Considering a job that pays $31 an hour, or aiming for this pay rate in your career? You're looking at a salary that positions you comfortably within the American middle class, offering a solid foundation for financial stability and growth. Annually, this translates to approximately $64,480 before taxes, a figure that opens the door to a wide variety of skilled and professional careers.
This guide will break down what a $31 per hour salary really means for your wallet, explore the types of jobs that offer this level of pay, and detail the key factors that can help you achieve—and exceed—this significant earnings benchmark.
How Much is $31 an Hour, Really?
First, let's translate that hourly rate into figures you can use for budgeting and financial planning. Assuming a standard 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks in a year, the pre-tax calculations are as follows:
- Yearly Salary: $31/hour x 40 hours/week x 52 weeks/year = $64,480
- Monthly Salary: $64,480 / 12 months = $5,373
- Weekly Salary: $31/hour x 40 hours/week = $1,240
- Daily Salary: $31/hour x 8 hours/day = $248
It's important to remember that your take-home pay (net income) will be lower after taxes, health insurance premiums, and retirement contributions are deducted. However, earning over $64,000 a year places you above the national median for individual earners, providing a competitive income in most parts of the country.
What Kinds of Jobs Pay Around $31 an Hour?
A $31/hour wage ($64,480/year) is not tied to one specific profession. Instead, it’s a common pay level for a diverse range of roles that require a blend of specific skills, education, or experience. These jobs often span skilled trades, healthcare support, creative fields, and corporate functions.
Here are some examples of professions where the median or average pay hovers around this mark, based on recent data:
- Human Resources Specialist: These professionals manage recruiting, employee relations, and benefits administration. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median pay of $70,800 per year ($34.04/hour) as of May 2023, making $31/hour a very realistic wage for someone with a few years of experience in the field.
- Electrician: A vital skilled trade, electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes and businesses. The BLS cites a median pay of $61,590 per year ($29.61/hour), with experienced and licensed electricians in many regions earning well over $31/hour.
- Paralegal or Legal Assistant: Supporting lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, and organizing cases, paralegals are crucial to the legal industry. The median pay was $60,960 per year ($29.31/hour) in May 2023, according to the BLS.
- Graphic Designer: In our visually driven world, graphic designers who create concepts for logos, websites, and advertisements are in steady demand. While the median pay is $61,040 per year ($29.35/hour), designers with specialized skills in UI/UX or motion graphics can command higher rates.
- Accountant or Auditor: Professionals in this field prepare and examine financial records. According to Salary.com, the average salary for an Accountant I (1-3 years of experience) in the U.S. is around $65,011, fitting squarely in the $31/hour range.
- Loan Officer: These financial professionals evaluate and authorize loan applications for individuals and businesses. The BLS reports their median pay at $72,500 per year ($34.86/hour), indicating that a $31/hour rate is common, particularly for those building their client base.
Key Factors That Influence Your Salary
Reaching the $31/hour mark—and pushing past it—isn't just about finding the right job title. Several key factors directly impact your earning potential.
Level of Education
Your educational background is a primary driver of income. While some skilled trades like electricians can reach this level through apprenticeships and certifications, many corporate and healthcare roles require a formal degree. A Bachelor's degree is often the minimum requirement for positions like HR Specialist or Accountant. Furthermore, holding advanced degrees (Master's, Ph.D.) or specialized certifications (e.g., CPA for accountants, PMP for project managers) can significantly increase your hourly rate.
Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most powerful levers for salary growth.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): You may start slightly below $31/hour in many of these fields as you build foundational skills.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): This is the sweet spot where many professionals hit and surpass the $31/hour benchmark. You've proven your competence and can handle more complex tasks independently.
- Senior-Level (8+ years): At this stage, you should be earning significantly more than $31/hour, often taking on leadership, strategy, or mentorship responsibilities.
Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. A $64,480 salary offers a very different lifestyle in Des Moines, Iowa, compared to San Francisco, California. Companies in major metropolitan areas with a high cost of living (like New York City, Boston, or Los Angeles) must offer higher salaries to attract talent. Conversely, the same job in a smaller city or rural area might pay less, but the lower cost of living can give you greater purchasing power. Use salary calculators on sites like Payscale or Glassdoor to compare your target salary against local market rates.
Company Type and Industry
The type of company you work for also plays a role. A large, profitable tech company or a major financial institution may have a higher salary budget than a non-profit organization or a small local business. Similarly, high-growth industries like technology, finance, and specialized healthcare often pay more than slower-growing sectors.
Area of Specialization
Within any given profession, specialists with in-demand skills earn more. For example:
- A generalist Graphic Designer might make $28/hour.
- A UI/UX Designer specializing in user experience for mobile apps could make $40/hour or more.
- An HR Specialist might earn $31/hour, but an HRIS Analyst who specializes in human resources information systems could earn closer to $38/hour.
Focusing on developing high-value, niche skills is a reliable strategy for boosting your hourly wage.
Job Outlook for Professions in This Range
The job outlook for careers paying around $31 per hour is generally positive, as they represent the backbone of our economy. The BLS projects steady growth for many of the professions mentioned:
- Human Resources Specialists: Projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032 (faster than average).
- Electricians: Projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032 (faster than average).
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032 (much faster than average).
This consistent demand means that investing in the skills and education required for these roles is a sound long-term career strategy.
Conclusion
A salary of $31 an hour, or roughly $64,480 a year, is an excellent and achievable goal for millions of Americans. It represents a gateway to a variety of fulfilling careers in stable, growing industries.
Here are the key takeaways for anyone aspiring to this income level:
- It's a Solid Income: This wage provides a comfortable living in most U.S. locations and serves as a strong financial foundation.
- Multiple Paths Lead Here: You can achieve this salary through a college degree, a skilled trade apprenticeship, or specialized on-the-job experience.
- Growth is Within Your Control: To exceed this benchmark, focus on continuous learning, gaining valuable experience, seeking out specializations, and understanding the market rates in your specific location and industry.
Whether you are just starting your career or looking to make a change, targeting roles in the $31/hour range is a strategic move that can lead to both professional satisfaction and financial security.