Are you looking for a high-paying job that can help you pay for rent, food, and clothes and still have leftover money?
A job that pays more than triple the federal minimum wage helps you afford most things you need for a comfortable life.
This is why we’ve prepared a list of the six best jobs that pay $30 an hour or more.
Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour [An Overview]
A hand-picked collection of the best jobs that pay 30 an hour.
- Real Estate Agent
- Web Developer
- Personal Trainer
- Massage Therapist
- Dental Hygienist
- Market Research Analyst
Why You Should Consider a Job That Pays $30 an Hour
Jobs with an hourly wage of $30 provide more financial stability and security.
In most states, $30 an hour is enough money to cover all living expenses, buy the stuff you want for yourself and people you love, pay off your mortgage, and have money left over to put into savings. You won’t ever have to worry about making ends meet.
Some of them also don’t require an advanced degree, and potential employers may only ask for an associate’s degree or a certificate from an accredited institution.
And if you’re the type who prefers to work remotely, there are countless opportunities to make $30 an hour without ever having to step outside your home.
6 Best Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour
Let’s go over some different careers that pay in the ballpark of $30 per hour.
1. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents earn a mean hourly wage of $31.66. They typically work freelance and get paid handsome commissions after a job well done, but some agencies offer a base salary, too.
Talented real estate agents who know their way around people can earn well over $30 per hour. Some top earners make close to $200k per year.
The job involves helping a client buy or sell property at a reasonable price that works for everyone.
If you’d like to visit different homes all the time and can, at least, sell a pair of shoes to just anyone, you’ll love this job. Many states don’t ask for any degree or even a high school diploma to become licensed, making this a great no-degree job.
What You’ll Need to Do the Job
- Real estate license
- At least a high school diploma
- Excellent marketing and sales skills
- Good conversational skills
- Valid driver’s license for transport
- Note that these requirements can vary by state
Pros
- High earning potential and career growth
- Freedom and flexibility
- Never gets boring
- Excellent networking opportunities
Cons
- Commission-based, inconsistent income
- Highly competitive industry
Top Places to Find a Real Estate Job
- Local real estate companies and brokerages
- Social media
- iHireRealEstate
2. Web Developer
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers have a median hourly wage of $37.78. Salaries differ wildly for web developers, but most don’t earn less than $30 per hour.
Web developers have the freedom to choose whether they want to freelance or get employed by a company.
They work closely with web designers or may do the designing themselves. In either case, you’ll need to know how to code and have a basic understanding of UI design.
You don’t necessarily need a degree or even to have completed high school. Employers prefer candidates with a strong portfolio and hands-on experience.
Another plus is that many employers allow you to work from home, on-site, or in a hybrid setting.
What You’ll Need to Do the Job
- The basics of web development and design
- Programming languages like Python, Java, and HTML5
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Patience and persistence
Pros
- Flexibility and the option to work from home
- High demand
- Countless job opportunities
Cons
- Requires continuous learning
- Hard job to get started
Top Places to Find a Web Developer Job
3. Personal Trainer
Personal trainers typically work freelance and charge a price that fits them. Although group trainers make an average of $24.12 per hour, personal trainers can cut out the middleman and charge about $30 to $40 per one-hour session.
Even entry-level personal trainers can charge that much, especially if they have a highly sought-after certificate or an Associate Degree in Exercise and Fitness.
Personal trainers create custom exercise plans based on a client’s needs, goals, and fitness level.
What You’ll Need to Do the Job
- Certification by a recognized organization (e.g., NASM)
- Liability insurance
- High physical strength and energy levels
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fitness is a plus
Pros
- Flexible schedule
- Job satisfaction through helping others
- You get to exercise all day long and maintain your physique and health
Cons
- Unstable income
- Physically demanding job
Top Places to Find a Personal Trainer Job
4. Massage Therapist
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that massage therapists make an average of $27.43 per hour. Those who work in health care or sports facilities can expect to make well over $35 per hour.
You would massage clients using a variety of techniques to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, alleviate pain, and improve well-being.
To become a massage therapist, you must get the relevant education from an accredited school and pass the state exam to get your license.
Once you have it, getting a job won’t be much of an issue, as it’s in high demand. You can get a job in a recreational facility, spa, resort, cruise ship, and other similar places.
What You’ll Need to Do the Job
- Relevant education
- State license
- Specialization in a massage technique
- Practical experience under a supervisor
Pros
- Flexible schedule
- Fun and relaxing job to do
- Networking opportunities
- Great job satisfaction
Cons
- High requirements to get started
- You must be on your feet all day long
Top Places to Find a Massage Therapist Job
- Spas, hotels, and resorts
- Sports facilities
- Cruise ships
- Health care facilities
5. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists make an average of $37.41 per hour. Your job as a dental hygienist is more involved than a dental assistant.
You’ll examine patients’ mouths, check for plaque, take X-rays, and manage the documentation. You’ll also remove plaque, do fluoride treatments, and assist patients in maintaining their oral hygiene and health.
What You’ll Need to Do the Job
- Associate degree in dental hygiene
- Practical experience in a dental clinic
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Pros
- In-demand skill with many opportunities
- Excellent compensation
- Only requires an associate degree
Cons
- Saturated job market makes it hard to find full-time employment
Top Places to Find a Dental Hygienist Job
- Local dental clinics
- DentalPost
- Diamond Braces
6. Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts earn an average hourly rate of $30.73 and work with all types of marketing data to maximize the sales of a product while keeping costs low.
They analyze buying habits, demographics, revenue and advertisement data, customer feedback, and more.
Perhaps the most stressful part of the job is presenting your findings from digital marketing campaigns to stakeholders. Still, this is a prospective career path.
If you’re good with numbers and love marketing, this is the profession for you.
What You’ll Need to Do the Job
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field
- Proficiency in data analysis and organization tools
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
- Knowledge of how to use Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and data analytics tools
Pros
- Potential for career growth
- High demand
- Impactful role within a company
- Potential to learn and acquire new skills
- Networking opportunities
Cons
- High-stress environment
- Communicating findings to stakeholders is challenging
Top Places to Find a Market Research Analyst Job
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make $30 per Hour Online?
It’s possible to earn $30 or more per hour while working from home. Working as a freelancer directly with clients allows you to charge more for your services, but some companies also offer $30 per hour for online work.
Â
These jobs usually include tutoring, writing, content editing, customer service, and video editing.
Is It Possible to Earn $30 per Hour Without a Degree?
Yes, it’s possible to get paid $30 per hour without a bachelor’s degree.
Certain industries prefer hands-on experience and shorter courses over formal education, such as web development and content creation.
Other industries that don’t require a college degree include creative fields, skilled trades, fitness, and tech support.
Similar Jobs
Did you like any of the jobs from the list? If the answer is no, here are some excellent alternatives:
- Easy remote jobs: Earning money from home doesn’t have to be hard. Discover the best easy remote jobs you could get to make a living;
- High-paying jobs, no degree: Want to earn $30 or more an hour but don’t have any degree? These jobs won’t ask for one, not even a high school diploma;
- Fun jobs that pay well: Make a living while having the time of your life with any of these fun gigs.
Wrapping Up
Earning $30 per hour allows you to live a modest but comfortable life, and most jobs that pay that wage enable you to grow and build up to significantly higher compensation. It doesn’t matter if you’re fresh out of school or have been working for decades; it’s never too early or too late to earn a competitive salary.
Do any of these gigs sound good to you? Let us know your thoughts below, and share this guide with other gig workers, too!
