20 jobs that pay at least $40,000

Salary is likely to be one of the major deciding factors when you look for a job. While not everyone has the same definition of a good salary, some find that annual earnings of $40,000 are sufficient for their needs. Thankfully, plenty of jobs pay at least that much, some of which require only a high school diploma or equivalent.

Cooling and freezing equipment operators

Cooling and freezing equipment operators oversee and maintain cold spaces for storing food, chemicals, blood plasma, or pharmaceutical products.

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $44,240

Parking enforcement workers 

Parking enforcement workers patrol streets and parking lots to ensure cars are parked legally. They issue warnings or tickets accordingly. 

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $44,500

Pre-press technicians 

pre-press technician is responsible for the layout and setup of printing presses. The role includes the formatting and proofing of text in digital or hard copy. 

Typical education level: Postsecondary nondegree award.

Average annual pay: $44,880

Tutor

Tutors are extracurricular educators who help students with their coursework. Normally, the students they assist are behind in their studies, so it’s the tutor’s job to help them catch up with their peers. A person can become a tutor at any level if they demonstrate academic excellence, so tutoring may be one of the highest-paying jobs for 16-year-olds. 

Typical education level: No specific education level required.

Average annual pay: $45,000

Truck driver

Truck drivers operate tractor-trailers to deliver goods to retailers. The job involves long-distance driving, often in inclement weather conditions. A commercial driver’s license is a requirement.

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $45,000

Wood pattern makers

Wood pattern makers design and construct patterns used for sand molds in casting. The job may require making adjustments if there are defects during casting.  

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $45,720

“While not everyone has the same definition of a good salary, some find that annual earnings of $40,000 are sufficient for their needs. Thankfully, plenty of jobs pay at least that much, some of which require only a high school diploma or equivalent.”

Counselors

According to the American Counseling Association, a counselor is someone who helps people gain personal insights and devise solutions to their problems. Counselors often operate within specialties, such as career counseling, family counseling, and grief counseling, to name just a few.

Typical education level: Master’s degree.

Average annual pay: $46,000

Transportation security screeners 

Transportation security screeners ensure that passengers and luggage adhere to Transportation Security Administration guidelines. They may operate screening booths, X-ray machines, or wands. 

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $48,500

Automotive technicians

Automotive technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles. The job involves identifying automotive problems and physically resolving them. Because some employers are willing to hire teenagers for the role, it’s another one of the highest-paying jobs for 16-year-olds.

Typical education level: No specific education level required.

Average annual pay: $49,500

Fitness trainers and instructors

Fitness trainers and instructors work in physical fitness facilities such as health clubs and gyms. Their primary duty is to help people improve their physical health through instruction and motivation.

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $50,000

Call center sales representative

Call center sales representatives reach out to potential customers to promote products for the organization they represent. The job involves identifying customers’ needs, providing information about products, and placing orders. 

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $50,000

Tire builders

Tire builders operate the equipment required to make tires. They also inspect used tires to look for cracks, punctures, and other faults to decide whether they can be retreaded.

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent. 

Average annual pay: $50,600

Credit counselors

Credit counselors educate people on how to manage their debt more effectively, such as from credit cards, mortgages, and personal loans.

Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree. 

Average annual pay: $51,650

Chemical equipment operators

Chemical equipment operators keep an eye on chemical changes during the production of consumer goods. The job may involve the use of equipment such as devulcanizers and steam jacket kettles.

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $54,210

Farm labor contractors

Farm labor contractors are liaisons between farms and temporary laborers, recruiting and hiring the hands needed to conduct agricultural work. 

Typical education level: No specific education level required. 

Average annual pay: $54,630

First-line supervisors of landscaping workers 

First-line supervisors of landscaping workers oversee groundskeeping and landscaping services. Their responsibilities include estimating a project’s costs and deciding which equipment and machinery are required. 

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent.

Average annual pay: $55,770

Tax preparers

tax preparer compiles tax information, such as tax calculations and return preparations, for individuals and businesses. A registered accountant usually signs off on the work before submitting it to the IRS. Tax preparers can be credentialed or non-credentialed.

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent. 

Average annual pay: $56,000

Social science research assistants 

Social science research assistants usually work under the guidance of a research scientist. They perform research activities such as conducting surveys. They may assist in performing laboratory analyses and quality control protocols.

Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree. 

Average annual pay: $57,760

Clergy 

Clergy are ordained leaders for religious groups, particularly Christian denominations. Their role may entail conducting worship services and giving moral guidance.

Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree. 

Average annual pay: $60,000

Media and communication workers 

Media and communication workers install and maintain audiovisual equipment for media teams or corporate offices.

Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent. 

Average annual pay: $113,840 

While how much income you need to service your lifestyle will depend on your specific situation, it helps to know that many roles pay at least $40,000 per year. When you’re ready to start applying for jobs, be sure to touch up your resume to reflect your skills and experience.

More tips about getting a job that pays well

If you’re seeking a high salary but don’t have a lot of experience, look to the entry-level job market to get started on your career.

You don’t have to be a doctor to earn a good living in the healthcare sector. In fact, a lot of healthcare jobs pay quite well.

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