Top Easy Careers That Pay Big in 2025

When people ask “What’s the easiest career that makes the most money?”, they’re really looking for a easy high‑paying career-a job that offers a strong salary while requiring minimal time, money, or stress to get started.

Key Takeaways

• "Easy" usually means short training, low entry cost, and manageable stress.
• High‑paying jobs in 2025 still average NZ$80,000+ per year for entry‑level roles.
• Four careers require a diploma or certificate, three need a bachelor’s degree, and one can start with no formal education.
• Most of these jobs can be entered within 6‑24 months of focused study.
• Real‑world growth, work‑life balance, and personal interest matter as much as salary.

How We Judge “Easy” and “High‑Paying”

Before naming any jobs, let’s set the yardsticks. We measured “easy” by three practical factors:

1. Training length - time from zero knowledge to a qualified starter.
2. Cost to certify - tuition, licensing fees, or equipment.
3. Work‑life stress - typical hours, physical demands, and on‑the‑job pressure.

For “high‑paying” we used the 2025 median salary data from the NewZealand Salary Survey. Anything above NZ$80,000annual was considered lucrative for entry‑level positions.

Top 8 Careers That Fit the Bill

Software Developer

A software developer writes, tests, and maintains code for apps, websites, or internal tools. In 2025 the median entry salary is around NZ$95,000, and many bootcamps can get you job‑ready in 4-6 months.

• Training: 4‑month coding bootcamp or associate degree.
• Cost: $5,000‑$12,000 NZD for a reputable bootcamp.
• Stress: Moderate; deadlines can be tight, but remote work is common.

Real Estate Agent

Agents help buyers and sellers navigate property transactions. Successful agents often earn NZ$90,000+ through commissions, and you only need a short licensing course.

• Training: 2‑month accredited real‑estate course.
• Cost: $1,200‑$2,000 NZD for licensing fees.
• Stress: Variable; income depends on sales volume.

Sales Representative

Corporate or B2B sales reps sell products or services to other businesses. With a solid commission structure, top performers easily crack NZ$100,000 yearly.

• Training: On‑the‑job plus optional 1‑month sales workshop.
• Cost: Often covered by employer; personal investment <$500.
• Stress: High when quotas are tight, but flexible schedules are common.

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists clean teeth, take X‑rays, and educate patients. Median salary sits at NZ$85,000, and the required diploma can be earned in 2years.

• Training: 2‑year diploma program.
• Cost: $8,000‑$12,000 NZD tuition.
• Stress: Low to moderate; mostly routine procedures.

Data Analyst

Analysts turn raw data into insights for business decisions. Entry‑level roles pay around NZ$88,000 and usually require a short certificate or a bachelor’s degree.

• Training: 6‑month data‑analytics certificate or 3‑year degree.
• Cost: $4,000‑$10,000 NZD for certificates; $15,000‑$20,000 for degrees.
• Stress: Moderate; deadlines are typical but work can be remote.

Air Traffic Controller

Controllers manage aircraft movements in airports and airspace. The median salary is NZ$100,000, and training lasts about 12months at a government academy.

• Training: 12‑month intensive academy program.
• Cost: Tuition covered by the aviation authority; modest living costs.
• Stress: High; vigilance is crucial, but shifts are well‑paid.

Commercial Pilot

Pilots fly passengers or cargo on scheduled routes. Starting salaries hover around NZ$110,000 after you obtain a commercial pilot licence (CPL), which takes 18‑24months.

• Training: 18‑24months flight school + CPL exams.
• Cost: $80,000‑$120,000 NZD (often financed).
• Stress: High during flights, but lifestyle can be rewarding.

Online Content Creator

Creators produce videos, blogs, or podcasts and monetize through ads, sponsorships, or merch. Top earners regularly clear NZ$90,000+; the barrier to start is essentially a smartphone.

• Training: Self‑learn via free resources; optional 3‑month media course.
• Cost: Minimal; equipment $500‑$2,000.
• Stress: Variable; income fluctuates with audience growth.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

How to Get Started - A Simple Roadmap

Pick a career that matches your time budget, money you can invest, and how much stress you’re willing to handle. Then follow these three steps:

1. Research the exact credential. Verify the licensing body or bootcamp accreditation. For example, the NewZealand Software Development Institute (NZSDI) lists approved bootcamps on its site.
2. Enroll and schedule study time. Treat the coursework like a part‑time job-set aside 10‑15hours weekly.
3. Build a portfolio or get real‑world experience. Even a small freelance project or an internship can turn a certificate into a job offer.

Most of the careers above can be entered within a year. The key is to stay consistent and network early-join relevant LinkedIn groups, attend local meet‑ups, or connect with mentors.

Pros, Cons, and Red Flags

Every “easy‑money” path has trade‑offs. Use this quick cheat sheet to avoid common pitfalls.

• Software Developer - Pro: Remote work, high demand. Con: Rapid tech changes; need continual learning. Red flag: Programs promising “job in 30days” without hands‑on projects.
• Real Estate Agent - Pro: Low upfront cost, flexible schedule. Con: Income can be uneven. Red flag: Agencies that require huge desk fees.
• Sales Rep - Pro: High upside with commissions. Con: Pressure to meet quotas. Red flag: Companies with vague compensation structures.
• Dental Hygienist - Pro: Stable demand, low stress. Con: Requires clinical hours. Red flag: Schools with low accreditation ratings.
• Data Analyst - Pro: Strong growth, transferable skills. Con: May need basic programming. Red flag: “No‑code” only courses that ignore SQL.
• Air Traffic Controller - Pro: Excellent pay, respected role. Con: Intensive training, high stress. Red flag: Private schools not recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority.
• Commercial Pilot - Pro: Travel, high salary. Con: Expensive training, irregular hours. Red flag: “Fast‑track” programs that skip required flight hours.
• Online Content Creator - Pro: Creative freedom, low start cost. Con: Income varies widely. Red flag: Platforms promising guaranteed ad revenue.

What to Do Next

Now that you have a clear list, ask yourself:

1. How much time can I devote each week?
2. What budget do I have for training?
3. Which stress level feels sustainable for me?

Answering these will narrow the field to the one or two careers that truly fit you. Then jump into the roadmap above, and you’ll be on the fast track to an easy, well‑paid job.