Jobs That Pay $25 An Hour or More

If you're looking for jobs that pay $25 an hour or more, you'll be glad to discover that you've got so many options to choose from. Most of these jobs don't even require a college degree. And, quite honestly, $25 an hour is decent pay. 

To put things into perspective, if you make $25 an hour working 40 hours a week for 52 weeks a year, you're looking at $52,000 annually before taxes and around $39,000 a year after taxes. That's not bad, especially for jobs that don't necessarily require a college degree.So, without further ado, let the countdown begin!

HVAC Technicians

An HVAC technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing air quality systems in residential and commercial settings. In addition, this individual locates and diagnoses HVAC problems, conducts warranty services, and performs emergency repairs. 

To become an HVAC technician, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. You'll then need to obtain a certificate from an accredited career training program in HVAC technology. But as technology continues to evolve, so do the educational requirements of these technicians. As a result, throughout their careers, HVAC technicians may be required to obtain further training to sharpen their skills or become more familiar with newer technologies in the industry. The national average hourly rate for HVAC technicians is around $25.43. 

Substance Abuse Counselor

A substance abuse counselor is an individual specializing in the treatment of patients with chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol. This individual might also double up as a mental health expert, depending on their work environment. Most substance abuse counselors work in mental health facilities, prisons, juvenile detention facilities, or probation and parole agencies. In some cases, you'll find these professionals in detox centers, halfway houses, or employee assistance programs. 

You may need a degree to work as a substance abuse counselor but not having one won't necessarily rule you out of the job market. For example, in California, an undergraduate certificate in alcohol and drug abuse counseling is all you need to land a job as a substance abuse counselor. Substance abuse counselors make anywhere between $25 to $40 an hour. 

Audio and Video Technicians

As the job title suggests, an audio and video technician is responsible for handling equipment such as video monitors, screens, microphones, mixing boards, and so on. These individuals usually work at sports events, concerts, conferences, hotels, etc. Some also work indoors at radio and television stations, audio and video production studios, and so on. 

You don't need a degree to become an audio technician; most employers will hire you if you have a certificate from an accredited training program. However, you might need at least an associate's degree in film, video, radio, and television broadcasting to become a broadcast technician. According to the BLS, audiovisual technicians earn at least $25.67 an hour.

Insurance Agent

Also known as an insurance sales agent, this individual identifies sales opportunities for insurance plans and oversees a portfolio of clients. An insurance agent is also responsible for handling policy renewals, tracking claims, and identifying risk management. This agent can work for an insurance company or independently.

Most insurance agencies require their agents to have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED certificate. They might also need a license obtained after passing the state's licensure exam. Other than the average salary of $25 an hour, most insurance agencies earn commissions on each sale. 

Technical Writer

Technical writing involves transforming technical information into easy-to-follow consumer-friendly texts. Most employers hire technical writers with a college degree. However, you can still get a technical writing job if you have extensive knowledge of a particular product or range of products. Technical writers work independently for multiple companies, while others sign contracts to work only for specific clients over a certain period of time. 

The ideal candidate for this job also needs to understand best writing practices, especially when writing for the internet. In addition, some employers require potential employees for this role to have a degree in journalism, english, public relations, communication, or a related field. 

According to the BLS, technical writers earn around $35.89 an hour. 

Actuary

An actuary is a risk measurement and management specialist. This individual advises clients on insurance, investment, and pension-related decisions. They rely on statistics, mathematics, and financial theory to help their clients make informed decisions and minimize risks as much as possible. To become an actuary, you'll need a Bachelor's degree in actuarial science, math, or statistics. 

Most actuaries work full-time for insurance companies but some work with governments, large corporations, banks, investment companies, consulting firms, etc. Generally, an actuary can work with any organization focused on managing the financial risks of conducting business. The BLS estimates an hourly rate of $53.38 for this profession. 

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is a professional who helps buyers find and buy homes or commercial spaces. They can also help clients buy, sell or rent homes, negotiate processes, and make informed decisions when buying a residential or commercial property. 

You don't need a degree to become a real estate agent; a high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient for this role. However, real estate agents must also be at least 18 years old, take several real estate courses, and pass a state exam. Most real estate agents pocket at least $26 an hour. Besides, these professionals may earn commissions per sale. 

Mortgage Broker

Mortgage brokers help connect prospective homeowners with a lending financial institution. By acting as an intermediary between a potential homeowner and a lending institution, this individual ensures the potential homeowner gets the best mortgage deal. The broker usually finds mortgage deals that align with the borrower's financial situation and interest-rate preferences. 

You don't need a degree to become a mortgage broker - all you need is a high school diploma or GED. You'll get your GED certificate if you obtain a score of 145 in its four exams, even if you don't attend a conventional high school. 

Mortgage brokers may work with mortgage companies or independently. However, suppose you're considering a career as a mortgage broker. In that case, it's advisable to work with an established mortgage company for a couple of years to get some experience before switching to working independently, earning at least $41 an hour. 

Event Planners

An event planner is responsible for planning corporate or private events for companies or individuals. Examples of corporate events planning by this professional include meetings and conferences. An event planner can plan birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, and other private events at the individual level.

Event planners are also commonly referred to as event managers or event organizers. You can still become an event manager without a degree, but this would mean starting from an entry-level position and managing smaller events. 

If you choose to work for an event organizing company, you'll most likely need a degree in business, public relations, communications, hospitality, marketing, or a relevant field, earning at least $25.66 an hour. The BLS projects this profession to grow by 18 percent through 2030, which is much faster than average.

Professional Organizer

Professional organizers help deculture and rearrange living spaces. These professionals work in both residential and commercial settings, creating tidy, organized, functional, and clutter-free environments. A high school diploma may be enough to land you a job as a professional organizer, earning at least $30 an hour. However, most states require that you obtain a state certificate. 

Social Worker

A social worker is responsible for identifying individuals and communities needing help. This individual helps access their client's needs, strengths, and situations and then creates a plan that solves the highlighted problems or challenges in their client's lives. Such challenges may include but are not limited to unemployment, disability, illness, and divorce. To become a social worker, you may need to earn a degree in social work, public policy, and social services, social science, psychology, or a related field. Social workers make at least $30 an hour. 

Full-Charge Bookkeeper

As a full-charge bookkeeper, your main responsibilities include using bookkeeping and accounting software, databases, and spreadsheets to monitor expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, receipts, profits and loss statements, etc. Bookkeepers may also oversee the financial data of an entire company or organization. This position only requires a basic understanding of math, computers, bookkeeping software, and bookkeeping best practices. As a result, you don't necessarily need a degree to become a professional bookkeeper. 

Carpenter

Carpenters are responsible for installing, repairing, and constructing structures made from wood or other construction materials. Common examples of tasks a carpenter executes include building insulation, drywall and cabinets installation, bridge construction, etc. A high school diploma or equivalent is all you need to begin a career in carpentry. You'll then join apprenticeship programs to gain more experience and training. Experienced carpenters are usually involved in more complex tasks such as building huge structures and reading blueprints. Carpenters earn at least $26.96 an hour. 

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Solar photovoltaic installers are individuals responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining systems that convert sunlight into energy. A solar photovoltaic installer works in different settings; they may install these systems in homes or commercial buildings. 

You only need a highschool diploma to become a solar photovoltaic installer. The training process takes a year, introducing you to different skills and processes, such as connecting solar panels to the electrical system. Solar photovoltaic training is usually offered in a conventional college or online. 

Testers

As the name suggests, a tester is an individual responsible for evaluating the quality and performance of a product before it hits the market. Testers also inspect, sort, and sample nonagricultural raw materials. During the testing process, they typically check for manufacturing defects, wear, or any mistakes that would otherwise affect the product's performance or create a bad user experience. 

Testers use various testing equipment to evaluate the features, performance, and other aspects of a product before distribution. You don't need a college degree to become a tester. However, having one significantly increases your chances of getting hired. Testers typically earn $30 an hour. 

Fitness Instructor or Group Fitness Instructor 

A fitness instructor, also known as a fitness coach or exercise trainer, helps people reach their fitness goals. An exercise trainer works with individuals while a group fitness instructor works with a large group. Regardless of the size of the client base, fitness instructors ensure that each client benefits from the fitness training. Some also create customized workout projects for their clients. 

A college degree isn't mandatory to become a fitness instructor. However, you'll need to be physically fit and understand the basics of exercise and other physical activities. In most states, a fitness instructor's hourly salary range is $25 and $29. 

Proofreader

The job of a professional proofreader is to read transcripts and identify errors. In addition, this individual corrects compositional, typographical, and grammatical errors in various documentation. To become a professional proofreader, you should be great at writing, reading, and editing. 

Professional proofreaders usually need a postsecondary degree in English, but it's not mandatory. The educational requirements for this role vary depending on the type and size of the employer. For example, an established blog will need a proofreader with a college degree, while an upcoming one could settle for a candidate with only a high school diploma but with some great experience. This is one of those careers that provides you with an opportunity to learn as you earn at least $30 an hour. 

Paralegal

A paralegal is a lawyer's helper. This individual may be responsible for maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal resources, creating legal documents, collecting and presenting evidence, etc. Paralegals also help obtain affidavits and statements in most law firms and assist lawyers during trials. Some of the most important skills for this role include computer, research, and communication. 

To become a paralegal, you need an associate's degree. However, many employers require a bachelor's degree in any field. Given that not so many schools provide a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, many paralegals have a degree in something else, and then combine it with a certificate in paralegal studies. Even if you don't have legal experience, you can still get hired as a paralegal and get trained on the job, making at least $25.44 an hour. 

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

An industrial machinery mechanic maintains and repairs industrial machinery. This individual works with a wide range of machinery, including but not limited to production machinery, repairing and conveying systems, and packaging equipment. To be an excellent fit for this job, you need to have great attention to detail and also understand how different machines work at the technical level. 

A minimum of a high school diploma is required for this role. You'll then obtain further education, preferably an associate's degree in industrial maintenance. The associate's degree course will introduce you to welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, mathematics, equipping you with the right skills to land this job and earn at least $26 an hour. 

Electricians

Electricians maintain, install, and repair electrical equipment and control systems. Most people become electricians through apprenticeship. In addition, a technical school also comes in handy if you need to learn the basics for this job. Most apprenticeships take between four to five years. According to the BLS, electricians earn at least $27.36 an hour and only need a high school diploma to secure an entry-level position in this field. 

Police Officer

The primary role of a police officer is to serve and protect lives and property. Other common responsibilities include responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, conducting traffic stops, tracking and apprehending suspects, etc. The exact duties and responsibilities also depend on their position. For instance, besides the duties mentioned above, police detectives may also help gather facts and evidence of a crime. 

You need a high school diploma to become a police officer; however, having a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as criminal justice or law enforcement, significantly increases your chances of being hired. In addition, before you begin to work as a police officer, you'll be required to attend training at a police academy. 

At the academy, you'll learn local, state, and federal laws. You'll also learn more about civil rights and ethics, traffic control, patrol, use of firearms, emergency response, first aid, etc. Police officers earn around $32.35 an hour. 

Aircraft Mechanic

As the name suggests, an aircraft mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing an aircraft. These individuals also conduct tests on aircraft, making sure they function properly. To become an aircraft mechanic, you need to join a Federal Aviation Administration maintenance technician training program. Other mechanics learn this skill on the job or through military training. However, only the FAA provides certification for aircraft mechanics. An associate's degree may be required to land a position as an aircraft mechanic. However, having a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field can also boost your chances of getting hired. The average hourly pay for an aircraft mechanic is $32.06. 

Truck Driver

Truck drivers transport goods locally, nationally, or internationally from one location to another. This job typically involves operating massive trucks, mostly weighing more than 8 tons. Some of the skills required for truck driving include excellent hand-eye coordination, physical health, driving, navigation, communication, reliability, responsibility, and organization. 

To become a truck driver, you need to have a commercial driver's license (CDL), which typically involves passing a knowledge and driving test. However, each state has its own requirements for this license. Eligible drivers will undergo training, which lasts a few weeks. Under the supervision of an experienced mentor, you'll also learn more about the specific truck you'll be driving. Truck drivers earn up to $35 an hour, depending on the complexity of the job and other factors such as the season of the year. For instance, most truck drivers earn great bonuses during the holidays and festive seasons. 

Physical Therapist Assistant

A physical therapist assistant helps patients recover from injuries and illnesses. The main goal of this profession is to help patients regain movement and reduce pain. Physical therapist assistants are directed and supervised by physical therapists. Other additional roles of a physical therapist assistant include assisting patients in performing various exercises, observing and educating patients, and so on. 

An associate's degree from an accredited program is required for this profession in every state. During your studies, you'll learn about kinesiology, physiology, and anatomy and conduct clinical work. Physical therapist assistants earn up to $30 an hour, with some great benefits. 

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative

Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives typically engage customers in discussing various products available for sale or those already purchased. They negotiate prices, explain product functionalities and specifications, contact customers, and answer any questions from potential customers. Given that this is a sales job, the right candidate must have a sales-oriented approach to communication and negotiations. 

Each industry or company has its own specifications regarding sales procedures. For this reason, many employers offer on-the-job training for sales representatives in the wholesale and manufacturing industries. The average hourly salary for these professionals stands at $31.45. 

Dental Hygienist

A dental health hygienist is an oral health expert responsible for preventing and treating oral diseases. This professional screens and evaluates patients, cleans teeth, conducts x-rays, and provides crucial oral health advice. You can become a dental hygienist with an associate's degree, but having a bachelor's significantly increases your chances of getting a higher-paying job.

Dental hygienist programs usually take around three years. Students learn more about medical ethics, anatomy, periodontics, and related subjects. The average hourly rate for dental hygienists is $37.06.

Plumber

A plumber installs, repairs, and maintains pipes or systems that supply water and gas to or from residential and commercial properties. This professional uses blueprints and building codes to navigate through the building's plumbing system during repair, maintenance, or even when installing new features. 

A high school diploma is all you need to be accepted into an apprenticeship program in most states. In this program, you'll study applied physics, mathematics, and chemistry. After the program, you'll need a journey-level plumber license which grants you the opportunity to begin working as an independent plumber. 

Each state has its unique requirements for a journey-level plumber. For example, in Washington, you must have achieved 8,000 hours of work experience, including at least 4,000 hours of industrial work. Journey-level plumbers make anywhere between $27 and $40 an hour and even more with overtime. 

Medical Coder

A medical coder translates treatment information into alphanumeric codes used to organize medical documentation. Medical coding doesn't involve the traditional coding system and programming languages. Even more specifically, medical coders don't write code for computer programming. 

Instead, they ensure that patients' records comply with medical coding systems, such as the International Classification of Disease, Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, and the Current Procedural Terminology. This role is great for a detail-oriented and analytical individual. Being a great communicator is also a major advantage because medical coders usually discuss patients' medical data with physicians and administrators. They earn between $22 and $30 an hour. 

Get a Higher Paying Job In 2022

If you plan on getting a higher-paying job in 2022, you now have a rough idea of different rewarding careers worth exploring. Most of these careers don't necessarily require a college degree; however, obtaining one increases your chances of getting hired. It also paves the way for growth. For example, some lawyers begin as paralegals and then find their way up with further education and training. That said, we wish you the very best in your pursuit of a high-paying job in 2022.