Some individuals prioritize job satisfaction when choosing a career. Others focus on the credentials. While some individuals may be happy completing a bachelor’s degree before entering the job market, others may prefer career options that don’t involve earning a four-year degree.
Another factor to consider when choosing a career path is how much you’ll earn. While you might enjoy the tasks you perform, your job satisfaction will decrease if you don’t earn enough to pay your bills. You may balance job satisfaction with income when choosing an occupation, or you may be solely motivated by your income potential. One of the main reasons people change careers is to increase their salary, so considering your earning potential before you launch your career is a good idea. Let’s look at three high-paying career paths you might want to consider.
1. On-the-job training will equip you for a future as an elevator and escalator installer and repairer.
You don’t have to earn a master’s degree to qualify for high paying careers. Elevator and escalator installers and repairers acquire the skills needed after graduating from high school by working as an apprentice. After you’ve acquired four years of experience as an apprentice, you’ll be ready to take your certification exam and become a Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technicians (CAT) or Certified Elevator Technicians (CET).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job opportunities for elevator and escalator installers and repairers should increase by seven percent between 2019 and 2029, almost double the national average job growth rate for all occupations during the same period. The BLS also reports these installers and repairers earned median annual salaries of $88,540 in 2020, which is more than double the $41,950 average income for all occupations in the same year.
2. Real estate agents work with a wide range of clientele and can earn substantial salaries.
The BLS reports real estate brokers and sales agents earned median annual incomes of $51,220 in 2020. Real estate agents and brokers in the top 10 percent of earners took home average salaries of $109,490 the same year. Location and aptitude are key considerations when assessing your income potential if you choose to work in real estate. The average income for real estate agents in New York was $102,310 per year in 2020, while the median salary for real estate agents in Ohio was $41,650.
As a real estate expert, you could set your sites on working for the best Oakland real estate company. Skilled realtors understand Oakland’s real estate market and thrive on negotiating deals for their clients. They use their real estate knowledge to help clients build wealth, ensuring they benefit financially from their real estate transactions. They can help those who want to buy their first home or purchase a rental property.
Real estate agents must have a high school diploma before completing some postsecondary courses. Realtors must also pass a licensing exam to earn their real estate license. Those with additional training and experience can opt to take an exam to earn their broker’s license.
3. Earning an associate’s degree can lead to a rewarding health care career as an occupational therapy assistant.
Occupational therapy assistants work for occupational therapists and provide patient care. They lead patients through therapeutic exercises designed to help them gain or regain skills. They may work with individuals with disabilities or those recovering from an accident or stroke.
The BLS reports that occupational therapy assistants took home median salaries of $62,940 per year in 2020. The BLS expects these health care professionals to enjoy a 32-percent job growth rate between 2019 and 2029. Occupational therapy assistants must complete two years of post-secondary studies and earn an associate’s degree. Their training also includes a 16-week practicum, ensuring they acquire hands-on experience before entering their career field.
Earning a solid salary ensures you have the money you need to pay your bills and achieve your financial goals. With two years of post-secondary studies or less, you can become an elevator and escalator installer and repairer, a real estate agent, or an occupational therapy assistant.
