Oftentimes, most of America associates high paying careers with those of doctors, lawyers, and MBAs but there are other jobs that command good salaries. Yahoo writer Jennifer Barry compiled a list of careers that may surprise you in terms of how much salary they demand.
Loan Officer
Average annual salary for top 10 percent of workers: $112,370*
Average annual salary: $65,900*
Loan officers are dealing with lots of money and risks, which easily explains why they command such a good income.
Requirements: Loan officer positions sometimes require a bachelors’ degree in economics or related field.
Human Resources Manager
Average annual salary for top 10 percent of workers: $130,090
Average annual salary: $108,600
It makes sense that an HR manager would be compensated handsomely – after all, his/her decisions impact the company’s productivity and financial bottom line.
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Requirements: For the higher paying HR jobs at larger corporations, a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in human resources, or industrial and labor relations, or business background.
Makeup Artist
Average annual salary for top 10 percent of workers: $102,450
Average annual salary: $50,980
Makeup Artists are integral to the entertainment industry, and we know that arena generates big bucks for the national economy. Many top paying makeup artists work independentaly or for a theather company, and are concentrated in New York and California.
Requirements: Cosmetology school is recommended.
Casino Manager
Average annual salary for top 10 percent of workers: $116,070
Average annual salary: $73,940
Well, this is kind of a no brainer, right? It’s just not something many people would think of when looking for high paying careers. It’s definitely not a career for the faint of heart as you’ll be overseeing a high stakes business. Surprisingly, Yahoo points out that the highest paid managers are not in Las Vegas but in Pennsylvania.
Requirements: Gambling experience as a dealer and knowledge of the casino industry.
Buyer and Purchasing Agent, Farm Products
Average annual salary for top 10 percent of workers: $101,080
Average annual salary: $63,540
According to Yahoo: “As a purchasing agent for farm products, you’ll probably work to get the best deal for your company – the highest quality goods and services at the lowest possible cost, says the U.S. Department of Labor. You may study sales records and inventory of current stock, follow the supply and demand of certain products, and identify both foreign and domestic suppliers.”
Requirements: Bachelor’s or masters degere in business, economics is preferred.
Elevator Mechanic
Average annual salary for top 10 percent of workers: $101,390
Average annual salary: $70,010
This is a case of a small group of skilled individuals commanding a high salary for their expertise. Obviously, elevator mechanics are extremely critical to day to day safety of the tons of employees and residents who use elevators everday.
Requirements: To learn this occupation, one usually go through an apprenticeship program, mixing classroom instruction and on-the-job training, that usually lasts about four years.
