Earning $42 an hour is a significant financial milestone, placing you well above the national median income and opening doors to a comfortable lifestyle and robust career opportunities. This translates to an annual salary of approximately $87,360 per year before taxes. But what does it take to reach this level of income? Which careers offer this kind of compensation, and how can you position yourself to earn it?
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about a $42-per-hour salary, from the jobs that pay it to the key factors that will influence your earning potential.
How Much is $42 an Hour, Annually?
First, let's establish a clear financial picture. An hourly wage of $42 translates into the following pre-tax earnings, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks of work per year:
- Annual Salary: $87,360 ($42 x 40 hours x 52 weeks)
- Monthly Salary: $7,280 ($87,360 / 12 months)
- Weekly Salary: $1,680 ($42 x 40 hours)
To put this in perspective, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the median usual weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers was $1,145 in the fourth quarter of 2023. This means a weekly income of $1,680 is substantially higher than that of the typical American worker, signifying a strong, competitive salary.
What Kinds of Jobs Pay $42 an Hour?
A salary in the range of $87,000 per year is achievable across a diverse array of industries, often requiring a blend of specialized education, in-demand skills, and relevant experience. These are not typically entry-level positions, but rather roles for skilled professionals.
Here are some examples of careers where the median pay falls around the $42/hour mark, according to the BLS and other salary aggregators:
- Registered Nurse (RN): With a median pay of $86,070 per year ($41.38/hour), nursing is a prime example. RNs provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support.
- Accountant and Auditor: Responsible for examining financial records and ensuring their accuracy, accountants have a median pay of $79,880 per year ($38.40/hour). With a few years of experience or a CPA license, earnings can easily exceed the $42/hour threshold.
- Technical Writer: These professionals create technical documentation like instruction manuals, how-to guides, and journal articles. The median pay is $80,050 per year ($38.49/hour), with experienced writers in specialized fields like software or engineering earning significantly more.
- Web Developer: Designing and creating websites, web developers are essential in today's digital economy. The BLS reports a median pay of $80,730 per year ($38.81/hour). Specialization in front-end or back-end development can push this figure higher.
- Electrician: A highly skilled trade, electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. Their median pay is $60,240 per year ($28.96/hour), but those with significant experience, a master electrician license, or union membership in high-demand areas can readily earn over $42/hour. Salary.com reports that the top 10% of electricians earn over $98,000 annually.
Key Factors That Influence Your Salary
Reaching a $42/hour wage isn't just about picking the right job title. Several factors will determine your specific compensation.
Level of Education
For many professional roles, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to enter a field where a $42/hour salary is possible. For instance, registered nurses typically need an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while accountants almost always require a bachelor's in accounting or a related field.
Advanced degrees (Master’s, MBA, Ph.D.) or professional certifications (like a CPA for accountants or a PMP for project managers) can act as powerful salary accelerators, often commanding higher starting pay and unlocking senior-level opportunities.
Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): In many of the fields listed above, you may start in the $25-$35/hour range. Your focus is on learning the ropes and proving your value.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): After gaining solid experience and a track record of success, professionals can expect to cross the $42/hour threshold. This is often where specialization begins to pay dividends.
- Senior-Level (8+ years): With extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and deep expertise, senior professionals and managers can earn well over $50-$60 per hour or more.
Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. A salary of $87,360 provides a different quality of life in a major metropolitan area compared to a rural town. Companies in high-cost-of-living areas like San Francisco, New York City, or Boston must offer higher salaries to attract talent.
According to Payscale's Cost of Living Calculator, a salary of $87,000 in Indianapolis, Indiana, would need to be approximately $135,000 in San Jose, California, to maintain the same standard of living. When evaluating a job offer, always consider the local cost of living.
Company Type & Industry
The type of company and industry you work in can create significant salary variance. A web developer at a large, publicly traded tech company like Google or Microsoft will almost certainly earn more than a developer with similar skills at a small non-profit or a local government agency. High-revenue industries like finance, technology, and specialized healthcare consistently offer higher compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Skills and Specialization
General skills get you in the door; specialized skills get you a higher salary. An RN who specializes in a high-demand area like neonatal intensive care (NICU) or cardiac catheterization will typically earn more than a generalist nurse. Similarly, an accountant who specializes in forensic accounting or international tax law can command a premium salary. Continuously developing in-demand technical or soft skills is a direct investment in your earning potential.
Job Outlook for High-Earning Professions
The future looks bright for many of the professions that pay in the $42/hour range. The demand for skilled labor, particularly in healthcare, technology, and finance, is projected to grow robustly.
The BLS projects that employment for Registered Nurses will grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, roles for Web Developers and Information Security Analysts are projected to grow by 16% and 32% respectively, indicating extraordinary demand. This strong growth means more opportunities and continued wage pressure, making it a great time to pursue careers in these fields.
Conclusion: Charting Your Path to $42 an Hour
Achieving a salary of $42 an hour, or approximately $87,360 annually, is a fantastic and attainable career goal. It represents a level of professional success that provides financial security and a comfortable lifestyle for many Americans.
Here are the key takeaways for your journey:
- It's an Above-Average Salary: This income level places you well above the national median, reflecting significant professional skill and value.
- Focus on In-Demand Fields: Careers in healthcare, technology, finance, and the skilled trades are fertile ground for this level of compensation.
- Invest in Yourself: Your earning potential is directly tied to your education, experience, and specialized skills. Lifelong learning is key.
- Strategy is Everything: Be strategic about your location, the industry you choose, and the companies you target.
Whether you are a student planning your future or a professional looking to advance, earning $42 an hour is within reach with dedication, strategic planning, and a commitment to developing valuable expertise.