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He adds, "We hold outdated information in our minds of what we think jobs pay, based on the people we know and talk to.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
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- Median Annual Salary*
- $99,000
- Top 10 Percent of Earners*
- $148,850
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
- $62,800
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.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
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 Annual Salary*
- $41,790
- Top 10 Percent of Earners*
- $60,240
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
- $29,710
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
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- Median Annual Salary*
- $70,210
- Top 10 Percent of Earners*
- $96,280
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
- $46,540
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."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Dental Hygiene Program.
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 Annual Salary*
- $18,750
- Top 10 Percent of Earners*
- $43,480
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
- $16,250
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
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- Median Annual Salary*
- $65,500
- Top 10 Percent of Earners*
- $101,660
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
- $38,700
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."
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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 Annual Salary*
- $28,020
- Top 10 Percent of Earners*
- $78,630
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
- $17,270
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
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- Median Annual Salary*
- $60,300
- Top 10 Percent of Earners*
- $113,500
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
- $33,280
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.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
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.
Have you always dreamt about dressing the celebs you see strolling
down the red carpet? Sure, it sounds glamorous and exciting. But what's
this job really like?
With celebrity chefs popping up all over the small screen recently,
you may have imagined yourself in this dream job, too. But what are the
ingredients that make up this career?
This is a classic dream career for children and often their parents,
too. After all, the career seems to promise big paychecks and big
responsibility. But what else does it prescribe?
Here's another typical dream career of kids and young adults alike
that's often synonymous with high pay and prestige. But it takes hard
work to make it to the top.
OK, you got us. CEO isn't really a career, it's more of a title. "No
CEO has exactly the same role as any other CEO," says Mund. The title
signifies that you've developed the ability to run an organization, she
says. So what exactly does a CEO do?
Do you have an eye for design? When trying to explain something to
your friends, do you often find yourself drawing them a picture? Perhaps
graphic design is for you. According to the U.S. Department of Labor,
these professionals design visuals that are intended to communicate
ideas to consumers. They can be found most commonly working in
manufacturing, specialized design services, advertising, publishing,
public relations, and related services.
If you have a love for numbers - as well as pajamas - consider
pursuing a career in accounting. As an accountant, your job is to
examine and prepare financial records such as tax returns and account
books, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Accountants must also organize
and maintain these records, and explain any findings from their
examinations to their clients.
Do you see yourself saving a company's computer network in your footy
pajamas? An integral part of information technologies, or IT, these
professionals are described by the U.S. Department of Labor as the go-to
for computer users that make sure computer components of an
organization are running smoothly.
Are you well organized and a master strategist? You might be fit for a
role as a management analyst. According to the U.S. Department of
Labor, management analysts are the folks who come up with ways to
heighten the efficiency of the organizations they serve. They offer
advice to managers on factors such as how to decrease costs and increase
revenues.
If you've ever marveled at the gadgets coming out of the Consumer
Electronics Show, you might want to think about a career in computer and
information research science. The U.S. Department of Labor tells us
that creating computer algorithms and simplifying them for efficiency is
typically one of the elements of a career in computer and information
research, with data mining, robotics, and programming as some of the
specialties in this position.
While all five of these careers could potentially be done, at least
in part, from the comfort of your own home, it's important to remain
realistic about the implications of telecommuting. Disconnectedness,
demonstrating productivity, and maintaining a solid work-life balance
are all very real problems newcomers to telecommuting might face.