Mean Income: $90,200 Top 10%: $128,660
Becoming an administrator in an elementary school or a college is quite a rewarding position, and it also pays quite well. One of the biggest benefits is that you get to make a speech anytime you want, and students basically have to attend it. Just make sure you’re one of the “cool ones”, and that you actually care about and listen to the students you’re overseeing.
This position is usually short on supply and held for many years so it’s not simple to get one. You’ll need at least a few good years of experience for the job, and the more certifications and recommendations you have the better.
Loan Officers
Mean Income: $67,960 Top 10%: $115,450
Loan officers are tasked with collecting important information, analyzing it to draw a conclusion, and making the final decision on whether someone is eligible for a loan, and on which terms. It’s a very complex subject, but if you love numbers, finances, and are great at reading people, this might be a perfect career path for you.
Common qualifications obviously include some sort of a degree in business, finance, or economics. You’ll also need proper certifications to become a loan officer, and having experience always helps. Another great skill is having thick skin, as you’ll often have to turn down people that are either really charming, dominant, or just really need your help.
Software Architect
Mean Income: $129,148 Top 10%: $175,563
Software architects are very different from programmers. Just like building architects are very different from builders. Your job as the architect of a successful SAAS (Software as a Service) company is to constantly pay close attention to both your programmers and your customers so your product is optimal.
Software architects are the top-level people who help create the limitations and systems behind various popular software. Although they don’t usually do the coding themselves, most of them are highly proficient at it. Having a degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or Software Engineering can also help quite a bit. These jobs pay a lot of money thanks to the scaling nature of software which leads to massive growth.
Freelance Writer
Mean Income: $63,830 Top 10%: $106,005
By working as a freelance writer, you’re basically keeping your options open and working for the best clients you can get your hands on. Basically, having good writing skills will open many doors for you and will almost guarantee you the ability to generate income.
Freelance writers aren’t required to have any degree or credentials and mostly rely on their resume and their existing body of work. You can choose to specialize in anything from copywriting for businesses, which means writing to get people to buy things, or going for more enjoyable avenues, such as writing content for blogs that involve topics you’re passionate about.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Mean Income: $73,010 Top 10%: $119,320
It’s incredible how many people watch crime shows and believe that that gives them the ability to become detectives and criminal investigators. If only it were that easy. This profession does not give you the same authority as a police officer, but it does allow you to spy on people, which is cool and creepy at the same time. You’ll also get to see a lot of humanity’s darker side, so you better have the stomach for it.
In order to become a private detective or a criminal investigator, you’ll need a GED, a license, and a degree in Criminal Justice. Having past experience working in law enforcement or specific military divisions also helps.