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9 Jobs Over $45 an Hour You Can Land With Only Minimal Experience

If you're looking for a new, lucrative role, these you can do without tons of experience.

By Andy Lindquist

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated April 16, 2025

While getting a high-paying job with minimal experience may sound difficult, it's more attainable than you think. And as an added plus, there are plenty of options that pay well enough to help you build your wealth, too.

Here are 10 jobs that pay at least $45 or more an hour on average and do not require an advanced degree or five or more years of on-the-job training or schooling. All data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Special effects artist

Median hourly wage: $47.63

As a special effects artist, you'll use those creative muscles to craft stunning visual effects for various media. Whether it's a commercial, short film, full-length movie, or a series, you'll be tasked with making dreams a reality.

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in digital art, computer graphics, or a related field, but the most important thing will be a portfolio of freelance work. There's minimal on-the-job training here, so building up a cache of completed freelance projects is most beneficial.

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Industrial engineer

Median hourly wage: $47.78

In this role, you'll be working to design, develop, streamline, and test a variety of systems that are part of large-scale industrial production processes. The main focus will be on making the industrial processes work more efficiently and economically.

Industrial engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or another related discipline to get started.

Computer programmer

Median hourly wage: $47.94

If writing long lines of computer code is your thing, becoming a programmer is a lucrative role you can start without tons of experience. A vast knowledge of different programming languages and computer systems will be critical here, as you'll be creating different software.

Typically, a bachelor's degree in computer science is required, but having a robust portfolio of projects you've worked on helps even more, as many programmers are self-taught. If you can show your employer that you've built software, that will go a long way towards landing the job.

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Elevator and escalator installer and repairer

Median hourly wage: $49.24

If you don't mind cramped spaces and you like working with your hands, an elevator and escalator repairer could be a great fit. Except to get your hands covered in grease as you crawl through cramped spaces and replace all sorts of mechanical parts.

You don't need a degree to get started, but minimal training is involved, as you will need to complete an apprenticeship program.

Facilities manager

Median hourly wage: $50.44

These workers manage a company's buildings, grounds, and infrastructure, ensuring they're safe, functional, efficient, and well-maintained. That means coordinating with various vendors for landscaping, cleaning, HVAC work, pest control, and other similar procedures. You've got to have top-notch management skills and the ability to multitask to succeed in this role.

A bachelor's degree in a related field is typically all you need to start, and this job does not require more than five years of experience.

Data scientist

Median hourly wage: $51.93

As a data scientist, you'll analyze and interpret vast amounts of data, transforming complex information into clear, actionable insights for your organization. Your work will drive data-informed policy decisions, placing you at the heart of strategic planning.

Having a background in computer engineering and analysis is a good place to start, and a bachelor's degree in a similar field can be helpful as well.

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Sales engineer

Median hourly wage: $56.23

Sales jobs are one of the best ways to earn a solid paycheck without years of schooling, but it's not for the faint of heart. Prepare to get regular rejections every single day and deal with angry prospects as you call potential clients.

Having a bachelor's degree in a related field helps, but this is very much a "trial-by-fire" type of position. Companies are eager to hire good salespeople, so if you can demonstrate your ability to close deals, you'll surge up the org chart quickly.

Database administrator

Median hourly wage: $56.46

As a database administrator, you'll oversee the design, structure, and upkeep of your company's database systems. While a strong foundation in computer science is important, many entry-level positions offer the opportunity to learn on the job under the guidance of seasoned professionals, giving you hands-on experience with different database technologies.

Medical dosimetrist

Median hourly wage: $63.88

In this job, you will calculate exact doses of radiation for patients undergoing cancer treatment. That means mapping out how to deliver the radiation and what dosage to use to treat the tumor.

You'll need a bachelor's degree in a related field and advanced computer skills to get started since much of the planning work is done using complex software. Having a background in medicine can also be beneficial.

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Bottom line

There are plenty of job opportunities that pay well without extensive prior experience, and a lucrative job is one of the easiest ways to lower your financial stress, particularly if you're considering changing careers.

Another park to starting a new role with minimal experience is that there's plenty of room for professional development and skill acquisition, which means plenty of advancement.

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