What
do agricultural engineers, computer programmers, financial analysts and
radiation therapists have in common? They are just a few of the many
occupations that earn a median hourly salary of $35, or about $70,000
per year.
If a paycheck like that sounds desirable to you, consider any of the
following 14 jobs. These jobs require varying levels of education and
work experience, so if you don’t yet have the right qualifications,
consider what next steps you should take to help you secure one of these well-paying roles.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Median hourly pay: $34.18
2. ArchitectJob description: Architects plan and design buildings and other structures. They typically seek new work by marketing and giving presentations. They also prepare, design and structure specifications and manage construction contracts.
Typical education level: Professional degree in architecture from an accredited school; passing the Architect Registration Exam
Median hourly pay: $34.88
3. Computer programmerJob description: Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Median hourly pay: $34.32
4. Database administratorJob description: Database administrators use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Median hourly pay: $35.33
5. Elevator installer and repairerJob description: Elevator installers and repairers install, fix and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways and other lifts.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent and a formal apprenticeship
Median hourly pay: $34.09
6. Financial analystJob description: Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Median hourly pay: $35.75
7. Financial examinerJob description: Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws governing financial institutions and transactions. They review balance sheets, evaluate the risk level of loans and assess bank management.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Median hourly pay: $36.03
8. GeographerJob description: Geographers study the earth and its land, features and inhabitants. They also examine phenomena such as political or cultural structures as they relate to geography. They study the physical or human geographic characteristics or both of a region, ranging in scale from local to global.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Median hourly pay: $35.00
9. LogisticianJob description: Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain — the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, distributed, allocated and delivered.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Median hourly pay: $34.04
10. Occupational therapistJob description: Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Typical education level: Master’s degree
Median hourly pay: $34.77
11. Operations research analystJob description: Operations research analysts use advanced methods of analysis to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions. They typically identify and define business problems, such as those in production, logistics or sales, and examine information to figure out what is relevant to the problem and what methods should be used to analyze it.
Typical education level: Master’s degree
Median hourly pay: $34.12
12. Radiation therapistJob description: Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments. They typically explain treatment plans to the patient and answer questions about treatment, X-ray the patient to determine the exact location of the area requiring treatment and operate the equipment to treat the patient with radiation.
Typical education level: A formal training program must be completed, and most programs lead to a bachelor’s or associate degree.
Median hourly pay: $36.05
13. SociologistJob description: Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions and processes that people develop.
Typical education level: Master’s degree
Median hourly pay: $34.79
14. StatisticianJob description: Statisticians use mathematical techniques to analyze and interpret data and draw conclusions. Many economic, social, political and military decisions rely on the work of statisticians.
Typical education level: Master’s degree
Median hourly pay: $35.02