10 Jobs Paying Over $40 an Hour That Are Open to Applicants With Little to No Experience

A four-year degree isn't the only route to a strong hourly wage. A handful of occupations tracked by the government pay well above $40 an hour and require little to no prior experience, trading a resume requirement for a certificate, an associate's degree, or a paid apprenticeship instead. Getting there could still boost your bank account faster than a traditional four-year path. Here is what each role involves, what it typically pays, and how to get started.

Editor's note: All salary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Air traffic controller

Median hourly wage: $69.51

Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of aircraft in the sky and on the ground, keeping planes at safe distances during takeoff, landing, and cruising. Most work in control towers or radar facilities, and the job demands intense focus during every shift.

Candidates typically complete an associate's degree through the FAA's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative, then finish training at the FAA Academy; no prior aviation work experience is required to apply, though candidates must pass medical and background screening.

Commercial pilot

Median hourly wage: $58.98

Commercial pilots fly aircraft for charter operators, agricultural spraying, tour companies, and other non-airline work, following flight plans and monitoring aircraft systems. Some fly cargo, while others fight wildfires or shuttle passengers on shorter regional routes.

A commercial pilot certificate from the FAA, which requires logging flight hours rather than years at a related job, covers the entry requirement. Airline pilots need prior flying experience to move into that tier, but commercial pilots typically don't.

Elevator and escalator installer and repairer

Median hourly wage: $51.24

These technicians assemble, install, and maintain the elevators, escalators, and moving walkways that keep buildings accessible. The work involves reading blueprints, wiring control panels, and troubleshooting faults, sometimes at great heights.

A high school diploma covers the entry requirement, and most workers learn the trade through a multiyear apprenticeship rather than prior job experience, earning higher pay as they complete each stage of training.

Nuclear technician

Median hourly wage: $50.11

Nuclear technicians monitor radiation levels and help operate testing equipment at nuclear power plants and research labs. Daily tasks include calibrating detection instruments and following strict safety protocols.

An associate's degree in nuclear science or a related technology is the typical path in, with extensive on-the-job training once hired and a required background check.

Power plant operator, distributor, or dispatcher

Median hourly wage: $49.81

These workers control the systems that generate and distribute electricity, monitoring equipment and adjusting output to match demand. Most work rotating shifts, since power plants run around the clock.

A high school diploma is typically enough to start, and employers provide long-term, hands-on training rather than requiring prior experience. Those working with nuclear reactors also need a federal license once hired.

Radiation therapist

Median hourly wage: $49.03

Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to cancer patients, working closely with oncologists to deliver precise doses. The role blends equipment operation with direct patient care.

An associate's or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy, plus state licensing, covers the entry requirement, and prior work experience typically isn't required. Clinical training built into the degree provides the hands-on practice most employers expect.

Nuclear medicine technologist

Median hourly wage: $46.64

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs used to diagnose and treat disease, then operate the imaging equipment that tracks them. They also monitor patients for reactions during treatment.

An associate's degree from an accredited nuclear medicine program is the standard path in, with certification expected soon after hire, and some states require a separate license too.

Dental hygienist

Median hourly wage: $45.32

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral disease, and provide preventive care alongside a dentist. Many also take X-rays, apply sealants and fluoride treatments, and educate patients on at-home dental care.

An associate's degree in dental hygiene, which usually takes about three years, plus state licensing, covers the entry requirement. Nearly all hygienists work in dental offices, and part-time schedules are common in the field.

Electrical power-line installer and repairer

Median hourly wage: $44.50

These workers install and repair the cables and towers that carry electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. The work is physically demanding and often happens at height, outdoors, in whatever weather the job requires.

A high school diploma is typically enough to start, and most of the trade is learned through a long apprenticeship rather than prior experience. Storm response work is common, and crews sometimes travel to affected areas for extended stretches.

Diagnostic medical sonographer

Median hourly wage: $42.95

Sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to create the images doctors use to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Many specialize in a particular area, such as abdominal, obstetric, or cardiac sonography, and work closely with physicians to interpret findings.

An associate's degree or postsecondary certificate in sonography covers the entry requirement, and certification is common soon after hire. Most sonographers work in hospitals or physicians' offices, and the field has one of the faster projected growth rates in health care.

Bottom line

None of these jobs requires a four-year degree, and BLS data shows none of them typically requires prior work experience, just a credential and a willingness to train. Licensing and certification rules differ by state, so check your state's specific requirements before committing to a training program. Handled thoughtfully, any of these fields could help eliminate some money stress without the years of school or work history often assumed necessary.