Earning $27 an hour translates to an annual salary of approximately $56,160 before taxes. For many Americans, this figure represents a significant and stable income that can support a comfortable lifestyle. But is it a "good" salary? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your location, experience, and career goals.
In this detailed analysis, we'll break down what a $27 per hour wage really means, how it compares to national averages, and which factors can help you earn it—or even surpass it.
Breaking Down a $27 an Hour Salary: From Hourly to Annually
First, let's convert that hourly wage into figures you can use for budgeting and comparison. Assuming a standard 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks in a year, your gross income (before taxes and deductions) would be:
- Annual Salary: $56,160
- Monthly Salary: $4,680
- Weekly Salary: $1,080
- Daily Salary (8-hour day): $216
This annual income places you firmly near the heart of the American workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median usual weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers was $1,145 in the first quarter of 2024, which annualizes to $59,540. At $56,160 a year, a $27/hour wage is remarkably close to this national median, making it a very solid and representative income.
What Kinds of Jobs Pay Around $27 an Hour?
A $27/hour wage is common across a diverse range of skilled professions, from trade jobs to healthcare and office-based roles. It can represent an excellent starting salary for a recent graduate in a professional field or a mid-career wage for someone with established experience.
Here are a few examples of occupations where the median hourly pay is around the $27 mark, based on 2023 BLS data:
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs): Median pay of $27.94/hour.
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Median pay of $28.82/hour.
- Graphic Designers: Median pay of $28.80/hour.
- Executive Assistants: Median pay of $32.50/hour, making $27/hour a very achievable rate for those with a few years of experience.
- Carpenters: Median pay of $26.32/hour.
- Market Research Analysts: Median pay of $33.22/hour, meaning $27/hour is a common starting point in this field.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Earning $27 an hour is not a static milestone. Your personal and professional profile heavily influences whether this is an entry-level, mid-career, or senior-level wage for you.
Level of Education
Your educational background is a primary driver of earning potential. The BLS consistently shows a strong correlation between education and income. For instance, in 2023, the median weekly earnings for a high school graduate were $899, while for a bachelor's degree holder, they were $1,490.
- For roles requiring an associate's degree or certification (like LPNs or some skilled trades), $27/hour is a strong mid-career wage.
- For roles requiring a bachelor's degree (like market research or graphic design), $27/hour is often a solid entry-level to early-career salary.
Years of Experience
Experience is perhaps the most significant factor in salary negotiation.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): In many professional fields, securing a $27/hour job right out of college is an excellent start.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): For professionals with proven skills and accomplishments, $27/hour may be an expected baseline, with significant room for growth.
- Senior-Level (8+ years): At this stage, professionals in specialized fields typically earn well above $27/hour. If you find your salary has plateaued here, it may be time to upskill, specialize, or look for leadership opportunities.
Geographic Location
Where you live and work dramatically impacts the value of your salary. A $56,160 annual income will feel very different in a high-cost-of-living urban center compared to a more affordable rural area.
- High-Cost Areas (e.g., San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; Boston, MA): In these cities, $56,160 may feel tight due to high housing, transportation, and daily expenses. Employers in these areas often adjust salaries upward to compensate.
- Low-Cost Areas (e.g., Omaha, NE; Birmingham, AL; Cleveland, OH): In these locations, a $56,160 salary can afford a very comfortable lifestyle with significant discretionary income.
Websites like Payscale offer a cost-of-living calculator that can help you compare how far your salary will go in different cities.
Company Type and Industry
The type of organization you work for plays a major role in compensation.
- Large Corporations: Often have structured salary bands and may offer higher base pay and more comprehensive benefits packages.
- Startups: Might offer a lower base salary but compensate with stock options or performance-based bonuses.
- Government and Non-Profit: These sectors may offer salaries slightly below the private sector but often provide excellent job security, work-life balance, and strong benefits (like pensions).
Furthermore, the industry itself matters. A role in a high-growth sector like technology or specialized healthcare will generally command a higher salary than a similar role in a slower-growing industry.
Area of Specialization
Within any given field, specialization leads to higher pay. A generalist role is often a starting point, but developing niche expertise makes you more valuable. For example:
- A general Graphic Designer might earn $27/hour. A designer who specializes in UX/UI (User Experience/User Interface) design for mobile apps can earn significantly more due to high demand for that specific skill set.
- A general HR Coordinator may earn around this wage, but an HR Specialist focused on compensation analysis or talent acquisition technology can command a much higher salary.
Job Outlook for Professions in This Salary Range
The job outlook for careers paying around $27 an hour is generally positive, especially in skilled trades and healthcare. The demand for "middle-skill" jobs—those requiring more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree—remains strong.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (2022-2032 projections):
- Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses: Job growth is projected at 5%, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Projected growth is 4%, about as fast as average.
- Market Research Analysts: This field is projected to grow by 13%, much faster than average, indicating strong future demand.
This data suggests that building a career in fields that pay in this range offers not only a solid income today but also a stable or growing career path for the future.
Conclusion: A Strong Foundation for Career Growth
So, is $27 an hour a good salary? Yes, it is a solid, respectable wage that aligns closely with the national median income. It provides a strong financial foundation for individuals and families in most parts of the United States.
However, its true value is relative. For a recent graduate, it's an excellent start. For a mid-career professional in a low-cost area, it can support a very comfortable life. For someone in an expensive city, it may require careful budgeting.
The key takeaway is that a $27/hour salary is a fantastic benchmark to achieve and a great platform from which to grow. By focusing on gaining experience, specializing your skills, and understanding the economic landscape of your industry and location, you can leverage this salary into an even more prosperous and fulfilling career.