Since the days in 2012 and 2013 when workers walked off their jobs to call on the nation's fast food chains to raise their pay to $15 per hour, that figure has stuck as the baseline for a living wage.
Cities nationwide, including big old Seattle and tiny Clarkston, Georgia, have passed legislation mandating all pay be increased to that $15 wage. Companies like Target and Walmart have also increased their wages to come closer to the $15 wage point.
Though the amount has inspired a new workers' campaign - "Fight for $15," the future of a nationwide standard is in constant flux. But one thing is certain: a variety of jobs in the U.S. and Georgia already pay right about $15 per hour.
What type of work currently yields that solid, workable $15 an hour income?
Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2018 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Georgia, there are plenty of opportunities to make about $15 an hour or more in the Peach State.
Here are eight of the most appealing, including a few you can do from home in your pajamas or jeans and a couple that would make a nice side hustle:
Mean hourly wage: $14.56
Just as you'd imagine, this job description covers those who repair and restore bicycles, sometimes as part of a sporting goods store or small business and at other times as a personal service provider.
Credit: undefined
Credit: undefined
Mean hourly wage: $16.61
These jobs are mainstays of the ever-burgeoning healthcare industry. People who hold them perform administrative and clinical duties under the supervision of physicians. Their administrative duties can include setting appointments, updating medical records, billing and coding information for insurance purposes. Some of the clinical duties that may be involved include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood and administering medications (as directed by a physician).
Automotive glass installers and repairers
Mean hourly wage: $17.49
These workers make a mean annual wage of $35,830 by replacing or repairing broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles. Most are employed by auto repair places, but a few of them work at dealers or auto parts wholesalers.
Mean hourly wage: $17.27
There may be jobs for only around 32,500 upholsterers nationwide, but those seeking work-from-home jobs without a lot of investment will find the job hunt (or self-employment training) worthwhile. The work involves making, repairing or replacing upholstery for furniture as well as vehicles.
Mean hourly wage: $19.79
Local governments and schools hire lots of the folks who perform this type of work, which is also a good way to make extra cash with a side hustle. Essentially, typists use a word processor, computer or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy or voice recording. In some workplaces, they'll perform clerical duties like answering phones, too.
Refuse and recyclable material collectors
Mean hourly wage: $19.50
These fairly recent entries into the modern day work world collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into a truck and may also be required to drive the truck. Note that the mean hourly wage nationally for this occupation is a bit higher - $18.71 an hour - so experience in Georgia might give you a foot up in another state.
Mean hourly wage: $18.50
Not always the most popular public servant, animal control workers at least make a living wage for their work. They handle animals so that others can investigate alleged mistreatment or to control abandoned, dangerous or unattended animals.
Mean hourly wage: $17.59
While this wage grouping doesn't include machine setters - who make a lot more - those who cut, shape and assemble wooden articles can surpass $15 per hour. Bench carpenters set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines to surface, cut or shape lumber or to fabricate wood product parts.
About the Author
