Are you looking for jobs that pay $20 an hour or more? Whether you need full-time or part-time work, there are many roles across industries that can meet or exceed that wage.
Some positions require formal training or a degree, while others are open to beginners. Some allow remote work from home; others require on-site presence at offices, homes, or outdoor locations. Right now, several industries face labor shortages and businesses are offering sign-on bonuses—sometimes even for entry-level roles that start around $20 an hour.
The jobs listed below cover a wide range of experience levels and work styles. Many can be started quickly, and some allow you to earn your first paycheck within a week. Read on for 20+ practical, high-value job ideas that commonly pay $20 per hour or more.
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20+ Best Jobs That Pay $20 An Hour Or More
1. Blogger
Blogging can easily earn $20 an hour or far more. Many bloggers make full-time incomes through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and digital products. Blogging offers flexibility—remote work, travel, and a schedule you control. Startup costs are low: primarily a computer and internet access. With consistent traffic and monetization, blogging can become a substantial income stream.
2. Proofreader
Proofreaders correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors. Work can include books, articles, blog posts, student papers, marketing copy, and medical documents. Entry-level proofreaders often charge $20–$25 per hour, and experienced proofreaders can earn more. Training resources and workshops are widely available to help you build skills and find clients.
3. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants perform administrative and business support tasks remotely—email management, scheduling, social media support, content formatting, and travel coordination. New VAs may start at $15–$20 per hour, while specialized or experienced VAs can command significantly higher rates. Full-time virtual assistants with steady clients can earn professional-level incomes.
4. Trash Picker
Commercial properties and storefronts often need early-morning or nightly litter pickup before opening. This small business requires minimal investment—broom, dustpan, and grabber tools—and can pay $30–$50 an hour. It’s low-barrier, flexible work with steady demand in urban and retail areas.
5. Amazon Seller
Selling on Amazon (including Fulfillment by Amazon) lets you source products to resell while Amazon handles storage and shipping. Successful sellers can scale to substantial profits. Many people run profitable Amazon businesses part-time or full-time after learning how to choose products, price competitively, and manage inventory.
6. Freelance Writer
Freelance writers produce content for websites, blogs, magazines, and marketing teams. You can specialize in niches like personal finance, travel, or technical writing, or work broadly across topics. Many freelance writing gigs pay $20 an hour or more, and experienced writers who develop a portfolio and repeat clients can earn well above that.
7. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers manage financial records for small businesses—tracking sales, expenses, payroll, and preparing reports. Virtual bookkeeping is in demand and can pay very well. Managing a portfolio of clients (often 12–16) can produce a comfortable annual income without needing a CPA credential.
8. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists convert audio into written text—business meetings, interviews, legal or medical recordings. Entry-level transcriptionists typically earn $15–$20 per hour, with specialized fields (like medical or legal transcription) paying more. Training and practice improve speed and accuracy, boosting earnings over time.
9. Social Media Manager
Social media managers plan and execute content for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Roles range from single-platform specialists to full-service managers handling strategy, content creation, and community engagement. Entry-level roles can start at $20 an hour; experienced managers or freelancers with results can charge higher rates.
10. Printable Creator
Printable creators design digital, downloadable products—planners, checklists, gift tags, wall art, and patterns—that customers print at home. Selling printables on marketplaces like Etsy can become a passive income source: create a product once and sell it repeatedly. Many creators earn well above $20 per hour once their shop gains traction.
11. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents help clients buy and sell properties and typically earn commission on sales. Licensing requirements vary by location, but you generally need a high school diploma and a professional license. Median wages vary, but agents who close multiple transactions each year can earn substantially more than $20 per hour.
12. Plumber
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain piping and fixtures in homes and commercial buildings. The trade is in demand and often pays well without requiring a four-year degree—many enter through trade school or apprenticeships. Experienced plumbers commonly earn hourly rates well above $20.
13. Electrician
Electricians install and maintain electrical systems—lighting, wiring, and power distribution. Like plumbing, electrical work is a skilled trade often learned via apprenticeship. Skilled electricians typically earn more than $20 per hour and benefit from strong local demand.
14. Photographer
Photographers work across weddings, portraits, commercial shoots, product photography, and editorial assignments. Earnings vary by specialization and client base; established photographers can earn far more than the median. Building a strong portfolio and client relationships is key to higher rates.
15. Templates Seller
Designing and selling templates (Canva templates, presentation decks, planners, eBooks) is a low-overhead, scalable business. Once you create a template, it can be sold repeatedly, making it a semi-passive income stream that often exceeds $20 per hour for successful sellers.
16. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Dog walkers and pet sitters provide dog walking, pet boarding, or in-home care. Rates vary by location and service; dog walkers can earn $20+ per hour and sitters often charge daily rates for boarding. Platforms and local networks help find clients, and pet care can be enjoyable for animal lovers.
17. Sticker Seller
Selling printed or printable stickers online is a creative, accessible business. Stickers are popular for planners, décor, and branding, and you don’t need heavy equipment to get started. With appealing designs and good marketing, sticker sellers can make $20+ an hour.
18. DoorDash Driver
Food delivery drivers for platforms like DoorDash choose their hours and earn per delivery plus tips. Most drivers average roughly $15–$25 per hour depending on location, timing, and tips. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and to pass a background check.
19. Part-time Referee
Community sports leagues often hire referees for soccer, baseball, basketball, and other sports. Pay can reach $20 an hour or more, especially for higher-level youth or adult leagues. Local parks and recreation departments are good places to look for openings.
20. Craft Instructor
Teaching crafts—knitting, sewing, painting, embroidery—can be rewarding and profitable. Private lessons and group workshops usually pay well. Instructors can teach in craft stores, community centers, or via online classes and charge hourly rates that commonly exceed $20.
21. Personal Grocery Shopper
Grocery delivery and personal shopping services hire shoppers to pick and deliver groceries. Platforms pay per order, with shoppers keeping tips. Earnings typically range from $15–$20+ per hour depending on efficiency, location, and tipping. It’s flexible work for reliable shoppers.
22. Landscaping and Lawncare
Landscaping and lawncare jobs—mowing lawns, planting, leaf raking, gutter cleaning, snow shoveling—are in steady demand. These jobs offer physical activity and can pay $20 an hour or more, especially for specialized or seasonal services.
23. Website Tester
Website testers evaluate websites and apps for usability, clarity, and user experience. Testers provide feedback on navigation, design, and functionality. You’ll need a computer and internet access; a headset can help for recording spoken feedback. Rates vary but many testing gigs pay well for short tasks.
How can I make $25 an hour without a degree?
Many roles listed above let you earn $25 or more per hour without a college degree. Skill development, experience, certifications, and building a client base increase earning potential. Examples include trades (plumbing, electrical), skilled freelancing (writing, proofreading, virtual assistance), and specialized online work (bookkeeping, social media management).
How much is $20 an hour monthly and annually?
At 40 hours per week, $20 an hour equals $800 per week. Monthly income depends on the number of weeks in a month, typically about $3,200 to $3,600 per month. Working 40 hours weekly for 52 weeks yields about $41,600 per year (before taxes).
Jobs that pay $20 per hour or more – Summary
There are many career paths and side hustles that pay $20 an hour or higher. Some roles require training, certification, or apprenticeships; others are entry-level and can be started quickly. Whether you want remote work, flexible hours, seasonal work, or a steady career, you can find opportunities that pay above minimum wage.
Quick list of jobs from this article that commonly pay $20 per hour or more:
- Blogger
- Proofreader
- Virtual assistant
- Trash picker
- Amazon seller
- Freelance writer
- Bookkeeper
- Transcriptionist
- Social media manager
- Printable creator
- Real estate agent
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Photographer
- Templates seller
- Dog walker or pet sitter
- Sticker seller
- DoorDash driver
- Part-time referee
- Craft instructor
- Personal grocery shopper
- Landscaping and lawncare
- Website tester
There are many other high-paying options not listed here—voice acting, massage therapy, nursing, retail management, customer service, surgical technologists, truck driving, mechanics, online tutoring, and more. Pay varies by location, experience, and market demand, but with skill-building and persistence you can find work that pays $20 an hour or better.
What other jobs that pay $20 an hour or more should be on this list?