Imagine what you could do with the money you make from one of these jobs that pay $40 an hour!
A $40-an-hour job could provide a much-needed financial boost, allowing you to save money, plan a paid vacation, pay off debt, or invest in your future.
So what alternatives do you have for high-paying jobs? Let’s get started with our in-depth list of your 33 best options:
Quick Picks
Before we get into the 33 jobs you can start to earn $40 an hour, let’s go over the best side hustles and careers on the list:
- Best Freelancing App – Steady
- Most Passive Income – Blogging
- Most Fun Job –Dog Walking
- Least Experience Needed – Freelance Writer
- Most Experience Needed – Lawyer
Earn more money on your terms when you need it most. Steady members can make an extra $5,500 in average yearly income!
Jobs That Pay $40 An Hour
With the current industry landscape and ever-changing technology, lucrative jobs have opened up for those willing to learn new things to become some of the highest-paid workers.
An excellent way to find out about some jobs that pay $40 an hour is by signing up for Steady or Fiverr and browsing available freelance jobs.
This way, when you get the job alert, you can be one of the first to apply for a job that interests you.
Our list of 33 jobs that pay $40 an hour will tell you about the skills and training you need to land these high-paying jobs. Read on to find out more!
1. Blogger
Minimum Qualification: High School Diploma
Average Income: Varies
Blogging can be a great way to make money. A blogger’s salary varies considerably based on numerous factors, such as the topic, how the blogger monetizes the blog, the popularity of the blog, and the amount of traffic the blog gets each day.
There are several ways that a blogger can make money blogging. You can put ads on your blog, or people can pay you to write articles for them. You can also sell products or services through your blog.
With hard work and dedication, you can make money blogging! Blogger’s Secrets is an excellent course to learn more about the blogging business and earn passive income from articles every week!
2. Freelance Writer
Minimum Qualification: High School Diploma
Average Income: Varies by writer
Freelance writing is one of the best ways to make money online. You have a flexible schedule, can work as much or as little as you want, and choose the projects you are interested in.
Many people shy away from writing because they feel it is a complicated or uninteresting job. However, those with the right mindset and creativity can excel in this field.
You don’t need a language-specific advanced degree, although you should have an excellent command of the language.
On average, freelance writers earn up to $40 an hour, and some even make as much as $1 per word.
If you want to land one of the freelance writing jobs that pay $40 an hour or more, you need the proper training. Reading this free eBook can help.
3. Bookkeeper
Minimum Qualification: High School Diploma
Average Income: $37,648 – $47,101 per year
There has been a high demand for virtual bookkeepers since the pandemic began. A virtual bookkeeper controls a business’s financial records like a traditional bookkeeper in an office.
It includes tracking money coming in and going out for a business or individual and creating statements like balance sheets. You should also be able to use accounting software like QuickBooks.
Virtual bookkeepers usually work on their own schedule with small businesses or startups that don’t have the need (or budget) for a full-time, in-house bookkeeper.
There’s more to running a bookkeeping business, though. We recommend taking Ben Robinson’s 3 FREE lessons to see if bookkeeping is the business for you!
4. Transcriptionist
Minimum Qualification: 60 – 75 WPM with 95% accuracy
Average Income: $19 – $23 – Entry Level
As a transcriptionist, you play an essential role in preserving valuable information. Whether it’s an audio or video file, you’re responsible for transcribing it into text so it can be searchable and easily accessible to organizations.
To become a transcriptionist, you need to have excellent hand-ear coordination and a good typing speed with high accuracy. With these skills, you can earn an average of $25 – $40 per hour based on experience.
However, if you want to take your career to the next level, Transcribe Anywhere can help. It is a FREE 7-lesson mini-course that covers everything you need to know to get started in this field.
5. Dog Walker
Minimum Qualification: High School Diploma
Average Income: Varies On Area
Being a dog walker is very rewarding and well-paying side hustle business. Not only is it a great way to make some extra cash, but you’ll also get to spend time with some of the most adorable creatures on the planet.
And who doesn’t love a good doggy cuddle?
There’s no need to worry about having any special qualifications – all you need to become a dog walker is a love of dogs and possibly a bit of pet training for bigger breeds or rowdy pups.
Plus, thanks to sites like Rover, it’s easy to connect with clients and earn money every week!
6. Social Media Manager
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree
Average Income: $21 – $26 an hour
Do you have a knack for social media? If so, you may be well suited for a career as a social media manager.
As a social media manager, you would be solely responsible for creating and maintaining an organization’s social media presence.
This would involve developing content, monitoring user engagement, and responding to comments and messages.
In addition, you would also need to stay up-to-date on the latest platform changes and trend shifts. While the job requires a lot of work and excellent communication skills, it can be one of the best.
Using SEO tools like Surfer SEO, you use the best keywords to target your audiences. This will help you rank higher in search engines and get more traffic to your posts and web pages.
7. Online Tutor
Minimum Qualification: High School Diploma
Average Income: $23 – $39 an hour
There’s a massive demand for online tutors as more and more students are opting to take their classes online.
You can start tutoring immediately if you have a strong academic background in a particular subject area. You can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
With BookNook, you can charge $40 an hour as an online tutor in English or math; it’s a great place to start tutoring and finding students.
8. YouTuber
Minimum Qualification: No graduation degree or education required
Average Income: Varies
YouTube has become one of the most popular social media platforms offering creators a unique opportunity to build an audience and make money by creating videos and sharing them with the world.
If you’re interested in becoming a YouTuber, the first step is to create high-quality content that people will want to watch.
Once you’ve built up a following, you can begin to monetize your channel by enabling ads, partnering with brands, or selling products and services.
Sticking with it could turn you into one of those YouTubers that make millions!
If creating a YouTube business sounds like something you’d like to do, Mastering YouTube is a course that can help you learn how to make videos that earn thousands per month!
9. Uber Driver
Minimum Qualification: Meet the minimum age to drive in your city; have a valid driver’s license; have one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. (3 years if you are under 25 years old)
Average Income: $31,202 – $45,802 per year
There are many reasons why people choose to become Uber drivers. For some, it’s a flexible way to earn extra income.
For others, it’s a chance to be their boss and set their hours. And for many, it’s an opportunity to make more money than they could earn working a traditional 9-to-5 job.
In fact, according to Uber’s website, drivers can expect to make an average of $40 per hour. Of course, earnings will vary depending on factors such as the city you drive in and the ride demand.
10. Financial Manager
Minimum Qualification: Graduation degree in finance or economics
Average Income: $33 – $41 an hour
A financial manager is responsible for the financial health of their organization. They create and oversee investment plans, monitor cash flow, and prepare financial reports.
They help businesses and individuals make sound financial decisions that are crucial to any person’s financial success. They guide people to help them stay on the right financial track to help them save.
11. Business Analyst
Minimum Qualification: Graduation degree in business topic
Average Income: $30 – $44 an hour
A business analyst is a person who helps make the company more efficient. They do this by looking at all aspects of the company’s operations and finding ways to improve them.
They need to know about IT-related tasks, technical knowledge, and human resources management.
12. Business Consultant
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree
Average Income: $30 – $45 an hour
Business consultants are an essential part of any business. They provide valuable services that can help businesses improve their bottom line.
Business consultants are professionals who offer their expertise in fields such as security, management, finances, law, and many others.
They help businesses save money by reducing waste, improving efficiency, and increasing profits. They also help businesses save time by streamlining processes and procedures.
13. Fitness Instructor
Minimum Qualification: Certification degree from an accredited school
Average Income: $21 – $38 an hour
Becoming a fitness instructor is a great way to help others achieve their fitness goals while also earning a living. You need to have an understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as be able to motivate others.
One way to become certified is to take specialized training at an accredited school. These schools will offer theoretical and practical training in anatomy, physiology, exercise science, program design, and nutrition.
14. Personal Trainer
Minimum Qualification: certification from an accredited organization
Average Income: $23 – $38 an hour
Fitness instructors lead group exercise classes, while a personal trainer works one-on-one with clients.
Personal trainers are more likely to have experience in weightlifting and bodybuilding, but their programs are all geared toward individual clients, so you need a variety of knowledge and skills.
You need certification in fitness training from an accredited organization, such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
15. Makeup Artist
Minimum Qualification: A license in certain states
Average Income: $20 – $38 per hour
A makeup artist applies makeup to people’s faces for theatrical, television, film, or photographic purposes.
The hourly pay for a makeup artist depends on many factors, including industry experience, training, and where you live.
You can also work as a freelance makeup artist instead of working for a company and work in specific industries like weddings or pageantry, where you can charge more per hour.
16. Interpreter
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree
Average Income: $43,441 – $53,879 per year
An interpreter is a highly skilled professional who facilitates communication when there’s a speech barrier.
Primarily, interpreters use sign language to facilitate conversations between deaf/hard of hearing/mute individuals with hearing individuals.
Interpreters provide a vital service in businesses, hospitals, courtrooms, and other settings where people need to communicate with language barriers.
17. Translator
Minimum Qualification: Proficient in 2+ languages; some jobs require Bachelor’s degree
Average Income: $21 – $31 an hour
Translators take written or spoken words in one language and convert them fluently into another language. They need to know the language fluently, including slang and possibly regional dialects.
Translators are needed to translate texts into new languages as well as help people have conversations in real-time.
An excellent example of this would be if an English speaker were in a hospital in Spain, they would need a translator to know what the doctor is saying.
18. Marketing Manager
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in marketing
Average Income: $48 – $63 an hour
As a marketing manager, you’ll be responsible for developing and executing marketing plans and campaigns, overseeing budgets and resources, and managing team members.
Marketing managers need to be able to think creatively and come up with new and innovative marketing strategies.
They must also be excellent communicators and clearly articulate their ideas to colleagues and clients.
19. PR Manager
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or a related field
Average Income: $49 – $64 an hour
A career in public relations (PR) management can be an exciting and high-paying job. As a PR manager, you will be responsible for crafting messages and communicating with the media.
It includes creating media relations materials, such as press releases and fact sheets, and organizing and participating in events. Strong communication and writing skills are essential.
PR managers typically work in an office setting; however, they may also travel to meet with clients or attend events.
20. Sales Manager
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business topic
Average Income: $51 – $70 an hour
Sales managers are responsible for overseeing sales operations within their company. They work with sales teams to develop and implement sales strategies and track progress for goals.
To become a successful sales manager, one must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of the sales process.
Make sure you have a strong understanding of the products or services your company offers. You should also be familiar with the market conditions that affect your industry.
21. Software Engineering
Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s graduation degree
Average Income: $85,635 – $103,949 per year
Software engineering is a rapidly growing field in computer science with great pay and job stability in a booming market.
These engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining software applications. You’ll also ensure that the applications meet the users’ needs.
You should have a strong background in computer science and experience in programming languages and software development tools.
22. Software Developer
Minimum Qualification: Graduation degree in computer science
Average Income: $68,290 – $81,990 per year
A job in software development can be a gratifying career for those with excellent coding skills. It can be challenging but rewarding to see the fruits of your labor come to life.
A software developer writes code for software and is involved in the design, testing, and other aspects of software development.
They must be able to write code that meets a software project’s requirements and work with designers and other developers to create a cohesive product.
23. App Developer
Minimum requirement: Bachelor’s graduation degree
Average Income: $61,137 – $80,095 per year
An app developer creates applications for mobile devices or computers, like the Steady app or Honey app.
App developers typically have a background in computer programming, although some specialized positions require other skills, such as graphic design.
App developers must have good coding skills and an understanding of software development. They may work for a company that produces these applications or be self-employed.
24. Massage Therapist
Minimum Qualification: 500 hours of classes at an accredited certification program
Average Income: $49,882 – $64,010 per year
As a Massage Therapist, you will provide your clients with relief and healing by loosening up their muscles and body tissues.
Additionally, massage therapy can improve circulation, reduce stress levels, heal injuries and bolster immunity.
You can become a certified massage therapist after you have completed 500 hours of classes at accredited certification programs.
26. Speech Therapist
Minimum Qualification: Master’s Degree
Average Income: $81,043 – $95,933 per year
As a speech therapist, you will work with patients with difficulties speaking or communicating.
You’d help these patients improve their communication skills through various therapies and treatments.
As a speech therapist, you’ll likely work with a range of patients, from young children to adults. You could work in a hospital setting or start your own therapy office.
27. Pharmacist
Minimum Qualification: Pharmacy degree
Average Income: $137,126 – $155,017 per year
Pharmacists are the core operation staff of the medical community. They help to dispense medication to patients and make sure that they are taking the correct dosage.
During your graduate studies, you’ll learn about the different types of medications and how to dispense them safely. You’ll also learn about the body and how different medications can interact with each other.
28. Dental Hygienists
Minimum Qualification: Associate’s degree in dental science
Average Income: $68,752 – $90,025 per year
Dental hygienists have the opportunity to help people maintain their oral health, which can lead to better overall health. They also earn a good salary and have good job security.
You get an associate’s degree in dental hygiene to learn the basic knowledge and skills you need to start your dental hygienist career.
Then you’ll need to complete a clinical externship, where you’ll gain experience working with patients. Finally, you’ll need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam to work with patients.
28. Nurse Practitioner
Minimum Qualification: Master’s Degree
Average Income: $108,749 – $127,318 per year
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a highly specialized nurse who has completed advanced education and training in diagnosing and treating illness.
They provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, and can be found in various healthcare settings, from clinics and hospitals to schools and prisons.
Nurse practitioners can be found in various settings- you can work in a medical facility, school, or even in people’s homes.
29. Physical Therapist
Minimum Qualification: Degree from an accredited school
Average Income: $82,071 – $98,532 per year
A physical therapist helps people recover from mobility issues. They work with patients to help them regain strength, mobility, and range of motion.
Physical therapists may use various physical therapy techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation.
They may also educate patients on preventing injuries and improving their overall health.
30. Veterinarian
Minimum Qualification: Veterinarian degree
Average Income: $39 – $63 an hour
As a veterinarian, you would have the opportunity to work with various animals, providing care and treatment that can improve their quality of life.
You can work with house pets or farm animals, but you’ll need training to get started.
You need to complete a four-year veterinary science program to get your graduation degree, pass a licensing exam, and stay up to date on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
31. Flight Attendant
Minimum qualification: High School Diploma
Average Income: $65,140 – $100,624 per year
Becoming a flight attendant can be an exciting and rewarding career. You prepare planes for take-off, keep things tidy, help passengers in flight, and travel the world!
Flight attendants must be able to work under pressure and deal with difficult situations. They must also be able to stay calm and professional in all circumstances.
32. Bartender
Minimum Qualification: No formal education
Average Income: $10 – $13 plus tips
There’s always someone to chat with, whether it’s regulars at the bar or people just stopping in for a drink.
You usually make minimum wage and tips, so your income can vary daily- some people tip $1 per drink, but others tip upwards of $3 -$5 for a good cocktail and friendly service.
If you serve 40 drinks in an hour, with a minimum tip of $1 per drink, you’ll make $40 on top of your minimum wage. That’s good money for an hour or pouring drinks!
33. Lawyer
Minimum Qualification: Doctorate
Average Income: $41 – $56 per hour (Lawyer I)
While becoming a lawyer is not easy, it is worth it. Lawyers play a crucial role in our society, helping people resolve legal disputes and navigate the complex legal system.
They also work on important projects, such as drafting legislation or representing clients in court.
Being a lawyer can be the best-paying job, but it does take years of schooling and passing the bar exam.
Final Thoughts
With our list of jobs that pay $40 an hour or more, you can find a position that is both rewarding and lucrative.
The jobs that pay $40 an hour are varied and many, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but time and experience mean that you can start at $20 an hour or more and make more than $40 in no time.
No matter your skills or interests, one of these real jobs on our list will suit you. The career paths can range from being a blogger to becoming a lawyer, but the sky is the limit!
Do you want to work fewer hours but make a full-time income? Check out our secrets to blogging successfully!