Salary Guides 1 months ago
Jobs That Pay $27 Per Hour (2026)
Find 15 jobs paying $27 per hour including LPN, software developer, and trades with paths to $35+/hour.
Quick Answer: At $27/hour ($56,160/year), positions include licensed practical nurse (LPN), junior software developer, journeyman carpenter, claims analyst, and radiation technologist. This wage puts you firmly in the middle class in most U.S. markets.
$27/hour crosses the $56K annual salary mark, which is near the median household income for single earners. At this level, homeownership and meaningful retirement savings become achievable.
What $27/Hour Means
- Weekly: $1,080
- Monthly: $4,680
- Annual: $56,160
15 Jobs at $27/Hour
| Job | Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $24 – $30 | LPN program (12-18 months) |
| Junior Software Developer | $24 – $35 | Bootcamp / degree |
| Journeyman Carpenter | $25 – $35 | Apprenticeship |
| Claims Analyst | $25 – $32 | Bachelor's preferred |
| Radiation Technologist | $25 – $35 | Associate degree + license |
| Technical Support Specialist | $24 – $32 | Certifications; experience |
| Pipefitter | $25 – $35 | Apprenticeship |
| Copy Editor / Proofreader | $24 – $32 | English/journalism degree |
| Lab Technician (clinical) | $24 – $30 | Associate/bachelor's |
| Fire Inspector | $25 – $35 | Certification; fire dept exp |
| Landscape Architect Asst | $24 – $30 | Degree in landscape architecture |
| QA Tester | $24 – $32 | Technical skills; ISTQB helpful |
| Veterinary Technologist | $24 – $30 | Associate degree + license |
| Ironworker | $25 – $38 | Apprenticeship |
| Compliance Coordinator | $25 – $32 | Bachelor's degree |
Path to $35+/Hour from $27
- LPN → RN (bridge program): $35-50/hour, one of the most common healthcare advancement paths
- Junior developer → Mid-level developer: $40-55/hour with 2-3 years experience
- Journeyman carpenter → General contractor: $40-60+/hour running your own crew
- QA tester → QA engineer → Test automation engineer: $35-55/hour
FAQ
Is $27/hour enough to support a family?
As a sole income, $27/hour ($56K) is challenging for a family in most metros but workable in lower-cost areas. MIT Living Wage for a family of 4 ranges from $25-40/hour depending on county. A dual-income household both earning $27/hour ($112K combined) is comfortable nearly anywhere.