Jobs That Pay $30 Per Hour: 20 High-Demand Careers (2026)
Find 20 jobs that pay $30 per hour ($62K/year). Covers tech, healthcare, trades, and business roles with growth projections and education requirements.
Earning $30 per hour puts you above the national median household income as a single earner. This is the threshold where financial stability, homeownership, and retirement savings become realistic in most U.S. markets.
What $30/Hour Looks Like
- Weekly: $1,200
- Monthly (gross): $5,200
- Annual (gross): $62,400
- After taxes: $49,500 – $52,000
20 Jobs That Pay $30 Per Hour
| Job Title | Avg Hourly Pay | Education | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $28 – $50 | BSN or ADN | +6% |
| Software Developer (entry) | $28 – $45 | Degree or bootcamp | +25% |
| Licensed Plumber | $28 – $45 | Apprenticeship | +6% |
| Accountant | $28 – $40 | Bachelor's | +4% |
| Occupational Therapy Asst | $28 – $35 | Associate degree | +25% |
| Physical Therapy Asst | $27 – $33 | Associate degree | +24% |
| Database Administrator | $28 – $45 | Bachelor's + cert | +8% |
| Civil Engineer (entry) | $28 – $38 | Bachelor's | +5% |
| Nuclear Technician | $30 – $45 | Associate degree | -6% |
| Elevator Installer | $30 – $50 | Apprenticeship | +3% |
| Radiation Therapist | $30 – $45 | Associate/Bachelor's | +3% |
| Court Reporter | $28 – $40 | Certificate/Associate | -2% |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $30 – $55 | Bachelor's + cert | +32% |
| Supply Chain Analyst | $28 – $38 | Bachelor's | +18% |
| UX Designer | $28 – $50 | Portfolio + degree/bootcamp | +16% |
| Dental Hygienist (exp) | $30 – $45 | Associate degree | +7% |
| Electrical Engineer (entry) | $30 – $40 | Bachelor's | +3% |
| Land Surveyor | $28 – $38 | Bachelor's preferred | +5% |
| Funeral Director | $28 – $38 | Associate + license | -2% |
| Air Traffic Controller | $30 – $75 | FAA Academy | +3% |
Highest-Growth $30/Hour Careers
Cybersecurity Analyst (+32% growth)
With cyberattacks increasing year over year, every organization needs security professionals. Entry-level positions start around $30/hour, with experienced analysts earning $55+/hour. Key certifications: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH. Many successful cybersecurity professionals transitioned from IT support roles.
Software Developer (+25% growth)
Software development remains one of the strongest career paths in America. Entry-level positions start around $28-35/hour, with mid-career developers earning $50-75/hour. You can enter through a CS degree, coding bootcamp, or self-teaching — what matters is your portfolio and problem-solving ability.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (+25% growth)
OTAs help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. The associate degree takes 2 years. Pay starts around $28/hour with excellent job security. The aging population drives consistent growth in this field.
Trades vs. Degree at $30/Hour
At this pay level, trade professionals and college graduates earn similar wages:
- Licensed plumber (no degree): $28-45/hour, own business potential $100K+
- Elevator installer (no degree): $30-50/hour, union benefits
- Entry accountant (bachelor's): $28-40/hour, CPA bumps to $40+
- Entry software developer (bootcamp): $28-45/hour, rapid advancement
FAQ
Is $30 an hour enough to buy a house?
In many U.S. markets, yes. At $62,400/year, you can typically qualify for a mortgage of $180,000-$220,000 (depending on debt, credit score, and down payment). This buys a home in most Midwestern and Southern cities, though major coastal metros may require dual income.
What's the difference between $25 and $30/hour?
About $10,400/year — significant for savings and debt payoff. At $30/hour, you also cross important thresholds for mortgage qualification, car financing, and retirement savings targets.
Which $30/hour jobs have the best work-life balance?
Database administrators, UX designers, and accountants typically work standard 40-hour weeks. Nurses and cybersecurity analysts may work shifts or on-call hours. Trades professionals can set their own hours if self-employed.