Skilled trades and technical careers are quietly delivering six-figure incomes — without a four-year degree. Jobs that pay $35 an hour or more are increasingly accessible through apprenticeships, certifications, and on-the-job training, per CareerBuilder. Whether you're switching careers or starting fresh, these roles offer real financial stability. If you're also exploring other ways to boost your income or checking out paid survey opportunities, pairing side income with a high-wage career is a powerful combination. Ready to find your next move?
Quick Answer
Jobs that pay $35 an hour include skilled trades and technical careers like electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and welders. Many are accessible through apprenticeships or certifications — no four-year degree required. These roles often exceed $70,000 annually, offering strong financial stability for career switchers and new workers alike.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | $63–$70/hr avg | Detail-oriented workers seeking top federal pay | Visit Site |
| Commercial Pilot | $45–$100+/hr | Aviation enthusiasts without a college degree | Visit Site |
| Elevator Installer and Repairer | $42–$55/hr | Trade workers seeking high union wages | Visit Site |
| Power Plant Operator | $38–$52/hr | Those comfortable with industrial environments | Visit Site |
| Transportation Manager | $36–$50/hr | Logistics professionals moving into management | Visit Site |
| Construction Manager | $38–$60/hr | Experienced tradespeople stepping into oversight roles | Visit Site |
| Real Estate Broker | $35–$75+/hr | Self-starters who want commission-based income | See details |
| Electrician | $35–$50/hr | Hands-on workers pursuing a licensed trade | Visit Site |
| Plumber/Pipefitter | $35–$48/hr | Trade apprentices seeking stable, high-demand work | Visit Site |
| HVAC Technician | $35–$47/hr | Those wanting flexible, in-demand service careers | Visit Site |
| Web Developer | $35–$60/hr | Self-taught coders and bootcamp graduates | Visit Site |
| Software Developer | $45–$80+/hr | Tech-focused professionals with coding skills | Visit Site |
| Nuclear Technician | $40–$55/hr | Science-minded workers in specialized energy fields | Visit Site |
| Radiation Therapist | $40–$53/hr | Healthcare workers with an associate degree | Visit Site |
| Electrical Power-Line Installer | $36–$50/hr | Outdoor workers comfortable with physical, high-stakes roles | Visit Site |
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.
Air traffic controllers consistently rank among the most reliable jobs that pay $35 an hour or more, with median wages exceeding $59 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals manage aircraft movements at airports and en route centers, ensuring safe separation between planes. Entry requires passing the FAA Academy training program and meeting strict medical standards.
Key facts:
- Median annual salary: ~$132,000 ($63/hour)
- Hiring primarily through the FAA; prior military or college preferred
- Strong job security with federal government employment benefits
Commercial pilots flying for regional and major airlines earn well above $35 per hour, making this a top-tier career for those seeking high hourly wages in aviation. Starting pay at regional carriers typically falls in the $50–$80/hour range, while captains at major airlines can earn $150–$300/hour. You'll need a commercial pilot certificate, instrument rating, and at minimum 250 flight hours.
What to expect:
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate required for airline captain roles
- Flight training costs $50,000–$100,000+ but ROI is strong long-term
- Regional airlines actively hiring due to ongoing pilot shortage
Elevator installers and repairers are among the highest-paid skilled trades workers, routinely earning $40–$50 per hour — well past the $35 threshold. The job involves installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators, escalators, and moving walkways in commercial and residential buildings. Most enter through a four-year apprenticeship program sponsored by the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC).
Notable perks:
- Median annual wage: ~$97,000 ($46/hour per BLS data)
- Union membership typically includes strong benefits and overtime pay
- Low unemployment rate due to specialized, in-demand skill set
Power plant operators monitor and control the systems that generate electricity, making this one of the more accessible jobs that pay $35 an hour without a four-year degree. Most positions require only a high school diploma plus on-the-job training or an associate degree, and median pay reaches $40–$46/hour at larger facilities. Demand remains steady as aging infrastructure requires experienced operators.
Key details:
- Median annual salary: ~$98,000–$100,000
- Most roles require shift work, including nights and weekends
- Nuclear plant operators earn significantly more with additional licensing
Transportation managers oversee logistics, shipping routes, and fleet operations for companies moving goods or people — a role that consistently earns $35–$50 per hour depending on company size. Entry typically requires a bachelor's degree in logistics or business, though candidates with strong operational experience can qualify without one. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth as supply chain complexity increases.
Key details:
- Median annual salary: ~$78,000–$105,000
- Certifications like CLTD (Certified in Logistics) boost earning potential
- Many roles offer hybrid or remote scheduling for planning functions
Construction managers coordinate building projects from groundbreaking through completion, earning hourly rates that frequently exceed $35 — especially on commercial or infrastructure contracts. According to the BLS, the median annual wage sits around $104,000, with experienced managers on large projects earning considerably more. A degree in construction management or civil engineering is common, though skilled tradespeople who move into oversight roles can reach similar pay.
Key details:
- Median hourly rate: ~$50/hour; entry-level starts near $35/hour
- PMP or CCM certification strengthens job prospects
- High demand driven by infrastructure spending and housing development
7. Real Estate Broker
Real estate brokers consistently rank among the jobs that pay $35 an hour or more, with median annual earnings around $62,000—but top performers earn well above that. Brokers manage property transactions, supervise agents, and earn commissions that often translate to $40–$80+ per hour when averaged across closings. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically involve coursework, an exam, and prior sales experience.
What to expect:
- Median hourly equivalent: ~$30–$50 depending on market and volume
- Commission-based income; high-volume brokers earn $80,000–$150,000+ annually
- Requires state broker license (beyond basic agent license)
8. Electrician
Licensed electricians are among the most in-demand trades workers earning $35 an hour, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting median wages around $61,000 annually—and experienced journeyman or master electricians routinely clearing $70,000–$90,000. The path typically runs through a 4–5 year apprenticeship combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, making it accessible without a four-year degree.
Key facts:
- Median hourly wage: ~$29–$45 depending on specialization and region
- Master electricians and contractors earn significantly above median
- Job growth projected at 11% through 2033—faster than average
Plumbers and pipefitters reliably hit the $35/hour threshold, with experienced tradespeople in commercial or industrial settings earning $45–$55+ per hour. Like electricians, entry is through a paid apprenticeship rather than a college degree, meaning workers build skills and income simultaneously. If you're exploring remote jobs with solid hourly pay, note that trades like plumbing offer comparable wages with strong long-term job security.
Earning potential:
- Median annual salary: ~$61,000; top 10% earn $100,000+
- Pipefitters in industrial/union roles often earn premium rates
- Self-employed plumbers set their own rates, frequently $75–$150/hour billed to clients
10. HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians are among the most reliable trades for hitting $35 an hour, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting median pay around $57,000 annually — and experienced techs in high-demand markets earning $70,000–$80,000+. You install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in residential and commercial buildings. The role requires a vocational certificate or apprenticeship (typically 2–5 years) rather than a four-year degree.
Why it pays well:
- Skilled trade shortage drives wages up — demand projected to grow 9% through 2032
- Overtime and emergency service calls can push hourly earnings well above base rate
- EPA 608 certification and specializations (refrigeration, commercial systems) increase earning power
11. Web Developer
Web developers — especially those with front-end, back-end, or full-stack skills — commonly earn $35–$55 per hour, making this one of the more accessible tech roles for reaching that wage target. You build and maintain websites and web applications for businesses, agencies, or as a freelancer. Entry is possible through a two-year degree, bootcamp, or self-taught portfolio, skipping the traditional four-year path entirely.
Key earning factors:
- Freelance rates on platforms like Toptal or Upwork often start at $40–$75/hour for experienced developers
- In-demand skills: JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue), WordPress, and API integration
- Remote-friendly — most positions can be done from anywhere with strong internet
Software developers rank among the highest-paying careers on this list, with median annual salaries around $124,000 — translating to $60+ per hour for many roles, well above the $35/hour threshold. The work involves designing, coding, and testing software applications across industries from healthcare to finance. A computer science degree is common but not always required; a strong portfolio and demonstrated coding ability can open doors.
Notable perks:
- Median salary roughly $124,200/year (BLS), with senior roles clearing $150,000+
- High remote work availability — majority of positions are fully or partially location-independent
- Specializations in cloud, cybersecurity, or AI command premium compensation above the average
Nuclear technicians operate equipment used in nuclear power plants and assist physicists and engineers with research — and this role comfortably clears the $35-an-hour threshold. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for nuclear technicians exceeds $90,000, translating to roughly $43–$46 per hour. Entry typically requires an associate degree in nuclear science or a related technology field.
Key details:
- Median pay: ~$43–$46/hour ($90,000+ annually)
- Minimum education: Associate degree in nuclear technology
- Primary employers: Nuclear power plants, federal government, research labs
Radiation therapists administer targeted radiation treatment to cancer patients, making this one of the most in-demand healthcare careers that pays well above $35 an hour. The BLS reports a median annual salary of around $99,000, or roughly $47–$48 per hour. The role requires an associate or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy plus state licensure, but job growth is projected at 6% through 2032.
Key details:
- Median pay: ~$47–$48/hour ($99,000+ annually)
- Education: Associate or bachelor's degree + state license required
- Job outlook: 6% growth projected through 2032
Electrical power-line installers and repairers maintain the infrastructure that keeps homes and businesses powered — and the physically demanding nature of the work pushes wages well past $35 per hour. The median hourly wage sits around $40–$44, with experienced lineworkers in union positions earning $50+ per hour. Most enter through apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, meaning you can earn while you learn.
Key details:
- Median pay: ~$40–$44/hour; union roles often $50+/hour
- Entry path: 4–5 year paid apprenticeship (no degree required)
- High demand driven by grid modernization and renewable energy expansion
Final Words
From skilled trades to tech roles, these 15 careers prove that $35 an hour is well within reach without a four-year degree. If flexibility matters to you, explore work-from-home data entry roles as a low-barrier starting point — then level up from there.