Hourly jobs are no longer confined to low-wage service roles. In today’s economy, more and more people are securing high-paying hourly positions that offer both financial reward and lifestyle flexibility. These jobs span across healthcare, tech, trades, education, and creative fields, and many of them can be started with certification programs, self-taught skills, or associate degrees.

Below is a comprehensive list of the best high-paying hourly jobs, broken down by industry, along with the specific skills or certifications required. If you're looking to pivot careers or upgrade your income potential, this guide will give you a focused path.

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1. Registered Nurse (RN)
**Average Hourly Pay:** $35–$60+  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Nursing degree (ADN or BSN), NCLEX-RN license, patient care, medical documentation, critical thinking.

Registered Nurses are in high demand across hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health services. This is a highly respected role with flexible shift options.

➡️ A great place to look for hospital and travel nurse positions.

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2. Dental Hygienist
**Average Hourly Pay:** $30–$55  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Associate’s degree in dental hygiene, state licensure, dental software knowledge, hygiene protocols, patient education.

Dental hygienists often work part-time hours with high hourly compensation, making it one of the most desirable positions in healthcare.

➡️ Local clinics and dental practices frequently hire hygienists on an hourly basis.

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3. Electrician
**Average Hourly Pay:** $28–$50+  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Electrical apprenticeship, state license, ability to read blueprints, NEC code knowledge, troubleshooting skills.

Electricians can work in construction, maintenance, or self-employment. Commercial electricians tend to earn more than residential.

➡️ Electrician contracting jobs are common in growing cities and union job boards.

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4. Web Developer (Freelance or Contract)
**Average Hourly Pay:** $40–$100+  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, React or Angular, UX/UI design fundamentals, APIs.

Freelance web developers can work with startups, agencies, or directly with clients. Specializing in e-commerce or mobile-responsive design can increase your rate.

➡️ Great gig opportunities on freelance developer platforms.

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5. Radiologic Technologist
**Average Hourly Pay:** $30–$45  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Associate’s degree in radiologic science, ARRT certification, knowledge of imaging equipment, anatomy, and radiation safety.

Often working in hospitals or imaging centers, these roles are crucial to diagnostics and offer consistent shifts.

➡️ Medical centers regularly post radiology jobs with sign-on bonuses.

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6. UX Designer
**Average Hourly Pay:** $45–$80  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Wireframing, prototyping, Figma, Adobe XD, user research, usability testing.

UX design is one of the most in-demand creative jobs. Hourly consulting work for tech companies and agencies is common.

➡️ Startups and agencies post UX contracts frequently.

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7. HVAC Technician
**Average Hourly Pay:** $25–$45  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** HVAC certification (EPA Section 608), refrigerant handling, electrical systems, diagnostics.

Peak demand happens in hot summers and cold winters, which leads to overtime and premium hourly rates.

➡️ Strong regional demand means consistent openings for hourly HVAC workers.

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8. Bookkeeper
**Average Hourly Pay:** $25–$60  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** QuickBooks, payroll, reconciliations, tax basics, accounts receivable/payable.

Small businesses and startups often hire part-time or freelance bookkeepers, especially around quarterly tax deadlines.

➡️ Bookkeeping is one of the most flexible work-from-home hourly jobs.

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9. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
**Average Hourly Pay:** $25–$40  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** LPN diploma, NCLEX-PN license, patient care, record keeping.

LPNs are crucial in long-term care, home health, and outpatient settings. Schedules are usually flexible.

➡️ Clinics and care centers often advertise per-diem LPN roles.

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10. Freelance Copywriter
**Average Hourly Pay:** $30–$100+  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Grammar, marketing knowledge, SEO writing, brand voice development, WordPress basics.

Copywriters who specialize in tech, finance, or SaaS can command significantly higher rates.

➡️ Content agencies and startups seek hourly writing support frequently.

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11. CDL Truck Driver (Hourly Local Routes)
**Average Hourly Pay:** $25–$45  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** CDL license (A or B), DOT compliance, time management, logistics software.

Local routes offer hourly pay instead of mileage, making them great for drivers who want to stay close to home.

➡️ Local delivery companies and logistics firms hire regularly for hourly CDL positions.

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12. Virtual Assistant (Specialized)
**Average Hourly Pay:** $20–$50+  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Calendar management, email handling, social media, CRM tools, executive support.

Specializing in real estate, marketing, or legal assistance can boost pay.

➡️ VAs with niche skills often land high-paying freelance gigs.

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13. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
**Average Hourly Pay:** $28–$42  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Associate’s degree, state license, therapy software, anatomy & kinesiology.

Working in rehab centers and clinics, PTAs enjoy consistent shifts and high hourly wages.

➡️ Therapy practices often hire hourly PTAs for outpatient services.

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14. Interpreter/Translator (Freelance)
**Average Hourly Pay:** $30–$70+  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Fluency in two or more languages, medical/legal terminology, real-time translation, written translation.

High hourly rates especially in legal, healthcare, and corporate interpreting.

➡️ Law firms and international agencies often post hourly interpreter jobs.

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15. Massage Therapist
**Average Hourly Pay:** $30–$75  
**Skills/Certifications Needed:** Massage therapy certification, anatomy knowledge, client management.

Independent therapists and those working at high-end spas earn strong hourly income, especially with tips.

➡️ Spa chains and wellness clinics regularly offer flexible massage roles.

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These hourly roles represent just a fraction of the growing landscape of flexible, high-income jobs. With the right skillset, certification, and strategic positioning, you can transition into an hourly job that pays what you're worth—on your own terms.