The minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that the government will allow an employer to pay. While the minimum wage protects workers from receiving extremely low wages, it doesn't necessarily allow employees to make enough to survive. Since 2009, the minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour. As you might expect, the cost of living has gone up since then. The minimum wage is not a living wage, and you probably need a more substantial income to survive. Learn which jobs pay over the minimum wage, and you can look for a new job that pays better.
What's a Fair Hourly Wage?
This is a loaded question, because a fair wage in one place may not be a fair wage somewhere else. If you want to determine a fair wage for your location, you need to consider your healthcare, food, housing, and transportation costs.
But a fair wage for one job isn't a fair wage for another. While you deserve a living wage, you also deserve to be paid for your skills and services. If you have extensive training or work in a highly-sought position, you should earn more than someone in an entry-level job with no training.
One way to determine a fair wage is to look at the living wage in your county. You can use an online living wage calculator to determine how much money you need to live above poverty. Then, look at the average wages of other people in your field. Use both values as a baseline for finding your hourly wage.
A List of Jobs That Pay Over the Minimum Wage
Here is a list of jobs that tend to pay above the minimum wage. If you're looking for a job that pays better than your current position, you should set your sights on one of these positions:
Stocker
A stocker loads products on shelves and may help customers access specific merchandise. Typically, stockers also check for damaged products and expired merchandise. You don't need experience to get started and can make an average hourly wage of $14.91 per hour.
Warehouse Associate
Making an average of $14.43 per hour, a warehouse associate works in a warehouse environment to process, prep, and ship orders. They may manage inventory and look for product damage. As an entry-level position, a warehouse associate job doesn't require much training or experience.
Cashier
Years ago, cashiers didn't make much more than the minimum wage. But now, companies pay an average of $12.03 per hour for cashiers. A cashier rings up purchases and assists customers. Although this is an entry-level position, you need excellent communication skills.
Bartender
When it comes to fair pay, bartenders do well. They average $12 an hour and work in a variety of establishments. Your job as a bartender is to serve drinks to customers. In some venues, you need previous experience. Even if you don't need experience, you must be good with people.
Copywriter
If you're good with words, you may be able to make it as a copywriter. You can make about $21.53 per hour as you create advertisements, articles, and wage copy. Although there are entry-level positions in copywriting, you should have some experience writing. A potential employer will probably ask for writing samples.
Financial Clerk
The job of a financial clerk varies but usually entails doing something related to financial transactions. They often process bills, act as administrators, and update records. An average salary for a financial clerk is $19.96 per hour.
Online Tutor
While there's money in being a traditional tutor, an online tutor has the added value of being able to work from home. You can make around $19.65 an hour while you teach students in other places. As long as you have educational experience and the right computer, you can expect to thrive in this space.
Virtual Assistant
Another remote position, a virtual assistant role involves individuals and organizations by taking on various roles. Depending on who you work for, you could plan vacations, book meetings, and handle marketing. The duties depend on the needs of the employer. On average, virtual assistants make $16.14.
Photographer
Making an average of $19.85 per hour, a photographer needs to have skills in photography and photo editing. Clients hire you to take pictures of special events or for marketing purposes. Either way, you need your own equipment and should have a portfolio that shows your skills and assets.
Personal Assistant
A personal assistant is similar to a virtual assistant but typically must be in-person. You might work alongside a manager or employer to handle daily duties or appointment setting. Generally, personal assistants only need a high school diploma and a good work ethic. You can make an average of $15.43 per hour.
Forklift Operator
If you like machinery, you might enjoy working as a forklift operator. You'll also appreciate the average salary of $15.24 per hour. As an operator, you could work in a warehouse or a similar setting. You use a forklift to load and unload products.
Finding a Job That Pays Well
How well does your job pay? If you can barely pay the bills or have no budget left for personal purchases, you should consider looking for a new position. The minimum wage may not be enough to keep you and your family happy. Fortunately, there are plenty of other options available.
All of the jobs above offer an hourly wage that makes it easier to survive. With the high cost of living, you might need more money to pay the bills. Before you take on a second job, you should consider applying for a different job.
Most of the jobs above are entry-level and provide on-the-job training. So, you can work your way up in a new industry. Try to pick a new career you will enjoy, and stick with it for as long as possible. In the end, you could end up with a job that pays well above a living wage.