<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. 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>

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

<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 2025 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>

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

<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>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJrc2NnRqei/?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/DJrc2NnRqei/?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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<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>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLVCEY8R1Ag/?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/DLVCEY8R1Ag/?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>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>

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

<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>

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

<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>

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

<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 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>

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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’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"> From Professional Baseball Player to Software Tester</a></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 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.</i></p><p>The <a href="https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf">Future of Jobs Report 2025</a> by the World Economic Forum indicates that AI is more likely to improve human work through human-machine collaboration in fields like information technology and medical and healthcare services, both of which offer the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-interviews-2024">highest-paying jobs</a> with the most growth over the next 10 years.</p><p>In short, your job is safe as long as you learn how to work with emerging technologies and adapt as the job market changes. That’s the secret to landing a high-paying job in the future.</p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>The highest-paying future jobs are computer research scientists, AI and machine learning specialists, and physician assistants.</li><li>The fastest-growing jobs are AI and machine learning specialists with an 80% projected growth over the next 5 years, and nurse practitioners with a 35% projected growth over the next 9 years.</li><li>Roles with the most decline over the next decade include cashiers, ticket clerks, and administrative assistants.</li><li>A bachelor’s degree (or above) is required for most of these roles, with a few information technology roles that may require certifications to get ahead.</li><li>Browse thousands of more publicly shared salaries on our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>.</li></ul>

<h2><strong>7 Highest-Paying Jobs In Demand for The Future</strong></h2><p>We’ve identified these top future jobs using salary data from the past 3+ years of interviews, data we’ve collected in our <a href="http://salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>, the <a href="https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf">Future of Jobs Report 2025</a> by the World Economic Forum, and job data from the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook’s <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm">Fastest Growing Occupations Report</a>.</p><p>You can find more salary data by searching for any of the below positions in our Salary Database. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join </a>and add your salary too!</p><h2>1. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=research+and+development&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Computer and Information Research Scientists</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary</strong>:<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm"> $140,910</a> per year</p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database</strong>: <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DResearcher&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$150,000</a> per year</p><p>As technology continues to evolve over the next decade, computer research scientists are leading the way through their work in studying and developing new technologies in computing, including (but not limited to) algorithm design, system analysis, and software development.&nbsp;</p><p>There are tons of different routes a research scientist can take. They may also work with other scientists and engineers to integrate solutions in other sectors like healthcare and finance, and share their findings through published academic papers and reports. Some may also teach courses at universities.</p><p>A few alternative job titles to look up to get into this<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs"> high-paying tech job</a> include software engineer with a focus on research, AI research scientist, and research and development (R&amp;D) engineer.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>20%</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Bachelor’s or Master’s degree</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/OeER1P" rel="sponsored">Operations Research (1): Models and Applications</a></p><h2>2. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=physician+assistant&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Physician Assistant</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary</strong>: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm">$133,260</a> per year</p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database</strong>: <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DPhysician+Assistant&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$220,000</a> per year</p><p>Physician assistants are licensed medical professionals who work with a physician to provide medical care. They perform many of the same duties physicians do, such as patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and even performing procedures, but their role doesn’t duplicate the doctor’s work. They are there to help handle the load of patients and expand access to medical services – and for good money too.</p><p>We interviewed a physician assistant with 10 years of experience that makes <strong>$130,000 a year</strong>. Her advice for pursuing this career is to do a lot of shadowing to make sure it’s truly what you want to do.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 20%</p><p><strong>Education needed</strong>: Master’s degree</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4a2bE" rel="sponsored">Human Anatomy &amp; Physiology I</a><br>&nbsp;</p>

How much do a #BehavioralMentalHealth worker and #PhysicianAssistant make? Broccoli City Festival📍

<h2>3. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=nurse+practitioner&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Nurse Practitioner</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm">$132,050</a> per year</p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database</strong>: <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNurse+Practitioner&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$194,000</a> per year</p><p>Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who provide different healthcare services, such as diagnosing and treating medical conditions and managing patient care. There are several different areas they can specialize in, like family practice or pediatrics, and may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.</p><p>We interviewed a nurse practitioner who makes over<strong> $200,000 a year (base salary $144,000) </strong>with 8 years of experience, and was a labor and delivery nurse for 6 years before that. She took the traditional education route of a 4 year Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree, became a nurse, then went back to school for her Master’s to become a nurse practitioner.</p><p>Her advice is that she recommends exploring all of the different opportunities in nursing before deciding what’s right for you.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>35%</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Master’s degree</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4amDY" rel="sponsored">The Nurse’s Toolkit</a></p>

#NursePractitioner in Washington, DC📍Follow @monicathenp to learn more 💚#salarytransparentstreet

<h2>4. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=AI&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">AI </a>and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=machine+learning&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Machine Learning (ML) Specialist</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary</strong>: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm">$131,450</a> per year</p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DMachine+Learning+Engineer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$140,000</a> per year</p><p>AI and ML specialists focus on building and implementing AI and ML systems and programs to solve a specific problem. Many of the apps you come in contact with every day have AI and ML specialists behind them to provide specific solutions to you that you may never think twice about.</p><p>For example, when looking at an app like Zillow and their Zestimate that shows you the estimated worth of your house, the machine learning algorithms and models behind it were built by a team of AI and ML specialists and engineers.&nbsp;</p><p>Alternative job titles for this role may include machine learning engineer, AI engineer, and AI solutions architect.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2025-2030):</strong> 80% (taken from the Future of Jobs Report)</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Bachelor’s degree</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/4GMed3" rel="sponsored">IBM Introduction to Machine Learning</a></p>

Interested in #DataScience? Explore 17 DS certifications at the link in our bio! #indeedpartner

<h2>5. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=cybersecurity&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Cybersecurity</a>/<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=Information+Security+Analyst+&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Information Security Analyst&nbsp;</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm">$124,910</a> per year</p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database</strong>: <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DCyber+Security+Analyst&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$180,000</a> per year</p><p>Many of us know what happens when our credit card or social security numbers are leaked, and it isn’t pretty. Cybersecurity analysts help make sure that doesn’t happen by protecting an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats.&nbsp;</p><p>We interviewed two cybersecurity analysts that both made over $100,000 a year: <strong>$135,000 a year and $150,000 a year. </strong>One of those engineers shared that he doesn’t think a college degree is absolutely necessary, but has a bachelor’s degree in information technology and thinks it helped him get in the door. He also recommends that certifications may also help you get ahead in this field.</p>

🔒Cybersecurity Pay Compilation!#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 29%</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Bachelor’s degree</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLoE0O" rel="sponsored">Foundations of Cybersecurity</a></p><h2>6. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=healthcare+administrator&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Medical and Health Services Manager</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm">$117,960</a> per year</p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DMedical+Manager&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$95,000</a> per year</p><p>Following the trend of the growing demand in the healthcare field, medical and health services managers are the third <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">highest-paying healthcare jobs</a> on this list. These are your healthcare administrators at hospitals, surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities who oversee the operations and ensure everything runs smoothly and complies with healthcare laws and regulations.</p><p>A typical path to get into this field is a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a mix of education in both healthcare and business. Many healthcare administrators may also pursue a master’s degree.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>23%</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Bachelor’s degree</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/2aBPJa" rel="sponsored">Johns Hopkins Medical Office Manager Professional Certificate</a></p><h2>7. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board?job_title=data+scientist&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Data Scientist/Big Data Specialist</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm">$112,590</a> per year</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=">$260,000</a> per year</p><p>The main role of a data scientist is to analyze and interpret complex data in order to provide insights and trends to solve business problems. For example, the Future of Jobs report used as a source for this article was something that wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for data scientists to make sense of jobs data.&nbsp;</p><p>We interviewed several data scientists, all of who make over $100,000. The highest salaries we interviewed in this video were <strong>$245,000 and $250,000 a year.</strong> Many in this video also had a mix of base salary, bonuses, and stock options in their compensation packages.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>34%</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Bachelor’s degree</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MAEXnY" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Data Science</a></p>

How much do Data Scientists make? #SalaryTransparentStreet #SalaryTransparency #datascientist

<h2>How to Embrace a Dynamic Job Market</h2><p>Now that you know what’s growing the most in demand and pay, it’s important to know what jobs may be in jeopardy. Expected roles to decline over the next decade include cashiers, ticket clerks, administrative assistants, and executive secretaries.&nbsp;</p><p>As you navigate the job market over the next few years, the most important skill you can have is the desire to never stop learning and upskilling. Staying on top of new technologies and how certain sectors are changing and adapting – and making sure your skills can keep up – will set you apart from many others who don’t take the initiative to do the same.</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>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">How to Negotiate Benefits</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>That wraps it up for this week. 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, 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 a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@salarytransparentstreet.com">hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</a></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>

green featured image with title text and background illustration of different jobs

7 Highest-Paying In-Demand Jobs for 2025 and The Future

<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>The President of the United States currently makes $400,000 a year, which is set by congress and is one of the highest-paying government jobs out there. <strong>But you don’t have to be the president to make six-figures working in the government.</strong></p>

gif of colonial person saying how wonderfully bureaucratic

<p>The federal government has had a horrible year for jobs in 2025 following the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) layoffs and the<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5598315/government-shutdown-longest-history"> longest government shutdown in history</a> that just ended in November. Even though the federal job outlook isn’t looking great, <strong>state and local government jobs are on the rise with 22,000 new jobs having just been added in September</strong>, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>.</p><p>And yes, while jobs in the federal government seem to be all we hear about when the government and media talk about their grim outlook, there are government jobs available in so many other areas that are more stable, on the rise, and pay just as well (if not better).</p><p>These don’t only include jobs in state and local government, but also military, law enforcement, public health, infrastructure, administrative, legislative branch , and government contractor jobs.&nbsp;</p><p>For instance, the<strong> </strong>highest recorded government salaries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-databas">Salary Database</a> are <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dlawyer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$500,000</a> <strong>for a lawyer in law enforcement</strong> <strong>and </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dcivil+engineer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$270,000</a> <strong>for a civil engineer that works on government contracts</strong>!</p><p><strong>Let’s take a closer look into some of these top government jobs, what’s required, and how you can land one of your own!</strong></p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>The highest-paying government jobs besides the president and elected officials are IT program managers, attorneys, air traffic controllers, and nurse practitioners (based on BLS median salaries).</li><li>Not all top-paying government jobs require a degree. Some may hire based on skills, certifications, or experience.</li><li>Contrary to the private sector, all government salaries are publicly shared.</li><li>Browse thousands of more publicly shared salaries on our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-databas">Salary Database</a> for both private and public sectors.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What Government Workers Are Saying</h2><p>Besides the fact that jobs in the public sector are owned and managed by the government rather than private ownership, the job duties themselves aren’t that much different between the two sectors. This is especially true for roles with comparable titles and functions.</p><p>We sat down with a few government workers to talk about their jobs, including <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">benefits</a>, pay transparency, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiating salary</a>, and the pros and cons of working in the government. In the video, a local government worker, Daniel, states that the reason he’s in this line of work <strong>is the mission.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>“To be able to assist residents and businesses in the nation’s capital to get stuff done that they need to get done is so rewarding, and just being able to be connected to that and seeing the results of my hard work happen very quickly is super rewarding for me,” says Daniel.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>A big pro that these workers discussed is that their jobs provide certain benefits that aren’t available at private companies, such as pensions. Similar to the role of unions for many <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">high-paying trade jobs</a>, several government jobs also have a strong union presence, providing collective bargaining power for wages, benefits, and working conditions.</p><h2>12 Highest-Paying Government Jobs to Make Over $100k in 2026</h2><p><strong>Transparency is the name of the game and we're here for it!</strong> Government jobs actually paved the way for salary transparency. Before there were any <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> set, public sectors were already fighting <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">pay discrimination</a> and have been sharing salary data since the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/foia#:~:text=The%20Freedom%20of%20Information%20Act%20(FOIA)%20allows%20any%20person%20the,in%20writing%20by%20any%20person.">Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) </a>was enacted in 1966. Now it’s time for us to sink our teeth into some of that juicy data.</p><p>We identified these 12 top-earning government jobs in high demand for 2026 after pulling together salary data from the past 3+ years of interviews, over 13,000 publicly recorded salaries in our <a href="http://salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>, the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook</a>, and the <a href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/">U.S. Office of Personnel Management</a>.</p><p>You can find all of the highest government salaries we recorded by filtering for “government” in our <a href="http://salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> or by searching for the job titles below. <strong>Don’t forget to join and add your salary too!</strong></p><h2>1. Senator</h2><p><strong>Yearly salary: </strong><a href="https://www.senate.gov/senators/SenateSalariesSince1789.htm">$174,000</a> <strong>– All senators make the same! </strong>See our recent interview with U.S. senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, and Elissa Slotkin to hear more about what they do and how much they make. 👇</p>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet/video/7495417249503694122" data-video-id="7495417249503694122" 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 US Senators and Representatives make? Thanks to Senator Warren, @Senator Cory Booker, Senator Gallego and Senator Slotkin for being transparent with us! Reminder: ALL federal government positions are 100% transparent (you can look them all up), and EVERY Senator and Representative in Congress makes the same amount. Pay gap where? 💚 In 2017, President Trump passed a massive tax giveaway to billionaires and giant corporations that cost the US nearly $2 trillion. This year, many of those tax breaks are ending, and Republicans in Congress took the first steps last week to not only extend these giveaways, but make them permanent. This decision will add $4.5 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, and $37 trillion over the next 30 years. ($37 trillion is as much debt as we have today, built up over 249 years.) Billionaires and big corporations don&#39;t need any more handouts, especially not at the expense of hard-working Americans and their families! Please contact your representatives and make your voice heard by demanding they represent their constituents and not the ultra-wealthy! Thanks to @UnrigOurEconomy for trusting our platform and community with this important message! 🫡 <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="unrigoureconomypartner" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/unrigoureconomypartner?refer=embed">#unrigoureconomypartner</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7495417406186081070?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>Senators are the officials we elect to represent our states in congress and the faces that you probably recognize the most, including the faces we interviewed. They’re legislators who represent the people of their state to draft and vote on laws that impact everything from healthcare to foreign policy.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The cost of your meds, how you receive your education, and the taxes you pay: they have a part in all of it. </strong>There is a certain kind of balance senators must keep. While they represent local interests back home, they’re also making decisions that shape an entire nation. It’s up to them on how they handle both when federal interests clash with state and local&nbsp; interests.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>No specific education required. The only <a href="https://www.senate.gov/senators/qualifications_termsofservice.htm">requirements </a>the government has for senators are for them to at least be 30 years old, have U.S. citizenship for at least 9 years, and be a resident in the state they represent at the time of election.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/JKEXQr" rel="sponsored">Law, Governance, and Public Policy</a></p><h2>2. IT Program Manager</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm">$171,200 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=industry%3DGovernment">$240,000 per year </a>at Accenture (government contractor)</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 15% increase in job growth</p><p>There are several <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/technology/government-it-initiatives">government IT initiatives</a> that need IT program managers to run them, including those in AI, digital experience, identity and access management, and even our tax system. For example, they might manage a program to modernize IRS tax processing or roll out a new electronic health records system across VA hospitals.</p><p>Their work is what stands between you and if your tax return will get digitally accepted, or if you’re a veteran, if the VA hospital can access your patient records accurately or not. The way they manage these programs has a huge effect on the population. It’s a big job with many opportunities not only in local government, but also at private companies that work on government contracts (like Accenture does).</p><p>If you don’t want to focus on IT programs but still want to explore program management, there are still plenty of other government opportunities out there. <strong>We interviewed a program manager in the public sector who makes $78,000 a year developing programs in healthcare to support the community while also working with health insurance companies to continue to fund those programs!</strong></p>

How much does a #ProgramManager in the public sector make in📍Austin, TX? #salarytransparentstreet

<p><strong>Education needed: </strong>An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or similar area. For other program managers not in IT, degree programs in business and management are typically required.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/jej2dn" rel="sponsored">IBM Program Manager Professional Certificate</a></p>

<h2>3. Attorney&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm">$151,160 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%3Dlawyer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$500,000 per year</a> in law enforcement</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>8% increase in job growth</p><p>Attorneys that work in government have similar responsibilities and duties to private attorneys, but instead of representing individuals or businesses, they represent the government. They usually work for government agencies at the local, state, or federal level, with duties that may include prosecuting criminal cases, providing legal advice to government departments, or drafting and enforcing regulations.</p>

<p>One reason why government attorneys are paid well is the heightened level of responsibility and specialized expertise required for their position. They must holistically understand public law and government procedures, and also be skilled in researching legal issues, drafting legal documents, and preparing reports for governmental use. <strong>We recently interviewed a lawyer who makes $215,000 with only 2 years of experience!</strong></p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> A Juris Doctor (JD) degree and passing the bar exam.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9L5DQ0" rel="sponsored">A Law Student's Toolkit</a> course from Yale University</p>

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<h2>4. Air Traffic Controller</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm">$144,580 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%3DAir+Traffic+Controller&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$204,000 per year</a> at the FAA</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>1% increase in job growth</p><p>When we take a plane anywhere, there are air traffic controllers that coordinate different aircrafts to make sure we have a safe trip. The only difference for government air traffic controllers is that they typically work for national aviation authorities, such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Many may also come from a military background and bring experience from military air traffic control. <strong>We interviewed an air traffic controller in the video below who went through the military and makes a base salary of $175,000!</strong></p><p>Air traffic controllers undergo extensive training to handle the high-stakes nature of their job and require a specific set of hard skills to perform their day-to-day duties. A few of these skills include knowledge of radar and surveillance systems and the ability to communicate effectively. They must also have exceptional flight data and aerospace management skills.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>The completion of an Associate’s or Bachelor's degree through <a href="https://www.faa.gov/jobs/students/schools">AT-CTI programs</a> set by the FAA and complete training at the <a href="https://www.faa.gov/">Federal Aviation Administration</a> (FAA) academy.</p>

Air Traffic Controller Reveal Their REAL Salary

<h2>5. Nurse Practitioner</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm">$132,050 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%3DNurse+Practitioner&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$194,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>38% increase in job growth</p><p>The demand for government nurse practitioners is skyrocketing. The position is one of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">highest-paying healthcare jobs</a> and was named the best job in 2024 by <a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/the-25-best-jobs#:~:text=Nurse%20anesthetists%20are%20registered%20nurses,critical%20decisions%20about%20patient%20care.">U.S. News &amp; World Report</a>, with a projected <strong>118,600 new jobs by 2032</strong>.</p>

<p>The difference between nurse practitioners that work for the government versus those that work in the private sector is they often work within public health clinics, VA hospitals, or military facilities. Their primary duties are to provide healthcare services, such as diagnosing and treating patients, and are in huge demand due to the decreasing number of doctors.&nbsp;</p><p>Skills needed to be a successful nurse practitioner are advanced clinical knowledge, proficiency in medical procedures, and expertise in pharmacology, which are core skills for several <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">healthcare careers</a>. They must also understand the unique needs of military or veteran patients if they work in military settings or Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>Become a registered nurse (RN) through an accredited nursing program, obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a master's degree, and be board certified. <strong>We interviewed a nurse practitioner who makes $144,000 a year plus bonuses after getting a bachelor’s degree, working as a registered nurse, and then went back to school for a Master’s degree in nursing.</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/zxD6jM" rel="sponsored">Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us</a><strong> </strong>course from University of Pennsylvania&nbsp;</p>

How Much Do Nurses Make? Nurse Salary Compilation 💚 Salary Transparent Street

<h2>6. Cybersecurity Analyst or Specialist</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm">$124,910 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%3DCyberSecurity&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters="> $205,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>32% increase in job growth</p><p>Positions in cybersecurity are set to soar in the next ten years as one of the<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs"> top tech jobs</a>, especially those in the government. So much so that the National Cyber Director is <a href="https://govciomedia.com/white-house-eyes-new-pillar-in-cyber-strategy-refresh/">establishing a National Cyber Academic Program</a> to help fill over half a million of these projected jobs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>U.S. government intelligence data is a coveted item by hackers, and cyber security analysts are there to protect it. Analysts typically work for federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Security Agency (NSA), along with the Department of Defence, and state and local governments.&nbsp;</p><p>Cybersecurity analysts are experts at securing network infrastructures and protocols, including firewalls and VPNs. They’re also coders that need to write and understand code or for automating tasks, using knowledge of encryption methods to protect sensitive data. A day in the life of one of these analysts may include monitoring and responding to threats and implementing security measures.</p>

<p><strong>Education needed:</strong> A Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or something similar. Not all jobs may require a degree and may be accepted based on skills and certifications. <strong>We interviewed a cybersecurity analyst who makes $150,000 after 5 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in information security!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLoE0O" rel="sponsored">Foundations of Cybersecurity</a> course from Google</p>

<h2>7. 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.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm">$175,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 6% increase in job growth</p><p>Government economists work with economic data to inform decision-makers on the economic implications of various policies, such as reducing unemployment or controlling inflation. They typically work at federal government agencies, such as the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, and Labor and the Federal Reserve, state and local governments, and regulatory agencies.</p><p>The day-to-day duties include anything from economic data analysis to modeling and predicting outcomes based on various scenarios. They must also know how to conduct research, prepare reports, and provide insights on economic issues.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in economics, public policy, business, or other related fields. <strong>We interviewed an economist who makes $68,000 a year after completing his master’s degree and a 6-month internship!&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DyXGaj" rel="sponsored">Logic for Economists</a><strong> </strong>course from the University of Amsterdam</p>

How much do a #BusinessAnalyst and #Economist make?📍Baltimore, MD #salarytransparentstreet

<h2>8. Data Scientist</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm">$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=industry%3DGovernment">$160,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034)</strong>: 35% increase in job growth</p><p>Governments can’t make decisions without understanding their data. That’s where data scientists come in. Due to the demand for data scientists and AI expertise, <a href="https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-report/2024/01/opm-leads-governmentwide-data-scientist-hiring-effort-to-build-up-ai-expertise/">The Office of Personnel Management (OPM)</a> announced in a governmentwide hiring effort.&nbsp;</p><p>Their job is to interpret large volumes of data to inform public policy decision-making. Without them, the government wouldn’t know how to optimize government programs and services, improve efficiency, and address societal challenges.</p>

anchorman gif of ron burgundy saying it's science

<p>The daily job duties of a government data scientist include data management and analysis, and interpreting that data to create visual representations and communicate findings to stakeholders.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> A Bachelor's degree is data science, computer science, engineering, or equivalent area. Some jobs may hire based on skills, experience, and certifications in place of a bachelor's degree requirement. <strong>We interviewed a data scientist who makes $110,000 a year after a data science bootcamp and a bachelor’s degree in business!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MAEXnY" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Data Science</a> course from IBM</p>

Data Scientists Make How Much? 🤯 Data Scientist Salary Compilation 💚 Salary Transparent Street

<h2>9. Statistician</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=">$158,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>11% increase in job growth</p><p>Anytime we see census data from the government, statisticians are the ones behind the scenes designing the census survey and collecting that data. Then analyze that data to identify population growth trends and inform resource allocation for public services like schools and hospitals. They also evaluate unemployment rates and economic indicators to help guide policy decisions on job creation and social programs.</p>

<p>But how is that any different from data analysts and data scientists? The main difference is statisticians develop and apply advanced mathematical models to process and analyze data, while data analysts focus on using established tools and methods to interpret data and provide practical insights. However, there are times when they work together.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A Bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or related field and a master's degree or PhD may be required for advanced positions.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DyXGMj" rel="sponsored">Foundations of Probability and Statistics</a> course from the University of Colorado Boulder</p><h2>10. Program Analyst or Policy Analyst</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm">$101,190 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%3DProgram+Analyst&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=industry%3DGovernment">$135,000 per year in defense</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>10% increase in job growth</p><p>Government program analysts use data to create policies, which may also sometimes be called a policy analyst. Their primary job duty is to evaluate and improve public programs, such as public health and economic development programs, through data analysis and reporting. However, their specific job title and responsibilities may change depending on the company hiring and the position.&nbsp;</p><p>Program analysts can be a sort of catch-all job title due to their variety of job responsibilities. Sometimes they have duties that resemble a software engineer with project management skills or being a business analyst that works to improve government processes and functions. The role may vary widely depending on the government agency and program, but regardless, the job pays great and is quite rewarding.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a policy analyst in the government who makes $182,000 a year after serving time in the military, and getting a Bachelor's degree in government politics and a Master’s degree in administration!</strong></p>

#PolicyAnalyst in New York City, NY📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<p>Skills needed to become a program analyst include coding skills using various programming languages and expertise in interpreting data and applying methodologies. They usually work with tools like Excel, SAS, database management systems, and project management software.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A degree may not be an absolute requirement and may depend on the specific position, but a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields like public administration, economics, or data science, or becoming a <a href="https://www.agacgfm.org/cgfm-certification/">Certified Government Financial Manager</a> (CGFM) or the <a href="https://www.certifiedanalytics.org/">Certified Analytics Professional</a> (CAP) may be helpful in securing a job.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/3JDWMK" rel="sponsored">Using Public Policy for Social Change</a> course from the University of Michigan</p><h2>11. Civil Engineer</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm">$99,590 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%3DCivil+Engineer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$270,000 per year at Kimley-Horn (government contractor)</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>5% increase in job growth</p><p>Civil engineering involves the design, planning, and oversight of the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects that are vital to our everyday lives. Think of the roads you drive and the buildings you see. They wouldn’t exist without civil engineers.</p>

gif of person saying i'm a civil engineer

<p>Other project areas civil engineers oversee in addition to roads and buildings include bridges, water supply systems, wastewater management, railways, airports, tunnels, flood control systems, and park and recreational facilities. So yea, their work has a huge impact on the quality of our lives and community.&nbsp;</p><p>As our infrastructure ages (which it's always doing), the demand will continue to go up for these jobs. <strong>This makes it a great stable option to explore!</strong></p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering is a common requirement.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Oe20vN" rel="sponsored">BIM Fundamentals for Engineers</a> course from L&amp;T EduTech</p>

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<h2>12. Budget Analyst</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm">$87,930 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%3Dbudget+analyst&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$140,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>3% increase in job growth</p><p>A government budget analyst, also referred to as a budget officer, works for public institutions, such as federal government, state, and local government departments. Their main responsibility is to help manage and track how money is spent. We all know the government has a little bit of a spending problem, so these workers are crucial for addressing the nation’s debt and yearly budgets.</p><p><strong>Government budgets go through 3 main phases; budget formulation, budget presentation/enactment, and budget execution. </strong>Budget analysts assist in these phases by analyzing past spending and future needs, and create budget proposals from their findings. From there, they help government entities stick to their budgets and track their performance.</p>

spongebob squarepants gif of fish calculating something

<p>Their work is key to everyday public services and programs, such as education, healthcare, and social programs. The budgets they work on could end up deciding things like how much money is allocated to schools or where your tax money goes.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, accounting, economics, or statistics is typically required. <strong>We interviewed a budget analyst that makes $93,000 a year with 5 years of experience!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MA6zVK" rel="sponsored">Finance &amp; Quantitative Modeling for Analysts</a> course from the University of Pennsylvania&nbsp;</p>

The Wharf, Washington, D.C.📍#salarytransparency #equalpay #diversitymatters #howmuchdoyoumake

<h1>How to Break Into Government Jobs</h1><p>The skills for breaking into the public sector are no different from the private sector. You go through the same motions of seeking required education, networking, and gaining experience through internships or entry-level work. However, if you’re in the military or were formerly in the military, you might have an edge over non-military applicants.</p><p><strong>Some</strong> <strong>government jobs pay on a per-level basis using the General Schedule (GS)</strong>. There are 15 different grades, starting from GS-1 to GS-15, with GS-15 being the highest-paying classification. How these grades are assigned to different positions are based on the level of responsibility, difficulty, specific hard skills required, and qualifications required. Positions that are classified at a GS-5 and above require a bachelor's degree, and those above GS-9 require a master’s degree. Keep these in mind as you look at open jobs and decide what education path you’ll take.</p><p>A great way to gain the most relevant experience is by looking for government agencies that have any entry-level positions open, or working for companies that contract with the government. They don’t have to be in the specific position you’re going for, especially if you haven’t met all of the qualifications just yet, but can be in adjacent positions with less qualifications while you finish school and work your way up. However, <strong>if there is a position that you think you’d be perfect for but don’t meet all the qualifications, apply to it anyway</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>To start searching for and applying to government jobs, use <a href="https://www.usajobs.gov/">USAJOBS</a>, a website managed by the U.S. government for their federal hiring process. <strong>Then check out our</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a> <strong>to find more openings!</strong></p>

<p>Don’t forget to use our list of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/job-interview-questions-and-answers">most common interview questions and answers</a> when preparing for your interview, and always advocate for yourself and negotiate your salary at any job you work.</p><p>We know you’ll land a good one and can’t wait to see what differences you make in our everyday lives!</p><p>That wraps it up for this week. 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, 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 a higher-paying job, 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>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>

illustration of government building and dollar bills against a split green background with title text overlay that says highest-paying government jobs

12 Highest-Paying Government Jobs for 2026 (+ What Workers Are Saying)

<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>

desktop featured image with green background, city graphic, and title text that reads how far $100k goes in different cities

featured image with green background, city graphic, and title text that reads how far $100k goes in different cities

What a $100K Salary is Worth in Different U.S. Cities

<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.&nbsp;</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>When we think of artistic jobs, many of us may think of starving artists. Creative jobs are typically associated with the image of a struggling freelance painter or musician, but there are many high-paying creative jobs that you might not know about.</p><p>Out of the many <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">high-paying jobs</a> for creative people that exist, the highest salaries we found recorded in our Salary Database were <strong>$175,000 a year for UX designers </strong>and <strong>$155,000 a year for video game designers</strong>, both of which don’t require college degrees to break into the field.&nbsp;</p><p>In fact, 62.8% of creative positions don’t require college degrees, according to research by <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90930086/these-are-the-most-in-demand-creative-jobs-least-likely-to-require-a-degree-and-where-to-find-them">Fast Company</a>.</p>

<p>Technology has had a huge part in the expanding world of creative careers. So much so that the creative industry will see a <strong>40% growth in jobs by 2030</strong>, taken from <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/deloitte-uk-future-creative-economy-report-final.pdf"><i>The Future of The Creative Economy</i> report by Deloitte</a>. As this area continues to grow in demand, so will the opportunities and salaries that will come along with it.</p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>Creative careers have more flexibility when it comes to breaking into the field.</li><li>Half of the 10 top-earning creative jobs we covered don’t require a bachelor’s degree.</li><li>The highest-paying creative jobs from our Salary Database are UX designers and video game designers.</li><li>The highest median salaries for creative jobs according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are brand managers, social media marketing managers, and creative directors.</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>10 Highest-Paying Creative Jobs That Bring In Six-Figures</h2><p>We’ve identified 10 creative jobs that pay over $100,000 using salary data from the past 3+ years of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SalaryTransparentStreet/">interviews</a>, data we’ve collected in our <a href="http://salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>, and job data from the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Here’s a sneak peak of a few creative salaries from our recent interviews:&nbsp;</p>

🎨 How much do creative jobs pay? #salarytransparentstreet #paytransparency #howmuchdoyoumake

<p>You can find all the highest creative salaries we recorded by searching for any of the below positions in our Salary Database. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join </a>and add your salary too!</p><h2>1. Brand Manager</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm">$159,660 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%3DBrand+Manager&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$130,000 per year</a></p><p>While social media marketing managers are responsible for brand visibility and identity on social media, a brand manager is responsible for shaping and maintaining the overall image of a brand. Brand managers are a few levels above that, and work to make sure the brand image aligns with business objectives and resonates with the targeted audience(s).</p><p>Any time you see a successful brand out in the wild, such as Apple or Coca Cola, and their associated brand aesthetic and reputation is pleasing, there is a brand manager behind the logo and marketing that helps make it all happen.</p>

<p>Their duties include developing marketing strategies, overseeing product development, managing advertising campaigns, and analyzing trends and consumer feedback. In order to be able to balance the several moving parts of a brand manager role, you must have some marketing expertise, be able to think strategically, and have strong communication skills to coordinate between teams and stakeholders.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 8% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Many companies require a bachelor’s degree in marketing or similar fields, 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>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLv6ny" rel="sponsored">Strategic Brand Management&nbsp;</a></p><h2>2. Social Media Marketing Manager</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm">$159,660 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%3Dsocial+media+marketing+manager&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$145,000 per year</a></p><p>A social media marketing manager’s main responsibility is developing and executing strategies to grow a brand’s presence across social media platforms. They spend their time creating content, managing social media accounts, looking at performance metrics, and building a community through engagement with followers.</p>

spongebob making a rainbow with the word "marketing" above his head

<p>To become a social media marketing manager, you’ll need to understand social media algorithms and have some data analysis skills to measure the success of posts and videos. Test out social media management tools like Buffer with your personal Instagram or start with a social media manager or virtual assistant side hustle (which is actually one of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-side-hustles">highest-paying side hustles</a> we've found).&nbsp;</p><p>If you’re already a little social-media obsessed, you'll definitely have fun exploring a role like this.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 8% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> There are no concrete requirements and many social media managers can get started using online certification programs or free courses, such as those provided by <a href="https://academy.hubspot.com/courses/social-media">Hubspot</a>. However, some companies may require a bachelor’s degree in communications or marketing.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/rayNgy" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Social Media Marketing</a></p>

How much does a #SocialMediaManager in Greenville, NC make? #salarytransparency

<h2>3. Creative Director</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm">$111,040 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%3Dcreative+director&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$288,000 per year</a></p><p>A creative director oversees the visual and conceptual direction of a project or brand. They are not to be confused with art directors, who solely focus on the visual elements of a project. However, both are great high-paying jobs for creative personalities to explore.</p><p>We interviewed a creative director in the video below who summed it up beautifully. She said, “We use art to help amplify their message.”</p>

Watch the full interview on TikTok to learn more about the creative industry! #IndeedPartner

<p>Creative directors are responsible for managing creative teams, guiding design concepts, approving work, and working closely with clients and stakeholders to stay aligned. Those with exceptional leadership and communication skills, and the ability to see a creative vision through to its end – even in the early stages where everything is unclear – will excel in this role.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>5% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>Due to the level of management and responsibility that creative directors have, many companies require a bachelor's degree in art, advertising, marketing, communications, or related field.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/3Ja0jk" rel="sponsored">The Creative Leader</a></p><h2>4. Animator</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm">$99,800 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%3Danimator&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$100,000 per year</a></p><p>Popular shows like The Simpsons and Spongebob Squarepants would be impossible without animators. Animators create motion graphics and visual effects by designing and animating characters, objects, and scenes for TV, movies, video games, and other forms of digital media.<br>&nbsp;</p>

<p>They are responsible for producing smooth, visually engaging animations by drawing storyboards, creating models, and using animation software to bring concepts to life. Key skills are not only creativity, but also proficiency in animation software like <a href="https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/free-trial">Maya</a>, a strong understanding of movement and timing, and the ability to collaborate with directors and other creative teams.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>4% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>Animators are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in animation or computer graphics, but it depends on the company. You can also get started with free online programs to start putting together a portfolio.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/YRYm1B">Introduction to Programming and Animation with Alice</a></p><h2>5. Video Game Designer</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm">$99,800 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%3Dvideo+game+designer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$155,000 per year</a></p><p>Calling all gamers! Being a video game designer is a dream for those who are both creative and love to play video games. As a game designer, you’ll be creating concepts, rules, storylines, and mechanics that shape the overall player experience within a game. You may even design characters and entire levels. Think of anything that needs to be designed in a video game, and you may end up taking that task on.</p>

<p>To become a video game designer, look to learn different video game development software, such as Unity, and develop a deep understanding of game mechanics and user experience. And of course, play a lot of video games.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 4% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> There are no formal education requirements to become a video game designer but some companies may require a degree in game design, software engineering, computer graphics, or similar area of expertise. You can also get started with free online programs to start putting together a portfolio.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/K0GdJy" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Game Design</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/kOv2z3" rel="sponsored">Epic Games Game Design Professional Certificate</a></li></ul><h2>6. UX Designer</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes151255.htm">$98,540 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%3DUx+Designer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$175,000 per year</a></p><p>A UX (short for user experience) designer is responsible for creating a positive user experience for a particular product, whether digital or physical. Their work focuses on understanding the needs and behaviors of users and ensuring that the product meets those needs in an intuitive and enjoyable way.</p>

<p>For a digital product, a UX designer might optimize the navigation flow of a mobile app to make it more user-friendly, while for a physical product, they could design the layout of a self-checkout kiosk to ensure it’s easy to use. Their day-to-day duties may include user research, creating wireframes and prototypes using Figma or Adobe XD, and performing tests to refine designs.</p><p>This role is especially great for those who have a passion for design and love when everything is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to interact with. Plus, it's one of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-remote-jobs">highest-paying remote jobs</a>, making it a perfect career choice for someone who values flexibility and autonomy.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>8% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>There are many free online programs to get started with but some companies may require a bachelor’s degree or certificate in graphic design, computer science, or related field (which can be obtained online). <strong>We actually interviewed a UX designer started with a free program at a community college, and makes $185,000 a year with only 5 years of experience!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/mOoye1" rel="sponsored">Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design</a></li><li><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/mOoye1">Google UX Design Professional Certificate</a></li></ul>

How much does a #UXDesigner make? #salarytransparentstreet

<h2>7. Architect</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm">$96,690 per year</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Darchitect&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$1M per year</a></p><p>The buildings and spaces you spend your everyday lives in originally came from the creative minds of architects. That beautiful new museum in your city? An architect designed it while paying extra attention to how to make it beautiful while also being functional and safe. A few tools they use for their job include AutoCAD to draft 2D and 3D drawings, and Revit to create detailed digital models.</p><p>Sustainability is another concern for architects as they strive to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. It’s an important job for the health of any city, which is also why they get paid pretty well. <strong>We interviewed a few architects with incomes that ranged from $20 an hour to $98,000 a year!</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>8% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> A bachelor’s degree in architecture from a <a href="https://www.naab.org/accreditation/accredited-programs">National Architectural&nbsp; Accrediting Board (NAAB)-accredited program</a> and passing the <a href="https://www.ncarb.org/pass-the-are">Architect Registration Examination</a> (ARE). One architect we interviewed also had an internship in architecture and design.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/2a9W20" rel="sponsored">Making Architecture</a></p><h2>8. Creative Producer</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/producers-and-directors.htm">$83,480 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%3Dcreative+producer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$173,000 per year</a></p><p>A creative producer is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of creative projects. Their duties include coordinating between designers, writers, and directors, managing project timelines, and handling budgets and resources. This role is similar to that of a project manager in some aspects, but with additional responsibilities like making sure everything aligns with the client’s vision.</p>

A person saying I'm the producer with fingers pointing down

<p>For instance, when managing the production of a TV commercial, they would coordinate between departments to ensure the concept matches the client’s vision, oversee the filming schedule, manage the budget, and troubleshoot any issues that arise on set. Their role is the glue that holds the project together and makes sure that the final product delivers both creatively and logistically within the set constraints.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 8% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Most creative producers have a bachelor’s degree in film studies or communications, but it depends on the company and job requirements of the role.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/je46n6" rel="sponsored">The Art of Visual Storytelling Specialization</a></p><h2>9. Copywriter</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm#tab-1">$72,270 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%3Dcopywriter&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$112,000 per year</a></p><p>Many people have no idea what a copywriter is because many of us have no idea what “copy” in the content world even means. How is it any different from a normal writer?</p><p>Well, copywriters specifically write for advertisements, websites, social media, and other marketing materials. Their main goal is to promote products or services through persuasive and engaging content that drives the target audience to take a specific action – whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or just engaging with the brand.</p>

<p>An example of copywriting in the real world is the text you’re reading right now. We’re transparent here and we’ll admit it – we want you to engage with us! We encourage salary transparency through engaging with each other and talking about pay – and this blog gives us another way to do that.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>5% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>There are no strict educational requirements for copywriters, but free online writing courses are a great place to get started. Keep in mind that some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in writing or marketing, and you may also need one depending on where you want to take your career.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Wy0rQZ" rel="sponsored">The Strategy of Content Marketing</a></p>

How much do a #Copywriter and #NatureArtist make? Atlanta, GA📍#salarytransparentstreet

<h2>10. Content Creator</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm#tab-1">$72,270 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%3DContent+Creator&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$170,000 per year</a></p><p>If you love scrolling through Instagram and watching reels to learn a recipe, complete a DIY project, or learn about salary transparency (shameless plug), thank a content creator because they’re the reason for all of those free resources – like our own resident content creator and CEO, Hannah Williams!</p>

How do Content Creators make money? Brand deals, market rates and more! The Break Room Episode 4

<p>Content creators create content for various formats, including videos, articles, social media posts, and podcasts to reach their intended audience. They are responsible for generating ideas, creating and editing content, and publishing it on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and blogs.&nbsp;</p><p>Like what’s covered in the above video, content creators make money from brand deals, user generated content, ads, affiliates, paid products, and several other income streams – if they work for themselves and not at a company.</p><p>This role can sometimes be a catch-all where content creators are performing several different job roles in one. They may act as a social media manager one day, a writer the next day, and a video editor and producer the day after that. This job is a mixed bag but with a lot of creative freedom to explore to your liking.</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 10% increase in job growth</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> Many content creators get started on their own and run their own businesses, so they may not have degrees. If you want to work for a company as a content creator, it is best to do some of your own content creation on your social media platform of choice and create a portfolio with results when applying for jobs.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this role: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/VxKD6a" rel="sponsored">How to Craft Contagious Content</a></p>

<h2>How to Start a Creative Career</h2><p>Breaking into the creative field can happen in many different ways. <strong>You don’t necessarily need to pursue a 4-year college degree, but you may need one depending on where you want your career to go.</strong> Other options include free courses and educational videos online, certification programs, associate’s degrees, free programs at community colleges, or gaining expertise through an <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/are-unpaid-internships-worth-it">internship</a>.</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>Get started with our step-by-step guide on <a href="URL">How to Start a Creative Career</a>.</p><p>Working a part-time or seasonal side hustle in your creative field of choice will also help you learn quickly and get some experience. This might look like freelancing during nights and weekends, working a creative seasonal or <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/holiday-jobs">holiday job</a>, or creative your own small-business on the side of your day job. If you take this route, do whatever works best for your schedule</p><p>Since many creative jobs require a portfolio, spend as much time as you can in the beginning to put what you’re learning into practice. For instance, if you want to do something with branding, social media, content, or marketing, create your own online presence (using one platform like Instagram) to try and produce results. This will help you show potential employers that you take this seriously, so seriously that you already do it on your own in your free time.</p>

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<p>It’s overwhelming to think about all the things you need to be doing to get a well-paid job in the creative industry. What’s important is that you start, whether that’s watching a tutorial video on YouTube, following other creative professionals online that you admire, or playing around on Photoshop.&nbsp;</p><p>Once you start, keep going, and never stop flexing those creative muscles of yours! 💪&nbsp;</p><p>That wraps it up for this week. 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, 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 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>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>

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10 Highest-Paying Creative Jobs in 2025 That Pay $100k+

<p>If you’ve just found the perfect <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">high-paying job</a> for you and know in your heart of hearts that you can’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers, don’t just stop at creating an eye-catching resume. It’s time to learn how to write an unignorable cover letter to help you stand out and show the employer that you’re more than just what’s on your resume.&nbsp;</p>

brooklyn 99 gif of Amy says okay, I got this

<p>Cover letters are typically needed when you want to explain a career pivot or career gap from <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/what-to-do-when-you-get-laid-off">when you got laid off</a>, a relevant <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-side-hustles">side hustle </a>or business-owner experience that’s on your resume, or anything else from your resume that you think needs additional context.&nbsp;</p><p>However, <a href="https://resumegenius.com/blog/cover-letter-help/cover-letter-statistics">83% of managers</a> say differently and actually prefer job applicants to submit cover letters for every application they submit. When a cover letter is done well, it could be the deciding factor that pushes the hiring manager to give you a call.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>Hiring managers only spend 1 to 2 minutes reviewing a cover letter.</li><li>Avoid bells and whistles in your cover letter. You don’t need them.</li><li>Talk about your accomplishments and results that align with the position and needs of the company.</li><li>Don’t stop at the results, include some proof of those results with a link!</li><li>You need a new cover letter for every job you apply to, but our template can help with that.</li></ul>

<h2>3-Part Cover Letter Structure</h2><p>A cover letter is short, sweet, and straight to the point. It shouldn’t be any longer than one page.</p><p><strong>After your contact details, stick to a simple 3-part format for your cover letter:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Introduction: </strong>The “what, where, and why” you’re applying. Provide a brief statement that helps you stand out, along with what position you’re applying for, the company you’re applying at, and why you’re applying.</li><li><strong>Body:</strong> Provide a story of your achievements that align with the position, including results, metrics, and any other proof.</li><li><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Thank the reader with a call to action to meet and discuss.</li></ol>

<h2>How to Write a Cover Letter Step-By-Step (With Examples)</h2><p>The majority of cover letters are horrible. They’re generic, bland, and boring. That’s where you and all your unique qualities come in.&nbsp;</p><p>“The best cover letters I’ve read have one thing in common—they feel personal and intentional,” says Julia Stalnaya, CEO at Unbench. “A strong cover letter connects the applicant’s experience to the company’s challenges and needs. It’s not just about listing skills. It’s about showing how those skills can solve problems or add value.”</p><p>Get creative and flip the traditional cover letter format on its head by using it to show <i>exactly </i>what you’re good at.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>A strong resume and cover letter combo can make all the difference. We’ve partnered with<a href="https://secure.money.com/lp/resume-builder/lp/best-resume-builders-sts?pcuid=keae7ea2e027&amp;jump_from_embed=true&amp;wafid=" rel="sponsored"> Money.com’s top-rated resume builders</a> to help you build a professional resume fast, <i>even if you're starting from scratch</i>.</p><h2>Avoid anything unnecessary.&nbsp;</h2><p>Common advice for writing a perfect cover letter includes a lot of things that you just don’t need. You don’t need to pull any design punches on your cover letter (unless you’re applying for a designer position, of course). Your cover letter also doesn’t need your picture, street address, nor the street address of the employer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A heading with your name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile link, and date is all you need.&nbsp;</p><h2>Start off strong and don’t waste any time in your introduction.</h2><p>Your introduction should lead right into why the position is perfect for you and what you bring to the table. Talk about why you’re interested in the position and company and show that you understand the company and its challenges. You can even list 1 or 2 things you would do or past results from what you’ve done to address those needs.</p><p>“When it comes to writing a unique cover letter, I recommend starting with a bold, specific opening that immediately demonstrates your knowledge of the company,” says Lauren Mastroni, a career expert at Resume Genius. “For example, ‘When I read about [Company's] recent innovation in [specific area], I knew my experience in [your expertise] could provide exactly the strategic approach you're seeking.’”</p>

a gif of a person saying i'm perfect for this job

<p>When crafting a cover letter, remember that it’s you writing it and not some corporate drone desperate for a job. As much as it may seem like you need to fall in-line with everyone else in a corporate landscape – or any work environment for that matter – and follow a set script, that’s not true.</p><p>While yes, employers are looking for people that fit into their work culture, they also want employees with diverse perspectives and creative thinking skills that will help them get the results they need. Start off any cover letter you write with that in mind.</p><h2>Be short, sweet, and straight to the point.&nbsp;</h2><p>Avoid giving a generic summary of your resume or adding excessive flattery and filler words. A cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page.&nbsp;</p><p>Imagine you’re a hiring manager who’s short on time. They may review your cover letter in 1 to 2 minutes and judge from that short amount of time if they’ll be calling you for an interview. You’ll need to pull some creative punches in that amount of time to keep them engaged and curious to talk to you.</p><h2>Write your cover letter with intention and purpose.</h2><p>Don’t only talk about why you’re perfect for this position. Back up your claims with past results that align with the job description. Show them your value and why you aren’t like every other job candidate.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

ron burgundy gif of him saying i don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal"

<p>This will also help you when <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiating salary</a> and why your market salary is what it is. Your value illustrated in your resume and cover letter will naturally lead to the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/job-interview-questions-and-answers">interview questions and answers</a>, and will stay at the top of the hiring manager’s mind.</p><h2>Put your unique spin on it</h2><p>The secret sauce to writing an unignorable cover is not only showing off how you stand out, but also being able to grab the reader in ways they might not expect.&nbsp;</p><p>For instance, if you’re applying for a writer position, you know your target audience and how to hook them. They’re most likely a hiring manager that also has writing experience and will judge your writing throughout the letter.&nbsp;</p><p>“One cover letter that stood out to me started with a simple, bold statement: ‘I know how to solve [specific problem related to the role]. Let me show you how,’ Stalnaya says. “Clearly, this person had researched the company, understood the role, and came in ready to make an impact. Ignoring it wasn’t an option.”</p>

<p>If you’re a marketer, show that you know how to market yourself well for the position. Even refer to it when concluding the letter with something like, “I’m excited about this opportunity and know I’m the perfect fit for this position, especially from how well I marketed myself in this letter.” You can show your cleverness as long as you keep it professional.</p><p>For a few other examples, cover letters for designers that include an appealing design will help them stand out, while software engineers can include a code snippet they wrote that solved a past significant issue. This shows exactly how they solved a problem that aligns with the job description and the results it had.</p><h2>Catch their attention and don’t let go.&nbsp;</h2><p>Go above talking about your results and show them actual proof of your results. This can be a link to a public facing marketing campaign that you helped put together, a video you helped produce, published articles or designs, or any way that you can show results of your work and the quality of your work.&nbsp;</p>

a gif of a workout trainer saying I'm all about results 

<p>Hiring managers love links where they can easily navigate to your results and see first-hand how you’ll fit into the role.</p><h2>Wrap it up.</h2><p>Briefly summarize why you’re a good fit and how you’re excited for the opportunity to possibly be able to contribute to their team. Also Thank them for their time and consideration, and a call to action to discuss further with contact details attached.&nbsp;</p><h2>Cover Letter Template (With Examples)</h2><p>Do you need to create a new cover letter for each job you apply to? <strong>Yes.</strong></p>

gif of person crying with the text that says "job application"

<p>It’s a good thing we have a template for that!😊&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Use the below template and examples to put together your own cover letter:</strong></p><p>Your Name</p><p>City, State | Phone number | <a href="mailto:email@email.com">email@email.com</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a></p><p>Month Day, Year</p><p>Dear Hiring Manager,</p><p><strong>Introduction: </strong>[Start off with something that catches their attention, the position title you’re applying for, the company you’re applying at, and why you’re interested]&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Example: </strong>“With over 11 years of experience in IT and technical writing, I’m excited to apply for the Lead Technical Writer position at Oracle. I’m passionate about closing the communication gap in tech and that is not possible without data – something that was revolutionized thanks to Oracle. With the type of influence and the values Oracle holds, I feel like I would be making a real impact while being able to take the next big step in my career.”</p><p><strong>Body:</strong> [Go into a story that shows some of your accomplishments (2 or 3) and results that align with the position you’re applying for]&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Example of accomplishment 1: </strong>“The reason I’m so interested in this position is my proven track record as an engineer and technical writer. In my current Technical Writer role, I was able to increase the company’s monthly tech blog output by 100% [link to tech blog], with some of them reaching the first page of Google search results and boosting web traffic. Not only that, but their top competitors that already had entirely built out tech blogs, are now outdated compared to the output quality and frequency of my technical articles. This also caught the attention from other teams to have me help with other writing projects, such as product guides and internal knowledge hubs.”</p>

mark cuban gif of him nodding and writing

<p><strong>Example of accomplishment 2:</strong> “My past role as a Lead Reliability Engineer, after I was promoted from a Senior Software Engineer, really shows my experience and results in documentation and process improvement. Having governed a team of 40 ITSM (IT Service Management) managers and assisted them in building out their knowledge article hubs, internal documentation, and incident response processes, I was able to help reduce incident durations and decrease financial impact by 50% in one year for that department.”</p><p><strong>Example of how you would explain unconventional items on your resume, such as recent self-employment or employment gaps:</strong> “What might seem a little unconventional on my resume is my self-employment experience for the blog I run and the freelance writing I do: [link to a writing portfolio]. I still work on these projects part-time for only a few hours a week and it doesn’t interfere with my work as a technical writer. It was actually what helped me get my current job and grow my writing skills.”</p>

A gif of someone saying that's what makes me unique

<p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>[Show that you’re excited about the opportunity and look forward to speaking with them. Include a call-to-action with your contact details to set up a meeting and then thank them for their time.]&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Example: </strong>“I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to Oracle and am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your team. Please contact me at (XXX)XXX-XXXX or email@email.com to set a meeting to discuss the role further. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!”</p><p>Sincerely,</p><p>Your Name</p><h2>Last-Minute Tips for The Perfect Cover Letter</h2><p>When you think you’ve done your best work putting together your cover letter, it’s time to get a second set of eyes on it. You can ask a mentor or a colleague to take a look at it and provide any feedback they have.&nbsp;</p><p>If you keep in contact with any past managers on LinkedIn, it might be a good idea to message them and ask them to review it. It’s best to get a perspective from someone who regularly reads cover letters and is involved in hiring processes.</p>

a gif from michael from the office that says "I think that pretty much sums it up"

<p>Once you've submitted your cover letter, don’t forget to follow up!&nbsp;</p><p>Either way, you’re on your way to blow some hiring managers’ minds. We just know it.</p><p>Need more help with landing your next job and increasing your income? Browse our other resources, including guides on <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a> and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-myths">myths</a>, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">how to negotiate benefits</a>, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">how to ask for a raise</a>, and more!</p><p>That wraps it up for this week. 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, 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 a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@salarytransparentstreet.com">hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</a></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>

featured image banner with green background and a cover letter graphic with title text that says "how to write a cover letter"

How to Write An Unignorable Cover Letter (With Examples)

<p>Unpaid internships are often marketed as one of the few ways that students can gaid real-world experience in the beginning stages of their career. <strong>But are they really worth it?</strong></p><p><strong>Unpaid internships might as well scream “free labor”.</strong> They’re the epitome of being overworked and underpaid – asking for the same dedication, time, and effort as a paid job, but offering nothing in return except "experience" that may or may not lead to future opportunities.&nbsp;</p>

gif of person from game of thrones with caption saying screams internally

<p>This may seem especially insulting when there are several <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree</a> or unpaid work to break into.&nbsp;</p><p>When you’re seeking experience, but experience is usually required to get a job, unpaid internships seem like a viable answer. <strong>We interviewed an unpaid research assistant intern at the end of this video that had similar thoughts.</strong></p>

Did you negotiate your salary? New York City, NY📍Salary Transparent Street ™️

<p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>Unpaid internships are not fair to workers and exclude individuals who cannot afford to work without pay.</li><li>It depends on your specific circumstances if an unpaid internship is worth it or not.</li><li>Unpaid internships may be worth it if they're offering course credits while still in school, referrals, a future position at the company, or hands-on experience that transfers to real value on your resume.</li><li>Unpaid internships are not the only option to get started in a new career. <strong>60% of internships are actually paid.&nbsp;</strong></li><li>You don’t have to settle for an unpaid internship. <strong>The highest salary for interns recorded in our </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dintern&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters="><strong>Salary Database</strong></a><strong> is $71,000 a year!</strong></li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Paid vs. Unpaid Internships: The Pros &amp; Cons</h2><p>While the obvious upside to paid internships is the fact that they’re PAID, the downside to unpaid internships is that they’re not – which is a rather big con. It may seem like a slap in the face when offered an opportunity that doesn’t come with a paycheck. It’s essentially <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">pay discrimination</a> when companies think younger workers and those desperately seeking experience aren’t worth being paid fairly. We all know those companies are profiting off that labor in some way.</p>

steve harvey gif of game show question about paying employees fairly

<p><strong>What if you can’t afford to work for free?</strong> Without income, you may need to rely on savings, family support, or a part-time job, adding extra stress or limiting your ability to focus fully on the internship.&nbsp;</p><p>Whether the company agrees or not, <strong>unpaid internships may have a lasting impact on your future wages. </strong>That time spent at an unpaid internship may cause you to miss out on paid opportunities that may lead to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-interviews-2024">higher-paying jobs</a> down the line or other opportunities that align better with your long-term career goals.&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Annie Cole, EdD, is a former college academic advisor who suggests short-term unpaid internships may be more worth your while in that respect. “A full-time internship might not be possible to do without getting paid, while a 10-hour per week internship might be workable,” she says.</p>

How much do interns make? Washington, DC📍#salarytransparentstreet

<p>Unpaid internships may also not guarantee a full-time position or even a job offer, leaving you without a clear long-term opportunity. In some cases, unpaid interns may even end up doing menial tasks or not gaining valuable experience, making the internship less beneficial.</p><p>Having said that, there are still some advantages that come with unpaid internships. They can provide academic credits toward completing a degree, valuable hands-on experience, and connections in your field that can lead to job offers or referrals in the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You’ll also have a chance to see how things work in your field and develop <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">in-demand skills</a> and knowledge that can enhance your resume and make you more competitive in the job market. They may also help grow your portfolio.</p><p><strong>✍️ Need help with your resume? </strong>We’ve partnered with<a href="https://secure.money.com/lp/resume-builder/lp/best-resume-builders-sts?pcuid=keae7ea2e027&amp;jump_from_embed=true&amp;wafid=" rel="sponsored"> Money.com’s top-rated resume builders</a> to help you build a professional resume fast, <i>even if you're starting from scratch</i>.</p>

<h2>Are unpaid internships worth it?</h2><p>It depends on the person and the specific unpaid internship for whether or not the unpaid internship is worth it.&nbsp;</p><p>Cole suggests asking yourself, “<strong>Will this internship help accelerate my pathway to my dream career?</strong>”. “If the answer is 'Yes', then it's something to seriously consider. Even just a few months of strong unpaid internship experience can transform your resume and make you a shoe-in for the job you want after graduation,” she adds.</p><p><strong>Ask yourself these questions to help decide:</strong></p><ul><li>Can you afford it?</li><li>What skills and experience will it give you and how will those help you in your field?</li><li>What valuable connections and mentorship can you gain?</li><li>Will it provide academic credits that will go towards a degree?</li><li>Does it provide a path to a paying position at the same company?</li><li>Can you find any paid internship opportunities that are similar?</li></ul><p>If the internship promises a future paid position at the company, you’re someone who can afford to take on unpaid work, or are still in school seeking academic credits, an unpaid internship may work for you. <i>That’s if it seems like something that you will gain valuable experience from and gives you an advantage on your resume.</i></p><h2>Are unpaid internships legal?</h2><p>Honestly, any form of free labor should be illegal. Unfortunately, the current law says otherwise.&nbsp;</p><p>Unpaid internships are legal under the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/compliance-assistance/handy-reference-guide-flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)</a> if they primarily benefit the intern rather than the employer and meet the criteria of the Department of Labor's “primary beneficiary test,” which examines factors like educational training.</p>

a person standing outside in a jacket saying of course it is

<p>If the work is for academic credit or within the bounds of being considered a learning environment, those unpaid internships are considered legal. These internships must also not displace paid employees or directly contribute to the employer’s profit.</p><p>To check if an unpaid internship is legal, review the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/71-flsa-internships">DOL's internship guidelines</a> and ensure it meets the seven factors outlined, including receiving meaningful learning opportunities and not displacing paid employees. Consult an employment lawyer if you have concerns about a particular program.</p><h2>How to Find Paid Internships Instead</h2><p>As much as it’s beneficial to gain as much experience as you can in the beginning of your career, unpaid internships are not the only option.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>With 60.2% of internships being paid</strong>, according to the <a href="https://ccwt.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CCWT_NSCI-2021-Report.pdf"><i>National Survey of College Internships Report</i></a> by the University of Wisconsin Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions, you may even have better luck focusing on applying to paid internships rather than unpaid ones. <strong>Some interns are making as much as $71,000 a year, </strong>according to the highest salary recorded in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dintern&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Salary Database</a>.</p><p><strong>There are a few sites available to current students and grads to help find paid internships, including:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://gogovernment.org/federal-internship-finder/">The Federal Internship Finder</a> - filter on “paid”</li><li><a href="https://internmatch.io/">InternMatch</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.wayup.com/s/internships/">WayUp</a></li><li><a href="https://joinhandshake.com/">Handshake</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.chegg.com/about/working-at-chegg/internships/">Chegg</a></li><li>Your school’s job listing job site or alumni network</li></ul><p>We believe you deserve to get paid for your work!</p><p><strong>Don’t forget to browse our other resources as you get your career started:</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/can-you-lose-a-job-offer-by-negotiating-salary">Can You Lose a Job Offer By Negotiating Salary?</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>That wraps it up for this week. Until next time, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer turned writer 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 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>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>

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