Are you anxious about not landing a well-paying job because you are not a college graduate? Fret not! There are many jobs that pay $40 an hour without a degree.
Traditional thinking has it that investing in a college education is the best way to have a successful and lucrative career in the future. However, there has been an uptrend in the number of U.S. companies that forgo that degree requirement in favor of skills, aptitude, and hands-on experience.
Tech giant Apple, Inc. is leading the way, with more than 50% of their employees as non-degree holders. Other companies that have joined this trend include Google, Hilton, Ernst & Young, IBM, Bank of America, and retail players such as Costco Wholesale, Publix, Whole Foods, and Home Depot.
This article listed some of the best jobs that not only do not require a 4-year degree but pay at least $40 an hour. Check out these available opportunities and find your most suitable career path.
Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree – Part-Time
1. Property Manager
The duties of a property manager include communication between renters and owners, tenant inquiries, arranging repairs and maintenance services, budgeting, rent collection, and record keeping. Becoming a successful property manager is easily achievable with the right attitude and confidence in your skills.
It’s one of the best-paying jobs in real estate investment trusts (REITs) that you can do, and it doesn’t require a degree.
Average Hourly Pay: $51
2. Private Tutor
As a private tutor, one of the best things about this job is that it provides flexibility and the ability to modify your schedule. Plus, you get to spread your knowledge while making some sweet cash.
Whether you are well-versed in math, science, English, or any other subject area, rally up your teaching experience to become a successful tutor. Check out available online tutoring opportunities through these platforms.
Hourly Pay Range: $15 – $80
3. Chef
Chefs have the unique skills to bring flavor to life through their culinary creations. Most importantly, their creative minds permit them to take everyday recipes and turn them into delectable marvels sure to impress everyone around the table.
So, if you want some delicious work-life balance, becoming a chef could be your gig.
Average Hourly Pay: $42
4. Mortgage Broker
Mortgage brokers provide invaluable services for home buyers and refinancers, helping them navigate the complex process of applying for and negotiating home loans. As one of the few jobs that pay $40 an hour without requiring a university diploma, it’s no wonder this profession is sought-after.
But becoming a successful mortgage broker takes more than sheer luck; countless hours of research and training are necessary to obtain brokerage skills.
Average Hourly Pay: $42
5. Business Consultant
A business consultant is a top job that pays $40 per hour without a degree. It sounds too great to be true, and you’re probably wondering how it’s possible.
Well, business consultants are problem solvers and forward thinkers with an in-depth understanding of business operations and workplace dynamics.
Hourly Pay Range: $30 – $45
6. Fitness Trainer
Fitness trainers can make up to $40 an hour, depending on experience and customers.
It is rewarding to supervise your clients’ fitness routines and see their progress; you also get to have fun and exercise with them. It doesn’t hurt either that personal training is always in high demand.
Hourly Pay Range: $10 – $60
7. Makeup Artist
Becoming a makeup artist is a job that pays $40 an hour without a degree. With the right skills, you can make people look fantastic, giving them confidence and self-esteem boosts like no other.
The possibilities are endless, from everyday looks to extravagant events such as weddings and photoshoots.
Average Hourly Pay: $48.07
8. Music Teacher
Music teachers get to use their expertise and passion in combination, a fantastic experience rarely achievable in other jobs. Music teachers enable students to become well-rounded musicians and help shape future generations by teaching the skills required for success, like dedication, hard work, and creativity.
Hourly Pay Range: $21 – $42
9. Nurse
It requires commitment, determination, and dedication–not to mention a passion for helping others. Nurses can positively impact their community by providing care, support, and guidance throughout each patient’s journey.
Average Hourly Pay: $41.26
10. Business Analyst
Business analysts play an essential role in every organization, helping to bridge the gap between stakeholders and technology teams. They are highly analytical and versatile problem solvers with excellent communication and presentation skills.
Average Hourly Pay: $42
11. Sales Manager
A sales manager is an excellent job choice if you’re seeking a way to earn $40 an hour. They get to interact with people, share their passion, and ensure that sales goals are consistently met. They often have the chance to be creative problem solvers by developing strategies and techniques to increase the effectiveness of sales efforts.
Average Hourly Pay: $61
12. Public Speaker
Do you have a lot of interesting life stories to share with the world? Do you want to help people learn through your experience? Look no further; becoming a public speaker might be your calling.
You don’t need any certification or degree, but the job will require strong written and verbal skills coupled with a charismatic personality that captivates the audience.
Average Hourly Pay: $45
Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree – Online/Remote
13. Freelance Writer
Are you a self-driven individual with a knack for wordsmithing and a healthy level of ambition? If so, freelancing as a writer could bring you some of the best jobs that pay up to $40 an hour!
You can also try posting your profile and portfolio on Fiverr or Flexjobs to get more clients.
Hourly Pay Range: $15 – $80
14. App Developer
As an app developer, you can enjoy the flexibility and pay of such a lucrative job. It will provide excellent financial stability, and you’ll be satisfied knowing you created something new and innovative.
Average Hourly Pay: $48
15. Freelance Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping doesn’t just involve crunching numbers–it is a valuable skill and often requires creative problem-solving. Freelance work also gives incredible flexibility on when and where you work, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a job around school or other responsibilities.
Hourly Pay Range: $29.21 – $43.40
16. Web Designer
Web design opportunities can range from sleek, cutting-edge professional designs to fun, quirky pages full of personality. You can work with rapid development tools like WordPress or code up a custom masterpiece from scratch–no degree required!
Hourly Pay Range: $23 – $43
17. Interpreter
Interpreting requires strong focus, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. It’s essential to keep calm under pressure and manage difficult situations patiently.
Being an interpreter could be an amazing career opportunity if you speak multiple languages fluently.
Average Hourly Pay: $35 – $60
18. Software Developer
If you want a job that pays $40 an hour, be a software developer. Developing software solutions is rewarding and exciting, involving tasks from creating complex systems to troubleshooting networks.
No matter your talents and skill level, there is likely something in software development where you could succeed!
Hourly Pay Range: $33 – $40
19. UX Designer
UX designers are responsible for designing user-friendly interfaces for various devices and websites. Every company or application needs a UX that is easy to understand, or they risk losing customers.
So, if you’re good at design, have a good eye for color palettes, and have an interest in psychology, consider becoming a UX designer, as it can be very rewarding.
Hourly Pay Range: $44
Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree – Social Media
20. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing has become an increasingly sought-after job in recent years. More companies are looking for creative personnel to advertise their products on social media platforms.
Many social media marketing roles can also provide wages of up to $40 per hour!
Average Hourly Pay: $54
21. Social Media Manager
You’ll be able to put your creative genius to work and create exciting posts for clients, learning about new topics and staying up-to-date on other companies, influencers, and industry trends–and you don’t even need a degree!
Average Hourly Pay: $54
Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree – Odd Jobs
22. PR Manager
The role of Public Relations Manager is perfect for someone looking to break into the communications industry.
The potential candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, an eye for detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a natural flair to craft media stories that effectively capture the public’s attention.
Average Hourly Pay: $56.94
23. Customer Care Manager
A customer care manager’s job is to ensure that customers’ needs and wants are met. It could involve solving customers’ problems and providing advice on products they may be interested in.
Average Hourly Pay: $46
24. Life Coach
It’s the perfect way for someone with professional experience but no official diploma to succeed financially. You won’t need a certification, just a great combination of communication and problem-solving skills, creativity, and empathy.
Hourly Pay Range: $75 – $200
25. Actuary
One job that falls into the $40/hour category is an actuary. It is ideal for people with a mathematical aptitude and a love for crunching numbers.
Actuaries are responsible for analyzing risk in financial and insurance-based environments. They help businesses by ensuring the risks they take make sense from a financial point of view.
Hourly Pay Range: $32 – $40
26. SEO Consultant
As an SEO consultant, you’ll use your website content, links, and keyword knowledge to help businesses achieve higher rankings on search engines like Google, which can be incredibly lucrative.
SEO consultants can often enjoy flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work remotely.
Hourly Pay Range: $25 – $500
27. Dental Hygienist
Becoming a dental hygienist is an awesome career option for those not pursuing higher education. After completing some coursework and hands-on training, individuals can become dental hygienists and make more than $40 an hour in their field.
Hourly Pay Range: $33 – $43
Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree – Manual/Blue Collar
28. Locomotive Engineer
You don’t have to earn a college degree for this job. All you need is on-the-job training, a clean license, and the confidence to take control of a train.
Locomotive engineering offers enjoyable travel opportunities, excellent job security, and, most importantly, fantastic pay. And you get to be part of transporting goods and people on land!
Hourly Pay Range: $30 – $44
29. Power Plant Operator
Working at a power plant is one of the most rewarding and challenging ways to make money. With rigorous training and certifications required, you’ll be able to control the sequence of operations and equipment at your plant.
They are responsible for checking and maintaining all systems in the plant and making adjustments based on information received from instrument readings.
Hourly Pay Range: $27 – $40
30. Elevator Installer
Being an elevator installer is one job that pays $40 an hour without a degree. You get essential experience in engineering and construction for fairly good pay that goes up even more with certifications and experience.
Hourly Pay Range: $30 – $45
31. Sanitation Engineer
Sanitation engineers collect pollution samples from various areas and analyze data results. They also develop plans for how waste or pollutants should be handled and adequately removed or disposed of to minimize potential hazards to people or the environment.
Hourly Pay Range: $32 – $40
Is $40 an Hour a Good Salary?
Deciding if $40 an hour is a good salary can depend on several factors. For instance, your level of experience, where you live, and asking yourself what lifestyle you want to lead. Do you want to comfortably afford rent, utilities, and transportation on top of other expenses, or simply cover the basics?
After considering all these aspects, some may find that a $40 hourly pay is more than enough, depending on their needs, while others might feel they need more to fulfill their desired quality of life.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and what feels right for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree
What’s the Easiest Career to Get Into?
While many thought that being a fitness trainer, tutor, or bookkeeper may be a relatively easy career, it really depends on your skill set and work aptitude.
Working in the trades or blue-collar jobs may also be easy for those with experience and opportunity.
What Entry-Level Jobs Pay the Most Without a Degree?
Data scientists, executive assistants, marketing associates, and software developers are considered entry-level jobs that pay the most without a degree.
However, the pay varies depending on the industry and your location.
What Job Makes the Most Money Per Hour?
If you want to earn 500K and get one of the highest paying jobs, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and neurosurgeon are at the top of the list.
Is $40 an Hour Good?
Depending on your lifestyle and monthly expenditure, $40 an hour might be more than sufficient for you, or you might find yourself barely making ends meet. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Considering that all U.S. employees’ current average hourly earning is $10.99 and the federal minimum wage is pegged at $7.25, as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), getting paid $40 an hour sounds like a great deal!
Conclusion – Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour Without a Degree
With its flexible requirements, the changing job market offers increasing opportunities for high-paying work in various industries, even without a college degree. The positions listed above are just some of the promising career options that will let you earn at least $40 an hour.
Remember that even if you didn’t graduate with a 4-year course, there are many ways to develop your skills and increase your knowledge. Check out learning platforms like Udemy for a wide variety of free online courses to upskill yourself, making you more competitive in today’s economy.
Related reads:
- How To Get Rich With A Normal Job In 12 Trusted Ways
- 35 Trending Hobbies That Make Money – Best Ways To Make $1,000+
Marjolein is a financial consultant who has built over €4,000 monthly passive income and saves over 70% of her income. Read Radicals’ inspiring story, from stuck in the 9-to-5 to loving life. Feel free to send Radical a message at the bottom of this page