Looking to make some extra money? Check out this list of jobs that pay $20 an hour!
As the cost of living increases and people deal with the global health crisis, it’s no wonder many are searching for ways to earn extra money. Fortunately, there are plenty of flexible online side jobs available, and earning $20 an hour is an ideal rate for anyone looking to boost their income.
Some of these jobs you might already know how to do, while others may need a bit of training or certification. But don’t worry—there are plenty of resources online to help you get the skills you need to land well-paying online jobs.
Why Get Paid Per Hour?
Why choose jobs that pay by the hour? Unlike jobs that pay a fixed amount per project or on commission, hourly jobs give you more predictability. You know exactly how much you’ll earn based on the hours you work each day or week. This makes it easier to plan your budget, and you can work more hours if you need to earn extra money.
What jobs pay $20 an hour?
You might be surprised, but there are plenty of jobs that pay $20 an hour or more. For example, freelance writing lets you set your own rates, so if you’re good at it, you can charge higher fees. Other jobs like virtual assistance and online bookkeeping also pay over $20 an hour, depending on your skills and experience. Plus, you can work with multiple clients at once, which can help you earn even more per hour.
What jobs pay $20 an hour without needing a degree? Luckily, there are many jobs that offer $20 an hour or more, even if you don’t have a degree or much experience. One great example is working as a delivery driver.
1. Freelance writing
Many people are now earning money from writing. With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to find platforms that pay you for your writing. If you’re good at creating interesting content, writing can be a great online job that pays well.
Most writers are paid by the project rather than by the hour, but many of these projects pay well, often more than $20 an hour. If you’re a skilled writer looking for great paid writing gigs, here are some top places to explore:
- Constant Content
- iWriter
- Scripted
- American Writers and Artists, Inc.
- Link-Able
- Media Bistro
2. Academic tutoring
If you know a lot about a particular subject, you can find online tutoring jobs that pay $20 an hour, even if you don’t have any prior experience. With so many students learning online now, many need extra help to understand their lessons. Online tutoring is in high demand, and it’s a job you can easily start if you have a degree or are currently in college. You can assist elementary, high school, and college students with their homework, test prep, or upcoming lessons.
Here are some of the best online tutoring platforms where you can earn money by teaching:
- Varsity Tutors
- Skooli
- Chegg
- GeeklyHub
3. Proofreading
If you’re good at catching mistakes in writing—like spelling, punctuation, grammar, or sentence structure—you might be great at proofreading. Proofreading is a well-paying online job that’s also flexible, allowing you to work whenever and wherever you want. Many brands, companies, bloggers, and authors need someone to review their writing before it’s published, so proofreaders are in high demand.
Fortunately, Proofreading is a simple job that only requires a good understanding of English and grammar. It’s one of the best online jobs that can pay $20 an hour without needing a degree.
If you want to become a proofreader and earn at least $20 an hour, check out these top websites:
- Lion Bridge
- Proofreading Services
- Proofreading Pal
- Word Vice
- Polished Paper
4. Online bookkeeping
Online bookkeeping is a job that can pay well. Virtual bookkeepers typically earn about $40,240 a year, or about $20 an hour, according to Accounting.com. Your earnings might be higher depending on where you live and how much experience you have.
You don’t need a degree in accounting to become an online bookkeeper. There are many online training courses available that can teach you the skills you need, even if you have no prior experience. After you’ve picked up the basics, you can start freelancing for a few clients or even set up your own digital bookkeeping business.
Here are some reliable websites where you can find online bookkeeping jobs that pay $20 an hour or more!
- Robert Half
- Intuit
- AccountingProse
- Accountingdepartment.com
- Belay
5. Walk a dog
This part-time job pays $30 an hour and doesn’t need any degrees or experience. All you need is a love for dogs! While most dog walkers make about $15 an hour, you could earn more if you walk several dogs at once.
Rover is a company that provides dog walking, dog sitting, doggy daycare, and drop-in services. To get started, you’ll need to set up a profile and specify which types of dogs you’re comfortable with and when you’re available. Rover will then connect you with dog owners looking for help with their pets. According to Rover, you can earn up to $1,000 a month as a dog sitter or walker.
6. Photography
Photography is a fun and creative hobby that can also earn you money. In the US, photographers can make a good amount of money, earning about $32 per hour, according to Salary.com.
Besides taking photos at events like weddings and birthdays or doing studio shoots (like for babies, maternity, or families), photographers can also make money by selling their photos on stock websites. This can be a great way to earn extra income because photographers get paid every time someone downloads their images.
If you want to find jobs that pay $20 per hour without needing a degree, photography is a great choice. It doesn’t require a specific educational background.
7. Virtual assistance
In today’s fast-moving digital world, many business owners hire others to handle some of their tasks so they can focus on more important things. Back in 2017, an article from The Week mentioned that Upwork had over 5,000 virtual assistant jobs available. It’s easy to see why. Working remotely is convenient, it can improve work-life balance, and the pay is pretty good too.
Working as a virtual assistant is a great way to earn $20 an hour or more, especially if you specialize in certain areas. For example, virtual assistants in real estate typically make about $25 an hour, and those who focus on social media earn around $22 an hour.
You can find virtual assistant jobs on websites like UpWork, FlexJobs, and LinkedIn.
8. Transcription
If you want a job that pays $20 an hour and doesn’t require a degree, transcription could be a great option. As a transcriptionist, you’ll work from home and get paid to type out what you hear. This job is ideal if you have good listening and fast typing skills. You don’t need previous experience to start, as long as you can follow instructions, type quickly, and know how to format and check your work.
Many transcription companies pay based on how many minutes of audio you transcribe, with rates often being around $20 an hour or more. Here are some top companies that hire transcribers with little to no experience:
- TranscribeMe
- REV
- GoTranscript
- Casting Words
- GMR Transcription
- Daily Transcription
9. Graphic and Web Design
Graphic and web designers are in high demand from both new startups and large companies like Amazon.
As a graphic designer, you’ll be responsible for making things like brochures, flyers, and posters, as well as digital content for marketing. On average, graphic designers earn about $24 per hour. You can find job listings on websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Fiverr. Alternatively, you can reach out to companies directly to offer your services. Just be sure to have a strong portfolio prepared.
A web designer builds websites for businesses. This job often involves using WordPress or writing code.
Freelance web designers usually make around $75 per hour. If the project is more complex, you might be able to charge even more.
10. Online English teaching
If you speak English fluently, you could earn $20 an hour by teaching English online.
Some companies have specific requirements when hiring teachers. They may only consider applicants who have a TEFL certificate, which shows they’ve been trained to teach English as a foreign language. Others might prefer or require teachers who already have some teaching experience. In some cases, companies may look for both—a TEFL certificate and previous teaching experience—to ensure that their teachers are well-prepared and qualified.
Here are some of the top online English teaching jobs that pay $20 or more per hour.
- Landi
- QKids
- Panda ABC
- VIPKid
Conclusion
This list may not include every high-paying job available, but it highlights several excellent options for people who are just starting out and don’t have any work experience or a college degree. These jobs are well-suited for beginners looking to earn a good income without needing specialized education or previous work history.