25 Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour or More in the USA

If you are trying to increase your income, $30 an hour is a powerful target.

At 40 hours a week, a $30 hourly wage works out to about $62,400 per year before taxes, assuming 52 paid weeks. The U.S. Department of Labor uses the same 2,080-hour annual assumption for a 40-hour workweek when converting annual wages to hourly rates.

But here is the important part: you do not necessarily need a six-figure career to reach $30 an hour.

Depending on your education, experience, location, certifications and industry, there are opportunities in technology, healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, business, government and other fields that can reach or exceed this level.

The key is knowing which jobs to target and what employers actually look for.

What Is $30 an Hour as a Salary?

Working 40 hours per week at $30 an hour gives you:

$1,200 per week
$5,200 per month on average
$62,400 per year
$31,200 for 20 hours per week over 52 weeks
$15,600 for 10 hours per week over 52 weeks

These are gross figures before taxes, insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions.

Your actual take-home pay will depend on your tax situation, benefits and where you live.

Also remember that not every job provides 40 paid hours every week. Vacation, unpaid time off, seasonal work and fluctuating schedules can change your annual income.

25 Jobs That Can Pay $30 an Hour or More

The following careers represent different paths. Some require a college degree, while others can be entered through vocational training, certification, apprenticeships or work experience.

1. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide patient care, administer treatments, monitor patients and work with physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Nursing can be a strong option for people who want a healthcare career with opportunities for specialization and advancement.

Typical path: Nursing education and state licensure.

Best for: People interested in healthcare and direct patient care.

2. Software Developer

Software developers design, build and maintain applications and software systems.

Technology careers can offer strong earning potential, although employers commonly expect technical skills and, depending on the position, a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook lists software development among occupations with high projected employment growth and substantial pay.

Useful skills include:

Programming
Databases
Git
Cloud technologies
APIs
Software development practices

3. Data Analyst

Data analysts examine information to help organizations make better decisions.

Common skills include:

Excel
SQL
Python
Power BI
Tableau
Data visualization
Statistics

Entry requirements vary considerably by employer. Building a portfolio of practical projects can help demonstrate what you can actually do.

4. Accountant

Accountants prepare and analyze financial records, work with taxes and financial reporting, and help organizations understand their finances.

BLS data for 2025 show a median hourly wage of $40.62 for accountants and auditors, although individual salaries vary by location, experience and employer.

Typical path: Bachelor's degree is common; professional certifications can provide additional career opportunities.

5. Management Analyst

Management analysts help organizations improve efficiency, reduce costs and solve operational problems.

BLS reports a 2025 median hourly wage of $51.60 for management analysts.

This career can be particularly attractive to people who enjoy:

Business analysis
Problem-solving
Research
Data
Process improvement

6. Telecommunications Equipment Installer or Repairer

Telecommunications technicians install, maintain and repair equipment used for communication networks.

BLS data show a 2025 median hourly wage of $32.62 for telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, excluding line installers.

Training requirements vary by employer and position.

7. Electrician

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems.

This is one of the career paths worth considering if you want a skilled trade rather than a traditional four-year college route.

Many electricians enter the field through apprenticeships and progressively develop their skills and qualifications.

8. HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians install and maintain heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

Demand can vary by region, experience and specialization.

Additional certifications and experience with commercial systems can potentially improve earning opportunities.

9. Plumber

Plumbers install and repair water, drainage and related piping systems.

Many workers enter the trade through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

Experienced plumbers, especially those who develop specialized skills or move into supervisory or business-owner roles, may have opportunities to earn substantially more than entry-level wages.

10. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists provide preventive dental care, clean teeth and educate patients about oral hygiene.

This career generally requires specialized education and state licensing.

It can be attractive to people looking for a healthcare career without pursuing medical school.

11. Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists to help patients with rehabilitation activities.

BLS reported a 22% projected employment increase from 2024 to 2034 for physical therapist assistants in a 2026 Career Outlook article.

The occupation typically requires specialized education and licensing requirements vary by state.

12. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop or recover skills needed for everyday activities.

BLS reported a 2024 median annual wage of $68,340 for occupational therapy assistants.

That is equivalent to roughly $32.86 per hour when divided across 2,080 hours.

13. Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment and assist with diagnostic procedures.

The career typically requires specialized education and appropriate certification or licensing depending on the state and employer.

14. Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists care for patients experiencing breathing-related problems and work in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

Specialized education and licensing are generally required.

15. Web or Digital Interface Designer

Web and digital interface designers create and improve the visual and interactive aspects of websites and digital products.

BLS lists web and digital interface designers among occupations with projected employment growth and substantial pay.

Skills that can help include:

UI design
UX principles
HTML
CSS
Design software
Accessibility
User research

16. Civil or Architectural Drafter

Drafters use software to create technical drawings and plans used in construction and engineering.

BLS reported a 2025 median hourly wage of $31.68 for architectural and civil drafters.

A technical education program can provide a pathway into this field.

17. Skilled Construction Worker

Construction includes many different occupations, and pay varies significantly depending on the trade, location, experience and employer.

Specialized workers with experience in electrical, plumbing, welding, equipment operation, carpentry or other skilled areas can have stronger earning potential than entry-level workers.

18. Commercial Truck Driver

Commercial truck drivers transport goods across cities, states and regions.

Pay can vary significantly depending on:

Route
Employer
Experience
Type of freight
Schedule
Bonuses
Specialized licenses

Some positions can reach or exceed $30 an hour, but applicants should carefully compare compensation structures rather than focusing only on advertised maximum earnings.

19. Insurance Claims Adjuster

Claims adjusters investigate insurance claims, evaluate damages and help determine appropriate settlements according to policy terms.

Experience in insurance, customer service, construction or a related field can be useful depending on the role.

20. Sales Representative

Some sales positions pay a base salary plus commissions.

That means compensation can potentially exceed $30 an hour, but income may fluctuate.

Before accepting a sales position, understand:

Base salary
Commission structure
Quotas
Bonuses
Benefits
Whether leads are provided
Whether commissions are capped

A job advertising "$30+ an hour" may not guarantee $30 in every pay period.

21. Government Jobs

Government employment includes a wide range of occupations, from administrative and technical roles to healthcare, engineering, information technology and law enforcement.

The U.S. Department of Labor points jobseekers toward USAJOBS, the federal government's official employment site, where applicants can search federal positions by salary, location, job title and career field.

Government compensation can also include benefits that should be considered alongside hourly pay.

22. Cybersecurity Specialist

Cybersecurity professionals help organizations protect systems, networks and data.

Potential career paths include:

Security analyst
SOC analyst
Security engineer
Cloud security specialist
Identity and access management specialist

Relevant skills and certifications can help candidates demonstrate their knowledge.

23. IT Support Specialist

IT support professionals troubleshoot computer, software, network and user problems.

Not every IT support position pays $30 an hour. However, experience with enterprise systems, networking, cloud platforms, cybersecurity or specialized technical environments can create opportunities for higher-paying roles.

24. Medical Equipment Technician

Medical equipment technicians install, maintain and repair equipment used by healthcare organizations.

Technical knowledge, troubleshooting ability and specialized training can be valuable in this field.

BLS specifically identifies healthcare, science and engineering occupations as areas where several careers can offer strong pay without requiring a four-year degree.

25. Freelance Skilled Professional

Freelancing can potentially reach $30 an hour or more in areas such as:

Graphic design
Web development
Bookkeeping
Video editing
Copywriting
Consulting
Data analysis
Technical support

However, a freelancer's hourly rate is not the same as an employee's wage.

Freelancers may need to account for taxes, health insurance, software, equipment, unpaid administrative time and periods without clients.

Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour Without a Bachelor's Degree

One of the biggest misconceptions about earning $30 an hour is that every job requires a four-year college degree.

That isn't true.

Depending on the occupation, potential routes include:

Trade apprenticeship → Skilled trade → Advanced certification → Higher-paying position

or:

Certificate → Entry-level job → Experience → Specialized position

or:

Technical training → Work experience → Industry certification → Advancement

BLS specifically publishes career information for occupations with different education and training requirements, making it possible to compare careers based on education, training, pay and job outlook.

Examples worth researching include skilled trades, telecommunications, healthcare support careers, technical occupations and certain transportation roles.

Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour With No Experience

Be careful with this search.

A legitimate employer may offer an entry-level position that eventually reaches $30 an hour, but that does not necessarily mean someone with zero experience will immediately earn $30.

Look for jobs where you can build toward the target wage through:

Paid training
Apprenticeships
Certifications
Overtime
Specialized skills
Promotions
Experience

A better question than "What job pays $30 an hour with no experience?" is:

"What job can I enter now and realistically grow into a $30-an-hour position?"

That question produces a much larger and more realistic list.

How to Find Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour

Don't search only for "$30 an hour jobs."

Use several variations.

Try searches such as:

jobs paying $30 an hour
$30 an hour jobs near me
jobs that pay $30 an hour with no degree
jobs that pay $30 an hour with no experience
remote jobs paying $30 an hour
part-time jobs paying $30 an hour
weekend jobs paying $30 an hour
entry-level jobs paying $30 an hour
government jobs paying $30 an hour
healthcare jobs paying $30 an hour
skilled trades paying $30 an hour

The BLS recommends using occupational information, wage data and state and area data when researching careers.

Don't Ignore Location

A $30 hourly wage does not have the same purchasing power everywhere in the United States.

Wages can differ considerably between:

States
Cities
Rural areas
Industries
Employers
Experience levels

BLS provides wage information by occupation and geographic area, allowing jobseekers to investigate local pay rather than relying only on national numbers.

Before accepting a job, compare the wage with local housing, transportation, taxes and other major expenses.

How to Increase Your Chances of Earning $30 an Hour

1. Pick a skill with economic value

Instead of collecting random certificates, identify skills employers are actually paying for.

Examples include:

Programming
Data analysis
Electrical work
HVAC
Healthcare
Accounting
Cybersecurity
Technical repair
Sales
Project coordination

2. Look at job postings before choosing training

Search real job advertisements.

Look at 20–30 postings for the same position and record:

Required skills
Education
Certifications
Experience
Salary range
Location
Benefits

This can tell you what employers actually want.

3. Build proof of your skills

A resume says what you know.

A portfolio can show it.

For example, an aspiring data analyst could create projects using Excel, SQL and Power BI.

A web designer could create several sample websites.

A technician can document relevant certifications and practical experience.

4. Apply beyond your current job title

Your current position does not have to determine your next position.

Customer service experience can lead toward sales, operations or support.

Administrative experience can lead toward business operations or specialized office roles.

Technical experience can lead toward IT or engineering-support positions.

Healthcare experience can lead toward specialized healthcare careers.

5. Compare the entire compensation package

Two jobs paying $30 an hour are not necessarily equal.

Consider:

Health insurance
Retirement contributions
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Bonuses
Overtime
Commuting costs
Work schedule
Job stability
Advancement opportunities

Is $30 an Hour a Good Salary?

For many workers, $30 an hour can be a meaningful income target.

But whether it is "good" depends on your circumstances.

A person supporting a family in a high-cost city may need substantially more income than someone living in a lower-cost area with fewer expenses.

Also, $30 an hour before taxes is not the same as $30 an hour in take-home pay.

Think of the number as a starting point for evaluating opportunities, not a guarantee of financial comfort.

Watch Out for Fake $30-an-Hour Jobs

High-paying job searches can attract scammers.

Be cautious if an employer:

Requests money before hiring you
Sends you a check and asks you to send money back
Requests unnecessary sensitive information immediately
Guarantees unusually high pay for almost no work
Pressures you to act immediately
Refuses to provide verifiable company information
Wants you to purchase equipment from a specific seller
Conducts the entire hiring process through suspicious messaging accounts

Research the employer independently before providing personal information or accepting an offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs pay $30 an hour?

Jobs that can reach or exceed $30 an hour include registered nursing, software development, accounting, management analysis, certain telecommunications positions, skilled trades, specialized healthcare careers, technical occupations and some government and sales positions. Actual wages vary by occupation, location, experience and employer.

How much is $30 an hour per year?

At 40 hours per week for 52 weeks, $30 an hour equals $62,400 per year before taxes.

How much is $30 an hour per month?

Using the annual figure of $62,400 divided by 12 months, that is approximately $5,200 per month before taxes.

Can I make $30 an hour without a college degree?

Yes, depending on the occupation. Some skilled trades, technical careers, healthcare occupations and other roles can be entered through apprenticeships, certificates, associate degrees, licensing or on-the-job training rather than a bachelor's degree.

What jobs pay $30 an hour with no experience?

Some employers offer entry-level positions with training, but immediate $30-an-hour pay with zero experience is not guaranteed. A more realistic strategy is to choose an occupation where you can enter at a lower wage and progress through training, certification and experience.

Are there remote jobs that pay $30 an hour?

Yes, some remote positions can pay $30 an hour or more, particularly in technology, accounting, sales, consulting, specialized customer support and other professional fields. Remote availability depends on the employer and location.

What is $30 an hour after taxes?

There is no single answer because take-home pay depends on factors including federal and state taxes, filing status, deductions, benefits and retirement contributions. The $62,400 figure is a gross annual amount, not a take-home salary.

Where can I find legitimate $30-an-hour jobs?

Start with reputable employer career pages, established job boards, state employment resources, CareerOneStop and USAJOBS for federal positions. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends CareerOneStop as a job-search and career resource for jobseekers.

Final Thoughts

Finding a job that pays $30 an hour is possible, but the fastest route isn't always applying to every job with "$30+" in the headline.

The smarter approach is to identify a career path where your skills can become increasingly valuable.

If you don't have a degree, investigate apprenticeships, certifications, technical training and occupations where experience matters.

If you already have professional experience, look for specialized roles, higher-paying industries and employers in areas where your skills command stronger wages.

And before investing time or money in training, check current job postings and official wage data. BLS provides occupational information covering education, training, earnings, job outlook and geographic data that can help you make a more informed career decision.

**The goal isn't simply to find a $30-an-hour job. It's to build a career that can take you from $30 an hour to even higher earning potential over time.**

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