In the United States, the median salary is $54,134 annually, which equates to roughly $28 per hour (Bureau of Labor Statistics). While this exceeds the minimum wage of $15 per hour advocated by many, it may be insufficient for families to make ends meet, especially given the current inflation rate of 7.7% (Consumer Price Index). The feasibility of a salary also depends on the cost of living in a particular area.
Key Facts
- Annual Earnings: At $80 per hour, working 40 hours per week, you would earn $166,400 per year.
- Part-Time Earnings: If you work 30 hours per week, your annual salary would be $124,800.
- Overtime Pay: Working additional hours can boost your yearly earnings. For example, working 45 hours per week would result in an extra $31,200 per year.
- Median Salary: The median salary in the United States is currently $54,134 annually, which averages out to about $28 per hour.
- Cost of Living: The feasibility of $80 an hour depends on the cost of living in your area. In major cities, the average income needed to live comfortably can be significantly higher than the median salary.
- Job Opportunities: There are various jobs that pay $80 an hour or more, including corporate video writer, registered nurse in the emergency room, social media ads expert, museum curator, senior copywriter, SEO consultant, store development manager, cooking teacher, tax manager, and used car director.
According to GOBankingRates, the average income required to live comfortably in major cities can exceed $169,000 for homeowners in New York City and $98,000 for renters in San Francisco. This implies that earning around $51 per hour (low end) or $88 per hour (high end) is necessary to survive in these markets.
Jobs That Pay $80 an Hour or More
Contrary to popular belief, jobs paying $80 per hour or more are not limited to high-paying professions like medicine or law. Indeed lists several job openings that offer this salary range, many of which can be performed remotely, reducing commuting expenses.
1. Corporate Video Writer
- Average Pay: $70-$100 per hour
- Location: Remote
- Responsibilities: Creating compelling video scripts from financial information.
2. Registered Nurse, Emergency Room
- Average Pay: $70-$90 per hour
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Responsibilities: Providing care to patients with injuries, trauma, or allergic reactions.
3. Twitter, TikTok, and Meta Ads Expert
- Average Pay: $80 per hour
- Location: Remote
- Responsibilities: Providing marketing insights and data analysis for social media advertising campaigns.
4. Museum Curator
- Average Pay: $78-$83 per hour
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Responsibilities: Curating exhibits that explore American history and politics.
5. Senior Copywriter
- Average Pay: $80-$87 per hour
- Location: New York, NY
- Responsibilities: Writing copy for marketing materials such as print ads, digital banners, and commercials.
6. Search Engine Optimization Consultant
- Average Pay: $75-$95 per hour
- Location: Remote
- Responsibilities: Developing and implementing SEO strategies to improve website rankings.
7. Store Development Manager
- Average Pay: $61-$108 per hour
- Location: Costa Mesa, CA
- Responsibilities: Planning and executing store expansion strategies.
8. Cooking Teacher
- Average Pay: $80 per hour
- Location: Modesto, CA
- Responsibilities: Teaching students how to prepare healthy meals in after-school programs.
9. Tax Manager
- Average Pay: $70-$100 per hour
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Responsibilities: Preparing tax returns, especially for corporations.
10. Used Car Director
- Average Pay: $78-$92 per hour
- Location: Hot Springs, AR
- Responsibilities: Managing used car inventory and purchasing vehicles for resale.
Conclusion
Earning $80 per hour is a substantial income that exceeds the national median salary. However, the cost of living in a particular area should be considered to determine if this salary is sufficient. Various jobs offer this salary range, including those in corporate video production, healthcare, marketing, museum curation, and retail management.
FAQs
Is $80 an hour a good salary?
Yes, $80 an hour is a good salary. It is significantly higher than the national median salary of $28 per hour and provides a comfortable living in most areas of the United States.
What jobs pay $80 an hour?
There are various jobs that pay $80 an hour or more, including:
- Corporate video writer
- Registered nurse (emergency room)
- Social media ads expert
- Museum curator
- Senior copywriter
- SEO consultant
- Store development manager
- Cooking teacher
- Tax manager
- Used car director
How much is $80 an hour annually?
If you work 40 hours per week, $80 an hour equates to an annual salary of $166,400.
Is $80 an hour enough to live comfortably?
Whether $80 an hour is enough to live comfortably depends on the cost of living in your area. In major cities with a high cost of living, such as New York City and San Francisco, you may need to earn more to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Can I make $80 an hour with a remote job?
Yes, there are many remote jobs that pay $80 an hour or more. These jobs typically require specialized skills and experience, such as in software engineering, data analysis, or marketing.
How can I get a job that pays $80 an hour?
To get a job that pays $80 an hour, you typically need to have a combination of education, experience, and skills. Many jobs that pay this salary range require a bachelor’s degree or higher, as well as several years of relevant work experience.
What are the benefits of earning $80 an hour?
Earning $80 an hour provides several benefits, including:
- A high standard of living
- Financial security
- Increased savings and investment opportunities
- More leisure time and flexibility
What are the challenges of earning $80 an hour?
Earning $80 an hour can be challenging, as it requires a high level of skill and experience. Additionally, jobs that pay this salary range often come with long hours and high levels of responsibility.