Earning $35 an hour — roughly $72,800 a year — is achievable across dozens of fields, and many don't require a four-year degree. Thousands of $35/hour job listings are active right now across trades, healthcare, tech, and management. Whether you're switching careers or entering the workforce, the options below span apprenticeships, certifications, and on-the-job training. If flexibility matters to you, also check out remote customer service roles that can approach this pay range with experience. Ready to explore?
Quick Answer
Jobs paying $35 an hour include electricians, plumbers, dental hygienists, respiratory therapists, web developers, construction managers, industrial mechanics, and radiation therapists. Many require certifications or apprenticeships rather than a four-year degree. These roles span trades, healthcare, and tech, with average salaries around $72,800 annually based on full-time hours.
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Summary Table
| Job Title | Hourly Pay Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator and Escalator Technician | $35–$60/hr | Hands-on workers wanting top trade wages | Visit Site |
| Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer | $35–$55/hr | Those comfortable working outdoors at height | Visit Site |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager | $35–$60/hr | Logistics-minded workers seeking management roles | Visit Site |
| Air Traffic Controller | $55–$90/hr | Detail-oriented people who thrive under pressure | Visit Site |
| Commercial Pilot | $40–$100+/hr | Aviation enthusiasts seeking high-earning careers | Visit Site |
| Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician | $35–$55/hr | Tech-focused workers interested in aviation | Visit Site |
| Electrician | $35–$55/hr | Trade workers wanting steady, in-demand work | Visit Site |
| Plumber, Pipefitter and Steamfitter | $35–$55/hr | Problem-solvers entering skilled trades | Visit Site |
| HVAC Technician/Specialist | $35–$50/hr | Mechanical-minded workers in a growing field | Visit Site |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $35–$50/hr | Those interested in renewable energy careers | Visit Site |
| Radiation Therapist | $40–$60/hr | Healthcare workers in oncology settings | Visit Site |
| Dental Hygienist | $35–$55/hr | Healthcare workers preferring flexible clinic hours | Visit Site |
| Construction Manager | $40–$65/hr | Experienced tradespeople moving into leadership | Visit Site |
| Real Estate Broker | $35–$80/hr | Self-motivated salespeople seeking commission income | See details |
| Web Developer | $35–$65/hr | Self-taught coders and bootcamp graduates | See details |
15 Best Jobs That Pay $35 an Hour in 2026: No Degree Required
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Elevator and Escalator Technician
Elevator and escalator technicians consistently rank among the trades-based roles that pay $35 an hour or more, with median wages often reaching $40–$50 per hour depending on experience and location. These professionals install, maintain, and repair vertical transportation systems in commercial and residential buildings, requiring completion of a 4–5 year apprenticeship through unions like the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC).
Key details:
- Median annual salary: $97,000–$100,000+ nationally
- Entry via apprenticeship — no four-year degree required
- Strong job security driven by aging building infrastructure
2. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
Power-line installers and repairers are another skilled trade where earning $35 per hour is a realistic starting point, not a ceiling. These workers string and maintain the high-voltage lines that deliver electricity across the grid, often earning overtime and hazard pay that pushes annual compensation well above $80,000. Most enter through utility company apprenticeships or technical training programs rather than traditional college degrees.
Key details:
- Median hourly wage: $38–$45/hour depending on region
- Overtime and emergency call-out pay significantly boost earnings
- Demand growing with grid expansion and renewable energy projects
3. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager
For those seeking management-level positions that pay around $35 an hour, transportation and distribution managers oversee supply chain logistics, warehouse operations, and freight coordination — roles that typically pay $70,000–$100,000 annually. According to Indeed, logistics management positions frequently list at $35–$50 per hour, especially with experience in fleet management or inventory systems. A bachelor's degree in supply chain or business is common, though candidates with strong operations experience can qualify without one.
Key details:
- Median annual salary: $76,000–$105,000 nationally
- Industries hiring: retail, manufacturing, e-commerce fulfillment
- Certifications like APICS CSCP can increase earning potential
4. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers earn well above $35 an hour, with median pay around $59–$65 per hour according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, making this one of the highest-paying careers on this list. They coordinate aircraft movements at airports and en route centers, ensuring safe separation between flights. The role requires FAA Academy training and passing rigorous medical and aptitude exams.
Key details:
- Median annual salary: $132,000+ (roughly $63/hour)
- Requires FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute training and age limit under 31 for federal positions
- Strong job security with federal government employment benefits
5. Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots flying for regional and major airlines typically earn $35–$100+ per hour depending on seniority and carrier, placing entry-level regional pilots at or near the $35/hour threshold. Captains at major airlines earn significantly more. You'll need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), instrument rating, and at least 1,500 flight hours for airline transport positions.
Key details:
- Regional airline first officers start around $50,000–$75,000 annually
- Major airline captains earn $150,000–$300,000+ per year
- Demand is high due to a global pilot shortage
6. Aircraft Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician
Avionics technicians install, maintain, and repair aircraft navigation, communication, and flight control systems — earning median wages of approximately $35–$40 per hour, landing this role squarely in the target pay range. According to Indeed, aviation maintenance roles consistently appear in listings at this pay level. An FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate combined with avionics specialization is typically required.
Key details:
- Median annual salary: $73,000–$80,000 (roughly $35–$38/hour)
- Training available through community colleges and FAA-approved aviation programs (2 years)
- Strong demand from commercial airlines, military contractors, and private aviation
7. Electrician
Electricians are among the most reliable trades for earning $35 an hour or more, with experienced journeymen averaging $70,000–$90,000 annually. The work involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most paths start with a 4–5 year apprenticeship that pays while you learn.
What to know:
- Median hourly wage: $29–$45/hr depending on specialization and location
- Master electricians and those in industrial settings often exceed $40/hr
- Apprenticeships through the IBEW or NECA are free to enter and include paid on-the-job training
8. Plumber, Pipefitter and Steamfitter
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters consistently land on lists of jobs paying $35 an hour, with median wages ranging from $30 to $47/hr based on trade and region. Plumbers handle water and drainage systems, while pipefitters and steamfitters work on industrial piping carrying gas, steam, or chemicals — often commanding higher rates. All three trades require apprenticeship training, typically 4–5 years.
Key facts:
- Emergency and on-call plumbing work frequently pays overtime at $50–$75/hr
- Pipefitters in industrial or union settings often earn $40–$55/hr
9. HVAC Technician/Specialist
HVAC technicians install and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems — a skilled trade that routinely pays $30–$45 per hour for experienced workers. Demand is steady year-round and spikes seasonally, creating consistent overtime opportunities. Most positions require EPA 608 certification and a 2-year technical program or apprenticeship, making it one of the faster paths to hitting the $35/hr threshold without a four-year degree.
Notable perks:
- Commercial HVAC roles typically pay more than residential — often $38–$48/hr
- Short training timeline: 6 months to 2 years to become job-ready
10. Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians are among the fastest-growing jobs that pay $35 an hour or more, with median wages around $56,000–$75,000 annually. You'll inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines — work that requires comfort with heights and mechanical aptitude. Most positions require a 2-year technical degree, making this a strong return on a relatively short educational investment.
Key details:
- Median hourly wage: $26–$40/hour depending on experience and location
- Associate degree or technical certificate typically required
- Strong job growth projected — over 60% increase through 2032
11. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists consistently earn well above $35 per hour, with median pay around $45–$55/hour nationally. They operate equipment that delivers targeted radiation treatment to cancer patients, working closely with oncology teams. An associate or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy plus state licensure is typically required, but the pay reflects that investment quickly.
Key details:
- Median annual salary: $95,000–$115,000 depending on setting
- Hospital and cancer center positions are most common
- Licensing required in most states; programs typically 2–4 years
12. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists routinely land on lists of jobs paying $35 an hour or more, with many experienced hygienists earning $40–$50/hour in high-demand markets. The role involves cleaning teeth, screening for oral diseases, and educating patients — all within a structured clinical environment. An associate degree in dental hygiene and state licensure are the standard entry requirements.
Key details:
- Median hourly wage: $38–$50/hour nationally
- Flexible part-time schedules common — ideal for work-life balance
- Associate degree program typically takes 2–3 years to complete
13. Construction Manager
Construction managers frequently earn $35 an hour or more by overseeing building projects from planning through completion. They coordinate contractors, manage budgets, enforce safety standards, and keep timelines on track. Entry-level roles often start around $30/hour, while experienced managers on commercial or government projects routinely clear $40–$60/hour depending on location and project scale.
What helps you qualify:
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering
- Certifications like CCM (Certified Construction Manager) boost earning potential
- Strong demand in infrastructure, residential, and commercial development sectors
14. Real Estate Broker
Real estate brokers are among the more flexible paths to earning $35 per hour or beyond, since income is largely commission-based and tied to how many deals you close. A single residential transaction typically earns $5,000–$15,000 in commission, meaning even a few closings per month can push your effective hourly rate well above $35. Brokers who manage agents or run their own offices earn significantly more.
Key details:
- Requires a state broker's license (typically 2–4 years as an agent first)
- Median annual pay around $62,000–$90,000+, depending on market and volume
- Schedule flexibility makes this ideal for self-motivated earners
15. Web Developer
Web development is one of the most accessible jobs paying $35 an hour without requiring a four-year degree — many developers are self-taught or bootcamp-trained. Front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers all regularly command $35–$75/hour, with freelancers on platforms like Upwork or Toptal often setting their own rates. Remote opportunities are abundant across nearly every industry.
Skills that drive higher pay:
- JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue) and back-end languages (Node.js, Python)
- Freelance rates typically range $40–$100/hour for experienced developers
- Portfolio projects matter more than formal credentials for most employers
Final Words
Whether you prefer hands-on trades, healthcare roles, or remote data entry work, earning $35 an hour is more achievable than most people think. Pick the path that matches your skills and start building toward it today.