Check out how you can train for a job that pays $20+ per hour.

By Chris Kyle

Andrew Jackson, the face of the twenty dollar bill and a hero of the common man in his day, would surely appreciate the many different ways an American can now make $20 per hour.

Inflation aside, the simple truth is that $20 per hour stacks up pretty quickly...to $160 in a normal working day and $41,600 annually.

Get paid $25 per hour and that translates to $200 a day and $52,000 per year.

Keep reading for 15 ways to earn $20 per hour...and more!
Job #1 – Computer Support Specialist

Welcome to the help desk...where computer support specialists typically work by phone or email, though they sometimes troubleshoot in person.

Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science is a highly prized commodity. For quicker results, consider earning an associate's degree in information technology.

Hourly Pay: $22.29
Annual Salary: $46,370

Find Technology and Computer Science programs.
Job #2 – Paralegal

Also called legal assistants, paralegals are a lawyer's best friend. They do everything from drafting contracts to researching and investigating the facts of a case.

Education: Earning an associate's degree in legal studies or paralegal studies can help you launch your paralegal career.

Hourly Pay: $23.46
Annual Salary: $48,790

Find Paralegal training programs now.
Job #3 –Administrative Assistant

The lifeblood of offices everywhere, executive secretaries and administrative assistants are responsible for a wide variety of administrative and clerical duties in all kinds of businesses.

Education: Knowing how to use the latest computer software applications is essential. An associate's degree in administrative office support stresses those skills, and more.

Hourly Pay: $20.35
Annual Pay: $42,340
Job #4 – Graphic Designer

Figuring out a way to present information in an exciting and accessible way is what graphic designers do for a living. It's a fun, creative career that may also require some business savvy.

Education: An associate's degree in graphic design can help familiarize you with the computer graphics and design software that have become industry-standard.

Hourly Pay: $22.48
Annual Salary: $46,750

Search for local and online Creative Arts & Design programs.
Job #5 – Police Officer

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If so, courage and compassion are critical when fighting crime and maintaining law and order.

Education: Most police departments require an associate's or bachelor's degree. Studying criminal justice is one of the most common paths to becoming a police officer.

Hourly Pay: $25.39
Annual Pay: $52,810

Search for online and local Criminal Justice programs now.
Job #6 – Chef and Head Cook

Chefs and head cooks are generally in a supervisory role, so leadership and passion are just as important as the ability to cook and present a beautiful, delicious meal.

Education: Training is essential, and you can do this while earning an associate's or certificate in the culinary arts. Most of these programs include on-the-job training.

Hourly Pay: $20.39
Annual Pay: $42,410

See Culinary schools near you.
Job #7 – Tax Examiner

Also known as collectors and revenue agents, tax examiners review returns, collect unpaid fees, and perform audits for local, state, and federal agencies, including the IRS.

Education: Sometimes an associate's degree in an area like accounting is enough to get started, though some agencies, like the IRS, will likely look for applicants with a bachelor's degree.

Hourly Pay: $25.53
Annual Pay: $53,090

Look for Accounting degree programs.
Job #8 – PR Specialist

Communicating directly with the public and press is what PR specialists do every day, whether it's for a private company, non-profit agency, school, hospital, or other organization.

Education: Earning a bachelor's in marketing or business can help you build the foundation you need to succeed.

Hourly Pay: $28.34
Annual Salary: $58,960

Find online and local Business degree programs now.
Job #9 – GED Instructor

GED instructors help students, many of them adult learners, obtain their General Educational Development (GED) certificate, which is a high school equivalency credential.

Education: Most instructors teach all five GED subjects: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Earning your teaching certificate is an excellent way to prepare for the job.

Hourly Pay: $23.95
Annual Salary: $49,830

Search for online Education and Teaching programs.
Job #10 – Camera Operator

Camera operators combine technical skills and precision with a visual sensibility. Most jobs are in the broadcasting and motion picture industry.

Education: It's essential to familiarize yourself with the latest camera equipment. Learn this – and more – while earning an associate's or bachelor's in film/video/TV.

Hourly Pay: $22.94
Annual Salary: $47,710

See more Creative and Digital Art degree programs.
Job #11 – Survey Researcher

Researchers gather information and data on what people think about various issues and products through web-based surveys, telephone calls, and in-person focus surveys.

Education: A bachelor's degree in math, marketing, or business will give you a serious edge when applying for survey researcher jobs and also allow for upward mobility.

Hourly Pay: $20.22
Annual Salary: $42,060

Find Marketing and Business degree programs.
Job #12 – Private Detective and Investigator

Surveillance, background checks, tracking down evidence, and recovering stolen items are just a few of the many things that private investigators and detectives do for a living.

Education: A degree in criminal justice is an obvious asset, but there are many other areas of expertise, like computer science and accounting, that can help you get your career rolling.

Hourly Pay: $22.35
Annual Salary: $46,480

Find Criminal Justice degree programs.
Job #13 – Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Medical technologists play a crucial role in detecting, diagnosing, and treating diseases by examining and analyzing cells, blood, and body fluids.

Education: You will probably need a bachelor's degree, though sometimes an associate's degree in a specialized area like surgical technologist can get your health care career started.

Hourly Pay: $25.99
Annual Pay: $54,050

Search for Medical career programs now.
Job #14 – Court Reporter

Compiling a word-for-word account of legal proceedings requires excellent listening skills and a real attention to detail.

Education: You'll need to become certified, and an associate's degree in court reporting will prepare you for the exam. Since many court reporters are freelancers, it's a flexible career with impressive pay.

Hourly Pay: $24.98
Annual Salary: $51,960

Find Court Reporting programs now.
Job #15 – Advertising Sales Agent

Also known as account representatives, advertising sales agents work the phones and meet face-to-face with current and new clients while selling advertising.

Education: A winning personality and a college degree are usually required. Studying marketing and sales or business can also be a big boost to your job prospects.

Hourly Pay: $25.56
Annual Salary: $53,170

Find online and on-campus Marketing and Sales degree programs.

Salary information is from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Chris Kyle is a contributor to EducationStart.org, a one-stop resource for information about colleges and higher education.