Let’s be honest – minimum wage just doesn’t cut it. Sure, you might enjoy your job, but when the paycheck barely covers the basics, it’s time to look for something better. If you’re wondering about jobs that pay $40 an hour, you’re not alone.
Life’s expenses add up fast, whether it’s providing for your family, tackling student loans, or chipping away at other debts. A job that pays $40 an hour could have you going from penny-pinching to actually saving for a vacation in Jamaica!
10 JOBS THAT PAY $40 AN HOUR
In this list of jobs that pay $40 an hour, I’ll be covering where you can get training and also the skills required to take on these roles.
Here’s the deal: these jobs aren’t your typical entry-level gigs. Some require specialized skills or formal education and extensive experience. Others, though, just need a course and a certificate to get you started. Let’s explore these lucrative jobs that pay $40 an hour.
1. FREELANCE WRITER
If you have a way with words or a knack for storytelling, freelance writing might be your ticket to $40 an hour. It’s one of the jobs on this list that doesn’t require a degree or previous experience.
Instead, you need a killer portfolio of writing samples. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are excellent platforms to find writing gigs. I was a Freelance Writer for more than 2 years so I’ll tell you exactly what clients are looking for.
Writing Portfolio
If you’re just starting out as a freelance writer and haven’t racked up a ton of experience yet, don’t sweat it!
- Quality Over Quantity: You don’t need a mountain of writing samples to get noticed. Aim for about 10 solid pieces that really show off your skills. If you’re into personal finance, stick to topics like investing, saving, or retirement – that’s what’ll catch the eye of potential clients.
- Learn SEO: In today’s digital age, understanding search engine optimization (SEO) can give you a competitive edge as a freelance writer. Take advantage of free resources like HubSpot’s SEO certification courses. Your certification can be posted on the gig platforms for potential clients to see. Or you can include the link to your certificate when you apply to a job.
- Create Your Own Platform: If you want to really impress clients, tart your own blog or website to showcase your work. Platforms like WordPress, Wix or Medium make it easy to create a professional-looking site where you can publish your content.
Pros: As a freelance writer, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and topics. Whether you’re passionate about travel, technology, or personal finance, there’s something out there for you.
Cons: As a freelancer, you’re responsible for paying your own taxes, including self-employment tax. This can be complicated and require careful record-keeping to ensure compliance with tax laws.
2. PERSONAL TRAINER
Being a personal trainer is fantastic, and not just because you get to wear comfortable workout gear all day. You have the flexibility to set your own schedule, stay fit while you work, and help your clients reach their fitness goals.
Getting certified through reputable organizations like NASM is a great first step. They offer self-paced online certifications that fit into any schedule.
To get started, you can promote yourself on social media or gain experience by working at a gym or offering private training sessions. Personal training can open even more doors for you. Imagine partnering with health and fitness companies to review their products or even creating and selling your own fitness courses online.
As you build your client base and reputation, you can gradually increase your rates so this is definitely one of the most lucrative jobs that pay $40 an hour.
3. ENGLISH TUTOR
Being an English tutor is one way you can make $600 fast, but it’s also one of the best jobs that pay $40 an hour.
With the rise of online education, there’s a huge demand for English tutors. While some clients might prefer you to have a degree or loads of experience, it’s not always necessary. You can get started on most platforms with just a TEFL certificate.
Platforms like Cambly, Preply, and VIPKid offer opportunities to connect with students worldwide.
One of the best parts? You get to set your own rates because you’re the boss. If you’re new to tutoring, don’t jump straight to $40 an hour. Start lower and increase your rates as you gain experience. Or, if you have a niche like business English, you can start charging higher rates right off the bat.
4. PERSONAL CHEF
Becoming a personal chef is a fantastic way to turn your culinary passion and experience into a $40 an hour job. Obviously, you have to love cooking because being a personal chef means hours on your feet prepping, cooking, and cleaning for your clients.
First off, you’ll need to hone your cooking skills.
While formal training isn’t strictly necessary, attending culinary school or taking cooking classes can give you an edge. It’s a great way to learn new techniques and expand your recipe repertoire. If you’ve worked in a restaurant for years, you’re already ahead of many others.
If culinary school isn’t an option, practice at home and experiment with different cuisines and dietary needs to build a versatile skill set.
Next, start building your experience and client base. Offer to cook for friends and family to get testimonials and build a portfolio of your dishes. You can also use social media to showcase your cooking and attract potential clients.
Websites like Thumbtack, HireAChef, or even local community boards can help you find people looking for personal chefs.
5. DOULA
Doulas provide essential support to families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This makes it one of the most rewarding jobs that pay $40 an hour.
A birth doula has different requirements than a postpartum doula. You can find virtual trainings for both on websites such as DONA, CAPPA, or Birth Arts International.
These programs typically cover everything from the stages of labor and delivery to emotional support techniques and breastfeeding guidance. Training usually involves both coursework and hands-on experience.
Once you’re certified, you can start building your network. Connect with local hospitals, birthing centers, and parenting groups to let them know about your services. You can also create a professional website and use social media to reach potential clients.
Offering informational sessions or free workshops can also help you get your name out there.
6. MAKEUP ARTIST
The beauty industry is booming, and there’s always demand for talented makeup artists, whether for weddings, special events, photoshoots, or everyday beauty needs. It’s definitely one of the most fun jobs to make $40 an hour or more.
What’s great about this field is that formal training isn’t always necessary. Many successful makeup artists are self-taught, honing their skills by watching tutorials on YouTube and practicing on themselves or friends.
With so many resources available online, you can learn everything from basic techniques to advanced makeup artistry without spending a fortune on school.
As someone who wears makeup fairly often, I can’t stress enough how important it is that you only use good quality makeup. Trust me, it makes all the difference. You’ll also need to know about overall skincare and types of makeup.
To get started, build a portfolio of your work. This can be as simple as taking high-quality photos of the makeup looks you create.
Use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase your talent and reach a wider audience. Networking is key, so connect with local photographers, hairstylists, and event planners who can refer clients to you. If you plan on working in a salon, you can actually barter services with others in the salon. I see it all the time!
As you gain experience and your reputation grows, you can increase your rates and start charging $40 an hour or more. Many makeup artists also expand their services by offering makeup classes, writing beauty blogs, or even launching their own product lines. With passion and persistence, you can turn your love for makeup into a lucrative career.
7. UBER DRIVER
Becoming an Uber driver is one of the most flexible jobs that pay $40 an hour, especially if you live in a busy area with high ride demand. It’s an ideal job for those who enjoy driving and meeting new people while having control over their work hours.
Uber Eats, which is the food delivery part of Uber, is one of the best delivery apps to make money.
To get started, you’ll need a reliable car that meets Uber’s requirements, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. Signing up is straightforward: simply apply through the Uber app, submit the necessary documents, and pass a background check. Once approved, you can start accepting ride requests and earning money.
The flexibility of this job is one of its biggest perks. You can choose when and where you want to work, fitting it around your other commitments. Peak times, such as weekend nights or rush hours, can help you maximize your earnings. Additionally, maintaining a high rating and providing excellent customer service can lead to more tips and repeat customers.
With the opportunity to set your own schedule and the potential to earn a significant hourly wage, becoming an Uber driver can be a lucrative and convenient job for those looking to make extra money or seeking a primary source of income.
8. MASSAGE THERAPIST
Becoming a massage therapist is a rewarding way to earn $40 an hour, helping clients relieve stress, manage pain, and improve their overall well-being. This career offers both flexibility and the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
To get started, you’ll need to complete a massage therapy program, which typically takes about 6-12 months and includes both coursework and hands-on practice. Programs cover anatomy, physiology, and various massage techniques, preparing you to provide a range of services.
After completing your training, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam, which varies by state, to become a certified massage therapist.
Once you’re licensed, you can work in various settings such as spas, wellness centers, or even start your own practice. Many massage therapists also choose to offer mobile services, bringing their skills directly to clients’ homes.
Building a client base through referrals, networking, and maintaining a professional online presence is key to growing your business.
Massage therapists often enjoy the ability to set their own schedules and rates. As you gain experience and develop a loyal clientele, you can increase your rates and potentially earn well above $40 an hour.
Plus, ongoing education in specialized techniques like sports massage or prenatal massage can further enhance your skills and income potential. With dedication and a passion for helping others, a career as a massage therapist can be both lucrative and fulfilling.
9. PROFESSIONAL CLEANER
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with cleaning videos and wondered how much professional cleaners make. It’s one of those jobs that pay $40 an hour and doesn’t require a degree.
Unlike some other professions, you don’t need formal education or specialized training to get started as a cleaner. However, having a good eye for detail and a strong work ethic are essential.
Start by gaining experience through cleaning jobs for friends, family, or local businesses. This will help you hone your skills and build a reputation for reliability and quality work.
To find clients, explore various marketing avenues such as online platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack, local classifieds, or even word-of-mouth referrals. Consider offering specialized services like deep cleaning, eco-friendly cleaning, or organizing to stand out from the competition.
10. PET SITTER
Pet sitting involves taking care of pets while their owners are away, providing companionship, feeding, and ensuring their well-being.
This job pays $40 an hour and doesn’t require any formal education. However, having some experience with animals can be a huge plus. I mean, they at least need to like you.
Start by offering your services to friends, family, or neighbors to gain experience and build a list of references. You can also take advantage of online resources or local workshops on pet care to enhance your skills.
To find clients, create profiles on pet sitting platforms like Rover or Wag!, or advertise your services on social media and local community boards.
Offering additional services, such as dog walking, grooming, or administering medication, can make you more appealing to pet owners and allow you to charge higher rates.
Finding jobs that pay $40 an hour can be a game-changer, allowing you to live more comfortably and achieve your financial goals. You can even do more than one of these jobs at once! If you found this post helpful, please follow me on pinterest, leave a comment and share. 🙂
