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34 Jobs That Pay $20 an Hour (or More) with No Experience or Degree

jobs that pay $20 an hour

Many people often search for ‘$20 an hour jobs with no experience near me’ because they want to make more money through legitimate means, but don’t know how to. This article is written for you if you want a job that pays up to $20 per hour without much training or without getting an additional degree. 

Do you know that there are many work-from-home and online jobs that pay even more than $20 per hour? Interestingly, you can even combine some of these jobs with your regular job. You have several opportunities to earn enough money at a job you love without spending time getting trained or studying for a degree. Many of these jobs that pay $20 an hour or more only require you to have an average level of English proficiency and a computer.

In this article, we’ve combined a list of jobs paying $20 an hour so that you can get an opportunity to earn money right away. Want to know more? Read on.

Best Remote Jobs That Pay $20 an Hour

1. Virtual Assistant

Average pay per hour – $16 – $70

What it entails

Being a virtual assistant means that you get to do most of the things a normal assistant does; manage work schedules, write and reply to emails, make travel arrangements, and other common assistant jobs. If you’ve worked as a physical assistant or have any assisting experience, it’s easier to transition into being a virtual assistant. 

Requirements

Virtual assistants don’t need a degree, but most employers prefer someone with experience who can start from scratch on their own. This is because there is hardly anyone on the ground to put you through the whole process of assisting and providing you with directions. Once you get a hang of it, you are good to go. 

Average Salary

The average median salary of a virtual assistant is about $39,500 per year.

How to begin

There are several people, companies, and services that require a virtual assistant. So, you must consider your strengths, your skills, and what the market might demand from you.

If you’re looking for a virtual assistant job that pays well and probably offers some kind of security, then you’ll need to present yourself as skilled. There are several websites and guides available online that can help you start your career as a virtual assistant.

2. Bookkeeper

Average pay per hour – $19 – $25

What it entails

If you’re in search of a good job and are good with numbers, then you should consider bookkeeping as a viable option. Every good business needs a bookkeeper to keep proper records of their income and expenses, prepare financial statements, and reconcile accounts. While bookkeeping is some form of accounting, it doesn’t demand much work as accounting does.

Requirements

Contrary to what you might have heard or thought, you are not required to have a degree or pass any accounting and calculation courses to be a bookkeeper. 

Nonetheless, you must understand how to handle and operate relevant bookkeeping software, because apart from making your work easier, most businesses are going digital. Of course, having a degree or some form of certification will increase your chances of getting a very high-paying bookkeeping job and you’ll be able to earn more money for the work that you do. There are several programs online that can train you to be a good bookkeeper.

Salary

The average median salary for bookkeepers is about $41,000 yearly.

How to begin

Bookkeeping is one of the best remote $20 per hour jobs. If you are good at what you do, you’ll get lots of referrals. If you’re new to bookkeeping but you’re interested, search online for training on bookkeeping that can help you.

3. Proofreader

Average pay per hour – $16 – $25

What it entails

As a proofreader, your work is to review written content for spelling, typographical, punctuation, formatting, and grammatical errors.

If you are good enough at writing sentences, know exactly the right punctuations to use, and are looking for part-time jobs that pay $20 an hour, then proofreading might just be the best for you. 

Requirements

If you want to take up a professional job in proofreading, you may need to have a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or any sort of equivalent related to that field. However, if you just need to work as a freelancer to earn from proofreading as a side gig, you might not even require a college degree. 

Salary

As a proofreader, you get an average median salary of up to $42,000 yearly.

How to begin

If you love proofreading and find it suitable for yourself, there are several courses and workshops online available for you to take. These workshops are designed to teach you the necessary skills that are required to start making money as a freelance proofreader.

When compared to other work from home $20 per hour jobs, proofreading may be the one that gives access to the most opportunities. This is because there are over two billion websites, lots of web content, and content creators that require proofreaders. You can get proofreading gigs from freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, SEOClerk, Payperhour, Legit, etc.

4. Freelance Writer

Average pay per hour – $24 – $30

What it entails

Freelance writing involves writing about anything and everything for several (or all) types of publications including magazines, newspapers, blogs, and websites. If you work as a freelance writer, you might also get contracts to ghostwrite or write books. 

One thing you would love about freelance writing is that you just need to have a good grasp of the language you are writing in and a proper understanding of the subject you are writing on. You don’t need to be a creative genius to get all of these writing jobs, all you need is to be able to write in a manner that is concise, clear, and well-researched. 

Requirements

Freelance writing jobs do not require you to have a degree. However, most freelance writers dwell on writing on a specific topic or specific areas and so look for clients who also specialize in those areas. 

Average Salary

As a freelance writer, you get an average median salary of $39,000 yearly. Some freelance writers even get paid more than $20 per hour depending on the type of publication that they are working on. 

How to begin

Starting as a freelance writer can sometimes be slow, but it’s worth it. Having a little writing experience will enable you to land high-paying writing gigs. If you are looking to work in a specific area as a freelance writer, getting a few courses in that field will help you scale the step-by-step process of writing for clients that specialize in that area. You can get freelance writing gigs from freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, SEOClerk, Payperhour, Legit, etc.

5. Website Testing

Average pay per hour – $20 – $45

What it entails

Website owners and website builders need reports on the functionality and overall look of their websites so that they can know exactly what is working and what they should improve on. This kind of information is valuable to them and they are willing to pay people to get it for them.

This is where you come in as a website tester, you go through their websites and provide the website owners with honest reports of what you experienced while using or perusing their site. If you love to constructively criticize and provide advice, then website testing can be a good side hustle.

Requirements

You certainly don’t need to have any degree to start testing websites, but clients who need website testers often seek out people from certain demographics which you may sometimes not fit.

Salary

The average median salary for a full-time website tester is about $68,000 yearly. While this is based on per-job rates, finding enough websites to test so you can hit that mark can sometimes prove difficult.

How to begin

To get started as a website tester, you can look online. There are several websites such as User Testing that connect clients and website testers. This is a good place to begin and once you have gained enough experience, you can set out to pursue other paths in website testing.

6. Website Developer

Average pay per hour – $70 – $100

What it entails

Being a website developer is quite different from being a website tester. As a website developer, you make use of coding and markups to build websites. Computer programmers utilize various computer languages to write software programs. Although, being a website programmer is technical, learning how to code is not as difficult as you envisage.

Although $20 an hour jobs are great, being a website developer will pay you way more than that as it is a very lucrative field to work in.

Requirements

To be a computer programmer or a website developer, you might want to have a degree in computer science or graphic design respectively. Although nowadays, a degree is hardly required since computer programming and graphic design are something that people can learn on their own or in classes online.

Salary

The average median salary of a computer programmer is about $61,000 and $58,000 for a website developer yearly.

How to begin

There are several places both online and offline near you that offer courses on web development and computer programming. If you’re looking for a more intense and structured learning program, you can attend a coding camp. Some of these camps even offer placement services for jobs.

7. Tutoring

Average pay per hour – $25 – $60

What it entails

If you are looking for a great way to make money online and you have a flair for teaching, then you should consider being an online tutor. One of the pecks of tutoring is that it can be started upfront with no money. As a tutor, you can earn over $20 an hour if you are willing to work hard, are talented, and can maintain a certain level of knowledge in the field where you work as a tutor.

Tutoring can be done over the phone or on a laptop. You can help college students or senior high school students with their homework or teach someone how to speak a new language. You can even tutor other things such as how to cook or bake. However, it is important to know your subject or material well enough for your students to grasp it if you want to work as an online tutor.

Requirements

Being a tutor has different requirements depending on the field. For instance, if you are going to tutor college students in mathematics, you are going to need to have a degree in it, to show that you have a command of the subject that you are teaching. Other fields such as baking or hat-making might however not need you to have a degree, just a proper understanding of what you are teaching.

Salary

As an online tutor, you can earn an average median salary of about $45,000 yearly.

How to begin

Starting as a tutor online is not difficult. Although you might need to charge lower at first so that you can build a proper client base, you can increase your prices with time after you must have gained a good command of the tutoring field. 

There are several work websites that can connect you to your clients.

8. Small Business Marketer

Average pay per hour – $25 – $29

What it entails

Small business marketing covers a lot. They include search engine optimization (SEO), marketing content, and managing online platforms for a company. 

If you know how to sell what is needed to target audiences and deliver results, there are several small business owners who are in need of the services you have to offer. 

Requirements

To be a small business marketer, you might require a degree especially if you want to work in the corporate world. Small business owners, however, are less demanding of degrees, they just need quick results. You can achieve this with research and learning. 

Salary

The average median salary of a small business marketer is about $64,000 yearly. 

How to begin

If you’re new but have taken interest in small business marketing, Facebook advertising is a great place to begin. Small business owners on Facebook have a strong demand for marketers who know how to run successful campaigns. You can even begin there as a freelancer.

9. Medical Transcriptionist

Average pay per hour – $20 – $25

What it entails

Insurance companies, medical field workers, and case workers all need readable medical records. This is where your work as a medical transcriber comes in. 

They get to turn medical notes into typed documents for others who need them, so they can be easily read. If you are a fast typist, or you have any background knowledge of medical terminology, medical transcription might just suit you.

Requirements

You do not need to have earned a degree to become a medical transcriptionist, but having a background in the medical field would be very helpful since most medical terms used by doctors are not the everyday common language we hear and speak.

Salary

The average median salary of a medical transcriptionist is about $33,000 yearly.

How to begin

To begin as a medical transcriptionist, you would need practical experience. You can start out by working with someone who is already one or taking classes online. This will help you.

10. Online Fitness Instructor

Average pay per hour – $20 – $25

What it entails

An online fitness instructor teaches people how to exercise online. Exercise is important for health but people sometimes need a little nudge or guidance on how to go about it. If you love to motivate people to work out and you’re a great instructor with patience, then you just might fit this work category.

Requirements

You do not need a degree or certification to be an online fitness instructor, however, you might need some practical or tangible results. For instance, if you’re training people on how to develop abs and muscles, you should have one yourself. 

If possible, also get yourself some type of accreditation even if it’s localized.

Salary

The average median salary of an online fitness instructor is about $37,000 yearly. 

How to begin

You can begin by setting up your social media and finding clients. Advertise yourself on sites like Instagram or Facebook, they’re both perfect sites to show the results that you’ve delivered for both yourself and other people.

11. Real Estate Agent

Average pay per hour – $22 – $35

What it entails

People buy and sell homes often, and this process is not a straightforward process. Both the buyer and the seller need guidance to be able to achieve their goals the right way. If you love the idea of buying and selling homes and you realize you’re interested in the process, this could just be the path you need to take. 

Also, while you might physically need to meet your client sometimes, most of your work is done online. 

Requirements

To become a real estate agent, you need to have completed the required education for pre-license and must have also passed the professional examination in your state.

You however do not need to have a degree.

Salary

The average median salary for a real estate agent is about $48,000 yearly. This varies based on individual ambition and motivation.

How to begin

Every state has different requirements for licensing real estate agents and you have to meet the requirements of your state.

There are also organizations that have programs that you can sign up for and they can help you get started.

12. Photographer

Average pay per hour – $20 – $22

What it entails

Photography is an art form that people pay lots of money for. It involves taking professional high-quality photos of people and places so that memories can be stored. 

Although you might be tempted to think that we are in the era of smartphones and anyone can be a photographer, the truth is people will always prefer to pay for quality work. 

Requirements

You absolutely need no degree to start photography, all you need are real talents and skills.

Salary

The average median salary of a photographer is about $45,000 yearly.

How to begin

You can check out online photography classes to learn about the skill. If you however already have the skill and are looking for ways to sell, you can set up your social media profiles in line with that and let people know what you do.

There are also several websites where you can sell the pictures of art and landscapes that you take.

13. Blogging

Average pay per hour – $20 – $22

What it entails

Blogging involves writing original content online that can stay helpful to readers. The great thing about starting a blog is that you can make great passive income asides from the hourly pay.

Requirements

You need no degree to start a blog. What you need is a good knowledge of what you’re writing about.

Salary

The average median salary of a blogger is about $45,000 yearly.

How to begin

You can easily start a blog. All you need is to create a website on a hosting platform and you’re good to go.

14. Social Media Manager

Average pay per hour – $28 – $35

What it entails

Social media manager is an online manager that involves managing social media profiles and accounts for people, businesses, and companies. If you love following social media trends, spending time on social media, or staying up to date with what is going on in the online space, this job might suit you best. 

Requirement

You do not need to have a degree, but you should understand how to manage social media accounts, create content, and ads that will bring in new customers. 

Salary

The average median salary of a social media manager is about $70,000 yearly.

How to begin

There are several classes that teach how to go about social media management, some even give certifications and they can be found online.

15. Computer Programming

Average pay per hour – $30 – $40

What it entails

Being a computer programmer involves researching, designing, developing, and performing programming tasks by writing and maintenance of computer code programs.

Computer programmers are involved in all the steps concerning computer programming from design to testing and implementation. 

Requirements

Companies will require you to have a degree which means undergoing a four-year course at the university. Some other companies require only your skill. 

Salary

The average median salary of a computer programmer is about $89,000

How to begin

To start out as a computer programmer, you will need to take practical courses that will put you through what it is all about.

16. Graphic Designing

Average pay per hour – $20 – $35

What it entails

Graphic designing involves creating logos, advertisements, brochures, and other forms of graphics that either sell a product or pass a message across. 

There are several forms of graphic designing, while some focus on print media, others focus on web designing. Their major aim however is to produce what is aesthetically pleasing.

Requirements

Do you love design and art? Well, that’s basically all you need, then motivation and dedication to your work.

Salary

The average median salary of a graphic designer is about $53,000 yearly.

How to begin

To begin as a graphic designer, you might first need to play around with design apps and other courses that will help put you through the elementary basics of what it is about.

17. Video Editing

Average pay per hour – $22 – $27

What it entails

Video editing involves the selection, arrangement, and assembling of shots to create a finished video. This is not a tasking job and can in fact be used to supplement your major job – as a side hustle.

As a video editor, your work includes producing footage into a cohesive sequence and determining the right images, and the order in which they should occur among other video tasks.

Requirements

You do not need to have a degree to be a video editor, you’ll, however, need a proper understanding of what you should do which means taking courses and classes on video editing.

Salary

The average median salary of a video editor is about $60,000. 

How to begin

To begin as a video editor, you’ll need to spend time learning. There are several video editing courses and apps for starters and newbies where you can learn how to video edit, before moving on to bigger projects. 

18. Medical Coder

Average pay per hour – $30

What it entails

Medical coders are responsible for the accurate entry of health information into electronic medical records. This process ensures that all patient data is accurately and consistently entered into an EMR, and can help to speed up the care process.

Requirements

You’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a coding certification exam. You’ll also need to have excellent typing skills as well as knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Salary

Medical coders earn an average salary of about $50,000.

How to begin

If you want to start as a medical coder, you’ll first need to gain some experience in the field. You can do this by taking on freelance work or studying for a certification exam.

Part-Time Jobs That Pay $20 An Hour Without A Degree

19. Delivery Driver

Average pay per hour – $20 – $26

What it entails

As a delivery driver, you get to work for restaurants delivering food to people in their various preferred places. You can also deliver other items from online stores, and sometimes, even pick and drop people off at preferred destinations.

Requirements

You do not need an educational degree, but you do need a vehicle that meets the requirements the company wants. Depending on location and type of delivery, you can use a bike or bicycle.

Salary

The average median salary of an independent delivery driver is about $43,000 per year.

How to begin

You can apply in-person to restaurants and companies that are in need of an independent delivery driver, or rather, apply online.

20. In-store Shopper

Average pay per hour – $20 -$30

What it entails

Being an in-store Shopper means shopping in person for people who have made orders in the company you work for. The major company with the largest in-store Shopper is currently Instacart.

Depending on your job preference, you might need to make deliveries, only that you earn more when you do so. 

Requirements

You do not require an educational degree to be an in-store shopper, but if you are going to make delivery, you’ll need a vehicle. A background check is also performed when you’re applying.

Salary

The average median salary of an in-store shopper is about $48,000 yearly.

How to begin

Visit the website of the company you’ll like to work for and sign up to be an in-store shopper. The company will then require a background check and see if you fit.

21. Dog Walker

Average pay per hour – $20

What it entails

As a dog Walker, dog owners will pay you to take their pet dogs out for a stroll. If you love dogs, this job might be ideal for you as a side job.

Requirements

You don’t need anything, just love for dogs and the ability to walk them.

Salary

The average median salary for dog walkers is about $41,000 yearly.

How to begin

You can start by word of mouth, or sign up online and connect with dog owners that need your service.

22. House Cleaner

Average pay per hour – $20

What it entails

Being a house cleaner means you get to clean houses for people and then get paid for it. It’s a menial job that pays well if you don’t mind doing the work.

Requirements

Your ability to clean properly is all you need.

Salary

The average median salary of a house cleaner is about $40,000 yearly.

How to begin

There are several websites that connect you with clients. You can sign up on some of them and then start work.

23. Landscaper

Average pay per hour – $20

What it entails

Landscaping involves everything about lawn care from mowing grass to planting flowers, shrubs, and trees. 

Requirements

You do not need a formal education but you need adequate landscaping knowledge.

Salary

The average median salary for landscapers is about $42,000 per year.

How to begin

To start, you can sign up to landscaping websites online that will help connect you with clients who need the service you offer.

24. Handyman

Average pay per hour – $20 – $22

What it entails

As a handyman, you get to specialize in the repair and maintenance of primary home or work appliances.

Requirements

While you might not need a college degree, employers sometimes require a high school diploma and knowledge of trade subjects. Your state might also require you to have a license.

Salary

The average median salary of a handyman is about $41,000 yearly.

How to begin

Companies are always in search of handymen, you can be on the lookout and sign up for one, or start out with someone who is already a boss and build your career as an apprentice from there. 

25. Plumber

Average pay per hour – $20 – $22

What it entails

Being a plumber means working with pipes and waterways. You have to repair and maintain as your major work. This is one of the best and least stressful jobs out there that does not require you to have a college degree but pays $20 an hour. 

Requirement

In most states, you are required to be up to eighteen years old to work as a plumber. Some states also require you to have a GED or high school diploma and pass a background test.

Salary

The average median salary of a plumber is about $40,500 yearly.

How to begin

All you need to do is sign up to a vocational plumbing school and then they’ll put you through from there.

26. Electrician

Average pay per hour – $22 – $25

What it entails

Electricians are basically people that deal with the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. As an electrician, you also get to interpret conduit pathways, diagrams of wiring systems, and electrical blueprints.

Requirement

In most states, you are required to be up to eighteen years old to work as an electrician. Some states also require you to have a GED or high school diploma and pass a background test.

Salary

The average median salary of an electrician is $40,000 yearly.

How to begin

All you need to do is sign up to a vocational school and then they’ll put you through from there.

27. Carpenter

Average pay per hour – $22 – $25

What it entails

Carpenters are basically people that deal with woodwork. You get to construct furniture, and sometimes wood art.

Requirement

You do not need a degree to work as a carpenter, you’ll however need to attend a vocational school to gain knowledge of carpentry works. 

Salary

The average median salary of a carpenter is $40,000 yearly.

How to begin

You can either start out at a vocational school or begin as an apprentice with someone who is vast in the field and then build up from there. 

28. HVAC Technician

Average pay per hour – $22 – $25

What it entails

HVAC technicians deal with the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.

Requirement

To be able to work as an HVAC technician, you’ll need a high school diploma, and also attend an HVAC school to learn what it’s about.  

Salary

The average median salary of a carpenter is $40,000 yearly.

How to begin

To begin, you’ll go to an HVAC school to learn what it entails. This is one job that requires care and patience.

29. Interior Designer

Average pay per hour – $20 – $28

What it entails

Interior designers often work with engineers, architects, and other housing professionals to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. 

Requirements

You need to be creative, and have a good eye for design, and color. 

Salary

The average median salary of a carpenter is $49,000 yearly.

How to begin

There are many interior design schools that can help you on your path to being an interior designer. You can also start out on your own but it might take time to build people’s trust and confidence.

30. New Energy Technician

Average pay per hour – $20

What it entails

A new energy technician maintains an ongoing system, this includes installing new components for green energy installations and monitoring performance when necessary.

Note: The requirements, salary, and ‘how to begin‘ of a new energy technician are all similar to that of an HVAC technician.

31. Bartender

Average pay per hour – $20 (plus tips)

What it entails

Bartenders serve drinks at clubs, restaurants, and bars.

Requirements

You need adequate knowledge of drinks and recipes

Salary

The average median salary of a bartender is $40,000 (plus tips) yearly.

How to begin

You basically need to look out for an enjoyable environment such as bars that are in need of your services. 

32. Private Investigator

Average pay per hour – $20 -$25

What it entails

Private investigators have many responsibilities. They include getting hired to find missing persons and conducting background checks among others. 

Requirements

You need proper training and a license to work.

Salary

The average median salary of a bartender is $58,000 yearly.

How to begin

You’ll need to attend a training school for adequate knowledge to start out as a private investigator.

33. Car Mechanic

Average pay per hour – $20 -$23

What it entails

This involves the repair or replacement of parts in vehicles like engines and brakes. 

Requirements

You need proper training to work as a car mechanic.

Salary

The average median salary of a car mechanic is $52,000 yearly.

How to begin

You’ll need to attend a training school for adequate knowledge to begin as a car mechanic or better still, start as an apprentice with one who knows the job.

34. Retail Managers

Average pay per hour – $23 – $27

What it entails

Retail Managers are responsible for several responsibilities that include the management of overall store operations, recruitment and scheduling of employees, and checking results of work carried out.

Requirements

Commercial awareness and knowledge of best retail practices.

Salary

The average median salary of a retail manager is about $52,000

How to begin

You can either earn a high school diploma or start out by working in a retail store. 

FAQs

Are there any retail jobs that pay $20 an hour?

There are retail jobs that pay $20 an hour, but only very few of them are available. This is because people who work retail jobs are usually paid on a salary basis although when calculated, their average hourly rate may be about $20 or even more.

How much is $20 an hour for a year?

To find out how much this is, you are going to need to multiply $20 an hour by how many hours you work per week. For full-time jobs, that’s 40 hours per week and about 2080 hours per year which sums up to an average of $41,600 a year.

Will $20 per hour improve my income?

While $20 per hour might not be able to serve as a major income, it can substantially improve your income and therefore serve as a side hustle for your job. 

The power of earning $20 per hour is that it gets to add up over time, which means it is beyond earning a few dollars per hour but is an opportunity to earn more and probably save more. 

In Essence

While earning $20 per hour might not seem lucrative, it’s good if you want to earn substantially more or you just need a side gig to keep you going, especially if you already have a steady means of income.

The list above has been compiled for you. Weigh your options and check out which suits you and works best for you. If you’re considering a more technical field such as website development, you can talk to a few others who already have a side hustle in the field and let them put you through. Most importantly, choose one that suits you.

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Charvel Rebagay

Charvel Rebagay is an entrepreneur and online marketer with a strong interest in business, marketing, and new technologies. He is the founder of Digital Minds BPO, a BPO company that employs hundreds of people and supports some fortune 500 companies. Charvel started his entrepreneurial journey in 2008 and has since founded and managed multiple businesses. He is a strong believer in helping others and has been featured in national and local media. His passion is to help entrepreneurs succeed by providing them the tools they need to start, grow, and scale their online businesses.