Jobs Paying Over $30 an Hour That Are Hard to Fill

Additional Coverage:

10 Jobs Offering Over $30 an Hour That Employers Desperately Need Filled (financebuzz.com)

Local Job Market: High-Paying Opportunities Abound, Many Without Four-Year Degrees

If you’ve noticed “Help Wanted” signs popping up everywhere, you’re not alone. Employers across our region and the nation are actively seeking to fill a variety of high-demand positions, many of which offer competitive wages well above $30 an hour. These aren’t just abstract future careers; they represent real job openings available right now.

For residents looking to alleviate financial stress and boost their earnings, these roles could offer a viable path to a higher income, often without the requirement of a traditional four-year college degree.

Here’s a look at some of the top in-demand jobs currently offering significant pay:

1. Registered Nurses (RNs)

Median Hourly Salary: $45

Our local hospitals and clinics are continuously in need of skilled Registered Nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for RNs is a robust $93,600, which translates to approximately $45 per hour for full-time work.

This figure can climb even higher with shift differentials or overtime, especially in certain regions. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, along with the necessary license, provides a well-supported and high-demand career path.

2. Dental Hygienists

Median Hourly Salary: $45.32

Dental offices also face a persistent demand for qualified hygienists, a need reflected in the attractive compensation. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $94,260 for dental hygienists, which averages out to roughly $45 per hour for full-time employment. With an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and proper credentials, this field offers strong pay and consistent demand.

3. Electricians

Median Hourly Salary: $30.85

The ongoing push to upgrade power grids, integrate renewable energy sources, and the steady construction boom mean electricians remain in high demand. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for Electricians indicates a median pay of approximately $30.85 per hour, though local rates can vary. Completing an apprenticeship and obtaining the required license can lead to a career earning significantly more than many standard jobs.

4. Construction Managers

Median Hourly Salary: $51.43

Overseeing construction projects is a lucrative endeavor. Construction managers command a median annual pay of $106,980, which translates to about $51.43 per hour. If you possess several years of experience in construction trades or have a proven track record of managing crews, this leadership role offers substantial compensation.

5. MRI and Radiological Technologists

Median Hourly Salary: $37.97

As medical imaging becomes increasingly vital for healthcare diagnostics, technologists skilled in operating MRI or radiology equipment are highly sought after. The BLS lists the median annual wage for Radiologic and MRI Technologists at $78,980, or roughly $38 per hour, in many areas. While certification and often an associate’s degree are required, this path is generally shorter than a full professional degree.

6. HVAC Technicians

Median Hourly Salary: $28.75 or more

While general median numbers for HVAC mechanics and installers hover around $28.75 per hour ($59,810 annually) according to the BLS, specialized industries-such as aerospace or natural gas distribution-can see hourly rates climb to $38 or more. Pursuing specialty certifications and mastering complex systems can easily push earnings past the $30 per hour mark, capitalizing on ongoing trade demand.

7. Web Developers & Digital Designers

Median Hourly Salary: $45.85

It’s not always necessary to have a four-year degree to earn strong pay as a web developer. The BLS indicates that for the broader “Computer and Information Technology Occupations” group, the median annual wage was $105,990 ($51 per hour), with Web Developers and Digital Designers specifically earning a median annual salary of $95,380.

This works out to nearly $46 per hour. A focus on UX, front-end web development, or e-commerce can command well above $30 per hour, with some remote roles even exceeding $50.

8. Paralegals & Legal Assistants

Median Hourly Salary: $29.33 or more

Legal teams consistently rely on paralegals to maintain efficient workflows. BLS data shows a median annual pay of $61,010 for paralegals, approximately $29.33 per hour. However, with specialized training, or working in high-cost markets or large law firms, skilled paralegals frequently surpass $35 an hour.

9. Elevator and Escalator Installers/Repairers

Median Hourly Salary: $51.24

For those comfortable with hands-on mechanical work and heights, this trade offers surprisingly high compensation. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $106,580, which translates to roughly $51 per hour for full-time work. These roles often rely on apprenticeships rather than four-year degrees, making them more accessible than many might expect.

10. Physical Therapists

Median Hourly Salary: $48.57

Healthcare staffing shortages extend beyond nursing. The BLS reports physical therapists earned a median annual wage of $101,020, equating to roughly $48 per hour. With an aging population and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, clinics and hospitals frequently report significant staffing gaps.

The Bottom Line for Our Community

High-demand jobs paying $30-plus an hour are not rare occurrences. They are prevalent across healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and legal fields, and employers are actively struggling to fill these positions. Many of these roles do not require a traditional four-year degree, offering valuable flexibility for individuals considering a career change or seeking stronger earning potential.

According to BLS projections, several of these fields-particularly healthcare and skilled trades-are expected to create hundreds of thousands of new openings over the next decade due to retirements and population growth. For anyone aiming to reduce financial stress, this kind of long-term demand can make pursuing a higher-paying role a much more realistic and attainable goal.