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9 Jobs That Require Minimal Experience (But Still Pay Over $40 an Hour)

High-paying jobs you can start without years of experience.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated May 6, 2026

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You don't always need years of experience to earn a high hourly wage. There are some jobs where you can start making $40 an hour or more pretty quickly, even when you're just starting out in the field.

While some of these roles require certifications, training programs, or an associate degree, you won't have to spend years working toward higher pay to get ahead financially.

Here are jobs that don't require lots of experience and still offer serious earning potential.

Editor's note: All salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unless otherwise stated.

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Dental Hygienists

Median hourly salary: $45.32

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive care. This role requires just an associate's degree and state licensing to get started, and since it's such a specialized job with consistent demand, the pay is above $40 an hour. Plus, the job outlook is 7% higher than the average.

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Web Designers

Median hourly salary: $45.85

Web designers create and maintain websites, focusing on layout, functionality, and user experience. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree, but it's not always a necessity. In fact, there are plenty of self-taught people.

It works for those who have designed their own personal websites or can learn online platforms quickly, meaning professional experience isn't always required, either. This position has a much faster job outlook than average at 7%.

Air Traffic Controllers

Median hourly salary: $69.51

Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft to keep planes safely separated and prevent crashes. With just an associate's degree through the FAA's training pathway, you don't need a four-year degree or experience.

The high pay reflects the intense focus and high-stakes decision-making the job demands, and many positions earn well above $40 an hour.

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Median hourly salary: $51.24

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. Many start through paid apprenticeships, earning while they learn.

The technical skill required and the safety risks involved are the reasons for the high pay, with many workers making over $40 an hour. With a projected job outlook of 5%, it's faster than the national average.

Radiation Therapist

Median hourly salary: $49.03

Radiation therapists administer treatments to patients with cancer, working closely with medical teams to deliver targeted care. The job typically requires an associate's degree with state certification. Since the nature of the work is so specialized and important for patient care, the pay is above the $40 an hour threshold.

Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers

Median hourly salary: $49.81

Power plant operators control systems that generate and distribute electricity. Most roles require a high school diploma and extensive on-the-job training, so entry-level paths are available.

The work involves managing critical infrastructure, which is why the pay is so high, with many roles earning over $40 an hour. There are also opportunities for overtime to increase overall earnings.

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Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Median hourly salary: $42.30

Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers oversee daily farm operations, including crops, livestock, and business decisions. Taking college courses or completing certification programs can get you into the position without previous work experience.

The earnings vary, but large operations generate the highest income, and there's always room for growth in this field.

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Median hourly salary: $49.05

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers coordinate the movement of goods and people, making sure supply chains run smoothly.

The role is expected to grow 6% and typically requires a high school diploma along with on-the-job training. The high pay is due to the complexity of managing logistics, supply chains, and large teams.

Data Scientists

Median hourly salary: $54.13

Data scientists analyze large sets of data to help businesses make informed decisions. While some roles require advanced education, others are available through certifications and technical, on-the-job training.

There isn't a specific degree employers look for, either, with mathematics, statistics, computer science, business, and engineering degrees all making a candidate more appealing.

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Bottom line

Lots of experience isn't the only path to a high-paying career. Skilled trades, technical roles, and specialized certifications or training programs can open the door to jobs that pay $40 per hour or more.

Working hourly jobs isn't the only way to grow your wealth, either. There are plenty of ways you can supplement your income without ever leaving your house, like building passive income streams or starting a side hustle.

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