Here are some constructive solutions from Nicole Adams' blog:
Whenever someone asks what you do, invariably they will try and see how much that job pays. Whether they ask outright or feel you out, the answer can be impressive or sad. However, if you fall into the below ten jobs you would never guess pay really well, you can have their jaws on the floor.
While some require graduate degrees, most only require moderate education, reasonable experience, and an ability to excel at it. These jobs and careers not only offer excellent pay, but many have great benefits or other interesting perks. So without further ado, here are the ten jobs you would never guess pay really well ordered mostly by size of pay.
- Specialist Nurse : For all those who think being a doctor is where the medical money is, think again. While the typical primary care doctor makes an average base salary of $173,000 per year, CRNAs can make more, according to Yahoo! In fact, certified registered nurse anesthetists average $186,000 per year. These nurses are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients. Although doctors spend about four to five more years in schools totaling in more loan costs, the demand for surgeries and the nurses that go with them has increased the pay.
- Forensic Odontology : Ever seen a news piece where a murder victim had to be identified by his or her dental records? If you are actually one of those who identifies them, or a forensic odontologist, you can make anywhere from $150,000 to $180,000 a year. These specialty dentists can be asked to identify human remains, bodies in mass fatalities, estimate the age of the deceased, and testify in courtrooms. Four to eight years of post-high school education are required and the outlook for this position is excellent.
- Sommelier : Ever see that person at fancy restaurants wheeling around a wine cart? You would never guess that his or her job can pay really well. In fact, for the simple task of recommending and selling wine at a restaurant, they can earn anywhere from $80,000 to $160,000 a year. If waiting tables is getting old, why not try it? The starting salary is about $28,000 a year, but for those who excel at it, a sommelier can earn much more.
- Brewmaster : Love beer? Even if you don’t, the job of brewmaster can have you earning over $100,000 per year. These professionals oversee the production of beer and other brewed beverages at facilities all across the country. And yes: taste testing is a hug part of the job. If you have the know-how and experience, you can be hired by one of the four firms currently looking for a brewmaster on Salary List with pay ranging from $37,461 to $360,000.
- Certified Ethical Hacker : Ever hack technology for the simple thrill of it? Then wise up and get paid for it by becoming a certified ethical hacker. With median pay at almost $100,000 a year, this is a job where you can put what you do every day to practical use. Although a license and fair amount of tech knowledge are required, the main task involves being paid by companies, firms, corporations, and even the government to attempt to hack into their systems and expose any weaknesses. If you want to know more about this career visit The EC-Council that offers certification, training, and more.
- Arbitrator/ Mediator/ Conciliator : Want to make a lawyer’s pay without that pesky J.D. or Bar exam? Then have a look at this job you would never guess pays really well. With a starting salary of about $35,000 and rising all the way to 100k plus, it can also come with great benefits. There primary function is to decide on or recommend solutions to legal matters that both parties can agree with.
- Repo Man : If you don’t pay off a vehicle, boat, or even plane, you may have run into a repo man. Their job entails the legal repossession of items that are past due. A license is required to become one. However, the job does come with many hazards. Repo men face vicious dogs, angry owners, and even armed, angry owners. But for those who excel at their job, they can make up to $100,000 per year. The Discovery Channel takes you behind the scenes of a day in the life of an actual repo man.
- Subway and Streetcar Operator : Want another high paying job where you don’t need a lot of education? Then get to the wheel of a subway or streetcar. Not only is the median salary $49,000 a year, but the benefits are also substantial. In some cases, you don’t even need to speak English to become one.
- Gaming Supervisor : Occasionally known as the pit boss, this is a good choice for those who enjoy the casino life. Starting salaries for this position are as a high as $45,000. The best part is, you don’t need a whole lot of education to become one. There is also excellent opportunity for growth.
- Appraiser : Love real estate or construction but not enough to get the involved license? Then this is the career for you. A real estate appraiser investigates a piece of land or property to determine its most probable price for sale on the current market. They are hired by firms, companies, government, and others to make these sorts of determinations. All you need to become one is two years of college, some on the job training, and a license. The median salary is $43,390 with demand expected to increase.
No matter if just entering the workforce or have years of experience, these ten jobs you would never guess pay really well can have you rethinking your grind and career in no time. Remember that as with any position, how much you make is almost invariably tied with how much you enjoy and excel at the job.