Jobs That Pay $15, $20 or $25+ an Hour in the US (2026)

See which US jobs have median pay of $15, $20 or $25+ an hour, based on BLS May 2025 data, plus training needed and how to search safely.

1Entry-Level Jobs (No Degree)→2Cleaning and Service Jobs 2026→3Offshore Jobs 2026→4Flexible Jobs Hiring Now→

Which jobs pay $15, $20 or $25 an hour or more in the US? This guide sorts common occupations into three pay bands using official median wages. It also shows what training each band usually needs and where to look for openings.

All figures are national medians from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for May 2025. Half of workers earn more and half earn less, and local pay can differ a lot.

For context, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour and has been since July 24, 2009. Many states set a higher minimum, and the US Department of Labor says employers must follow both laws, so the higher rate applies.

$15 an hour

These roles have national median pay roughly between $15 and $19 an hour. Most need no degree and train you on the job.

Typical roles (BLS median hourly pay, May 2025):

  • Fast food and counter workers: $15.00
  • Restaurant hosts and hostesses: $15.00
  • Cashiers: $15.81
  • Home health and personal care aides: $17.21
  • Cooks (all types): $17.62
  • Janitors and building cleaners: $17.71
  • Hand laborers and material movers: $18.38

BLS lists no formal education requirement for cashiers, janitors, cooks and material movers. Home health and personal care aides are projected to grow 18 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.

Pay inside this band varies. Tips, overtime and night or weekend shifts can lift earnings above the median, while part-time hours lower the weekly total.

Who it suits: first-time workers, students, career changers and people who want shifts that can start quickly.

Related guide: Cleaning and Service Jobs: Flexible Shifts, Pay and How to Apply

$20 an hour

These roles sit roughly between $20 and $24 an hour at the median. Many need a high school diploma, a short certificate or a driver's license.

Typical roles (BLS median hourly pay, May 2025):

  • Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers: $21.13
  • Customer service representatives: $21.53
  • General office clerks: $21.64
  • Medical assistants: $21.97
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants: $23.23
  • Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks: $24.36
  • Oil and gas workers: $24.83

Medical assistants usually hold a postsecondary certificate, and BLS projects 13 percent job growth from 2025 to 2035. Delivery driver jobs are projected to grow 7 percent in the same period.

The median wage for all US occupations was $24.51 an hour in May 2025. Jobs in this band sit just under that mark.

Many people reach this band by moving up from the $15 range. A cashier might move into customer service, or a material mover into delivery driving once they hold a clean driving record.

Who it suits: people with some work history who want steadier hours or office, healthcare or driving work.

Related guide: Entry-Level Jobs in High Demand (No Degree Needed)

$25+ an hour

These roles have median pay above $25 an hour. Most require a license, an apprenticeship, a certificate or technical skills.

Typical roles (BLS median hourly pay, May 2025):

  • Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers: $28.19
  • Computer support specialists: $30.24
  • Electricians: $30.38
  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $30.96

Training is the gateway here:

  • Long-haul truck drivers need a commercial driver's license (CDL). Many attend a truck driving school for about 3 to 6 months.
  • Most electricians complete a 4- or 5-year paid apprenticeship, and most states require a license.
  • LPN programs usually take about a year, followed by a state licensing exam.
  • Computer support roles often need some college or IT certifications.

Electrician jobs are projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS calls much faster than average.

Before you sign up for paid training, check whether an employer, union apprenticeship or public program will cover the cost. Some training is paid while you learn.

Who it suits: people ready to invest months or years in training for higher long-term pay.

Related guide: Free Job Training Programs (WIOA)

How to apply safely

  1. Never pay a fee for a job offer, a "guaranteed" placement or a starter kit. The FTC says honest employers do not charge you to get hired.
  2. Be wary of pay that sounds far above the medians in this guide for the same work.
  3. Do not deposit a check from a new employer and send part of it back; the FTC calls this a scam.
  4. Ignore unexpected job offers by text or WhatsApp, a common start to "task" scams.
  5. Research the employer by searching its name with "scam" or "complaint."
  6. Report suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to your state attorney general.

Where to see current openings

  • CareerOneStop, which the FTC lists as an official place to look for jobs, has job search and training tools.
  • USAJOBS is the official site for federal government jobs and is free to use.

Your state workforce agency website also lists local openings and training help.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in the US in 2026?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, in place since July 24, 2009. Many states and some cities set higher rates, and employers must pay the higher one.

Can I earn $20 an hour without a degree?

Yes, according to BLS data. Customer service representatives, delivery drivers and general office clerks all had median pay above $20 an hour in May 2025 and typically need a high school diploma.

Which $25+ an hour jobs need the least schooling?

Heavy truck driving is one of the quickest routes, usually needing a CDL and a few months of training. Electrician work pays more at the median but involves a multi-year apprenticeship.

Why is my local pay different from these figures?

These are national medians. Pay varies by state, city, employer, experience and shift, so check local wage data before you compare offers.

1Entry-Level Jobs (No Degree)→2Cleaning and Service Jobs 2026→3Offshore Jobs 2026→4Flexible Jobs Hiring Now→

Jobverso is an independent information site. We are not an employer or recruitment agency and do not offer jobs. Pay figures are averages from the sources below and vary by employer and location.

Sources

Last updated: 20 October 2026

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