Numbers
are an important part of our lives. Just consider all of the numbers we
think about or recite on a regular basis: our birthday, address, social
security number, phone number and paycheck. As to that last number,
sometimes it's the one we count on the most.
Everyone has a
different idea of what they'd like the number on their paycheck to be.
Many workers would find that an annual salary of $40,000 would allow
them to meet their own financial obligations or provide for their
household. For jobs with a wide range of responsibilities and education
levels, check out any of these 16 jobs that pay around $40,000 a year.
1. Athletic trainer*
Job description: Athletic
trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating muscle and
bone injuries and illnesses. They work with people of all ages and skill
levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes.
Typical education level: Bachelor's degree
Median annual pay: $41,600
Job description: Biological
technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory
tests and experiments. They also set up, maintain and clean laboratory
instruments, gather and prepare samples, conduct biological tests,
document their work, analyze experimental data and write reports.
Typical education level: Bachelor's degree
Median annual pay: $39,020
Job description: Broadcast
and sound engineering technicians set up, operate and maintain the
electrical equipment for radio and television broadcasts, concerts,
sound recordings and movies and in office and school buildings.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $39,870
4. Carpenter
Job description: Carpenters
construct and repair building frameworks and structures -- such as
stairways, doorframes, partitions and rafters -- made from wood and
other materials. They also may install kitchen cabinets, siding and
drywall.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $39,530
Job description: Chefs
and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants or
other places where food is served. They direct kitchen staff and handle
any food-related concerns.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $40,630
Job description: Construction
equipment operators drive, maneuver or control the heavy machinery used
to construct roads, bridges, buildings and other structures.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $39,460
Job description: Correctional
officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been
arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time
in a jail, reformatory or prison.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $39,020
Job description: Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair or overhaul buses, trucks and anything else with a diesel engine.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $40,850
Job description: Environmental
science and protection technicians do laboratory and field tests to
monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including
those affecting health. Many work under the supervision of environmental
scientists and specialists, who direct their work and evaluate their
results.
Typical education level: Associate degree
Median annual pay: $41,380
Job description: Licensed
practical and licensed vocational nurses provide basic nursing care.
They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. They
typically monitor patients' health, administer basic nursing care,
discuss health care with patients and keep patient records.
Typical education level: Postsecondary nondegree award
Median annual pay: $40,380
Job description: Machinists
and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of
computer-controlled or mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce
precision metal parts, instruments and tools.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $39,910
Job description: Mental
health counselors and marriage and family therapists help people manage
or overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their
family and relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions to
help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies to
improve their lives.
Typical education level: Master's degree
Median annual pay: $39,710
Job description: Recreational
therapists plan, direct and coordinate recreation programs for people
with disabilities or illnesses. They use a variety of techniques,
including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games and field
trips. These programs help maintain or improve a client's physical and
emotional well-being.
Typical education level: Bachelor's degree
Median annual pay: $39,410
Job description: Sheet
metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin
metal sheets, such as ducts used for heating and air-conditioning.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $41,710
Job description: Surgical
technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in
surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment and
help doctors and nurses during surgeries.
Typical education level: Postsecondary nondegree award
Median annual pay: $39,920
Job description: Water
and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of
machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat
water or wastewater.
Typical education level: High school diploma or equivalent
Median annual pay: $40,770