Are you looking for a job that pays the big bucks?
Look no further! This article discusses seven of the highest-paying careers out there.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings of full-time professionals is around $908. That calculates to roughly $46,124 a year.
For some people, that’s a decent living. But if you have a mortgage, student loans, or a family to provide for, $46k might not cut it.
So, if you’re looking for a high-paying job to pad your wallet, read on. I’ll point you toward seven careers that can put at least $70k in your pocket during the first year.
1. Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Average salary: $219,310
OB/GYN doctors provide medical care for women and assist them through pregnancy. They also diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases related to the reproductive system.
To get into this field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate. After that, plan on doing an internship and completing a residency program.
Getting into medical school is very competitive, so this isn’t an easy journey. Any obstetrician or gynecologist will tell you that succeeding in their field takes a lot of work.
And no, working in the medical field isn’t the way Grey’s Anatomy depicts it! You’ll make a good living and get the satisfaction of helping people, but you’ll also have some serious responsibilities.
2. Enterprise Architect
Average salary: $131,037
Enterprise architects identify the best business and technology strategies for companies. They conduct research and use data to improve efficiency. Ultimately, their goal is to help businesses be more productive.
Some people work full-time as in-house enterprise architects. But, others start their own consulting firms and work on a client-by-client basis. Like other consultant jobs, this one offers freedom and flexibility, as well as a big paycheck.
To get into this field, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a similar field. You may also need to work as an entry-level assistant for several years before you can move up the latter.
Furthermore, this job requires strong communication skills. In order to build the strongest systems for your clients, you’ll need to convey how you came to those conclusions.
3. Software Development Manager
Average salary: $122,879
Are you interested in software? If so, software development manager may be a good role for you.
These are the folks who dream up the software products we all use. For example, the internet browser you’re using right now was built by a software developer.
As a software development manager, you’ll be responsible for managing other developers. You’ll have to hire programmers, ensure the quality of their work, and lead your team to success.
Generally, software development managers should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
4. Chief Executive
Average salary: $158,193
Chief executive officers (or CEOs, for short) are responsible for steering their company’s course. Ultimately, they’re the ones who decide where a company wants to go and how they’re going to get there.
In many ways, it’s just as much of a social job as an operational one. As a CEO, you’ll have to hire executives and meet with investors and board members. You’re essentially the face of the organization, so you should be good at communicating with the public.
In other words, you’re the glue that holds a company together!
Most chief executives have a bachelor’s degree, at least. But, many of them spend years working their way up the ladder before earning the top office.
5. Mathematician
Average salary: $71,691
Some people can’t stand math. But if you’ve got a knack for solving equations, this could be a good gig for you.
Mathematicians research principles and solve real-world problems for all kinds of companies. Some work for investment firms, engineering labs, and government agencies. Others teach in academic institutions.
If you’ve ever seen A Beautiful Mind, then you have a good idea of what it takes to become a mathematician. You’ll spend months on end dealing working out difficult equations. And you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, at minimum (although a master’s or PhD can help you boost your salary).
6. Chemical Engineer
Average salary: $73, 648
If you did well in your Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Math classes, then you’re in luck! You can earn a high 5-figures salary as a chemical engineer.
Working in this field, you’ll focus on finding solutions that companies can use to make everything from cars to medicine. Strong engineers are needed in every industry, from food and fashion to tech and pharmaceuticals.
Chemical engineers conduct research and apply what they learn. Their discoveries help companies make better and more affordable products.
Take note:
Those interested in this type of work should earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. You should spend at least four years in a program that includes field studies and laboratory time.
7. Business Operations Manager
Average salary: $73,873
Business operations managers develop ways for companies to reach their goals. Depending on the company, this could mean several different things.
In some organizations, operations managers are responsible for hiring, process development, and budgeting.
In another company, however, the operations manager might oversee factory production.
Ultimately, it depends on what the company’s business entails.
In every field, these individuals are necessary to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly.
If you’d like to become a business operations manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, you’ll need a master’s of business administration degree as well.
Are you ready to take the leap and apply for the job of your dreams? It can be intimidating starting a new career path. But as I’ve pointed out, it can certainly pay off!
In case you’re concerned about the hard work involved, it’s best to do your research ahead of time. Find out everything you can about the profession you’re interested in before making any decisions.
Many of the positions above require additional education. So if you’re currently in school, make sure to finish your degree program if you want to land one of these jobs. If you aren’t in school, you may want to consider going back.
But don’t worry:
Your hard work will pay off. If money is what you’re after, these high-paying careers will help you max out your 401k!