Salary Guides 1 months ago
Jobs That Pay $19 Per Hour (2026)
Find 15 jobs paying $19 per hour with strong advancement potential. EMT, HVAC apprentice, legal secretary, and more.
Quick Answer: At $19/hour ($39,520/year), you're nearing the $40K threshold. Jobs include EMT, legal secretary, licensed insurance agent, HVAC apprentice, and optician. Many offer clear advancement to $25+/hour.
$19/hour is the threshold where single earners can begin building modest savings in most U.S. markets. Here are positions consistently available at this rate.
What $19/Hour Means
- Weekly: $760
- Monthly: $3,293
- Annual: $39,520
15 Jobs at $19/Hour
| Job | Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| EMT (Emergency Medical Tech) | $17 – $22 | EMT certification (3-6 months) |
| Legal Secretary | $18 – $24 | Legal terminology; typing |
| Licensed Insurance Agent | $18 – $25+ | State license (exam) |
| HVAC Apprentice | $17 – $22 | Apprenticeship program |
| Optician | $17 – $22 | OJT or certification |
| Dental Lab Technician | $17 – $23 | On-the-job training |
| Hearing Aid Specialist | $18 – $25 | State license |
| Drafter/CAD Technician | $18 – $24 | Certificate or associate |
| Correctional Officer | $18 – $25 | Academy training |
| Tile Installer | $17 – $25 | Apprenticeship/OJT |
| Water Treatment Operator | $18 – $26 | State certification |
| Audio/Visual Technician | $17 – $24 | Technical aptitude |
| Property Manager Asst | $18 – $22 | Organization; people skills |
| Surgical Technician | $18 – $24 | Certificate (12-24 months) |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer | $18 – $25 | Apprenticeship |
High-Potential $19/Hour Careers
- EMT → Paramedic: $22-30/hour, +$5-10 with flight medic certification
- HVAC apprentice → Journeyman → Master: $30-50/hour in 5-7 years
- Surgical tech → Surgical first assistant: $28-35/hour with additional certification
- Water treatment operator → Senior operator: $26-35/hour, excellent job security
FAQ
Which $19/hour jobs have the best job security?
Water treatment operators, correctional officers, and EMTs all work in essential services that don't disappear during recessions. These government or quasi-government positions also typically include pensions and strong benefits packages.