Earning $38 an hour is a significant financial milestone, placing you well above the national median income and opening doors to a wide range of professional careers. But what does that hourly rate actually translate to annually? And more importantly, what kinds of careers offer this level of compensation?
This guide breaks down the numbers, explores the types of jobs that pay in this range, and details the key factors—from your education to your location—that can help you achieve or even surpass this earning potential.
Breaking Down $38 an Hour: The Annual Salary
First, let's answer the core question. To calculate the annual salary from an hourly wage, we use a standard formula based on a 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks in a year.
The Calculation:
$38 per hour x 40 hours per week x 52 weeks per year = $79,040 per year
This pre-tax figure of approximately $79,000 a year is a strong, competitive salary in the United States. Here’s how it breaks down over different pay periods:
| Pay Period | Gross Income (Before Tax) |
| :--- | :--- |
| Hourly | $38.00 |
| Daily (8-hour day) | $304.00 |
| Weekly | $1,520.00 |
| Bi-Weekly | $3,040.00 |
| Monthly | $6,586.67 |
| Annually | $79,040.00 |
This salary provides a solid foundation for financial stability and growth in most parts of the country.
What Jobs Pay Around $38 an Hour?
An annual salary of roughly $79,000 is characteristic of skilled professionals who have a combination of specialized education, in-demand skills, and some level of experience. These roles often require critical thinking, technical expertise, and significant responsibility.
Here are a few prominent examples of professions where the median salary hovers around the $38-per-hour mark:
- Registered Nurse (RN): These healthcare professionals provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients, and offer emotional support. They are the backbone of the healthcare system.
- Accountant and Auditor: Responsible for preparing and examining financial records, accountants ensure that financial data is accurate, taxes are paid properly, and organizations run efficiently.
- Technical Writer: These specialists create clear, concise documentation for complex subjects. They author instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other materials that break down technical information for specific audiences.
These are just a few examples. Other roles, such as experienced Market Research Analysts, some Construction Managers, and mid-level Software Developers, can also fall into this salary range.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for all occupations was $46,310 in May 2022. Earning $79,040 places you comfortably in the top tier of earners nationwide.
Key Factors That Influence Your Salary
Achieving a $38/hour wage isn't solely about choosing the right job title. Several factors significantly impact your earning potential. Understanding them is key to maximizing your income.
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Level of Education
Higher education and specialized certifications are often direct pathways to higher pay.
- For Registered Nurses: While an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum requirement, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) often command higher salaries and have more opportunities for advancement into management or specialized roles.
- For Accountants: A bachelor's degree is standard, but earning a professional certification like a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license dramatically increases earning potential. A CPA can legally sign audit reports and is viewed as a top-tier expert in the field.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth. As you transition from an entry-level employee to a seasoned professional, your value and compensation will rise accordingly.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): In a field like accounting, an entry-level professional might start closer to $60,000 annually (~$29/hour).
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): With solid experience, that same professional can easily reach the $79,000 mark ($38/hour).
- Senior-Level (10+ years): A senior accountant or finance manager can earn well over $100,000 per year. According to Payscale, the salary for an Accountant can range from $53,000 to $95,000, clearly illustrating the impact of experience.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters—a lot. Salaries for the same job can vary by tens of thousands of dollars depending on the state and city, primarily due to differences in cost of living and local demand for skills.
For example, let's look at the mean annual wages for Registered Nurses across different states, according to May 2022 BLS data:
- High-Paying States: California ($133,340), Hawaii ($113,220), Oregon ($106,610)
- Average-Paying States: Illinois ($82,220), Arizona ($84,380)
- Lower-Paying States: Alabama ($66,970), South Dakota ($65,540)
A nurse earning well over $38/hour in Oregon might earn significantly less for the same role in Alabama.
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Company Type and Industry
The type of organization you work for plays a major role in your compensation.
- Industry: A technical writer in the software development industry will typically earn more than one working for a non-profit organization. Similarly, an accountant at a "Big Four" accounting firm (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) will likely have a higher salary than one working for a small local business.
- Company Size and Profitability: Large, profitable corporations generally have larger budgets for salaries and benefits compared to smaller companies or government agencies.
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Area of Specialization
Within any given profession, developing a niche skillset makes you more valuable and harder to replace.
- For Nurses: Specializing in high-demand areas like the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), neonatal care, or becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) leads to substantially higher pay.
- For Accountants: Specializing in forensic accounting, international tax law, or IT auditing can lead to salaries far exceeding the median for general accountants.
Job Outlook
When considering a career path, salary is only one part of the equation; job security and growth potential are equally important. Fortunately, many of the professions in the $38/hour range have a positive outlook.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (2022-2032 projections):
- Registered Nurses: Employment is projected to grow 6% ("faster than average"), with about 177,400 openings each year, on average, over the decade.
- Accountants and Auditors: Employment is projected to grow 4% ("as fast as average"), with about 126,500 openings each year.
- Technical Writers: Employment is projected to grow 7% ("faster than average"), with about 5,600 openings each year.
These strong projections indicate a stable and growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields, making them a secure choice for the future.
Conclusion
Earning $38 an hour, which translates to an annual salary of approximately $79,040, is a fantastic career achievement. It represents a level of expertise and responsibility that is well-compensated in today's job market.
Here are the key takeaways for anyone aspiring to reach this income level:
- Invest in Education: A strong educational foundation and relevant certifications (like a BSN or CPA) are often non-negotiable for higher-paying roles.
- Be Patient and Gain Experience: Your starting salary is not your final salary. Dedication and continuous learning will naturally drive your income up over time.
- Be Strategic About Location and Industry: Research which states and industries pay top dollar for your skills and be open to relocating or transitioning if it aligns with your goals.
- Specialize to Stand Out: Identify and develop a niche skillset within your field to become an indispensable expert who can command a premium salary.
A $38-per-hour salary is more than just a number—it’s a gateway to a rewarding professional life. With the right strategy, dedication, and career choices, it is an attainable and worthwhile goal.