16 High-Demand Jobs That Pay More Than $25 an Hour

A quick scroll through LinkedIn reveals how many people struggle in today’s job market. A key to successfully building wealth in our ever-changing market is picking a well-paying career in high demand, but finding a lucrative, secure job is no easy feat.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these 16 jobs are expected to grow significantly over the next decade and pay more than $25 an hour.

Marketing managers are involved in generating interest and selling the products or services offered by their companies or clients. Marketing is a big business, and the employment of managers is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade.

The BLS aggregates salary data for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, and the average hourly pay exceeds $75.

Physical therapy assistants, who work under a physical therapist to help patients regain movement after injury or manage pain, typically need a certification and at least an associate’s degree.

This is one of several high-demand jobs in the healthcare industry. Employees average $28.24 per hour; projected job growth between 2023 and 2033 is a whopping 19%.

You’ll need experience, and probably at least a bachelor’s degree, to land a job managing business activities at a hospital or other healthcare facility.

These management roles are expected to be in high demand, with 29% projected job growth over the decade. The average hourly pay is $53.21.

Data scientists are highly sought after, and their jobs are projected to grow by 36% over the decade. They work in various industries, from consulting to insurance.

These workers typically need a bachelor’s degree from a related program, but some companies may prefer a master’s. The average hourly pay is $51.93.

Demand for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow steadily between 2023 and 2033 — 6%, faster than average across all occupations.

Once RNs finish their degree programs and get licensed, they can earn serious cash, averaging more than $41 per hour.

Good plumbers are always in demand and are expected to stay so, with about 6% job growth between 2023 and 2033.

The BLS lumps salary data for plumbers together with similar trades, such as pipefitters and steamfitters. The average pay for these employees is $29.59 per hour.

Mental health counselors are projected to be in incredibly high demand over the decade — with employment growing 19%.

The path to becoming a counselor depends on what type you’d like to be. Substance abuse counselors may just need a bachelor’s degree, while other specialists need a master’s degree, experience, and/or a license. 

The average pay is just over $25 an hour but varies greatly.

Employment of computer support specialists, who help maintain networks and assist users, is expected to grow by about 6% over the next decade.

Average hourly pay is nearly $30, and this is a tech gig that doesn’t require an advanced degree. Some candidates may be able to land jobs with just a high school diploma and experience.

What sort of insurance you sell can significantly affect how much you’re paid, but generally, these agents make a good living — earning an average of $28.40 an hour.

Job prospects for insurance sales agents also look solid, with a projected 6% growth between 2023 and 2033.

Working as a dental hygienist can be a pretty lucrative gig — and many hygienists even work part-time. The average pay is more than $42 an hour, and hygienist employment is expected to grow 9% over the decade.

It’s also a job you can get after completing a typically three-year program.

Market research analysts, who study factors that might affect or improve sales for their companies or clients, will be in high demand over the decade. Job growth of 8% is projected.

The average pay for the gig is $35.90 an hour.

HR specialists are needed across most industries and are involved with the hiring process, benefits, and other employment-related tasks at their companies.

Employment is expected to grow 8% between 2023 and 2033; the average pay is $35.53 an hour.

To get a job as a truck driver, candidates typically have to undergo some training or schooling to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The average pay is more than $26 an hour.

Drivers have been and will stay in demand over the decade, with 5% projected growth.

Occupational health/safety specialists are expected to be in very high demand over the next decade, with projected job growth of 14%.

These employees analyze work environments and procedures to ensure safety. Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree. The average hourly pay is $37.30.

An electrician is a gig you can learn on the job (or through trade school) that tends to pay well — nearly $30 an hour on average.

There will be growing demand for these specialists over the decade, with projected job growth of 11% between 2023 and 2033.

PR specialists are involved in creating or maintaining the public image or persona of the clients or companies they represent.

They are needed across many industries, and job growth is expected to be 6% over the decade. The average pay is $32.09 per hour.

While many of these in-demand gigs are hands-on jobs, several others — like marketing managers, mental health counselors, and computer support specialists — are suitable for remote work settings, providing attractive options for those looking to make money from home.