Guest post by Aisha Taylor, Co-Owner and Chief Consultant of TAYLORmade.
While we aren’t all cut out to join the ranks of the thousands of medical doctors that graduate from college each year, there are still many very rewarding careers that can be both personally and financially fulfilling. Let’s admit it…most of us go to college because we want to make a lot of money. Unfortunately, many of us don’t choose careers that will, in fact, reap that benefit.
Some of the most common college majors happen to be those with the lowest starting salaries. Social Work, Psychology, Liberal Arts, History, Education, and Communication are amongst the top 10 college majors in the U.S. according to US News & World Report. However, it will likely take many years of experience and at least one graduate degree to achieve high-paying salaries in these fields.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following careers are amongst the fastest growing and highest paying.
Computer Sciences / Information Technology
Average Salary Range: $75,000 – $150,000
It should be no surprise that in this day and age, careers in the computer science and information technology fields are in high-demand and compensate well. Positions include computer programmers & engineers, business analysts, technical support, network analysts, and database administrators. As the world continues to advance in technology, the need for experts in the field is growing, and so are their salaries.
Physician Assistants
Average Salary Range: $60,000 – $100,000
Not to be confused with Medical Assistants, Physician Assistants perform medical care under the supervision of physicians and surgeons are a much more affordable option for clinics, nursing homes, and other smaller medical facilities. Their ability to review medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret lab tests and x-rays, and make diagnoses keep them in high demand and well-paid.
Landscaping
Average Salary Range: $80,000 – $107,000
Certainly a step above just cutting grass, careers in landscaping can include both domestic and commercial beautification of exterior lawns, gardens, parks, and other outdoor facilities. Their tasks include planting, weeding, decorating, maintaining irrigation systems, and consulting. With a few reliable contracts, landscapers receive handsome salaries in return for their hard manual labor.
Personal Financial Advisors
Average Salary Range: $65,000 – $80,000
In an economy where people have experienced significant financial loss, many are turning to the advice of professional financial advisors. The hope is that the advice of an expert can prevent further loss and ideally generate financial growth for one’s personal portfolio. Families and individuals fear they’ll be hit by the effects of this economic downturn and are turning to Personal Financial Advisors to be their saving grace.
Aisha M. Taylor, MPA is the Co-Owner and Chief Consultant of TAYLORmade ~ Professional Career Consulting (www.careertaylormade.com). TAYLORmade specializes in expert resume and cover letter writing, interview training, career coaching, and career development. Follow us on Facebook @ TAYLORmade-Professional Career Consulting & Twitter @realTAYLORmade.
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