If you’re like most people, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make more money. Specifically, you seek jobs that pay $22 to $30 an hour without a college degree.
We all want to live comfortably, but sometimes that can be hard without a college degree.
You might be surprised to learn that quite a few jobs pay $30 an hour or more—without requiring a college degree.
In this article, we’ll go over 20 such jobs and what it takes to land one of them. From graphic designers to hair stylists, there’s bound to be something for everyone.
Let’s dive in!
20 Jobs That Pay $30 An Hour Without A Degree
Many people think you need a college degree to make a livable wage, but that’s not always true.
Many jobs pay $30 an hour or more and don’t require any higher education.
Here are some of the best ones to consider if you’re looking for work without the debt and time associated with college:
1. Personal Trainers
With more people spending time in the gym, there’s a tremendous demand for personal trainers. You can often set your rates and schedule—all without spending four years in school.
2. Event Planners
With an eye for detail, organization skills, and an ability to handle pressure, event planners can be in high demand and paid well. Whether corporate events or weddings, you can make plenty of money planning them without a college degree.
3. Web Developer
If you have a knack for coding and web development, this isn’t one job requiring a degree—just experience, portfolio work, and certifications. The pay for qualified web developers is relatively high.
4. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
This job does require someone with patience and a love for animals; however, becoming a dog walker or pet sitter doesn’t need anything more than enthusiasm. Plus, you get to hang out with puppies all day!
5. Commercial Driver
There is usually no degree required for commercial drivers. You need to have a valid driver’s license and a clean record. That means no DUI or other disqualifying traits.
6. Elevator Mechanic
This is one of the jobs that pay up to $30 without any college degree, but you must have undergone intense training. Or have experience with similar job positions.
7. Firefighter
Firefighters are heroes and don’t need any particular degree to get this job. But it’s a dangerous job where people can lose their lives.
It also involves much gruesome training. So you can pass to other jobs on this list if it not your cup of tea.
8. HVAC Technician
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians are in-demand jobs that don’t require any degree. They do need training and other certifications to show they are qualified.
9. Plumber
There is always a demand for plumbers to repair faucets, washing machines, etc. However, it’s a skill that must be learned, so getting the necessary certifications is essential.
10. Solar Panel Installer
They install solar panels on homes and businesses to convert sunlight into electricity.
They require specialized training and certification but do not need a degree. The job pays $20 to $25 per hour, but experienced installers can earn up to $30 per hour.
11. Home Health Aide
Home health aides help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairments with daily living activities in their homes. They may also provide emotional support and monitor patients’ conditions.
12. Wind Turbine Service Technician
Wind turbine service technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. They require specialized training and certification but do not need a degree. The job pays an average of $25 to $30 per hour.
13. Truck Driver
Truck drivers transport goods across the country or region. They require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) but do not need a degree.
The average pay for a truck driver is around 22 an hour to $25, but experienced drivers can earn up to $30 per hour.
14. Law Enforcement Officer
Officers maintain law and order, investigate crimes, and protect citizens. The average hourly pay for a law enforcement officer is around $20 to $25, but some can make up to $30 per hour.
However, this job requires a high school diploma or equivalent and compulsory police academy training.
15. Masseuse
They manipulate the soft tissues of clients’ bodies to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and improve circulation.
They require specialized training and certification but do not need a degree. The average hourly pay for a massage therapist is around $20 to $25, but experienced therapists can earn up to $30 per hour.
16. Hair Stylist
Hair stylists cut, style, and color hair for clients. They require specialized training and certification but do not need a degree.
The average hourly pay for a hairstylist is around 22 an hour to $30.
17. Makeup Artist
Makeup artists apply cosmetics to clients’ faces and bodies for various purposes, such as film, theater, or special events.
They require specialized training and certification but do not need a degree.
18. Web Designer
You don’t need a college degree to make a great living—especially if you have savvy design skills!
You can do web design from anywhere, usually costing around $30 an hour. There are a lot of components that go into web design—from coding HTML pages to writing content and managing projects.
And the great thing is you don’t have to master all the skills immediately. You can start with one skill set until you master it and add more as you progress in your career.
Web designers choose which tools to use for their projects; designing using software like Adobe Creative Suite or WordPress is standard practice.
19. Virtual Assistant
You may not have thought of becoming a virtual assistant, but it’s a great job that pays $30 an hour—or more—without a college degree.
As a virtual assistant (VA), you’ll provide administrative, technical, and sometimes social media support for clients from your home.
While you don’t need a college degree to become a VA, some employers require specialized web design or IT support training.
20. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create art and designs for various projects, such as websites, infographics, logos, and more.
You don’t need a college degree to get started, as you can learn the skills by taking classes online or attending an art school.
Being a graphic designer is a great way to earn $30 an hour or more, which can be gratifying.
If you have the right combination of skills and experience — plus an entrepreneurial spirit — there’s no limit to what you can accomplish as a graphic designer.
Conclusion
Job hunting can be an intimidating, time-consuming endeavor. But if you’re willing to look beyond just four-year degrees, plenty of high-paying options out there pay $30 an hour or more.
Whether you’re interested in business or technology, the medical field, or media, you can find jobs in various industries that require little to no education for advancement. It requires hard work and dedication, but the rewards can be significant.
You need to research the different job opportunities available to you and weigh the pros and cons of each one.
Only you can decide on the right career move, but you should know the sky’s the limit. Put the work in, and the rewards will follow!