Jobs That Pay $20 An Hour or More

The new year is here. Have you started making plans to improve your earning ability? By making New Year’s resolutions for work, you can increase your chances of being able to transition into a higher-paying position that fits your skills and qualifications. 

Even if you can’t find your ideal job this year, planning ahead by searching for higher-paying jobs now can give you the foundation you need to get hired next year. This is especially true for jobs that pay $20 an hour or more, as these positions may require certification or job training.

If you made a New Year’s resolution for work that involves boosting your income with a new job, here are some career paths that may work for you. 

Full-Charge Bookkeeper

This position involves using bookkeeping software, spreadsheets, and databases to monitor expenditures, receipts, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and profit and loss. As a full-charge bookkeeper, you may be responsible for maintaining the books of an entire organization. The job only requires basic mathematics and computer skills, making it suitable for people who don’t have a college education. 

To increase your chances of landing this job, it helps to have some postsecondary education. Though, most bookkeeping jobs offer on-the-job training to new employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earned a median wage of $20.39 per hour in 2020. 

Medical Coder

When someone undergoes a medical procedure, that treatment information must be translated into alphanumeric codes that can be used to organize the medical documentation. A medical coder performs this translation and ensures that records are accurate and up-to-date. Medical coders must be fluent in coding systems, like the International Classification of Disease, the Current Procedural Terminology, and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. By pursuing professional credential opportunities within this field, you can make yourself more appealing to employers in this field. 

If you are analytical and detail-oriented, this job could be a good fit for you. Communication skills are also a must because medical coders need to be capable of effectively discussing patient medical data accurately with physicians and administration teams. According to Indeed.com, coding specialists earn an average wage of $21.42 an hour. 

Carpenter

Carpenters construct, repair, and install structures made from wood and other building materials. There are many tasks that require the input of a skilled carpenter, including insulating buildings, installing drywall and cabinets, building bridges, and erecting scaffolding. To excel in this field, you must be proficient with the use of hand tools, like squares, levels, chisels, and more. Power tools are also important, as carpenters frequently use sanders, circular saws, nail guns, and welding machines, amongst other power tools. 

To get hired as a carpenter, you’ll need to be willing to undergo extensive job training. Through apprenticeship programs, prospective carpenters can gain experience by working under the direct guidance of experienced carpenters. As they learn, they progress to more complex tasks, like reading blueprints and building structures. As of 2020, carpenters could expect to earn a median wage of $23.81 according to the BLS. 

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic installers are responsible for assembling, setting up, and maintaining systems that convert sunlight into energy. These jobs often involve installing solar panels on the roof of homes, but there are other common job sites as well. When installing solar photovoltaic products, the installer must understand the system configuration to meet customer needs and site conditions. They typically learn the appropriate processes during their year-long on-the-job training. During the training process, they’ll also learn how to connect panels to the electrical system. 

To become a solar photovoltaic installer, you only need a high school diploma. Although, taking some courses at a local community college can help you get your foot in the door. If you don’t have the time to go to a college course, there are also online training courses that can help you get started. According to the BLS, solar photovoltaic installers earned an average wage of $22.34 in 2020. 

Testers

Many products must be tested before they can be released to be used by consumers. Testers inspect, test, sort, and sample nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts. They look for defects, wear, and any deviations from the product’s desired specifications. The job entails using precision measuring instruments and complex testing equipment. 

This job typically doesn’t require anything more than a high school diploma, although taking classes at a community college can help you get hired. According to the BLS, testers in the U.S. earned an average wage of $21.43 per hour in 2020. 

HVAC Mechanic and Installer

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC) mechanics work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. They work primarily in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, and factories to ensure that their systems are working properly. Worksites may be hot or cold because the systems they are working on aren’t working properly. Therefore, you must be comfortable with working in non-ideal conditions. Working in cramped spaces is also common, as are irregular hours. 

The best way to get started as an HVAC mechanic is by enrolling in technical or trade schools that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs are shorter than most university-length programs, making them ideal for someone who has a New Year’s resolution for work. Once you’ve found an HVAC mechanic position, expect to earn an average wage of $24.32 per hour.

Exercise Trainer or Group Fitness Instructor

Many people aren’t capable of reaching their fitness goals on their own. Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors work with consumers to help them reach their desired physical condition. A group fitness instructor often provides large groups of students with physical fitness instruction, while an exercise trainer will work directly with clients. In both roles, the worker is required to demonstrate techniques and form, while observing their clients or group participants. If something is being performed incorrectly, the trainer or instructor is responsible for implementing corrective measures to elicit improvement. 

College isn’t necessary to become an exercise trainer or instructor, but physical capability is. If you are someone who understands the fundamentals of exercise or other physical activities, this job is suitable for you. On average, people in these positions earned an average hourly wage of $21.95 in 2020. 

Proofreader

When documentation and written content is being distributed throughout a population, that text needs to be proofread to ensure that there are no errors. A professional proofreader will read transcripts to mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors in the text. The job requires a strong affinity for reading, writing, and proper grammar. 

A postsecondary degree in English or another relevant topic can be essential when applying for this sort of job. Although, degrees aren’t always necessary. Proofreaders may have on-the-job training to help them learn what to do, but that isn’t always the case. If you are hired as a proofreader, you have great earning potential. The average hourly wage for proofreaders was $20.77 in 2020. 

Paralegal

Lawyers are incredibly busy, so they hire paralegals to perform a variety of tasks that support them. This includes maintaining and organizing files, conducting research, and drafting documents. There are other responsibilities too, like gathering and arranging evidence, investigating to gather facts, obtaining affidavits and statements, and helping lawyers during trials. Due to the nature of the job, being an effective paralegal requires expert communication skills, computer skills, and research skills. 

Many prospective paralegals pursue an associate’s degree in paralegal studies. Though, a lot of employers require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Because few schools offer a bachelor’s in paralegal studies, applicants typically have a degree in something else with a certificate in paralegal studies. If you’re a college graduate with no legal experience, don’t worry. There are plenty of employers who hire recent graduates then train them on the job. Once you’re hired, expect to be paid well. The average hourly wage for paralegals was $25.44 in 2020, according to the BLS. 

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Factories house massive pieces of machinery that must be serviced regularly to ensure that they work properly. Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers are responsible for maintaining and repairing conveying systems, production machinery, and packaging equipment. They sometimes need to dismantle equipment when there is a problem, so it helps to be well versed in the technical manuals of each system. The job requires strong attention to detail because often minor problems can cause major service delays. To keep delays from occurring, industrial mechanics perform tests, calibrate equipment, and perform repairs. 

An industrial mechanic needs a high school diploma and some even further their education with an associate’s degree in industrial maintenance. The coursework for these programs include welding, mathematics, hydraulics, and pneumatics. By understanding how these machines work, you can present yourself as an ideal candidate for the job. Once you’re hired, the BLS states that you can receive an average hourly wage of $26.40.

Electrician

Electricity is critical to modern society. Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems. The most common way to become an electrician is through an apprenticeship, but a technical school can also provide you with the basic training you need to get started with your career. Apprenticeships last for 4 to 5 years, so if you have a New Year’s resolution for work, it’s best to get started now. 

As an electrician, you can expect to earn an average wage of $27.36 according to the BLS. 

Police Officer

The police are responsible for protecting lives and property. As a police officer, your job will be to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls. You may also be asked to conduct traffic stops in assigned areas. When people are suspected of committing crimes, it’s the police officers’ job to apprehend them. Though, job duties differ depending on your position in the police force. For example, detectives have the additional duty of gathering facts and collecting evidence of crimes. 

To become a police officer, you need a high school diploma. Your odds of being hired increase if you also have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, like law enforcement or criminal justice. Candidates for law enforcement appointment typically undergo training at a police academy before they are hired as an officer. This training involves classroom instruction in state, local, and constitutional law, civil rights, and ethics. Recruited officers will also be trained in subjects like patrol, traffic control, firearm use, first aid, and emergency response. 

As a police officer, you can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $32.35 per hour. 

Insurance Agent

Insurance products provide consumers with protection from unexpected events. As an insurance agent, your job would be to contact potential customers and sell them insurance products. Most insurance agents sell a variety of insurance products and they must be able to explain the policies to their clients. 

To become an insurance sales agent, you don’t need a degree. Though, you must have a license to operate in the state that you wish to work in. To get a license, you must complete specific courses and pass state exams that cover insurance fundamentals and state insurance laws. Once you’re licensed and employed, expect to earn an average hourly wage of $25.08. Though many agents work on commission, so these numbers vary. 

Aircraft Mechanic

All aircraft require regular maintenance to ensure proper performance. Aircraft mechanics diagnose problems and implement repairs. They must be capable of reading maintenance manuals to identify the appropriate repair procedures as well. In their work, aircraft mechanics perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and test aircraft for operability. 

To get this job, applicants typically attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. People who complete such programs are granted a certificate of completion that is recognized by the FAA. Although not required, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field can prove useful during the application process. 

Once hired, aircraft mechanics can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $32.06. 

Truck Driver

Truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. A majority of tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers who operate trucks with massive weights that commonly exceed 8 tons. As a long-haul driver, your job is to deliver goods across intercity routes that may take you through several states. 

To excel in this role, you need good hand-eye coordination and physical health. Driving is the main task of this job, so great driving skills are also a must. If you want to become a truck driver, you need to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The requirements to get a CDL varies from state to state, but in most cases, it requires passing a knowledge test and a driving test. 

After you’ve completed truck driving school and been hired, you’ll receive a few weeks of on-the-job training. The training normally involves driving a truck while accompanied by an experienced mentor. During this time, you’ll be able to learn more about the specific truck that you will be driving. 

Heavy truck drivers are well paid. In this role, the average hourly wage was $22.66 as of 2022. 

Physical Therapist Assistant

As a physical therapist assistant, you work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. Your job involves helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses to regain movement ability and reduce pain. As a physical therapist assistant, you are directly involved in the care of patients. Relevant tasks include observing patients, helping patients do exercises, treating patients using massage and stretching techniques, and educating patients and their families. 

All states require physical therapist assistants to earn an associate’s degree from an accredited program. Through this coursework, you can learn more about anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. You’ll also be asked to do supervised clinical work, offering you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. 

This job can be rewarding, emotionally and financially. According to the BLS, physical therapist assistants earned an average hourly wage of $24.02. 

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative

Wholesalers and manufacturers often sell products in bulk to businesses, government organizations, and other entities. As a wholesale and manufacturing sales representative, your job would be to contact customers, explain product specifications, negotiate prices, and answer any questions that potential customers may have about the products. 

This is a sales, job, so it involves identifying prospective customers by obtaining and following leads. To keep recurring sales going, you’ll also need to manage relationships with current customers. To this end, strong communication and negotiation skills are a must. Many companies have formal training programs that teach workers how to manage this sales pipeline. Some programs even have trainees work in all areas of the company so they can learn how the products are produced, installed, and distributed. 

This is a diverse opportunity with substantial pay. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives can earn an average hourly wage of $31.45. If they have a bachelor’s higher-paying opportunities could be available. 

Dental Hygienist

A dentist’s office is staffed by diverse teams of professionals. Dental hygienists are there to perform patient assessments, screenings, teeth cleanings, and x-rays. When patients need guidance, dental hygienists also advise patients on preventative oral care procedures. The job involves the use of many specialized tools, which means you need training to be effective. 

You typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, but some prospective dental hygienists go on to get a bachelor’s. During your study, you’ll be exposed to lessons about anatomy, medical ethics, and periodontics. The programs take approximately 3 years and involve laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction. 

Dental hygienists are paid very well, with the average hourly wage sitting at $37.06 in 2020. 

Real Estate Agent

As a real estate agent, you would be responsible for facilitating the purchase and sale of properties and other forms of real estate. To make sales, you must be capable of soliciting potential clients who may be interested in buying, selling, or renting properties. To facilitate the sale, you should also be willing to take prospective buyers through the purchasing or renting process. Towards the end of a sale, you’ll need to mediate negotiations between buyers and sellers as well. Once you’ve closed a deal, you just need to ensure that all terms of the purchase contract are met. 

The role of real estate agents is very complex, but agents only need to be licensed if they want to operate. There is no education requirement beyond a high school diploma, but some states do require you to pass a background check to get the license. Once you’ve found a job as an agent or broker, you can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $24.63. 

Plumber

Plumbers install and repair piping fixtures and systems. Before these tasks are performed, a plumber must prepare cost estimates for potential clients. If they agree to the terms, the plumber then uses blueprints and building codes to install pipes and fixtures. If a piping system is malfunctioning, plumbers should have the knowledge needed to troubleshoot them. Once things are working properly, plumbers may also be asked to perform routine maintenance on a system. 

Like most trades, you only need a high school diploma to be eligible for an apprenticeship. During an apprenticeship program, you will study mathematics, applied physics, and chemistry. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you also need a license to become a journey-level plumber. As a journey-level worker, you will be qualified to perform plumbing tasks independently. 

Journey-level plumbers earned an average hourly wage of $27.08 in 2020. As a master-level plumber, earnings rise substantially, with some earning up to $98,000 annually. 

Find a Higher-Paying Job This Year

You don’t always need a degree to find a high-paying job. If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution for work that involves bumping up your salary, there are many opportunities. If you get started on finding the appropriate certifications and training this year, by next year you’ll be in a prime position to take the next step forward in your career!