How much do you think your job is worth? Do you think your salary is fair, or do you believe you put in more than you get out?Have you reached a point in your career where you're making enough money to feel successful, or do you think you still have a ways to go, incomewise, before you've truly made it?
Money and its association with achievement is an interesting subject to explore, especially given today's turbulent economic climate. What do workers need in their pockets to feel prosperous?
To find out, CareerBuilder asked workers: What salary do you equate with success? Perhaps surprisingly, 28 percent of respondents said they would feel successful earning less than six figures -- between $50,000 and $70,000 to be exact.
Knowing this, we took a look at occupations that pay $65,000. While any number of factors can influence income -- including education, location and level, it's still interesting to see what jobs pay within that sweet spot of success. Here are details on seven of those occupations:
1. Fashion designer*
What they do: It's one thing to love fashion, and it's another thing to have the skills and talent to create fashion. Fashion designers produce original clothing, accessories and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns and provide guidance on how to construct the designs. In 2010, 29 percent of fashion designers worked for apparel, piece goods and notions merchant wholesalers, more than in any other area.
Median annual pay: $64,530
Typical education level needed to enter occupation: High-school diploma or equivalent
2. Microbiologist
What they do: Were you an A student in your high-school biology class? If so, you might be interested in becoming a microbiologist. Microbiologists study the growth, development and other characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi. Microbiologists work in laboratories and offices, and most work full time and keep regular hours.
Median annual pay: $65,920
Typical education level needed: Bachelor's degree
3. Occupational health and safety specialist
What they do: These specialists are called in to analyze and report on work environments and procedures. Their job is to ensure that companies are adhering to proper safety, health and environmental regulations. They also create programs that help prevent workplace disease and injury or environmental damage.
Median annual pay: $64,660
Typical education level needed: Bachelor's degree
4. Orthotist and prosthetist
What they do: Orthotists and prosthetists design medical support devices and measure and fit patients for them. These devices include artificial limbs -- arms, hands, legs and feet -- braces and other medical or surgical devices. These professionals may be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain materials. That's why it's important they follow proper safety procedures, such as wearing goggles, gloves and masks.
Median annual pay: $65,060
Typical education level needed: Master's degree
5. Personal financial adviser
What they do: Some people are better at handling their personal finances than others. For those who love to crunch numbers, a job as a personal financial adviser might be appealing. These professionals are hired to help with everything from investments to taxes to insurance decisions. Employment is projected to grow by 32 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. This can be attributed mainly to baby boomers approaching retirement age and seeking planning advice from financial experts.
Median annual pay: $64,750
Typical education level needed: Bachelor's degree
6. Power plant operator, distributor and dispatcher
What they do: Power plant operators, distributors and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power. Providing electricity is a 24-hour job, so these workers need to be available around the clock. They usually work 8 to 12 hours at a time and switch off taking the less desirable overnight shifts.
Median annual pay: $65,360
Typical education level needed: High-school diploma or equivalent
7. Registered nurse
What they do: Registered nursing is not only the largest health-care occupation, it's also one of today's hottest fields. These nurses have both practical and emotional responsibilities, from coordinating and providing patient care to comforting patients and their families. While all RNs must be licensed, they may take one of three common education paths: a bachelor's of science degree in nursing, an associate degree in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program.
Median annual pay: $64,690
Typical education level needed: Associate degree
Source: careerbuilder