9 High-Demand Jobs That Pay More Than $27 an Hour

Tired of struggling to make your paycheck stretch a bit further each month? You're not alone. Millions of people find themselves caught in the exhausting cycle of living paycheck to paycheck or losing jobs altogether.

In fact, a recent report cited 49,795 job cuts in January across U.S.-based employers. That means that finding a job that is projected to continue growing is a good way to lower your financial stress.

Here are jobs that are in high demand and pay more than $27 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Median hourly wage: $27.55

HVAC or refrigeration mechanics can often obtain enough knowledge through high school courses or post-secondary education classes to start working quickly. Most workers are ultimately taught via on-the-job training.

You'll be working in different locations daily, repairing and installing various appliances. Most of these careers do require licensing. The projected job growth is much faster than average, coming in at 9% through 2033.

Median hourly wage: $28.21

Hearing aid specialists work with the deaf or hard-of-hearing community to administer hearing tests and fit people for earmolds and hearing devices. Employment is growing much faster than normal, at a rate of 15% in the next 10 years.

This career only requires a high school diploma, and you should expect to receive on-the-job training. You will likely work in clinics or offices with audiologists on a day-to-day basis.

Median hourly wage: $28.33

Chefs and head cooks are in charge of all aspects of food preparation for establishments. Restaurants are popular workplaces, but hotels, large offices with cafeterias, and assisted living centers are also possible places of employment.

Only a high school diploma is typically required to get started. Some people choose to pursue secondary education at a culinary school, but experience working in a kitchen is also acceptable. This career is expected to grow 8% through 2033.

Median hourly wage: $28.40

There are many types of insurance, and sales agents typically specialize in one type. To get started on this career path, you only need a high school diploma, although some employers prefer a college degree. You will likely need to pass a state exam to become licensed before you can begin selling insurance.

Whether you are helping people with car, medical, or life insurance, this industry is expected to grow 6% over the next 10 years.

Median hourly wage: $29.17

If you're interested in working in the health care field but don't want to deal directly with patients, consider medical equipment repairs. These workers install, maintain, and repair medical equipment for patients and health care facilities.

Employers are typically looking to hire those with an associate's degree in some type of medical field or engineering. The projected job growth over the next decade is 18%, which is much faster than average.

Median hourly wage: $29.61

Electricians are often taught through an apprenticeship. Attending a technical school is another option, but either way, electricians generally need to be licensed by the state.

As an electrician, you will work on installing and repairing control systems for electric, lighting, and communication power. Employment in this field is expected to grow at the rate of 11% over the next decade.

Median hourly wage: $32.87

Flight attendants are responsible for more than serving drinks and snacks during a flight. These employees are in charge of making sure the cabin of the aircraft is safe for passengers, and this includes responding to emergencies during the flight. This job is projected to grow 10% in the next 10 years.

To become a flight attendant, you typically only need to have a high school diploma. The majority of your training will be completed on the job. You will also need to be certified by the FAA before you can begin working.

Median hourly wage: $37.30

For those who enjoy analyzing data, becoming an occupational health and safety specialist might interest you. These workers are employed in a variety of settings, including offices, factories, and construction sites. While entry-level positions only require a high school diploma, a bachelor's degree may help you grow in your career.

The BLS projects this job will grow by 14% over the next 10 years. This is much higher than average.

Median hourly wage: $34.34

Fire inspectors are not the same as firefighters. These individuals are in charge of identifying fire hazards and ensuring compliance with local code regulations.

For those interested in this career path, you only need to have a high school diploma. Experience as a firefighter may help, but the majority of the training you need you will receive from your employer.

The job outlook is good, showing a 6% increase in employment over the next several years.

Finding a job in a high-demand field can significantly enhance your financial well-being by providing consistent income, job security, and potential growth opportunities.

According to one report, the average person will have 12 different jobs over the course of their career. Pivoting to one that's in demand can be especially beneficial in opening doors to more reliable employment and better pay, which can help you build your wealth over time.