Salary Guides 1 months ago
Jobs That Pay $17 Per Hour (2026)
Explore 15 jobs paying $17 per hour in medical, construction, security, and more. Growth paths and requirements included.
Quick Answer: At $17/hour ($35,360/year), you can find positions as a medical billing clerk, security officer, construction laborer, optical lab technician, and appliance repair assistant. Many include benefits and overtime opportunities.
$17/hour puts you above minimum wage in every U.S. state and offers a foundation for building toward $20+/hour through experience and skill development.
What $17/Hour Means
- Weekly: $680
- Monthly: $2,947
- Annual: $35,360
15 Jobs at $17/Hour
| Job | Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Billing Clerk | $16 – $20 | Certificate helpful |
| Security Officer (armed) | $16 – $22 | State license; firearms cert |
| Construction Laborer | $16 – $22 | Physical fitness |
| Optical Lab Technician | $15 – $19 | On-the-job training |
| Appliance Repair Assistant | $15 – $19 | Mechanical aptitude |
| Dietary Aide | $15 – $18 | Food handler's card |
| Dispatcher | $16 – $20 | Communication; multitasking |
| Equipment Rental Associate | $16 – $19 | Mechanical knowledge |
| Solar Panel Installer Helper | $16 – $20 | Physical fitness |
| Print Shop Operator | $15 – $19 | Technical aptitude |
| Facilities Coordinator | $16 – $20 | Organization skills |
| Inventory Specialist | $16 – $19 | Attention to detail |
| Pool Maintenance Tech | $16 – $20 | CPO certification helpful |
| Carpet Installer Helper | $15 – $19 | Physical fitness |
| Produce Manager (grocery) | $16 – $20 | Retail experience |
High-Demand $17/Hour Opportunities
- Solar panel installer helper: Fastest-growing sector; full installers earn $22-30/hour
- Construction laborer: Gateway to $25-45/hour trade careers (electrician, plumber, HVAC)
- Medical billing clerk: Path to certified coder ($22-28/hour) with CPC certification
FAQ
Is $17/hour a living wage?
In many mid-cost areas, $17/hour covers basic expenses for a single person without dependents. MIT's Living Wage Calculator shows living wages ranging from $15-22/hour depending on county. With dependents, $17/hour is difficult without a second income or assistance.