Salary Guides 1 months ago
Jobs That Pay $22 Per Hour (2026)
Find 15 jobs paying $22 per hour including CDL driver, dental assistant, and crane operator trainee with advancement paths.
Quick Answer: At $22/hour ($45,760/year), jobs include dental assistant (experienced), CDL truck driver, insurance adjuster trainee, physical therapy aide (senior), and junior web designer. This wage sits above the national median for hourly workers.
$22/hour places you comfortably above the national average for non-supervisory workers. These positions offer a blend of skilled work and meaningful compensation.
What $22/Hour Means
- Weekly: $880
- Monthly: $3,813
- Annual: $45,760
15 Jobs at $22/Hour
| Job | Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | $20 – $28 | CDL license (3-7 weeks) |
| Dental Assistant (exp) | $20 – $25 | Certificate + 2 years |
| Insurance Adjuster Trainee | $20 – $26 | State license; training |
| Junior Web Designer | $20 – $28 | Portfolio; HTML/CSS |
| Electrician Helper (2nd year) | $20 – $25 | Apprenticeship |
| Respiratory Care Aide | $20 – $24 | Healthcare training |
| Crane Operator Trainee | $20 – $28 | NCCCO certification |
| Avionics Technician Entry | $20 – $26 | A&P certificate |
| GIS Technician | $20 – $27 | Associate/certificate |
| Court Clerk | $20 – $25 | Associate degree preferred |
| Elevator Mechanic Apprentice | $20 – $28 | Apprenticeship program |
| Environmental Technician | $20 – $26 | Associate degree |
| Locksmith (experienced) | $20 – $28 | Certification; experience |
| Biomedical Equipment Tech | $20 – $28 | Associate degree |
| X-Ray Technician | $21 – $28 | Associate degree + license |
Best Career Trajectories from $22/Hour
- CDL driver → Owner-operator: $60-120K/year with own truck
- Elevator mechanic apprentice → Journeyman: $35-55/hour (one of highest-paid trades)
- Crane operator trainee → Certified operator: $30-45/hour
- X-ray tech → CT/MRI tech: $30-40/hour with additional certification
FAQ
Is $22/hour good pay?
$22/hour ($45,760/year) is above the median individual income in the U.S. In low-to-moderate cost areas, it's enough for a comfortable single lifestyle including car payments, rent, and modest savings. In high-cost metros, it may feel tight.