Updated 25/12/2025
I love these online jobs that pay $20 an hour and allow you to earn money from home. The beauty of side hustles is that you earn money working part-time and get paid. The Internet has made it easy to match the side hustlers with the side hustles.
Here are some of the online jobs I love. Though I am not doing all of them, I found them lucrative. I am a side hustler and enjoy earning extra income.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn some commission if you sign up through my link. For full disclosure, read here.
I love to save or invest the money I get from side jobs. Side jobs are great if you want to earn money in your spare time and grow your account.
If you are looking to make instant money, check out these websites:
Survey Junkie is the best survey site, offering high-paying surveys. This survey site has received 4 ⭐ ratings on Trustpilot. Sign up with Survey Junkie here.
PineCone Research: You can sign up with PineCone Research to earn extra dollars to increase your savings. Sign up with Pinecone Research here.
InboxDollars is a versatile app that lets you earn money by scanning barcodes, completing surveys, watching videos, and more.
Swagbucks: Swagbucks is one of the oldest sites where you can earn points and get paid for doing surveys, shopping, and watching videos. The minimum redemption threshold is $5.
List of Online Jobs that Pay $20 or More Per Hour.
1. Proofreading Jobs Online that Pay $20 an Hour
You could make a great proofreader if you have a keen eye for detail and a firm grasp of grammar and spelling. Many businesses and individuals need someone to review their written content for errors, and they’re willing to pay good money for it.
As a proofreader, you’ll check documents for spelling mistakes, typos, and other errors. You can find proofreading jobs on freelance job sites or start your own proofreading business.
Most of the proofreading jobs are suitable for Native English speakers, as it is easy for a native speaker to pick even the slightest error. No degree is required to become a proofreader. But having a course will help you stand out from the crowd.
If you want to start your own proofreading services business, you can check the proofreading course by Caitlyn from Proofread Anywhere. As a beginner, you have to start with online proofreading services. Check out these websites:
You don’t need to have a degree to be a proofreader, but having a course under your belt will help you stand out in a crowd.
If you want to become a proofreader, you can check the Proofread Anywhere course by Caitlyn.
2. Online Tutoring
You could make a great online tutor if you have expertise in a particular subject. Many students need help with their homework or test preparation and are willing to pay for it.
As an online tutor, you’ll be responsible for helping students understand complex concepts and improve their grades. You can find online tutoring jobs on job boards or websites, or start your own online tutoring business.
To become an online Tutor, you can check Preply. Preply is an online platform that connects students with tutors for one-on-one tutoring sessions.
It offers a wide range of subjects and languages, enabling students to find tutors specializing in their areas of study. Preply provides a convenient, flexible way to receive personalized instruction from the comfort of your home.
How much do you get paid at Preply?
With Preply, you can earn $20 or more per hour, depending on your subject and workload.
The amount you can earn as a Preply tutor varies based on several factors, including your subject or language expertise, qualifications and experience, the demand for your services, and the rates you set.
Preply operates on a commission-based model, where tutors receive a percentage of the lesson fee paid by the student. The exact commission rate depends on the total number of teaching hours you complete on the platform.
You can check Preply and start your tutoring services.
Revolution Prep
Revolution Prep is an education company that pays teachers to teach students in grades 6-12. Their pay rate is around $20 an hour. You need a bachelor’s degree and prior teaching experience.
Online Tutoring and Course Instruction
Average Pay: $20-60+ per hour
Online tutors teach everything from academic subjects to test preparation to professional skills. Platforms connect tutors with students worldwide, and specialized expertise commands premium rates.
What makes this legitimate: Established platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Chegg Tutors have been operating for years with verifiable payment systems. Many tutors also work independently through Zoom with direct clients.
Getting started: Identify your area of expertise. Standardized test prep (SAT, MCAT, LSAT) typically commands higher fees than general tutoring. Create profiles across multiple platforms, gather reviews, and consider creating your own courses on platforms such as Teachable or Udemy for passive income.
3. Web Development
Average Pay: $30-80 per hour
Web developers build and maintain websites, from simple WordPress sites to complex custom applications. With every business needing a web presence, developers with current skills stay in constant demand.
What makes this legitimate: Web development has been a remote-friendly profession for decades. Rates are transparent on platforms like Upwork, and you can verify demand through job boards like Stack Overflow Jobs.
Getting started: Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as foundations. Specialize in platforms such as WordPress and Shopify, and in frameworks such as React. Build practice websites, then create profiles on freelance platforms. As you gain experience, transition to direct client relationships for higher rates.
4. Technical Writing and Documentation
Average Pay: $30-60 per hour
Technical writers create user manuals, API documentation, software guides, and help systems. This field combines writing ability with technical knowledge, and companies pay well for people who can make complex topics understandable.
What makes this legitimate: Major tech companies, SaaS businesses, and software firms hire technical writers as full-time employees or contractors. You can verify this by checking LinkedIn, Indeed, or the company’s career pages.
Getting started: If you have expertise in any technical field, start creating sample documentation. Learn tools like Markdown, Git, and documentation platforms. Join the Write the Docs community and look for contract positions on specialized job boards.
5. Virtual Assistant Online jobs that pay $20 or more
You could make a great virtual assistant if you’re organized, detail-oriented, and good at multitasking.
Many businesses and individuals need support with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, responding to emails, and managing social media accounts.
As a virtual assistant, you’ll be responsible for helping your clients stay organized and on top of their work.
You can find virtual assistant jobs on job boards, freelance job sites, or start your own virtual assistant business.
Virtual Office Temps
Virtual Office Temps is a place for virtual assistants to find work. They hire people for services such as clerical support, administration, management, and social media evaluation.
You can check their job board to see where you fit and how to find work aligned with your skills. From the listed jobs, you can see that pay ranges from $14 to $ 20/hr.
6. Software Development and Programming
Average Pay: $35-75+ per hour
Software developers remain among the highest-paid remote workers. Whether you’re building web applications, mobile apps, or backend systems, companies desperately need skilled programmers and are willing to pay premium rates.
What makes this legitimate: Companies like Toptal, Upwork, and direct corporate hiring platforms actively recruit developers. You can verify rates by checking actual job postings from established tech companies. Many developers start by freelancing on platforms like GitHub or contributing to open-source projects to build portfolios.
Getting started: Learn languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java through platforms like freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, or paid courses. Build a portfolio of projects, then apply to freelance platforms or remote job boards, such as We Work Remotely.
5. Virtual Accounting and Bookkeeping
Average Pay: $25-50 per hour
Virtual bookkeepers and accountants manage financial records, reconcile accounts, prepare financial statements, and handle tax preparation for businesses remotely. This is steady work with consistent demand.
What makes this legitimate: Every business needs financial management. You can verify rates through accounting associations and job boards specifically for finance professionals. Many bookkeepers serve multiple small business clients simultaneously.
Getting started: If you have accounting knowledge, get certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor or pursue credentials like CPA or Certified Bookkeeper. Use platforms like Bookkeeper.com or connect directly with small businesses needing financial services.
9. Survey sites
Surveys are not jobs, but they are the easiest way to earn side income from the comfort of your home. These may not make you rich, but small amounts of money add up fast, and you may use this money to build your savings account ( which is my favorite)
- Survey junkie
- Survey Rewardz
- Swagbucks
- Inbox Dollars (US)
- Inbox Dollars (UK)
- Inbox Dollars (Canada)
You may earn $ 15 to $ 20 per hour if you remain consistent in your efforts.
10. Video Editing and Motion Graphics
Average Pay: $30-75 per hour
Video content dominates online marketing, creating massive demand for skilled video editors. Whether editing YouTube content, corporate videos, or social media clips, professionals who can deliver polished results command strong rates.
What makes this legitimate: The explosion of video content across all platforms has created genuine demand. Check platforms such as ProductionHUB or Mandy.com to see current rates and opportunities.
Getting started: Learn editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. Build a showreel demonstrating various styles. Start with smaller projects on Upwork or Fiverr, then transition to higher-paying direct clients as your reputation grows.
11. UX/UI Design and Research
Average Pay: $40-80 per hour
UX/UI designers create user interfaces and research how people interact with digital products. This specialized field combines psychology, design, and technical expertise, and companies pay premium rates for professionals who can enhance the user experience and increase conversions.
What makes this legitimate: Product companies, from startups to Fortune 500s, hire UX designers. Remote UX jobs are consistently listed on platforms such as Dribbble, AngelList, and LinkedIn.
Getting started: Learn UX principles and tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. Create case studies showing your design process. Consider earning certification through programs such as the Google UX Design Certificate or Nielsen Norman Group courses.
12. Copywriting and Content Strategy
Average Pay: $30-100+ per hour
Skilled copywriters create persuasive content that drives action—sales pages, email sequences, website copy, and advertising. Strategic copywriters who understand conversion optimization and can demonstrate ROI earn the highest rates.
What makes this legitimate: Marketing agencies and businesses constantly need copy. You can find rate surveys from organizations such as the American Writers & Artists Institute that show what professional copywriters charge.
Getting started: Study persuasive writing and marketing psychology. Create a portfolio with spec work or offer discounted rates initially to build testimonials and case studies. Specialize in high-value areas such as SaaS, finance, and health, where companies have larger budgets.
13. Data Analysis and Business Intelligence
Average Pay: $35-75 per hour
Data analysts help businesses make sense of their data, creating reports, dashboards, and insights that drive decision-making. With businesses drowning in data but starving for insights, skilled analysts are in high demand.
What makes this legitimate: Data analyst positions are among the most commonly posted remote jobs. Check Indeed, LinkedIn, or specialized sites like Kaggle for demand and rate verification.
Getting started: Learn SQL, Excel/Google Sheets, and visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI. Python or R skills boost your value significantly. Build a portfolio of analysis projects using public datasets, then pursue freelance projects or contract positions.
14. Translation and Localization
Average Pay: $25-60+ per hour
Professional translators convert content between languages while maintaining meaning, tone, and cultural relevance. Specialized translation (legal, medical, technical) commands the highest rates.
What makes this legitimate: Platforms like ProZ, TranslatorsCafe, and Gengo connect translators with clients. Major corporations and government agencies hire translators through agencies and directly.
Getting started: If you’re fluent in multiple languages, get certified through organizations such as the American Translators Association. Specialize in a field where you have expertise.
Build profiles on translation platforms and consider working with translation agencies initially.
Healthcare Jobs: 20 An Hour and Beyond
Are you looking for a healthcare job costing at least $20 an hour? With the rising living costs, finding a job that pays well enough to support yourself and your family is essential.
Fortunately, healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries, offering numerous high-paying job opportunities.
Various healthcare roles pay $20 or more per hour, including medical assistants, dental hygienists, pharmacy technicians, and medical billing and coding specialists.
These jobs require varying levels of education and training, but they all offer competitive salaries and job security.
In addition, many healthcare jobs come with benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. If you’re interested in pursuing a healthcare career, plenty of options are available to you.
Top Paying Healthcare Jobs
Several options are available if you’re looking for a healthcare job that pays around $20 an hour. Here are some of the top-paying healthcare jobs that you may want to consider:
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for providing patient care, educating patients and their families about various health conditions, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.
The average hourly wage for RNs is approximately $33, making the role highly lucrative.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists (PTs) help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries by developing treatment plans that include exercises, stretches, and other techniques.
PTs earn an average hourly wage of approximately $38, making it one of the highest-paying healthcare roles.
Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventative care. They can earn an average hourly wage of around $26.
Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging exams, such as X-rays and CT scans, and support physicians in diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. They can earn an average hourly wage of around $28.
Medical Records Coder
Medical records coders review medical records and assign codes to diagnoses and procedures. They can earn an average hourly wage of around $21.
ImedX
ImedX provides medical transcription, coding, and other services to healthcare providers.
They offer several healthcare jobs that pay around $20 an hour, including medical coders, transcriptionists, and quality assurance specialists.
Carenet Health
Carenet Health is a healthcare company that provides telehealth services, such as nurse advice lines and care coordination.
They offer several healthcare jobs that pay around $20 an hour, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and care coordinators.
Overall, many healthcare jobs pay around $20 an hour; these are just a few examples. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, be sure to research different options and find the one that’s right for you.
Skills Required for High-Paying Healthcare Jobs
To secure a high-paying healthcare job that pays $20 an hour or more, you need to possess a specific set of skills that are in high demand in the industry.
These skills include technical and soft skills essential to delivering high-quality patient care.
Technical Skills
Technical skills are the specific abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular task or job.
Technical skills are critical to delivering safe, effective, and efficient patient care in healthcare.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
They are essential for building strong relationships, providing compassionate care, and promoting positive outcomes.
Jobs that pay $20 an hour without a degree
Several jobs can pay $20 or more per hour without requiring a college degree. While the availability and wages may vary depending on your location, here are some examples:
Administrative Assistant: Providing administrative support and office management tasks.
Customer Service Representative: Assisting customers with inquiries and complaints, and providing support.
Electrician’s Assistant: Assisting electricians with installations, repairs, and maintenance.
Delivery Driver: Transporting goods and packages from one location to another.
Paralegal Assistant: Assisting lawyers with research, documentation, and administrative tasks.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist: Assigning codes to medical procedures and handling billing tasks.
HVAC Technician: Installing, repairing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Insurance Claims Adjuster: Investigating and processing insurance claims.
Security Guard: Protecting people and property by monitoring premises and enforcing rules.
Welder: Joining metal parts together using welding techniques.
Remember that salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and industry demand. It’s also important to note that while a degree may not be required, some of these jobs may have other educational or certification requirements.
How to Secure Online Jobs
Building a Strong Portfolio
To secure a high-paying online job, you must have a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and experience.
Your portfolio should include your best work samples, certifications, and references.
You can create a portfolio website or use online platforms such as LinkedIn or Behance to showcase your work.
Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and highlights your unique selling points.
Networking
Networking is crucial in the online job market.
Join online communities, attend webinars, and participate in industry forums. Connect with other professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
Networking can help you learn about new job opportunities, get referrals, and build relationships with potential clients or employers.
Applying Effectively
When applying for online jobs, make sure your application stands out from the competition.
Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
Use keywords from the job description to optimize your application for applicant tracking systems. Follow the application instructions carefully and submit your application before the deadline.
Keep track of your job applications and follow up with potential employers to show your interest in the job.
Potential Challenges in Online Jobs
When searching for online jobs that pay $20 or more per hour, be aware of the potential challenges of working remotely. Here are some of the most common challenges you may face when working online:
Scams
Unfortunately, the internet is full of scams and fraudulent job postings. It’s essential to be cautious when applying for online jobs and to thoroughly research any company or opportunity before providing personal information or accepting a job offer.
Look for red flags such as requests for payment or personal information upfront, promises of unrealistic earnings, or vague job descriptions.
You can also check the company’s reviews or ratings on sites such as Glassdoor or Indeed.
Work-Life Balance
Working from home can blur the lines between work and personal life, making it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Establish clear boundaries and routines to separate work time from personal time.
This may include setting specific work hours, creating a designated workspace, and taking daily breaks to recharge.
Payment Issues
Some online jobs may have payment issues, such as delayed payments or disputes over payment amounts.
Always clarify payment terms and methods upfront and keep track of your work hours and earnings.
Consider using a payment platform such as PayPal or Venmo for added security and convenience.
How can I find online jobs that pay $20 or more per hour?
If you’re looking for online jobs that pay $20 an hour or more, there are several ways to find them. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Check job boards: Many specialize in remote or work-from-home roles. Some of the most popular ones include Indeed, FlexJobs, and Remote. co. You can use the search filters to find jobs that pay $20 an hour or more.
- Look for freelance opportunities: Freelancing can be a great way to earn money online, and many freelancers charge $20 an hour or more. You can find freelance opportunities on sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr.
- Consider tutoring or teaching: If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can earn money by tutoring or teaching online. Sites like Chegg and VIPKid pay tutors and teachers $20 or more per hour.
- Explore virtual assistant jobs: Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses and individuals remotely. Many virtual assistant roles pay $20 or more per hour. You can find virtual assistant jobs on sites like Zirtual and Time Etc.
- Check out customer service jobs: Many companies hire remote customer service representatives, and some pay $20 or more per hour. You can find customer service jobs on sites like LiveOps and Working Solutions.
What are some reputable websites for finding online jobs that pay $20 an hour or more?
If you’re looking for online jobs that pay $20 an hour or more, there are several reputable websites you can check out.
These websites offer a variety of job opportunities, from freelance work to full-time positions.
Upwork
One popular website is Upwork, which connects freelancers with clients looking for specific skills. Upwork offers a range of job categories, including writing, design, programming, and marketing.
You can set your hourly rate and apply to jobs that match your skills and experience.
FlexJobs
Another website to consider is FlexJobs, which specializes in remote and flexible job opportunities.
FlexJobs has a team of researchers who verify the legitimacy of each job posting, ensuring you’re applying only to reputable companies.
You can search for jobs by category, location, or keyword and filter your results by pay rate.
If you’re interested in teaching or tutoring, you might want to check out VIPKid.
This website connects English teachers with students in China, offering flexible hours and competitive pay. The company provides lesson plans and training, so you don’t need to have prior teaching experience.
For those interested in customer service or sales, Liveops is a good option. This website offers work-from-home positions in customer service, insurance sales, and roadside assistance.
You can set your own schedule and earn up to $20 an hour.
How to Identify Genuine Opportunities vs. Scams
As you explore these career paths, watch for these red flags that indicate potential scams:
Red flags to avoid: Any opportunity that requires upfront payment for training or “certification,” promises of easy money with no skills required, vague job descriptions without clear deliverables, requests for personal financial information before hiring, or claims of guaranteed income.
Green flags of legitimate opportunities: clear job descriptions with specific deliverables, verifiable company information, payments through established platforms or standard invoicing, professional communication, and realistic expectations for required skills and time.
Making the Transition to Remote Work
These online careers are genuine, but they’re not effortless. Here’s what success typically requires:
Invest in skills: Most high-paying online jobs require specialized expertise: budget time and potentially money for learning and certification.
Build a portfolio: Even without paid experience, you can create sample projects that demonstrate your abilities. Employers care more about what you can do than where you’ve worked.
Start strategically: Many successful remote professionals begin by taking lower-paying projects to build reviews and testimonials, then gradually raise rates as their reputation grows.
Treat it professionally: Remote work offers flexibility, but successful online professionals maintain consistent schedules, communicate reliably, and deliver quality work on time.
Network actively: Join online communities in your field, engage on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter, and build relationships that can lead to referrals and opportunities.
The Bottom Line
These 13 online careers offer genuine opportunities to earn $20 per hour or significantly more. They’re not passive income streams or get-rich-quick schemes—they’re real professions that require real skills and dedication.
The best part? Unlike traditional careers, you can often start building these skills immediately, create a portfolio within months, and begin earning while continuing to develop expertise. Many people successfully transition by starting part-time while maintaining other income, then shifting to full-time as their online income grows.
The remote work revolution isn’t slowing down. Companies have realized they can access global talent, and workers have experienced the benefits of location independence. If you’re willing to invest in developing valuable skills and approach online work professionally, these opportunities can provide not just good income, but genuine career paths with long-term potential.
The question isn’t whether these opportunities are real—they are. The question is which one matches your skills, interests, and goals, and whether you’re ready to put in the work to build that career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legitimate online jobs pay $20 an hour or more?
Several online jobs pay $20 or more per hour. Some of the most popular ones include virtual bookkeeping, online tutoring, freelance writing, and social media management.
These jobs require different skill sets and experience levels, so finding one that matches your strengths is crucial.
What skills do I need to qualify for online jobs paying $20 or more per hour?
The skills required for online jobs that pay $20 an hour or more, depending on the type of job you’re interested in.
For example, virtual bookkeepers require strong accounting skills, while social media managers need experience across multiple platforms.
Generally, having good communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are essential for most online jobs.
Are there any part-time online jobs that pay $20 or more per hour?
Yes, many part-time online jobs pay $20 or more per hour.
Some examples include online tutoring, freelance writing, and virtual bookkeeping. These jobs offer flexibility and can be a great way to earn extra income while working from home.
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