Is $28 an Hour a Good Salary? A Comprehensive Career Analysis
Earning $28 an hour translates to an annual gross income of approximately $58,240. This figure places you squarely in the heart of the American middle class, closely aligning with the national median income. It's a significant and achievable financial milestone that can provide a comfortable living in many parts of the country.
But what does it take to earn this salary? Which career paths lead to this income level, and how can you position yourself to reach or exceed it? This article provides a data-driven analysis of a $28 an hour salary, exploring the jobs that pay it, the factors that influence your earnings, and the outlook for these promising careers.
Breaking Down a $28 an Hour Salary
Before diving into specific careers, it's helpful to understand what earning $28 an hour means for your budget. Assuming a standard 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks in a year, the numbers look like this:
- Annual Salary: $28/hour x 40 hours/week x 52 weeks/year = $58,240 per year (gross)
- Monthly Salary: $58,240 / 12 months = $4,853 per month (gross)
- Weekly Salary: $28/hour x 40 hours/week = $1,120 per week (gross)
- Daily Salary: $28/hour x 8 hours/day = $224 per day (gross)
For context, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers in the United States was $1,145 in the fourth quarter of 2023. This means a $28/hour wage ($1,120/week) is almost exactly at the national median, making it a very solid and representative income target.
What Jobs Pay Around $28 an Hour?
A $58,240 annual salary is not tied to a single industry. It's an income level accessible through diverse pathways, including skilled trades, healthcare, technology, and business operations. The key difference is often the required training—some roles require a four-year degree, while others prioritize vocational training and apprenticeships.
Here are some examples of professions where the median pay hovers around $28 an hour, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH):
| Job Title | 2023 Median Pay (per hour) | Typical Entry-Level Education |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Electricians | $29.59/hour ($61,550/year) | High school diploma + apprenticeship |
| Paralegals & Legal Assistants | $28.77/hour ($59,850/year) | Associate's degree |
| Market Research Analysts| $33.99/hour ($70,690/year) | Bachelor's degree |
| Graphic Designers | $28.34/hour ($58,950/year) | Bachelor's degree |
| Loan Officers | $32.22/hour ($67,020/year) | Bachelor's degree |
| Social Workers | $28.51/hour ($59,300/year) | Bachelor's degree (Master's for clinical roles) |
| Human Resources Specialists| $32.60/hour ($67,810/year) | Bachelor's degree |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (Data retrieved 2024)*
As this table illustrates, you have multiple avenues to reach this income level, allowing you to align your career choice with your personal interests and educational preferences.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Reaching—and surpassing—the $28/hour mark often depends on a combination of factors. Understanding these variables is crucial for strategic career planning.
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Level of Education
Your educational background is a foundational element of your earning potential. For roles like Electrician or Plumber, a high school diploma followed by a multi-year, paid apprenticeship is the standard path. In contrast, positions like Market Research Analyst or Human Resources Specialist typically require a bachelor's degree to secure an entry-level position. For specialized roles like Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a master's degree is necessary and often leads to significantly higher pay. The key is to choose the educational path that aligns with your target profession.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most powerful drivers of income growth. A salary of $28/hour could be:
- An entry-level wage for a graduate in a high-demand field like computer science or engineering.
- A mid-career wage for a professional in a role like graphic design or administrative supervision, who may have started closer to $20/hour.
- A senior-level wage in certain lower-paying industries or non-profit sectors.
According to data from Salary.com, a Human Resources Specialist I (0-2 years of experience) earns an average of $64,215, while an HR Specialist III (4-6 years) earns closer to $82,490. This demonstrates a clear and direct correlation between experience and compensation.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. A $58,240 salary can provide a very comfortable lifestyle in a low-cost-of-living area but may feel stretched in an expensive metropolitan hub. Employers adjust their pay scales based on the local market demand and cost of living.
For example, according to Payscale's Cost of Living Calculator:
- A salary of $58,000 in Omaha, Nebraska, provides a certain standard of living.
- To maintain that same standard of living in Boston, Massachusetts, you would need to earn approximately $89,000.
- In San Francisco, California, you would need to earn over $120,000.
When evaluating a job offer, always consider the local cost of housing, transportation, and taxes.
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Company Type
The type of organization you work for can create significant pay variance for the exact same role.
- Large Corporations: Big tech companies, financial institutions, and Fortune 500 firms often offer the highest base salaries and most robust benefits packages to attract top talent.
- Startups: While sometimes offering lower base salaries, startups may compensate with stock options and the potential for rapid career growth.
- Government: Public sector jobs (federal, state, and local) are known for their stability, excellent benefits, and pensions, though their base pay might be slightly lower than in the private sector.
- Non-Profits: These organizations are mission-driven and may offer lower salaries, but often provide strong non-monetary benefits like a positive work culture and a sense of purpose.
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Area of Specialization
Within any given profession, developing a niche skill set is the fastest way to increase your value. A generalist in a field may earn the median wage, while a specialist commands a premium.
Consider the field of Graphic Design. A generalist designer might earn around the median of $28/hour. However, a designer who specializes in a high-demand area like User Experience (UX) or User Interface (UI) Design for mobile applications can easily earn $40-$50+ per hour. Similarly, an HR specialist who becomes an expert in Compensation and Benefits Analysis will typically earn more than a generalist.
Job Outlook
The long-term demand for your chosen profession is a critical factor for job security and future wage growth. Fortunately, many of the professions that pay around $28 an hour have a positive outlook.
According to the BLS, employment for Market Research Analysts is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, which is "much faster than the average" for all occupations. The demand for skilled trades also remains strong, with Electricians projected to grow 6% (faster than average). The healthcare sector continues its rapid expansion, with Registered Nurses (a role where new graduates can often earn $28/hour or more) projected to grow 6%.
This data suggests that targeting a career in this salary range can be a stable and strategic long-term choice.
Conclusion
Earning a $28 an hour salary, or $58,240 a year, is a significant and respectable financial goal that puts you in line with the median American worker. It is an achievable target accessible through a variety of rewarding career paths, whether you pursue a college degree, a skilled trade, or specialized training.
To maximize your potential and grow beyond this income level, focus on these key takeaways:
- Choose Your Path: Align your education and training with a career that interests you, whether it's in healthcare, business, technology, or the trades.
- Gain Experience: Commit to your field and understand that your value and income will grow with time and proven performance.
- Be Strategic: Pay attention to your geographic location and the type of company you work for, as these factors heavily influence compensation.
- Never Stop Learning: Develop a valuable specialization within your field to become an indispensable expert and significantly increase your earning power.
With the right strategy and a commitment to professional development, a $28 an hour salary can be a fantastic stepping stone on your journey to financial success and career satisfaction.