Jobs that pay surprising salaries


Many people base their career choices on their personal interests and strengths, but salary is another consideration that should also come into play.

After all, while it is important to choose a career path that one will truly enjoy for many years to come, it is also vital to be able to make ends meet and live a comfortable lifestyle. Some people are surprised to learn how much or how little certain jobs tend to pay.

Dr. Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, explains how job salaries can affect their overall place in the economy. Specifically, he states that, "The difference between these occupations and their salaries is largely about the value they provide to the economy," and that, "We hold outdated information in our minds of what we think jobs pay, based on the people we know and talk to."

Those who are currently trying to decide on a career path may benefit greatly from checking out the list below, which lists some of the more surprising salary statistics on the market.

Surprisingly High-Paying Jobs

#1: Systems Software Developer

This job, which entails developing software for companies or individual clients, pays a surprisingly high salary--even for the computer industry. Generally, these workers earn around $99,000 per year, with the top 10% earning closer to $150,000. Even the lowest paid software developers earn no less than $62,000 per year. Those well suited for a job as a software developer should be knowledgeable in programming and coding languages; often times, enrolling in a program dedicated to programming, software development, or general computer sciences is a good place to start. Hands-on experience is a must in order to be successful in this field.

#2: Dental Hygienist

This position entails working at a dentist's office and being the main person of contact with dental patients. These workers administer teeth cleaning, X-Rays, and other routine dental procedures. Most dental hygienists make around $70,000 per year, though the top 10% can make as much as $96,000. Those who are in starting positions typically begin with a yearly salary of around $46,500. Those interested in a career as a dental hygienist should be people who enjoy working with and helping others. Being compassionate is another an important part of the field.

#3: Technical Writer

Technical writers are the professionals who write instruction manuals and other complex documentation. The main goal in a technical writer's job is to translate complicated information or processes into a language that is easily understood by a target audience. Many people think that writers do not get paid well, but technical writers consistently make around $65,000 per year. Furthermore, those in the top 10% can make as much as $101,000 annually, which is a pretty high amount. Those on the lower end of the spectrum, such as those in starting positions, can expect to begin at around $39,000 annually.

#4: Market Research Analyst

Marketing is a very in-demand field right now. Companies all around the world are constantly looking to hire professionals in marketing such as market research analysts, who research and report on marketing trends to maximize company profits. Professionals who can do this well can also expect to be generously compensated. Many market research analysts make an annual median of around $60,000. Those in the top 10% can expect to earn up to $113,000 per year, and even those in the bottom 10% can make a comfortable salary of around $33,000 per year.

Surprisingly Low-Paying Jobs

#1:Surgical Technologist

For as complex of a job as surgical technologists perform, it is surprising for many to learn that most only make around $42,000 per year. Even those in the top 10% of earners in the field make only around $60,000 annually, and some can make as little as $30,000 per year. Still, this job can be quite rewarding for those who enjoy working in the medical field but do not necessarily want to spend many years in school to become a doctor. Being able to assist with surgeries does require a person who does not get queasy at the sight of blood, however.

#2: Model

Some people dream of becoming a model, making money off of their beauty and posing for magazines or other ads. However, the life of a model is not easy; there is a great deal of competition and the pay is not nearly as high as many expect. Most models make only $18,750 per year, and even the most high-paying ones see annual salaries of just $44,000. The lowest earners as models can expect to make less than $17,000 annually. Those who are interested in becoming a model should begin by looking for reputable modeling agencies in the area and applying for gigs. It may be necessary to start small, but even the highest-paid models need to start somewhere.

#3: Announcer

Who wouldn't love to be able to work as an announcer at a sporting or other major event? Working as an announcer can be an exciting job that offers fame, but not much fortune. The average announcer actually makes just over $28,000 per year. Those who are higher-paid in the industry tend to make closer to $78,000 per year, which is a more respectable amount. However, the bottom 10% of earners in this industry only make $17,000 annually, which is surprising to many. Still, those who have a passion for announcing can pursue this career by enrolling in a public broadcasting or sports announcing degree program at an accredited institution, depending on their interests.

Being aware of job salaries is important for planning one's future. Many people find themselves surprised at just how much some positions make in comparison to others, so researching median salaries for any career before enrolling in a training or formal education program is always a good first step to take before taking the plunge.






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