19 Fun Jobs That Pay $20 an Hour or More with Little School
Millions of people enjoy fun jobs that pay a median wage of $20 an hour or more — without having spent any longer than one or two years in college or trade school. And you can become one of them.
Enjoyable jobs that pay 20 dollars an hour or more are a lot more plentiful than you might imagine. They can be found across many different industries. And they demonstrate that fun and good-paying possibilities exist for almost anyone with the motivation to pursue them.
That's true whether you're an outgoing people person, a technology buff, an aspiring creative artist, someone who likes helping others in need, someone who enjoys hands-on work, or a combination of these. Many of the best-paying and most enjoyable jobs — ones that don't require much post-secondary education — now exist in career sectors like design, business, digital arts, technology, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Top Jobs That Pay $20 an Hour and Up
Below are 19 truly engaging jobs that pay a median wage of 20 dollars an hour or more, on average, and are relatively quick to train for. Several of them are even among the fastest-growing jobs in America. Check out the following categories to find some high-paying careers that might interest you:
Salary and job information is based on 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise indicated.
Health Care
1. Dental Hygienist
This job is terrific for those who enjoy using their hands, want real respect as a professional, and are intrigued by the thought of interacting with all kinds of people while contributing to their health and well-being. Dental hygienist school is relatively short, with the ability to get started in a career with as little as two years of education.
- Entry-level pay: $31.30 per hour / $65,110 yearly
- Median wage: $42.08 per hour / $87,530 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $56.92 per hour / $118,400 yearly
- Job growth: 9 percent
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Imagine being able to use ultrasound technology to see what's happening inside the human body in a way that's safe and fascinating. Now, imagine doing that every day to help pregnant women and many other types of medical patients receive the best care possible. An associate degree program for diagnostic medical sonography typically takes two years to complete.
- Entry-level pay: $30.62 per hour / $63,680 yearly
- Median wage: $40.61 per hour / $84,470 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $55.91 per hour / $116,300 yearly
- Job growth: 15 percent
3. Radiologic Technologist
Almost everyone today gets multiple X-rays taken over the course of their lives. Radiologic imaging is simply one of the most widespread diagnostic technologies used in healthcare. As someone who takes those X-rays, you can do a world of good for others. You must have at least an associate degree (typically two years) in radiologic technology to be eligible for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
- Entry-level pay: $24.05 per hour / $50,020 yearly
- Median wage: $35.29 per hour / $73,410 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $49.22 per hour / $102,380 yearly
- Job growth: 6 percent
4. Occupational Therapy Assistant
What if you had the power to help sick, injured, or otherwise disabled people take care of themselves, return to work, or participate more fully in their hobbies and social lives? And what if you could learn to do that in just two years? That's what this rewarding vocation is all about.
- Entry-level pay: $23.40 per hour / $48,670 yearly
- Median wage: $32.22 per hour / $67,010 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $42.90 per hour / $89,230 yearly
- Job growth: 21 percent
5. Cardiovascular Technologist
Conducting diagnostic testing on people's hearts and circulatory systems is often cited as one of the healthcare sector's most fulfilling career paths. Training in this field is a great way to make big contributions to people's health while ensuring your own job satisfaction. Most programs are one to two years long, and bachelor's degree programs are also available.
- Entry-level pay: $17.61 per hour / $36,620 yearly
- Median wage: $31.81 per hour / $66,170 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $50.55 per hour / $105,140 yearly
- Job growth: 4 percent
6. Physical Therapist Assistant
Help injured and disabled people regain or increase their physical mobility or range of motion. This active, fulfilling, and in-demand healthcare vocation is often a real joy to be a part of. You will need an associate degree to get started.
- Entry-level pay: $20.25 per hour / $42,110 yearly
- Median wage: $30.81 per hour / $64,080 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $42.71 per hour / $88,830 yearly
- Job growth: 25 percent
7. Surgical Technologist
This healthcare occupation is great for people who are fascinated by medical surgeries and the instruments and procedures involved in making them a success. As somebody who helps prepare operating rooms or assists surgeons, you could feel the pride of knowing you make a tangible difference every day. Surgical technology programs that award a certificate or diploma usually take nine to 15 months to complete. Programs that offer associate degrees usually take two years.
- Entry-level pay: $19.54 per hour / $40,640 yearly
- Median wage: $29.14 per hour / $60,610 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $39.98 per hour / $83,150 yearly
- Job growth: 6 percent
Business and Legal
8. Paralegal or Legal Assistant
For people who are intrigued by the thought of working in a law office and assisting attorneys and their clients, a paralegal or legal assistant career can really satisfy. Plus, it's an option that frequently comes with a lot of engaging job tasks. Education for these careers takes about one year for a certificate and two years for an associate degree.
- Entry-level pay: $19.09 per hour / $39,710 yearly
- Median wage: $29.31 per hour / $60,970 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $47.51 per hour / $98,830 yearly
- Job growth: 1 percent
9. Police Officer
Police academy training typically takes from three to six months, and you will need to pass a written test as well as physical tests.
- Entry-level pay: $22.01 per hour / $45,790 yearly
- Median wage: $36.01 per hour / $74,910 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $56.30 per hour / $117,100 yearly
- Job growth: 4 percent
Skilled Trades
10. Aircraft Mechanic
Learn to repair or maintain aircraft engines and other essential systems. The aviation industry is full of opportunities for skilled helicopter and airplane mechanics. Aircraft mechanic school is generally 12 to 24 months long.
- Entry-level pay: $22.00 per hour / $45,760 yearly
- Median wage: $36.07 per hour / $75,020 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $55.17 per hour / $114,750 yearly
- Job growth: 5 percent
11. Electrician
As the need for reliable electricity continues to grow, so does the need for qualified tradespeople with the ability to ensure we all have safe access to it. Electrician programs vary in length, and the program you choose will depend on your individual goals. Most certificate and diploma programs can be completed in less than a year. Associate degree programs take about two years.
- Entry-level pay: $18.50 per hour / $38,470 yearly
- Median wage: $29.61 per hour / $61,590 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $50.09 per hour / $104,180 yearly
- Job growth: 11 percent
12. Plumber
This trade has a long history of providing people with satisfying, lucrative, and stable careers. After all, the pipes and equipment that give us access to clean water or other liquids (or gases) are fundamental to our way of life. A pre-apprenticeship plumbing program at a vocational school generally takes four to 24 months to complete.
- Entry-level pay: $18.60 per hour / $38,690 yearly
- Median wage: $29.59 per hour / $61,550 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $49.59 per hour / $103,140 yearly
- Job growth: 6 percent
13. Wind Turbine Technician
Skilled tradespeople in the renewable energy sector are at the real leading edge of human progress. And working on wind turbines can be a fun and active way to contribute toward building a cleaner and more sustainable world. You can earn a wind power technician certificate in as little as seven months.
- Entry-level pay: $22.77 per hour / $47,360 yearly
- Median wage: $29.70 per hour / $61,770 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $43.41 per hour / $90,300 yearly
- Job growth: 60 percent
14. Heavy Equipment Mechanic
The large mobile machines used in sectors like construction and mining don't take care of themselves. So that gives you the opportunity to become someone who gets to work up close with impressive heavy equipment like bulldozers, cranes, conveyors, and graders.
- Entry-level pay: $19.21 per hour / $39,960 yearly
- Median wage: $29.33 per hour / $61,000 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $40.31 per hour / $83,850 yearly
- Job growth: 9 percent
15. Carpenter
New buildings always need to be constructed somewhere. And renovations to older homes and businesses are becoming more and more popular. As a result, skilled carpenters are often able to enjoy active and engaging carpentry work in a variety of different locations. Completing a pre-apprenticeship program at a carpentry trade school typically takes between eight and 24 months. Apprenticeship programs can take up to four years.
- Entry-level pay: $18.00 per hour / $37,440 yearly
- Median wage: $27.09 per hour / $56,350 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $45.47 per hour / $94,580 yearly
- Job growth: 4 percent
16. HVAC Technician
This hands-on trade is known for opportunities that involve plenty of interesting work. After all, the heating and cooling of today's indoor spaces is achieved through the use of an increasing variety of different technologies. And they all require qualified technicians to install them and keep them operating efficiently. You can learn this in-demand field at an HVAC trade school in about 8 to 24 months, depending on your chosen program.
- Entry-level pay: $17.92 per hour / $37,270 yearly
- Median wage: $27.55 per hour / $57,300 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $40.50 per hour / $84,250 yearly
- Job growth: 9 percent
17. Auto Body Repairer
Imagine getting to restore damaged cars and trucks and help them regain their former good looks. That's what being an automotive body specialist is all about. It lets you use your mind as well as your hands to fix up all kinds of inspiring driving machines. Collision repair training typically takes 12 – 24 months.
- Entry-level pay: $16.95 per hour / $35,250 yearly
- Median wage: $23.43 per hour / $48,740 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $38.64 per hour / $80,380 yearly
- Job growth: 1 percent
Technology and Digital Arts
18. Sound Engineering Technician
Why not capitalize on your enthusiasm for popular entertainment mediums like TV and radio? The fields of sound engineering and recording arts enable technically inclined people to contribute directly to the production of memorable and/or informative television or radio programs. A sound engineering technician education varies in length, but ranges from several months to up to four years, depending on your goal.
- Entry-level pay: $15.75 per hour / $32,760 yearly
- Median wage: $28.57 per hour / $59,430 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $50.96 per hour / $105,990 yearly
- Job growth: -1 percent
Design
19. Drafting Technician
Builders and manufacturers need accurate and easy-to-understand visual schematics to produce the structures and products they specialize in. So, drafters provide a vital service in many different industries. The education typically needed for an entry-level position as a drafter is an associate degree, which typically takes two years.
- Entry-level pay: $19.77 per hour / $41,130 yearly
- Median wage: $30.06 per hour / $62,530 yearly
- Top-end pay: over $46.99 per hour / $97,730 yearly
- Job growth: -1 percent
