News & Trending Jobs & Career News

15 High-Demand Jobs That Pay More Than $45 an Hour

If you’re looking for a new career, consider one of these high-hourly-wage jobs.

business people meeting at office
Updated Sept. 13, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

If you’re bored with your career — or it's just not working out — there are plenty of other high-paying career paths you can explore.

The good news is that there are some great, in-demand jobs that can help you build wealth by paying a decent hourly wage. Check out these careers that pay more than $45 an hour and are in high demand.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), except where noted, all of them are expected to grow faster than the 4% average for most jobs during the 10 years ending in 2033.

Earn money online by taking surveys

$55,000 might sound crazy … but with a company called Survey Junkie, it’s possible to get your share of it every day by taking their surveys in your extra time.

Follow these simple steps to start earning:

  1. Sign up for an account with Survey Junkie here.
  2. Take surveys.
  3. Repeat daily and get paid for sharing your opinion!

P.S.: You can cash out with as little as $5 through PayPal or bank transfer, or transfer to gift cards from a number of stores.

Get your share of $55,000 daily by signing up here

Chemical engineer

pichitstocker/Adobe production operator adjusts flow rate of corrosion

Hourly wage: $53.90
Job outlook: 10%

Chemical engineers design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline and paper.

Veterinarian

WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe puppy kissing female vet

Hourly wage: $57.26
Job outlook: 19%

Veterinarians care for animals' health and can work in an office or in the field at places such as farms or zoos.

Actuary

JD8/Adobe businessman working with graphs and charts

Hourly wage: $57.69
Job outlook: 22%

Actuaries analyze and calculate the economic risk and costs of events. They typically have a background in mathematics or business, and most actuaries work for insurance companies.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Physicist

Monkey Business/Adobe Mathematician working out a problem

Hourly wage: $71.89
Job outlook: 7%

Physicists study the interactions of matter and energy and work in research laboratories and offices. Most positions require advanced education.

Public relations manager

pressmaster/Adobe businesswoman working in public relations talking on phone making notes

Hourly wage: $62.73
Job outlook: 7%

Public relations managers help boost clients' public image. You may develop an image strategy or create materials such as press releases and advertisements to promote a client’s standing in the public eye.

Sales manager

gzorgz/Adobe businesswoman sitting at office desk making call

Hourly wage: $64.98
Job outlook: 6%

A sales manager develops a plan to sell a product or service to customers. To get a job in a managerial role, you usually need experience as a sales representative.

Optometrist

Andrey Popov/Adobe optometrist doing sight testing for patient

Hourly wage: $63.39
Job outlook: 9%

Optometrists are doctors who treat the eyes and vision of patients. You might perform routine exams to check out patients’ eyesight or diagnose and treat more specific vision issues.

Pharmacist

Reese/peopleimages.com/Adobe pharmacist writing prescription

Hourly wage: $65.40
Job outlook: 5%

Pharmacists dispense prescription medication to patients or advise customers on drugs they may be taking. You usually need a doctor of pharmacy degree, and every state requires pharmacists to be licensed.

According to the BLS, this is one of two jobs on this list that is supposed to grow “as fast as the average. "

Genetic counselor

Dan Race/Adobe Person offering a genetic counselor

Hourly wage: $46.05
Job outlook: 16%

Genetic counselors assess potential health risk factors based on a patient’s genes. Most states require genetic counselors to be licensed.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Project management specialist

Alexis Scholtz/peopleimages.com/Adobe businessman giving presentation at work

Hourly wage: $47.39
Job outlook: 7%

Project management specialists coordinate the schedule, budget, staffing, and other issues related to working with a team trying to complete a project.

Occupational therapist

auremar/Adobe occupational therapist helping patient to walk

Hourly wage: $46.33
Job outlook: 11%

Occupational therapists work with patients who need help with tasks of daily living due to injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. Patients learn skills that can make them more independent.

Personal financial advisor

Drazen/Adobe multi ethnic couple consulting finance advisor

Hourly wage: $47.88
Job outlook: 17%

Personal financial advisors work with clients to develop financial plans that can help them succeed based on their particular financial needs. They often help clients develop a plan to save for retirement.

Software developer

Arsenii/Adobe developer writing software

Hourly wage: $62.58
Job outlook: 17%

Software developers design computer programs and applications. Some employers may require a graduate degree to be considered for a software developer position.

Construction manager

bannafarsai/Adobe Engineers discussing architectural plan at construction site.

Hourly wage: $50.43
Job outlook: 9%

Construction managers oversee aspects of a construction project, including the budget and coordinating personnel and materials for a project site. Previous construction experience is helpful.

Lawyer

amnaj/Adobe female Lawyer using laptop in office

Hourly wage: $70.08
Job outlook: 5%

Lawyers represent clients in legal transactions or proceedings. You usually need a law degree to practice, and states require you to have a license, which includes passing a bar exam.

This is the second job on this list expected to grow as fast as average.

Bottom line

C Coetzee/peopleimages.com/Adobe female colleagues discussing project on laptop

There are many career paths you can try if you’re looking for something new professionally that also pays well. Many of the jobs on this list have the potential to help you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.

Find Paying Caregiver Jobs in Your Area

Connect with families looking for child care, pet care, housekeeping, and more.

Join today
Earn Up to $75/Hour Working From Home

Free 3-class intro teaches you how to launch a bookkeeping business — avg. hourly rate for this skill is $75/hour.

Access the training
Earn Money Online by Taking Surveys

Get your share of $55,000 paid out daily to Survey Junkie users.

Sign up for free