$28 an Hour Is How Much a Year? Here’s What You Need to Know About Paychecks and Top Jobs

Timeframe	Pay (Before Taxes)
Hour	$28
Day	$224.00
Week	$1,120
Biweekly	$2,240
Month	$4,853
Year	$58,240

So, How Much Is $28 an Hour Annually?

Annual income calculation: If you’re working full-time (that’s 40 hours a week for 52 weeks a year), $28 an hour adds up to $58,240 a year before taxes. That’s assuming you don’t take unpaid time off.
Room for variation: If you work overtime or pick up extra shifts, your yearly pay could jump even higher. On the flip side, if you take unpaid days off, your annual total will drop.

Breaking It Down by Paycheck

Monthly income: Around $4,853 before taxes.
Biweekly income: About $2,240 every two weeks.
Weekly income: $1,120 per week if you work 40 hours.
Daily income: $224 for an 8-hour shift.

These figures reflect gross income. After taxes and deductions, your actual take-home pay will be lower, but still strong in most areas.

Is $28 an Hour Actually a Good Wage?

Above-average pay: $28 an hour is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage and the national median hourly wage, which tends to fall between $22 and $24.
Cost of living matters: In places like San Francisco or New York, this wage might just cover the essentials. In more affordable areas, it can offer more flexibility.
Personal factors: Your lifestyle, debt, family size, and location will all affect how far $28 an hour goes for you.

Jobs That Pay Around $28 an Hour

If you’re aiming for that $28/hour sweet spot, there are lots of paths to get there. Some jobs need a degree, while others just ask for training, experience, or certifications.

Electricians: Work on electrical systems in homes, buildings, or factories. Most complete an apprenticeship before earning licensure. Pay increases with experience.
Heating and Cooling Technicians: Install and service HVAC systems. Certification and experience can bring $28/hour.
Dental Hygienists: Clean teeth and help with oral exams. This job typically requires a two-year degree and offers strong earning potential.
Paralegals: Support attorneys with legal research and paperwork. Many earn $28/hour or more after getting certified through a paralegal program.
IT Support Specialists: Handle tech troubleshooting for businesses. Certifications like CompTIA A+ can get you started near the $28/hour range.
Insurance Underwriters: Evaluate risk and create policies. A business or finance degree often leads to these roles, with hourly pay close to $28.
Junior Web Developers: Code websites and maintain front-end elements. With the right portfolio and basic skills, $28/hour is common—even in entry-level roles.
Graphic Designers: Create visual content for businesses. Freelance or full-time work can easily reach or exceed $28/hour with the right experience.
Radiologic Technologists: Use medical imaging tools like X-rays. After getting certified, many of these techs earn over $28/hour in healthcare settings.
Construction Supervisors: Manage job sites and teams. Supervisors with leadership experience often start in the high $20s and can grow quickly.

What You Need to Get a $28/Hour Job

Getting to that $28 mark usually takes some work—whether it’s through school, training, or real-world experience. Many of these jobs don’t require a bachelor’s degree, but they do need the right preparation.

Certifications or licenses like HVAC, paralegal, or tech credentials
Associate degrees in fields like healthcare, legal studies, or IT
Apprenticeship programs for trades like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical
Real-world experience and a strong portfolio for creative roles
Soft skills like communication, time management, and reliability

You don’t need to spend years in college, but proving your value on the job is a must.

Where to Find $28 an Hour Jobs

Use job boards: Sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor let you search and filter by hourly rate. Just type in “$28/hour” or filter by salary range.
Network on LinkedIn: Network with pros in your field—many jobs aren’t listed, but referrals get your resume noticed.
Try staffing agencies: Many temp and contract roles pay well and can lead to full-time jobs if you show initiative.
Attend events: Job fairs and local networking events are still valuable. Meeting recruiters face-to-face gives you an edge.

How to Make the Most of Your $28 Wage

Making $28/hour is great—but managing that money well can take it even further.

Build a budget that works: Use apps or spreadsheets to track your spending. Make sure your essentials are covered first.
Set up automatic savings: Send a portion of your paycheck straight to savings so you don’t spend it by accident.
Pay off high-interest debt: Knock out credit cards and personal loans quickly to save money long-term.
Invest in yourself: Online courses, certifications, or new tools can make you more valuable—and lead to raises or promotions.
Add a side hustle: Freelance gigs or online sales can bring in extra cash on top of your $28/hour income.

Conclusion

Earning $28 an hour puts you in a solid position. With over $58,000 a year in base income, you have options—especially if you’re smart about budgeting and continue growing your skills. From healthcare to trades to tech and design, many careers offer this pay rate, and you don’t always need a four-year degree to get there.

If you’re already earning this much, you’re off to a great start. And if not, now’s a good time to explore how to reach that next level.

Key Takeaway: Making $28 an hour equals about $58,240 a year if you work full-time. That’s a solid income in many parts of the U.S., and plenty of in-demand jobs pay this rate—even without a four-year degree.

FAQs

Can I live comfortably on $28 an hour?

Yes, in many areas of the U.S., $28 an hour offers a stable income. Your comfort level depends on your location, lifestyle, and monthly expenses.

What jobs pay $28 an hour without a degree?

Trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roles like IT support, paralegal, or some freelance gigs can pay $28/hour with certifications or experience, no four-year degree needed.

Does $28 an hour include overtime pay?

No, the base pay is $28/hour. If you work overtime, your earnings could be higher depending on the overtime rate your employer offers.

How many hours a week do I need to work to make $58,240 a year?

You’d need to work 40 hours a week for 52 weeks a year to hit that amount. Any unpaid time off would lower it.

Are there remote jobs that pay $28/hour?

Yes, many remote positions in tech, customer service, virtual assistance, and design offer pay in this range, especially if you bring experience or a strong portfolio.