You’re offered a job. It pays $30 an hour. Your gut says, “Hey, not bad!” But then the second-guessing kicks in—is 30 dollars an hour good, really?
The answer? It depends. On your lifestyle, location, financial goals, and what “good” actually means to you. But don’t worry—we’ll break it all down into plain, relatable numbers so you can decide if $30/hour is a win, a stepping stone, or something to negotiate higher.
The Basics: What Does $30 an Hour Look Like Annually?
So, Is 30 Dollars an Hour Good? Let’s do some quick math:
- Hourly: $30
- Weekly (40 hours): $1,200
- Monthly (average 4.33 weeks/month): ~$5,196
- Yearly (full-time 2080 hours): $62,400
That’s your gross income, meaning before taxes, insurance, or retirement contributions.
After taxes? You’ll likely take home somewhere between $47,000–$52,000 a year, depending on where you live and your deductions.
Is $30 an Hour a Good Wage?
Let’s answer that with a big, bold: It depends.
1. Where You Live
$30/hour feels amazing in places with a low cost of living. In others, it’s just “okay.”
Feels Comfortable In:
- Midwest towns
- Small cities or rural areas
- States with lower rent, taxes, and general costs
Feels Tight In:
- San Francisco, LA, NYC
- Anywhere with $2,500+ monthly rent
- Places with expensive insurance, food, and transit
2. Your Expenses and Debt
Are you paying off:
- Student loans?
- Childcare?
- Car payments?
- Credit card debt?
Then $30/hour might not go as far as it sounds. But if your debt is low and your expenses are reasonable, this wage allows room to save, invest, and breathe.
3. Your Financial Goals
Want to buy a house soon? Travel often? Start a family? Save aggressively? Then you’ll want to look at how much of that $62,400 you can actually keep.
If you live simply, $30/hour could check every box.
If you’re aiming to hit major savings milestones or retire early, it might be a starting point—not the finish line.
Budget Breakdown: Living on $30/Hour
Here’s what your monthly take-home might look like if you earn $30/hour full-time (after taxes, around $4,100/month):
| Expense | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Groceries | $300–$600 |
| Utilities & Internet | $150–$250 |
| Transportation | $200–$500 |
| Insurance (health, car) | $300–$600 |
| Entertainment & Dining | $150–$300 |
| Savings | $200–$600 |
Bottom line: it’s enough to cover basics, enjoy life a little, and put something away each month—if you’re mindful.
How It Compares to Other Wages
| Hourly Rate | Annual (Full-Time) | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| $15/hr | ~$31,200 | Bare bones survival |
| $20/hr | ~$41,600 | Livable, tight budget |
| $30/hr | $62,400 | Comfortable, sustainable |
| $40/hr | ~$83,200 | Roomy, solid savings |
| $50/hr+ | $100K+ | Big goals, big cushion |
So yes—$30/hour is above average for most industries, especially if you’re early in your career or working hourly instead of salaried.
Is $30 an Hour Good for a Family?
It depends on how many people you’re supporting.
- Single: Very manageable
- Married, no kids: Still good if both partners earn
- Family with kids: $30/hour as sole income could be tight, especially with daycare, school, or healthcare costs
It’s not impossible. But budgeting will need to be sharp, and you may want to look into tax credits or benefits that support families.
Jobs That Commonly Pay $30 an Hour
So, Is 30 Dollars an Hour Good? Not just CEOs and coders—plenty of solid, blue- and white-collar roles land here:
- Skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, mechanics)
- Dental hygienists
- Nurses (depending on location and level)
- Paralegals
- Freelance designers or writers
- Mid-level tech support or admin roles
- Entry-level programmers or analysts
It’s a sweet spot that many workers aim for—and a common “raise goal” for those currently earning under $25/hour.
Can You Grow From $30/Hour?
Yes. And that’s the best part.
If you’re at $30/hour now, you’ve got leverage. You can:
- Ask for a raise based on performance
- Take on overtime or higher-paying projects
- Upskill into $35–$50/hour roles
- Build a side hustle to supplement income
- Transition into a salaried role with better benefits
$30/hour isn’t a dead-end—it’s a solid launch pad.
Final Verdict: Is $30 an Hour Good?
Yes—$30 an hour is a good wage for many people, especially in lower- to mid-cost areas. It can support a decent lifestyle, allow for savings, and give you financial breathing room.
Is it rich? No.
Is it livable? Absolutely.
Is it a great place to start building bigger things? Without a doubt.
