14 High-Paying Hourly Jobs Worth Exploring

Choosing a career path can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure what kind of job you want. However, one way to narrow down your choices is to focus on high-paying hourly jobs. These positions offer a good income, and many of them don’t require a college degree. Here are 14 high-paying hourly jobs worth exploring:

1. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) are in high demand and earn a median wage of $35.24 per hour. They provide patient care, administer medications, and educate patients and their families about health conditions. RNs typically have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and must be licensed by the state.

How to become a Registered Nurse:

• Complete a nursing program and obtain a degree (associate’s or bachelor’s).
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
• Obtain a state license to practice.

2. Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists clean teeth, take X-rays, and educate patients about oral hygiene. They earn a median wage of $37.13 per hour and typically have an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. They must also be licensed by the state.

How to become a Dental Hygienist:

• Complete an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
• Obtain a state license to practice.

3. Electrician

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in buildings and homes. They earn a median wage of $26.01 per hour and typically complete an apprenticeship program or vocational training. They must also be licensed by the state.

How to become an Electrician:

• Complete an apprenticeship or vocational training program.
• Obtain a state license to practice.

4. Plumber

Plumbers install and repair pipes and fixtures in buildings and homes. They earn a median wage of $25.26 per hour and typically complete an apprenticeship program or vocational training. They must also be licensed by the state.

How to become a Plumber:

• Complete an apprenticeship or vocational training program.
• Obtain a state license to practice.

5. HVAC Technician

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians install and repair heating and cooling systems in buildings and homes. They earn a median wage of $23.71 per hour and typically complete a vocational training program. They may also need to obtain a certification or license depending on the state.

How to become an HVAC Technician:

• Complete a vocational training program.
• Obtain a certification or license depending on the state.

6. Software Developer

Software developers design and develop computer programs and applications. They earn a median wage of $53.97 per hour and typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

How to become a Software Developer:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.

7. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software or by hand. They earn a median wage of $24.85 per hour and typically have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field.

How to become a Graphic Designer:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field.
• Build a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers.

8. Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, drafting documents, and preparing for trials. They earn a median wage of $25.32 per hour and typically have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies.

How to become a Paralegal:

• Complete an associate’s degree in paralegal studies.
• Consider obtaining a certification through a professional organization.

9. Medical Coder

Medical coders review medical records and assign codes to diagnoses and procedures for billing purposes. They earn a median wage of $22.89 per hour and typically have a certification in medical coding.

How to become a Medical Coder:

• Complete a certification program in medical coding.
• Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.

10. Court Reporter

Court reporters create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings. They earn a median wage of $25.56 per hour and typically have a certificate or associate’s degree in court reporting.

How to become a Court Reporter:

• Complete a certificate or associate’s degree program in court reporting.
• Pass a state licensing exam.

11. Interpreter/Translator

Interpreters and translators convert spoken or written language from one language to another. They earn a median wage of $22.39 per hour and typically have a bachelor’s degree in a language-related field.

How to become an Interpreter/Translator:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a language-related field.
• Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.

12. Web Developer

Web developers design and create websites. They earn a median wage of $37.69 per hour and typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

How to become a Web Developer:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.

13. Carpenter

Carpenters build and repair structures made of wood, such as buildings, furniture, and cabinets. They earn a median wage of $22.71 per hour and typically complete an apprenticeship program or vocational training.

How to become a Carpenter:

• Complete an apprenticeship or vocational training program.
• Gain experience through entry-level positions.

14. Welder

Welders join metal parts together using heat and electricity. They earn a median wage of $20.43 per hour and typically complete a vocational training program or apprenticeship.

How to become a Welder:

• Complete a vocational training program or apprenticeship.
• Obtain certification through a professional organization.

Conclusion

There are many high-paying hourly jobs that don’t require a college degree. By exploring the options above, you can find a fulfilling career that pays well and provides stability.

FAQs

1. What are the highest paying hourly jobs?

The highest paying hourly jobs include registered nurse, dental hygienist, software developer, and web developer.

2. Do you need a college degree for these jobs?

Some of these jobs, such as registered nurse and dental hygienist, require a college degree. Others, such as plumber and electrician, require vocational training or an apprenticeship.

3. Are these jobs in high demand?

Many of these jobs are in high demand, such as registered nurse and electrician. However, demand may vary depending on the location and industry.

4. What kind of licenses or certifications do I need for these jobs?

Many of these jobs require a state license, such as registered nurse, dental hygienist, plumber, and electrician. Others may require a professional certification, such as medical coder or court reporter.

5. What kind of experience do I need for these jobs?

The experience required for these jobs varies. Some, such as web developer and software developer, may require internships or entry-level positions. Others, such as carpenter and welder, may require on-the-job training.