job market, simply having a degree isn’t always enough. A great way to boost your earnings is by learning skills that are in high demand. Companies are actively looking for employees with expertise in fields like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
According to a report from the World Economic Forum, the most lucrative careers in 2027 will be in tech, finance, and management. Learning niche skills in these areas can significantly increase your salary and job security. The best part? You don’t need to go back to college for years. Many high-paying jobs now prioritize skills and certifications over traditional degrees.
If you’re looking to land a job with a $100,000+ salary, online courses are a great way to level up your skills. We’ve gathered seven courses that can help you build expertise and increase your chances of securing a high paying job in 2025.
Here are 7 Skills to put on Your Resume for High Paying Jobs
1) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming industries, from healthcare and finance to retail and manufacturing. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most in-demand skills in the job market today. AI professionals earn 47% more on average than those without AI expertise, according to a report by AWS and Indeed.
Companies are investing heavily in AI-driven solutions to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. By 2027, AI-related roles are expected to be among the highest paying jobs, with positions like AI engineers, data scientists, and ML specialists commanding six-figure salaries
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamentals of AI and ML
- Neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP)
- Tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Python programming
- Real-world applications of AI in business and technology
Potential Salary
AI and machine learning engineers can earn between $120,000 and $160,000 per year, depending on experience.
Where to Take the Course?
- Coursera: AI For Everyone by Andrew Ng (Stanford University)
- edX: Artificial Intelligence MicroMasters by Columbia University
- Udacity: AI Programming with Python Nanodegree
2. Cybersecurity
As cyber threats continue to rise, organizations are prioritizing cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, with roles like cybersecurity analysts, ethical hackers, and information security managers offering salaries well above $100,000. As companies increase their online presence, there will be an increasing demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals. I’ve been researching the highest paying cybersecurity jobs, and if you’re looking to break into the field or level up your career, i have added some roles below that can earn you well over six figures.
What You’ll Learn:
- Network security and encryption techniques
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Risk management and compliance frameworks
- Tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, and Kali Linux
Top High-Paying Cybersecurity Roles:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – Easily one of the highest-paying roles, CISOs make $200,000+ managing an organization’s entire security strategy.
- Cybersecurity Architect – These professionals design secure systems and networks, earning around $150,000+ annually.
- Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester – If you love breaking into systems (legally!), this job pays $120,000+ to find vulnerabilities before hackers do.
- Cloud Security Engineer – With businesses moving to the cloud, this role is in high demand, offering salaries of $130,000+.
- Information Security Manager – Overseeing a company’s security policies can earn you around $140,000+.
- Security Software Developer – If coding is your thing, you can make $120,000+ building security-focused applications.
- Cybersecurity Consultant – Advising companies on security best practices can bring in $110,000+ per year.
Where to Take the Course:
- Coursera: Cybersecurity Specialization by the University of Maryland
- edX: Cybersecurity MicroMasters by Rochester Institute of Technology
- CompTIA: Security+ Certification Training
A cybersecurity course on your resume shows employers that you can safeguard their digital assets, a critical need in an increasingly connected world.
3. Digital Marketing and Growth Hacking
As businesses continue to shift their focus to online platforms, digital marketing has become a cornerstone of success. By 2026, companies will need skilled marketers who can drive growth through data-driven strategies, SEO, and social media. Roles like digital marketing managers, growth hackers, and SEO specialists are already commanding high salaries, and this trend is expected to continue.
What You’ll Learn
- The fundamentals of SEO and content marketing
- How to run social media and PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns
- Email marketing and digital analytics
- Social media marketing and content strategy
- Data analytics for marketing campaigns
- Growth hacking techniques and tools
Potential Salary
Senior digital marketers and SEO specialists earn between $90,000 and $130,000 per year.
Where to Take the Course:
- HubSpot Academy: Digital Marketing Certification
- Coursera: Digital Marketing Specialization by the University of Illinois
- Udemy: The Complete Digital Marketing Course
A digital marketing course on your resume highlights your ability to drive online engagement and revenue, making you a valuable asset to any organization looking to grow its digital presence.
4. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has completely changed the game for businesses, making it easier and more cost-effective to manage storage, software, and infrastructure. As companies rush to move their operations to the cloud, the demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing.
If you’re looking for a quick high-paying job, getting AWS-certified can be a game-changer. AWS-certified architects, cloud engineers, and DevOps specialists are among the highest-paid IT professionals, often earning well over six figures. With the cloud computing market set to explode by 2027, now is the perfect time to break into this field and secure a high-paying tech career.
What You’ll Learn:
- Cloud infrastructure and architecture
- Platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud
- Containerization and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes
- Cloud security and compliance
Where to Take the Course:
- Coursera: Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
- edX: Cloud Computing MicroMasters by the University of Maryland
- A Cloud Guru: AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Adding a cloud computing course to your resume demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage cloud-based solutions, a skill that’s highly sought after in today’s tech-driven economy.
Potential Salary
Cloud engineers and architects earn between $110,000 and $150,000 per year.
5. Data Science and Analytics
Data is the new oil, and people who can manage it are in high demand. Companies across industries, including marketing, finance, healthcare, and technology, are depending on data-driven insights to make better decisions. Because of the increased demand, data scientists and analysts are among the highest-paid professionals, with many making well over $100,000.
In upcoming years, the ability to collect, analyze, and understand data will not only be useful, but also necessary. If you’re looking for a rapid, high-paying job, mastering data analytics can provide you a significant competitive advantage and lead to six-figure salaries.
What You’ll Learn:
- Data visualization and storytelling
- Statistical analysis and predictive modeling
- Programming languages like R and Python
- Tools like Tableau, Power BI, and SQL
Where to Take the Course:
- Coursera: Data Science Specialization by Johns Hopkins University
- edX: Data Science MicroMasters by MIT
- Udemy: Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp
A data science course on your resume signals to employers that you can turn raw data into actionable insights, a skill that’s invaluable in today’s data-centric world.
Potential Salary
Experienced data analysts and business intelligence professionals earn between $100,000 and $130,000 per year.
6. Software Engineering & Full Stack Development
Software engineering and full stack development are two of the most sought-after skill sets in the tech industry. Companies are looking for professionals who can design, build, and maintain robust software systems while also creating seamless user experiences across web and mobile platforms. By 2026, roles like software architects, full stack developers, and DevOps engineers will continue to dominate the job market, offering salaries well above $100,000.
What You’ll Learn:
Software Engineering:
- Software development lifecycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies
- Programming languages like Java, Python, and C++
- System design, debugging, and deployment strategies
Full Stack Development:
- Front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular)
- Back-end technologies like Node.js, Django, and Ruby on Rails
- Database management with SQL and MongoDB
- Version control systems like Git
Where to Take the Course
- Coursera: Software Engineering Specialization by the University of British Columbia
- Udemy: The Complete 2024 Web Development Bootcamp
- edX: Full Stack Development MicroMasters by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- freeCodeCamp: Full Stack Development Certification
Adding a course in software engineering or full stack development to your resume demonstrates your versatility and ability to handle end-to-end software projects, making you a top candidate for high-paying tech roles in 2025.
Potential Salary
Full-stack developers earn between $100,000 and $140,000 per year.
7. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is revolutionizing industries like finance, supply chain, healthcare, and more by enabling secure, transparent, and decentralized systems. In upcoming years, blockchain developers, architects, and consultants will be in high demand, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 as businesses adopt blockchain for smart contracts, cryptocurrency, and data security.
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamentals of blockchain and distributed ledger technology
- Smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps)
- Cryptography and consensus algorithms
- Platforms like Ethereum, Hyperledger, and Solidity programming
Adding a blockchain course to your resume showcases your expertise in cutting-edge technology, making you a valuable candidate for high-paying roles in 2027.
Where to Take the Course
- Coursera: Blockchain Specialization by the University at Buffalo
- edX: Blockchain Fundamentals by UC Berkeley
- Udemy: Blockchain A-Z: Learn How to Build Your First Blockchain
Potential Salary
Blockchain developers earn between $100,000 and $170,000 per year.
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Conclusion
If you want to land a six-figure job in 2025, taking the right courses is the fastest way to boost your skills and stand out to employers. The seven courses listed above cover some of the most in-demand fields, including AI, cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.
By investing in these high-income skills, you can position yourself for better job opportunities, higher salaries, and long-term career success.