It’s now possible to activate all 5% category credit cards for the third quarter of 2024, including the Chase Freedom, Chase Freedom Flex, Discover IT, Citi Dividend, US Bank Cash+ and some smaller cards. In this post we’ll provide the activation link for each card and links to track your spend, along with strategies to help increase spend in these categories.
Dates: July 1st – September 30, 2024. Store purchases can usually be done until the last minute while online purchases should be given a buffer zone since the charge typically posts on the shipping date.
Chase Freedom – Gas, EV, Entertainment
Activation Link / FAQ / Sample Stores & Exclusions / Our original post
With the Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex cards, activate to earn 5% back this quarter on up to $1,500 in spend at gas stations, on EV charging, select live entertainment and movie theaters.
Gas and EV charging – Useful for gas and also for buying gift cards inside some gas stations and similar convenience stores
Select live entertainment and movie theaters
Tip: Click this link (login required) to check how far you are along the $1,500.
Discover – Grocery, Walmart
Activation Link / Our original post
With your Discover card, activate to earn 5% back this quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases at Grocery Stores and at Walmart.
Grocery Stores – always a useful category. Grocery stores also sell a wide variety of gift cards to other retailers.
Walmart – Walmart store purchases, online purchases, and gas purchases are included. You can buy a Walmart gift card online or in-store and then use that for Sam’s Club purchases as well. Walmart sells third party gift cards too.
Activate to earn 5% Cashback Bonus at Grocery Stores and Walmart from 7/1/24 (or the date on which you activate 5%, whichever is later) through 9/30/24, on up to $1,500 in purchases. Grocery Store purchases include those made at supermarkets, meat lockers, bakeries, smaller grocery stores, and grocery delivery services. All purchases made from Target, convenience stores, wholesale clubs, and discount stores are not eligible. Walmart purchases include those made at Walmart.com, through the Walmart app, in-store at Walmart Discount Stores, Walmart Supercenter Stores, Walmart Neighborhood Market Stores, Curbside Pickup, Walmart +, and Walmart Gas Stations. Purchases using Walmart Pay with your Discover Card will also be included. Purchases from individual merchants and stand-alone stores within physical Walmart locations may not be eligible for this promotion. Sam’s Club purchases are not eligible. Purchases made through affiliates of Walmart.com are not a part of this promotion. The Walmart.com logo is a registered trademark of Walmart Inc. Listed merchants are in no way sponsoring or affiliated with this program.
Tip: Login, then click this link to see you how far along the $1,500 you are.
Citi Dividend – Gas
Landing Page | Our Original Post
With your Dividend card, activate to earn 5% back this quarter at Gas Stations. Citi is different than the other cards in that you have a $6,000 annual cap rather than a $1,500 quarterly cap. You can get 5% back on up to $6,000 in this quarter or you can save the entire amount for a different quarter, or you can use part up each quarter.
Excludes gasoline purchases at warehouse clubs, discount stores, convenience stores or other merchants that do not use the gas station merchant category code.
U.S. Bank Cash+/Elan – Select your Categories
Activation link | Merchant List | Our Original Post
U.S. Bank Cash+ and Elan Max offer 5% cash back in two categories, up to $2,000 combined total per quarter. Keep in mind that Car Rentals was recently replaced with TV, Internet, and Streaming Services.
Here are the current options:
TV, Internet, and Streaming Services
Home utilities
Select clothing stores
Cell phone providers
Electronic Stores
Gyms/Fitness
Fast food
Ground Transportation
Sporting goods
Department Stores
Furniture Stores
Movie theaters
Tip: Login here, then scroll down and click on the red “View Your Cash+ History” button.
U.S. Bank Shopper – Select your Categories
Our Original Post
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards comes with a $95 annual fee and offers 6% cashback on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose. Options include Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, and many more. You must enroll each quarter into two retailers.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Our Original Post
The Cash Rewards card from Bank of America offers 3% back on one selected category, up to $2,500 per quarter. If you don’t select anything it defaults to gas. Once you selected a category for one quarter, that remains your category in the future unless you change it. Each calendar month you can change it if you’d like, but you’re always limited to $2,500 for the entire quarter.
Gas and EV charging stations (default category)
Online Shopping; this category also includes cable, streaming, internet, and phone plan
Dining
Travel
Drug Stores
Home Improvement/Furnishings
This category is especially lucrative for those who have Preferred Rewards status with Bank of America which can get you 5.25% back on one of these categories at the higher relationship level.
Lots of useful categories here. Important note: the Cash Rewards card also offers 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs up to $2,500 per quarter, and that $2,500 limit combines with the Category Selection limit. After spending $2,500, you’ll earn 1% back on everything.
Other Cards with 5% Category
Nusenda FCU – Gas, Hotels, Airfare, Education
Landing Page | Our Original Post
Earn 5% this quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases on Gas, Hotels, Airfare, and Education.
This is on top of the regular 1% for a total earn of 6% back. (apparently no longer the case?)
Langley FCU – Walmart, Wholesale, Gas, EV
Landing Page | Our Original Post
Langley Federal Credit Union offers 5% back each month in one selected category, on up to $100 cash back total ($2,000 spend).
The category options at time of this writing: Walmart, Wholesale, Gas, EV.
Vantage West [AZ] – Select your Category
Landing Page | Our Original Post
Get 5x points on the category of your choice, up to $1,500 per quarter. Eligible categories:
Safe Credit Union Cash Rewards Visa card offers 5% this quarter on your choice of one category each quarter (with no apparent limit). This quarter the categories are:
Want to learn how to make quick money in one day? There are plenty of opportunities out there that let you earn some extra cash without a long-term commitment or if you need cash immediately. Whether you prefer working online or doing tasks around your neighborhood, you can find a side hustle that fits your…
Want to learn how to make quick money in one day? There are plenty of opportunities out there that let you earn some extra cash without a long-term commitment or if you need cash immediately.
Whether you prefer working online or doing tasks around your neighborhood, you can find a side hustle that fits your skills and schedule. From driving for a rideshare to selling unused items, making quick money in a day is more achievable than you might think.
I have personally done most of the side hustles below, so I know they are real.
Best Ways To Make Quick Money in One Day
Below are the best ways to make quick money in one day:
1. Flip items for resale
Flipping items for resale is a fast way to make money. You buy things at a low price and sell them for more. And you can even start with stuff you already have at home.
You can sell clothes, old phones, books, unused gift cards, kitchen items, and jewelry.
Many people have lots of items just lying around, so you could easily find things to sell without spending a dime to buy new stock.
Selling your items can be quick too by listing your stuff on sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms have many buyers looking for good deals.
Recommended reading: How I Made $40,000 In One Year Flipping Items
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
2. Sell your clothes
When I was younger, I worked at a secondhand clothing store for a few years. I know how great these shops are, especially for making extra money.
I have sold a lot of clothes over the years, both online and in person. I even had a small business reselling clothes. So, I know a lot about selling used clothes!
Selling your clothes is a great way to clean out your closet and make some quick cash. You probably have clothes lying around that you don’t wear anymore, maybe because they don’t fit or aren’t your style.
You can begin by gathering items you no longer need. Check that they’re clean and in good condition. Next, decide where you want to sell them.
Local secondhand and consignment shops are an option if you prefer selling in person. These shops buy used clothes and pay you in cash or store credit. It’s quick and straightforward, but remember they might not accept everything. Secondhand and thrift stores like Plato’s Closet will give you cash the same day, so this is a good option if you need money right now.
Selling online gives you a bigger audience and more options. Sites like ThredUp make it easy. Order a Clean Out Kit, fill it with clothes, and send it back. ThredUp handles almost everything.
Another option is Poshmark. This is an app where you can list your clothes, set prices, and sell directly to buyers. You take photos, write descriptions, and ship items after they sell. Poshmark takes a small fee from each sale.
EBay is also popular. You just create listings, set starting bids, and see how much you can earn. Auctions can end quickly, so it’s great for fast sales.
Instagram can also be a fun place to sell if you have a following. You can post pictures of your clothes, add hashtags, and engage with your buyers.
Here are 16 Best Places To Sell Clothes For Cash.
3. Sell old electronics
Selling old electronics can be a great way to make quick money in one day.
You can start by looking around your home for unused gadgets such as old phones, laptops, tablets, or even game consoles.
Your old electronics can be sold on sites like Decluttr, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. Retailers like Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy also have trade-in programs. You can exchange your old devices for gift cards to use at their stores.
If you want quick cash, these methods are fast and convenient. Just gather your old electronics, pick the best place to sell, and you could have extra money in your pocket by the end of the day.
4. Dog walking and pet sitting
Dog walking is a fun and easy way to make money quickly. If you love dogs and enjoy spending time outdoors, this can be a great option for you. There are several dog walking apps that connect dog walkers with pet owners.
One popular app is Rover. It’s easy to sign up and get started. You can set your own rates and choose when you want to work. Many people find Rover helpful because there’s always a demand for dog walking services.
Another popular app is Wag for people looking for a pet sitter.
Dog walking rates can vary. Typically, you can earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on the number of dogs and the length of the walk. This can add up quickly, especially if you take multiple jobs in one day.
My mother-in-law as well as my sister are both dog walkers and really enjoy what they do!
5. Complete online surveys
Doing online surveys is a simple way to make quick money in one day. Many companies want your opinion to improve their products or services, and by sharing your thoughts, you can earn cash or gift cards.
Some paid survey sites where you can take surveys include:
Freecash
Prime Opinion
Five Surveys
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
Earning money from answering surveys isn’t quick and won’t make you rich. But if you have an hour, it’s an easy way to make a little extra cash.
I have answered a lot of surveys over the years. I liked that I could do them during little breaks in my day, like before and after work, during lunch, or while riding in a car. They are easy to answer and usually only take a few minutes.
6. Freelance work
Freelance jobs are a great way to make fast money. You can use your skills to help others and get paid for it. Plus, lots of people need freelance writers, graphic designers, and web developers.
Here are some ideas:
If you enjoy writing, you can find jobs that need blog posts, articles, or even editing. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients who need these services.
Are you good at art or graphic design? Many businesses look for freelance graphic designers. They need help with logos, social media posts, and website designs.
Web developers can also find plenty of work online. You could help build a website or fix one that’s already running. Code issues can be tricky for many, but if you’re good at it, you can get paid well.
You can also offer services like proofreading, transcription, or even managing social media accounts. These jobs can be done quickly and still earn you money.
Freelancing gives you the freedom to choose what you do and when you work. Since it’s online, you can do it from the comfort of your home. It’s a flexible way to make quick cash on your own schedule.
I have been a freelancer for years, and I think it’s a great way to make more money.
You can learn more at 16 Best Freelance Jobs & How To Get Started.
7. Sell crafts on Etsy
Selling crafts on Etsy is a fun and creative way to make quick money. Many buyers love unique, handmade items that they can’t find anywhere else.
I shop on Etsy all the time (I actually just bought a custom card for someone as well as a specific live plant that I couldn’t find anywhere in person!).
Items like jewelry, handmade soaps, and candles are very popular. These items are easy to make and tend to sell well. Stickers and printables also have a big market and can be a good way to make a passive income stream. You can also make bath products like sugar scrubs and geode bath bombs. People love these items because they are both pretty and useful.
Here are 16 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money.
8. Rent out a spare room
Renting out a room is a great way to make money fast. If you have a spare room, you can try listing it on sites like Airbnb, Facebook, or Craigslist.
You can rent your room for a night, a week, one month, or even longer. This flexibility allows you to choose what works best for your schedule.
When I was younger, I had extra bedrooms in my house and rented them out to roommates. I rented to long-term renters and people I knew, like friends and my sister. It didn’t cover my whole mortgage, but it covered about half, which I thought was great!
9. Food delivery
Food delivery jobs can help you make quick money in one day. There are many food delivery apps and services that need drivers to deliver meals from restaurants and grocery stores to customers.
One popular option is DoorDash. As a DoorDash driver, you pick up food from local restaurants, deliver it to customers, and you can keep 100% of your tips and cash out daily.
Another good choice is Uber Eats. With Uber Eats, you set your own hours and enjoy the freedom of no boss. You can deliver food in your spare time and get paid fast.
For grocery delivery, there is Instacart. Instacart is a popular website for people who want to make extra money by shopping for and delivering groceries.
These food delivery services are flexible. You can work whenever you have free time and you can typically cash out your earnings the same day, so this is great if you need to make money quickly.
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Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money shopping for and delivering groceries. Instacart gives you the option to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.
10. Participate in focus groups
Participating in focus groups is a quick way to make money in one day. Companies want your opinion on products or services, and they pay well for it. You can earn between $50 and $150 for an hour of your time.
Focus groups can be done online or in person. Online focus groups are convenient because you can join from home, and in-person groups might offer even higher payouts.
User Interviews is a popular site to find focus groups to take part in.
To get started, sign up on these websites and fill out your profile. Companies will contact you when a study matches your profile.
I did a user interview once and got paid $400 for just one hour of work. It was easy and done online through a video call to get my opinion on a new website feature.
Recommended reading: 19 Best Places To Find Paid Research Studies
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
11. Provide handyman services
If you’re good at fixing things, selling handyman services can be a quick way to make money. Many people need help with small repairs around the house like fixing leaky faucets, installing ceiling fans, or even putting up pictures. These jobs don’t take long and can be done on short notice.
You can start by putting up flyers in your neighborhood or posting on local community boards online (for example, there’s probably a Facebook group for your town that you can join and post on).
You can also use apps like Taskrabbit to find jobs quickly. These apps connect you with people looking for immediate help. This way, you don’t have to wait long to start earning money.
You are typically paid the same day you finish the job for handyman services.
I have personally hired different handymen over the years for all sorts of services, such as a bathroom cabinet install, painting a bedroom, flooring repair, and even a roof repair.
12. Play game apps
Ever thought about making money just by playing games on your phone? There are plenty of apps where you can do just that.
Here’s a quick list of the top game platforms that pay real cash:
KashKick
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Freecash
Game apps pay real money rewards because they earn money from ads and in-app purchases. They share a part of their earnings with players like you and me to keep them engaged and playing their games.
Recommended reading: 23 Best Game Apps To Win Real Money
13. Have a yard sale
Having a yard sale (or garage sale) is a great way to make quick money in just one day. It helps you declutter your home and turn unwanted items into cash.
You usually can’t ask for a really high price on anything, but it can be a way to sell a lot of things at once and make some cash in one day.
You can sell all sorts of things – basically anything and everything that you own.
14. Sell unused gift cards
Lots of people have gift cards they never use. Maybe you have one for a store you don’t shop at. Instead of letting it collect dust, you can sell it and get cash.
Many websites let you trade your card for money such as Raise and CardCash, which are two popular sites. They usually give you around 90% of the card’s value.
To sell a gift card, you’ll enter the store’s name and the card’s balance. You’ll get an offer right away, and if you accept it, you can get paid by PayPal, direct deposit, or even a check.
15. Find unclaimed money
Did you know there might be money out there waiting for you to claim it? It’s called unclaimed money, and it’s typically from forgotten accounts, old jobs, or refunds.
To see if you have any free money to claim, go to unclaimed.org. This site is run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).
The site will then take you to missingmoney.com. This is a helpful tool that works with states to help people find their unclaimed money. You just need to enter your first name, last name, and state.
It’s free to search and free to claim your money. So, take a few minutes to check it out. You might find some extra money waiting for you!
I just looked and I had around $60 in free money that I could claim!
16. Babysit for neighbors
Babysitting is a great way to make quick money. Many parents need help, especially on weekends or evenings.
Let your neighbors know you are available. You can also ask friends to spread the word or even post in local Facebook groups.
17. Search for Craigslist gigs
Craigslist can be a great place to find quick-paying jobs. Many people need help with tasks, and they post ads looking for workers who can start right away.
To find Craigslist gigs in your town, go to Craigslist and look for the “gigs” section.
You can find jobs like yard cleanup, moving help, helping around the house, putting up flyers, event staff, selling plasma, tutor help, and more.
Some gigs you find may even be more specialized, like participating in local medical research studies. These gigs can pay quite a bit more, sometimes up to $1,000.
18. Wash or detail cars
Washing or detailing cars is a great way to make quick money. You can start by selling your services to friends, family, and neighbors. Most people appreciate a clean car and may not have the time to do it themselves.
You don’t need much to get started and most likely just need basic supplies like soap, sponges, towels, and a vacuum can be enough. For detailing, you might need some special products like polish and wax.
Once you get a few clients, word of mouth can help you grow your business. People will recommend you if you do a good job. Plus, you can adjust your pricing based on how much time and effort each job takes.
19. Cash in your coins
Do you have a jar full of coins sitting around? Cashing them in can be a quick way to get some extra money.
First, look for a nearby bank or credit union that you belong to as many will exchange coins for free if you have an account with them.
Coinstar machines are another option. These are usually found in grocery stores and retail shops. Be aware that they charge a fee if you want cash. To avoid the fee, sometimes you can opt for an egift card instead.
Learn more at Where To Cash Coins For Free Near Me – 9 Best Places.
20. Clean homes
One way to make quick money in a day is by cleaning homes. You can get paid to clean houses, apartments, or short-term rentals like those listed on Airbnb.
Cleaning tasks can include vacuuming, dusting, mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms, and you might also need to do things like changing bed linens and washing dishes.
21. Sign-up bonuses
Sign-up bonuses are a way to make some quick money.
Many apps and websites offer these bonuses to encourage you to join them. They often come in the form of cash, gift cards, or rewards points.
Some places that give sign-up bonuses include:
Sometimes when you open a bank account, you can also get a sign-up bonus too!
22. Recycle items
Recycling can be a great way to earn quick money.
Here are some items you may be able to recycle for extra money:
Aluminum cans are easy to collect and recycle.
You can also gather old newspapers and cardboard boxes.
Metals like copper, brass, and steel can get you a good price. Sort them into different types before taking them to the scrapyard. Scrapyards often pay for clean and separated metals.
Glass bottles and jars are another option. Collect them from friends, neighbors, or local events. Check with recycling centers to see how much they pay per bottle.
Even cooking oil can be sold to companies that convert it into biodiesel or soap. Save your used cooking oil in containers and find a local recycler who buys it.
Don’t forget about selling books! Old textbooks or novels can be sold online or at local bookstores. Sites like eBay and Amazon have buyback programs that offer cash or store credit.
To make the most money by recycling, gather as much as you can, store it safely, and take it to the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions on how to make quick money in just one day.
How can I make money ASAP today?
If you need to learn how to get quick money in one day without paying anything, then I recommend finding things around your home to sell, such as clothes, jewelry, books, an old phone, and more.
How can I make $100 per day?
There are many ways to make $100 a day. You can sell items you don’t need like old clothes or electronics. You can also flip items for resale or sell services like cleaning or home repair.
How can you actually make $1000 a day?
Making $1000 in a day is tough but not impossible. It might involve selling high-value items like jewelry, doing freelance work, or offering specialized services. Jobs in the gig economy, such as driving or delivering, can earn you money immediately, and you can combine them with other gigs to boost your daily earnings.
How can I make money in just hours?
Try quick tasks like dog walking, babysitting, or selling items from around your home.
How to make quick money in one day as a kid?
Kids can earn money by doing chores, babysitting, or selling homemade crafts. Offering to mow lawns or do yard work for your neighbors is also a good option.
How to make quick money in one day on my phone?
Your phone can help you earn money in various ways too. You can sell things you don’t need or use your skills on freelance platforms. Answering surveys, selling photos, or being a virtual friend can also earn you money, all from the comfort of wherever you are.
How to make quick money in one day online?
To make quick money in one day online, you can take online surveys, freelance your skills, or sell items on eBay or other platforms. You can also offer services on gig websites like Fiverr.
How To Make Quick Money in One Day – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make quick money in one day.
If you need money immediately, there are many things you can do to make money today. Whether you’re saving for a goal or dealing with an unexpected expense, these tips can help you achieve financial flexibility in just one day.
Some may be more of a part-time side gig, whereas others can be a full-time income. It all just depends on what you’re looking for.
What do you think is the best way to make money in one day?
Want to learn how to make quick money in one day? There are plenty of opportunities out there that let you earn some extra cash without a long-term commitment or if you need cash immediately. Whether you prefer working online or doing tasks around your neighborhood, you can find a side hustle that fits your…
Want to learn how to make quick money in one day? There are plenty of opportunities out there that let you earn some extra cash without a long-term commitment or if you need cash immediately.
Whether you prefer working online or doing tasks around your neighborhood, you can find a side hustle that fits your skills and schedule. From driving for a rideshare to selling unused items, making quick money in a day is more achievable than you might think.
I have personally done most of the side hustles below, so I know they are real.
Best Ways To Make Quick Money in One Day
Below are the best ways to make quick money in one day:
1. Flip items for resale
Flipping items for resale is a fast way to make money. You buy things at a low price and sell them for more. And you can even start with stuff you already have at home.
You can sell clothes, old phones, books, unused gift cards, kitchen items, and jewelry.
Many people have lots of items just lying around, so you could easily find things to sell without spending a dime to buy new stock.
Selling your items can be quick too by listing your stuff on sites like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. These platforms have many buyers looking for good deals.
Recommended reading: How I Made $40,000 In One Year Flipping Items
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
2. Sell your clothes
When I was younger, I worked at a secondhand clothing store for a few years. I know how great these shops are, especially for making extra money.
I have sold a lot of clothes over the years, both online and in person. I even had a small business reselling clothes. So, I know a lot about selling used clothes!
Selling your clothes is a great way to clean out your closet and make some quick cash. You probably have clothes lying around that you don’t wear anymore, maybe because they don’t fit or aren’t your style.
You can begin by gathering items you no longer need. Check that they’re clean and in good condition. Next, decide where you want to sell them.
Local secondhand and consignment shops are an option if you prefer selling in person. These shops buy used clothes and pay you in cash or store credit. It’s quick and straightforward, but remember they might not accept everything. Secondhand and thrift stores like Plato’s Closet will give you cash the same day, so this is a good option if you need money right now.
Selling online gives you a bigger audience and more options. Sites like ThredUp make it easy. Order a Clean Out Kit, fill it with clothes, and send it back. ThredUp handles almost everything.
Another option is Poshmark. This is an app where you can list your clothes, set prices, and sell directly to buyers. You take photos, write descriptions, and ship items after they sell. Poshmark takes a small fee from each sale.
EBay is also popular. You just create listings, set starting bids, and see how much you can earn. Auctions can end quickly, so it’s great for fast sales.
Instagram can also be a fun place to sell if you have a following. You can post pictures of your clothes, add hashtags, and engage with your buyers.
Here are 16 Best Places To Sell Clothes For Cash.
3. Sell old electronics
Selling old electronics can be a great way to make quick money in one day.
You can start by looking around your home for unused gadgets such as old phones, laptops, tablets, or even game consoles.
Your old electronics can be sold on sites like Decluttr, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. Retailers like Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy also have trade-in programs. You can exchange your old devices for gift cards to use at their stores.
If you want quick cash, these methods are fast and convenient. Just gather your old electronics, pick the best place to sell, and you could have extra money in your pocket by the end of the day.
4. Dog walking and pet sitting
Dog walking is a fun and easy way to make money quickly. If you love dogs and enjoy spending time outdoors, this can be a great option for you. There are several dog walking apps that connect dog walkers with pet owners.
One popular app is Rover. It’s easy to sign up and get started. You can set your own rates and choose when you want to work. Many people find Rover helpful because there’s always a demand for dog walking services.
Another popular app is Wag for people looking for a pet sitter.
Dog walking rates can vary. Typically, you can earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on the number of dogs and the length of the walk. This can add up quickly, especially if you take multiple jobs in one day.
My mother-in-law as well as my sister are both dog walkers and really enjoy what they do!
5. Complete online surveys
Doing online surveys is a simple way to make quick money in one day. Many companies want your opinion to improve their products or services, and by sharing your thoughts, you can earn cash or gift cards.
Some paid survey sites where you can take surveys include:
Freecash
Prime Opinion
Five Surveys
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
Earning money from answering surveys isn’t quick and won’t make you rich. But if you have an hour, it’s an easy way to make a little extra cash.
I have answered a lot of surveys over the years. I liked that I could do them during little breaks in my day, like before and after work, during lunch, or while riding in a car. They are easy to answer and usually only take a few minutes.
6. Freelance work
Freelance jobs are a great way to make fast money. You can use your skills to help others and get paid for it. Plus, lots of people need freelance writers, graphic designers, and web developers.
Here are some ideas:
If you enjoy writing, you can find jobs that need blog posts, articles, or even editing. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients who need these services.
Are you good at art or graphic design? Many businesses look for freelance graphic designers. They need help with logos, social media posts, and website designs.
Web developers can also find plenty of work online. You could help build a website or fix one that’s already running. Code issues can be tricky for many, but if you’re good at it, you can get paid well.
You can also offer services like proofreading, transcription, or even managing social media accounts. These jobs can be done quickly and still earn you money.
Freelancing gives you the freedom to choose what you do and when you work. Since it’s online, you can do it from the comfort of your home. It’s a flexible way to make quick cash on your own schedule.
I have been a freelancer for years, and I think it’s a great way to make more money.
You can learn more at 16 Best Freelance Jobs & How To Get Started.
7. Sell crafts on Etsy
Selling crafts on Etsy is a fun and creative way to make quick money. Many buyers love unique, handmade items that they can’t find anywhere else.
I shop on Etsy all the time (I actually just bought a custom card for someone as well as a specific live plant that I couldn’t find anywhere in person!).
Items like jewelry, handmade soaps, and candles are very popular. These items are easy to make and tend to sell well. Stickers and printables also have a big market and can be a good way to make a passive income stream. You can also make bath products like sugar scrubs and geode bath bombs. People love these items because they are both pretty and useful.
Here are 16 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money.
8. Rent out a spare room
Renting out a room is a great way to make money fast. If you have a spare room, you can try listing it on sites like Airbnb, Facebook, or Craigslist.
You can rent your room for a night, a week, one month, or even longer. This flexibility allows you to choose what works best for your schedule.
When I was younger, I had extra bedrooms in my house and rented them out to roommates. I rented to long-term renters and people I knew, like friends and my sister. It didn’t cover my whole mortgage, but it covered about half, which I thought was great!
9. Food delivery
Food delivery jobs can help you make quick money in one day. There are many food delivery apps and services that need drivers to deliver meals from restaurants and grocery stores to customers.
One popular option is DoorDash. As a DoorDash driver, you pick up food from local restaurants, deliver it to customers, and you can keep 100% of your tips and cash out daily.
Another good choice is Uber Eats. With Uber Eats, you set your own hours and enjoy the freedom of no boss. You can deliver food in your spare time and get paid fast.
For grocery delivery, there is Instacart. Instacart is a popular website for people who want to make extra money by shopping for and delivering groceries.
These food delivery services are flexible. You can work whenever you have free time and you can typically cash out your earnings the same day, so this is great if you need to make money quickly.
9
Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money shopping for and delivering groceries. Instacart gives you the option to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.
10. Participate in focus groups
Participating in focus groups is a quick way to make money in one day. Companies want your opinion on products or services, and they pay well for it. You can earn between $50 and $150 for an hour of your time.
Focus groups can be done online or in person. Online focus groups are convenient because you can join from home, and in-person groups might offer even higher payouts.
User Interviews is a popular site to find focus groups to take part in.
To get started, sign up on these websites and fill out your profile. Companies will contact you when a study matches your profile.
I did a user interview once and got paid $400 for just one hour of work. It was easy and done online through a video call to get my opinion on a new website feature.
Recommended reading: 19 Best Places To Find Paid Research Studies
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
11. Provide handyman services
If you’re good at fixing things, selling handyman services can be a quick way to make money. Many people need help with small repairs around the house like fixing leaky faucets, installing ceiling fans, or even putting up pictures. These jobs don’t take long and can be done on short notice.
You can start by putting up flyers in your neighborhood or posting on local community boards online (for example, there’s probably a Facebook group for your town that you can join and post on).
You can also use apps like Taskrabbit to find jobs quickly. These apps connect you with people looking for immediate help. This way, you don’t have to wait long to start earning money.
You are typically paid the same day you finish the job for handyman services.
I have personally hired different handymen over the years for all sorts of services, such as a bathroom cabinet install, painting a bedroom, flooring repair, and even a roof repair.
12. Play game apps
Ever thought about making money just by playing games on your phone? There are plenty of apps where you can do just that.
Here’s a quick list of the top game platforms that pay real cash:
KashKick
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Freecash
Game apps pay real money rewards because they earn money from ads and in-app purchases. They share a part of their earnings with players like you and me to keep them engaged and playing their games.
Recommended reading: 23 Best Game Apps To Win Real Money
13. Have a yard sale
Having a yard sale (or garage sale) is a great way to make quick money in just one day. It helps you declutter your home and turn unwanted items into cash.
You usually can’t ask for a really high price on anything, but it can be a way to sell a lot of things at once and make some cash in one day.
You can sell all sorts of things – basically anything and everything that you own.
14. Sell unused gift cards
Lots of people have gift cards they never use. Maybe you have one for a store you don’t shop at. Instead of letting it collect dust, you can sell it and get cash.
Many websites let you trade your card for money such as Raise and CardCash, which are two popular sites. They usually give you around 90% of the card’s value.
To sell a gift card, you’ll enter the store’s name and the card’s balance. You’ll get an offer right away, and if you accept it, you can get paid by PayPal, direct deposit, or even a check.
15. Find unclaimed money
Did you know there might be money out there waiting for you to claim it? It’s called unclaimed money, and it’s typically from forgotten accounts, old jobs, or refunds.
To see if you have any free money to claim, go to unclaimed.org. This site is run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).
The site will then take you to missingmoney.com. This is a helpful tool that works with states to help people find their unclaimed money. You just need to enter your first name, last name, and state.
It’s free to search and free to claim your money. So, take a few minutes to check it out. You might find some extra money waiting for you!
I just looked and I had around $60 in free money that I could claim!
16. Babysit for neighbors
Babysitting is a great way to make quick money. Many parents need help, especially on weekends or evenings.
Let your neighbors know you are available. You can also ask friends to spread the word or even post in local Facebook groups.
17. Search for Craigslist gigs
Craigslist can be a great place to find quick-paying jobs. Many people need help with tasks, and they post ads looking for workers who can start right away.
To find Craigslist gigs in your town, go to Craigslist and look for the “gigs” section.
You can find jobs like yard cleanup, moving help, helping around the house, putting up flyers, event staff, selling plasma, tutor help, and more.
Some gigs you find may even be more specialized, like participating in local medical research studies. These gigs can pay quite a bit more, sometimes up to $1,000.
18. Wash or detail cars
Washing or detailing cars is a great way to make quick money. You can start by selling your services to friends, family, and neighbors. Most people appreciate a clean car and may not have the time to do it themselves.
You don’t need much to get started and most likely just need basic supplies like soap, sponges, towels, and a vacuum can be enough. For detailing, you might need some special products like polish and wax.
Once you get a few clients, word of mouth can help you grow your business. People will recommend you if you do a good job. Plus, you can adjust your pricing based on how much time and effort each job takes.
19. Cash in your coins
Do you have a jar full of coins sitting around? Cashing them in can be a quick way to get some extra money.
First, look for a nearby bank or credit union that you belong to as many will exchange coins for free if you have an account with them.
Coinstar machines are another option. These are usually found in grocery stores and retail shops. Be aware that they charge a fee if you want cash. To avoid the fee, sometimes you can opt for an egift card instead.
Learn more at Where To Cash Coins For Free Near Me – 9 Best Places.
20. Clean homes
One way to make quick money in a day is by cleaning homes. You can get paid to clean houses, apartments, or short-term rentals like those listed on Airbnb.
Cleaning tasks can include vacuuming, dusting, mopping floors, and cleaning bathrooms, and you might also need to do things like changing bed linens and washing dishes.
21. Sign-up bonuses
Sign-up bonuses are a way to make some quick money.
Many apps and websites offer these bonuses to encourage you to join them. They often come in the form of cash, gift cards, or rewards points.
Some places that give sign-up bonuses include:
Sometimes when you open a bank account, you can also get a sign-up bonus too!
22. Recycle items
Recycling can be a great way to earn quick money.
Here are some items you may be able to recycle for extra money:
Aluminum cans are easy to collect and recycle.
You can also gather old newspapers and cardboard boxes.
Metals like copper, brass, and steel can get you a good price. Sort them into different types before taking them to the scrapyard. Scrapyards often pay for clean and separated metals.
Glass bottles and jars are another option. Collect them from friends, neighbors, or local events. Check with recycling centers to see how much they pay per bottle.
Even cooking oil can be sold to companies that convert it into biodiesel or soap. Save your used cooking oil in containers and find a local recycler who buys it.
Don’t forget about selling books! Old textbooks or novels can be sold online or at local bookstores. Sites like eBay and Amazon have buyback programs that offer cash or store credit.
To make the most money by recycling, gather as much as you can, store it safely, and take it to the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions on how to make quick money in just one day.
How can I make money ASAP today?
If you need to learn how to get quick money in one day without paying anything, then I recommend finding things around your home to sell, such as clothes, jewelry, books, an old phone, and more.
How can I make $100 per day?
There are many ways to make $100 a day. You can sell items you don’t need like old clothes or electronics. You can also flip items for resale or sell services like cleaning or home repair.
How can you actually make $1000 a day?
Making $1000 in a day is tough but not impossible. It might involve selling high-value items like jewelry, doing freelance work, or offering specialized services. Jobs in the gig economy, such as driving or delivering, can earn you money immediately, and you can combine them with other gigs to boost your daily earnings.
How can I make money in just hours?
Try quick tasks like dog walking, babysitting, or selling items from around your home.
How to make quick money in one day as a kid?
Kids can earn money by doing chores, babysitting, or selling homemade crafts. Offering to mow lawns or do yard work for your neighbors is also a good option.
How to make quick money in one day on my phone?
Your phone can help you earn money in various ways too. You can sell things you don’t need or use your skills on freelance platforms. Answering surveys, selling photos, or being a virtual friend can also earn you money, all from the comfort of wherever you are.
How to make quick money in one day online?
To make quick money in one day online, you can take online surveys, freelance your skills, or sell items on eBay or other platforms. You can also offer services on gig websites like Fiverr.
How To Make Quick Money in One Day – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make quick money in one day.
If you need money immediately, there are many things you can do to make money today. Whether you’re saving for a goal or dealing with an unexpected expense, these tips can help you achieve financial flexibility in just one day.
Some may be more of a part-time side gig, whereas others can be a full-time income. It all just depends on what you’re looking for.
What do you think is the best way to make money in one day?
Amazon Prime Day is July 16-17. It’s like Black Friday, but in July and with less burden to buy for others.
Some people may already have holiday gift-buying in mind, but most are likely shopping for themselves, says Jane Boyd Thomas, a professor of marketing at Winthrop University.
More emphasis from retailers on summer deals has shifted trends on Google. “In recent years, searches for ‘deals’ have spiked in mid-July, even surpassing search interest in ‘vacation,’” said Sean Scott, vice president and general manager of consumer shopping at Google, in a blog announcing Google’s enhanced shopping tools. Its updated “deals destination” is intended to make it easier to shop for deals across retailers in one place.
Whether you start on Amazon or Google, the key is to nab deals on planned purchases over impulse buys. Keep this list in mind as you decide what to buy (or skip) on Prime Day.
Buy: Electronics
Thomas says electronics will be the best category for Prime Day deals, which will likely include Apple products. She chuckled when mentioning an Apple Pencil she recently paid full price for ($129.99), only to hear later that it’ll likely be cheaper on Prime Day. In fact, it is $79 on Amazon at the time of this writing, before Prime Day. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) ear buds were down to $189.99 in late June (Apple’s price is $249, but Amazon regularly sells them for $199), and could go lower during the sale.
Select models of TVs, soundbars, speakers and other headphones should see deep discounts too. Amazon is already touting an invite-only deal of up to 40% off Sony wireless headphones. But be mindful that limited quantities on the hottest products could mean you have to act quickly.
My experience: I dropped the “bar” last Prime Day. I had coveted a particular model of Sony soundbar that normally sells for about $300 all year long. I saved it and waited for the price to drop. On Prime Day, it went down $100. But instead of getting it, I hesitated for a few hours, and when I decided to buy it, it was not only out of stock on Amazon but also at other retailers. I settled for a similarly priced but inferior model.
This year’s sale starts promptly at 12:01 a.m. PDT on July 16 and ends at 11:59 p.m. PDT on July 17. The specific start and end times motivate people to buy on whim for fear of missing out, says Thomas.
But you can prep for Prime Day now, by making a list and checking your budget, to avoid overspending at crunch time.
Before you build a budget
NerdWallet breaks down your spending and shows you ways to save.
Buy: Car seats and strollers
Prime Day is likely to bring good deals on baby gear. NerdWallet monitored prices on a handful of popular products during every major sale of 2023. The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat we tracked went on sale often, but hit its lowest observed price during last year’s July Prime Day, coming in at $139.99. It’s $199.99 on Amazon at the time of this writing.
Thomas, a new grandmother, needs to get equipped to drive her granddaughter around.
The car seat base she needs typically goes for around $160, she says. “I’m going to put it in my wish list and set alerts, which you can do with Amazon, to let me know when it goes on sale,” she adds.
Strollers, cribs, pack-and-plays and other typically pricey baby products could hit lows during Prime Day. Last year, for example, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller was 40% off during Amazon’s sale.
Buy or skip: Amazon devices
Buying an Amazon device during Amazon’s biggest sale of the year is a no-brainer, but only if you’re in the market for one. Fire tablets and TV sticks, Kindles and Echo devices are all likely to be discounted. And many of the gadgets Amazon makes are pretty well-reviewed.
Of course, you can also wait. The next big Prime sale, which should come in October, is all but certain to bring similar prices on Amazon’s own tech.
My experience. I skipped both the July Prime Day and October Prime Big Deal Days last year and still got a great deal on the latest Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) smart display device, which wasn’t released until late in the year. I ordered mine on Dec. 28, 2023, for $60 off the normal price. It’s a good reminder that products are often refreshed and prices are constantly in flux.
Buy: Toys
If you are prepared enough to put a gift list together in July and have kids to buy for, sensory-type creative toys can be a good way to go. One of the best Prime Day deals NerdWallet spotted last year was on the Magna-Tiles Classic 100-Piece Set. Kids love them, and the set went down to $82.99 on Prime Day. The same set is $119.50 on Amazon at the time of this writing.
Thomas says Amazon is inclined to mark down already hot sellers to draw people in.
“I would look at things like gifts for children, scooters, Lego sets because those are things that are pretty steady sellers year-round for them,” she says.
Buy or skip: Small appliances
Kitchen gadgets are fair game for deals on Prime Day, but NerdWallet’s research shows Cyber Monday is better for deals on small appliances like air fryers, mixers and coffee makers. And for these items especially, don’t let Amazon be your only stop. Target, Walmart, Best Buy and other retailers will compete.
You could also wait and stumble upon a deal later, if you’re not quite ready to buy.
My experience: While at a friend’s house for dinner late last year, I couldn’t help but notice the side-by-side Instant Vortex Plus 6-quart XL Air Fryers they were using to cook the meal. The food was good, and the stainless look was slick. I got home, opened Amazon and saw the same model going for $74.15, about $55 off the normal price. I nabbed it on Nov. 5, 2023, a random Sunday. Moral of the story: good sales happen throughout the year if you’re not ready to buy now.
Nerdy reminders about online shopping
Doing the necessary product and price research should be second nature by now, but here’s a refresher on how to e-shop smartly.
Know the going rate: If you’re shopping on Amazon, it’s quick and easy to use a price-tracking site like camelcamelcamel to check the price history over time. Paste the Amazon URL in the camelcamelcamel search bar to view lowest-ever, highest-ever, current and average price.
Set your pounce price: Once you know the lowest price and how often the item is discounted, you can use your budget to set a price threshold. Once the price drops below that line, you’ve given yourself permission to buy.
Save it for later and set alerts: Set alerts to take the effort out of tracking prices. In the Amazon app, you can set deal alerts for items of interest by going to the account section, scrolling down to “message center” and tapping deal alerts.
Google it before you get it, or search “shop deals”: Amazon may be the loudest, but other retailers will quietly compete with Prime Day. A quick Google search of the specific product you’re after will let you compare prices, but you can go deeper with Google’s new “deals destination.” Type the words “shop deals” into the search bar to view a carousel of products with recent price drops from across the web. Click on the product to view its typical price range based on averages over the past 90 days.
Shopping online is easier than ever, and there are tricks and tools that can definitely help you save. But there’s also a time-consuming and inescapable nature of online shopping. As we hit the peak of summer, don’t let chasing the best deal keep you from things that matter most. Those things are probably free anyway.
Get more financial clarity with NerdWallet
Monitor your credit, track your spending and see all of your finances together in a single place.
Inside: Learn what 15 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $15 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year? Is $15 a living wage?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage?
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $15 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
If that is something you want to do, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$15 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $15 per hour is as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $15 = $31,200
$31,200 is the gross annual salary with a $15 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
Let’s breakdown how that number is calculated.
Typically, the average work week is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $15 times 2,080 working hours and the result is $31,200.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
That is just above the $30000 salary, which is a lower starter salary, but well below where you want to start about a $35000 salary.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $15 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $15 times 1,040 working hours and the result is $15,600.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
How Much is $15 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $2,600.
Annual Amount of $31,200 ÷ 12 months = $2,600 per month
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid on and on which days you get paid.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $1,300.
How Much is $15 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $15 = $600 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $300.
How Much is $15 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $600 and double it.
$600 per week x 2 = $1,200
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $15 an hour = $1,200.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $600.
How Much is $15 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight hour work day.
8 hours x $15 per hour = $120 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $150 per day. (10 hours x $15 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $60.
$15 Per Hour is…
$15 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$31,200
Yearly Salary (50 weeks)
$30,000
Monthly Wage (173 hours)
$2,600
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$600
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$1,200
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$120
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$1,985
**These are assumptions based off simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 15 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $31,200 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $15 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous of reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $15 times 2,000 working hours and the result is $30,000.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $15 = $30,000
You would average $120 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$15 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $31,200
Federal Taxes of 12%: $3,744
State Taxes of 4%: $1,248
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $2,387
$15 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $23,821
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$23,821 ÷ 2,080 hours = $11.45 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $11.45 an hour. That is $3.55 an hour less than what you planned.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
Plus budgeting on a just over $11 an hour wage is much different.
$15 an hour Salary Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $15.01-15.99.
This is super helpful if you make $15.25 or $15.35.
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 15 dollars an hour? How much rent can you afford on 15 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best case scenario on how to budget your $15 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, we calculated $15 an hour was $11.45 after taxes. That would average $1,985 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high level view of a $15 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $992.55
Save Money of 20% = $397.02
Give Money of 10% = $198.51
Fun Spending of 20% = $397.02
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone when living so close to minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic in ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun money.
To further break down an example budget of $15 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $15 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$130
Savings
15-25%
$312
Housing
20-30%
$780
Utilities
4-7%
$130
Groceries
5-12%
$208
Clothing
1-4%
$26
Transportation
4-10%
$104
Medical
5-12%
$130
Life Insurance
1%
$13
Education
1-4%
$26
Personal
2-7%
$48
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$78
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$615
Total Gross Income
$2,600
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses. Thus, some categories like giving and saving were less.
A great way to lower your transportation costs is to buy a beater car.
Can I Live off $15 Per Hour?
Living off close to minimum wage can be a very difficult situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
You just have to be wiser (or frugal) with your money and how you spend the hard-earned cash you have been blessed with.
A lot of times when people are making under near the minimum wage mark or slightly above, they feel like they are in this constant cycle that they can never keep up. They are not good enough to make more money. Feeling like they are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses. And things just keep adding on top.
You need to do is change your money mindset.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, this is my season of life right now. I have aspirations and goals to change how much I make, but for now, I am going to make sure that I am able to live on my 15 dollar per hour. No going into to debt for me.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $15 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see it is possible with the sample budget of $15 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most important section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $15.50 will add up over the year. Even better $16 an hour! The goal is $20 an hour or more!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $15 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine to five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
There are so many legit ways to make 300 dollars fast today!
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially and being financially sound happens.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in a year. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Tips to Live on $15 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on $15 an hour. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $15 an hour. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than You Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $15 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $15 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, Social Security, and Medicare are taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your gross income.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun.
Save money with the popular 100 envelope challenge.
It could be participating in a no spend challenge for the month.
Start a billionaire morning routine to build a wealth mindset.
Maybe changing your habits and not picking up takeout and planning meals.
Whatever it is challenge yourself.
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money is from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until we paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt free journey.
Jobs that Pay $15 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $15 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Customer service representatives
Paraeducators at schools
Warehouse workers
Retail workers
Cashiers
Housekeeper
Delivery Drivers
Overnight Stockers
Companies that pay more than $15 per hour:
L.L. Bean
Chick-Fil-A
Panera Bread
Torchy Tacos
McDonald’s
Five Guys
Costco
Wayfair
Amazon
Many grocery stores
Best Buy
Target
Wells Fargo
Disney World
Disney Land
Bank of America
JP Morgan
Cigna
Aetna
Maybe working as a virtual assistant with no experience is right for you??
$15 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 15 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
How much is 15 dollars an hour annually…
$31,200
In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Now, find low stress jobs that don’t need a degree and pay well!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Inside: Learn what 26 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $26 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year when working?
Is $26 an hour good?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage? How much more is $26.50 an hour annually?
When you finally start earning $26 an hour, you are happy with your progress as an hourly employee. Typically, this is when many hourly employees start to become salaried workers.
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $26 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$26 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $26 per hour is as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $26 = $54,080
$54,080 is the gross annual salary with a $26 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
Let’s break down how that number is calculated.
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $26 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $54,080.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
That is super close to the $55000 salary threshold, which is just below the median salary for a middle-income worker.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $26 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $26 times 1,040 working hours and the result is $27,040.
How Much is $26 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $4,507.
Annual Amount of $54,080 ÷ 12 months = $4,507 per month
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Plus by increasing your wage from $21 an hour, you average an extra $867 per month. So, yes a few more dollars an hour add up!
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $2,253.
How Much is $26 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $26 = $1,040 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $520.
Here are jobs that pay weekly.
How Much is $26 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $1,040 and double it.
$1,040 per week x 2 = $2,080
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $26 an hour = $2,080
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $1,040.
How Much is $26 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x $26 per hour = $208 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $260 per day. (10 hours x $26 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $104.
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$26 Per Hour is…
$26 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary(52 weeks)
$54,080
Yearly Wage (50 weeks)
$52,000
Monthly Salary (173 hours)
$4,507
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$1,040
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$2,080
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$208
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$3,441
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 26 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $54,080 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $26 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $26 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $52000 per year.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $26 = $52,000
You would average $208 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$26 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $54,080
Federal Taxes of 12%: $6,490
State Taxes of 4%: $2,163
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $4,137
$26 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $41,290
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$41,290 ÷ 2,080 hours = $19.85 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $19.85 an hour. That is $6.15 an hour less than what you thought you were paid.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
Plus budgeting on over $19 an hour wage is much different.
$26 an Hour Salary Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $26.01-26.99.
This is super helpful if you make $26.40 or $26.44.
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 26 dollars an hour? How much rent or mortgage payment can you afford on 26 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best-case scenario on how to budget your $26 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, we calculated $26 an hour was $19.85 after taxes. That would average $3,440 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high-level view of a $26 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $1720.42
Save Money of 20% = $688.17
Give Money of 10% = $344.08
Fun Spending of 20% = $688.17
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone. Even though you would expect your money to go further when you are making double the minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic in ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun money.
To further break down an example budget of $26 per hour, then using the zero based budget template is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $26 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$315
Savings
15-25%
$766
Housing
20-30%
$1,082
Utilities
4-7%
$225
Groceries
5-12%
$315
Clothing
1-4%
$45
Transportation
4-10%
$180
Medical
5-12%
$225
Life Insurance
1%
$23
Education
1-4%
$45
Personal
2-7%
$83
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$135
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$1,066
Total Gross Income
$4,507
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses. Thus, some categories like giving and saving were less.
Can I Live off $26 Per Hour?
At this $26 hourly wage, you are more than likely double the minimum wage. Things should be easy to live off this $26 hourly salary.
However, it is still slightly below the median income of over $60,000 salary. That means it can still be a tough situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
In fact, $26 an hour is higher than the median hourly wage of $19.33 (source). That seems backward, but typically salaried workers earn more per hour than hourly workers.
Can you truly live off $26 an hour annually?
You just have to have the desire to spend less than your income. Plus consistently save.
If you are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, then you need to break that constant cycle. It is possible to be smart with money.
You need to do is change your money mindset.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, I have aspirations and goals to increase how much I make. This is the time to start diversifying my income into multiple streams and start investing. I am going to stretch my 26 dollars per hour.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $26 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see it is possible with the sample budget of $26 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most important section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $26.50 will add up over the year. An increase to $27 an hour is even better!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work.
Making $26 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I need in my life to do what I want when I need to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
This is a great way to find success and deny all of the naysayers.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine-to-five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
Must Read: 20 Genius Ways on How to Make Money Fast
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially to becoming financially sound.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in a year. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Tips to Live on $26 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on $26 an hour or just above a $50k yearly salary. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $26 an hour. More importantly stretch how much you make, in case you are in the “I don’t want to work anymore” mindset. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than You Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $26 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $26 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, social security, and Medicare are taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your net income.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. If you’re good, since you must keep your expenses low, you have to find ways to make your savings fun!
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money is from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt-free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until we paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt-free journey.
Jobs that Pay $26 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $26 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Virtual Assistant
Freelance writer
CDL Truck Driver
Managers
Entry Level Marketing Jobs
Data Entry Clerks
Customer service managers
Bank tellers
Maintenance workers
Freight broker – Learn how easy it is to start!
Administrative assistants
Athletic Trainers
Event Planners
Security guard
Movers
Warehouse workers
Certified Nursing Assistant
Companies that pay more than $26 per hour:
Costco
Wayfair
Amazon
Best Buy
Target
Wells Fargo
Disney World
Disney Land
Bank of America
JP Morgan
Cigna
Aetna
$26 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 26 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
How much is 26 dollars an hour annually…
$54,080
This is right between $50,000 per year and $56k a year. In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Still thinking I don’t want to work anymore, you aren’t alone and need to start to plan for your early retirement.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Inside: Learn what 21 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $21 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year when working? Is $21 an hour good?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage? How much more is $21.50 an hour annually?
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $21 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$21 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $21 per hour is as annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $21 = $43,680
$43,680 is the gross annual salary with a $21 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
Let’s breakdown how that number is calculated.
Typically, the average work week is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $21 times 2,080 working hours and the result is $43,680.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
Just above $43000 a year.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $21 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $21 times 1,040 working hours, and the result is $21,840.
How Much is $21 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $3,640.
Annual Amount of $43,680 ÷ 12 months = $3,650 per month
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Plus by increasing your wage from $15 an hour, you average an extra $1000 per year. So, yes a few more dollars an hour add up!
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $1,840.
How Much is $21 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $21 = $840 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $420.
How Much is $21 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $840 and double it.
$840 per week x 2 = $1,680
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $21 an hour = $1,680
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $840.
How Much is $21 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight hour work day.
8 hours x $21 per hour = $168 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $210 per day. (10 hours x $21 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $84.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
$21 Per Hour is…
$21 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly (52 weeks)
$43,680
Yearly (50 weeks)
$42,000
Monthly (173 hours)
$3,640
Weekly (40 Hours)
$840
Bi-Weekly (80 Hours)
$1,690
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$168
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$2,779
**These are assumptions based off simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 21 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $43,680 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $21 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $21 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $42,000.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $21 = $42,000
You would average $168 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$21 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $43,680
Federal Taxes of 12%: $5,242
State Taxes of 4%: $1,747
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $3,342
$21 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $33,350
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$33,350 ÷ 2,080 hours = $16.03 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $16.03 an hour. That is $4.97 an hour less than what you thought you were paid.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
Plus budgeting on a just over $16 an hour wage is much different.
$21 an Hour Salary Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $21.01-21.99.
This is super helpful if you make $21.30 or $21.63, or $21.88.
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 21 dollars an hour? How much rent can you afford at 21 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best case scenario on how to budget your $21 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, above we calculated that $21 an hour was $16.03 after taxes. That would average $2,779 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high level view of a $21 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $1389.50
Save Money of 20% = $555.80
Give Money of 10% = $277.91
Fun Spending of 20% = $555.83
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone. Even though you would expect your money to go further when you are making double the minimum wage.
Learn how to budget on a low income.
So, you have to be strategic on ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun money.
To further break down an example budget of $21 per hour, then using the biweekly budget template is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $21 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$218
Savings
15-25%
$510
Housing
20-30%
$983
Utilities
4-7%
$182
Groceries
5-12%
$291
Clothing
1-4%
$36
Transportation
4-10%
$146
Medical
5-12%
$182
Life Insurance
1%
$18
Education
1-4%
$36
Personal
2-7%
$67
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$109
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$861
Total Gross Income
$3,640
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses. Thus, some categories like giving and saving were less.
Can I Live off $21 Per Hour?
At this $21 hourly wage, you are close to double the minimum wage. Things should be easy to live off this $21 hourly salary.
However, it is still below the median income of over $60,000 salary. That means it can still be a tough situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
In fact, $21 an hour is higher than the median hourly wage of $19.33 (source). That seems backward, but typically salaried workers earn more per hour than hourly workers.
Can you truly live off $21 an hour annually?
You just have to be wiser (or frugal) with your money and how you spend the hard-earned cash you have been blessed with.
If you are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, then you need to break that constant cycle. It is possible to be smart with money.
You need to do is change your money mindset.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, this is my season of life right now. I have aspirations and goals to change how much I make, but for now, I am going to make sure that I am able to live on my 21 dollars per hour. No going into debt for me. I will start saving money.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $21 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see it is possible with the sample budget of $21 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most important section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $21.50 will add up over the year. Even better $24 an hour!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $21 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
It is important to uncover what should I do for a living.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine to five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation of struggling financially and becoming financially sound happens.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in a year. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Related Question: How Fast Can you Make Money in Stocks? The Real Answer
Tips to Live on $21 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on $21 an hour. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $21 an hour. An increase to $22 an hour is even better!
Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than you Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $21 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $21 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, social security, and Medicare is taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your gross income.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. If you’re good, since you must keep your expenses low, you have to find ways to make your savings fun!
Save $5k in cash with the trending 200 envelope challenge.
Use one of the popular saving money charts to help you!
It could be participating in a no spend challenge for the month.
It could be challenging friends not to go to Target for a week.
Whatever it is challenge yourself.
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours. There are so many legit ways how to make 300 dollars fast today!
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
Can you imagine life earning a $100k salary?
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money is from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until week paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt free journey.
Here are resources now for you to pay off your debt:
Jobs that Pay $21 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $21 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Virtual Assistant – Get free training NOW!
Customer service representatives
Bank tellers
Freelance writers
Restaurant Kitchen staff
Truck driver
Uber /Lyft driver
Security guard
Movers
Warehouse workers
Pharmacy Tech
Welder
Forklift operator
Merchandiser
Call center agent
Nursing Assistant
Companies that pay more than $21 per hour:
Bank of America
USAA
Nationwide
Costco
Wayfair
Amazon
Best Buy
Target
Wells Fargo
Disney World
Disney Land
JP Morgan
Cigna
Aetna
$21 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 21 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
How much is 21 dollars an hour annually…
$43,680
This is right between $43000 per year and $44k a year. In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Still thinking I don’t want to work anymore, you aren’t alone and need to start to plan for your early retirement.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Inside: Learn what 20 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $20 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year when working?
Is $20 an hour good?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage? How much more is $20.50 an hour annually?
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $20 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
Knowing 20 dollars an hour is how much a year will help you with your budget and spending.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$20 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $20 per hour as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $20 = $41,600
$41,600 is the gross annual salary with a $20 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
Let’s Breakdown How That Number Is Calculated
Typically, the average work week is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $20 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $41,600.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
So, $20 an hour is just above $40000 a year and just shy of $43000 a year.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $20 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $20 times 1,040 working hours, and the result is $20,800.
How Much is $20 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $3,467.
Annual Amount of $41,600 ÷ 12 months = $3,467 per month
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Plus by increasing your wage from $17 an hour, you average an extra $520 per month. So, yes a few more dollars an hour add up!
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $1,733.
How Much is $20 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $20 = $800 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $400.
How Much is $20 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $800 and double it.
$800 per week x 2 = $1,600
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $20 an hour = $1,600
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $800.
Learn how to create a biweekly budget.
How Much is $20 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight hour work day.
8 hours x $20 per hour = $160 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $200 per day. (10 hours x $20 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $80.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
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$20 Per Hour is…
$20 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly (52 weeks)
$41,600
Yearly (50 weeks)
$40,000
Monthly (173 hours)
$3,467
Weekly (40 Hours)
$800
Bi-Weekly (80 Hours)
$1,600
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$160
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$2,647
**These are assumptions based off simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 20 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $41,600 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $20 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $20 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $40,000.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $20 = $40,000
You would average $160 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$20 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $41,600
Federal Taxes of 12%: $4,992
State Taxes of 4%: $1,664
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $3,182
$20 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $31,762
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$31,762 ÷ 2,080 hours = $15.27 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $15.27 an hour. That is $4.73 an hour less than what you thought you were paid.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
Plus budgeting on a just over $15 an hour wage is much different.
Understand the difference between gross pay vs net pay.
$20 An Hour Salary
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $20.01-20.99.
Learn how to budget on a low income.
This is super helpful if you make $20.19 or $20.25.
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 20 dollars an hour? How much rent can you afford at 20 an hour?
We have figured out how much is $20 an hour annually is $41,600.
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best case scenario on how to budget your $20 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, we calculated $20 an hour was $15.27 after taxes. That would average $2,647 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high level view of a $20 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $1323.40
Save Money of 20% = $529.36
Give Money of 10% = $264.68
Fun Spending of 20% = $529.36
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone. Even though you would expect your money to go further when you are making double the minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic on ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun spending.
To further break down an example budget of $20 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $20 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$277
Savings
15-25%
$693
Housing
20-30%
$983
Utilities
4-7%
$139
Groceries
5-12%
$243
Clothing
1-4%
$26
Transportation
4-10%
$139
Medical
5-12%
$173
Life Insurance
1%
$17
Education
1-4%
$35
Personal
2-7%
$64
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$113
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$820
Total Gross Income
$3,467
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses. Thus, some categories like giving are less.
Deep Dive: What Is A Good Salary For A Single Person in Today’s Society?
Can I Live off $20 Per Hour?
At this $20 hourly wage, you are close to double the minimum wage. Things should be easy to live off this $20 hourly salary.
However, it is still below the median income of over $60,000 salary. That means it can still be a tough situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
Can you truly live off $20 an hour annually?
You just have to be wiser (or frugal) with your money and how you spend the hard-earned cash you have been blessed with.
If you are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, then you need to break that constant cycle. It is possible to be smart with money.
You need to do is change your money mindset.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, this is my season of life right now. I have aspirations and goals to change how much I make, but for now, I am going to make sure that I am able to live on my 20 dollars per hour. No going into debt for me. I will start saving money.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $20 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see that it is possible with the sample budget of $20 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most important section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $20.50 will add up over the year. Even better $21 an hour!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $20 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I need in my life to do what I want when I need to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine-to-five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
There are so many legit ways to make 300 dollars fast today!
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially and becoming financially sounds happens.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in about seven months. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Related Questions:
Tips to Live on $20 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on $20 an hour. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $20 an hour. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than you Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $20/hr salary. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $20 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, social security, and Medicare are taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your net income.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. If you’re good, since you must keep your expenses low, you have to find ways to make your savings fun!
It could be participating in a no spend challenge for the month.
It could be challenging friends not to go to Target for a week.
Maybe changing your habits and not picking up takeout and planning meals.
Whatever it is challenge yourself.
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money with the 100 envelope challenge and this is why you are doing it.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn that a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
Find ways to make $1000 in a day.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money is from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until we paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt free journey.
Jobs that Pay $20 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $20 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Virtual Assistant – Get free training NOW!
Customer service representatives
Bank tellers
Freelance writers
Restaurant Kitchen staff
Truck driver
Uber /Lyft driver
Security guard
Movers
Warehouse workers
Companies that pay more than $20 per hour: Costco, Wayfair, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, In ‘N Out Burger, Wells Fargo, Disney World, Disney Land, Bank of America, JP Morgan, Cigna, Aetna
$20 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 20 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
How much is 20 dollars an hour annually…
$41,600
In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Still thinking I don’t want to work anymore, you aren’t alone and need to start to plan for your early retirement.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Inside: Learn what 25 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $25 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year when working?
Is $25 an hour good?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage? How much more is $25.50 an hour annually?
When you finally start earning $25 an hour, you are happy with your progress as an hourly employee. Typically, this is when many hourly employees start to become salaried workers.
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $25 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
Knowing 25 an hour salary is helpful for budgeting and allocating your spending.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$25 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $25 per hour is as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $25 = $52000
$52,000 is the gross annual salary with a $25 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
Let’s break down how that number is calculated.
Typically, the average workweek is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $25 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $52,000.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
That is just above the $50000 salary threshold, but lower than the 60K salary, which is desired to become middle-income worker.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part-time. So if you’re working part-time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $25 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $25 times 1,040 working hours and the result is $26000 per year.
How Much is $25 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $4,333.
Annual Amount of $52,000 ÷ 12 months = $4,333 per month
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid and on which days you get paid.
Plus by increasing your wage from $20 an hour, you average an extra $866 per month. So, yes a few more dollars an hour add up!
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $2,167.
How Much is $25 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $25 = $1,000 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $500.
How Much is $25 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $1,000 and double it.
$1,000 per week x 2 = $2,000
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $25 an hour = $2,000
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $1,000.
How Much is $25 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight-hour workday.
8 hours x $25 per hour = $200 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $250 per day. (10 hours x $25 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $100.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
$25 Per Hour is…
$25 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly (52 weeks)
$52,000
Yearly (50 weeks)
$50,000
Monthly (173 hours)
$4,333
Weekly (40 Hours)
$1,000
Bi-Weekly (80 Hours)
$2,000
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$200
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$3,308
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
Here are the jobs that pay $25 an hour.
Paid Time Off Earning 25 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $52000 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $25 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling a family emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $25 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $50,000.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $25 = $50,000
You would average $200 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$25 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $52,000
Federal Taxes of 12%: $6,240
State Taxes of 4%: $2,080
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $3,978
$25 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $39,702
This would be your net annual salary after taxes. Less than $40000 per year!
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$39,702 ÷ 2,080 hours = $19.09 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $19.09 an hour. That is $5.91 an hour less than what you thought you were paid.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
$25 an Hour Budget – Example
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 25 dollars an hour? How much rent or mortgage payment can you afford on 25 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best-case scenario on how to budget your $25 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, we calculated that $25 an hour was $19.09 after taxes. That would average $3,208 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high-level view of a $25 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $1654.25
Save Money of 20% = $681.70
Give Money of 10% = $330.85
Fun Spending of 20% = $661.70
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone. Even though you would expect your money to go further when you are making double the minimum wage. So, you have to be strategic in ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun spending.
To further break down an example budget of $25 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $25 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$217
Savings
15-25%
$650
Housing
20-30%
$1,213
Utilities
4-7%
$217
Groceries
5-12%
$329
Clothing
1-4%
$22
Transportation
4-10%
$195
Medical
5-12%
$217
Life Insurance
1%
$22
Education
1-4%
$33
Personal
2-7%
$65
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$130
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$1,025
Total Gross Income
$4,333
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses. Thus, some categories like giving and saving were less.
25 an hour Salary
Many times, you don’t make exactly 25/hr. You may make $25.18 or $25.66. So, here is a handy calculator to figure out your exact hourly salary wage.
At this $25 hourly wage, you are more than likely double the minimum wage. Things should be easy to live off this $25 hourly salary.
Yet, it is still below the median income of over $60,000 salary. That means it can still be a tough situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
In fact, $25 an hour is higher than the median hourly wage of $19.33 (source). That seems backward, but typically salaried workers earn more per hour than hourly workers.
Can you truly live off $25 an hour annually?
You just have to have the desire to spend less than your income. Plus consistently save.
If you are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses, then you need to break that constant cycle. It is possible to be smart with money.
You need to do is change your money mindset.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, I have aspirations and goals to increase how much I make. This is the time to start diversifying my income into multiple streams and start investing. I am going to stretch my 25 dollars per hour.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $25 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see it is possible with the sample budget of $25 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most important section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $25.50 will add up over the year. Even better $26 an hour!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work.
Making $25 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine-to-five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
Must Read: 20 Genius Ways on How to Make Money Fast
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially to becoming financially sound.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in a year. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Tips to Live on $25 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on $25 an hour. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $25 an hour. More importantly stretch how much you make, in case you are in the “I don’t want to work anymore” mindset. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than You Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $25 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $25 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, social security, and Medicare is taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your gross income.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. If you’re good, since you must keep your expenses low, you have to find ways to make your savings fun!
It could be participating in a no spend challenge for the month.
It could be challenging friends not to go to Target for a week.
Maybe changing your habits and not picking up takeout and planning meals.
Whatever it is challenge yourself.
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are 101 things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn that a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher-taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt-free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until we paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt-free journey.
Here are resources now for you to pay off your debt:
Jobs that Pay $25 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $25 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Virtual Assistant – Get free training NOW!
Freelance writer
Class A Truck Driver
Managers
Entry Level Marketing Jobs
Data Entry Clerks
Customer service managers
Bank tellers
Maintenance workers
Freight broker – Learn how easy it is to start!
Administrative assistants
Athletic Trainers
Event Planners
Security guard
Movers
Warehouse workers
Companies that pay more than $25 per hour: Costco, Wayfair, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Wells Fargo, Disney World, Disney Land, Bank of America, JP Morgan, Cigna, Aetna, etc
$25 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 25 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
How much is 25 dollars an hour annually…
$52,000
This is right between $51000 per year and $53k a year.
In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Still thinking I don’t want to work anymore, you aren’t alone and need to start to plan for your early retirement.
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Inside: Learn what 19 an hour is how much a year, month, and day. Plus tips to budget your money. Don’t miss the ways to increase your income.
You’re probably wondering if I made $19 a year, how much do I truly make? What will that add up to over the course of the year?
Is $19 a living wage?
Is this wage something that I can actually live on? Or do I need to find ways that I can increase my hourly wage?
In this post, we’re going to detail exactly what $19 an hour is how much a year. Also, we are going to break it down to know how much is made per month, bi-weekly, per week, and daily.
That will help you immensely with how you spend your money. Because too many times the hard-earned cash is brought home, but there is no actual plan for how to spend that money.
By taking a step ahead and making a plan for the money, you are better able to decide how you want to live, make sure that you put your money goals first, and not just living paycheck to paycheck struggling to survive.
The ultimate goal with money success is to be wise with how you spend your money.
If that is something you want too, then keep reading. You are in the right place.
$19 an Hour is How Much a Year?
When we ran all of our numbers to figure out how much is $19 per hour as an annual salary, we used the average working day of 40 hours a week.
40 hours x 52 weeks x $19 = $39,520
$39,520 is the gross annual salary with a $19 per hour wage.
As of June 2023, the average hourly wage is $33.58 (source).
breakdown of 19 dollars an hour is how much a year
This is how that number is calculated.
Typically, the average work week is 40 hours and you can work 52 weeks a year. Take 40 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 2,080 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $19 times 2,080 working hours, and the result is $39,520.
That number is the gross income before taxes, insurance, 401K, or anything else is taken out. Net income is how much you deposit into your bank account.
Just under $40,000 a year.
Work Part Time?
But you may think, oh wait, I’m only working part time. So if you’re working part time, the assumption is working 20 hours a week at $19 an hour.
Only 20 hours per week. Then, take 20 hours times 52 weeks and that equals 1,040 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $19 times 1,040 working hours, and the result is $19,760.
How Much is $19 Per Month?
On average, the monthly amount would average $3,293.
Annual Amount of $39,520 ÷ 12 months = $3,293 per month
Since some months have more days and fewer days like February, you can expect months with more days to have a bigger paycheck. Also, this can be heavily influenced by how often you are paid on and on which days you get paid.
Plus by increasing your wage from $12 an hour, you average an extra $1200 per month. So, yes a few more dollars an hour add up!
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the monthly amount would average $1,647.
How Much is $19 per Hour Per Week
This is a great number to know! How much do I make each week? When I roll out of bed and do my job, what can I expect to make at the end of the week?
Once again, the assumption is 40 hours worked.
40 hours x $19 = $760 per week.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the weekly amount would be $380.
How Much is $19 per Hour Bi-Weekly
For this calculation, take the average weekly pay of $760 and double it.
$760 per week x 2 = $1,520
Also, the other way to calculate this is:
40 hours x 2 weeks x $19 an hour = $1,520.
Work Part Time?
Only 20 hours per week. Then, the bi-weekly amount would be $760.
How Much is $19 Per Hour Per Day
This depends on how many hours you work in a day. For this example, we are going to use an eight hour work day.
8 hours x $19 per hour = $152 per day.
If you work 10 hours a day for four days, then you would make $190 per day. (10 hours x $19 per hour)
Work Part Time?
Only 4 hours per day. Then, the daily amount would be $76.
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$19 Per Hour is…
$19 per Hour – Full Time
Total Income
Yearly Salary (52 weeks)
$39,520
Yearly Wage (50 weeks)
$38,000
Monthly Wage(173 hours)
$3,293
Weekly Wage (40 Hours)
$760
Bi-Weekly Wage (80 Hours)
$1,520
Daily Wage (8 Hours)
$152
Net Estimated Monthly Income
$2,514
**These are assumptions based on simple scenarios.
Paid Time Off Earning 19 Dollars an Hour
Does your employer offer paid time off?
As an hourly employee, you may or may not get paid time off.
So, here are the scenarios for both cases.
For general purposes, we are going to assume you work 40 hours per week over the course of the year.
Case # 1 – With Paid Time Off
Most hourly employees get two weeks of paid time off which is equivalent to 2 weeks of paid time off.
In this case, you would make $39,520 per year.
This is the same as the example above for an annual salary making $19 per hour.
Case #2 – No Paid Time Off
Unfortunately, not all employers offer paid time off to their hourly employees. While that is unfortunate, it is best to plan for less income.
Life happens. There will be times you need to take time off for numerous reasons – sick time, handling an emergency, or even vacation.
So, let’s assume you take 2 weeks off without paid time off.
That means you would only work 50 weeks of the year instead of all 52 weeks. Take 40 hours times 50 weeks and that equals 2,000 working hours. Then, multiply the hourly salary of $19 times 2,000 working hours, and the result is $38,000.
40 hours x 50 weeks x $19 = $38,000
You would average $152 per working day and nothing when you don’t work.
$19 an Hour is How Much a year After Taxes
Let’s be honest… Taxes can take up a big chunk of your paycheck. Thus, you need to know how taxes can affect your hourly wage.
Also, every single person’s tax situation is different.
On the basic level, let’s assume a 12% federal tax rate and a 4% state rate. Plus a percentage is taken out for Social Security and Medicare (FICA) of 7.65%.
Gross Annual Salary: $39,520
Federal Taxes of 12%: $4,742
State Taxes of 4%: $1,581
Social Security and Medicare of 7.65%: $3,023
$19 an Hour per Year after Taxes: $30,174
This would be your net annual salary after taxes.
To turn that back into an hourly wage, the assumption is working 2,080 hours.
$30,174 ÷ 2,080 hours = $14.51 per hour
After estimated taxes and FICA, you are netting $14.51 an hour. That is $4.49 an hour less than what you planned.
This is a very highlighted example and can vary greatly depending on your personal situation. Therefore, here is a great tool to help you figure out how much your net paycheck would be.
Plus budgeting on a just over $14 an hour wage is much different.
$19 an Hour Salary Calculator
Now, you get to figure out how much you make based on your hours worked or if you make a wage between $19.01-19.99.
This is super helpful if you make $19.10 or $19.23.
You are probably wondering can I live on my own making 19 dollars an hour? How much rent can you afford at 19 an hour?
Using our Cents Plan Formula, this is the best case scenario on how to budget your $19 per hour paycheck.
When using these percentages, it is best to use net income because taxes must be paid.
In this example, above we calculated $19 an hour was $14.51 after taxes. That would average $2,514 per month.
According to the Cents Plan Formula, here is the high-level view of a $19 per hour budget:
Basic Expenses of 50% = $1,257.23
Save Money of 20% = $502.89
Give Money of 10% = $251.45
Fun Spending of 20% = $502.89
Debt of 0% = $0
Obviously, that is not doable for everyone when living above the poverty line. So, you have to be strategic in ways to decrease your basic expenses and debt. Then, it will allow you more money to save and fun money.
To further break down an example budget of $19 per hour, then using the ideal household percentages is extremely helpful.
recommended budget percentages based on $19 per hour wage:
Category
Ideal Percentages
Sample Monthly Budget
Giving
10%
$199
Savings
15-25%
$527
Housing
20-30%
$856
Utilities
4-7%
$165
Groceries
5-12%
$263
Clothing
1-4%
$33
Transportation
4-10%
$132
Medical
5-12%
$165
Life Insurance
1%
$10
Education
1-4%
$16
Personal
2-7%
$49
Recreation / Entertainment
3-8%
$99
Debts
0% – Goal
$0
Government Tax (including Income Tax, Social Security & Medicare)
15-25%
$779
Total Gross Income
$3,293
**In this budget, prioritization was given to basic expenses. Thus, some categories like giving and saving were less.
Can I Live off $19 Per Hour?
Even living above the minimum wage by $5-6 can be a very difficult situation.
Is it doable? Absolutely.
You just have to be wiser (or frugal) with your money and how you spend the hard-earned cash you have been blessed with.
A lot of times when people are making under near the minimum wage mark or slightly above, they feel like they are in this constant cycle that they can never keep up. They are not good enough to make more money. Feel like they are constantly struggling to keep up with bills and expenses. And things just keep adding on top.
You need to do is change your money mindset.
This is what you say to yourself… Okay, this is my season of life right now. I have aspirations and goals to change how much I make, but for now, I am going to make sure that I am able to live on my 19 dollars per hour. No going into debt for me.
In the next section, we will dig into ways to increase your income, but for now, is it possible to live on $19 an hour?
Yes, you can do it, and as you can see it is possible with the sample budget of $19 per hour.
Living in a higher cost of living area would be more difficult. So, you may have to get a little creative. For example, you might have to have a roommate. Move to a lower cost of living area where rent is cheaper.
Also, you must evaluate your “fun spending” items. Many of those expenses are not mandatory and will break your budget. You can find plenty of free things to do without spending money.
5 Ways to Increase Your Hourly Wage
This right here is the most important section of this post.
You need to figure out ways to increase your hourly income because I’m going to tell you…you deserve more. You do a good job and your value is higher than what your employers pay you.
Even an increase of 50 cents to $19.50 will add up over the year. Even better $20 an hour is a win!
1. Ask for a Raise
The first thing to do is ask for a raise. Walk right in and ask for a raise because you never know what the answer will be until you ask.
If you want the best tips on how specifically to ask for a raise and what the average wage is for somebody doing your job, then check out this book. In this book, the author gives you the exact way to increase your income. The purchase is worth it or go down to the library and check that book out.
2. Look for A New Job
Another way to increase your hourly wage is to look for a new job. Maybe a completely new industry.
It might be a total change for you, but many times, if you want to change your financial situation, then that starts with a career change. Maybe you’re stressed out at work. Making $19 an hour is too much for you and you’re not able to enjoy life, maybe changing jobs and finding another job may increase your pay, but it will also increase your quality of life.
Maybe a non phone work from home job is perfect for you!
3. Find a New Career
Because of student loans, too many employees feel like they are stuck in the career field they chose. They feel sucked into the job that they don’t like or have the potential they thought it would.
For many years, I was in the same situation until I decided to do a complete career change. I am glad I did. I have the flexibility that I needed in my life to do what I wanted when I needed to do it. Plus I am able to enjoy my entrepreneurial spirit.
Check out one of these early morning jobs.
4. Find Alternative Ways to Make Money
In today’s society, you need to find ways to make more money. Period.
There is no way to get around it. You need to find additional income outside a traditional nine to five position or typical 40 hour a week job. You will reach a point where you are maxed on what you can make in your current position or title. There may be some advancement to move forward, but in many cases, there just is not much room for growth.
So, you need to find a side hustle – another way to make money.
Do something that you enjoy, turn your hobby into a way to make money, turn something that you naturally do, and help others into a service business. In today’s society, the sky is the limit on how you can earn a freelancing income.
5. Earn Passive Income
The last way to increase your hourly wage is to start earning passive income.
This can be from a variety of ways including the stock market, real estate, online courses, book sales, etc. This is where the differentiation between struggling financially and being financially sound.
By earning money passively, you are able to do the things that you enjoy doing and not be loaded down, with having a job that you need to work, and a place that you have to go to. And you still make money doing nothing.
Here is an example:
You can start a brokerage account and start trading stocks for $50. You need to learn and take the one and only investing class I recommend. Learn how the market works, watch videos, and practice in a simulator before you start using your own money.
One gentleman started with $5,000 in his trading account and now has well over $36,000 in a year. Just from practice and being consistent, he has learned that passive income is the way for him to increase his income and also not be a slave to his job.
Tips to Live on $19 an Hour
In this last section, grasp these tips on how to live on $19 an hour. On our site, you can find lots of money saving tips to help stretch your income further.
Here are the most important tips to live on $19 an hour. Highlight these!
1. Spend Less Than You Make
First, you must learn to spend less than you make.
If not you will be caught in the debt cycle and that is not where you want to be. You will be consistently living paycheck to paycheck.
In order to break that dreadful cycle, it means your expenses must be less than your income.
And when I say income, it’s not the $19 an hour. As we talked about earlier in the post, there are taxes. The amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck is called your net income which is $19 an hour minus all the taxes, FICA, Social Security, and Medicare is taken out. That is your net income.
So, your net income has to be less than your gross income.
2. Living Below Your Means
You need to be happy. And living on less can actually make you happier. Studies prove that less is better.
Finding contentment in life is one thing that is a struggle for most.
We are driven to want the new shiny toy, the thing next door, the stuff your friend or family member got. Our society has trained you that you need these things as well.
Have you ever taken a step back and looked at what you really need?
Once you are able to find contentment with life, then you are going to be set for the long term with your finances.
Here is our story on owning less stuff. We have been happier since.
Learn how to live below your means.
3. Make Saving Money Fun
You need to make saving money fun. If you’re good, since you must keep your expenses low, you have to find ways to make your savings fun!
Pick out our saving money charts to guide your savings journey.
It could be participating in a no spend challenge for the month.
Try the 30 day money challenge.
Maybe changing your habits and not picking up takeout and planning meals.
Whatever it is challenge yourself.
Find new ways of saving money and have fun with it.
Even better, get your family and kids involved in the challenge to save money. Tell them the reason why you are saving money and this is what you are doing.
Here are things to do with no money. Free activities without costing you a dime. That is an amazing resource for you and you will never be bored.
And you will learn a lot of things in life you can do for free. Personally, some of the best ones are getting outside and enjoying some fresh air.
4. Make More Money
If you want if you do not settle for less, then find ways to make more money. If you want more out of life, then increase your income.
You need to be an advocate for yourself.
Find ways to make more money.
It could be a side hustle, a second job, asking for a raise, going to school to change careers, or picking up extra hours.
Whatever path you take, that’s fine. Just find ways to make more money. Period.
5. No State Taxes
Paying taxes is one option to increase what you take home in each paycheck.
These are the states that don’t pay state income taxes on wages:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
It is very interesting if you take into account the amount of state taxes paid compared to a state with income taxes.
Also, if you live in one of the higher taxed states, then you may want to reconsider moving to a lower cost of living area. The higher taxes income tax states include California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, New York, Vermont, Iowa, and Wisconsin. These states tax income somewhere between 7.65% – 13.3%.
6. Stick to a Budget
You need to learn how to start a budget. We have tons of budgeting resources for you.
While creating a budget is great, you need to learn how to use one.
You do not have to budget down to every last penny.
You need to make sure your expenses are less than your income and that you are creating sinking funds for those irregular expenses.
Budget Help:
7. Pay Off Debt Quickly
The amount that you pay interest on debt is absolutely absurd.
Unfortunately, that is how many of these companies make their money is from the interest you pay on debt.
If you are paying 5% to even 20-21% or higher, you need to find ways to lower that debt quickly.
Here’s a debt calculator to help you. Figure out your debt free date.
Make that paying off debt fast is your target and main focus. I can tell you from personal experience, that it was not until we paid off our debt that we finally rounded the corner financially. Once our debt was paid off, we could finally be able to save money. Set money aside in separate bank accounts and pay for cash for things.
It took us working hard to pay off debt. We needed persistence and patience while we had setbacks in our debt free journey.
Here are resources now for you to pay off your debt:
Jobs that Pay $19 an Hour
You can find jobs that pay $19 per hour. Polish up that resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Job Search Hint: Always send a written follow-up thank you note for your interview. That will help you get noticed and remembered.
First, look at the cities that require a minimum wage in their cities. That is the best place to start to find jobs that are going to pay higher than the federal minimum wage rate. Many of the cities are moving towards this model so, target and look for jobs in those areas.
Possible Ideas:
Administrative assistant
Customer service representatives
Housecleaning specialist
Delivery drivers
Warehouse workers
Trash Collector
Fast Food Restaurant Manager
Maintenance worker
School Bus drivers
Manufacturing Assemblers
Elder Care
Companies that pay more than $19 per hour:
Coors Brewery
Target
Amazon
Best Buy
DoorDash
Charter Communications
Wells Fargo
Bank of America
JP Morgan
Plus many companies pay a higher hourly rate in HCOL areas as well.
$19 Per Hour Annual Salary
In this post, we detailed 19 an hour is how much a year. Plus all of the variables that can impact your net income. This is something that you can live off.
How much is 19 dollars an hour annually…
$39,520
This is right between $39000 per year and $43k a year. In this post, we highlighted ways to increase your income as well as tips for living off your wage.
Use the sample budget as a starting point with your expenses.
You will have to be savvy and wise with your hard-earned income. But, with a plan, anything is possible!
Learn exactly how much do I make per year…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.