Looking to earn $20 an hour in the UK? You’re not alone. With the cost of living on the rise, many people are searching for high-paying jobs that don’t necessarily require a degree or years of experience. The good news is — there are plenty of opportunities across the UK where you can earn around £16 per hour (equivalent to $20) or even more.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best jobs that pay $20 an hour in the UK, how to qualify for them, and what kind of skills or experience you’ll need. Whether you’re a student, a part-timer, or someone looking to switch careers, this article will help you find a well-paying and flexible job that suits your lifestyle.
1. Understanding $20 an Hour in the UK
Before jumping into the list, let’s quickly understand what $20 an hour equals in UK currency.
- $20/hour ≈ £16/hour (depending on exchange rates).
- If you work 40 hours per week, that’s about £2,560 per month (before tax).
- Annually, that equals roughly £30,000 – £32,000 per year.
That’s a comfortable salary for many UK regions, especially if you find a job with flexible hours or remote options.
2. Top Jobs That Pay $20 an Hour in the UK
Below are the top 15 jobs across various industries that offer $20 per hour or more in the UK.
1. Delivery Driver (Amazon, DPD, or Local Couriers)
- Average Pay: £15 – £20 per hour
- Skills Needed: Driving license, time management, navigation skills
- Why It Pays Well: High demand for deliveries due to online shopping boom.
- Bonus Tip: Working with Amazon Flex or Uber Eats can boost income with tips and bonuses.
2. Electrician
- Average Pay: £18 – £25 per hour
- Requirements: NVQ Level 3, ECS card, apprenticeship experience
- Why It’s Lucrative: Skilled trade with constant demand in housing and commercial projects.
3. Plumber
- Average Pay: £17 – £22 per hour
- Qualifications: City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2/3 in Plumbing
- Perk: Self-employed plumbers can charge even higher hourly rates.
4. Freelance Graphic Designer
- Average Pay: £16 – £30 per hour
- Skills: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, creativity
- Work Type: Remote or hybrid
- Why It Pays Well: High-paying freelance gigs from UK and global clients.
5. Tutor (Online or Offline)
- Average Pay: £15 – £25 per hour
- Subjects: English, Maths, Science, or coding
- Platforms: MyTutor, Superprof, or Tutorful
- Pro Tip: Specialized tutors (like SAT or IELTS trainers) earn even more.
6. Web Developer
- Average Pay: £20 – £35 per hour
- Skills Needed: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, or WordPress
- Why It’s Hot: Tech jobs are always in demand; remote-friendly and project-based.
7. Virtual Assistant
- Average Pay: £14 – £22 per hour
- Work Type: Remote (supporting businesses online)
- Skills: Communication, admin, scheduling, and social media management.
8. Construction Worker (Skilled Labour)
- Average Pay: £17 – £24 per hour
- Requirement: On-site experience or CSCS card
- Why It’s Lucrative: Overtime and weekend shifts can raise total pay quickly.
9. Healthcare Assistant (NHS or Private)
- Average Pay: £14 – £21 per hour
- Workplaces: Hospitals, care homes, or home visits
- Bonus: Extra pay for night or holiday shifts.
10. Truck or HGV Driver
- Average Pay: £16 – £23 per hour
- License Needed: HGV Class 1 or 2 license
- Why It’s High Paying: UK driver shortages make this a well-paying role.
11. Hairdresser or Barber
- Average Pay: £15 – £25 per hour
- Potential: Tips and commissions increase total earnings
- Pro Tip: Freelancers or mobile stylists earn even more.
12. Social Media Manager
- Average Pay: £18 – £28 per hour
- Skills: Content creation, analytics, paid ads
- Why It Pays: Businesses invest heavily in online marketing.
13. Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician
- Average Pay: £17 – £23 per hour
- Why It’s Growing: The UK’s transition to EVs creates new skilled opportunities.
14. Customer Support Specialist
- Average Pay: £15 – £21 per hour
- Work Type: Remote or in-office
- Tip: Bilingual speakers can earn more in international companies.
15. Digital Marketing Executive
- Average Pay: £16 – £26 per hour
- Skills: SEO, Google Ads, content marketing
- Bonus: Freelance marketers can charge clients per campaign and earn higher hourly rates.
3. Remote Jobs Paying $20 an Hour in the UK
With more companies going digital, remote work has opened up hundreds of online jobs paying $20/hour or more. Here are some of the best options:
- Freelance Writer or Copywriter – £15–£30/hour
- Virtual Bookkeeper – £16–£25/hour
- Customer Chat Support Agent – £14–£22/hour
- Transcriptionist – £14–£20/hour
- Affiliate Marketer – Variable, but easily above £16/hour with performance bonuses
These jobs allow you to work from home, set your own schedule, and earn a stable income online.
4. Skills That Can Help You Earn $20 an Hour
If you’re aiming to increase your earning potential, focus on developing in-demand skills such as:
- Digital Marketing & SEO
- Web Development & Design
- Electrical and Plumbing Certifications
- Sales & Customer Communication
- Data Entry & Virtual Assistance Tools (like Notion, Asana, and Google Workspace)
Learning these skills can help you land jobs that pay above average and offer long-term stability.
5. Industries That Commonly Pay $20 an Hour or More
Some industries in the UK naturally offer higher hourly pay. These include:
- Technology & IT Services
- Construction & Skilled Trades
- Healthcare & Nursing
- Logistics & Transport
- Education & Tutoring
- Creative Services (Design, Writing, Media)
Focusing your job search on these industries increases your chances of finding £16/hour+ jobs consistently.
6. How to Find $20-an-Hour Jobs in the UK
You can find such opportunities on popular job boards like:
- Indeed.co.uk
- Reed.co.uk
- Glassdoor.co.uk
- TotalJobs.com
- LinkedIn Jobs
Search for keywords like “£16/hour,” “remote jobs UK,” or “freelance opportunities UK” to get the best matches.
7. Tips to Increase Your Hourly Income
- Learn new digital skills – Upskilling increases your market value.
- Freelance or go self-employed – Charge higher rates.
- Work overtime or weekends – Many companies pay extra for these shifts.
- Get certified – Industry-recognized qualifications boost credibility.
- Negotiate your pay – Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth.
8. Conclusion
Earning $20 an hour in the UK is entirely achievable — whether you prefer working with your hands, online, or in an office setting. From skilled trades to digital freelancing, there’s something for everyone. The key is to identify your strengths, develop relevant skills, and look for the right opportunities.
With smart planning and consistent effort, you can build a career that pays well, offers flexibility, and supports your lifestyle.
Call to Action
Looking to secure your future with smart investments? Visit plotsforsalehyd.in — your trusted destination for premium real estate opportunities in Hyderabad. Authored by Karna Raju, a property investment expert helping people build wealth through strategic land investments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is $20 an hour in UK money?
It’s approximately £16 per hour, depending on the current exchange rate.
2. Is £16 per hour a good wage in the UK?
Yes, it’s above the UK average wage, especially for part-time or entry-level roles.
3. Can I earn $20/hour without a degree?
Absolutely! Jobs like delivery driving, virtual assistance, and trades don’t require a degree.
4. What remote jobs pay $20/hour in the UK?
Freelance writing, digital marketing, and customer service roles often pay this rate.
5. How can students earn $20 an hour?
Students can tutor, freelance, or take on part-time online jobs like transcription or social media management.
6. What trade jobs pay $20/hour or more?
Electricians, plumbers, and construction workers typically earn £16–£25/hour.
7. Are there any $20/hour jobs with no experience?
Yes, delivery driving, warehouse jobs, and entry-level customer support roles often start around that rate.
8. How much is $20 an hour annually in the UK?
Roughly £30,000–£32,000 per year, depending on hours worked.
9. Which city in the UK offers the most $20/hour jobs?
London, Manchester, and Birmingham have the most opportunities in this range.
10. How can I increase my hourly pay quickly?
Gain certifications, learn new skills, and apply for freelance or overtime opportunities.
Focus Keyword: What jobs pay $20 an hour in the UK
Related Keywords: high-paying UK jobs, £16/hour jobs UK, part-time £20/hour jobs, remote UK jobs, flexible work UK, trade jobs UK, online jobs UK, side hustles UK, well-paying jobs UK, digital marketing jobs UK, freelance work UK, work from home UK, career growth UK, top paying jobs UK, self-employed jobs UK.
