5 low-profile careers with high-profile salaries

Source: Yahoo

These high-paying careers offer the chance to stay behind the scenes without giving up a nice paycheck.

By Margaret Rock

Being on the front lines in the corporate world isn't for everyone. For those who would prefer a high-powered career but still want to fly below the radar, there are plenty of interesting options.
And you don't have to kiss a substantial paycheck goodbye either, since several low-profile jobs come with a high-profile salary and power behind the scenes.
"Positions which have traditionally been in the background will more often be empowered to do more, because it is cost-effective," says Vicki Lynn, senior vice president of client talent strategy and employer branding at Universum, a global employer branding company.
Wondering what types of jobs are more behind-the-scenes but still offer a strong salary? Here are five careers to consider.

Career #1: Computer Programmer

Median
Annual Salary

$74,280*

Bottom 10 Percent

$42,850*

Top 10 Percent

$117,890*

Do you have a computing mindset and like to collaborate with others but don't enjoy being in the spotlight? Then computer programming is a career to check out.
Why It's High-Pay and Low-Profile: These professionals write code to create software programs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Working with internal personnel like software developers and engineers, computer programmers take program designs and turn them into instructions that a computer can follow.
"There is a shortage of people with this background, according to most of the companies I'm talking to," says Lynn. She describes the competition between companies for qualified programmers as "fierce." Businesses need computer programmers to create software in several different computer languages, and with qualified candidates in short supply, this career can command a high salary.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
How to Prepare: Most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related subject, according to the Department of Labor, but some employers hire workers with an associate's degree. The Department adds that computer programmers with specialized knowledge of certain operating systems are able to move into management positions.

Career #2: Human Resources Manager

Median
Annual Salary

$99,720

Bottom 10 Percent

$59,020

Top 10 Percent

$173,140

Like computer programming, a career as a human resources manager is another high-paying option that involves working with others in a low-profile manner.
Why It's High-Pay and Low-Profile: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative activities of an organization, consulting with top executives on strategic planning.
In the area of human resources, Lynn adds, "Manager positions are more inwardly focused, while other specialties, like recruiting, [are] more outwardly focused."
She points out that human resources managers aren't very visible in the media, but there is "hidden demand" for people with these skills. Since managers work with top executives and keep an eye on everything from attrition to building skills, this career choice translates to a higher salary, Lynn explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
How to Prepare: Human resources managers need a combination of education and related work experience as well as strong interpersonal skills, notes the Department of Labor. They usually need a bachelor's in business administration or human resources, although some jobs require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration.

Career #3: Marketing Manager

Median
Annual Salary

$119,480

Bottom 10 Percent

$62,650

Top 10 Percent

$187,199+

Marketing manager is a career choice that attempts to bring consumer attention to a company's products or services, but these professionals are still able to work away from the front lines.
Why It's High-Pay and Low-Profile: Marketing managers plan and direct programs to garner interest in a service or product, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They identify potential customers and trends and help develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market.
According to Lynn, there is variation among salaries for marketing managers and specialization can boost income expectations.
"Every company is looking for ways to engage community by leveraging social media," she explains. So, marketing managers with a strong social media background or those with experience in a specific market are able to work behind-the-scenes to develop brands and fortify images by creating company posts, determining what goes out on the Twitter feed, and developing corporate messages, says Lynn.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree is required for most marketing management positions, according to the Department of Labor. Courses in business law, accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, and statistics are good preparation for this career. These managers typically have work experience in advertising, marketing, promotions, or sales, adds the Department.

Career #4: Electronics Engineers

Median
Annual Salary

$91,820

Bottom 10 Percent

$58,470

Top 10 Percent

$141,190

If you like to tinker with gadgets but shy away from demonstrating your prowess under a bright spotlight, electronics engineering might be a promising career to consider.
Why It's High-Pay and Low-Profile: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, electronics engineers are responsible for designing and developing electronic equipment - from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS). So while the products they design are available to the public, electronics engineers perform the low-profile tasks of conducting research and development behind those products.
As for salary, engineers in general earn more than many other professions, because they are in high demand. The 2012 "Talent Shortage Survey" by ManpowerGroup showed that engineer is the second most difficult position to fill nationwide.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
How to Prepare: According to the Department, electronics engineers must have a bachelor's degree. Practical experience is also valuable when pursuing this career, so cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured work experience, are good preparation as well.

Career #5: Public Relations Manager

Median
Annual Salary

$95,450

Bottom 10 Percent

$51,630

Top 10 Percent

$180,480

A career as a public relations manager may sound high-profile, but people in this position stay relatively out of the spotlight. Instead, they might draft speeches delivered by top executives or arrange interviews for company representatives with the media - all while maintaining a low-profile.
Why It's High-Pay and Low-Profile: Public relations managers write press releases and other material for the media, plan and direct public relations programs, as well as raise funds for their organizations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
New technology is changing the face of this industry as well as how public relations managers carry out their responsibilities taking them into the online space, even further away from the spotlight. For example, managers who can build market share and community with online tools are rewarded with good salaries, says Lynn.
"Companies are competing, and there is demand for people to create a competitive advantage for your brand," she adds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or journalism is typically needed for public relations management positions, notes the Department of Labor. Beyond that, public relations managers may also need related work experience.

6 smart career changes that could boost your pay

Source: Yahoo

Focus on making a career change into one of these promising fields with high pay, high growth, or both.

By Danielle Blundell

Do you ever wonder if there's a better job out there for you? Perhaps you're interested in making more money or more opportunities for professional growth. Making a career switch may seem intimidating, but it is possible to leverage your experience and background into a bigger, better opportunity. But how can you decide if embarking on a new professional path is worth it?
According to Laura Rose, business and career management coach at Rose Coaching, the ideal career switch is "a position where you can leverage your current role, earn higher pay, and have high job growth." However, the key is understanding that "it may be difficult to accomplish all of the above in just one switch or move," she says. And that seems to be the case, as some of the best careers to switch into are high-level and may require years of advanced experience. But not to worry, you can start taking steps toward that career path today.
Where to start? Read on to discover new possible career paths  and how you can make a logical switch.

Career-Change #1: Public Relations Manager

Find Degree Programs You're a people-person who can strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Maybe you enjoy working in customer service or retail, but you're looking for more responsibility as well as marketability. Sounds like you could be the perfect candidate for a gig as a public relations manager.
Why It's An Ideal Switch: For career coach Scott Barlow, founder of Happentoyourcareer.com, a career counseling and advice website, transitioning from a customer service rep job into a public relations manager role takes advantage of both professions' overlapping communication-based skills - only the latter requires a more in-depth mastery, which means higher salaries.
"A customer service representative job can require extensive communication skills and an ability to tailor communication to a situation," says Barlow. While all of that is relevant in PR, he says that the PR manager role pays much more, because it often requires managing much larger projects, programs, and more people than what a customer service rep typically would encounter.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, that's the case, as PR managers are often responsible for drafting speeches and press releases, arranging interviews for an organization's top executives,  and evaluating advertising and promotion programs to determine compatibility with an organization's public relations efforts.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Salary Info:*

• Median Annual Salary: $95,450
• Highest 10 Percent of Earners: $180,480
• Lowest 10 Percent of Earners: $51,630

Job Growth from 2010 to 2020:** 65,700 jobs
How to Prepare: According to the Department of Labor, public relations managers typically have a bachelor's degree in a discipline such as public relations, English, journalism, business, or communications. They also need related work experience, says the Department.

Career-Change #2: Accountant

Find Degree Programs Crunching numbers and working with stats is what you were born to do. Yet toiling away as a bookkeeper, bank teller, or in some other job just isn't as fulfilling as you thought, and you know you've got the math savvy and potential to do more. Pursuing a career as an accountant, which is often a higher-paying, higher-growth position, might just be the career that makes the most dollars and sense for you.
Why It's An Ideal Switch: Again, according to Barlow, making the switch from bookkeeping to accounting makes sense, as both positions entail working with numbers,  spreadsheets, and software. The difference, he says, is that accountants are often called on to advise clients and companies, rather than just give them the raw data as a bookkeeper might, and therein lies the higher pay and importance.
"An accountant requires critical thought and analytical and communication abilities to make recommendations or act in an advisor role," he says. The U.S. Department of Labor details the role of an accountant, saying that accountants are often tasked with managing the accuracy of a company's financial statements, computing taxes, and suggesting cost-cutting measures when and where applicable.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Salary Info:*

• Median Annual Salary: $63,550
• Highest 10 Percent of Earners: $111,510
• Lowest 10 Percent of Earners: $39,930

Job Growth from 2010 to 2020:** 190,700
How to Prepare: Ready to see what it will take to make the jump? Well, according to the Department of Labor, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related discipline first. Certification, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), could improve job prospects.

Career-Change #3: Police Officer

Find Degree Programs Friends are always telling you that you've got a strong presence and an attitude that says,"Don't mess with me." And that's a good thing to project, because maybe your line of work is in security. But have you ever considered a potentially higher-paying position as a police officer? Being cool under pressure, and authoritative, would serve you well in this field, too.
Why It's An Ideal Switch: Both jobs rely on keen observation, says Barlow, and "some security guards may also gain firearms experience." A combination of those skills could make for an easy transition into the Police Academy. Once completed, advanced training and education in this field typically leads to more pay down the line, adds Barlow.
He explains, "The police officer requires a high degree of training and sometimes physical fitness that the security guard does not."
Specifically, as stated by the U.S. Department of Labor, you will have to graduate from the local agency's police academy, where you'll learn everything from handling firearms safely to responding to calls for service and more.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.
Salary Info:*

• Median Annual Salary: $55,270
• Highest 10 Percent of Earners: $89,310
• Lowest 10 Percent of Earners: $32,350

Job Growth from 2010 to 2020:** 54,600
How to Prepare: At a minimum, the Department of Labor says cops must be at least 21 years old, meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications, and graduate from a training police academy.
That said, according to the Department, a significant number of entry-level positions are filled by college graduates, and many applicants have at least taken some college courses.

Career-Change #4: Graphic Designer

Find Degree Programs You're the creative type, and integrating text and words into a brochure, pamphlet, or journal barely feels like work to you. Well, instead of being pigeonholed as a desktop publisher, who predominantly works in the dying print medium, why not skill up and expand your artsy horizons as a graphic designer?
Why It's An Ideal Switch: According to Bettina Seidman of Seidbet Associates, an executive coaching and career counseling firm, graphic designers get paid more than desktop publishers because, while their skill sets are similar, graphic design requires more creative conceptualization and idea germination. In essence, designers aren't just cutting and pasting images and words - they're generating the ideas behind ads, commercials, and other materials. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they create visual concepts to communicate ideas that captivate, inform, or inspire consumers.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Salary Info:*

• Median Annual Salary: $44,150
• Highest 10 Percent of Earners: $77,490
• Lowest 10 Percent of Earners: $26,250  

Job Growth from 2010 to 2020:** 37,300
How to Prepare: The U.S. Department of Labor says a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field is usually required for these positions.

Career-Change #5: Medical and Health Services Manager

Find Degree Programs Have you found your niche in the health care industry? Or perhaps you enjoy using your organizational skills in administration. In either case, your next professional step could be taking up more responsibility or even a leadership role. Making the switch to medical or health services manager could be a smart move and might be more straightforward than you think.
Why It's An Ideal Switch: In Seidman's opinion, taking on managerial work in the same field is a logical move that pays off financially, and health care administration is no exception to this rule. Plus, Seidman notes that it might require more education and preparation than more clerical or technical positions in health care.
Barlow agrees. The technician may be well-versed in technical and medical terminology and able to navigate common problems for that industry, he says. On the other hand, "The manager requires a higher level of problem-solving and decision-making capability as well as the skill sets to manage programs or lead people," Barlow explains.
And that's just the case, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which says that medical and health services managers not only keep track of a hospital or facility's finances, they also often create work schedules, communicate with members of the medical staff and department heads, and help improve efficiency and quality in the delivery of health care services.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
Salary Info:*

• Median Annual Salary: $88,580
• Highest 10 Percent of Earners: $150,560
• Lowest 10 Percent of Earners:$53,940

Job Growth from 2010 to 2020:** 68,000
How to Prepare: According to the Department of Labor, the first step in getting this career switch underway is a bachelor's in a subject like health care administration. Master's degrees are also common in fields such as business administration, health services, public health, public administration, or long-term administration, according to the Department.

Career-Change #6: Information Security Analyst

Find Degree Programs You understand both users' needs and the nuances of technology, but at your heart, you are that computer nerd that could spend hours just looking at data, computer languages, and code. Instead of just wasting your talents behind a help desk as a computer support specialist or another entry-level position, how about switching into a lucrative career path as an information security analyst?
Why It's An Ideal Switch: According to Rose, there are transferable skills between a job as a computer support specialist and an information security analyst that make for a smooth transition. The key here, she says, is likely going back to school or attempting to fill whatever skills gap exists during your spare time and working with a mentor or coach to formulate a plan to pursue this higher-paying career. In an information security analyst position, you should be prepared to provide critical analysis and recommendations to your company.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you could be responsible for planning your company's strategy for security, developing security standards and best practices for your organization, and monitoring your company's network for security breaches.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Salary Info:*

• Median Annual Salary: $86,170
• Highest 10 Percent of Earners: $135,600
• Lowest 10 Percent of Earners: $49,960

Job Growth from 2010 to 2020:** 65,700
How to Prepare: A bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a related field could have you right on your way to pursuing a career as an information security analyst, says the Department of Labor. Some employers may prefer applicants who have a master's of business administration (MBA) in information systems, says the Department.

Six career switches that could boost your pay

Source: Yahoo

Turn your current skills into potentially better pay with one of these six career moves. 

By Lia Sestric

You've found a line of work that you love. The only problem is that the pay isn't much to brag about. Don't worry; there is a silver lining.
You don't have to pursue a career in a new industry to make more money. In fact, there are some career alternatives within your field that could offer a higher wage. The career shift could mean going back to school, but it certainly doesn't mean tossing the skills you've developed - along with prior experience - to the wayside.
Are you ready to learn which career alternatives you should consider pursuing? Keep reading to find out how you can prepare for one of these sensible career moves that could lead to some more cash.

Career #1: Bookkeeper

Find Degree Programs

Median
annual wage*

$35,170

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$21,610

Top 10 percent of earners

$54,310

While a bookkeeper's work is important, they could find better pay as an accountant, says William Knese, chair of the Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business (IMA), a world-wide association for accountants and financial professionals.

Higher-Paying Alternative: Accountant

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Median
annual wage*

$63,550

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$39,930

Top 10 percent of earners

$111,510

Those who work as a bookkeeper may already have a natural interest in continuing their education and making a career move to accounting, says Knese. "Management accountants contribute to an organization's decision-making process. It's an exciting role with potential for career mobility and earning power."
Taunee Besson, president of Career Dimensions, a consulting firm in Dallas, also agrees that this is a wise move. "Accounting positions require people who have training and expertise in a broad range of financial areas. Consequently, they are more valuable to their employers than bookkeepers, who are often confined to posting and balancing the general ledger."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Life on the Job: Accountants prepare and examine financial records and assess financial operations to make sure a company runs efficiently, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Education Requirements: The Department of Labor says most accountants need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related subject. Some employers do prefer to hire candidates with a master's degree in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting, adds the Department.

Career #2: Registered Nurse

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Median
annual wage*

$65,470

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$45,040

Top 10 percent of earners

$94,720

Undeniably, nurses have the potential to make a reasonable paycheck and are in great demand. But Marty Witrak, dean of the School of Nursing at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota notes that if you're looking for higher pay while staying in the industry, you could trade in your scrubs for an administrative position in health care.

Higher-Paying Alternative: Medical and Health Services Manager

Find Degree Programs

Median
annual wage*

$88,580

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$53,940

Top 10 percent of earners

$150,560

While direct patient care would be out of the scope of duties with this higher-paying alternative, it could be just as rewarding."It really depends on the individual and what is very satisfying to them about their work life," says Witrak. Although nurses initially enter the profession because of their interest in patient care, she says "a nurse often will discover that he or she has administrative talents or interest." And taking advantage of those talents could pay off with a pay increase, since Witrak says that health care facilities are always looking for people "with a good business head on their shoulders".
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Care Administration Program.
Life on the Job: Instead of providing direct patient care like nurses do, medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate health services, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Education Requirements: The Department of Labor says prospective health care administrators have a bachelor's degree in health care administration. However, master's degrees are common, too, in fields such as health services, long-term care administration, public health, public administration, or business administration.

Career #3: Childcare Worker

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Median
annual wage*

$19,510

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$16,340

Top 10 percent of earners

$29,510

While this job may give you the chance to work with little ones, Besson says childcare workers are usually paid much less than they are worth. But don't worry. There is a logical career move if you enjoy working with children, adds Besson.

Higher-Paying Alternative: Kindergarten Teacher

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Median
annual wage*

$50,120

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$32,450

Top 10 percent of earners

$78,230

Life as a kindergarten teacher would still be filled with children, but you'll be better compensated for your efforts."Kindergarten teachers typically work for institutions whose compensation structure is substantially better," says Besson. "One reason the income differs is the qualifications for the two positions. Kindergarten teachers must have specific educational credentials, while childcare workers may have very few."
Next step: Click to Find the Right K-12 Program.
Life on the Job: Kindergarten teachers teach younger students subjects like reading and math to prepare them for future school, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Education Requirements: All states require public kindergarten school teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, in addition to being licensed, reports the Department of Labor.

Career #4: File Clerk

Median
annual wage*

$26,190

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$17,930

Top 10 percent of earners

$41,230

Unfortunately this profession has a dismal future, as technology now performs most of the same work as file clerks did in the past, says Besson. But fear not: There is an alternative profession that could use your talents.

Higher-Paying Alternative: Paralegal

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Median
annual wage*

$46,990

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$29,420

Top 10 percent of earners

$75,410

Besson says pay is higher for a paralegal than a file clerk, because the career requires specific credentials to qualify for the work, which entails more than organizing files.
For one, this job is highly valued because "a great paralegal is an attorney's most important asset," says Besson. "He can do many things a lawyer can, which frees up time for his boss to handle those activities only JDs are qualified to address."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Paralegal Program.
Life on the Job: Paralegals perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, like organizing files, and conducting research of legal issues, the U.S. Department of Labor says.
Education Requirements: Most of these professionals have an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in another major and a certificate in paralegal studies, says the Department of Labor.

Career #5: Personal Care Aide

Median
annual wage*

$19,910

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$16,330

Top 10 percent of earners

$27,580

While this work is very important, it unfortunately offers little pay and advancement, says Robynn Anwar, a professor at Camden County College in Blackwood, New Jersey. What should you do instead, then? Try medical assisting, says Anwar.

Higher-Paying Alternative: Medical Assistant

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Median
annual wage*

$29,370

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$21,080

Top 10 percent of earners

$41,570

"Getting the training and earning the certification as a certified medical assistant would be a step forward in the health care field," says Anwar. "It would allow the person to become more marketable, because they would be trained, qualified, and certified with a universal credential that speaks to their capabilities."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Medical Assisting Program.
Life on the Job: Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in medical offices, although their roles may vary with location, specialty, and size of the practice, the U.S. Department of Labor says.
Education Requirements: In most states, there are not any formal training requirements to pursue a career as a medical assistant, says the Department of Labor. Although, the Department does say employers may prefer candidates who graduate from a formal program. These programs could lead to a certificate, diploma, or an associate's degree.

Career #6: Computer Support Specialist

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Median
annual wage*

$46,420

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$27,620

Top 10 percent of earners

$77,430

If you feel connected to this technological line of work but want to see higher pay, there is a career leap you can make to significantly grow your salary.

Higher-Paying Alternative: Computer Programmer

Find Degree Programs

Median
annual wage*

$74,280

Bottom 10 percent of earners

$42,850

Top 10 percent of earners

$117,890

"Moving from computer support specialist to programmer, more commonly known as developer, is a frequent and logical career move," says Bob Makarowski, an instructor of technology programs at Baruch College in New York City.
Makarowski adds that "developer positions offer higher salaries, because there is a broader and more comprehensive level of organizational literacy needed in that position."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Life on the Job: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, computer programmers write code to make software programs. Essentially, they take designs created by developers and turn it into language that a computer can read.
Education Requirements: Most of these professionals have a bachelor's degree, although some employers may hire applicants who have an associate's degree, says the Department of Labor. Programmers commonly major in computer science or a related subject.