Dental hygienist schooling typically takes from two to four years. Although dental hygienists may have a few administrative responsibilities, the largest part of the work is hands-on in nature. A typical day could have you performing oral exams, cleaning and caring for teeth, and taking and developing x-rays. With as little as two to three years of post-secondary schooling, you can start carrying out a number of tasks that involve working with patients and assisting dentists. People who are interested in high-paying hands-on jobs may want to consider careers as dental hygienists. And take a look at the number of new job openings that are projected for the decade from 2020 to 2030 due to employment growth, according to occupational projections data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Find out what the annual pay range is for each position based on May 2021 data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Other great sectors include beauty, design, media arts, technology, law enforcement, animal care, and culinary arts.Ĭheck out the categories below to discover 24 jobs that allow you to work with your hands. Health care and skilled trades are two of the best sectors to find hands-on jobs that pay well, but they aren't the only ones. So it may not take you very long to prepare for an active career that provides a lot of opportunities. In fact, a lot of hands-on jobs that pay well only require one or two years of training. Additionally, many practical occupations don't require you to spend years in school preparing for them. For example, communities are always going to need auto mechanics, nurses, and police officers. That's because many jobs in this category can't be outsourced. And being responsible for fixing and building things, solving problems, or helping people can leave you feeling fulfilled and accomplished.Ĭhoosing a hands-on career can also result in greater job security. Working with your hands can be fun, creative, and intellectually stimulating. That's probably why so many people who have practical careers report that they feel passionate, happy, and engaged in their jobs. With that kind of job, you can feel like you've really achieved something at the end of each day. Hands-on jobs are great for people who want to see direct results from their hard work. 24 Hands-On Jobs That Pay Well and Require Less Than a Bachelor's Degree