Working 20 hours a week at $21 an hour means you make $3,840 per month. That’s before taxes, 401K and any other deductions are taken out of your paycheck.
Jobs in engineering, software development and skilled trades can pay this much. But so can some law practice and many other fields depending on your skill set.
Administrative Assistant
An administrative assistant is the person behind the scenes in many industries. They perform tasks such as writing reports, arranging schedules and answering phone calls. They also handle more advanced tasks, like composing letters and emails. The skills needed to succeed in this career include verbal and written communication, organization, attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
The pay for an administrative assistant is quite good in Texas, especially if you have some formal education or training. There are a variety of educational programs that can teach you these skills, such as high school vocational programs and one- to two-year office administration degree programs at community colleges.
Another perk of this job is that it offers room for advancement. You can move up the ladder by taking on more complex duties or gaining experience in different departments or industries. For example, if you have some experience with medical coding, you could become a healthcare admin manager and earn an even higher salary.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives handle inbound phone calls from customers with questions or problems about a company’s products or services. They answer general questions, troubleshoot basic technical issues, assist callers with product or process-related inquiries and professionally represent some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
They are required to provide high levels of satisfaction and adhere to operational standards. They also escalate customer issues to their managers for resolution as necessary.
These professionals are required to have excellent verbal communication skills, a professional demeanor and a positive, energetic attitude to support a best-in-class customer experience. In addition, they must be familiar with a variety of products and services to respond to customer inquiries. Typically, they work Monday to Friday and do not have evening or weekend phone schedules. These positions often pay a competitive salary and benefits. Explore resources that compare state and area wages for Customer Service Representatives. These include industry reports, occupation profiles and O*NET.
Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers are responsible for receiving incoming stock and materials, processing orders, preparing shipping packages, and maintaining inventory records. They also operate and maintain warehouse equipment. In some warehouses, they may be required to lift heavy products. Warehouse workers typically work indoors and in temperature-controlled environments. They are often on their feet for extended periods of time and have physical demands that can cause fatigue.
Warehouse jobs can be a great way to build career skills, earn a competitive salary and gain experience in a variety of industries. There are many ways to increase your pay as a Warehouse Worker, including changing employers, gaining advanced degrees, or becoming a warehouse supervisor. Working hard in a warehouse job can bring many benefits, including good health, strong interpersonal relationships, and a sense of accomplishment. The hard work can also provide financial security and a secure future for you and your family.
Sales Representative
Sales representatives are responsible for selling products or services on behalf of their employer. They may work from an office or travel to meet with prospective customers. They typically have to meet a sales quota each month to remain employed. They must have excellent interpersonal communication skills and a competitive and goal-oriented mindset.
They must also be able to analyze a prospect’s needs and create solutions for them that are relevant and affordable. Other job duties include presenting product or service demos, negotiating with leads, and maintaining relationships with existing customer accounts.
A formal education is not always necessary for a sales rep position, but some fields such as tech and medical require college degrees or certifications. They may also have to complete additional training and on-the-job experience. Additionally, a strong network and continual learning are essential for advancing in this career.