Looking for a career where you can make some serious cash? Here are six to consider.
These days, many people are just happy to be employed. But luckily,
things are starting to look up and you may have your sights on something
bigger and better when it comes to your career. Wondering how you can
take your paycheck to the next level?
"Often, young professionals need more than just a bachelor's degree
to get into many of these high-paying positions. But once they combine a
few years of solid work experience with their higher education, it's
very achievable to get on one of these career paths," says Michael
Provitera, career expert and author of the book, "Mastering
Self-Motivation."
Ready to learn about six careers that pay more than $50 per hour? Keep reading.
Career #1: Advertising and Promotions Manager
Mean Hourly Pay: $51.47*
If you've always been interested in how products and services are
marketed, a career as an advertising and promotions manager could
satisfy your career itch and put some money in your pocket at the same
time.
The U.S. Department of Labor says that these professionals work with
everyone from art directors to financial staff members, and they might
plan ad campaigns, negotiate ad contracts, and meet with clients to
provide marketing advice.
Why It Pays: These days, companies are keen to
define their brands and ensure they get high visibility, says Joseph
Terach, co-founder of Resume Deli, a professional career management
firm.
"An advertising and promotions manager is on the front lines of that
effort, making sure a company's brand gets to the head of the pack. A
good one can be worth their weight in gold," he adds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor notes
that for most advertising manager positions, a bachelor's degree is
required, and some employers might prefer a degree in advertising or
journalism. The Department also says that managers in this field
typically have some relevant work experience in the field.
Career #2: Top Executive
Mean Hourly Pay: $85.02*
Do you dream of rising to the top of the corporate ladder? A career
as a top executive could not only pay dividends toward your career
goals, but also toward your bank account.
As a top executive, your responsibilities could include devising
strategies and policies to ensure an organization meets goals, planning,
directing and coordinating operational activities, and consulting with
other executives about general operations, according to the U.S.
Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: Top executives earn the big bucks
because they are in charge of large amounts of resources, including
human, technical, and financial sectors of the company, says Provitera.
Additionally, Terach says that every ship needs a captain, and captains need their first mates and senior officers.
"A top executive at a firm can provide invaluable strategic advice to
a CEO to make sure the company prospers and stays afloat," he notes.
Education Options: Many top executives have at least
a bachelor's degree or master's degree in business administration, or
in a major related to their field, according to the Department of Labor.
Additionally, the Department notes that top execs may also have a
considerable amount of work experience, though education may vary widely
by position and industry.
Career #3: Computer and Information Manager
Mean Hourly Salary: $62.08*
Have you always had a knack for understanding computers and solving
complex problems? You may do well to consider a career as a computer and
information manager. Not only will you get the opportunity to flex your
analytical brain, but you could be well compensated for doing so.
The U.S. Department of Labor says computer and information managers
analyze their organization's computer needs and recommend possible
solutions. By determining the IT goals of an organization, these
managers can implement computer systems to help meet those goals.
Why It Pays: "Bits and bytes are today's new
currency, with reams of information moving at breakneck speeds around
the world," says Terach. "Without a good IT manager, a company can find
itself in dire straits, with irate clients that can't access their
accounts or receive the products they ordered. Paying top dollar to get
good technical folks on board your team is a must."
Additionally, David Bakke, finance expert at Money Crashers, a
website dedicated to money and career management, says a career as a
computer and information manager pays well because many companies
require an MBA in order to qualify:
"Since the world of technology is constantly changing and evolving, a
computer and information manager must also upgrade his or her education
and skills in order to remain competitive and relevant."
Next step: Click to Find the Right MBA Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says that
a bachelor's degree in computer or information science is typically
required, in addition to related work experience. The Department also
notes that many organizations require these managers to have a graduate
degree, and MBAs are common.
Career #4: Financial Manager
Mean Hourly Wage: $59.26*
If you enjoy advising your friends and family on financial matters, a
career as a financial manager might be worth consideration.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor says, "financial managers are
responsible for the financial health of an organization." That includes
doing things like preparing financial statements, monitoring financial
details, and supervising employees who do reporting and budgeting.
Why It Pays: Terach says that forecasting and
tracking a company's assets and liabilities is the cornerstone of
running a successful business. "When it comes to the person who's
minding that function, the dollars an organization invests in them will
translate into dollars saved and earned on the bottom line."
Plus, financial managers need to know what to do when times get tough financially.
"With the turbulent environment that we find ourselves in today,
financial managers have to provide effective methods of controlling
finances to ensure that a company can survive. Surviving in tough times
shows that when the good times come back around, financial managers will
be able to perform even better," he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says
these professionals must usually have a bachelor's degree in a field
like finance, accounting, economics, or business administration, along
with more than five years of experience in a financial or business
occupation. They also say that many employers now look for financial
managers with a master's degree, preferably in business administration,
finance, or economics.
Career #5: Actuary
Mean Hourly Wage: $51.29*
Here's another career that will put your analytical brain into
overdrive: Actuary. And if you pursue a career in this field, your
hourly wage has the potential to go into overdrive as well.
Actuaries typically compile statistical data and analyze the
financial costs of risk and uncertainty, according to the U.S.
Department of Labor. They note that this work is essential to the
insurance industry.
Why It Pays: "[I]f you're an insurance company or
quantitative finance firm, you need a team of actuaries who can make
sense of complex statistical probabilities and computational formulas,"
he says. "Entrusting those roles to anyone but a person with specialized
mathematical knowledge and skills would be penny wise and pound
foolish."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Options: Along with a series of exams to
obtain certification, the Department of Labor says actuaries need a
bachelor's degree in a field like math, statistics, business, or
actuarial science.
Career #6: Public Relations Manager
Mean Hourly Wage: $52.05*
Are you a pro at getting people excited about whatever you're talking
about? If so, a career as a PR manager could allow you to use your
communication skills while also giving you the potential to earn a
pretty penny.
In this role, you could expect to write press releases, develop an
organization's corporate identity, and help clients create a favorable
public image, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: "Dealing with specialized audiences,
from consumers to the media to regulators, requires a professional who
knows how to adapt their pitch and their "voice" to put the company
brand in the best possible light," says Terach.
"That's what good PR professionals are for, and the luster they can
add to your brand, or the communications support they can provide to get
the company out of a crisis, is worth their premium salaries," he adds.
Education Options: These professionals are generally
required to have a bachelor's degree in public relations business,
communications, journalism, or English, although some employers might
prefer a master's degree in PR or journalism, according to the
Department.