40 High-Paying Jobs That Don't Require A Bachelor's Degree

Each offers an average annual salary of at least $58,000

By Business Insider

Getty Images

By Vivian Giang

In today's uncertain economy, a college education no longer guarantees you a high-paying job. But on the flip side, if you don't want to go to college, you don't have to - you can still get a high-paying job without a bachelor's degree. According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are the 40 highest-paying jobs that don't require workers to have a four-year college degree. Each has an annual salary of at least $58,000.

The median annual wages listed are calculated to include hourly, weekly, and annual pay, as well as sales commissions and production bonuses. Overtime wages are not included in the data. We also provided the expected job openings through 2022 and the work experience or on-the-job training needed for a particular job.

Compared to last year's list, newcomer jobs include makeup artists, transportation inspectors, and funeral service managers. Out of all of the jobs, registered nurses have the most projected openings through 2022 with 1,052,600 estimated positions. 

40. Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products

Median annual wage: (2012): $58,760

Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent

Projected job openings (through 2022): 61,600

Work experience: None

Description: Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment.

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

Find a job now as a purchasing agent.

39. Computer Network Support Specialists

Median annual wage (2012): $59,090

Degree required: Associate's degree

Projected job openings (through 2022): 39,600

Work experience: None

Description: Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system.

On-the-job training: None

Find a job now as a computer network support specialist.

38. Engineering technicians, except drafters

Median annual wage (2012): $59,440

Degree required: Associate's degree

Projected job openings (through 2022): 14,600

Work experience: None

Description: Solve technical problems. Some help engineers and scientists do research and development.

On-the-job training: None

Find a job now as a engineering technician.

37. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers

Median annual wage (2012): $59,700

Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent

Projected job openings (through 2022): 187,100

Work experience: Five years or more

Description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

On-the-job training: None

Find a job now in construction trades.

36. Artists and related workers

Median annual wage (2012): $59,840

Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent

Projected job openings (through 2022): 2,700

Work experience: None

Description: Represents creative occupations with a wide range of characteristics.

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

Find a job now as an artist.

35. Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Median annual wage (2012): $59,960

Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent

Projected job openings (through 2022): 80,300

Work experience: None

Description: Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims.

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

Find a job now as a claims adjusters, examiner, or investigator.

34. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers

Median annual wage (2012): $60,250

Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent

Projected job openings (through 2022): 152,000

Work experience: Less than five years

Description: Coordinate mechanic's activities.

On-the-job training: None

Find a job now as a mechanics or installer supervisor.

33. Gas plant operators

Median annual wage (2012): $61,140

Degree required: High school diploma or equivalent

Projected job openings (through 2022): 4,700

Work experience: None

Description: Control systems and do round checks to make sure everything is working properly.

On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

Find a job now as a gas plant operator.

32. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians

Median annual wage (2012): $61,530

Degree required: Associate's degree

Projected job openings (through 2022): 2,100

Work experience: None

Description: Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used in developing, testing, and producing new aircraft and spacecraft

On-the-job training: None

Cool Jobs: 5 Interesting Careers That Are Easy To Break Into

By AOL Jobs Contributor

By Debra Auerbach and Harris Effron

Everyone wants a cool job. The kind of fun job that gets you excited to go to work every day-and inspires envy or at least a little curiosity in others. But what makes a job cool is subjective.

A career that involves drinking beer or joking around with Mickey Mouse might be appealing to your neighbor -- but inspire dread in you. And of course, some cool jobs are so coveted that you need to be exceptionally lucky to land one. But these are five awesome jobs that are fairly easy to break into and will be sure to make most of your friends and family say, "Wow, what a great job!" 

1. Brewmaster

Who wouldn't want a job where you get to drink beer all day? OK, maybe that's not exactly what a brewmaster does, but the job does involve beer, and if you like beer, this may be the career for you. Brewmasters create the beer served at breweries, which involves everything from developing concepts to taste-testing to running the business side of the operation. Cheers to that.

Average Salary: $49,536*

Background Needed: You can always start at the homebrew level, or get training from the several programs offered at brewing institutions throughout the country, like this one at the American Brewers Guild, or at theSiebel Institute of Technology.

Where The Jobs Are: The states with the highest breweries per capita (based on 2010 census data) are Vermont, Oregon and Montana. Not surprisingly, California has the most total breweries, with 245.

2. Disney character

If you consider yourself a princess, why not officially become one in the role of a Disney or other theme-park character? To get the gig, hopefuls must first attend auditions. According to the Disney Auditions website, since many of the characters don't speak, this position relies on movement, physical coordination and attitude. So start brushing up on your Snow White smile or Prince Charming chivalry.

Average Salary: $54,995

Background Needed: No formal education is required for this job, but it always helps to have dancing and/or acting experience.

Where The Jobs Are: Head to Orlando, Fla., for Disney World Resort, or Anaheim, Calif., for Disneyland.

3. Stylist

Do you know what colorblocking is? Is fall your favorite season because of New York Fashion Week? Do you consider Rachel Zoe to be your idol? If you answered yes to all three, perhaps you're destined for a career as a fashion stylist. As a stylist, you might do anything from staging a photo shoot, to outfitting clients for awards shows, to overseeing the creative execution of a magazine spread. Stylists may work independently, at fashion houses or for magazines.

Average salary: $66,991

Background Needed: While a formal education is not required, getting a degree in a related field could be helpful for your portfolio. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits approximately 300 institutions with relevant programs.

Where The Jobs Are: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2010, almost 75 percent of fashion design jobs were either in California or New York.

4. Video-game tester

Yes, all you video-game fanatics, this job really does exist. Spend your days testing out new video games and providing suggestions for improved functionality or a better user experience. Conduct research and gather competitive intelligence on other games on the market to help create a better product. Brag to your friends and family that you get to play new games before anyone else.

Average salary: $71,685

Background Needed: Not much more than a high-school diploma. Some video game testers need to submit a writing sample. For more advanced video-gaming professions, education in game designing or computer science can be helpful.

5. Candy maker

As a candy maker, you get to be a kid in a candy store every day. Depending on what part of the confectionary manufacturing business you're interested in, jobs can be found in research and development, machine operations, or packaging, among other areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical education level needed to enter this occupation is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Just make sure to get regular dental checkups.

Average salary: $34,849

Background Needed: While most food processing operators learn on the job, some math or English skills might be required due to the increasing complexity of candy-making equipment. Manufacturing experience can also come in handy.

18 High-Paying Careers That You've Probably Never Heard Of

By Business Insider

By Max Nisen

A grim job market and crushing student debt have many people second guessing their higher education decisions. Nearly half of recent grads regret choosing their school or major.

A recent Reddit thread asked for some great careers that college kids have no idea even exist.

Here are some of the best potential alternatives to spending four years on a degree and racking up student loans, or potential alternative paths to people who graduate and find themselves working in retail.

Air traffic controller

"After school and training it pays an average of 100k a year, but there is an age limit to get accepted." – Kate1320

"My father is an ATC at Pearson. 200k a year with brilliant benefits. He provided a great quality of life for my family." – 1stOnRT1

Some caveats detailed here.

Tower technician

"I've been doing this for a few years and I'll pull in roughly 60-70k this year. It's great if you like working outdoors, like heights, and enjoy traveling. It's hard to get bored when you're in a new town every week working with guys who have your back.

"There's a big push in projects right now that's causing a lot of companies to hire on new guys. Starting wages should be no lower than $20 / hour and most places will give you plenty of overtime.

"The cool thing is you don't need a college degree, or any kind of education (personally, I have my Bachelors in an unrelated field)." – IClimbStuff

Geomatic engineering/Land surveying

"Most surveyors are old, for instance, the average age of a surveyor in the state of CA is in the mid to late fifties, which means you will definitely get a job out of college and you can quickly work your way up to a decent 6 figure income once you get your professional license." – TheGeomatician

"Yes. Definitely yes. My dad actually worked for a surveyor for a while and has done surveying off and on as a technician. Made a livable income for someone who dropped out of college after a semester and funded a very heavy smoking habit. I've considered getting a side job with a surveyor in a year or two since part of my current degree involves Geographic Information Systems." – da_asparagus

Industrial design

"People think I design factories when I mention it, and half the designers I know stumbled upon the field by chance themselves. I'm actually surprised, given how industrial designers have had a hand in pretty much everything that's ever been mass-manufactured.

"As a career, industrial design is a great fusion of art and engineering. The problems are challenging, the work is varied and creative, and design consultancies have some of the best work environments and cultures you could ask for. And at the core of it all, you're tasked with answering the question, 'what sort of future do we want to live in?' Design is so much more than making things shiny.

"How many other jobs pay you a starting salary of 50K+ to do this for a living?" – Grizzleyt

Unexploded ordnance technician

"Takes about 12k and a month and a half of school, then about 65k Starting, 80k In three years, and 100k plus in 8 years. Have to be willing to live out of a suitcase, and you get to blow things up." – Kriieod

Court stenographer

"It's a three-year program (on average -- took me four to finish), but if you're proficient in grammar, have strong language skills, have solid finger dexterity from playing an instrument or video games, and are able to work independently, it's an incredible career.

"You work from home most of the time, lawyers very rarely schedule depositions before 10:00 a.m., you can make your own schedule, and the pay is great. Your pay reflects how hard you want to work and the jobs you're getting, but I made 65k my first year and nearly 80k my second." – Bad_Karma21

Packaging engineering

"There are only a few schools who offer this degree but the level of difficulty is not high and the unemployment rate after graduation is incredibly low. Also you are likely to be hired to Fortune 500 companies, (P&G, Johnson & Johnson, Bemis, etc.)" – Klarkson1273

Anesthesiology assistant

"You have to do a premed track in undergrad, but then go to a 2 year masters program which has 100% job placement and the average starting salary is about 120k.

"I never knew about it as an undergrad and wasted a few years getting another masters in an unrelated field and working for a bit." – parallax1

Hearing aid practitioner/Audiologist

"I don't think many people realize just how many practitioners are going to be needed in [the] not too distant future. The baby boomers are getting older and a lot of them will need hearing aids. Along with that, you have the ipod generation who crank headphone volumes too loud." – the-d-man

"You mean an Audiologist? Jobs jobs everywhere. Same goes for speech pathologists. Requires a grad degree and a lot of clinic hours, state certification, but the pay is great and jobs are plentiful. Work is rewarding too, helping people communicate who otherwise couldn't is pretty rad." – PaleoVision

Physician assistant

"The short of it is a 2-2.5 year long post-grad program, and then you're able to work in the industry with a comparatively high level of independence and earning 6 figures doing something that results in one feeling as though they're making some sort of difference.

"It's not an easy way out, of course, but it's so much less commitment than Medical School, and with the way Med School costs are going, it's very possible that throughout the entirety of your career you can out-earn many doctors who don't specialize in a particularly expensive specialty. And this also comes with the ability to change specialties without going back to school." – You_Dont_Party

Hospital technology repair

"My brother in law ( and hopefully myself after graduation ) works for a medical repair company. He made 55k starting, 15/hr during the internship, and owned his own house at 23. They fly him around for free whenever someone out of state calls." – CurioustoaFault

"As a former biomed technician, I can confirm that it's a very solid industry to get in on. Medical equipment (even on the smaller scale, infusion pumps, defibrillators, god damn portable suction machines) are ridiculously overpriced, and with this comes huge maintenance prices too. I remember one week in particular, our team of four technicians working on a particular job billed $35,000+ for our company simply doing routine checks on certain equipment in one of the nearby hospitals." – Bananaman_lives

Internal auditing

"Fellow auditor here, and I couldn't agree more. Large companies have management training rotations in audit because of the risk/controls knowledge you get and the broad understanding of processes, so it's definitely a good track to leadership.

"I also find it financially rewarding. 6 years out of undergrad, over $100k/year." – Xomegaalpha

Environmental management

"Anything to do with the environment, it doesn't matter which party is in charge. If you don't get something private sector out in Alberta you can always go up to the territories for an easy 100,000$ a year. That doesn't mean it won't suck, but you're fresh out of university (college for all you weird people) you can't and shouldn't be picky for the first few years and it's good money." – pru555

Bioinformatics

"Sequencing technology is getting cheaper & amount of data is increasing while there [are] not enough people to analyze it." – bio-hack

Mining engineer

"It can be cyclical (bit of a miner lull right now in my specific resource/location right now) but on a good year it is white hot. I signed on to a $100k salary (+bonus+benefits) straight out of my bachelors degree at 23 for a job that had me moving across the planet (Canada to Australia). The year I graduated we finished school in May and 80% of my graduating class had jobs lined up already and the remainder found jobs by the end of July.

"I was on the higher end for salaries (most making about $80k) There's worldwide options especially if you get educated in a Western University. Mining Engineers in the US make a little less (~$65k) but for the amount of people working for $30k on masters degrees in other industries, you can't really complain. You do have to be willing to live in remote areas." – truffleshufflegoonie

Funeral director

"My friends whole family are morticians and funeral directors. Not one of them makes less than $50k. One of them finished mortician science school at 20 and started making $60k as an apprentice and in a couple years he'll be a full blown embalmer making twice that." – Austronano

Geospatial/geographic information systems

"It's basically the 21st century version of cartography and it's a field that ranges everything from making maps (think Google Maps or Garmin), pollution tracking, civil planning, interpretation of satellite imagery, and countless other uses.

"It primarily centers around the use of GIS programs like ArcMap or GrassGIS to graphically represent quantitative data.

"Employers LOVE it and demand for it is high. It's one of the few jobs you can do well in with a bachelor's degree too, masters are rather specialized and go more into satellite work or high level statistics generally. Starting wages are generally 40-60k a year from what I've seen but there's a lot of room to move around and move up the ladder." – Shorvok

The best jobs for 2014

• By Susan Ricker

2014 is just around the corner, and so is the opportunity to score an in-demand, high-paying job in the New Year. CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists International compiled a dozen hot jobs that are not only growing, but pay well too.  The list was based on occupations that grew 7 percent or more from 2010 to 2013, are projected to increase in 2014, and fall within a higher-wage category of $22 per hour or more.

Not only do these jobs offer financial and career security, but they also contribute to the economic growth of other occupations. But be ready to prove your skills if you want one of these roles.

 “More high-wage jobs will be created in 2014 which will, in turn, fuel the creation of jobs at lower pay levels,” says Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder and co-author of The Talent Equation.  “The challenge is many of these in-demand, skilled positions are in areas where companies are already experiencing a shortage of qualified labor.  As a nation, we need to focus on reskilling workers of all ages and providing them with affordable education to catch up to labor demands in technology, health care and other key sectors.”

Whether you’ve already got the talent it’ll take to get one of these jobs, are considering a career switch or are looking ahead, consider these high-wage jobs that are the best for 2014.

1. Software developer, applications and systems software
Total employment in 2013: 1,042,402 jobs
Added 104,348 jobs from 2010-2013, up 11 percent
Median hourly earnings: $45.06

2. Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Total employment in 2013: 438,095 jobs
Added 54,979 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $29.10

3. Training and development specialist
Total employment in 2013: 231,898 jobs
Added 18,042 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent
Median hourly earnings: $27.14 

4. Financial analyst
Total employment in 2013: 257,159 jobs
Added 17,060 jobs from 2010-2013, up 7 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.34 

5. Physical therapist
Total employment in 2013: 207,132 jobs
Added 14,011 jobs from 2010-2013, up 7 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.93

6. Web developer
Total employment in 2013: 136,921 jobs
Added 13,364 jobs from 2010-2013, up 11 percent
Median hourly earnings: $27.84 

7. Logistician
Total employment in 2013: 127,892 jobs
Added 11,897 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent
Median hourly earnings: $35.08 

8. Database administrator
Total employment in 2013: 119,676 jobs
Added 11,241 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.39 

9. Meeting, convention and event planner
Total employment in 2013: 87,082 jobs
Added 10,867 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $22.56 

10. Interpreter and translator
Total employment in 2013: 69,887
Added 8,377 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $22.39 

11. Petroleum engineer
Total employment in 2013: 40,733
Added 7,158 jobs from 2010-2013, up 21 percent
Median hourly earnings: $63.67 

12. Information security analyst
Total employment in 2013: 75,995
Added 5,671 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent
Median hourly earnings: $41.62

Best 22 Tech Companies To Work For

Glassdoor list of employee faves contains a few surprises

By Business Insider

Flickr

By Julie Bort

Of all the companies in the nation, which ones are the best to work for according to their own employees?

That's the question that Glassdoor's annual list of the 50 Best Places to Work answers. (See a list of the top 25, here.)

Interestingly, almost half of the best rated companies (22 of them) were tech companies. So we created this list that ranks only tech companies.

And the outcome was surprising.

For instance, Apple didn't make it into the top 10. There are a few companies on this list we bet you've never heard of. Most of the best tech companies offer enterprise tech, not consumer tech.
Glassdoor filtered through over half a million company reviews submitted by during the past 12 months to come up with its list of 50. It ranked companies based on how employees rated the company's CEO, its business strategy and the positive and negative things they said.

No. 22: Salesforce.com knows how to work hard play hard

APMarc Benioff, chief executive of Salesforce.com.

Name: Salesforce.com

Employee rating: 3.8 out of 5

Headquarters: San Francisco

What it does: Salesforce.com offers a cloud computing service that helps companies find and support customers.

What employees say: "Very vibrant culture which is focused on education and growth. Company knows how to work and play hard. Very socially minded with a focus on 'foundation' and employees that are generally very nice and respectful." – Salesforce.com Customer Success Employee (San Francisco, CA)

No. 21: eBay is a great opportunity to learn and grow

FlickrKaraoke at the eBay office in London.

Name: eBay

Employee rating: 3.8 out of 5

Headquarters: San Jose, CA

What it does: eBay is an online Internet ecommerce site best known for letting consumers sell stuff through online auctions.

What employees say: "Great opportunity for growth and work with great people who are friendly and are willing to help. I am able to learn a lot of new things while on the job. It's a good learning experience for me." – eBay Inc Software Engineer III (Santa Clara, CA)

No. 20: Texas Instruments is a huge company chock full of opportunity

Bloomberg via Getty Images

Name: Texas Instruments

Employee rating: 3.8 out of 5

Headquarters: Dallas

What it does: Texas Instruments is a semiconductor manufacturer.

What employees say: "TI is an older company with great values but still has the expertise to be a great competitive technology company. TI is a huge company and has a foot in many areas, so there are good opportunities." – Texas Instruments Senior Software Engineer (Dallas, TX)

No. 19: NetApp is a fun culture with serious tech

PKMousie/FlickrNetApp employees trying to form themselves into the shape of the company's logo.

Name: NetApp

Employee rating: 3.8 out of 5

Headquarters: Sunnyvale, CA

What it does: NetApp offers enterprise computer storage products.

What employees say: "Great co-workers! There are tons of opportunities here. The company makes you feel important and goes out of the way to make you feel comfortable and enjoy coming to work. There are always activities and events to take part in." – NetApp Technical Support Engineer (Wichita, KS)

No. 18: Citrx is a well-managed company full of nice people

Bloomberg via Getty ImagesMark Templeton, chief executive officer of Citrix Systems Inc.

Name: Citrix Systems

Employee rating: 3.8 out of 5

Headquarters: Fort Lauderdale, FL

What it does: Citrix makes enterprise software that allows PCs and devices to remotely access corporate apps and data.

What employees say: "Awesome team dynamics. Great work life balance. Awesome team level management." – Citrix Systems Software Engineer II (Santa Barbara, CA)

No. 17: CareerBuilder.com is a place to find your next job

Bloomberg via Getty ImagesJob seekers crowd around a Home Depot booth during the Careerbuilder.com career fair in New York, U.S.

Name: CareerBuilder.com

Employee rating: 3.8 out of 5

Headquarters: Chicago

What it does: CareerBuilder.com is a website for job seekers and recruiters.

What employees say: "Your career at CareerBuilder is what you make of it. There are many opportunities but you have to go get them, nothing will be handed to you. I love that I have worked here for many, many years yet I still continue to learn and grow every day. The people I work with are wonderful for the most part and we all truly care about this organization." – CareerBuilder Employee (Norcross, GA)

No. 16: Apple offers great pay at a highly admired company

APAn Apple employee riles up his coworkers outside the Fifth Avenue Apple store to celebrate the release of the iPhone 5, Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, in New York.

Name: Apple

Employee rating: 3.8 out of 5

Headquarters: Cupertino, CA

What it does: Apple makes the Macintosh PC, iPad tablet, iPhone smartphone, and other consumer tech devices and software.

What employees say: "Large stable company. Good compensation and stock bonuses (RSUs). Diverse set of challenges and products to work on. Many opportunities for career growth: technically and managerially." – Apple Employee (Cupertino, CA).

No. 15: Intel is full of smart people and great benefits

APAn Intel employee holds up a Intel Pentium IV "chipset."

Name: Intel

Employee rating: 3.8 out of 5

Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA

What it does: Intel is a semiconductor manufacturer best known for processors that power PCs and servers.

What employees say: "Two months paid sabbatical every 7 years. Flexible work from home policy. Incredibly smart colleagues. Opportunities for international assignments. Easy to switch roles/divisions. Lots of great free classes for career development." – Intel Senior Financial Analyst (Santa Clara, CA)

No 14: Rackspace is a powerhouse in cloud computing

FlickrRackspace employees show off their real and fake tattoo sleeves.

Name: Rackspace

Employee rating: 3.9 out of 5

Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas

What it does: Rackspace offers cloud computing and web hosting services to enterprises.

What employees say: "Strong sense of culture, laid-back work environment, upward mobility, strong support system from managers. Leadership demonstrates sincere interest in individual employees." – Rackspace Cloud Acquisitions Employee (San Antonio, CA)

No. 13: National Instruments offers interesting work and great work/life balance

FlickrA man challenges National Instrument's Guitar Hero-playing robot.

Name: National Instruments

Employee rating: 3.9 out of 5

Headquarters: Austin, TX

What it does: National Instruments makes test equipment for building tech products.

What employees say: "Great place to start a career, lots of options and opportunity for growth. It's easy to find roles that stay interesting. Work-life balance is encouraged frequently." – National Instruments Applications Engineer (Austin, TX)

No. 12: Red Hat is changing the software industry with a unique culture

FlickrEmployees at the Red Hat office in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Name: Red Hat

Employee rating: 4 out of 5

Headquarters: Raleigh, NC

What it does: Red Hat offers open source software for enterprises including a popular version of Linux.

What employees say: "Transparent work environment; very talented and hard working workforce; strong culture; employees care about company success; approachable leadership team; minimal politics." – Red Hat Manager (Raleigh, NC)

No. 11: MathWorks is a place for mathaholics who like great perks

FlickrGovernor Deval Patrick talks to MathWorks employees in 2010.

Name: MathWorks

Employee rating: 4 out of 5

Headquarters: Natick, MA

What it does: MathWorks makes computational software for engineers and scientists.

What employees say: "Lots of interesting projects, collaboration with other teams, and an opportunity to shine. A culture of respecting and investing in each other. Great work environment with individual offices, new facilities, and many perks." – MathWorks Marketing Manager (Natick, MA)

No. 10: Intuit is a well-run company with great pay

APAn exterior view of Intuit headquarters is shown in Mountain View, Calif.

Name: Intuit

Employee rating: 4.1 out of 5

Headquarters: Mountain View, CA

What it does: Intuit makes financial and tax preparation software for consumers and small businesses.

What employees say: "Customer focused. Innovative. Respect and appreciation for work well done. People are very smart and nice to each other. Salary and bonus are excellent. Work life balance." – Intuit Staff Software Engineer (Mountain View, CA)

No. 9: Riverbed is a big company that feels as friendly as a startup

APRiverbed Technology CEO Jerry Kennelly and colleagues attend the opening bell at the Nasdaq stock market.

Name: Riverbed Technology

Employee rating: 4.1 out of 5

Headquarters: San Francisco

What it does: Riverbed makes hardware and software that helps enterprise networks run faster.

What employees say: "A work-life balance that's truly achievable and a workplace with no egos or politics. Our leaders are not only super smart/dynamic but also very down-to-earth, approachable, and fun to be around." – Riverbed Technology Senior Director (San Francisco, CA).

No. 8: Slalom Consulting is part work, part play

Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Patrick Cashin.Representatives from Slalom Consulting accept the award for NYC Station Finder.

Name: Slalom Consulting

Employee rating: 4.1 out of 5

Headquarters: Seattle

What it does: Slalom Consulting is a tech consulting service that helps business in areas like big software projects and cloud computing.

What employees say: "Compelling projects that allow you to showcase and grow your skills. A senior leadership team that makes time and effort to get to know consultants both personally and professionally. A culture that provides a fun environment and leads to people that enjoy spending time together in and out of the office." – Slalom Consulting Consultant (Atlanta, GA)

No 7: Qualcomm is a workplace filled with smart, but humble, people

APTechnicians monitor the screen in the Medio Flo center at Qualcomm offices in San Diego.

Name: Qualcomm

Employee rating: 4.2 out of 5

Headquarters: San Diego, CA

What it does: Qualcomm is a semiconductor manufacturer best known for its Snapdragon processors that power smartphones and other mobile devices.

What employees say: "Visionary leader, great technology portfolio and offers opportunities to work on many different projects, rewards performance well, wide access to learning and development opportunities, very good IT systems and support, family-oriented company, good benefits, just a great company to work for filled with smart, innovative, nice humble people." – Qualcomm Senior Learning & Development Specialist (San Diego, CA)

No. 6: Google can be a life-changing experience

APA family member of a Google worker rides a Google bike at Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif.

Name: Google

Employee rating: 4.3 out of 5

Headquarters: Mountain View, CA

What it does: Google operates the world's largest Internet search engine and makes the Android operating system. It makes most of its money from advertising.

What employees say: "Lots of smart people, fantastic perks. I learned more here than I have anywhere else in my professional history. The older teams, such as infrastructure and apps have people that can teach you more in an hour than you learn many places in your entire tenure." – Google Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)

No. 5: Interactive Intelligence offers lots of challenges and lots of opportunity.

Interactive Intelligence/Facebook

Name: Interactive Intelligence

Employee rating: 4.3 out of 5

Headquarters: Indianapolis, IN

What it does: A company that provides software for telephone communications at enterprises and for call centers.

What employees say: "Flexible environment, high-caliber personnel, competitive compensation, strong leadership, company has solid finances and is in high-growth mode. Interesting technology and challenging problems to solve." – Interactive Intelligence Lead Software Engineer (Indianapolis, IN)

No. 4: Guidewire is an all-around nice place to work.

APGuidewire Software president and CEO Marcus Ryu, third from right, is applauded as he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange.

Name: Guidewire Software

Employee rating: 4.5 out of 5

Headquarters: Foster City, CA

What it does: Guidewire offers software for the property and life insurance industry.

What employees say: "Smart and disciplined coworkers. Products that customers love. Minimal corporate politics. Plentiful social events. Great salary and benefits." – Guidewire Senior Software Engineer (Foster City, CA)

No. 3: Facebook showers employees with perks and support

AP

Name: Facebook

Employee rating: 4.5 out of 5

Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA

What it does: Facebook is a social network where people can share their thoughts and photos with friends. It makes most of its money through advertising.

What employees say: "Excellent benefits and employee perks - on-site health care, chiropractor, acupuncture, gym and many others I haven't tried out yet. Another huge bonus for me is the support I have here as a woman in the tech community, it's pretty amazing." – Facebook Program Manager (Menlo Park, CA)

No 2: LinkedIn is changing the business world and employees love it

FlickrLinkedin employees and other competitors attempt to break the Guinness World Record for largest human centipede in San Fransisco.

Name: LinkedIn

Employee rating: 4.6 out of 5

Headquarters: Mountain View, CA

What it does: LinkedIn is a social network for professionals. It sells premium subscriptions and job recruiting services.

What employees say: "The people here all live and breathe our values and it is truly inspiring to come to work every day. Our work is educating professionals and I hear stories each day about how we have transformed their lives!" – – LinkedIn Enterprise Sales Manager (Chicago, IL).

No. 1: Twitter is setting the new standard for a successful tech company

FlickrCafeteria at the Twitter headquarters.

Name: Twitter

Employee rating: 4.6 out of 5

Headquarters: San Francisco

What it does: Twitter offers a social media service where people can share their thoughts with the word in 140 characters or less. It generates revenue through advertising.

What employees say: "Twitter is an exceptionally transparent place. Senior team sets that bar very high. Also, we are charting our own course - not copying the playbook set out by other companies." – Twitter Director (San Francisco, CA)

12 Best Jobs For 2014 That Pay Up to $60 Per Hour

High-paying jobs that offer financial and career security

By CareerBuilder

Getty ImagesPhysical therapist working with a patient.

By Susan Ricker

2014 is just around the corner, and so is the opportunity to score an in-demand, high-paying job in the New Year. CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists International compiled a dozen hot jobs that are not only growing, but pay well too. The list was based on occupations that grew 7 percent or more from 2010 to 2013, are projected to increase in 2014, and fall within a higher-wage category of $22 per hour or more.

Not only do these jobs offer financial and career security, but they also contribute to the economic growth of other occupations. But be ready to prove your skills if you want one of these roles.

"More high-wage jobs will be created in 2014 which will, in turn, fuel the creation of jobs at lower pay levels," says Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder and co-author of The Talent Equation. "The challenge is many of these in-demand, skilled positions are in areas where companies are already experiencing a shortage of qualified labor. As a nation, we need to focus on reskilling workers of all ages and providing them with affordable education to catch up to labor demands in technology, health care and other key sectors."

Whether you've already got the talent it'll take to get one of these jobs, are considering a career switch or are looking ahead, consider these high-wage jobs that are the best for 2014:

1. Software developer, applications and systems software
Total employment in 2013: 1,042,402 jobs
Added 104,348 jobs from 2010-2013, up 11 percent
Median hourly earnings: $45.06

2. Market research analyst and marketing specialist
Total employment in 2013: 438,095 jobs
Added 54,979 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $29.10

3. Training and development specialist
Total employment in 2013: 231,898 jobs
Added 18,042 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent
Median hourly earnings: $27.14

4. Financial analyst
Total employment in 2013: 257,159 jobs
Added 17,060 jobs from 2010-2013, up 7 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.34

5. Physical therapist
Total employment in 2013: 207,132 jobs
Added 14,011 jobs from 2010-2013, up 7 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.93

6. Web developer
Total employment in 2013: 136,921 jobs
Added 13,364 jobs from 2010-2013, up 11 percent
Median hourly earnings: $27.84

7. Logistician
Total employment in 2013: 127,892 jobs
Added 11,897 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent
Median hourly earnings: $35.08

8. Database administrator
Total employment in 2013: 119,676 jobs
Added 11,241 jobs from 2010-2013, up 10 percent
Median hourly earnings: $37.39

9. Meeting, convention and event planner
Total employment in 2013: 87,082 jobs
Added 10,867 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $22.56

10. Interpreter and translator
Total employment in 2013: 69,887
Added 8,377 jobs from 2010-2013, up 14 percent
Median hourly earnings: $22.39

11. Petroleum engineer
Total employment in 2013: 40,733
Added 7,158 jobs from 2010-2013, up 21 percent
Median hourly earnings: $63.67

12. Information security analyst
Total employment in 2013: 75,995
Added 5,671 jobs from 2010-2013, up 8 percent
Median hourly earnings: $41.62

Filed under: Highest-Paying Jobs, Job Descriptions, Lists, Job Opportunities

25 Happiest Companies In America

CareerBliss found that employees rated these companies most favorably

  By Business Insider

   

Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAn employee works at a desk inside Neusentis Ltd.'s research laboratory, a unit of Pfizer Inc.

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By Alison Griswold

Employees at Pfizer really love their jobs.The pharmaceutical giant was voted the happiest company in America by its own workers for the second year running, according to an annual survey from job site CareerBliss. Health care company Kaiser Permanente took second place, followed by Texas Instruments.

To come up with its ranking, CareerBliss evaluated thousands of employee-submitted reviews across hundreds of companies. Workers were asked to rate their employers on several happiness factors, including work-life balance, company culture, compensation, and growth opportunities.

Each employee review was given an average score between one and five. These scores were tabulated to produce a company's overall rating, or "bliss score," with a higher score indicating happier employees.

Here's a look at the happiest companies in America, as well as each business's bliss score, average employee salary, and ranking on last year's list.

25. CBS

The Washington Post/Getty Images

What it does: An American Comerica TV network that broadcasts everything from news to home entertainment to sports coverage

Bliss score: 3.974

Average salary: $78,000

Last year's ranking: No. 48

24. Philips Electronics

AP

What it does: A diversified technology company that services the health care, lighting, and consumer lifestyle sectors

Bliss score: 3.975

Average salary: $78,000

Last year's ranking: No. 25

23. Accenture

AFP/Getty Images

What it does: A multinational company that provides technology services, management consulting, and outsourcing

Bliss score: 3.979

Average salary: $80,000

Last year's ranking: No. 24

22. Oracle

Getty Images

What it does: One of the world's largest developers of hardware systems and software products

Bliss score: 3.980

Average salary: $96,000

Last year's ranking: No. 44

21. Google

Getty Images

What it does: Specializes in Internet and data services and products, including search engines, cloud computing, and online advertising technologies

Bliss score: 3.983

Average salary: $80,000

Last year's ranking: No. 18

20. FedEx

AP

What it does: An American global shipping and delivery services company that is regarded as a bellwether of the global economy because of its worldwide presence

Bliss score: 3.987

Average salary: $59,000

Last year's ranking: No. 47

19. Prudential

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: Sells insurance and offers a variety of other financial services, such as investment management and retirement planning

Bliss score: 3.999

Average salary: $61,000

Last year's ranking: No. 28

18. Nokia

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: Produces communications and information technology

Bliss score: 4.000

Average salary: $92,000

Last year's ranking: No. 32

17. Allstate

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: Offers insurance for cars and homes, among other things, and is famous for its slogan: "You're in good hands with Allstate."

Bliss score: 4.011

Average salary: $58,000

Last year's ranking: No. 21

16. Fidelity Investments

Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

What it does: A multinational financial services company and one of the world's largest fund and financial services groups

Bliss score: 4.018

Average salary: $78,000

Last year's ranking: No. 27

15. Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: Oversees famous Disney attractions such as Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the Disney cruise line

Bliss score: 4.019

Average salary: $60,000

Last year's ranking: No. 23

14. Apple

AP

What it does: A consumer electronics maker best known for its Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads

Bliss score: 4.022

Average salary: $64,000

Last year's ranking: No. 42

13. Intel

AFP/Getty Images

What it does: The American multinational makes semiconductor chips

Bliss score: 4.039

Average salary: $80,000

Last year's ranking: No. 20

12. Cognizant

AFP/Getty Images

What it does: A business services company that specializes in consulting, information technology, and enterprise applications

Bliss score: 4.040

Average salary: $70,000

Last year's ranking: No. 10

11. Siemens

AP

What it does: Specializes in engineering and designing electronics

Bliss score: 4.047

Average salary: $70,000

Last year's ranking: No. 11

10. Avaya

Getty Images

What it does: A privately held company that provides business communications worldwide

Bliss score: 4.048

Average salary: $87,000

Last year's ranking: No. 7

9. Capital One

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: A financial services corporation that offers credit cards, auto loans, online banking, and checking and savings accounts

Bliss score: 4.051

Average salary: $67,000

Last year's ranking: No. 12

8. General Electric

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: A multinational conglomerate that produces everything from household appliances to oil and gas systems

Bliss score: 4.053

Average salary: $75,000

Last year's ranking: No. 8

7. Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: A massive pharmaceutical company that offers health and personal care products

Bliss score: 4.063

Average salary: $81,000

Last year's ranking: No. 13

6. KBR

Getty Images

What it does: Construction work and private military contracting

Bliss score: 4.095

Average salary: $86,000

Last year's ranking: No. 4

5. Qualcomm

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: A designer and maker of wireless technology, system software, and a variety of computer hardware products

Bliss score: 4.114

Average salary: $87,000

Last year's ranking: No. 9

4. EMC

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: An IT provider that services the data backup and recovery and cloud computing sectors

Bliss score: 4.118

Average salary: $89,000

Last year's ranking: No. 43

3. Texas Instruments

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: A global company that specializes in semiconductor design and production, and is also famous for its graphing calculators

Bliss score: 4.120

Average salary: $81,000

Last year's ranking: N/A

2. Kaiser Permanente

Washington Post/Getty Images

What it does: Offers health coverage plans for individuals, families, employers, and large groups

Bliss score: 4.122

Average salary: $76,000

Last year's ranking: No. 15

1. Pfizer

Bloomberg via Getty Images

What it does: A giant in the pharmaceutical industry that researches, develops, manufactures, and markets prescription medicines

Bliss score: 4.139

Average salary: $83,000

Last year's ranking: No. 1

Filed under: Best Companies to Work For

Tags: careerbliss, happiness, pfizer