Published: November 26, 2025
The demand for tech talent in the United States continues to grow, and beginners no longer need expensive university degrees to get started. Online platforms now offer affordable, beginner-friendly courses that teach the practical skills employers actually want.
This guide covers the best online tech courses you can start in 2026 for under $100, the skills they teach, and how they can help you enter high-growth career paths.
1. Google IT Support Professional Certificate (Coursera)
This is one of the most popular beginner tech programs in the US. It teaches the foundations of IT support, troubleshooting, operating systems, and customer assistance. It is recognized by major employers like Walmart, Hulu, and Sprint.
- What You Learn: Computer assembly, wireless networking, customer service, and system support.
- Why It’s Worth It: There is a high demand for remote IT support roles.
- Price: Free 7-day trial, then $49 per month.
2. HubSpot Digital Marketing Certification
A beginner-level program focused on SEO, content strategy, analytics, and advertising tools. HubSpot is a standard tool in many US startups, making this certification highly relevant.
- What You Learn: Keyword research, content optimization, email marketing, and campaign basics.
- Why It’s Worth It: It allows for fast entry into marketing assistant and copywriter roles.
- Price: 100% Free.
3. Udemy: The Complete SQL Bootcamp
SQL (Structured Query Language) is one of the most essential tech skills in 2026. This course teaches practical data querying used in analytics and business intelligence roles.
- What You Learn: Data extraction, filtering, aggregation, and creating real business reports.
- Why It’s Worth It: Almost all data analyst and business operations jobs require SQL.
- Price: $15 to $20 during frequent sales.
4. LinkedIn Learning: Excel Essential Training
Excel remains the foundation of many tech-adjacent jobs, including data analytics, SaaS support, and operations management.
- What You Learn: Advanced formulas (VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP), pivot tables, and data cleaning.
- Why It’s Worth It: Employers consider Excel a core requirement for administrative and analyst jobs.
- Price: 1-month free trial, then ~$39 per month.
5. Udemy: Python for Beginners
Python is the leading language for automation, AI, data science, and backend development. This course breaks down complex coding concepts into simple steps for beginners.
- What You Learn: Variables, loops, data handling, and writing simple automation scripts.
- Why It’s Worth It: Python offers strong long-term growth potential in software engineering.
- Price: $15 to $20 during promotions.
6. Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera)
A full entry-level track focused on data cleaning, spreadsheets, dashboards, and decision-making. This program is designed specifically to get you hired without a degree.
- What You Learn: Data storytelling, visualization (Tableau/R), and analytics logic.
- Why It’s Worth It: There is a massive shortage of junior data analysts in the US market.
- Price: $49 per month.
7. Meta Social Media Marketing Certification
Ideal for beginners wanting remote marketing roles. This program is designed by Meta (Facebook/Instagram) to teach you how to run ads on their platforms.
- What You Learn: Content strategy, analytics tracking, ad budgeting, and campaign management.
- Why It’s Worth It: Small businesses continuously hire freelance social media managers.
- Price: $49 per month.
8. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Security analysts currently command some of the most competitive salaries in the technology sector due to a global talent shortage. This program prepares you for an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst in under six months.
- What You Learn: Linux command line, SQL for security, threat detection, and network security tools.
- Why It’s Worth It: Cybersecurity hiring is increasing rapidly as threats become more complex.
- Price: $49 per month.
9. Tidio Academy: Customer Service and Live Chat Support
A practical course for remote support careers. Since many companies use Tidio for their chat support, this certification proves you know the platform.
- What You Learn: Ticket handling, professional communication, and chat system management.
- Why It’s Worth It: Many SaaS companies hire beginners for chat support roles.
- Price: Free.
10. Notion Basics: Productivity and Operations
Notion is widely used by startups for project and workflow management. Being an expert in Notion is a unique skill that can land you “Virtual Assistant” or “Operations Coordinator” jobs.
- What You Learn: Databases, templates, task systems, and team collaboration.
- Why It’s Worth It: Strong fit for virtual assistant and remote operations roles.
- Price: Free (via YouTube tutorials or Notion Academy).
How to Pick the Right Course
Choose a course based on your immediate goal:
- For Quick Cash Flow: HubSpot Marketing or Tidio Support.
- For Long-Term Career: Google Data Analytics or Python.
- For Stability: Google IT Support or Cybersecurity.
How to Start Fast in 2026
- Complete one beginner course within 7 to 14 days.
- Build three sample projects (e.g., a marketing plan, a Python script, or a data dashboard).
- Upload them to LinkedIn or a small portfolio site.
- Apply to remote entry-level roles immediately.
You do not need a degree to begin a tech career in 2026. With affordable online courses, practical training, and consistent practice, you can build a strong entry-level path in fields like data, IT support, and digital marketing.
Sarah Johnson is an education policy researcher and student-aid specialist who writes clear, practical guides on financial assistance programs, grants, and career opportunities. She focuses on simplifying complex information for parents, students, and families.
