20 Jobs that Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree

For most people, getting a well-paying job means studying hard to acquire a college degree and sometimes a postgraduate one too. But today we are going to examine other jobs that do not require the same qualifications.

Let us take a look at the path less traveled. A path that does not require you to hit the books may not even be a desk job, but it can still pay well. Read further to learn other ways to make some good cash without going through college.

1. Delivery Drivers

Average salary in the U.S.A. - $41,184 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

The exact requirements for the role vary from company to company, but generally speaking, they obviously do need a driver's license along with a clean driving history. They must also have the physical endurance needed to be able to carry out their delivery duties.

They must also accept going through background checks. Sometimes, they may need flexible working hours and some basic customer service skills for their brief interactions with customers. It is also preferable if they don’t have any substance abuse problems.

Salary Range

The average salary is around $20 per hour. It may be higher or lower for each individual, depending on experience and performance. The salary usually ranges between around $17-$25 an hour. At the entry-level, it may be on the lower end, but if you work hard and gain experience, your earnings can even go beyond $25 an hour.

Also, the size and reputation of the company matter. For example, the average Amazon Delivery Driver’s salary is higher than that of those working for smaller companies. The same can apply to other big brands like DoorDash, UPS, etc.

2. Warehouse Workers

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $40,054 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

This title covers a wide range of job profiles with varying skill sets, like Forklift drivers, Stockers, Quality control inspectors, etc. Each has different responsibilities and job descriptions. Regardless of the role, one must have a good understanding of the company and its products and services.

Different products need to be handled in separate ways. Workers may also need to undergo on-the-job training, which will vary depending on their roles. This includes maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Good physical health and strength may be needed for some roles.

Salary Range

The average salary here is about $20 per hour. If we look at the extremes, it may approximately range between $17-$25. If you are in a bigger company, the salary can be closer to the higher end.

Also, if you reach a managerial role in the warehouse industry, your earnings could be between $25-$30 an hour. There is scope for good earnings in this field as you climb the ladder and stay driven.

3. Customer Support Representatives

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $42,823 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

The main task of this job is to help customers with various queries related to the products and services of the company. This may be face-to-face, over the phone, via email, etc. The minimum qualifications required to enter this profession are usually a high school diploma or its equivalent.

They need good written and spoken communication skills and must also be adept at active listening. Apart from that, they need social awareness, empathy, a calm head to handle rude customers, etc. It is also typically an office job, which may also require some basic on-the-job training.

Salary Range

It offers an average salary of $20 an hour but can go up to $25 per hour as the years roll on. At the entry level, salaries are usually around $18 or $19 an hour but can vary depending on the company and also the industry. CSRs working in computer-related companies tend to get better pay.

4. SynkdUp Headhunter

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $36,000 per year (Source: Synkdup)

Job Description

In the job market, a headhunter typically means a person who helps companies find candidates to fill various positions. An example is the SynkdUp headhunter program, which only requires candidates to post on social media without engaging in any other tasks. It is based on commissions and can be a few extra bucks.

Salary Range

There are fixed salaries and income depends on how many applicants you bring in. A headhunter can earn up to $25 per successful application. Assuming you have an average of one successful application a day, this adds up to $3000 a month and $36,000 a year. It can also be a great side hustle idea to increase your residual income.

5. Real Estate Agent

Average Earnings in the U.S.A. - $83,586 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

Generally, a high school diploma is adequate for anyone aspiring to enter this field. However, you will need a license, for which you may need to take a course and even an exam! The whole process should take about 6 months or so in most cases.

Their main role is to offer guidance and support to sellers and customers. They must examine the necessities of the clients and their monetary circumstances. They must possess good knowledge of the market and offer guidance and advice to clients.

Salary Range

Real estate agents do not get salaries. Their income is based on commissions, which are a percentage of the selling price of the property. It depends entirely on their performance and the results they produce. Those who do well definitely earn handsomely. Those who excel can earn up to $40 an hour!

6. Sheet Metal Worker

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $47,227 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

This requires a lot of hands-on training and a good deal of manual dexterity to perform. Workers must also know how to use certain tools, devices, machines, etc. Being adept at reading blueprints is also a must.

A sheet metal worker carries out tasks like measuring, cutting, and welding different pieces together as needed. Sometimes they must also engage in assembly work.

This job usually requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Candidates must also have completed an apprenticeship before joining.

Salary Range

The mean salary is around $23 an hour, which can go up to $30 if one applies themselves and performs well. Reaching a senior role would be great, as it is a bit less hands-on and requires more management and supervision, as well as bigger bucks.

7. Data Entry

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $47,497 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

Those involved in this field must compile, format, and verify data well to ensure it is accurate and usable. This may involve manually entering data from paper into computer files. This job has risen in popularity because it has options for freelancing, remote work, and even part-time work.

When it comes to qualifications, typically, being a high school graduate is sufficient. Knowing how to use MS Office and Google applications is necessary. Good typing speed is also a huge plus. They must also possess good written and spoken communication.

Salary Range

The mean hourly income in data entry is about $23 an hour. This figure can drop to below $20 for some or go above $25 depending on performance and experience. Another benefit is that, due to part-time options being available, even college students pursue them to make some extra cash on the side.

8. Hearing Aid Specialist

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $62,166 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

They are responsible for conducting hearing exams for customers and interpreting the results. They then decide if hearing aids are appropriate for a patient or not. If so, they must design hearing aids. This requires taking ear impressions, designing, preparing, and fitting them into the patient’s ears.

Generally, it requires only a high school diploma. They must also be adaptable, as not every patient is the same. They must also have good communication skills to understand the patient well and make an appropriate hearing aid.

Salary Range

The average salary is around $30 per hour. Even on the low end, one can expect at least $23 an hour, while for those with seniority, the numbers can go up to $35-$40 every hour. So financially, it is a very good option for those seeking an office with fewer educational credentials.

9. Electrician

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $64,769 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

They must possess good technical knowledge and skills regarding wiring, performing electrical tests, etc. They must also know how to use certain tools and devices very well. This may require on-the-job training. Being a good problem solver helps a lot too.

Usually, having graduated high school is a prerequisite for undertaking this career path. They must also have completed an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship equips them with both knowledge of their crafts and hands-on training too.

Salary Range

The average salary of an electrician is over $30 an hour. Even on the lower end, a $ 25-an-hour salary can be earned, while those in senior positions may make as much as $40-$45 every hour. The scope for earnings is good.

10. Police Officers and Detectives

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - Detective: $88,059 per year; Police Officer: $64,638 per year (Sources: Glassdoor)

Job Description

The role of police officers is to help reduce crimes in the community and also help resolve cases when they occur. They must also patrol and monitor certain areas as part of their jobs. Detectives specifically focus on solving crimes by gathering evidence. They usually work with law enforcement agencies. Both have different roles but are important to the justice system.

Salary Range

Detectives tend to earn more police officers. Detectives usually make over $40 an hour on average, compared to above $30 per hour by police officers.

Detectives who are just starting can make $30-$35 an hour, and experienced ones can earn over $45 per hour. Police officers tend to earn between $20-$25 per hour at the entry level, and those in senior positions can make up to $40 per hour.

11. Executive Assistant

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $66,003 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

They help out top company officials, who are usually very busy, with their communications and schedules. They also carry out tasks like arranging travel, prioritizing emails and phone calls, organizing documents for meetings, etc.

Salary Range

Starting, one can expect to make an hourly total of $25-$30. The average hourly earnings are about $33. Those in senior posts can earn up to $40-$45 per hour.

12. Flight Attendant

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $48,831 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

The job is related to customer service but goes a bit beyond that too. They ensure safety and security standards are well maintained. They must also make passengers feel welcome and comfortable.

It requires soft skills like empathy and calmness to deal with rude customers, just like most jobs in the consumer services industry, and hard skills like good knowledge of airline procedures too.

Salary Range

The average salary for a flight attendant ranges from $20-$25 an hour. On the lower end, they make $17-$19 an hour, while those on the higher end can earn up to $34 an hour.

13. Sales Representative

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $65,165 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

<3>Job Description

They must sell goods and services for a company to customers. It requires a lot of resilience, as they often have to face rejection. They must also have a good understanding of the products and the industry. They must be able to meet customer needs and have good people skills.

Salary Range

The salary structure can vary depending on the company and industry. It is very common for incentives to be offered for these roles, too. At the entry-level, salaries can range from $25-$30 per hour. Those in senior positions can make up to $60 an hour too! The average salary is around $32 per hour.

14. Sound Engineering Technician

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $49,195 per year - (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

This is one of the coolest jobs you can do without a degree, but you will need to undertake a certificate program post-high school. Some common industries that employ them are entertainment, broadcasting, radio, etc. They must know how to operate various pieces of equipment that mix, record, and manipulate sound.

Salary Range

The mean salary ranges between $20-$25 an hour. Those just starting can expect to earn between $17-$20 per hour. Those who are more seasoned in the role and industry can make up to $33 an hour.

15. Brickmason/Blockmason

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $49,863 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

Both titles are a bit similar but have minute differences. Brickmasons work with structural bricks and veneer, while block masons are normally more involved with structural work. The job requires a lot of hands-on work and training. They must often also complete on-the-job apprenticeships.

Salary Range

On average, they earn up to $25 an hour. At entry-level salaries are typically around $20-$22 per hour. Those with more experience can make upwards of $30 every hour.

16. Theatrical performance makeup artists

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $54,135 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

Make-up artist is a job title that requires a lot of subtlety and creativity. They are typically employed in the fashion and showbiz industries. They can also be used at events like weddings. Aspiring makeup artists must complete a certificate in cosmetology after finishing high school.

Salary Range

The mean salary for a makeup artist is around $27 an hour. Those just getting into the industry can still make around $20 or more an hour. Anyone with a good deal of experience in the field can make up to $40 every hour.

17. Drone Pilots

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $82,503 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

It's an interesting job profile that requires a bit of skill. A high school diploma, along with a minimum of certification as a remote pilot, as well as some on-the-job training, are usually needed to work in this field. Often, workers are required to record videos or take photos from the drones as well, so a bit of creativity also helps.

Salary Range

With an average salary of around $40 an hour, it is no surprise why this field is rising in popularity. Even those starting can expect to earn upwards of $32 an hour, and for those with high levels of experience, the numbers can go up to $60 an hour.

18. Transportation Inspectors

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $62,810 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

They primarily review and examine vehicles and other machines to determine whether or not they are up to certain standards. They must also ensure they are safe for use. They also check to see if they comply with certain rules and regulations.

Salary Range

On average, they are expected to make about $30 an hour. Even at entry-level one can make upwards of $25 an hour. Those in higher positions can earn around $40 per hour.

19. Agricultural Managers

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $85,013 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

Generally speaking, their role is to monitor farmlands and the processes carried out within them. Their goal is to ensure they remain profitable. Although there are bachelor’s degree programs in this field nowadays, they are not mandatory. Many agricultural managers have high school diplomas but come up through work experience and apprenticeship programs.

Salary Range

The mean hourly salary of an agricultural manager is around $42. Those just beginning in a managerial role can still make upwards of $36 an hour. As for the more experienced managers, they can even make over $60 an hour if they excel.

20. Aircraft Service Technicians and Mechanics

Average Salary in the U.S.A. - $65,095 per year (Source: Glassdoor)

Job Description

This is also a bit more of a hands-on job, which can be done with a mere high school diploma and completing certain training programs. In some cases, workers may be required to complete an apprenticeship and receive on-the-job learning.

Salary Range

The mean hourly salary for this job profile is around $32. Even those starting can expect to earn more than $25 every hour, while the more seasoned ones can make above $40 an hour.

How to Find Jobs That Pay $25 an Hour Without a Degree

Now that we know of some great options to make good money without going to college, the next step is figuring out how to land these jobs. Hopefully, our tips can help save you time and effort. by making the process simpler.

Classified Sections In Newspapers

Not just blue-collar jobs, but all kinds of jobs are listed here. They are great, and in current times, they are a bit of an underrated method of job hunting that is often overlooked these days. They also usually have contact information and company addresses listed.

Online Job Portals

Several websites are used by job seekers, some of which specialize in blue-collar jobs. Some may operate worldwide, while others may be specific to certain countries only. Either way, these are the most common modes of job hunting in current times. They also tend to offer more details about the job description and the hiring company.

Referrals

These are the ones that tend to have the best success rates. Having someone already working with the organization vouch for you can give you a huge advantage in the hiring process. Usually, to use this option, one must have some prior work experience too.

However, not everyone is going to give out their name because if you turn out to be a bad hire, it's going to affect their reputation and credibility. So, make sure you also have the skill to back it up!