15 jobs that pay $15 an hour
1. Occupational therapy aides prepare treatment areas, such as setting up therapy equipment, transport patients, clean treatment areas and equipment and help patients with billing and insurance forms.
Average hourly earnings: $25.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 13%
2. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research or blood donations. Some of them explain their work to patients and provide assistance if patients have adverse reactions after their blood is drawn.
Average hourly earnings: $16.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 13%
3. Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals and other health care facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty and size of the practice.
Average hourly earnings: $18.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 12%
4. Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to assist in diagnosing the injuries and illnesses of animals.
Average hourly earnings: $17.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 11%
5. Social and human services assistants provide client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation and social work. They assist other workers, such as social workers, and they help clients find benefits or community services.
Average hourly earnings: $20.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 8%
6. Agricultural equipment operators use a variety of farm equipment to plow and sow seeds, as well as maintain and harvest crops. They may use tractors, fertilizer spreaders, balers, combines, threshers and trucks. These workers also operate machines such as conveyor belts, loading machines, separators, cleaners, and dryers. Workers may make adjustments and minor repairs to equipment.
Average hourly earnings: $14.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 8%
7. Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair, mostly for male clients. They also may fit hairpieces, perform facials and offer facial shaving. Depending on the state in which they work, some barbers are licensed to color, bleach and highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services.
Average hourly earnings: $19.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 8%
8. Concierges assist patrons at hotesl, apartments or office buildings with personal services. May take messages, arrange or give advice on transportation, business services or entertainment, or monitor guest requests for housekeeping and maintenance.
Average hourly earnings: $15.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 7%
9. Demonstrators and product promoters demonstrate merchandise and answer questions for the purpose of creating public interest in buying the product. May sell demonstrated merchandise.
Average hourly earnings: $27.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 7%
10. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians make prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are also commonly known as manufacturing opticians, optical mechanics or optical goods workers.
Average hourly earnings: $23.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 7%
11. Couriers and messengers pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile or public conveyance.
Average hourly earnings: $18.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 7%
12. Transportation attendants (except flight attendants) provide services to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers aboard ships, buses, trains or within the station or terminal. Perform duties such as greeting passengers, explaining the use of safety equipment, serving meals or beverages or answering questions related to travel.
Average hourly earnings: $15.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 7%
13. Forest and conservation workers provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition and other characteristics of forest tracts, under the direction of foresters; or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation, fire prevention and suppression.
Average hourly earnings: $32.75
Job growth 2017-2022: 6%
14. Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. They work in retail pharmacies and hospitals.
Average hourly earnings: $17.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 6%
15. Parts salespersons sell spare and replacement parts and equipment, especially car parts. Most work in either automotive parts stores or automobile dealerships. They take customers' orders, inform customers of part availability and price, and take inventory.
Average hourly earnings: $27.00
Job growth 2017-2022: 5%
