Six-Figure Jobs for Ordinary People
By
Amelia Gray
Think you either have to be a celebrity or endure years of medical or law school
to pull down six figures? Think again. These top careers approach and exceed six
figure salaries, and they're easy to train for online.
Career Training for $100,000+ Salaries
Check out some of these six-figure jobs for the rest of us, most with
online career training
opportunities. Salary statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Spotlight: Medical and Health Services Managers
The complex organization of a doctor's office is no challenge to trained medical
and health services managers, who use their targeted health care administration
knowledge to navigate patient records, equipment outlays, and medical research
databases.
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Recommended Training:
While a
master's degree
is standard credential for
health care managers,
smaller facilities may hire graduates with
bachelor's degrees.
Health care administration, office management, and health care management are
all popular degrees.
§
Earn Six Figures:
While mean annual wages for the career were $84,980 in 2007, medical and health
services managers working in the state of Washington earned $111,720. Those
working for scientific research and development services earned $117,070
nationwide.
Career Spotlight: Actuaries
Mathematics, statistics, and business combine in this career, which has trained
professionals working with insurance companies and private business to determine
and minimize the cost of risk. Top actuaries are trusted to explain their
complex formulations to business executives.
§
Recommended Training:
A strong background in both mathematics and general business is desirable for
top actuaries. Some may hold degrees in
finance,
economics,
or
business.
Regardless, a bachelor's degree is recommended.
§
Earn Six Figures:
Mean annual wages for actuaries nationwide were $95,420 in 2007. Those working
as consultants earned $107,080. New Jersey was a top-paying state, with earnings
of $100,590.
Career Spotlight: Computer Applications Software Engineers
One of the fastest-growing careers in the nation is also one of the most
lucrative. Computer applications software engineers create the applications used
every day in business and personal computing. With over 226,000 careers expected
to enter the field through 2016, demand for these IT pros is expected to be
high.
§
Recommended Training:
A bachelor's degree in
computer science
or
software engineering
is suggested by hiring managers in the field. Additional
certification programs
may be necessary to keep skills current.
§
Earn Six Figures:
While mean annual earnings across the nation were $85,660 in 2007, computer
applications software engineers working in computer and peripheral equipment
manufacturing earned $101,100.
Career Spotlight: Personal Financial Advisors
Personal financial advisors work on a one-on-one basis with their clients,
recommending investments and products for wealth management. In another career
expected to see a lot of growth, about 72,000 jobs for personal financial
advisors are projected to enter the field through 2016. About a third are
self-employed, often working from home.
§
Recommended Training:
Bachelor's degrees in
finance,
business administration,
accounting,
statistics, or economics are recommended for personal financial advisors. Those
looking to make six figures in their work may be encouraged to earn an
MBA.
§
Earn Six Figures:
Mean annual wages across the occupation were $89,220 in 2007. Personal financial
advisors working in New York earned $131,660, and those working nationwide in
financial investment earned $101,890.
Career Spotlight: Sales Managers
Acting as both masters of human psychology and logistical gurus, sales managers
use their infectious charm and top-notch people skills to close the deal.
Top-level managers may interact with high-profile clients while they organize a
team of lower-level sales representatives. This fast-paced job may require high
levels of travel.
§
Recommended Training:
A bachelor's or master's degree in business administration with an emphasis on
marketing
is recommended by hiring managers in the field. Sales managers should be
confidant with the technology of their profession, including presentation
software like PowerPoint.
§
Earn Six Figures:
Mean annual wages for sales managers nationwide were $106,790 in 2007. Those
working for automobile dealers earned $114,650, while top earners in the
financial investment industry earned $151,070.
Your mileage may vary, but training for six figure careers like the ones above
can be the smartest way to get your foot in the door. Hiring managers look for
the best, and a
degree program
can prove your worth among even the toughest competition.