You may think you know how much some jobs pay, but their actual salaries may surprise you and change your career path.
If you're trying to figure out your career path, salary may be a
major driving factor behind your decision on what to pursue. But you may
be surprised to learn that some jobs pay higher salaries than you were
expecting and vice versa.
According to Dr. Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown
University Center on Education and the Workforce, paychecks for certain
jobs reflect how they play into the economic landscape.
"The difference between these occupations and their salaries is
largely about the value they provide to the economy," Carnevale says.
He adds, "We hold outdated information in our minds of what we think jobs pay, based on the people we know and talk to.
To dispel the myths you may have about certain jobs and their pay,
take a look at the list of jobs below - some of their salaries may
surprise you. And, even better, they could give you a clearer picture of
what your next career move should be.
High-Pay Job #1: Systems Software Developer
- Median Salary*
- $99,000
- Top 10%*
- $148,850
- Bottom 10%*
- $62,800
Creative types who enjoy problem-solving may find a career as a software developer to be a good fit and well-paid.
What They Do: According to the U.S. Department of
Labor, software developer duties boil down to developing software
systems for improved computer operations. Many developers work for
computer system design companies or electronic product manufacturers.
Why It Pays: "[Software developers] invent new
technical capabilities that harness the power of computers - the most
productive technology of our era," Carnevale says. Because the demand
for computer software is increasing, the Department of Labor projects 30
percent growth in software developer jobs from 2010 to 2020.
How to Prepare: Software developers usually have computer programming skills alongside a bachelor's degree in computer science.
Low-Pay Job #1: Surgical Technologist
- Median Salary*
- $41,790
- Top 10%*
- $60,240
- Bottom 10%*
- $29,710
For assisting in surgical operations, these important members of the
health care team don't get paid as much as you would expect.
What They Do: The U.S. Department of Labor states
that surgical technologists are responsible for preparing operating
rooms, arranging equipment, and assisting doctors and nurses during
surgery.
Why It's Low-Paid: Compared to other positions in
the field such as nurse practitioner or physician's assistant,
"[surgical technologists] require a lower medical skill set," Stoeckmann
says. "Also there is a lot of pressure for hospitals to keep their
costs down."
High-Pay Job #2: Dental Hygienist
- Median Salary*
- $70,210
- Top 10%*
- $96,280
- Bottom 10%*
- $46,540
If you're interested in improving people's smiles, then a career as a
dental hygienist might work well for you - professionally and
financially. Now say "Aaaahhh!"
What They Do: Providing preventative dental care
such as fluoride treatments and examining patients for oral diseases
like gingivitis are typical responsibilities of dental hygienists,
according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: "Since dental hygienists oftentimes
work in dental clinics that are privately owned instead of hospitals,
companies are more likely to pay top dollar for a really qualified
hygienist," says Jim Stoeckmann, senior practice leader at WorldAtWork, a
nonprofit that offers insight on all aspects of human resources
including compensation. "Private companies can afford to pay more than
hospitals for the most part."
How to Prepare: The Department of Labor states that
in order to pursue a career as a dental hygienist, you typically need an
associate's degree in dental hygiene. All states require licenses to
practice, but their requirements vary.
Low-Pay Job #2: Model
- Median Salary*
- $18,750
- Top 10%*
- $43,480
- Bottom 10%*
- $16,250
Gracing the glossy pages of fashion magazines may seem glamorous and lucrative, but that may not be the case for most models.
What They Do: The U.S. Department of Labor states
that models help advertise clothing or other products by posing for
photos and participating in runway shows. Models often work with fashion
designers, photographers, and advertisers.
Why It's Low-Paid: "Models are paid for performance,
so their pay varies widely," Carnevale says. Plus, since they often do
not work a typical 9-to-5 five-day workweek schedule, they are likely to
experience some instability in income, the Department of Labor says.
High-Pay Job #3: Technical Writer
- Median Salary*
- $65,500
- Top 10%*
- $101,660
- Bottom 10%*
- $38,700
A wordsmith who can find ways to translate a complicated concept,
such as how to operate factory machinery, into an accessible instruction
manual may be well-suited for a lucrative career as a technical writer.
What They Do: Technical writing jobs require the
ability to communicate technical information into an easy-to-understand
format for the average person, the U.S. Department of Labor says.
Technical writers work primarily within the technology, engineering, and
scientific research industries, developing and distributing technical
information to customers, designers, and manufacturers.
Why It Pays: Carnevale reiterates that "[Technical
writers] work at a key junction between the people who make new
technology and the people who need to use it or understand it. They
explain or translate complex and technical concepts into common
language; this critical function makes their position valuable."
How to Prepare: Technical writer positions usually
require a college degree, in addition to some type of knowledge in a
specialty area such as web design or computer science, according to the
Department of Labor. Employers typically prefer to hire writers with a
degree in communications, English, or journalism.
Low-Pay Job #3: Announcer
- Median Salary*
- $28,020
- Top 10%*
- $78,630
- Bottom 10%*
- $17,270
Announcers reach a wide audience through television or radio, so it
may surprise you that these somewhat well-known personas aren't as
well-compensated as you would guess.
What They Do: Announcers offer commentary on and
present news, music, or sports and usually interview guests about their
niche topics, the U.S. Department of Labor says. Their work environments
are usually television and radio studios, and while most announcers
work tight schedules on a full-time basis, many work part-time.
Why It's Low-Paid: "There aren't any significant
prerequisites to this job," Stoeckmann says. "So you get a lot of
candidates to choose from, and then media companies operate on fairly
thin margins so they can't afford to pay that much."
High-Pay Job #4: Market Research Analyst
- Median Salary*
- $60,300
- Top 10%*
- $113,500
- Bottom 10%*
- $33,280
Shopping is an everyday occurrence - but if you're curious about why
people buy things, then pursuing a career as a market research analyst
may be the right career move for you.
What They Do: Market research analysts work with
companies to gather information about the potential sales of products or
services in relation to a targeted area, such as a specified group of
local communities or multiple state regions, according to the U.S.
Department of Labor. Their work is generally computer-oriented with
frequent analysis of market data and reports, but some analysts work
with the public to gather information needed for assignments.
Why It Pays: "The job does not altogether require a
number of sophisticated skills, however market research analysts are a
good example of the economic trend that's steering away from industrial
jobs and instead focusing on service jobs," Stoeckmann says. "Business
services continue to be a growing field." The Department of Labor also
predicts a rapid 41 percent growth in the field from 2010 to 2020.
How to Prepare: Market research analysts require a
bachelor's degree in market research or a related field, such as
statistics, math, or computer science, notes the Department. Others have
studied business administration, communications, or one of the social
sciences.
Low-Pay Job #4: Legislator
- Median Salary*
- $19,780
- Top 10%*
- $84,950
- Bottom 10%*
- $16,470
Legislators help make decisions that pertain to the laws of a local
community or state - a responsibility that you would expect to garner a
higher salary.
What They Do: The U.S. Department of Labor points
out that the elected officials in local, state, and federal governments
are responsible for developing bills, seeking funding for programs, and
approving policies. Some only work full-time while the legislature is
in session and work part-time when it's closed.
Why It's Low-Paid: Carnevale makes the point that
"[legislators] serve the public and the primary value of their work is
in serving others, not their earnings."