29 Real Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour [Up to $84,000 Per Year]

Are you looking for high-paying jobs? Do you aim for jobs that pay $40 an hour right now? If the answer is yes, you’ve landed in the right spot.

You may not know, but the current average hourly income in the USA lies around $26/hour. So, if you can bag $40/hour, it is definitely a profitable path to follow.

But, finding a legit one can be challenging as the competition is steep. So, before we talk about all the legit jobs, let’s clear your fundamental doubts first.

 

 

 

Is $40 An Hour Really Good Pay?

Get this first; there are several legit jobs that pay 40 an hour nowadays.

But the real question is entirely different as you need to understand if $40/hour is actually a good wage or not. Let me give you a simple calculation.

Suppose you work for six days a week with fixed Sundays off. So, you work actually for 25 days a month. And if you work 7 hours each day, this comes to a total of 175 working hours/month. So, your income with a $40/hour rate will be around $7k/month. And you’ll grossly make $84k/year on average.

According to a recent statistical report, the average income of a USA household now lies around $64k/year.

So, earning $40/hour can fetch much above that, and it is genuinely excellent pay to start with.

But, if making $40 an hour excites you, there are even side jobs that pay up to $80/hour without vesting much effort.

 

Benefits Of Jobs That Pay $40 An Hour

As we have already mentioned, you’ll earn way more than the average income of a typical USA household if you can crack any of the jobs that pay $40 an hour on average.

However, there are many other benefits as well.

• Most of these jobs have no age restrictions at all
• Flexible schedule without any fixed commitment in most cases
• Lesser stress and better mental health because of no fixed work target

You can spend more time with your family as many of these jobs are WFH.

And most importantly, there are many jobs that pay 40 an hour without a degree or even without any specific skillset.

 

What Are The Best Jobs That Pay $40 An Hour?

In a broad spectrum, these jobs can be divided into two main categories; office-based and work-from-home.

And in both these categories, you can find several lucrative opportunities to start with. Besides, both these categories have both part-time and full-time opportunities.

There are many white-collar jobs that pay $40 an hour, having no experience at all. Besides, there are several high-paying WFH jobs worldwide that even pay beyond that $40/hour benchmark.

 

Real Jobs That Pay $40 An Hour

Although many jobs can fetch more than $40/hour, only a handful has sufficient vacancies and lesser competition.

We have handpicked those jobs which are legit and equally rewarding as well. And those are as follows!

 

1. Marketing Manager

• Earning Potential: $50/hour | $102k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Commerce Subjects

The 21st century is all about marketing, let it be traditional or digital. And jobs that pay 40 dollars an hour are right away if you have good marketing skills.

Becoming one is also pretty easy as you need just a bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, or finance. But yes, most MNCs only hire managers with at least three years of industry experience.

You can easily make around $50/hour on average as a marketing manager. And if you take it as a day job, the yearly average lies at more than $100k, according to a recent survey report by Glassdoor.

 

2. Pharmacist

• Earning Potential:$54/hour | $116k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Diploma or Graduation in Pharmacy

Pharmacists are the core operation staff in any hospital, medical facility, and medicine shop. They are solely responsible for giving the right medicine while tallying with the doctor’s prescriptions.

You need a diploma in pharmacy to kickstart your journey as a pharmacist.

However, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from an accredited university if you aim to bag a high-paying job.

The national average now lies around $54/hour, although an experienced pharmacist can earn much more. You can expect to make around $116k/year as a clinical pharmacist in the USA.

 

3. Lawyer

• Earning Potential: $60/hour | $123k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Law + Practicing License

Lawyers are equally revered and respected throughout the world. And it is also one of the best jobs that pay over $40 an hour.

However, there are now many high-paying online juror jobs also available that can fetch much more.

You need to have a bachelor’s degree in law with a practicing license in bar council to start your journey as a lawyer.

And you can either practice all your own, independently, or can join any firm or company.

It is pretty easy to make around $60/hour as a junior lawyer in the United States. However, more experienced lawyers earn up to $500/hour.

 

4. Financial Manager

• Earning Potential: $65/hour | $130k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Finance or Economics

It is hard to achieve financial success until you have the proper guidance from the right guy.

And financial managers are the ones who guide people on the right financial track to save money and also to book a profit.

You need at least a graduation degree in finance or economics to start working as a financial manager. But, if you want a higher-paying job, you need to have at least five years of industry experience.

Right now, you can expect to make around $65/hour as an independent financial expert.

However, you can fetch up to $130k/year as a financial manager, according to a recent financial report.

 

5. App Developer

• Earning Potential: $45/hour | $119k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Apps are now dominating the virtual world as it has made an entry to desktops and laptops through Windows 10 and 11 after dominating the Android and iOS platforms.

And becoming an app developer can bring you the best jobs that pay 30-40 an hour.

You need to have at least a graduation degree in computer science disciplines or software engineering. Besides, you should also have excellent coding skills with logical understanding.

You can expect to make around $45/hour on average, although experienced developers earn up to $100/hour. And the national average now lies around $119k/year.

 

6. Fitness Instructor

• Earning Potential: $30/hour | $52k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Certification in Fitness Training

Becoming a fitness freak is the best thing in the era of fast food and fat-rich dishes.

And becoming a fitness instructor is even better as you can bag many jobs that pay 40 an hour. Besides, there are now ways available to get paid to lose weight.

Although it doesn’t require any specific educational background, you need to have at least a certification degree in fitness or physical training to start your journey as a fitness instructor.

You can expect to make around $30/hour on average at the start, which can go as high as $45/hour, depending on your demographic profile.

 

7. PR Manager

• Earning Potential: $57/hour | $70k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation In PR or Management

If you have good communication and PR skills and looking for some 40 dollar an hour jobs, becoming a PR manager can end your search.

You will be responsible for making connections, designing ad campaigns, and conducting press releases as a PR manager.

You can enter this industry if you have at least a graduation degree in management.

However, it is even better if you have a bachelor’s degree in either public relationships or mass communication.

It is not challenging to fetch around $57/hour on average as a freelance PR manager. And if you opt for a white-collar job, you can expect as high as $100k a year now.

 

8. Dog Walker With Rover

• Earning Potential: $40/hour | $1000/week
• Minimum Qualification: Certification in Pet Training preferred

What if I say that there are part-time jobs paying 40 per hour which need just your love and affection towards little pooches and adorable doggos?

Yes, becoming a dog walker can be equally thrilling and rewarding. Besides, it is also one of the coolest jobs with animals to try this year.

You don’t need to have any specific educational or technical qualifications to become a dog walker. However, it is better if you opt for a certification course in pet training.

You can make a free account on Rover and start earning as a trusted dog walker in your locality. And it is not at all difficult to make up to $40/hour on average.

 

9. Makeup Artist

• Earning Potential: $48/hour | $49k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Certification in cosmetology or makeup

Believe it or not, MUAs are the highest-paid workers in the cosmetology market in the United States.

And among all the gorgeous ladies out there, it is also one of the most lucrative jobs that pay $40 an hour.

You don’t exactly need anything other than a state-mandated makeup license to start working as an MUA.

And there are now several reputed cosmetology schools available from where you can get your certificates.

As a newbie, you can expect to make around $48/hour on average, although it touches up to $100/hour. And the yearly income average now lies around $49k/year.

 

10. Rideshare Driver

• Earning Potential: $30/hour | $32k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Valid driving license + Car

App cabs are now everywhere as more and more people are currently joining this drive not just to reduce the overall transportation cost but also to have a healthier and greener climate through less carbon emission.

So, you can become a rideshare driver that needs just a valid license and your car.

Besides, there are now several driving jobs for retirees also available where you don’t even need to have your vehicle.

It is pretty easy to make around $30/hour on average while working with Uber or Lyft. However, the average salary now stands at about $32k/year.

 

11. Personal Trainer

• Earning Potential: $50/hour | $51k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Fitness Training or CrossFit Certification

When I was searching for jobs that pay $40 an hour near me, the best option that I could find was to become a personal trainer.

Let it be a physical trainer or a CrossFit expert; the potentials are almost endless in this industry.

You don’t need to have any specific qualification other than having a certification degree in fitness training.

However, it is better to have a good amount of industry experience before applying for high-paying positions.

It is not very difficult to make around $50/hour on average, although it goes as high as $100/hour in specialty training. However, the national average now lies around $51k/year.

 

12. Massage Therapist

• Earning Potential: $45/hour | $48k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Certification in Massage or Human Anatomy

Who doesn’t want a relaxing massage after a tiring day at work? But do you know that the profession of a massage therapist is equally rewarding as well?

Yes, you can not only take care of everyone’s well-being but also bag a good chunk of money as a therapist.

You need to undergo a certification program in massage and human anatomy to start your journey.

Besides, several states in the USA also require you to opt for a valid license so you can actually start practicing.

You can expect to make around $45/hour on average. But for a more experienced massage therapist, the national average goes as high as $48/year.

 

Careers That Earn $40 An Hour

Nowadays, there are several career paths that you can follow to fetch more than $40/hour on average.

While many of them need you to have advanced degrees, a few require you to have raw talent. And some of the most lucrative career options are as follows.

 

13. Software Developer

• Earning Potential: $53/hour | $110k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Computer Science or Software Engineering

In the era of AI and AR, the software is the fuel.

And becoming a software developer or full-stack developer can be an ideal option if you are looking for jobs that pay $40 an hour or more.

There are now several legit freelance apps available where you can bag such projects.

You need to have at least a graduation degree in any discipline of computer science or software engineering. Besides, you need to have excellent coding skills.

You can typically make around $53/hour as a newbie in software development. However, more experienced developers can fetch as much as $110k per year.

 

14. Business Consultant

• Earning Potential: $40/hour | $80k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Computer Science or Software Engineering

As a business consultant, you will be responsible for fetching better profitability for any firm or company.

Your core responsibility will be to strategize new marketing plans and emphasize a better product or service for the consumers.

You need an advanced business or marketing degree to become a successful business consultant.

And to start with, you need to have an MBA degree from an accredited university or business school.

It is one of the lucrative professions as you can make up to $150/hour as a business consultant. However, the national average now lies around $80k per year.

 

15. Dentist

• Earning Potential: $80/hour | $236k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Dentistry, Dental Science, or Dental Hygiene

For a very long time, dentists and endodontists have been in demand. Now, you can also pursue your career in dentistry to earn a handsome amount of money.

It is also one of the most sort-after jobs that pay 40 an hour. You need to have a graduation in dentistry to enter this industry.

Besides, you also need to obtain a valid medical practicing license from your state or national authority before you can actually start doing it.

It is pretty easy to make around $80/hour on average as a dentist in the United States. And even as a dental hygienist, you can expect to make approximately $45/hour.

 

16. Business Analyst

• Earning Potential: $45/hour | $141k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Business or Finance

As a business analyst, you will be responsible for the overall growth and profitability of a company.

And you need to design the right campaign and adopt the right strategies to retain existing customers with steady growth in the new consumer base.

You need at least a graduation degree in either finance or business-related subjects to enter this industry. However, most companies now prefer candidates with an MBA degree from an accredited B school.

You can expect to make around $45/hour on average, although the national average currently lies around $141k/year.

 

17. Bartender

• Earning Potential: $50/hour | $30k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Certification in Mixology or Bartending

Bartending is definitely one of the best jobs that pay $40 an hour if you have the right skill.

Besides having juggling and mixology skills, you also need to be prepared to work in loud atmospheres like nightclubs, bars, and pubs.

Although you don’t need any specific qualifications, it is better to obtain a mixology certification. You can also opt for any bartending course that offers certification.

Depending on your skill set, you can expect around $50 to $75/hour on average. However, you need to be at least 21 years old to become one, as you need to handle alcoholic beverages.

 

18. Flight Attendant

• Earning Potential: $100/hour | $60k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Diploma or Certification in Flight Attendance or Hospitality

Flight attendants, especially air hostesses, are equally gorgeous and high-paid.

They are solely responsible for the in-flight situations and control any emergency proceedings like evacuation or water landings.

You need to have at least a graduation degree in hospitality to get started. However, many organizations now also offer certification programs for flight attendants.

Besides, you also need to have excellent communication skills. It is pretty easy to make around $100/hour on average, although flight attendants are paid only for in-flight hours.

But yes, you can expect to earn about $57k/year.

 

19. Veterinarian

• Earning Potential: $50/hour | $108k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Veterinary Science or Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary is a discipline of medical science where you need to take care of the well-being of any pets and kettles.

Besides having enough affection for the pets, you also need to have sufficient knowledge of the animal kingdom.

You need to pursue a four-year graduate program in veterinary science or a three-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine to get started.

Besides, you also need to have a valid license to practice. As a starter, you can expect to make around $50/hour on average.

And the national average now lies around $108k/year.

 

20. Nurse Practitioner

• Earning Potential: $56/hour | $110k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Diploma in Nursing / Graduation in Nursing

Nurses are equally important as doctors and other essential workers in any sound healthcare system.

And now, you can also become a nurse practitioner to make more than $40/hour from a typical full-time job.

You need at least a diploma in nursing or patient management to enter this industry.

However, most reputed hospitals and healthcare institutes only prefer candidates with a graduation degree in any of these two disciplines.

It is pretty easy to fetch around $56/hour on average. And if you can gather some experience in this industry, you can easily get around $100k/year on average.

 

Online Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour

Till now, we have mentioned usual day jobs that can fetch $40/hour or more.

However, many online opportunities are also available nowadays that offer equally lucrative opportunities. And the most notable among those are as follows!

 

21. Freelance Writer

• Earning Potential: $45/hour | $80k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Excellent Linguistic Skills + Writing Flair

Writing is not a cup of tea for everyone, as you need the right flair in writing with a creative mind to really shine in this industry.

But, if you have those skills, there are many high-paying writing jobs available worldwide these days.

You don’t need any specific degree, although you need to have an excellent grip over the language.

And it is pretty easy to make up to $60/hour on average. Many freelance writers also earn as high as $1/word.

But to bag such an amount, you need the right guidance. One of the highly-acclaimed writers, Holly Johnson, recently introduced her unique writer’s program to help newbies like you.

So, join this free writing workshop if you are hoping to make a six-figure income as a freelance writer.

 

22. Transcriptionist

• Earning Potential: $40/hour | $60k/year
• Minimum Qualification: 65 WPM Typing Speed with 95% Accuracy

In transcription, you need to listen to an audio or video file and type it out manually.

It is mainly to preserve valuable information in text format and also to make it search-friendly for any organization.

You just need two things; at least 65 WPM typing speed and excellent hand-ear coordination to achieve maximum accuracy while typing.

And, you can expect around $25 to $40/hour on average as an experienced transcriber. But to take it a step forward, you need expert guidance.

And for that, one of the highest-rated transcribers, Janet Shaughnessy, has introduced her 7-lesson free mini-course on transcription to help people like you.

Besides the inside knowledge, she also uncovered the path to bag high-paying online transcription jobs available worldwide.

 

23. Bookkeeper

• Earning Potential: $40/hour | $65k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation Degree in Accountancy + Expertise In Accounting Software

Bookkeeping is a variant of an accounting job where you need to maintain account records and balance sheets of individuals or enterprises.

And 21st century is the era of Virtual Bookkeepers where you can easily make up to $60/hour.

You need to have an accountancy background with at least a graduation degree in accountancy and finance-related subjects.

Besides, you should also have expertise in accounting software like Tally. But these are not all as you need to know the inside knowledge to bag high-paying bookkeeping jobs.

And for that, one of the best virtual bookkeepers, Ben Robinson, has launched his complete bookkeeping free series to help you succeed in this industry.

 

24. Interpreter/Translator

• Earning Potential: $45/hour | $40k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Diploma in Language + Language Certification

First of all, you need impeccable expertise in at least two different languages to become a translator or interpreter.

If you have that, there are plenty of high-paying translation jobs available all over the world that also pay well.

You should have at least a diploma from any language school. However, most companies prefer a graduation degree in any of your preferred languages.

Besides, you should also have sufficient proficiency to read, write, and speak.

Right now, the average lies around $25/hour as a newbie, although expert translators can fetch up to $45/hour on average.

However, the national salary now lies around $40k/year.

 

25. Online Tutor

• Earning Potential: $30/hour | $60k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Diploma in Language + Language Certification

Teaching is not just a noble duty but is also among the best jobs that pay $40 an hour.

And in the era of virtual presence, online teaching is becoming popular day by day. So, it is better to jump into it before it gets saturated.

You should have a strong academic background to enter this industry.

Besides a graduation degree from an accredited university, you need to have a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in education as well.

You can try online platforms like VIPKid and Tutor to get high-paying online tutoring jobs.

And you can fetch up to $80/hour as an online teacher, although the national average is close to $60k/year.

 

26. Web Designer

• Earning Potential: $40/hour | $52k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Computer Science + Coding Skills

Every company and entrepreneur now wants its online presence. And for that, a good website is a must.

So, you can now take advantage of this booming market and become a website designer to earn money.

All you need is a graduation degree in any discipline of computer science to get started.

However, you need to have at least three years of industry experience before applying for any high-paying positions in this sector.

Right now, the average income lies around $40/hour, although expert designers can fetch as much as $75/hour. But yes, the national average stands at around $52k/year.

 

More Easy Jobs that Can Fetch $40 an hour ($80k+ per year)

There are now many jobs available around the globe that offers much more than $40/hour.

That too, without the need of having extravagant educational or technical qualifications. And some of the lucrative opportunities among those are as follows.

 

27. Salesperson

• Earning Potential: $65/hour | $64k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Graduation in Business or Commerce related subjects

Selling is probably among the most traditional jobs that pay 40 an hour. But yes, it sometimes depends on the total sales volume or the incentives to go beyond the $40/hour benchmark.

To get started, you need to have at least a graduation degree in business-related subjects.

But if you are looking for a white-collar job as a sales executive, you need to have three to five years of experience.

Although the average earning is around $65/hour, you can fetch much more if you have those selling skills.

But you can now also start independently, as there are many things to flip for profit that you can take advantage of to make money.

 

28. Search Engine Optimizer

• Earning Potential: $45/hour | $53k/year
• Minimum Qualification: Certification in SEO + Expertise in SEO tools

A new kid on the block, Search engine optimization or SEO is one of the most trending jobs that pay 40 an hour these days.

You mainly need to have the expertise to rank any page on the very first search result page of Google or other search engines.

As of now, you don’t need to have specific expertise, as most SEO gurus are self-taught. However, you can find several fantastic courses on platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera.

Right now, the average earning potential is around $25/hour, although it touches up to $45/hour on average if you have prolific expertise.

The current national average wage of an SEO specialist lies around $53k/year.

 

29. Blogger

• Earning Potential: $40/hour | $100k/year
• Minimum Qualification: No special skills are required.
  

If you are a Gen-Y, you must already have a keen interest in blogging or vlogging, isn’t it?

Yes, this is probably among the very few professions that don’t need you to have any specific skill set. Besides, it is perhaps the only option that offers money and fame at the same time.

It is pretty easy to make up to $50k/year just from blogging. You may not believe it, but I myself have earned $7k+/month from blogging this year.

And the best thing, it is not even my full-time profession. But yes, establishing a successful and profitable blog can be a painstaking task to accomplish.

Just check how my journey started and what it takes to reach $85k/year passive income from this blog.

So, we have already published a step-by-step guide to making a profitable blog that you can also follow.

 

FAQs

$40 per hour is how much per year?

According to a recent statistical survey, a typical employee in the USA works for 35 hours/week.

So, if anyone works for 50 weeks a year with two fixed weeks of vacation (as there are 52 weeks a year), the total will be 1,750 work hours/year.

And with a $40/hour income, the total earning will be $70k/year. And if you work for 6 days a week with 7 working hours each day, your yearly income will be $84k with this hourly rate.

 

What are the medical jobs that offer 40 an hour?

There are several medical careers that pay 40 an hour nowadays.

The most lucrative among those are dentistry and nurse practitioner, which can fetch close to $70/hour.

Besides, there are other medical-related professionals like pharmacists, health services managers, and certified nurse-midwife that also pay in the range of $40 to $60/hour on average.

 

Is $40 An Hour Really Worth It – Conclusion

We have already included all the jobs that pay $40 an hour for all skills and expertise levels. However, not every job can suit your demand and expectation.

So, try to understand all the pros and cons of the particular job before diving deep.

And trust me, there are many amazing ways to make extra money that you can also try. So, that’s all for today! Feel free to drop your suggestions and feedback in the comment box below!

 

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