Jobs That Pay $15 Per Hour: 20 Realistic Options (2026)
Find 20 jobs that pay $15 per hour or more with no degree required. Includes growth outlook, requirements, and advancement paths.
Whether you're entering the workforce, switching careers, or looking for a side gig, $15/hour jobs are widely available across industries. With many states and cities now setting minimum wages at or above $15, competition for these roles has increased — but opportunities remain plentiful for prepared candidates.
What $15/Hour Means for Your Budget
- Weekly (40 hours): $600
- Monthly (gross): $2,600
- Annual (gross): $31,200
- After taxes (estimated): $26,500 – $27,800 depending on state
20 Jobs That Pay $15 Per Hour or More
| Job Title | Avg Hourly Pay | Requirements | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Sales Associate | $15 – $18 | No degree required | Stable |
| Customer Service Rep | $15 – $20 | High school diploma | -1% (declining) |
| Warehouse Associate | $15 – $19 | No degree; physical fitness | +6% |
| Bank Teller | $15 – $18 | High school diploma | -12% |
| Security Guard | $15 – $20 | State license | +6% |
| Delivery Driver | $15 – $22 | Valid license; clean record | +12% |
| Home Health Aide | $15 – $17 | Certification (varies by state) | +22% |
| Receptionist | $15 – $18 | High school diploma | -5% |
| Food Service Manager | $15 – $22 | Experience in food service | +5% |
| Landscaper | $15 – $20 | No degree; physical fitness | +5% |
| Dental Assistant | $15 – $21 | Certificate program (9-11 months) | +8% |
| Pharmacy Technician | $15 – $19 | Certification preferred | +5% |
| Childcare Worker | $15 – $17 | CPR cert; state requirements vary | +3% |
| Administrative Assistant | $15 – $20 | High school diploma; Office skills | -8% |
| Call Center Agent | $15 – $19 | High school diploma | -1% |
| Hotel Front Desk Clerk | $15 – $17 | Customer service experience | +7% |
| Janitor/Custodian | $15 – $18 | No degree required | +4% |
| Production Worker | $15 – $20 | No degree; on-the-job training | +1% |
| Pet Groomer | $15 – $22 | Certification helpful | +10% |
| Library Assistant | $15 – $17 | High school diploma | +2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, updated 2025. Growth projections are 2024-2034.
Highest-Growth $15/Hour Jobs
Home Health Aide (+22% growth)
With an aging population, home health aides are among the fastest-growing occupations in America. You'll assist patients with daily activities, medication reminders, and basic health monitoring. Most states require a brief certification program (75-120 hours). Many agencies offer paid training.
Delivery Driver (+12% growth)
E-commerce growth continues to drive demand for delivery drivers. Companies like Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and DoorDash regularly hire at $15-22/hour. Requirements are minimal: valid license, clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle for some positions.
Pet Groomer (+10% growth)
Americans spend over $136 billion annually on their pets. Pet grooming pays $15-22/hour with potential for much more if you build your own client base. Certification takes 4-6 months, and many groomers learn through apprenticeships.
How to Move Beyond $15/Hour
Many $15/hour positions are stepping stones to higher-paying careers:
- Warehouse associate → Logistics coordinator: $20-28/hour with experience
- Retail associate → Store manager: $22-30/hour
- Customer service → Account manager: $22-35/hour
- Dental assistant → Dental hygienist: $35-45/hour (requires associate degree)
- Pharmacy tech → Pharmacy manager: $25-35/hour
Tips for Landing These Jobs
- Apply directly: Company career pages often have openings not posted on job boards
- Highlight reliability: For hourly roles, showing up on time consistently is the #1 trait employers value
- Get certified: Even for jobs that don't require it, certifications (forklift, food handler, CPR) give you an edge
- Be flexible: Willingness to work weekends, evenings, or holidays often comes with shift differentials ($1-3/hour extra)
FAQ
Can you live on $15 an hour?
It depends on your location and circumstances. In lower cost-of-living areas (rural Midwest, South), $15/hour can cover basic expenses for a single person. In high-cost cities (NYC, SF, LA), it's very difficult without roommates or supplemental income. The MIT Living Wage Calculator (livingwage.mit.edu) shows the living wage for your specific county.
What states have a $15 minimum wage?
As of 2026, states with $15+ minimum wages include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Many cities (Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis) have even higher local minimums.
Are $15/hour jobs full-time?
Some are, some aren't. Many retail and food service positions start as part-time (20-30 hours). If full-time work is important to you, ask about guaranteed hours and benefits eligibility during the interview.