7 Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well No Bachelor's Needed

Source: Yahoo

A four-year degree isn't the only way to make a decent income. Here are seven occupations that pay surprisingly well.

By Lia Sestric

Don't settle on a low-paying career just because you don't have a bachelor's degree. Metaphorically speaking, when life throws you a curve ball, don't put down your bat - keep playing the game!
Whether you can't afford or can't give the time to earning a bachelor's degree, take comfort in knowing it's not the only way to earn a decent paycheck. There are less time-consuming alternatives that could prep you to pursue a lucrative career.
"There are many different ways to end up in the position of being happy with your career and the pay that comes with it," says Bill Peppler, managing partner for Kavaliro, an Orlando-based staffing agency.
"Some of these routes may go through a four-year bachelor's degree, others may not. There is not just one specific plan for everyone to become successful, there are multiple tracks."
Are you ready to find out how you can track down the right one for you? We got you covered. Here are seven careers that are short on school, but big on pay.

Career #1: Paralegal

Median Annual Salary*: $46,990
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $75,410
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $29,420
Who says you have to make partner at a law firm to make a decent living? As a paralegal, you could bypass law school and get right to making a decent paycheck just by assisting a lawyer at the office.
Job Duties: The U.S. Department of Labor says a paralegal supports a lawyer in a number of ways, from maintaining and organizing files to investigating facts of a case and helping lawyers prepare for trials.
Why It Pays: A lawyer needs a highly skilled individual to handle the workload that has no room for error, says career coach Lavie Margolin, author of "Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers." Paralegals are compensated for their "attention to detail, ability to work in a deadline driven environment, and [ability to] multi-task."
Plus, demand for this skill set will likely stay strong, says Margolin. "As long as there is a need for lawyers and the legal system, there will be a need for paralegals to help support them."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Paralegal Program.
Education Requirements: How long does it take to prepare for a career as a paralegal? Not as long as you may think. The Department of Labor says many paralegals have an associate's degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. Keep in mind, however, that those with the certificate also have a bachelor's degree in another subject.

Career #2: Computer Support Specialist

Median Annual Salary*: $46,420
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $77,430
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $27,620
Can you solve problems and keep your cool? A computer support specialist should be programmed to handle any technical break down. The good news is these professionals don't necessarily need a four-year degree to master the field.
Job Duties: "Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment," says the U.S. Department of Labor. There are two types of computer support specialists: technical support specialists and help-desk technicians.
Technical support technicians support IT employees within their organization by testing and evaluating existing network systems and performing regular maintenance. On the other hand, help-desk technicians assist non-IT users who are having computer problems by walking them through the steps to fix them, says the Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: We all know that technology fails us at times. So it's no surprise that Margolin says competent computer specialists are often needed at a moment's notice. "People are willing to pay to get their technology back up and running smoothly," he says. "It's worth paying a person a good price who is capable of doing that."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Education Requirements: Although many employers prefer a bachelor's degree, the Department of Labor says an associate's or post-secondary classes may be enough to pursue this career. For more technical positions, degrees in computer science, engineering, or information science may be required. After they're hired, new computer support specialists typically enter a training program.

Career #3: Dental Hygienist

Median Annual Salary*: $70,210
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $96,280
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $46,540
Going to dental school isn't the only way to get into the lucrative field of dentistry. In fact, you could pursue a lucrative career as a dental hygienist and skip many of those years of schooling. Job Duties: As a dental hygienist, you might "clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care," says the U.S. Department of Labor. A dental hygienist also educates patients about oral health.
Why It Pays: Dental hygienists have the bulk of the interaction with patients, and people don't want just anyone poking around in there. This is why the pay is high says Michael Echols, author of "Your Future is Calling," because the career demands a lot. "In addition to technical training required to do the work on a day to day basis, personality attributes that align with the requirements of the job are important. These include displaying a good-natured and cooperative attitude."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Dental Hygiene Program.
Education Requirements: Ready to start scraping teeth? The Department of Labor says an associate's degree in dental hygiene is typically needed to enter the profession. Every state requires these professionals to be licensed, but exact requirements vary, notes the Department.

Career #4: Registered Nurse

Median Annual Salary*: $65,470
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $94,720
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $45,040
The nursing profession is a great way to break into the booming health care field without having to spend an eternity in school. People can enter this career with a two-year degree that can potentially earn you a good chunk of cash.
Job Duties: Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients and also provide advice and emotional support to them and their family members, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: The job isn't an easy task, says Echols. A person must have concern for others but also be able to tolerate stress. The job also requires physical strength to deal with immobile patients.

"Lifting, turning, and moving patients over a full shift is manually stressing for nurses who have passed the prime of their own physical strength and endurance."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Education Requirements: This career has an excellent job outlook. In fact, according to the Department of Labor, it is projected to be the occupation creating the most new jobs from 2010 to 2020. An associate's degree or a diploma from an approved nursing program are two common paths to enter the nursing field. People also earn a bachelor's of science degree in nursing. The Department also notes that registered nurses must also be licensed.

Career #5: Police Officer

Median Annual Salary*: $55,270
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $89,310
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $32,350
Police officers uphold the law, catch bad guys, and have high earning possibilities for the service they provide to the community. And get this: You don't have to go through several years of school if you want to pursue the career.
Job Duties: A police officer does more than arrest suspects. They respond to calls for service, patrol assigned areas, conduct traffic stops, and issue citations, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: Upholding the law is serious business. "Being a police officer is extremely demanding and a dangerous field," says Margolin. "It involves a lot of sacrifice and a good salary is required for recruiting the right people."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.
Education Requirements: What does it take to flash a shiny badge? The Department of Labor says a police officer must at least have a diploma or GED and graduate from an agency's training academy. However, many agencies do require a college degree or some coursework. Candidates usually are at least 21-years-old, "and meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications," the Department adds.

Career #6: Physical Therapy Assistant

Median Annual Salary*: $52,160
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $72,720
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $32,420
Want to help a person recover from injury through strength-training activities? A physical therapy assistant rehabilitates patients under the supervision of a physical therapist, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. If you like the idea of being a helpful sidekick, you may like it even more knowing you can earn a decent paycheck that doesn't cost you years of schooling.
Job Duties: In a nutshell, a physical therapy assistant shows a patient the ropes while keeping tabs on their status. They may help patients overcome injuries by assisting them with various exercises, says the Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: A physical therapist needs supportive personnel to handle the demands of the job, says Margolin. And that's where physical therapist assistants come in.
"It is worthwhile for PT offices to pay PTAs a reasonable salary, as a PTA saves the practice money by taking over the basic duties and allowing the PT to focus on the work that requires more technical/scientific know-how. The job of PTA is also physically demanding and the salary must correspond with that."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
Education Requirements: What does it take to jump into this profitable career? You may want to start by earning an associate's from an accredited physical therapist program. Most states require that in addition to licensure, says the Department.

Career #7: Construction Manager

Median Annual Salary*: $82,790
Top 10 Percent of Earners: $144,520
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners: $49,680
We all know buildings are not constructed out of thin air. There has to be a person who spearheads the project and keeps it in motion. If being at a construction site to watch every piece form together excites you, pursuing a career as a construction manager might be a good move. Plus it has high earning potential and could require less time in school.
Job Duties: This job requires more than wearing a hard hat. A construction manager coordinates and supervises a wide variety of projects, says the U.S. Department of Labor. These could be residential, commercial, or public, like the construction of a bridge. Specifically, they prepare budgets, select the appropriate construction method for the project, and supervise construction personnel onsite.
Why It Pays: In the lucrative world of real estate, construction managers bring a lot of value to property owners, says Margolin. 
"Construction management is a uniquely demanding field, as one must have knowledge of a variety of areas," he says.  Construction managers need "enough vocational knowledge to observe the work of various contractors and assess if they are performing the job correctly," and they must have "the ability to manage others in a physically demanding environment with tight budgets and deadline constraints." They also need to be aware of safety and construction regulations to be effective, he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Construction Management Program.
Education Requirements: The Department of Labor says an associate's degree combined with work experience may be enough for some positions. The Department also notes that "those with a high school diploma and years of relevant work experience will be able to work as construction managers, though they will do so primarily as self-employed general contractors." The Department points out that as construction processes are becoming more complex, a bachelor's degree is growing in importance.

10 Best Degrees For Finding A Job

Source: Yahoo

Choosing the right major could make or break your chances at getting a job after graduation.

By Andrea Argueta

Maybe you're considering going back to school, but find yourself questioning whether or not it is still worth it to invest so much time and money. Well, good news: at the moment, it still pays to earn a college degree.
At least that's what the Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce had to say after conducting its 2013 study "Hard Times: College Majors, Unemployment and Earnings." Another finding they uncovered? Not all college degrees are created equal.
Your chances of being unemployed after graduation largely depends on the field you choose to study. Anthony Carnevale, co-author of the Georgetown report and director of the Education and Workforce Center, suggests researching potential salaries and unemployment rates of the fields that interest you. "It's just smart to know if the major you're interested in is likely to get you a job," he says.
To help you with your investigation, here are the top 10 majors that report the lowest unemployment rates after graduation.*

Degree #1: Nursing

Unemployment Rate: 4.8%*
You're the go-to person when someone is feeling under the weather, but you still haven't made up your mind about getting that nursing degree. Well, you might make up your mind after you read this: according to the Georgetown report, nursing majors have the lowest unemployment rate among all recent college graduates.
Why? The increased demand in health care, says Carnevale. Today, Americans are spending one in every five dollars on health care, and this high demand for health services is making "the demand for nurses among the fastest in the economy," he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Common Courses: Nutrition, health assessment, microbiology, pharmacology, and adult nursing**

Degree #2: Elementary Education

Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
If you loved playing teacher when you were young, prepping to reprise that role now might be a good idea. According to the Georgetown report, elementary education majors have the second lowest unemployment rate among recent graduates.
The reason behind the low rate? Teacher retirement. "The elementary school workforce is among the oldest of the American working industries," says Carnevale. And as more teachers reach retirement age, more teaching spots open up.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Elementary Education Program.
Common Courses : Teaching methods, educational psychology, and education of the exceptional child

Degree #3: Physical Fitness and Parks and Recreation

Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
If the only thing that has kept you from previously enrolling in this program was the suspicion that jobs could be scarce upon graduation, you can breathe easy. This degree reports the third lowest unemployment rate among recent grads.
Where are all the jobs? The baby boomers' demand for services, recreational facilities, and activities is increasing the need for qualified candidates, says Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, chief career writer and partner at CareerTrend.
There are a variety of ways to work in this industry, she says. "New grads can get their feet wet in an entry-level, seasonal, part-time and/or temporary role." She also says they can pursue jobs in cruise ships and volunteer agencies as well as recreation facilities like playgrounds, parks, camps, senior centers, and more.
Common Courses : Program and event planning, recreation leadership, area and facility design, and marketing recreation enterprises

Degree #4: Chemistry

Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
Almost blow up your parents' house? Maybe it's time to move those basement science experiments into a real lab. It would certainly be safer for your parents, and maybe for your career as well. According to the Georgetown report, recent chemistry grads have the fourth lowest unemployment rate.
Recent chemistry grads are facing a low unemployment rate, because hiring has increased in the private sector and in manufacturing, according to Carnevale. More chemistry grads are needed as industries continue to get more involved in chemical processing, he says. According to Industrial Info Resources, chemical processing "encompasses a broad range of products, including petrochemical and inorganic chemicals, plastics, detergents, paints and pigments, and more."
And that's not the only reason. Carnevale says the growing concern for the environment has also opened up a lot of "green jobs" for chemists.
Common Courses : Organic chemistry, thermodynamics, biochemistry, and inorganic chemistry

Degree #5: Finance

Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
If you'd like to learn how to make smart investment decisions, then you might consider earning a degree in finance. Choosing this major is itself a wise investment since, according to the Georgetown report, recent college graduates in this field have the fifth lowest unemployment rate.
According to Barrett-Poindexter, the low unemployment rate is due to operations in the recovering finance sector ramping back up. Strong, qualified, and ethical finance professionals are needed to fill open positions.
Carnevale echoes that, stating that financial management and reporting has become more extensive in every industry of the American economy. "Finance is a basic institutional function," he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
Common Courses : Financial management, international finance, investments, and financial markets and institutions

Degree #6: Mathematics

Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
Calculus, algebra, and geometry don't scare you. No, you actually enjoy these subjects. That's why a math degree would be a great option for you, especially if you'd like your career opportunities to multiply. Good news for you: recent math graduates have the same low unemployment rate that finance majors do.
"Math degrees have always been a star," says Carnevale. Recent math graduates always have a low unemployment rate, because you can sell the degree in a number of occupations. You could do anything from working in insurance companies to working in business, accounting, and financial services, Carnevale explains.
Common Courses : Linear algebra, modern geometry, number theory, and single-variable calculus

Degree #7: Hospitality Management

Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
If you'd like to learn the ins and outs of running a hotel, earning a hospitality management degree could pay off. In fact, recent hospitality management grads had the seventh lowest unemployment rate in the Georgetown report.
The reason? The economy. Hospitality jobs are very sensitive to the economy, says Carnevale. As the economy recovers, travel increases, and more people are needed for these jobs. "People have more money to spend," he says, so more people are staying in hotels.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Hospitality Management Program.
Common Courses: Resort operations, hospitality finance, marketing, festival and event management, and food service operations

Degree #8: Drama and Theater Arts

Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
Interested in theater and production? Rather than work as a server in NYC, waiting to be discovered, the Georgetown report suggests that you might want to head to school. Drama and theater arts had the eighth lowest unemployment rate among recent graduates, according to the Georgetown report. Who knew?
Surprising as it is, the public's demand for more movies and television shows is causing a need for more producers and directors, says Barrett-Poindexter. The field is also smaller, which could mean more opportunity. "Fewer students are graduating with a theater arts degree," says Barrett-Poindexter, "so there is less competition."
Common Courses: Acting, directing, costume design, dramatic literature, and theater history

Degree #9: Family and Consumer Sciences

Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
You're good at taking care of your family. You keep the budget in check. You make sure everyone is eating the right things and is getting along. And if you'd like to put to use all of these skills, you might want to go back to school and major in family and consumer sciences. Recent grads who took this path had the same low unemployment rate as drama and theater arts majors, according to the results of the Georgetown study.
The low unemployment rate is due to "a wide variety of career opportunities that exist in this field," says Barrett-Poindexter. Recent grads can pursue jobs in health and human services agencies, retail operations, government service, and even work as consultants, she adds.
Common Courses: Child development, meal management, housing, and family financial management

Degree #10: Marketing and Marketing Research

Unemployment Rate: 6.6%
Do you wish you could improve the ad campaigns you see on TV, Facebook, or Twitter? If so, a degree in marketing could teach you the basics to create your own. The best part: recent marketing grads don't face a high unemployment rate. In fact, they have the tenth lowest unemployment rate among all degrees listed in the Georgetown report.
And campaigns on Facebook and Twitter are the reason behind this low unemployment rate. "With the genesis of social media, the continuing need for informed talent to strategically employ social networking in marketing products and services has exploded," says Barrett-Poindexter.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
Common Courses: Marketing strategy, consumer behavior, advertising and promotion, and international marketing

Five Industries That Are Leading The Economic Recovery

Source: Yahoo

A new report reveals the fastest-growing industries from 2010 to 2020 - and the importance of a college degree to pursue a career in one of them.

By Terence Loose

After the Great Recession of the past several years, the country seems to finally be getting back on its feet. But will it look the same in terms of employment?
A new report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce* says no. And there are two factors that are driving this conclusion: a shift in industries that are projected to be the fastest-growing in the U.S. from 2010 to 2020, coupled with the increasing importance of a college degree for many jobs in these industries.
For example, in a different Georgetown report from 2010**, the industries that topped the fastest-growing list from 2008 to 2018 were health care and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). But neither of these industries is first on the list in the 2013 report.
And the importance of a postsecondary education continues to grow. "What's clear is that in the past decade, the entry-level skill and education requirement has gone way up," says Anthony P. Carnevale, the center's director and co-author of the study. In fact, of the 55 million job openings that are forecasted from 2010 to 2020, 65 percent - or 36 million - will require some college education.
We dove deeper into the report and took a look at the five fastest-growing post-recession industries, along with the education you may need to pursue a career in one of them. So read on, because some of the information may be quite educational.

#1: Private Education Services

Rate of Growth from 2010 to 2020: 28 percent*
With parents more concerned than ever about the quality of their kids' education, private education has grown rapidly in the past few decades, Carnevale says. And since it shows no sign of slowing down, he doesn't see it as a surprise that this was the number one fastest-growing industry in the Recovery 2020 study.
Why It's Growing: "More and more people recognize that the quality of their children's education will pretty much determine their ability to pass on their middle-class status - or to leverage their kids into the middle class, if they themselves aren't in the middle class," says Carnevale. So, parents are taking more control of their kids' education through private schools, he says.
Why College Is Required: The vast majority of the workers in this group are teachers and principals, says Carnevale. "And they're very highly educated. The overwhelming majority has at least some college and often bachelor's and graduate degrees," he says.
Potential Career: Elementary school teacher
Love the idea of helping the next generation learn new concepts and skills? How about working with individual students to challenge them and developing and enforcing classroom rules? That's what the U.S. Department of Labor says teachers do. And according to the Department of Labor, private elementary schools typically seek teachers who have a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
Next step: Click to Find the Right K-12 Program Now.
The Department says that job opportunities for elementary teachers (both public and private) are expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, or by 248,800 jobs.

#2: Health Care Services

Rate of Growth from 2010 to 2020: 26 percent*
With just about every person in America needing some kind of health care service, this has long been a big growth industry, says Carnevale. Perhaps the only shocker, then, is that it came in at number two, not number one.
Why It's Growing: One of the biggest drivers of growth has been nurses, says Carnevale. "Nurses have been a big growth profession for a very long time, for the last decade or two," he says. Another big reason is an aging nation. Baby boomers are hitting retirement age, but are living longer and needing more health services, because they want to stay healthy and active into their twilight years, he says.
Why College Is Required: Although there are many jobs in health care that don't require college degrees, says Carnevale, more and more jobs require some post-high school education. As for that big job driver, "[nursing is] moving toward a bachelor's requirement more and more," says Carnevale.
Potential Career: Registered nurse
If you've always enjoyed helping people get well or educating them on how to stay healthy, a career as a nurse could be a good fit. To prepare, the U.S. Department of Labor says most nurses take one of three educational paths: a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an accepted nursing program. Registered nurses also must be licensed.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
According to the Department of Labor, job opportunities for registered nurses should be "excellent," with a growth of more than 700,000 jobs, or 26 percent, from 2010 to 2020.

#3: Professional & Business Services

Rate of Growth from 2010 to 2020: 25 percent*
This category includes the army of mostly college-educated workers that both big and small companies hire as independent contractors, says Carnevale. These contractors can be anything from paralegals and lawyers to architects and managers, says Carnevale.
Why It's Growing: "This category didn't even exist prior to 2000," says Carnevale. "So the growth in business services really reflects that there's a fundamental structural change in our economy." That change is a trend toward businesses contracting out as much work as they can, says Carnevale. "So the contracting out of technical, managerial, professional, and support workers has been enormous."
Why College Is Required: Carnevale says that this group is made up of a lot of white-collared workers, including a lot of management positions [that require college degrees]. "They are mostly professionals, so it's a huge employer for college graduates," says Carnevale.
Potential Career: Paralegal
If you're not ready for years of law school, a career as a paralegal may be a good alternative for entering this booming occupational group. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, paralegals investigate facts for cases, help lawyers prepare for trials, and even assist them in court. The Department of Labor says most paralegals have an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in any subject with a certificate in paralegal studies.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Paralegal Program.
According to the Department, job opportunities for paralegals are projected to grow by almost 46,900 jobs, or 18 percent, from 2010 to 2020.

#4: Financial Services

Rate of Growth 2010 to 2020: 25 percent*
Did you think that the collapse of Wall Street a few years back meant the collapse in demand for those skilled in finance? Well, think again, says Carnevale. "It always surprises people that this sector is growing, but it is," he says.
Why It's Growing: "Financial structures became more and more complicated - so complicated they eventually collapsed. But as a result of that complexity, every institution has a finance person. That wasn't true 20 years ago. But now, it's a must," says Carnevale.
Why College Is Required: Carnevale says that this group is a very educated one, with many bachelor's and master's degrees in finance, business, and other related fields. He says these workers need to be educated in not only finance and business economics, but also the latest government regulations.
Potential Career: Financial analyst
Do you like the idea of studying economic and business trends for a living? How about suggesting investment strategies to businesses and individuals?  Those are just a few of the things financial analysts do, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Many positions require a bachelor's degree in a field such as business administration, accounting, finance, economics, or statistics, says the Department of Labor.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
According to the Department, financial analyst jobs will grow 23 percent, or by 54,200 openings, from 2010 to 2020.

#5: Leisure & Hospitality

Rate of Growth 2010 to 2020: 18 percent*
This industry is a lot more than a battalion of maids and tour guides making your vacation memorable. In fact, the leisure and hospitality industry, says Carnevale, is made up of 30 to 40 percent college-educated professionals. And thanks to the end of the recession, it's growing fast, says Carnevale.
Why It's Growing: "This industry is one of the first to get hit in a recession, because it's the first thing you don't do - take the family trip to the national park. So it takes such a heavy hit in the recession that when the recovery comes, it recovers stronger than a lot of the other industries, because there's a pent-up demand," says Carnevale.
Why College Is Required: You might think that the leisure and hospitality industry has a lot of low-wage, non college-educated workers - and you'd be right. "But they also support a managerial group and technical people, a real mix of professional people that any industry needs to run. So a large number of the industry jobs require college," says Carnevale.
Potential Career: Lodging Manager
These professionals are the people who make sure your hotel stay is a pleasurable one, while also ensuring the efficiency of the hotel and its staff, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Most full-service hotel chains hire managers with a bachelor's degree in hospitality or hotel management, says the Department of Labor. At hotels that provide fewer services, the Department says applicants with an associate's degree or certificate in hotel, restaurant, or hospitality management may qualify.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Hospitality Management Program.
The Department says lodging manager jobs should grow by 8 percent, or more than 4,300 jobs, from 2010 to 2020.