<p><strong>Free flights and a 401(k) match? Sign me up! </strong>But no, seriously, these are real-life benefits that come with becoming a flight attendant. There’s <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">no degree required</a> for the job, and you can make a decent living while flying around the world!</p><p>Flight attendants also aren’t likely to be <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/will-ai-take-my-job">replaced by AI</a> anytime soon. They’re “safety professionals” with the human element being the most essential part of their job.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>But, what’s the job really like? </strong>We sat down with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NicksDynasty">Nick Alston</a>, a mainline flight attendant we interviewed in Boston, to learn more about the job and how much you can expect to earn in this type of career.&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s a fun adventure,” Nick shared. “One day you could be in a small Midwest town and the next at the beach in Lagos. Each day is different.” ✈️</p>

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<h2><strong>Why Nick Chose to Become a Flight Attendant</strong></h2><p>Nick was working as a shift manager for a company that operated three food trucks when he first heard about the role from a rugby teammate. The work sounded steady, but what really caught his attention were the travel perks and higher earning potential of the airline industry.</p><p>“He had a high <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/401k-rollovers">401k</a> match, he could fly for free, and he was making more money than me at the time,” Nick said. “It also sounded like he had an amazing work-life balance. I thought the job would put me in a great position to achieve my future goals.”</p><p>That conversation sparked something in Nick, and he began applying to every airline he could.<br>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to Become a Flight Attendant</h2><p>Even though you don’t need a college degree or experience to become a flight attendant, there are still a few other requirements you’ll have to meet.</p><p><strong>The requirements are pretty straightforward:</strong></p><ul><li>A high school diploma or GED</li><li>Passing a background check</li><li>Completing a multi-week training program that is specific per the airline you’re hired at</li><li>For bilingual roles, being fluent in English and the language you select on your application (French, Spanish, Korean, etc)</li></ul><p>Multi-week training programs are specific to the airline that you’re hired at. For instance, <a href="https://delta.avature.net/en_US/careers/JobDetail/1-IFS-Flight-Attendant-LOD-and-Non-LOD/29719?jobId=29719#/https://delta.avature.net/en_US/careers/JobDetail/1-IFS-Flight-Attendant-LOD-and-Non-LOD/29719?jobId=29719#/">Delta </a>states they have a 7-week training program while <a href="https://careers.united.com/us/en/flight-attendant-information#:~:text=Initial%20training%20is%20a%206,and%20potential%20life%2Dlong%20friends!">United</a> has a 6-and-a-half week program. These programs typically include training on emergency procedures, CPR, safety, security, and service, as well as important information about their aircraft fleet.</p><p>“The hiring process is long with a lot of competition,” Nick said. “I just applied to all the airlines when the applications were available and chose the best out of the ones that gave me an offer.”</p><h2>Mainline vs. Regional Airlines</h2><p><strong>What are the differences between mainline airlines and regional airlines?</strong> Mainline airlines operate large aircraft and employ their own crews, while regional airlines fly smaller planes on behalf of larger carriers. But both roles have the same priority: <strong>passenger safety</strong>.</p><p>“The only difference is the companies that they work for,” said Nick. He ended up choosing mainline for the competitive pay and benefits.</p><p>A few examples of mainline airlines include Delta, American, and United Airlines. For international mainline airlines, Air France and Lufthansa are two popular ones.</p><h2>How Much Do Flight Attendants Make? Salary &amp; Benefits</h2><p>Flight attendants are paid hourly, but it’s important to remember that most U.S.-based airlines only begin paying flight attendants once their aircraft door closes and the parking brake is released, until arrival at the destination.&nbsp;</p><p>They also receive per diem pay on top of flight hours during trips and additional categories like <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/holiday-jobs">holiday pay</a>, training pay, international pay, lead/purser pay, and more.</p><p>Nick shared that everyone works a different amount of hours and some fly high time (more hours for higher pay) while others fly low time (less hours for more time off). “Minimum schedules could range from 70 flight hours to up to 87 hours per month depending on staffing at your base and the season. You have the ability to fly less or more than the minimum but you have to put in the work for that.”</p><p><strong>Here’s what Nick earns as a flight attendant:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>2024 salary: </strong>$62,000</li><li><strong>2025 salary goal: </strong>$78,000 from 90 flight hours per month at 6-year pay</li><li><strong>Pay scale: </strong>$22 to $36 per hour for new hires, and up to $37 to $88 per hour at the top of the scale (varies by airline) and maxes out at 12 to 13 years. (American Airlines and Southwest are the highest paying right now, as of 2025).</li><li><strong>Per diem: </strong>$2 to $3.50 (or more) per hour depending on trip length (8 to 72+ hours). At this time, Delta and Alaskan Airlines are two airlines that pay for boarding.</li><li><strong>Benefits: </strong>Up to 9.3% 401k match, medical, dental, vision, parental and bonding leave, paid vacation and sick time.</li></ul><p>And of course, the biggest perk:<strong> free flights</strong>. Flight attendants (plus parents, kids, and a travel companion) can fly free or just cover their taxes. Some airlines also offer hotel and rental car discounts.</p><p><strong>Thanks to the role’s pay and amazing benefits, Nick was able to build a net worth of $100,000! </strong>Learn more about his wealth building journey on his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NicksDynasty">YouTube </a>below.</p>

HOW I Built a $100k Net Worth as a 30 Year Old Flight Attendant

<p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> If you’re planning to apply for any of these jobs, don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiate your benefits</a> and salary. Use our free guide to help! 👇</p>

<h2>Last-Minute Tips for New or Aspiring Flight Attendants</h2><p>Every day is a new experience as a flight attendant. “It’s a very dynamic job that keeps you on your toes,” Nick explained. He says one of the best parts of the job are layovers. “It’s like a mini vacation in the middle of work. I might work a trip to Philly just to eat a cheesesteak or to Paris just to pick up some butter.”</p><p>The croissants and travel perks don’t come without hard work, though. The schedule can be rough in the beginning. New flight attendants are often on call and may need to work weekends, holidays, and long stretches without much control over when or where they’ll fly next.</p><p>“As the years go on and you gain more seniority, you begin to hold a schedule of trips rather than being on call,” Nick said. “Flight Attendants bid for a schedule, so at some point you will get all the days off you want and work the trips you like.”</p><p>Flexibility grows with seniority, too. There’s a swap board where attendants can trade, pick up, or drop trips. If all your trips get picked up, you could go a whole month without flying in some cases.</p><p>However, Nick shared that the longer you stay, the better it gets. The flexibility and perks are especially important to him, allowing him to have the space to pursue other projects and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-side-hustles">side hustles</a> outside the airline.</p><p>To learn more about Nick, connect with him on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@nicksdynasty">TikTok </a>or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NicksDynasty">YouTube</a> where he shares his adventures in travel, food, and money!&nbsp;</p><p><strong>This article is a part of our “Meet Your Neighbor” series</strong>, where we highlight real career paths and real paychecks from across the country.</p><p><strong>Read more from the series:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/freelance-ghostwriter">How This Freelance Ghostwriter Built a $200K Business</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/certified-anesthesiologist-assistant">How This Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Makes $300K a Year Without Going to Medical School</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/speech-language-pathologist">How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist (From a Real SLP That Makes $110K)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/from-baseball-to-law-to-tech">From Professional Baseball Player to Software Tester</a></li></ul><p>If this guide helped you start or pivot to a career in the airline industry, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@salarytransparentstreet.com">hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</a>.</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Check out our other <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/topic/quizzes">free career quizzes</a> in areas like trade jobs, tech, and side hustles .</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

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How to Become a Flight Attendant With No Experience (From A Real Flight Attendant)

<p><i><strong>This article is sponsored by TripleTen. </strong></i><a href="https://tripleten.com/special/free-career-consultation/?utm_channel=influencers&amp;utm_source=influencers&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=influencers_salarytransparentstreet0525blog&amp;utm_content=post" rel="sponsored"><i><strong>Use discount code SALARY for 30% off any TripleTen bootcamp!</strong></i></a></p>

<p>Not every path into tech starts with a computer science degree. For Gerardo Antolino-Torres II, it began with a baseball glove, progressed to a sheriff’s badge, and ultimately led to a world of bug reports and software testing.</p><p>After years in law enforcement, Gerardo made the bold decision to change careers, and <a href="https://tripleten.com/qa-engineer/?utm_channel=influencers&amp;utm_source=influencers&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=influencers_salarytransparentstreet0525blog&amp;utm_content=post" rel="sponsored">TripleTen’s QA bootcamp</a> helped him turn that pivot into a reality. <strong>Today, he’s a Software Tester at KBR Inc., supporting the U.S. Navy with tools that have real-world impact.</strong></p><h2>From the Field to the Firewall ⚾</h2><p>Gerardo’s first passion wasn’t tech, it was baseball. He played professionally in the minor leagues before moving into law enforcement, where he worked for six years. “I had a passion to help people, to make a difference,” he said of his time in public service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eventually, he felt he had hit a ceiling and wanted to find a path that allowed him to grow professionally while continuing to make an impact.</p><p>When Gerardo stumbled upon quality assurance (QA), something clicked. “You find a bug, they fix it, and you see the result—that kind of direct influence really drew me in,” he said.&nbsp;</p><h2>Landing His First Tech Role 🛬</h2><p>After completing <a href="https://tripleten.com/qa-engineer/?utm_channel=influencers&amp;utm_source=influencers&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=influencers_salarytransparentstreet0525blog&amp;utm_content=post" rel="sponsored">TripleTen’s QA bootcamp</a> and earning his QA certification, Gerardo dove into job hunting, with a career coach from TripleTen guiding him along the way. He sent out more than 300 applications before his persistence paid off. He landed his current role at KBR Inc. in November 2024, where he now works as a Software Tester in support of the U.S. Navy.&nbsp;</p><p>What skill helped him stand out? <strong>Automated testing.</strong></p><p>“The people interviewing me didn’t even have automation experience yet,” he said. “But they were trying to implement it, and I had already learned it through TripleTen.” Just three days after his final interview, he received a job offer and officially became a Software Tester.</p><h2>A Paycheck and a Purpose</h2><p>In his new role, Gerardo supports mission-critical software for the U.S. Navy, work that holds deep personal significance for him as his brother-in-law is a pilot, and one of the systems he tests is used to document the actions of military aircraft. “I can have an effect on that and potentially save his life,” he shared.</p><p>He also appreciates the newfound calm that comes with the switch to tech: “I’m a lot less stressed. I don’t have to dodge bullets, I don’t have to dodge knives, I just have to dodge questions sometimes.”</p>

<p>Now earning $75,000 a year and working toward his ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) certification, Gerardo is thriving in a career that allows him to continue helping people, without the danger that came with a badge.</p><h2>Advice for the Next Career Changer</h2><p>Gerardo urges others to lean into their lived experience when making a transition. “Always use your past experience to show how it can be an asset for the company,” he said. For those open to a new path, his story proves that it's never too late to start fresh.</p><p>And you don’t need a computer science degree, either; all you need is motivation and the right program (<a href="https://tripleten.com/special/free-career-consultation/?utm_channel=influencers&amp;utm_source=influencers&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=influencers_salarytransparentstreet0525blog&amp;utm_content=post" rel="sponsored">click here to learn more about TripleTen’s bootcamps</a>).&nbsp;</p><p>To connect with Gerardo and learn more about his journey, reach out to him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardo-antolino-torres-ii-21g09a">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><i><strong>This article is sponsored by TripleTen. </strong></i><a href="https://tripleten.com/qa-engineer/?utm_channel=influencers&amp;utm_source=influencers&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=influencers_salarytransparentstreet0525blog&amp;utm_content=post" rel="sponsored"><i><strong>Use discount code SALARY for 30% off any TripleTen BootCamp!</strong></i></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Street resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

From Professional Baseball Player to Software Tester

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p><strong>Low-stress jobs that pay well are more common than you think.</strong> We actually found 12 <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">high-paying careers</a> offering salaries over $70,000 that don't require you to be “on” 24/7, and not all of them require a 4-year college degree.&nbsp;</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> (BLS) data and <a href="https://www.onetonline.org/find/descriptor/result/1.C.4.b">stress tolerance ratings</a> from the U.S. Department of Labor’s sponsored site, O*NET, positions like water resource specialists ($161,180 median salary), quality assurance testers ($131,450), and actuaries ($125,770) combine high pay with a strong work-life balance, which are the 2 main factors we included when ranking these jobs.&nbsp;</p><p>Your job has a huge effect on your mental health. When your work is always stressing you out, it’s hard to think clearly and take care of yourself. According to a <a href="https://www.mercer.com/insights/people-strategy/future-of-work/global-talent-trends/">recent report from Mercer</a>, an HR consulting firm, <strong>82% of employees are at risk of burnout</strong>, with some even citing stress-related illnesses. That’s a huge number.&nbsp;</p><p>A high salary with high stress versus a well-paid job with minimal stress? I’ll take the latter. But for someone else who wants a certain high-stress job because they love it, the pay and perks may be worth it to them. It’s all about what your priorities and interests are, and what is particularly stressful for you.</p><p><strong>In this article, we'll dive into the top 12 low-stress high-paying jobs, what they do, specific salary ranges, why they're low stress, and how you can find one of your own.</strong></p><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>Half of the 12 top-earning careers with the least stress don’t require a bachelor’s degree and accept associate’s degrees, certifications, portfolios, and bootcamps or courses to break in.</li><li>9 out of 12 of the jobs listed offer flexible and remote work options for better work-life balance.</li><li>9 out of 12 jobs have strong job security with faster-than-average growth rates, including data scientists leading at 34% projected growth through 2034.</li><li>Environmental economist ranks as the least stressful high-paying job with a stress tolerance ranking of 52 and a median salary of $115,440.</li><li>The highest-paying low-stress jobs from our Salary Database are environmental economists and data scientists.</li><li>Low-stress jobs with the highest median salaries according to the BLS are water resource specialists and quality assurance testers.</li><li>Browse thousands of more publicly shared salaries on our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What are low-stress jobs?</h2><p>Low-stress jobs are jobs that don’t come with a lot of pressure. The workload and stress are manageable, there’s a clear work-life balance, and your mental energy isn’t left depleted every day.</p><p>They often require <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">specialized skillsets</a> and expertise rather than being productivity based, meaning you aren’t constantly hounded for performance metrics or racing against aggressive deadlines. This also rules out roles with urgent duties like on-call shifts and “jack of all trades” responsibilities.&nbsp;</p><p>Having said that, what’s considered stressful is personal. What you consider to be less stressful may actually be more stressful for someone else. We all have different interests, work styles, lifestyles, and social skills.&nbsp;</p><p>Plus, our brains aren’t all the same. Keep this in mind as you research the different jobs from this list. Also be sure to look for jobs at companies that provide supportive benefits like affordable healthcare coverage (mental health included), flexible or remote work, ample time off, and family and caregiver support.</p><h2>How We Ranked These Low-Stress High-Paying Jobs</h2><p><strong>Main factors we looked at when identifying high-paying jobs with the least amount of stress:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Salary:</strong> Roles were identified using data we’ve collected in our public <a href="http://salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>, first-hand experience from <a href="https://youtube.com/@salarytransparentstreet?si=6dQt5ybqNmQi8Q0p">our interviews</a>, and job data from the BLS. High salaries provide more financial stability and also reduces any money-related stress.</li><li><strong>Stress tolerance data from O*NET:</strong> Jobs with stress rankings below 75, except for a few jobs that we explain their tradeoffs.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Manageable workload:</strong> The workload is realistically for 1 person and manageable without feeling scattered or having to work late or on weekends.</li><li><strong>Work-life balance:</strong> They don’t eat up all of your free time and don’t involve emergency work or a lot of overtime.</li><li><strong>Flexibility or remote work options:</strong> There’s a flexible work culture or remote work options available. We included 9 <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-remote-jobs">jobs that can be done remotely</a>.</li><li><strong>Autonomy:</strong> There’s some freedom and control over how you do your work without heavy supervision or micromanagement.</li><li><strong>Social involvement: </strong>Job options with limited social interaction, with also a few that do for those who are more social.</li><li><strong>Job satisfaction and security:</strong> High-satisfaction jobs with faster than average job growth over the next 10 years.</li></ul><h2><strong>12 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well &amp; Keep You Sane in 2026</strong></h2><p>These roles span healthcare, technology, finance, and environmental sectors with options for different work styles and personalities. To find more salary and job data, search for any of the below positions in our <a href="http://salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> or <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Salary Transparent Job Board</a>. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join</a> and add your salary too!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>1. Water Resource Specialist or Engineer</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/natural-sciences-managers.htm#tab-1">$161,180 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DWater+Resource+Engineer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$125,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 4%</p><p>As the highest-paying role on this list with one of the lowest stress rankings (59), water resource specialists have a structured job where they manage water systems like municipal water supply systems so their communities have access to clean water. It’s low stress because of the predictable work schedule with standard business hours, especially if they work for a government agency, and over half of the work is spent working independently. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>What’s required:</strong> Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, hydrology, or similar area is typically required.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/BngAeB" rel="sponsored">Sustainable Urban Water Systems</a></p><h2>2. Quality Assurance (QA) Tester or Engineer</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm">$131,450 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSoftware+Tester&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$170,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>15%</p><p>QA testers run different software tests to find existing bugs and what’s causing them, while QA engineers are the ones who develop the automated tests they run. However, both duties may be combined into one role. It depends on the company and how their teams are structured.</p><p>This role has much lower stress levels than other <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">high-paying tech jobs</a>. They have a standard work schedule with a lot of flexibility and remote work opportunities, and no on-call rotations like tech support roles have.</p><p><strong>On an interesting side note: </strong>We interviewed a government contractor who also works part-time as QA engineer. They stated that the additional role helps them keep their sanity in an unstable job market.</p>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet/video/7368520412881325354" data-video-id="7368520412881325354" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@salarytransparentstreet" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">@salarytransparentstreet</a> How much does an <a title="overemployed" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/overemployed?refer=embed">#overemployed</a> <a title="uxdeveloper" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/uxdeveloper?refer=embed">#UXDeveloper</a> and part-time <a title="qaengineer" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/qaengineer?refer=embed">#QAEngineer</a> make? Washington, DC📍 <a title="salarytransparentstreet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">#salarytransparentstreet</a> <a title="salarytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparency?refer=embed">#salarytransparency</a> <a title="paytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/paytransparency?refer=embed">#paytransparency</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7368520525187975982?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer science or similar area, or QA bootcamps and certifications. <strong>We also interviewed a former professional baseball player who was able to</strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/from-baseball-to-law-to-tech"><strong> </strong>pivot their career to software QA testing</a><strong> through a QA Bootcamp!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/LK6vxY" rel="sponsored">Software Quality Assurance and Testing</a>&nbsp;</p><h2>3. Actuary</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm">$125,770 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dactuary&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$220,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 22%</p><p>Actuaries are like data analysts, but they’re solely focused on analyzing financial risk for things like insurance and financial planning (such as pensions and a company’s <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/401k-rollovers">401(k)</a> offering). With a stress rating of only 57, this role is seen as pretty low stress due to factors such as a collaborative work environment and the job security from a growing demand for their skill set (set to grow by 22% by 2034).</p><p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or statistics is preferred.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/7aPQdg" rel="sponsored">Business and Financial Modeling</a></p><h2>4. Environmental Economist</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm">$115,440 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DEnvironmental+economist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$850,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 1%</p><p>Environmental economists are economists that use statistical techniques to analyze how we use the natural environment, like water and land, and protect it. It’s perfect for those looking for a job where they can contribute to the cause of protecting our beautiful earth. This role has the lowest stress ranking of 52 from O*NET. It’s also seen as low stress because of the job satisfaction it provides and a flexible environment where they can work independently.</p><p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental economics is typically required.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DyoJB2" rel="sponsored">Environmental Economics</a></p><h2>5. Data Scientist or Analyst</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm#tab-1">$112,590 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DData+Scientist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$270,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 34%</p><p>A data scientist looks at large datasets, often across several systems, to find similarities and relationships to build machine learning models and AI agents. Without their work, we wouldn’t have AI. The demand for their expertise is growing faster than any other role on this list (34%), making it one of the<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/top-jobs-of-2025"> best-paying future jobs</a> to watch.&nbsp;</p><p>The role has a lot of autonomy with flexible and remote work options (which also ranked it as one of our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/happiest-jobs">happiest jobs</a>), but stress definitely depends on the company they work for. Government and research roles tend to be lower stress than startups, finance, or roles with direct revenue impact.</p>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet/video/7340714355572411690" data-video-id="7340714355572411690" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@salarytransparentstreet" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">@salarytransparentstreet</a> How much do Data Scientists make? Watch this compilation to find out! Which interview surprised you most? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️ 0:00 Philadelphia, PA ($110K) 0:28 Chicago, IL ($100K) 2:12 Denver, CO ($245K) 4:15 Salt Lake City, UT ($101K) 5:57 San Francisco, CA ($250K) 6:27 San Francisco, CA ($300K+) <a title="salarytransparentstreet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">#SalaryTransparentStreet</a> <a title="salarytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparency?refer=embed">#SalaryTransparency</a> <a title="paytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/paytransparency?refer=embed">#PayTransparency</a> <a title="datascientist" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/datascientist?refer=embed">#DataScientist</a> <a title="datascientistsalary" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/datascientistsalary?refer=embed">#DataScientistSalary</a> <a title="datascientistpay" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/datascientistpay?refer=embed">#DataScientistPay</a> <a title="breakintodatascience" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/breakintodatascience?refer=embed">#BreakIntoDataScience</a> <a title="datasciencejobs" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/datasciencejobs?refer=embed">#datasciencejobs</a> <a title="breakintotech" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/breakintotech?refer=embed">#breakintotech</a> <a title="datasciencecertification" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/datasciencecertification?refer=embed">#datasciencecertification</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7340714536757906222?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer science or data science is preferred, but there are ways to break in via bootcamps and putting together a portfolio (from bootcamp learning, personal projects, or freelancing).</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/QjDW36" rel="sponsored">Python for Data Science, AI &amp; Development</a></p><h2>6. Statistician&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm">$104,350 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dstatistician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$175,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 8%</p><p>Similar to data scientists, statisticians also analyze data to find relationships and make decisions, but not for the point of programming or machine learning. Their work uses statistical methodology and mathematical theory, mainly used in research. It’s low stress because their work is project-based with a lot of independence and they work in settings with less pressure, such as academics and research.</p><p><strong>What’s required:</strong> Bachelor’s degree in statistics or mathematics is preferred.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/bOX0rm" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Statistics</a></p><h2>7. Dental Hygienist&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm#tab-1">$94,260 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DDental+Hygienist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$150,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>7%</p><p>Dental hygienists work with many patients a day to improve their oral hygiene and prevent disease through routine dental cleaning, taking x-rays of teeth to assess their health, and supporting dentists in their work (like procedures, etc).</p><p>Even though dental hygienists’ stress is rated a little higher than the others on this list (86) due to physical demands and difficult patients, their job has lower levels of stress when compared to other <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">top-paying healthcare jobs</a>. They have a consistent daily routine, regular hours where they don’t take their work home, and a stable job with low unemployment rates.</p><p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong>Check out our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/dental-career-guide">Dental Career Guide</a> (with tips from real dental professionals)!</p><h2>8. Technical Writer</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm">$91,670 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dtechnical+writer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$125,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 1%&nbsp;</p><p>Technical writers create technical content, but the audience they write for depends on the specific technical writing job they have. Technical writers may write for developers, document internal development changes and release notes, document entire systems and APIs, create product and how-to documentation, and write technical blogs.</p><p>There’s a lot of freedom and independence in this area (with some collaboration) and many roles can be done remotely. There’s also no on-call or emergency support work required, making this a lower-stress job than other roles in tech. As a technical writer myself, I can vouch for this 😄.</p><p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems is preferred, but many companies accept courses, certifications, and a portfolio of personal or freelance projects as alternatives.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/LK6WBo" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Technical Writing</a></p><h2>9. Financial Examiner</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-examiners.htm">$90,400 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dtechnical+writer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$90,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>19%</p><p>Financial examiners help banks and financial companies make sure they’re following the rules. They’re like the auditors of the financial world. They check the books, review records, and compare processes against government regulations and guidelines. &nbsp;</p><p>It sounds high-stakes, which it definitely is, but it’s mostly quiet desk work that is methodical. The hours are normal business hours and deadlines are planned and reasonable.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/N9LmjK" rel="sponsored">Financial Accounting: Master Core Concepts &amp; Analysis</a></p><h2>10. Sonographer</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-1">$89,340 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dsonographer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$230,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 13%</p><p>Working as a sonographer is a great <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">trade job that pays well</a> and is moderate to low stress. Their job consists of operating ultrasound devices and producing images for doctors to use for diagnoses and monitoring.</p><p>Even though there is a pressure to be accurate in every task and they mainly work with the public, which could be seen as high-stress, they also have set hours, predictable pre-set schedules, and stable job security.</p><p><strong>What’s required:</strong> Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is required.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: &nbsp;</strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Wy9jn3" rel="sponsored">Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging</a></p><h2>11. Compliance Officer</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/compliance-officers.htm">$78,420 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dcompliance+officer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$215,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>3%</p><p>Similar to financial examiners, compliance officers make sure their organization is following laws and regulations, while also hitting all the boxes with internal policies. But their work isn’t siloed to the financial industry. The stress level of this job depends on the industry they work in. Lower-stress roles exist in smaller companies and advisory roles, while higher-stress are in healthcare and tech.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, or similar is required.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9Lkr15" rel="sponsored">Regulatory Compliance</a></p><h2>12. User Experience (UX) Researcher</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm">$76,950 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Duser+experience+researchers&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$178,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>7%</p><p>UX researchers design projects to study how the general public interacts with different things, like products and websites. They’ll conduct research studies and observe behavior to advocate for consumers and make sure they get the products they actually <i>want </i>to use.&nbsp;</p><p>The job is on the calmer side because there’s no emergency work involved, they have a<a href="https://www.nngroup.com/articles/best-things-about-working-in-ux/"> high rate of job satisfaction</a>, and the hours are standard with many roles being remote. It’s an interesting job with the ability to work independently and be creative.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What’s required: </strong>Bachelor’s degree preferred in areas like information science and sociology, but courses and creating your own projects for a portfolio may fill requirements for some companies.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/kO6N5L" rel="sponsored">User Experience Research and Design</a></p>

<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2><h2>What is the least stressful job with high pay?</h2><p>The least stressful job with the highest pay is an environmental economist. They have the lowest stress ranking of 52 out of all of the six-figure jobs listed on O*NET’s stress tolerance rankings.</p><h2>What is the best-paying lazy job?</h2><p>What one considers as lazy is subjective, but they’re often jobs that can be done remotely and are low-pressure. Best-paying lazy jobs include participating in online research studies, pet sitting and house sitting, and working as a virtual assistant. Data entry jobs are still great lazy jobs but aren’t as common because of automation.</p><h2>What are low-stress jobs for introverts?</h2><p>Introverts excel when they have autonomy and can work independently, so any job that pays well and fits those requirements is golden. Low-stress jobs for introverts include QA testing, accounting, technical writing, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/freelance-ghostwriter">ghostwriting</a>, virtual assisting, data analysis, and jobs in research and development.</p><h2>How to Find Jobs That Won’t Stress You Out</h2><p>To find open low-stress jobs with great pay, start with our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a> that has salaries listed for every role. Pair this with the tool, <a href="https://www.mynextmove.org/">My Next Move</a>, a part of O*NET that’s sponsored by the Department of Labor, which has more information about each job and where to find training.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>We also recommend these job search tools from our partners:</strong></p>

<p>Remember that every job has some degree of stress. It’s important that you know what your thresholds are when picking a job that’s both good for your mental health and your wallet. 💸</p><p><strong>Author note: </strong>I’m Daniella Flores, a former software engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a current member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub">Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p>If this guide helps you land your dream job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Looking for a job? Start your job search on our salary transparent <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/jobs">job board</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Don’t know what you want to do? Take any of our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/topic/quizzes">career quizzes</a>!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

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12 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well in 2026 (All Pay Over $70k)

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands and products we trust or actually use ourselves. Using them doesn’t cost you a thing, but it helps support our mission.&nbsp;</i></p><p><strong>Working a corporate job isn’t the only way to create a stable career. </strong>Learning a skilled trade is an extremely underrated route that offers many <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">high-paying trade job options</a>.</p><p>Not only that, these jobs are in high demand! There is a growing skills gap in several trades due to many tradespeople aging out of their careers and fewer people choosing to work those jobs. For instance, <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/press-releases/us-manufacturing-could-need-new-employees-by-2033.html">Deloitte </a>reported that 1.9 million skilled trade jobs in manufacturing are expected to go unfilled by 2033, an industry that accounts for <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/delivering-the-us-manufacturing-renaissance">$2.3 trillion of the US’s GDP</a> and supports hundreds of local economies across the U.S.</p><p>Combine that with the growing demand for trade workers in other areas, such as wind turbine technicians (growth rate <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm">60%</a>), electricians (growth rate <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm">11%</a>), and HVAC technicians (growth rate <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm">9%</a>), and you’ll see a massive opportunity in these <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/top-jobs-of-2025">top jobs of the future</a>.</p><p>What’s great about these roles is that they don’t require a 4-year bachelor's degree or a hefty college bill. Many positions offer the ability to earn while you learn through apprenticeships and other on-the-job training opportunities, and tend to pay well with great benefits due to many being <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-join-a-union">union jobs</a> (although not all trades have union representation).</p>

How Much Do Trade Workers Really Make? Earnings Revealed at LaborFest

<p><strong>In this guide, you’ll learn what qualifies as a trade job, which one is right for you, and how to enter that trade.</strong></p><p>We also included salary data that we’ve collected from the past 3+ years of interviews, data from over 13,000 salaries that we’ve collected in our online <a href="http://salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> (don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join and add</a> your salary too!), and job data from the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook</a>.</p><p>*Keep in mind that our Salary Database currently doesn’t have a way to distinguish between base pay and total compensation. Our salary data may also include other compensation, such as bonuses, commissions, stock options, equity, or other forms of pay in addition to their yearly salary.</p><h2><strong>List of Trades to Explore (and How to Get Into Them)</strong></h2><p>A trade job is a job that requires a specialized skillset and is usually hands-on in industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Training programs and apprenticeships are the common routes to break in since many of the roles <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">don't require a degree</a>.</p><p>Beyond the familiar trades, there are also lesser-known paths in fields like healthcare, culinary arts, technology, and cosmetology that offer similar skilled and high-demand roles. For example, just like an electrical line worker is a trade worker, so are tattoo artists and manicurists.&nbsp;</p><p>Let’s explore each industry, the roles available and their expected pay, and how to get into each.<strong> If you don’t know which trade job you want to explore, take our free quiz to help you decide which one suits you best! 👇</strong></p>

<h2>Construction</h2><p>Construction trades are the jobs that make our modern world possible. They involve expertise in areas like building (of course), masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and installing flooring and other building components.&nbsp;</p><p>It's a big deal. Constructing our cities and communities would be impossible without them. The great thing about this trade is that it also has many roles available in <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-government-jobs">high-paying government jobs</a> to fill the demand of ongoing building contracts.</p>

How much does a #constructionworker make in 📍Washington, DC?#salarytransparentstreet

<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:50%;"><col style="width:50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>No Degree Required (Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training, or Licensing)</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Certificate or Trade School Preferred</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Construction laborer</li><li>Construction manager</li><li>Electrician (apprenticeship required)</li><li>Plumber, Pipefitter, Steamfitter (apprenticeship required)</li><li>Carpenter (apprenticeship optional, common)</li><li>Ironworker (apprenticeship required)</li><li>Sheet Metal Worker (apprenticeship required)</li><li>Roofer</li><li>Drywall Installer</li><li>Glazier</li><li>Mason (apprenticeship required)</li><li>Flooring Installer</li><li>Concrete Finisher</li><li>Painter</li><li>Elevator Installer &amp; Repairer (apprenticeship required)</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Heavy Equipment Operator (certifications like National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (<a href="https://www.nccco.org/docs/default-source/osha/crane-operator-certification---employers-guide-112118a.pdf?sfvrsn=7da0fb0e_2">NCCCO</a>) preferred)</li><li>Crane Operator (certifications like NCCCO often preferred)</li></ul><p><br>&nbsp;</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>How to get into it:</strong> Start with a high school diploma or GED and an apprenticeship program. These can be found through local trade unions, such as United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs (<a href="https://ua.org/">UA</a>), the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (<a href="https://www.ironworkers.org/">IW</a>), the International Union of Elevator Constructors (<a href="https://www.iuec.org/">IUEC</a>), and other <a href="https://nabtu.org/affiliates/">North American unions</a>. Opportunities can also be found through construction companies and some send their employees to school for free. If you want to operate heavy machinery, look at <a href="https://www.nccco.org/docs/default-source/osha/crane-operator-certification---employers-guide-112118a.pdf?sfvrsn=7da0fb0e_2">NCCCO </a>certifications as well.</p><p><strong>Potential pay:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/home.htm">$58,360</a> a year</li><li><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dconstruction&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$650,000</a> a year</li></ul><p><strong>Get started with these courses or programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/VxQrd6" rel="sponsored">Construction Techniques and Practices Specialization</a> (use as a way to explore this field, but look for your local construction trades union to get into their apprenticeship program)</li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/6yxazQ" rel="sponsored">Construction Management Specialization</a></li></ul><h2>Manufacturing</h2><p>Manufacturing jobs create the products we know and love, like the cars we drive and the appliances we use. They focus on producing those products, assembling them, and maintaining them.&nbsp;</p><p>These are your welders and machinists, and they utilize skills such as equipment operation and mechanical aptitude to produce these high-quality products.</p><figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:50%;"><col style="width:50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>No Degree Required (Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training, or Licensing)</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Certificate or Trade School Preferred</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Welder (on-the-job training or apprenticeship)</li><li>Machinist (on-the-job training or apprenticeship)</li><li>Assembler</li><li>Fabricator</li><li>Forklift Operator</li><li>General Laborer / Production Worker</li><li>Packaging Operator</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Operator (National Institute for Metalworking Skills (<a href="https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/workers/skills-certifications/nims/">NIMS</a>) certification available)</li><li>Quality Control Inspector</li><li>Production Technician</li><li>Metal Finisher</li><li>Industrial Maintenance Technician</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>How to get into it:</strong> Many manufacturing trades offer apprenticeships with the requirement of a high school diploma or GED. You can find these through your local trade unions, such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (<a href="https://www.goiam.org/get-organized/#get-organized-tab-0">IAM</a>) and the <a href="https://iuanpw.org/">International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production Workers</a>, and manufacturing companies by applying directly. There are also trade school programs and certifications required, such as <a href="https://themanufacturinginstitute.org/workers/skills-certifications/nims/">NIMS</a>.</p><p><strong>Potential pay:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/industrial-machinery-mechanics-and-maintenance-workers-and-millwrights.htm">$63,510</a> a year</li><li><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dwelder&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$96,000</a> a year</li></ul><p><strong>Get started with these courses or programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/APAzYa">Manufacturing Industry 101</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/e1QoxQ">Welding Processes in Heavy Manufacturing &amp; Quality Controls</a></li></ul><h2>Automotive and Transportation</h2><p>While manufacturing jobs might help create the car you drive, automotive and transportation jobs make use of those vehicles. These trade jobs involve repairing and maintaining those vehicles and transportation systems.&nbsp;</p><p>This work is extremely important to keeping transportation safe, covering everything from cars and trucks to buses, planes, and even rail equipment.</p>

How Much Do Auto Trades Pay? Insights from the SEMA Trade Show

<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:50%;"><col style="width:50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>No Degree Required (Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training, or Licensing)</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Certificate or Trade School Preferred</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Automotive Service Technician &amp; Mechanic (apprenticeship or on-the-job training)</li><li>Diesel Mechanic (apprenticeship or on-the-job training)</li><li>Truck Driver (CDL required)</li><li>Motorcycle Mechanic&nbsp;</li><li>Bus Driver (CDL required)</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Aircraft &amp; Avionics Mechanic/Technician (completion of FAA-approved aviation maintenance school)</li><li>Auto &amp; Diesel Engine Specialist/Technician (Automotive Service Excellence (<a href="https://ase.com/">ASE</a>) certification often required)</li><li>Ship &amp; Boat Mechanic</li><li>Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician&nbsp;</li><li>Transportation Inspector (DOT or FAA certifications may be required depending on sector)</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>How to get into it:</strong> A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement, but hands-on training through an apprenticeship or program focused on automotive or diesel technology is a recommended next step. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoSE3CWZTgo&amp;t=105s"><strong>We interviewed a mechanic </strong></a><strong>who went to high school for half the day and trade school the other half, where both counted for high school credit. This helped them start working right away after high school.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Apprenticeships can be found through dealerships, repair shops, and unions like the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (<a href="https://www.smart-union.org/">SMART</a>). Certifications like <a href="https://ase.com/">ASE </a>are often required or highly recommended. Your best bet is to reach out to a local union and start there. <strong>We interviewed a union mechanic who makes $80,000 a year!</strong></p>

How much does a #Mechanic make? Filmed at the Union Square @capitalonecafe 📍 #capitalonepartner

<p><strong>Potential pay:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/home.htm">$58,230</a> a year</li><li><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Daircraft+technician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$220,000</a> a year</li></ul><p><strong>Get started with these courses or programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/QjGqv6" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Mechanics</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Wy9jPe" rel="sponsored">Flight Mechanics - The Basics</a></li></ul><h2>Energy and Utilities</h2><p>Energy and utilities trade jobs involve essential services like electricity and gas. The most common role you often hear about are electricians (which you’ll also see listed under the ‘Construction’ section above, but it also falls under ‘Energy’), but there are several others that aren't as well-known and still pay well, such as wind turbine technicians.&nbsp;</p><p>These roles have a huge responsibility for ensuring reliable infrastructure and safety, and often require skills in equipment operation and power system monitoring.&nbsp;</p>

How much do union #electricians make? #paytransparency #electricianjobs #trades

<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:50%;"><col style="width:50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>No Degree Required (Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training, or Licensing)</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Certificate or Trade School Preferred</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Power Plant Operator (on-the-job training and licensing may be required)</li><li>Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (on-the-job training and state license required)</li><li>Electrician (apprenticeship required)</li><li>Line worker / Powerline Technician (apprenticeship required)</li><li>Gas Utility Technician (on-the-job training and operator qualification required)</li><li>Wind Turbine Technician&nbsp;</li><li>Hydroelectric Plant Technician&nbsp;</li><li>Meter Installer &amp; Repairer</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Solar PV Installer (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (<a href="https://www.nabcep.org/certifications/nabcep-board-certifications/">NABCEP</a>) certification preferred but not always required)</li><li>HVAC Technician (certificate programs commonly preferred)</li><li>Energy Systems Technician</li><li>Substation Technician&nbsp;</li><li>Utility Locator (certificate programs preferred; National Utility Locating Contractors Association (<a href="https://nulca.org/">NULCA</a>) certification available)</li><li>Geothermal Technician&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>How to get into it: </strong>A high school diploma or GED is a great starting point, then look for specialized training through apprenticeships, technical schools, or utility-sponsored programs. Licensing and education requirements vary by role and state.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, electricians can find apprenticeships through their local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (<a href="https://ibew.org/">IBEW</a>) union and typically need a state electrician license. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx84Xrav_b0">An electrician apprentice we interviewed</a> <strong>is making $74 an hour! </strong>Look for your state’s requirements and opportunities through your state’s Labor and Industries website, local union hall (or website), utility companies, and workforce development centers.</p><p><strong>Potential pay:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/power-plant-operators-distributors-and-dispatchers.htm">$103,600</a> a year</li><li><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DPower+Plant+Operator&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$100,000</a> a year</li></ul><p><strong>Get started with these courses or programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/QjGqEa" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Electronics</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/ra0vWj" rel="sponsored">Electric Power Systems</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/55qeB1" rel="sponsored">Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/EEGKz2" rel="sponsored">Renewable Energy Specialization</a></li></ul><h2>Technology and IT Infrastructure</h2><p>Our technology infrastructure highly depends on trade workers to install and maintain hardware and networks. Tech trade workers often possess <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">high-income skills,</a> such as troubleshooting and reverse engineering, which they can learn through technical schools or programs. And they can still find <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">high-paying tech roles</a>, even without a fancy Bachelor's degree in computer science.</p><p>Thanks to them, company networks stay secure, public networks are accessible, and our personal devices can safely exist on both of them.</p>

How much does a #SystemsAdministrator make?📍Detroit, MI #salarytransparentstreet

<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:50%;"><col style="width:50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>No Degree Required (Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training, or Licensing)</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Certificate, Trade School, or Associate Degree Preferred</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Cable Technician / Installer</li><li>Data Center Technician</li><li>Network Cabling Installer</li><li>Telecom Tower Technician</li><li>Field Service Technician</li><li>Audio-Visual (AV) Technician</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>System Administrator (associate degree recommended or CompTIA cert required)</li><li>Network Technician (associate degree recommended or CompTIA cert required)</li><li>Security Systems Technician</li><li>Fiber Optic Technician</li><li>Structured Cabling Technician</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>How to get into it: </strong>A high school diploma or GED, then gain skills through trade schools, community colleges, or certification programs. Also, look for opportunities through technical trade unions, such as the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (<a href="https://www.ifpte.org/">IFPTE</a>). Entry-level roles in IT support, networking, or cybersecurity often require certifications like <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Vx2DnE">CompTIA A+</a>, <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/LK5eVa">Network+</a>, or <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLmAWk">Cisco’s CCNA</a>, which can be earned through online learning.</p><p><strong>🎓 Need help paying for school? </strong>Check out our <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/r8fc8db4eb91" rel="sponsored">top student loan picks</a> to compare options and find what best fits your future.</p><p><strong>Potential pay:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/telecommunications-equipment-installers-and-repairers-except-line-installers.htm">$64,310</a> a year</li><li><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DTechnician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$126,000</a> a year</li></ul><p><strong>Get started with these courses or programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9Lydm3" rel="sponsored">Computer Networks and Network Security</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Vx2DnE" rel="sponsored">Preparation for CompTIA A+ Certification Specialization</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/BnRDEW" rel="sponsored">Bachelor of Information Technology</a></li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Healthcare</h2><p>Healthcare trades encompass many different roles, such as pharmacy techs, dental assistants, nurses, and several others. Several of these roles don't require a 4-year college degree and focus on training through certifications and associate degree programs.&nbsp;</p>

How much do #EMTs make? #salarytransparency #salarytransparentstreet #paytransparency

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>No Degree Required (Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training, or Licensing)</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Certificate, Trade School, or Associate Degree Preferred</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Home Health Aide (on-the-job training)</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Pharmacy Technician (certifications like Certified Pharmacy Technician (<a href="https://www.ptcb.org/credentials/certified-pharmacy-technician">CPhT</a>) preferred)</li><li>Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) (<a href="https://www.nremt.org/EMT/Certification">EMT certification</a> required)</li><li>Dental Assistant (on-the-job training and certifications like Certified Dental Technicians (<a href="https://nbccert.org/certificants/certified-dental-technician/">CDTs</a>) preferred)</li><li>Radiologic Technician (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (<a href="https://www.arrt.org/">ARRT</a>) certification preferred and licensing required in most states)</li><li>Surgical Technologist (certifications like Certified Surgical Technologist (<a href="https://www.nbstsa.org/cst-certification">CST</a>) preferred)</li><li>Respiratory Therapist (Certified Respiratory Therapist (<a href="https://www.nbrc.org/examinations/crt/">CRT</a>) certification preferred and licensing required in most states)</li><li>Medical Laboratory Technician (certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (<a href="https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification?utm_source=chatgpt.com">ASCP</a>) preferred)</li><li>Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (completion of an accredited LPN program and licensing required in all states)</li><li>Dental Hygienist (certificate programs preferred and state license required)</li><li>Physical Therapy Assistant (certificate programs preferred and license required in most states)</li><li>Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (associate degree required and American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (<a href="https://www.ardms.org/">ARDMS</a>) certification preferred)</li><li>Occupational Therapy Assistant (associate degree required and license required in most states)</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>How to get into it:</strong> After getting a high school diploma or GED, pursue training based on your specific healthcare trade. Options range from on-the-job training for roles like Home Health Aide to formal certificate or associate degree programs for more advanced positions. Many roles require or prefer certifications or licenses, such as <a href="https://www.ptcb.org/credentials/certified-pharmacy-technician">CPhT </a>for Pharmacy Technicians, <a href="https://www.arrt.org/">ARRT </a>for Radiologic Technicians, or state licenses for LPNs, dental hygienists, and other allied health professionals.</p><p><strong>Potential pay:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Median salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm">$83,090</a> a year</li><li>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DRadiologic+Technologist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$131,000</a> a year</li></ul><p><strong>Get started with these courses or programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/BnGWr9" rel="sponsored">Foundation for Assisting in Home Care</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/JKj3GQ" rel="sponsored">Pharmacy Technician Fundamentals Specialization</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Wy9jn3" rel="sponsored">Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging</a></li></ul><h2>Personal Services (Cosmetology, Lifestyle, and Culinary)</h2><p>Personal service trades focus on making us feel good through skills in areas like cosmetology and hair, baking and cooking, and fitness training (to name a few). Many of these would also be considered <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-creative-jobs">creative jobs</a>, but also require some technical expertise with certification or licensing to provide quality services to clients.</p>

How much does a #TattooArtist make? Eugene, OR📍#salarytransparentstreet

<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:50%;"><col style="width:50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>No Degree Required (Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training, or Licensing)</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Certificate or Trade School Preferred</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Hair Stylist (state license required)</li><li>Nail Technician (state license required)</li><li>Makeup Artist</li><li>Esthetician (state license required)</li><li>Waxing Specialist (state license or certification often required)</li><li>Eyelash Technician (state license or certification may be required)</li><li>Tattoo Artist (apprenticeship or formal training, and state or local license required)</li><li>Chef (culinary school optional)</li><li>Butcher</li><li>Baker</li><li>Bartender</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Personal Trainer (certification from programs like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (<a href="https://www.nasm.org/">NASM</a>) or the National Council on Strength and Fitness (<a href="https://www.ncsf.org/">NCSF</a>) preferred)</li><li>Massage Therapist (state license required and certification from accredited program preferred)</li><li>Nutritionist (certificate programs preferred)</li><li>Graphic Artist/Designer (certificate programs and trade school programs available)</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>How to get into it: </strong>A high school diploma or GED, then enroll in a state-approved training program or trade school for your chosen field. Most personal service careers require certification or licenses, such as a state cosmetology license. The American Association of Career Schools has a great resource that shows<a href="https://myaacs.org/licensing/"> license requirements by state</a> for many of these trades.</p><p><strong>Potential pay:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/home.htm">$35,110</a> a year</li><li><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DHair+Stylist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$96,000</a> a year</li></ul><p><strong>Get started with these courses or programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/nXAOGx" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Cosmetic and Skincare Science</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/4GLkb1" rel="sponsored">Equitable Stage Makeup and Hair</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/6yxaON" rel="sponsored">Getting Started as a Personal Fitness Trainer</a></li></ul><h2>Public Safety and Infrastructure</h2><p>Public safety and infrastructure trades work on keeping communities safe and running smoothly. For example, they may work on maintaining systems, like a waste management system.&nbsp;</p><p>While many of these roles have entry-level work available with little requirements, there are many that also require certifications and specialized training programs.</p>

How much does a #MaintenanceWorker make in📍Boston, MA? #salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:50%;"><col style="width:50%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;">No Degree Required (Apprenticeship, On-the-Job Training, or Licensing)</p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;">Certificate or Trade School Preferred</p></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li>Public Works Laborer&nbsp;</li><li>Sanitation Worker&nbsp;</li><li>Waste Management Worker&nbsp;</li><li>Street Maintenance Worker&nbsp;</li><li>Sewer Maintenance Worker</li><li>Solid Waste Collection Worker&nbsp;</li><li>Landfill Technician&nbsp;</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Firefighter (EMT certification and trade school often required)</li><li>Recycling Technician or Coordinator (may require certification depending on locality)</li><li>Environmental Technician (certificate programs in environmental science or management preferred)</li><li>Solid Waste Manager (Certified Professional in Waste Management (<a href="https://www.nrep.org/certifications/certified-professional-waste-management-cpwm">CPWM</a>) preferred)</li><li>Public Works Inspector (American Public Works Association (<a href="https://www.apwa.org/education-careers/certification/">APWA</a>) and state-specific certifications preferred)</li><li>Hazardous Materials Removal Worker (Occupational Safety and Health Administration (<a href="https://www.osha.gov/training/certificate">OSHA</a>) certifications and specialized training preferred)</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><strong>How to get into it: </strong>A high school diploma or GED is enough to get started, as many entry-level positions don’t require a degree. However, you might need to complete any required training or certifications depending on the role. For example, a sanitation worker may not need a certification, but an environmental technician may need to be a <a href="https://www.osha.com/courses/certified-environmental-specialist.html">certified environmental specialist</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Potential pay:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/general-maintenance-and-repair-workers.htm">$48,620</a> a year</li><li><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSolid+Waste+%26+Recycling+Specialist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$63,000</a> a year</li></ul><p><strong>Get started with these courses or programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/yqOD0D" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Sustainability</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/mOa6AD" rel="sponsored">Utilities, Safety &amp; Environmental Care in Oil &amp; Gas Industry</a></li></ul><h2>How to Pick The Right Trade Job for You</h2><p>Before you rush into the trade that you think pays the most, take some time to think about which one you would enjoy the most and best fits your work style (like your skills and preferences).</p><p>Matching your strengths to the skills required in the different trades can help you find a path that feels natural and still pays well. <strong>To get started, you can take our free 1-minute trade jobs quiz to discover which roles align with your personality and abilities! </strong>👇</p>

<p><strong>Don’t stop there. </strong>Explore different trades you’re interested in through job fairs (like the<a href="https://www.wawomenintrades.com/trades-fair"> Washington Women in Trades Fair</a>), free or low-cost short courses through course providers like <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/BnR05W" rel="sponsored">Coursera</a>, informational interviews with real-world insights on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, volunteering, or shadowing professionals on the job. Any of these steps will help get a better feel for what to expect in your chosen area.</p><h2>Starting a Career in Skilled Trades</h2><p>I don't care how qualified or unqualified you are right now. We all have somewhere we have start from.&nbsp;</p><p>If you’re still in high school, you can actually start there, <i>seriously</i>! As we learned from some of our past interviews, many trade workers actually started trade programs while in high school through half-day technical and trade schools that also accounted for high school credit.</p><p>If you’re out of high school, no worries. You can start from here too. Use resources available to you, such as the guide you’re reading now and the <a href="https://explorethetrades.org/what-we-do/trainingjobs/licensing-information/">Explore The Trades</a> website, to find apprenticeships, programs, and license requirements for the trade job you’re interested in.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Browse these union directories for more information and details on how to apply for an apprenticeship:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://aflcio.org/about-us/our-unions-and-allies/our-affiliated-unions">AFL-CIO Union Directory</a></li><li><a href="https://nabtu.org/affiliates/">North America’s Building Trade Unions</a></li><li><a href="http://apprenticeship.gov">Apprenticeship.gov</a></li></ul><p>These same union directories can also help you find trade jobs available through your local union, along with our very own <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Salary Transparent Job Board</a>, <a href="https://www.unionhiringhall.org/">Union Hiring Hall</a>, <a href="http://usajobs.gov">USAJobs.gov</a>, and <a href="https://fbijobs.gov/skilled-trades">FBIJobs.gov</a> job boards.</p><p>All you need to do is take that first step, use these resources we’ve gathered for you, and start reaching out to local unions, schools, or companies. We’re here in your corner cheering you on, as always!</p><p><strong>We also have a wealth of resources available to you as you navigate your career, including:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">How to Find Your Market Rate</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/job-interview-questions-and-answers">Most Common Interview Questions and Answers</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">Salary Negotiation Scripts</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">How to Ask for a Raise</a></li></ul><p>Until next time, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, and current member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>. I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub">Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p>If this guide helps you land a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Street resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Looking for a job? Start your job search on our salary transparent <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/jobs">job board</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

Article cover image for desktop with green background and skilled trades illustrations and title text overlay that reads "skilled trades career guide"

Article cover image with green background and skilled trades illustrations and title text overlay that reads "skilled trades career guide"

How to Get Into a Trade (+ Advice From Real Trade Workers)

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>Becoming a speech language pathologist (SLP) gives you the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives <i>and make a steady income doing it.&nbsp;</i></p><p>While the path requires a master’s degree and clinical hours before you can get licensed, it’s one of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">higher-paying healthcare jobs</a> out there with tons of different work settings and the opportunity to do deep meaningful work.</p><p><strong>Ok, but first, what does a speech language pathologist do? </strong>Simply put: they help people communicate. For adults, that may mean helping a brain injury patient restore their communication skills. For kids, that may mean helping them with speech and language development, including finding alternative ways of communicating for nonverbal children.</p><p>We interviewed a licensed pediatric speech language pathologist, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatssojayah/">Jayah</a>, to share how she got into the field, what she makes, and tips for those who also want to get into speech language pathology.</p>

<h2>Why Jayah Chose to Become a Speech Language Pathologist</h2><p>Jayah chose speech language pathology thanks to her mom, who owned a daycare and also worked in the special education field. This gave Jayah early exposure to the world of therapeutic support for children.</p><p>“She introduced me to the speech therapist at her school and once I got the opportunity to shadow her, I knew it was the field for me,” says Jayah. That shadowing experience where she got to see the daily job of a speech language pathologist firsthand was the turning point that solidified her career choice.</p><h2>How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist</h2><p>It isn’t exactly an easy path to become a speech language pathologist. You need a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology before you can even become licensed. But once you get into the field, it's one of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/most-secure-jobs">most secure jobs</a> with a projected 15% growth rate by 2034.</p><p>Jayah faced significant challenges along the way. “I got rejected by over 10 schools and it took me 4 years to finally get accepted,” she shared. Graduate programs for speech language pathology are highly competitive, with the average acceptance rate being 30% to 40%, according to the <a href="https://www.asha.org/siteassets/surveys/2023-asha-speech-language-pathology-assistants-survey-results.pdf">American Speech-Language-Hearing Association</a> (ASHA).&nbsp;</p><p>More competitive schools accept only 10% to 20% of applicants, but that doesn’t mean you have no chance of getting in. Persistence definitely pays off, as Jayah has shown us.</p><p><strong>As you start looking into speech language pathology requirements and programs, use this full list of requirements as your checklist:</strong></p><ul><li>A Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders</li><li>A Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology</li><li>1,260 professional supervised hours after completing your degree (also known as your Clinical Fellowship Year)</li><li>Pass the SLP Praxis exam</li><li>Get licensed in your state (<a href="https://www.speechpathologygraduateprograms.org/state-licensing-overview/">requirements</a> vary by state)</li></ul><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">How to Get Into Healthcare (+Tips From Real Healthcare Workers)</a></p><p><strong>Free course to learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/kOnK9n" rel="sponsored">Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to Know</a></p><h2>Where Do Speech Language Pathologists Work?</h2><p>There are a variety of work settings available to speech language pathologists, so you have some flexibility to choose an environment that matches your interests and lifestyle.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Common work settings include:</strong></p><ul><li>Public and private schools</li><li>Hospitals and medical centers</li><li>Rehabilitation facilities</li><li>Nursing homes and long-term care facilities</li><li>Private practices</li><li>Early intervention programs</li><li>Home health care</li><li>Teletherapy companies</li></ul><p>School-based speech language pathologists work during the academic year with summers off (unless they work another contract), while medical settings may offer higher pay with more flexibility. Nursing, residential care facilities, and hospitals offer the highest pay, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>.</p><h2>How Much Do Speech Language Pathologists Make? Salary &amp; Benefits</h2><p>When we interviewed Jayah (shown at the beginning of the article), she is on track to make <strong>$110,000 to $125,000</strong> <strong>this year</strong> as a pediatric speech language pathologist. Before that, the highest she earned from one job was $85,000.&nbsp;</p><p>The setting you choose to work in and your location has a lot to do with how your salary varies. For example, self-employed speech language pathologists tend to make more than those who are employed somewhere, as Jayah also indicated in her interview. This is partially why Jayah said in her interview that she would much rather have her own practice. This also allows her more flexibility.&nbsp;</p><p>But with your own practice, you aren’t getting health insurance benefits provided like you would be as an employee somewhere. Jayah recommends to “get a plan that makes sense to you”. You may have to do some shopping around on <a href="http://healthcare.gov">Healthcare.gov</a> to find a plan that’s affordable. When you negotiate a competitive package at an employee, don’t forget to<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits"> negotiate your benefits</a>, including healthcare if you can!</p><p><strong>For what other speech language pathologists make, we dug into some data from the BLS and our </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database </a><strong>of over 13,000 publicly shared salaries from our community. This is what we found:</strong></p><ul><li>The national median salary is <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-1">$95,410</a> per year, according to the BLS.</li><li>The industry where speech language pathologists are paid the most is nursing and residential care facilities, which is a median salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5">$106,500 </a>per year.</li><li>The highest recorded salary in our Salary Database for speech language pathologists is <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSpeech+Language+Pathologist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$230,000</a> per year. Their salary entry indicates they have 28 years of experience and work healthcare remotely full-time.</li><li>The second highest recorded salary in our Salary Database is <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSpeech+Language+Pathologist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$154,000</a>. Their salary entry indicates they have 23 years of experience and work a healthcare contract on-site.</li></ul><p>When you’re ready to enter the job market as a speech language pathologist, or any job for that matter,<strong> don’t forget to </strong><i><strong>always</strong> </i><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer"><i>negotiate your salary</i></a><i><strong>!&nbsp;</strong></i></p><p><strong>Download our</strong> <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> <strong>to find out how much you should be getting paid, then download our Salary Negotiation Guide to use hand-in-hand to prepare for any job offer.</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>If you want to get a better idea of the different things speech language pathologists do, check out our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a> and search for “speech language pathologist” to read different job descriptions from different companies and organizations!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Last-Minute Tips for Aspiring Speech Language Pathologists</h2><p>As you’re exploring a speech language pathologist career path, the best thing you can do to determine where you should go in the field is to shadow someone. Shadowing was what showed Jayah that the field was perfect for her and getting insight from others helped her plan her career path.</p><p>You can also take free online courses to get introduced to the field and start building skills early. We recommend starting with the <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/kOnK9n" rel="sponsored">Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to Know</a> course on Coursera.</p><p>It’s also helpful while in school to find an entry-level healthcare job within speech pathology or an adjacent field to start gaining some insight into the industry. This could be a front desk receptionist job at a facility or hospital, a doctor office staff job that verifies insurance and enters patient records, or a school where you would handle student records or handle assistant-level work. It’s also great experience to add to an application for a master’s program to show how much you’re already actively pursuing the job.</p><p>It might take you a while to get licensed to practice, but that’s no excuse to pause on gaining useful skills directly from the field. That’ll just make you that much more experienced and ready to make a difference in other people’s lives when the time comes!</p><p>To learn more about Jayah, connect with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatssojayah/">Instagram</a>!</p><p><strong>This article is a part of our “Meet Your Neighbor” series</strong>, where we highlight real career paths and real paychecks from across the country.</p><p><strong>Read more from the series:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/flight-attendant">How to Become a Flight Attendant With No Experience</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/freelance-ghostwriter">How This Freelance Ghostwriter Built a $200K Business</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/certified-anesthesiologist-assistant">How This Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Makes $300K a Year Without Going to Medical School</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/from-baseball-to-law-to-tech">From Professional Baseball Player to Software Tester</a></li></ul><p>If this guide helped you start or pivot to a career in the airline industry, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com.</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Check out our other <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/topic/quizzes">free career quizzes</a> in areas like trade jobs, tech, and side hustles .</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

Green cover image with an illustration of a speech language pathology team and title text overlay that says "how to become a speech language pathologist"

Green cover image with a speech language pathology team illustration and title text overlay that says "how to become a speech language pathologist"

How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist (From a Real SLP That Makes $110K)

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands and products we trust or actually use ourselves. Using them doesn’t cost you a thing, but it helps support our mission.&nbsp;</i></p><p>You don’t have to go to medical school to land a <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">high-paying healthcare job</a> with a doctor-level salary. That’s exactly what Chabely Rodriguez proves as a certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) who makes <strong>$300,000 a year </strong>while sharing her story online through <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caalifestyle/">CAA Lifestyle</a>, her <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-side-hustles">side hustle</a> where she mentors the next generation of non-MD anesthesia providers.</p><p>Starting with a chemistry major, she didn’t know her path would lead to the operating room. Her focus was originally on pharmacology and research rather than surgery. But the urge to make a more immediate impact on patients’ lives set her on a rewarding path in a lesser-known corner of medicine.</p><p>What her journey tells us is that there is no right or wrong path to take to make good money and create a flexible lifestyle. You can bend your career to fit your needs. It may just take a little experimentation to find what clicks.</p><h2>From The Lab to The Operating Room</h2><p>After graduating with a degree in chemistry from Brooklyn College, Chabely started her career in clinical research. She loved contributing to long-term scientific advancements, but missed the personal connection and fast-paced energy of patient care.</p><p>“I craved a role where I could see the immediate effects of my care,” she explained. That spark led her to explore <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">healthcare careers</a> beyond becoming a doctor or nurse. She looked into physician assistant programs, then discovered the CAA field.</p><p>“Anesthesia stood out to me because of how quickly you can see your interventions take effect. A single medication can immediately relieve pain or reduce blood pressure. When I shadowed a CAA, I was hooked,” she said. “It had the perfect blend of real-time decision-making, procedural skills, and patient advocacy. I knew this was it.”</p><h2>How to Become an Anesthesiologist Assistant</h2><p>The path to becoming a CAA is rigorous but it doesn’t require any medical school – *queue the sigh of relief*. Instead, it requires a science-focused bachelor’s degree, a Master’s-level CAA program, and passing a national certification exam.</p><p><strong>Here’s the typical process:</strong></p><ul><li>Earn a bachelor’s degree usually in the science field, such as chemistry or biology.</li><li>Complete prerequisite coursework, similar to medical school.</li><li>Volunteer or work in a clinical or biomedical setting.</li><li>Take the <a href="https://students-residents.aamc.org/taking-mcat-exam/take-mcat-exam">MCAT </a>(Medical College Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination).</li><li>Complete an accredited CAA Master’s program.&nbsp;</li><li>Pass the <a href="https://nccaa.org/certifyexaminfo">National Certification Exam</a>.</li><li>Get licenses in your state.</li><li>Complete hospital credentialing</li></ul><p>“CAA practice varies by state,” Chabely explained. “Some states fully recognize and license CAAs, while others currently don’t.” She recommends checking out the <a href="https://www.anesthetist.org/">American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA)</a> for the latest legislative map or using her own <a href="https://caa-state-practice-map.streamlit.app/">interactive version</a>.</p>

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<p>She also noted that CAAs can work in all 50 states through the Veterans Affairs system, but the roles are limited. “The ultimate goal is state licensure, which provides more flexibility and broader access to different practice settings,” she clarified.</p><p><strong>Recommended learning to get oriented while applying to programs:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/zxD6jM" rel="sponsored">Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLvygd" rel="sponsored">Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology Fundamentals</a></li></ul><h2>Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary (&amp; Student Debt)</h2><p>Due to high demand and a provider shortage, CAA and anesthesia salaries have seen an upward trend. ZipRecruiter reports a nationwide average salary of <a href="https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Anesthesiologist-Assistant-Salary">$140K</a> for anesthesiologist assistants, while Glassdoor states a median salary of <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/us-anesthesiologist-assistant-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,29.htm">$273K</a>. Our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DAnesthesiologist+Assistant&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Salary Database</a> reports salaries of <strong>$177K and $210K</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>Chabely started her career in the mid-$100Ks. Thanks to the growing demand and plenty of weekend shifts, her salary quickly climbed. “<strong>Within two years, my base salary increased to around $200,000</strong>,” she said. “With overtime, I was able to earn an additional $50K per year.” Today, her income tops $300,000.</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>Always <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiate your salary</a> for any job offer you get. Our list of <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a> can help!</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3vADCmuvcx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3vADCmuvcx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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<p>Like many in healthcare, she took on over $120,000 of <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/r8fc8db4eb91">student loans</a> for her Master’s program. However, careful financial planning, working overtime, and the student loan pause helped her pay off that debt within a year of working.</p><p>“I’ve spoken openly about my student journey on my platform CAA Lifestyle,” she said. “I believe financial transparency helps future students plan smarter and avoid surprises.”</p><p>🎓<strong> If you're considering a healthcare career as a CAA and need help financing your education, it's smart to start comparing your options early. </strong>We've partnered with Money.com to bring you <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/r8fc8db4eb91" rel="sponsored">trusted student loan providers</a> who can help you fund your degree without surprises! 👇</p>

<h2>How Her Role Has Evolved</h2><p>“Overall my role of providing anesthesia under the supervision of an anesthesiologist has remained consistent,” she said. “I still take care of patients from the start of their anesthesia care to the end but I would say my confidence and adaptability have grown significantly.”</p><p>Beyond the operating room, she expanded her role into mentorship, digital education, and advocacy. “These opportunities have added purpose and depth to my career and allowed me to connect with future CAAs around the country,” she said.</p><h2>Building a Flexible CAA Lifestyle Around Work</h2><p>In the beginning, Chabely worked intense shifts: long hours, weekends, and nights. “Working at that pace took a toll on my personal life,” she admitted. “But it's also what ultimately led to me sharing more about CAAs online.”&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CAALifestyle">Creating content</a> for her was a fun and affordable hobby that she could do while also focusing on work and paying off student loans. Now, she works on a contract basis after becoming more financially secure, takes over two months off every year, and spends her free time traveling, skiing, and mentoring others.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLQA1INxk18/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLQA1INxk18/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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<p>“I’ve been able to travel, explore new countries, and even take up hobbies like skiing – all of which bring me so much joy,” she said. “I finally feel like I’ve found a healthy rhythm that allows me to show up fully for my patients while also living a full and balanced life.”</p><h2>Advice for Aspiring CAAs</h2><p>Chabely urges future healthcare pros to look beyond the doctor-or-nurse binary. CAA is still a relatively new field, but it offers a lot of<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/most-secure-jobs"> job security</a> and it’s growing fast as one of the potential <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/top-jobs-of-2025">top jobs of the future</a>. It’s a powerful way to make a direct impact without the time, cost, or competition of medical school, and could be a role that inspires other emerging healthcare roles in the years to come.</p><p><strong>Her top tips?</strong></p><ul><li>Research different areas you might like to work in.</li><li>Start with a bachelor’s degree and look for CAA-accredited Master’s programs.</li><li>Shadow a CAA.</li><li>Budget realistically for student loans.</li><li>Stay curious and keep learning.</li></ul><p>Want to learn more from Chabely? Connect with her on <a href="https://instagram.com/caalifestyle">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@caalifestyle">TikTok</a>, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@caalifestyle">YouTube</a>.</p><p><strong>Read more helpful career resources:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">How to Find Your Market Salary</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Search Our Salary Transparent Job Board</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">10 High-Income Skills to Learn Without a Degree</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/are-unpaid-internships-worth-it">Are Unpaid Internships Worth It?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">Pay Discrimination 101: What It Is and How to Fight Back</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">Pay Transparency Laws by State: What's Required &amp; What's Not</a></li></ul><p><strong>This article is a part of our “Meet Your Neighbor” series</strong>, where we highlight real career paths and real paychecks from across the country.</p><p><strong>Read more from the series:</strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/from-baseball-to-law-to-tech">&nbsp;</a></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/speech-language-pathologist">How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist (From a Real SLP That Makes $110K)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/from-baseball-to-law-to-tech">From Professional Baseball Player to Software Tester</a></li></ul><p>If this guide helps you land a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent resources:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Want to join the movement? </strong>Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li><strong>Do you know if you're being underpaid?</strong> <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li><strong>Need help determining your market rate?</strong> Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li><strong>Need help negotiating your salary? </strong>Download our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li><strong>Want to save more of what you earn?</strong> Get transparent savings with our partner, the <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/h5b4cb990813">Capital One Shopping App</a>.💸Automatically apply coupons, get alerts on price drops, earn shopping rewards, and more <i>for free!</i></li><li><strong>Follow us on</strong> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li><strong>Subscribe to our </strong><a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

desktop cover image with graphic of certified anesthesiologist assistant in surgery with green background and title text overlay that reads "this anesthesiologist assistant makes $300K"

cover image with graphic of certified anesthesiologist assistant in surgery with green background and title text overlay that reads "this anesthesiologist assistant makes $300K"

How This Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Makes $300K a Year Without Going to Medical School

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands and products we trust or actually use ourselves. Using them doesn’t cost you a thing, but it helps support our mission.&nbsp;</i></p><p>You don’t have to work in a corporate office to increase your salary. High-paying trade jobs are great career options that don’t require a 4-year degree, are increasing in demand, and many have the potential to earn six figures as your seniority grows.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, breaking into the highest-paying trade jobs may require some schooling or work experience. Several trades have low barriers of entry where you can even get paid to learn with an apprenticeship or other on-the-job training options (which is perfect for people without a college degree or are trying to start a <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/careers-for-people-with-a-criminal-record">career with a criminal record</a>). Other education requirements may include trade schools, associates degrees, certifications, or licenses.&nbsp;</p><p>But what actually qualifies as a trade job?</p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>Top-paying skilled trades based on median salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor include construction managers, elevator installers, dental hygienists, IT system administrators, sonographers, and aircraft mechanics.</li><li>The highest-paying trade jobs found in our Salary Database include an aircraft mechanics, electricians, sonographers, and graphic designers with a high-paying specialization like animation.&nbsp;</li><li>Many trade jobs pay over $60,000 a year and have low barriers of entry.</li><li>Several of the highest-paying trades don't require a college degree, but may require certifications, licenses, or trade school programs.</li><li>Entry-level workers can break into high-earning trades through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.</li><li>Well-paid trades that don't require experience but provide on-the-job training include carpenters, tattoo artists, and electricians.</li><li>Skilled trades with paid apprenticeships include plumbing, electrical, and carpentry careers.</li><li>Some union-protected trade workers, like electricians and ironworkers, earn more and receive better benefits than non-union peers.</li><li>Our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> has access to more high-paying trade job titles.</li><li>Search our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Salary Transparent Job Board</a> to find in-demand trade jobs currently hiring.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Here's a sneak peak into a few top-paying trade jobs from our recent interviews with <strong>real trade workers:</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What are skilled trade jobs?</h2><p>Trade jobs are careers that require specialized training and skills (often working with one's hands), and exist in many different industries including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and even tech. &nbsp;There are also lesser-known careers that qualify full under the trade job umbrella, such as culinary and cosmetic trades.</p><p>Several trade jobs are also union jobs. Union jobs are jobs where workers are represented by a labor union, which is an organized group that <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiates wages</a>, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">pay raises</a>, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">benefits</a>, and working conditions on behalf of its members. Because of this, they tend to be some of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">highest-paying jobs</a>.</p>

<p>According to <a href="https://www.unionplus.org/page/benefits-union-membership">Union Plus</a>, Union workers make <strong>30% more than non-union workers </strong>and 92% of union workers have job-related health coverage versus 68% of non-union workers. Many also have guaranteed pensions, which is extremely rare in today’s job market and most often seen in <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-government-jobs">high-paying government jobs</a>.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a few union trade workers at </strong><a href="https://www.indylaborfest.org/"><strong>Indianapolis’s LaborFest </strong></a><strong>who let us know that anyone who wants to </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-join-a-union"><strong>join a union</strong></a><strong> and get started in a trade, to apply at your local union hall!</strong></p>

<h2>21 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs With Increasing Demand (&amp; Low Barriers of Entry)</h2><p>Use this list of 21 top-paying trade jobs in demand for 2026 and their requirements to start thinking about next steps to take in your career.&nbsp;</p><p>This list was put together using salary information from <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/index.htm">Glassdoor</a>, our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>, and the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a> from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.&nbsp;</p><p>Keep in mind that the numbers below may change depending on your location. You may notice that the higher paying trades may include more education requirements, such as completing accredited programs, apprenticeships, and obtaining licenses. Requirements may change depending on the company and state.</p><p>Our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> is another great resource for salary reporting. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> and the salary transparency movement has allowed for easy access to that salary information.</p>

<h2>1. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=construction+manager&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Construction Manager</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm">$106,980</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay:</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/construction-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm">$90,000 - $115,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DConstruction+Manager&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$125,000</a></p><p>Construction managers are the foundation of any construction project. They're the ones who plan, coordinate, and oversee building projects from start to finish.</p><p>Those managing large-scale commercial or government-funded projects tend to earn the highest salaries, especially when working in high-demand urban areas or for industries like renewable energy. <strong>We interviewed a construction project manager who makes $105,000 a year working for a mechanical contracting company!</strong></p>

How much does a Construction #ProjectManager make? Greenville, NC📍#salarytransparentstreet

<p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma, associate’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field, and some work experience. <strong>Need help paying for school? </strong>Check out our <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/r8fc8db4eb91" rel="sponsored">top student loan picks</a> to compare options and find what fits your future.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>A few years of experience in construction trades or site supervision. Those wanting to get experience can start with a paid construction apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 9%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/XmR9X4" rel="sponsored">Construction Management Fundamentals</a></p><h2>2. Elevator Installer and Repairer</h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm">$106,580</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/elevator-mechanic-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm?locationType=&amp;location=&amp;locationId=&amp;yearsOfExperience=ALL_YEARS_OF_EXPERIENCE&amp;individualSalaryPage=1&amp;sort=TOTAL_COMPENSATION">$61,000 - $203,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DElevator+Mechanic&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$106,000</a></p><p>Elevator installers and repairers are the mechanics of elevators and get paid handsomely for it too. They do it all: commercial, residential, and even high-rise buildings. One day they might be working with electrical wiring, while another day, their reading blueprints and assembling components</p><p>Jobs tied to the construction industry or union-backed roles tend to offer higher wages and more consistent work opportunities. According to the BLS, government jobs pay the most for elevator installers/repairer.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> A high school diploma or equivalent.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>Apprenticeship (typically 4 years). Paid apprenticeships can be found through unions or contractors.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 6%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/ra0vWj" rel="sponsored">Electric Power Systems</a></p><h2>3. Dental Hygienist</h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm#tab-1">$94,260</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay:</strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/construction-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm"> </a><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DDental+Hygienist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=1&amp;filters=">$54,000 - $150,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database:</strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DConstruction+Manager&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters="><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DDental+Hygienist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$150,000</a></p><p>Dental hygienists are the ones who tirelessly work to make our smiles brighter with every teeth cleaning, treatment, and round of X-rays. So naturally, they have to be good with their hands and have a keen eye for detail and pointing out abnormalities.&nbsp;</p><p>Working as a dental hygienist is a more accessible job option than many other top healthcare jobs. It’s one of the few medical trades that only requires an Associate’s degree to take the exam and get licensed with high chances of being on your way to earning $100,000+ within a few years.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>We found a dental hygienist in our Salary Database making </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DDental+Hygienist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=highestEducation%3D64811ae7061f88ce2a2ce1d6"><strong>$125,000 a year </strong></a><strong>with an associate’s degree and 4 years of experience! We interviewed another making $55 to $60 an hour in our dental interviews we did in collaboration with the American Dental Association!</strong></p>

How much do dental professionals make? We collaborated with the ​⁠@AmericanDentalAssoc to find out!

<p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a program that’s been approved by the <a href="https://coda.ada.org/find-a-program">Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)</a> and be licensed by the state they work by taking and passing the <a href="https://jcnde.ada.org/nbdhe">National Board Dental Hygiene Exam</a>.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None required besides entry-level education requirements.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034: </strong>7%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/XmR9X4"><strong> </strong></a>Check out our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/dental-career-guide">Dental Career Guide</a> (with tips from real dental professionals)!</p><h2>4. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=System+Administrator&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">IT System Administrator</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-1">$96,800</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSystems+Administrator&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$40,000 - $154,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSystems+Administrator&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$154,000</a></p><p>Like this one, there are many tech roles that are actually considered trade jobs. These technical trade workers are in the weeds of networks and systems. They're responsible for managing several systems at a companies and get paid pretty well to do so as one of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">highest-paying tech jobs</a> available. <strong>We interviewed a system administrator that currently makes $93,000 a year!</strong></p><p>If you've ever worked anywhere where you had to use a computer and company systems for your job, thank your company's IT system administrator. They're the ones that make sure everything runs smoothly so you can do your job effectively. &nbsp;Some also</p>

<p>This trade requires a high level of technical proficiency and some programming skills to be able to work with different types of systems from different locations (which are also essential skills needed for many <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-remote-jobs">high-paying remote jobs</a>). They should also possess problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and reverse engineering problems.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent. Some companies will hire without a degree if there is some work experience such as working in a help desk IT support role or past freelance experience. Other companies may require an associate's degree, completion of a technical trade program, or specific certifications for specialists.</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> It depends on the company and role. Typically no prior experience is required when education qualifications are fulfilled.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 2%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DyRdY2" rel="sponsored">System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services</a></p><h2>5. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=sonographer&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Sonographer</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-5">$89,340</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dsonographer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$67,000 - $130,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSonographer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$230,000</a></p><p><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">Healthcare careers </a>can be trade careers too. A sonographer is a medical trade worker who uses ultrasound technology to create sonograms or ultrasounds of what's happening inside the body. Sonographers must have the ability to understand how to use ultrasound equipment and have good communication skills to convey information clearly when discussing images with the healthcare team.&nbsp;</p><p>Many <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">high-paying healthcare jobs</a> are tough to break into without an advanced degree, which is what makes sonography such an attractive career option. Instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on university degrees, a sonography program and certification can be completed through technical and trade schools.&nbsp;</p><p>Because of it's high pay and growing demand, sonography is a great <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/top-jobs-of-2025">top-paying job for the future</a>. Not just because of its 10% projected growth rate, but I can also tell by any imaging center I've made an appointment at. They're always packed!&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and depending on the company and state, completion of an accredited sonography program or sonography certification. License requirements vary by state.</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> Some companies may require work experience but clinical hours from certificate programs normally fit requirements.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034: </strong>10%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Wy9jn3" rel="sponsored">Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging</a></p><h2>6. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=aircraft+mechanic&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Aircraft Mechanic/Technician</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm">$79,140</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DAircraft+Mechanic&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$45,000 - $220,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DAircraft+Mechanic&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$220,000</a></p><p>Aircraft mechanics and technicians are the reason we can safely fly wherever we want. Their primary job duties include inspecting and working on aircraft to ensure they're ready to go up in the air. So, thank an aircraft technician for keeping our planes in the sky if you ever come across one.&nbsp;</p><p>Precision is extremely important in aircraft maintenance. Aircraft mechanics must have a special eye for detail to ensure that all repairs and inspections are carried out correctly. This job can be particularly difficult, and the technicians have a lot riding on their shoulders, but that's why they make the big bucks!</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent, and certification from a <a href="https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airline_certification/amts">Part 147 FAA-approved</a> aviation maintenance technician school.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 4%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4v6On" rel="sponsored">Fundamentals of Flight Mechanics</a></p>

<h2>8.<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=radiology+technician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters="> Radiology Technician or Technologist</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-1">$78,980</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DRadiology&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=1&amp;filters=">$48,000 - $131,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DRadiology&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$131,000</a></p><p>Working as a radiology technician is another medical trade in which they perform diagnostic imaging procedures to help physicians treat their patients. They operate imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and fluoroscopy equipment to produce images of the inside of the body.</p><p>The skills that are crucial to their role are radiation safety and math skills to calculate the right amount of radiation emitted in imaging procedures. Technical skills are also required to operate imaging equipment and technology.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an accredited program. The <a href="http://www.jrcert.org/">Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology</a> (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. It depends on the state if licenses or certifications are required.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 6%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Wy9jn3" rel="sponsored">The Science of Radiation Therapy</a></p><h2>7. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=Commercial+HVAC+Technician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Commercial HVAC Technician</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-commercial-hvac-technician-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,40.htm">$78,847</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dhvac+technician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=1&amp;filters=">$42,000 - $130,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dhvac+technician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$130,000</a></p><p>Commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians specialize in the installation, maintenance, repair, and servicing of HVAC systems in commercial and industrial buildings. Think about the last time the AC went out at your work or any other building you've been in. You can thank your HVAC technician for being there to fix it and save your sanity (and potentially your life depending on how hot it is).</p><p>Their skills usually include technical HVAC knowledge, and mechanical and electrical skills. Commercial HVAC technicians should also have strong diagnostic skills to identify and resolve HVAC system issues.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships and other training programs.</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 6%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/e12MvX" rel="sponsored">Basics of Air Conditioning &amp; Heat Load Calculation</a></p>

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<h2>9. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=nail+technician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Nail Technician</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-nail-technician-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,29.htm">$76,373</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-nail-technician-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,29.htm">$57,000 - $103,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNail+Technician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$38,000</a></p><p>Nail technicians help keep our nails beautiful and healthy. They work with several clients a day, performing manicures, pedicures, and creating custom nail art designs. Some may work for nail salons or spas, but also have the option to work independently for themselves.</p>

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<p>It's a given that nail techs should have creative abilities, but they also need some customer service and social skills since they work one-on-one with the public. Nail technicians who run their own salons must understand business principles to manage a salon and make it profitable.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent. State licensing requirements vary.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034:</strong> 9%</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>Learn more about beauty and skincare jobs in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-start-a-creative-career">creative career guide</a>, including what they do, how much they make, how to get started, different courses available, and more!</p><h2>10. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=tattoo+artist&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Tattoo Artist</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-tattoo-artist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,27.htm">$70,155</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-tattoo-artist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,27.htm">$40,000 - $92,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dtattoo&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$40,000</a></p><p>A tattoo artist creates permanent designs on the skin using tattooing techniques and equipment. They work in tattoo studios or shops, and also have the option to work at events and conferences for extra pay.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>We interviewed a tattoo artist that said earnings will depend on the time of year and clientele. They currently charge $150 an hour.</strong></p>

<p>Tattoo artists usually possess artistic talent, creativity and innovation, and technical tattooing skills. They must also pay close attention to detail when applying tattoos since they are permanent.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships that lead to certification or a license.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034:</strong> 4%</p><h2>11. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=hair+stylist&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Hair Colorist/Stylist</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-hair-stylist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,26.htm">$69,744</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-hair-stylist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,26.htm">$54,000 - $92,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dhair+stylist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$80,000</a></p><p>Hair colorists specialize in applying hair color treatments to enhance the look of their client’s hair, while hair stylists provide a broader range of services, including cutting, styling, and sometimes coloring hair. While both roles may involve some overlap in coloring techniques, the primary difference lies in the colorist's expertise in achieving and maintaining various hair colors, whereas the stylist focuses on the overall hairstyle and appearance.</p><p>You’d think that this profession may not make much, but think again. <strong>We interviewed two hair stylists that make $160,000 and $130,000 a year!</strong></p>

#Hairstylists in Atlanta, GA📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency #hairstylistjob

<p>Hair colorists and stylists should have a strong understanding of color theory to create hair color combinations that complement clients' features, as well as cutting and styling techniques and being able to handle different types of hair and textures.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a state-approved cosmetology program, and state license. License requirements vary by state.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034:</strong> 9%</p><h2>12. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=Occupational+Therapy+Assistant&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Occupational Therapy Assistant</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-5">$68,340</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-occupational-therapy-assistant-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,44.htm">$61,000 - $103,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DOccupational+Therapy+Assistant&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$77,000</a></p><p>Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to individuals with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges. Their role is to help patients live independently through developing goals and improving their ability to perform daily tasks and activities.</p><p>For instance, if you were to suffer a stroke or anything else that is difficult to recover from , an OTA would be who you would work with to help return to your daily life.</p>

<p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, certification, and license. Follow the steps lined out by the <a href="https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure/learn-the-steps-to-licensure">American Occupational Therapy Association</a>.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>There are some fieldwork requirements, but those are already required when applying for a license.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034: </strong>23%</p><h2>13. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=Esthetician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Esthetician</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-esthetician-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,25.htm">$68,075</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-esthetician-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,25.htm">$50,000 - $89,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DEsthetician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$50,000</a></p><p>Estheticians are licensed professionals who specialize in providing skin care services to clients and usually work in salons or spas. Their responsibilities may include skincare analysis and facial treatments, among many others. When you're looking to get a facial done (or even an acne treatment), estheticians are usually who handle that.</p><p>Skills used include skincare knowledge, hygiene and sanitation practices, and good communication skills to provide customer service.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a cosmetology or esthetician program, and state license. Licensing requirements vary by state.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034:</strong> 9%</p><h2>14. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=auto+mechanic&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Automotive Mechanic</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-mechanic-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,22.htm">$65,405</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dmechanic&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$40,000 - $154,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dmechanic&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$154,000</a></p><p>Automotive mechanics specialize in working on a variety of vehicle. It depends on what specific vehicle the mechanic specializes in, whether that's cars, trucks, or motorcycles. They typically work in settings like dealerships and repair shops (and even places like Costco's Tire Service Center).</p><p>Mechanics should have a good grasp of vehicle systems and their components, and also know how to use different tools to perform repairs. Even though they may learn some of this from hands-on training during certification programs, they can continue to build their expertise through on-the-job training.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent. Although some mechanics may not be certified, most shops require certification from the <a href="http://www.ase.com/">National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence</a>. <strong>We interviewed a mechanic who currently makes $100,000 a year and got started by going to a trade school!</strong></p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 2%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/QjGqv6" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Mechanics</a></p>

<h2>15. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=Union+Carpenter&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Union Carpenter</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-carpenter-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,23.htm">$64,235</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DCarpenter&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$48,000 - $89,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DCarpenter&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$89,000</a></p><p>Carpenters build almost anything you can think of with wood, like the skeletal framework of buildings (walls, floors), staircases, and even small add-ons like cabinets. There are actually several different <a href="https://www.skilledtradescollege.ca/blog/types-of-carpentry">types of carpentry jobs </a>that you could specialize in. Rough and formwork carpenters are those who usually handle the skeletal framework. Other carpentry jobs include trim carpentry, ship carpentry, and set and production carpentry (for putting together things like movie sets!)</p><p>An important skill that they must have, aside from reading blueprints and carpentry techniques, is their attention to detail. The stability of entire structures depends on that attention to detail. They should also be familiar with using hand tools and power tools.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent, and training is usually done on the job through paid apprenticeships.</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 1%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/VxQrd6" rel="sponsored">Construction Techniques and Practices</a></p><h2>16. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=union+plumber&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Union Plumber Pipefitter</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm">$62,970</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DPlumber&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$48,000 - $110,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DPlumber&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$110,000</a></p><p>Union plumbers and pipefitters install and repair piping systems for homes, businesses, factories, and other places. They;re essential to our infrastructure. Depending on the specific job, they may be responsible for installing gas lines and water supply pipes, testing pipes, and repairing malfunctions.</p>

<p>They need to be able to work with a variety of materials like copper, PVC, steel, and cast iron, and have the skills to use different tools and know how to maneuver them. Troubleshooting skills are also required to be able to quickly find and repair problems.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job. Go to your local union hall to apply for apprenticeship. License requirements depend on your state.</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034:</strong> 2%</p>

#SeniorOperationsManager and #Plumber in Phoenix, AZ📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<h2>17. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=iron+worker&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Union IronWorker</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/structural-iron-and-steel-workers.htm">$61,970</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay:</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-iron-worker-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,25.htm">$49,000 - $134,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dironworker&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$134,000</a></p><p>Ironworkers fabricate and install structural iron and steel components used in construction projects. &nbsp;They work primarily with iron, steel, and other metal materials to build frameworks, structures, bridges, and other infrastructure, and it isn't an easy job. This is one of the most dangerous jobs out there, according to the OSHA and BLS numbers that show a <a href="https://www.bls.gov/iif/fatal-injuries-tables/fatal-occupational-injuries-table-a-5-2022.htm">21.3 mortality rate per 100,000 workers</a>. It's no wonder this position pays well.</p><p>Skills needed include metalworking skills, the ability to read blueprints, and physical strength to handle heavy steel. They’ll also need to be able to work at great heights and walk on narrow beams. Because of the specialized skills in this trade, it pays pretty well. <strong>We interviewed an IronWorker that makes $40 an hour!</strong></p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034:</strong> 2%</p>

How much does a #unionironworker make in Indiana? #salarytransparentstreet #ironworker #ironworkers

<h2>18. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=union+electrician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Union Electrician</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm">$62,350</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Delectrician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=1&amp;filters=">$44,000 - $108,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DJourneyman+Electrician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$220,000</a></p><p>Union electricians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. A few of their key duties include inspections, troubleshooting, making upgrades, reading blueprints, and following safety protocols - all of which are <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">high income skills</a> as the demand for electricians continues to increase.&nbsp;</p><p>Electricians who work in the government tend to make more than those who work in manufacturing. <strong>We found an industrial electrician in our Salary Database that makes $220,000 working for the government in New York City!</strong></p>

⚡How Much Do Female Electricians Make? Real Pay, Real Stories from Women in the IBEW💸

<p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job. One of the electricians we interviewed at the The IBEW's International Women's Conference in New Orleans, LA is is making <strong>$77.55 an hour in her 4th year of apprenticeship</strong> – and that’s only 60% of what they'll be making when they become a journeyperson!</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 6%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/QjGqEa" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Electronics</a></p>

<h2>19. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=graphic+design&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Web/Graphic Designer</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm">$61,300</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dgraphic+designer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$29,000 - $240,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dgraphic+designer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$240,000</a></p><p>Web and graphic designers are creative professionals that design websites and pieces of digital media with the goal of making them look great and be easy to use. Look at this website that you're on right now. It wouldn't exist without a designer.&nbsp;</p><p>Web and graphic designers must have both creative and technical skills to be able to use different software for crafting designs. They usually work within design teams that work with different departments such as product and technical teams for projects. As they become more experienced in their career, they can move on to other <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-creative-jobs">higher-paying creative jobs</a> like UX design.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent. Some companies may require completion of a technical trade school program. But you may not need specific education credentials if you can demonstrate prior related work experience or project work. <strong>We interviewed a graphic designer in the video above who makes $100,000 a year and is entirely self taught!</strong></p>

How much does a self-employed #GraphicDesigner make in Chicago, IL📍? #salarytransparentstreet

<p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None but some companies may require internships or apprenticeships (which you can learn on the job). Portfolios of past work based on personal projects, school projects, or freelance projects can also be shown in the place of work experience.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 16%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/LK1qxZ" rel="sponsored">Fundamentals of Graphic Design</a></p><h2>20. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=massage+therapist&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Massage Therapist</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary:</strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-massage-therapist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,31.htm"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm">$57,950</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-massage-therapist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,31.htm">$57,000 - $117,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dmassage+therapist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$96,000</a></p><p>Massage therapists are healthcare professionals who use touch and manipulation techniques to provide therapeutic relief to their clients. They're a godsend to people who need pain relief, to destress, and to improve circulation, especially for those who are recovering from injuries or surgeries. It's a pretty <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/low-stress-jobs-that-pay-well">low-stress job</a> with work available in a variety of settings, including spas and medical offices.&nbsp;</p><p>Important skills to have include the ability to evaluate the needs of their clients and recommend treatments. They must also be physically capable to apply pressure and manipulate muscles while administering massage therapy.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent and massage therapy education programs. Currently, <a href="https://www.abmp.com/practitioners/state-requirements#:~:text=Licensure%20is%20required%20in%20each,as%20a%20requirement%20for%20renewal.">45 states</a> require massage therapists to be licensed.</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None but some companies may require internships or apprenticeships (which you can learn on the job). Some companies like to see portfolios of past work based on personal projects, school projects, or freelance projects.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034: </strong>18%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/POg9rQ" rel="sponsored">Anatomy: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems</a></p><h2>21. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=construction+worker&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Construction Worker</a></h2><p><strong>Median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-construction-worker-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,33.htm">$53,329</a></p><p><strong>Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-construction-worker-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,33.htm">$43,000 - $66,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DConstruction+Helper&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$66,000</a></p><p>Construction workers perform various duties around a construction site. They clean and prepare sites, load and unload materials, operate power tools, and assist other trade workers, such as carpenters and electricians. They’re not only involved in building, but also disassembling, and may be responsible for taking apart structures too.</p>

<p>Once you get started in construction, there are several other roles you can either pivot to or work on moving up to. These include roles like “Construction Equipment Operator”, “Construction Manager" (which is #1 on this list!)”, “Construction Project Manager”, “Construction Foreman”, and several other position titles.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent. Employers may require a safety certification that meets <a href="https://www.osha.gov/">Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)</a> guidelines.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None. Many get paid while learning on the job. There are also apprenticeship programs available that may be sponsored by local unions or trade associations, but aren’t required.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 4%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/VxQrd6" rel="sponsored">Construction Techniques and Practices Specialization</a></p>

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Jobs</h2><h2>How do I know what trade job is right for me?</h2><p>Choosing the right trade job for you involves considering various factors, including your interests, skills, personality traits, career goals, and lifestyle preferences. For example, if you’re curious about the human body and are normally interested in medical subjects, you should explore medical trades. Take our free Skilled Trades Career Quiz to find <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/find-your-trade-quiz">what trade is right for you</a>.</p><h2>Can you make 6 figures in a trade?</h2><p>Many trade workers don’t start out making 6 figures right away but can grow their salaries to six figures as their seniority grows. Union workers may hit 6 figures quicker than non-union workers due to high overtime pay by the hour.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">Discussing salary with coworkers</a> can also help get a good idea of how much you can expect to make as you build your experience.</p><h2>What are the highest paid skilled trades?</h2><p>The highest salary trade jobs are elevator installers and repairers and construction managers, based on national data from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and our Salary Database of thousands of publicly shared salaries.&nbsp;</p><h2>What trades make over $100K a year?</h2><p>Trades that pay a $100,000 or more a year are construction managers and elevator installer and repairers, both of which don't require a traditional four-year college degree. We also found aircraft mechanic and sonographer salaries in our Salary Database paying over $200,000 a year!</p><h2>Which is the quickest trade to learn?</h2><p>The "quickest" trade to learn can vary depending on factors such as your existing skills, interests, and the specific trade's requirements. Trades that tend to have shorter programs are welding and construction, although they aren’t the highest-paying trades.</p><h2>Do trade jobs require a college degree?</h2><p>Trade jobs don't require a bachelor's degree, but some may require an associate's degree, licensing, or certifications. Several trades only require a high school diploma and workers get paid to learn on the job.</p><h2>How to Get Into The Best Paying Trade Jobs</h2><p>There are tons of high-paying trade jobs that require minimal schooling and paid training so you get hands-on experience as you learn your job. This is the complete opposite of paying thousands on a bachelor's degree that doesn’t provide any sort of experience.&nbsp;</p><p>If you have a trade in mind, the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a> from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and <a href="https://explorethetrades.org/what-we-do/trainingjobs/licensing-information/">Explore The Trades</a> are great resources for looking up each trade, the requirements for it, and information on how to actually land the job. <strong>We also recently created an all-in-one </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-get-into-a-trade"><strong>skilled trades career guide</strong></a><strong> with step-by-step guidance and tips to find the trade that's perfect for you (with our free </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/find-your-trade-quiz"><strong>Skilled Trades Career Quiz</strong></a><strong> included)!</strong></p><p>For trades that require program completion with a certification, the handbook has links for which ones are accredited and are better to take. This way you’re not confused about how to proceed forward. You can also search job sites for any trade position to see what current trade jobs are requiring.</p><p>If you want to work for a union, apply at your local union hall before jumping in to pay for any of these programs – they may help cover the bill.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SalaryTransparentStreet/">Our YouTube channel</a> is another great resource for learning more about different professions and how much they make.</p><p>Don’t forget to browse our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join the movement</a>!&nbsp;</p><p>Alright, that wraps it up for this week! I’m Daniella Flores, a former software engineer turned career researcher who writes about tech, money, and different jobs. My work has been featured in TIME, CNBC, CNET, Business Insider, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub">Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) If you want to connect, follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</p><p>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</p><p>Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</p><p>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</p><p>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</p><p>Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</p>

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21 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs With Low Barriers to Entry

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>Every year, 600,000 people transition back into their lives after spending time in state and federal correctional facilities, according to a report from the <a href="https://vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com/production/downloads/publications/how-corrections-departments-are-preparing-people-for-in-demand-careers.pdf?dm=1676991382">Vera Institute</a>. 600,000 people that need jobs <i>and probably sooner than later.</i></p><p>The Vera Institute also found a rising demand for workers following the passing of the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684">Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act</a>, which aims to strengthen the infrastructure in the U.S.. <strong>This is expected to create 1.5 million jobs per year by 2033.</strong></p><p>The Departments of Corrections (DOCs) in different states across the U.S. are helping fill that demand through partnering with employers, schools, and community-based programs to provide training for <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/top-jobs-of-2025">future high-demand jobs</a>. Apprenticeships are perfect for this, which is why you’ll see many trade jobs on this list, with some even paying as much as $100,000 or more.</p><p>Let’s bust some of this data open and look at the top jobs for people with a record (that also pay well) so you can quickly get back on your feet.</p><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>The highest-paying job for people with criminal records is an elevator and escalator installer and repairer with a median salary of $106,580 (BLS).</li><li>The top-paying jobs for people with a criminal history from our Salary Database are web developers ($165,000) and ironworkers ($134,000).</li><li>Jobs for ex-offenders with the highest demand are certified peer support specialists (11% increase) and electrical power-line installers (7% increase).</li><li>Apprenticeships are a great way to reenter the job force as someone with a record.</li><li>None of these jobs require 4-year degrees.&nbsp;</li><li>Browse thousands of more publicly shared salaries on our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>8 Careers for People With a Criminal Record That Pay Over $51K</h2><p>We’ve identified these roles using data from the Vera Institute and <a href="https://www.apprenticeship.gov/career-seekers/with-employment-barriers">Apprenticeship.gov</a>. All salary data included is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), our <a href="http://salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> of over 13,000+ publicly shared salaries from our community, and 3+ years of <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-we-made-1million">street interviews</a>.</p><p>To find more about these different jobs, search our Salary Database and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a>. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join and add your salary</a>!</p><h2>1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers (or Mechanics)</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm">$106,580</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DElevator+&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$106,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 5%</p><p>Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, also referred to as elevator mechanics, do exactly what their job title says. They install new elevators and escalators, do routine servicing, or fix them when they break down. They make pretty good money doing it too, and without the requirement for a college degree.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>We interviewed two union elevator mechanics that make $56 an hour (20 years of experience) and $40 an hour (3 years of experience). </strong>Many <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">trade jobs</a> are unionized which is another perk for people with a record looking for stability. You’ll <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-join-a-union">have a union</a> on your side that provides you with a pension and great healthcare, and pays you time and a half for overtime.</p><p>This job is perfect for people with a record because apprenticeships care more about your skills. However, they still run background checks and a job offer may depend on the nature of the charge. Either way, focus on passing the <a href="https://www.iprep.online/courses/elevator-industry-aptitude-test-eiat-free/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19641214729&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC4kpd9tGuxeCixaldF9NnvA1vVDq&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Y7KBhCkARIsAOxhqtNTUmQVM8Ft5dMy2p1owj3znAFSUmppd69xxTMC-1CJ9AS6V-NqipcaAgClEALw_wcB">aptitude test </a>first.</p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLBLM5" rel="sponsored">General Physics</a></p>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet/video/7540107542882487607" data-video-id="7540107542882487607" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@salarytransparentstreet" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">@salarytransparentstreet</a> How much do <a title="elevatormechanics" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/elevatormechanics?refer=embed">#ElevatorMechanics</a> make in NYC?📍 <a title="salarytransparentstreet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">#salarytransparentstreet</a> <a title="salarytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparency?refer=embed">#salarytransparency</a> <a title="paytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/paytransparency?refer=embed">#paytransparency</a> <a title="howmuchdoyoumake" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/howmuchdoyoumake?refer=embed">#howmuchdoyoumake</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7540107635211635469?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<h2>2. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=web+developer&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Web Developer</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm#tab-1">$95,380</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dweb+developer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$165,000&nbsp;</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 7%</p><p>Web developers are responsible for coding websites, with some also focusing on web design. This is a great role for someone with a record because you can learn coding and design skills online and many jobs don’t require a degree. There are also freelance opportunities where many freelance clients don’t run background checks. They only care about what you can do for them.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a senior web designer that makes $175,000 a year and says he loves the work.</strong> It has a good work-life balance and offers remote job options, but it doesn't pay any overtime.</p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and an associate’s degree in computer science or web development (certifications will work too). Some employers will hire based on a portfolio of projects (personal or professional) and proof that you’re pursuing education or certification.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/jePeb5" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Web Development</a></p>

#SeniorWebDesigner in Washington, DC📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<h2>3. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/line-installers-and-repairers.htm">$92,560</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DLineman&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$134,000</a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>7%</p><p>When you see someone referred to as a lineman or lineworker, those are electrical power-line installers and repairers. They’re the reason we have a power grid in the first place and our saviors that come in the middle of the night when the power is out, which is partly why they make such good money and are growing in demand. <strong>We interviewed a lineworker that works in Washington state and makes just over $64 an hour as her base wage with 11 years of experience.&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The reason this is a great role for someone who is justice-impacted is because even though they do background checks, they often encourage people with a criminal record to apply (as seen on many job openings on Apprenticeship.gov). Some states may also have specific programs to help get into the trade. For example, in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, they referred to a Line Clearance and Tree Trim Program that was a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Corrections and a local energy services company. Upon graduation, they became eligible to join the local <a href="https://ibew.org/">International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union</a> (IBEW).</p><p>They care about your skills and you getting through lineschool, not your past. However, they might require a clean driving record because there is driving required for the job.</p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/ra0vWj" rel="sponsored">Electric Power Systems</a></p><h2>4. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=industrial+engineer+technician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Industrial Engineer Technician</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineering-technicians.htm">$64,790</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dindustrial+engineer+technician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$115,000</a> at Intel</p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 2% (11% for industrial engineers)</p><p>Industrial engineer technicians come up with new ways to create more efficient systems when thinking about how people work and the materials and machines they use to get that work done. Basically, they look at what people and organizations are doing and how to improve it, and they’re much needed for improving our infrastructure and how we do things.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, they may look at the time workers take to do a task, what’s included in those tasks, and use that data to create goals to help that organization improve its products and quality of service.</p><p>This is also another job where you can get into it via apprenticeship and they often accept people with a record, depending on the nature of what’s in your record, of course.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>High school diploma and apprenticeship. You can also study towards a degree in industrial engineering while working to increase your salary.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MAZAMK" rel="sponsored">Automotive Industrial Engineering</a></p><h2>5. Ironworker</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/structural-iron-and-steel-workers.htm">$61,940</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dironworker&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$134,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>4%</p><p>Ironworkers are the jack of all trades. They basically have 5 trades rolled into one job title. They may do concrete reinforcement, structural iron work, enclose the glass in the building, ornamental iron work for hand rails and other necessities, and maintenance iron work. They’re kind of the whole reason we have bridges, buildings, stadiums, you name it.</p><p>You can get started with an apprenticeship and your DOC may already have agreements with local unions. For example, the Washington State DOC offers a pre-apprenticeship program called the <a href="https://doc.wa.gov/corrections/programs/learning-working/correctional-industries">Trades Related Apprenticeship Coaching</a> (TRAC) program for those who are incarcerated and want to become carpenters, ironworkers, cement masons, and laborers. Over 600 students have graduated and went on to registered apprenticeships and post-release employment.</p><p>You can also work up in this field to make up to six-figures. <strong>We interviewed a training director for the Ironworkers Local Union No. 22 that makes $40 an hour, but with the total union benefits package, it’s easily worth over $100,000 a year.</strong></p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://www.coursera.org/specializations/heavy-manufacturing" rel="sponsored">Heavy Manufacturing</a></p>

<h2>6. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=IT+support&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">IT Support Analyst</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm">$61,550</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DIT+support&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$70,000</a> at Verisk</p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> -3%</p><p>IT (information technology) support is a <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">great-paying tech job</a> that doesn’t require an expensive degree. Many companies look for some type of past customer support experience or an associate’s degree, and often hire entry-level workers because many can learn on the job. The things you’ll be doing in this job is replying to customer support tickets, troubleshooting their issues, and finding ways to resolve them as soon as possible to minimize any disruption of service.</p><p>The job is great for ex-offenders because it has a lower barrier of entry when compared to other tech jobs and you can learn skills online and on the job. <strong>We interviewed someone who works in IT that makes $187,000 a year and he recommends some base entry-level certifications can help you </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-break-into-tech">break into the field</a><strong> (</strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/7a4nvA">Security+</a><strong> is a good one and you can learn online).&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>High school diploma and associate’s degree in information technology or similar area, certificates, or on-the-job training.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/gO2475" rel="sponsored">Technical Support Fundamentals</a></p>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet/video/7434212658448059694" data-video-id="7434212658448059694" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@salarytransparentstreet" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">@salarytransparentstreet</a> How much does this worker make in <a title="informationtechnology?" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/informationtechnology%3F?refer=embed">#InformationTechnology?</a> Washington, DC📍 <a title="salarytransparentstreet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">#salarytransparentstreet</a> <a title="salarytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparency?refer=embed">#salarytransparency</a> <a title="paytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/paytransparency?refer=embed">#paytransparency</a> <a title="howmuchdoyoumake" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/howmuchdoyoumake?refer=embed">#howmuchdoyoumake</a> <a title="streetinterview" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/streetinterview?refer=embed">#streetinterview</a> <a title="it" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/it?refer=embed">#it</a> <a title="informationtechnologyjobs" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/informationtechnologyjobs?refer=embed">#informationtechnologyjobs</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7434212646766791466?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<h2>7. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=construction&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Construction Worker</a> or <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=equipment+operator&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Equipment Operator</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-equipment-operators.htm">$58,320</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dconstruction+worker&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$66,000</a> at Consigli</p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 4%</p><p>Construction workers do a variety of things in the building process. They may prep the site, handle materials, operate machinery, or work in demolition, among many other tasks. There is a ton of opportunity in the field with several roles to choose from, including construction laborer, equipment operator, or explore roles in carpentry or bricklaying. Once you get into the field, you can also choose to move up to construction/building inspector or construction manager.</p><p>These are all great for people trying to reenter the workforce. You can get started as an apprenticeship and get paid on-the-job training. <strong>We interviewed a construction worker who makes $21 an hour 4 months into the job.</strong></p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and apprenticeship or on-the-job training.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/VxQrd6" rel="sponsored">Construction Techniques and Practices</a></p>

<h2>8. Certified Peer Support Specialist</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm">$51,030</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dcommunity+health&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$54,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>11%</p><p>Peer support specialists have a distinct requirement that makes it perfect for folks with a record. It’s specifically for people with lived experience from incarceration, mental health, and substance abuse issues. Christopher Life Willars spent 17 years in prison (after a 144-year sentence) and now runs a TikTok account where he empowers others through his personal story, including helping people with felonies find jobs. He specifically recommends this job in one of <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@christopher_life_willars/video/7535936571539721502">his recent TikTok videos</a>.</p><p><strong>We also interviewed a peer support specialist in the video below that makes $43,000 a year and thinks they can hit $50,000 if they stick with it. </strong>They stated the position has a lot of flexibility and they enjoy working in the community.</p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>High school diploma and certified peer support specialist training.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9LBbLW" rel="sponsored">Mental Healthcare Fundamentals</a></p>

How much does a #PeerSupportSpecialist make in Corvallis, OR📍? #salarytransparentstreet

<h2>Employers That Hire People With Records</h2><p>There are several employers that seek to hire people with a record, also referred to as second-chance employers, partly thanks to the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wotc">Work Opportunity Tax Credit </a>that gives them tax discounts for doing so. We also talked about this credit in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/jobs-for-people-with-disabilities">disability-friendly jobs</a> article and how it’s a great way for companies to avoid excluding people who face barriers to employment.</p><p><strong>A few of these companies include:</strong></p><figure class="table" style="width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:33.33%;"><col style="width:33.33%;"><col style="width:33.34%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Company</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Hiring Approach</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Entry-Level Positions</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Apple</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review</td><td>Retail, Technical Support, Operations</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Amazon</strong></td><td>Known to hire people with felonies</td><td>Warehouse, Fulfillment Center, Delivery Driver</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield Association</strong></td><td>Varies by local chapter</td><td>Customer Service, Claims Processing, Administrative</td></tr><tr><td><strong>General Electric</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review</td><td>Manufacturing, Maintenance, Technical Roles</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hilton Hotels</strong></td><td>Known to hire people with felonies</td><td>Housekeeping, Kitchen Staff, Maintenance, Concierge</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lowe's</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review (they removed the checkbox asking about criminal history in job applications)</td><td>Sales, Loading/Stocking, Customer Service</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Allied Van Lines</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review (may require a clean driving record)</td><td>Movers, Drivers, Warehouse Staff</td></tr><tr><td><strong>PetSmart</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review</td><td>Sales Associate, Grooming, Stocking</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Nordstrom</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review</td><td>Sales, Stock, Customer Service</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Safeway</strong></td><td>Varies by location</td><td>Cashier, Stocker, Deli/Bakery, Overnight Crew</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Find dozens more in this <a href="https://www.ilnp.uscourts.gov/pdfs/List_of_Felon_Friendly_Employers%20(002).pdf">full list of felon-friendly employers</a>.</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2><h2>What is the highest-paying job for felons?</h2><p>The highest-paying job for people with a felony is an elevator mechanic with a median salary of $106,580, according to the BLS. For a felon to work as an elevator mechanic, eligibility depends on the specifics of their conviction, how long ago it was, and state-specific requirements.</p><h2>What are the best job platforms for people with a criminal record?</h2><p>The best platforms to find jobs for people who are justice-impacted include <a href="http://honestjobs.com">HonestJobs.com</a> and any job board that has a “fair chance jobs” filter.</p><h2>What are the top industries hiring people with past convictions?</h2><p>The top industries that hire people with a criminal record include skilled trades in construction and manufacturing.&nbsp;</p><h2>Re-Entering The Job Market As An Ex-Offender</h2><p>Figuring out how you’re going to get your next job is scary but you don’t have to do it on your own. There are tools and resources available to help you along the way, including programs that work with you personally to take the next step.</p><p><strong>A few of these resources include:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Job reentry programs:</strong> CareerOneStop has a <a href="https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/Toolkit/find-reentry-programs.aspx">ReEntry Program Finder</a> to search for a local program near you.</li><li><strong>Clearing your criminal record:</strong> Use the resources at the <a href="https://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/cleanslate">National Reentry Resource Center</a> to learn how you can clear your criminal record.</li><li><strong>Job board for people with criminal records:</strong> Join <a href="http://honestjobs.com">HonestJobs.com</a> created by people with records to help others reentering the job market to find jobs and programs that help with other basic needs.</li><li><strong>Our </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Salary Transparent Job Board</a>: Every job post is listed with transparent salary information!</li><li><strong>Our FREE career guides: </strong>Read <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/topic/free-guides">free career guides</a> that are jam-packed with knowledge to help you get into the field of your choice, including quizzes that match you with the job title(s) that best fits you.</li></ul><p>When searching for jobs online, be sure to filter by equal opportunity employers and felon-friendly employers if those are options on the job board you use. The specific name of the filter may change depending on the job board. One example is Indeed’s “Fair chance” filter.</p><p>Keep this list of jobs and resources saved on your phone or email it to yourself so you can have it as a checklist and cheatsheet. When you’re getting stuck or discouraged, come back to this to see if there is something you haven’t utilized yet.</p><p>That’s a wrap for this week! I’m Daniella Flores, a former software engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a current member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub">Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) If you want to connect, follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p>If this guide helps you land your dream job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Don’t know what you want to do? Take any of our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/topic/quizzes">career quizzes</a>!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li></ul>

green cover image with a justice symbol and title text overlay that reads "jobs for people with a criminal record"

8 Careers for People With a Criminal Record That Pay Well (+ Employers Hiring)

<p>Hitting the six-figure salary mark is a big deal. In 2023, individuals earning $100,000 sat at the <a href="https://dqydj.com/income-percentile-calculator/">81st percentile</a> of all U.S. earners.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>But how does making $100K change your lifestyle?</strong> In a <a href="https://smartasset.com/data-studies/dd-what-100000-is-worth-2023">2023 study</a>, SmartAsset calculated take-home paychecks by removing state, federal, and local taxes from a $100,000 salary, then adjusted the remainder based on each city's relative cost of living – taking into account housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous goods and services.&nbsp;</p><p>What they found was that <i>a six-figure lifestyle can look very different…depending on where you live. </i><strong>Let’s get into it.</strong></p>

<p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>Each city’s cost of living depends on several factors such as taxes, housing, and transportation.</li><li>Don’t take $100,000 salaries at face value. Your salary is different from your take-home pay.</li><li>Browse the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">highest-paying jobs</a> (including <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">high-paying trade jobs</a>) on our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">salary database</a>.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Least Expensive Cities in the U.S.</h2><p>The city that will give you the most bang for your buck is Memphis, Tennessee. This is where a six-figure earner would have the equivalent of $86,444 left after taxes. <strong>But why?</strong> Tennessee has no state income taxes and a low <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/cost-of-living-index-by-state">cost of living</a> of 13.8% below the national average.</p><p>Texas is another location with a low cost of living. It’s home to seven out of the top 10 most affordable cities in the U.S. A $100,000 salary on average nets you $77,885 after taxes across the 10 Texas cities.</p>

NEW STATE! ⭐️ Austin, TX📍#salarytransparentstreet

<h2>Most Expensive Cities in the U.S.</h2><p>For the most expensive cities, New York delivers the toughest blow. It’s ranked dead last in affordability, with a $100,000 salary in the Big Apple amounting to just $35,791 when you factor in taxes and cost of living.</p><p>Combined federal, state, and local taxes nab about 41% of your paycheck, and the cost of living is 83.6% higher than the national average.</p>

<p>California is another one that is right up there with New York. It has five of the 10 priciest cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, and Oakland.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>To </strong><i><strong>actually</strong></i><strong> take home $100K a year</strong>, you’d need to see a salary of <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/300k-100k-nyc-heres-taxes-152900522.html">over $300,000+</a> in more expensive cities like New York, Honolulu, or San Francisco. But to take home $100K in Memphis or El Paso? That salary is much lower and falls just under $120,000.</p><h2>What does it mean for you?&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>Do your research.</strong> When comparing jobs in different cities, don’t take the salary at face value. Taxes differ state to state, which means that your take-home pay differs too. Factor in the cost of living (average cost of housing, transportation, and goods and services), and that salary can mean very different lifestyles in different cities.&nbsp;</p><p>Keep in mind that jobs based in the best-bang-for-your-buck cities typically adjust salaries to their affordability. In the Memphis metro area, for instance, the median income is $55,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the national median of nearly $70,000.</p><p><strong>At the end of the day, remember</strong> that <i>your salary is just a means to build the life you want to live.</i> If you’re location-agnostic and dream of buying a home, you may want to consider an opportunity in Texas. But if you’ve always dreamed of living in New York City, even the sweetest take-home pay in Memphis won’t satisfy you.</p><h2>What if you already live in one of the least affordable cities?&nbsp;</h2><p><i>No, you don’t need to pack your bags and ship off to Tennessee</i>. You don’t have to move away from a place you love just because it’s expensive. Especially if it’s not the type of place you’ll thrive.</p>

<p>There are a few things you can do to reduce your personal cost of living, no matter your location.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Max out your retirement accounts.</strong> This one’s a double-whammy. Save more for retirement while cutting your tax bill for the current year. As of 2023, the IRS allows up to $22,500 in employee contributions to a 401(k) or a similar workplace plan and $6,500 to an IRA. When you contribute pre-tax, you reduce your taxable income — AKA pay less in taxes.</p><p><strong>Avoid lifestyle creep.</strong> Living in a more expensive city can cause “lifestyle creep.” Things that once seemed like luxuries are now part of your everyday lifestyle. You find yourself ditching your affordable gym to join your friends in the fancier one with a sauna or catching up with friends over a Michelin-star restaurant meal rather than a home-cooked one…you get it. You deserve to <i>intentionally </i>uplevel your life as you earn more – but you don’t want to accidentally fall into lifestyle creep.</p><p><strong>💸 Want to save more money? </strong>Us too. We’ve partnered with <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/h5b4cb990813">Capital One Shopping</a>, a free browser add-on that helps you find available coupon codes, alerts you when prices drop, and may even spot better deals while you shop. <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/h5b4cb990813"><strong>Get started with Capital One Shopping</strong></a><strong> – it’s free and easy to add to your browser!</strong></p>

<p><strong>The antidote to lifestyle creep? Budgeting. </strong>Think about what you value and where you want your money to go—then make sure it’s actually going there. Build out a budget for the biggest spending buckets in your life, like food, rent, entertainment, and transportation, then stick to that budget. Most importantly, base those numbers on your gross income (post-tax earnings) instead of your salary.</p><h2>How to Increase Your Salary to Accommodate High Cost-of-Living Locations</h2><p>When you can’t find any more ways to decrease your own cost of living, check if you’re being paid fairly to begin with. <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</p>

<p>If you find that you aren’t being paid fairly, look for ways to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiate a higher salary</a> or <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">ask for a raise at work</a>.</p><p>Don’t forget about negotiating for things like sign-on bonuses, more paid time off, and health benefits. When you <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiate benefits</a> for a new job along with your salary, you may have the chance to decrease your cost of living with benefits like relocation assistance, remote work, and transportation reimbursements. <strong>Need some help?</strong> Use our free list of <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a>.</p><p><i>Want to learn more about increasing your income while building a fulfilling career? </i><a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe"><i>Read our weekly Salary Transparent Street newsletter</i></a><i> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</i></p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Street resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!&nbsp;</li><li>Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</li></ul>

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