15 High-Demand Jobs That Pay More Than $20 an Hour

Landing a job that will both boost your bank account and come with security is no easy feat, especially with recent reports of mass layoffs across various industries. However, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that certain careers will remain in demand.

If you're just starting your job hunt or looking to switch industries, consider these 15 jobs that are expected to see high growth over the coming decade.

Median hourly wage: $20.19

Medical assistants help out with administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals and other health care settings. It's a job you can get with just a high school diploma and certification or on-the-job training — and demand is expected to grow 15% through 2033.

Median hourly wage: $20.77

Skin care is big business these days, and employment of skin care specialists — sometimes known as estheticians — is expected to grow 10% over the next decade.

Specialists typically need to complete a cosmetology or esthetician program and get licensed by their state to work in a salon or health spa.

Median hourly wage: $21.03

The certification process differs a bit for veterinary technologists and technicians. Technologists typically need to complete a bachelor's degree before getting licensed, while technicians complete a two-year associate's program.

Both allow for fulfilling work with animals and are expected to be in huge demand over the decade, with 19% projected job growth, which is much faster than average.

Median hourly wage: $21.30

Constructor work is something you can get into without a formal education, and you can often learn the necessary skills on the job. While this occupation can be physically demanding, there are many employment opportunities, with projected job growth of 7% over the next decade.

Median hourly wage: $21.53

Paramedics provide emergency care and transport patients to health care facilities. The 6% hike in employment of paramedics and EMS workers may not be quite as high as other gigs on this list, but it's still higher than projected job growth across all occupations over the decade.

To get hired, paramedics need to meet licensing requirements in their state.

Median hourly wage: $22.38

The path to becoming a dental assistant depends on the state you live in. Some states require these employees to pass a licensing exam, while others allow assistants to learn on the job. The work involves assisting with things like records, appointments, and X-rays in dental offices.

Demand for dental assistants is expected to grow 8% over the decade.

Median hourly wage: $23.45

Employment for medical records specialists is expected to grow 9% over the decade. These workers are in charge of maintaining and processing patient files for the companies they work for. Some employers require a college degree, while others are OK with a high school diploma and certification.

Median hourly wage: $23.53

Those who enjoy working outdoors can make a solid hourly wage working as a surveying or mapping technician. The work involves collecting data and measurements of different outdoor areas. Some, but not all, employers may require their workers to have a college degree.

The BLS projects employment will grow by 6% for these technicians.

Median hourly wage: $25.82

The BLS combines data on mental health counselors together with substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors. These workers meet with patients to advise them on various issues.

The education and experience requirements for these jobs depend on what you want to specialize in, but all are expected to be in high demand, with a 19% projected job growth over the next decade.

Median hourly wage: $27.36

Event planners are involved in the planning process of events ranging from small weddings to major conventions. According to the BLS, event planners typically have a bachelor's degree and may need some experience to land a solid job. The projected job growth for this job is 7% over the next decade.

Median hourly wage: $27.46

Archivists and curators often work in museums and oversee things like art collections and historical artifacts. While some places may require you to obtain a master's degree, others only require a bachelor's and relevant experience. Employment is expected to grow 11% over the next decade.

Median hourly wage: $28.40

How much you can make as an insurance sales agent depends on the type of insurance you sell, for example, home or auto. Some companies will hire agents with just a high school diploma, while others expect at least a bachelor's degree. Insurance sales agents also need a state license.

Over the decade, the employment of these agents is expected to grow by 6%.

Median hourly wage: $29.41

The BLS lumps data for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights — who all work with industrial machinery — together.

To land a job in this field, employees typically need to undergo a training or apprenticeship period. Demand for these workers is expected to grow a whopping 15% over the next decade.

Median hourly wage: $29.61

Electricians are expected to be in high demand through 2033, with an 11% projected job growth. These professionals work with and repair electrical systems — and typically learn on the job through apprenticeship or attend trade school and get licensed.

Median hourly wage: $39.13

Those interested in the study of disease and public health might consider a career pivot to epidemiology. These workers typically need at least a master's degree, and some even pursue a doctorate. Job growth is expected to skyrocket by 19% by 2033.

While many are worried about the current job market, it's important to keep in mind that getting an advanced degree in a STEM field is not the only way to build wealth these days.

There are many career paths that are expected to stay in high demand, have few education requirements, and lend themselves to learning on the job or through certification programs.