The median pay for surgical techs is $56,350 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Working as a surgical tech can be a great way to build a fulfilling career in the medical field. Read on to learn more about a surgical tech’s role and salary, as well as the pros and cons of this job.
What Are Surgical Techs
The role of a surgical tech can vary greatly but generally involves assisting surgeons with tasks, such as closing surgical sites and making incisions. Other common duties include:
• Readying supplies for surgery
• Sterilizing equipment
• Getting the operating room surgery-ready
• Physically preparing patients for surgery
• Assisting surgeons during surgery
• Maintaining sterile environment
• Keeping track of supplies during and after surgery.
While some of these tasks are solitary, many involve interacting with patients and other members of the medical team. Given this degree of interaction, this can be a very rewarding career choice, although it may not be a good job for antisocial people.
Surgical techs often complete training at a community college or vocational school, typically requiring nine to 24 months of study. For this reason, being a surgical tech can be a good career without a college degree. 💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.
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How Much Do Starting Surgical Techs Make a Year?
Here’s information about what a surgical tech can make as an entry-level salary and later on in their career. The lowest 10% of surgical tech earners make less than $35,130 as of 2022.
However, there is a lot of room to move up in this field. The top 10% of earners make on average $95,060, meaning they are very close to making a $100,000 salary per year.
If someone is looking to optimize their earning potential, they should look for a surgical tech role in a high-paying setting. The type of medical office a surgical tech works in can affect how much they earn:
• Offices of physicians: $62,400
• Outpatient care centers: $59,740
• General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private: $58,460
• Offices of dentists: $48,810.
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What is the Average Salary for a Surgical Tech?
Those considering training to be a surgical tech may wonder about pay grades. The truth is, that answer depends a lot on the state they end up working in. The median hourly pay rate for this role is $27.09, but as the table illustrates below, can vary greatly by state.
The figures here for average salary and wages are arranged from highest to lowest paying.
What Is the Average Surgical Tech Salary by State for 2023
State
Annual Salary
Monthly Pay
Weekly Pay
Hourly Wage
Oregon
$112,962
$9,413
$2,172
$54.31
Alaska
$112,406
$9,367
$2,161
$54.04
North Dakota
$112,389
$9,365
$2,161
$54.03
Massachusetts
$111,047
$9,253
$2,135
$53.39
Hawaii
$110,015
$9,167
$2,115
$52.89
Washington
$107,487
$8,957
$2,067
$51.68
Nevada
$106,280
$8,856
$2,043
$51.10
South Dakota
$106,220
$8,851
$2,042
$51.07
Colorado
$104,887
$8,740
$2,017
$50.43
Rhode Island
$104,629
$8,719
$2,012
$50.30
New York
$99,697
$8,308
$1,917
$47.93
Delaware
$98,598
$8,216
$1,896
$47.40
Vermont
$97,356
$8,113
$1,872
$46.81
Virginia
$97,172
$8,097
$1,868
$46.72
Illinois
$97,143
$8,095
$1,868
$46.70
Maryland
$95,489
$7,957
$1,836
$45.91
Nebraska
$93,450
$7,787
$1,797
$44.93
Missouri
$92,871
$7,739
$1,785
$44.65
California
$92,615
$7,717
$1,781
$44.53
South Carolina
$92,071
$7,672
$1,770
$44.26
Pennsylvania
$91,330
$7,610
$1,756
$43.91
New Jersey
$91,143
$7,595
$1,752
$43.82
Oklahoma
$90,500
$7,541
$1,740
$43.51
Maine
$90,453
$7,537
$1,739
$43.49
Wisconsin
$90,262
$7,521
$1,735
$43.40
North Carolina
$90,170
$7,514
$1,734
$43.35
New Hampshire
$88,816
$7,401
$1,708
$42.70
Idaho
$88,596
$7,383
$1,703
$42.59
Texas
$88,000
$7,333
$1,692
$42.31
Kentucky
$87,715
$7,309
$1,686
$42.17
Wyoming
$87,407
$7,283
$1,680
$42.02
Minnesota
$87,181
$7,265
$1,676
$41.91
Michigan
$86,830
$7,235
$1,669
$41.75
New Mexico
$86,691
$7,224
$1,667
$41.68
Indiana
$86,252
$7,187
$1,658
$41.47
Ohio
$84,743
$7,061
$1,629
$40.74
Arizona
$84,468
$7,039
$1,624
$40.61
Connecticut
$84,039
$7,003
$1,616
$40.40
Mississippi
$83,449
$6,954
$1,604
$40.12
Iowa
$83,345
$6,945
$1,602
$40.07
Montana
$83,195
$6,932
$1,599
$40.00
Arkansas
$82,892
$6,907
$1,594
$39.85
Alabama
$82,157
$6,846
$1,579
$39.50
Utah
$80,963
$6,746
$1,556
$38.92
Tennessee
$80,904
$6,742
$1,555
$38.90
Kansas
$78,574
$6,547
$1,511
$37.78
Georgia
$76,536
$6,378
$1,471
$36.80
Louisiana
$76,117
$6,343
$1,463
$36.59
West Virginia
$70,535
$5,877
$1,356
$33.91
Florida
$67,735
$5,644
$1,302
$32.57
Source: Ziprecruiter
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Surgical Tech Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
It’s very common for surgical techs to hold full-time positions and as such, they tend to qualify for traditional employee benefits like paid time off, retirement accounts, and healthcare. This can be a very demanding role that may require being on call during weekends, holidays, and nights. Shifts can also be very lengthy and last longer than a typical eight-hour workday.
Pros and Cons of Surgical Tech Salary
Still not sure if working as a surgical tech is the right fit? Here are some pros and cons associated with this role’s salary and job requirements.
Pros
Cons
• Median annual salary is high ($56,350)
• May not need a college degree
• Employment opportunities expected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032
• Around 8,600 openings for this role per year
• Long shifts that can surpass eight hours
• Physically demanding work
• Can be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays
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The Takeaway
With a solid median annual salary of $56,350 and the top 10% of income earners in the surgical tech field making more than $95,060, there is a lot of earning potential in this role. The job can be demanding and being on call is often part of the job description, but the high pay can be worth the sacrifices.
FAQ
Can you make 100k a year as a surgical tech?
It may be possible to make $100,000 a year as a surgical tech for those with a lot of experience or who work in high-cost-of-living areas where standard pay is higher. The top 10% of surgical tech earners make more than $95,060 annually, so the potential to earn six figures is within reach.
Do people like being a surgical tech?
Many people enjoy working as a surgical tech, especially if they have an interest in the medical field and helping people. However, those who are introverts or who consider themselves antisocial may not enjoy this job.
Is it hard to get hired as a surgical tech?
While you have to meet very specific qualifications to work as a surgical tech, if you do, you can likely find job openings in this field. Between 2022 and 2023, surgical tech employment is projected to grow by 5%. This growth rate is faster than average compared to other occupations.
Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions
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There are many ways to manage your money, but there is always one key piece that you need no matter how much or little you earn. The best way to get ahead in life and work when it comes down to personal finances:
Planning.
Yes, a little bit of planning will make sure your bills are paid.
If you are looking to save money and make more, then this article is for you.
We have broken down five effective bill calendar strategies that can help boost your finances. With each strategy comes an eye-opening fact about how to make paying bills easier.
Use these tactics in order to get ahead of the game and be one step closer to financial freedom.x
The term “bill calendar” may seem like a jargon-y thing stuck in the past, but it’s actually an effective way to keep track of your finances and budget.
That being said, not all bill calendars are created equal. Make sure you choose one that meets your needs or is most suitable for what you’re looking for so you can get the maximum benefit from this tool!
What is a Bill Pay Calendar?
A bill pay calendar is a financial tool that enables an individual to manage, track, and forecast bills.
It is useful for those who have multiple bills each month or need to plan ahead for upcoming expenses.
This is one of the files you can find in our budget binder.
A bill pay calendar is typically used in conjunction with a budget planner to help manage financial goals and stay on track towards financial success.
This simple tool helps you manage your finances better. The useful trick is to see where all of our bills fall in relation to when we make money, so it’s easy enough for us to plan out what we need and don’t need.
The strategies are effective because they allow you a visual way to see your bills and expenses. Thus, making bill-paying much easier than ever before.
Why a Monthly Bill Calendar Works
A monthly bill calendar is a great way to keep track of upcoming bills and make sure you’re not missing any.
Also, it is helpful if you want to plan ahead for certain events like birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. Just to make sure you set aside enough money.
If you’re struggling to keep up with your bills, a monthly bill calendar can help.
It will remind you when it’s time to pay them and give you the proper schedule for future payments so that they don’t get delayed.
A monthly bill calendar is an effective way of organizing finances because it provides reminders about what needs to be paid on which day. This helps to ensure debts do not accumulate over time without being noticed until they become unmanageable.
Other benefits of a bill paying calendar:
Keeps you focused.
Motivation to improve your finances.
Visually track your progress.
Simple Bill Calendar Strategies
The financial benefits of a proper bill calendar include increased productivity, improved cash flow management, and long-term savings opportunities all brought about by thoughtful organization with an emphasis on efficiency in priority setting.
Just like with any time management idea, you must actually implement the system for it to work.
All of these strategies will give you a chance to get on top of your finances and start working towards getting out from under that large, unmanageable debt.
Five effective bill calendar strategies that will boost your finances include:
1. Use Budget Binder
Personally, I have found that those who have a printable budget binder stick to their budgets long term vs those who try to manage their finances digitally. That doesn’t mean you can use your favorite budgeting app (I love Quicken). It just means you are writing out key financial information for your reference or if someone needs to pay your bills.
If you’re looking for a way to organize your bills and keep track of when they are due, the bill calendar is an effective tool. By putting all of your bills on one page, it makes it easier to coordinate payments with your employer or other creditors.
The template allows you to add in expected paydays so that you can easily plan ahead.
2. Plan Reoccuring Time to Review
Not many people jump at the excitement of paying bills. Normally, it is a task that we put off until we just cannot wait any longer.
For me, I review our bills every two weeks. That is what I have found to work best for us.
To make the time more plausible, many couples will celebrate bill paying with a special treat or date night.
Do what you need to do.
Just make sure you review your bill payment calendar on a regular basis.
3. Avoid Paying Bills Late
Paying your bills late will incur additional fees; those penalities in extra fees and interest are just not worth it. In addition, your credit score will take a hit with each late payment.
By consistently paying your bills late, you will have access to less cash. On the flip side, you could be saving money by paying your bills on time.
To avoid paying bills late, many people have set up automatic payments. This can be done by setting up a direct debit or Automatic Clearing House (ACH) payment.
When looking at your bill payments calendar, decide what bills are going to be paid by what paycheck. Make a plan for your money.
That will help you avoid paying bills late.
4. Keep Track of Bill Due Dates
One of the most important tasks that households have is paying their bills on time. However, it can be difficult for those without a lot of organizational skills to keep track of bill due dates and upcoming bills.
One way to keep track of bill due dates is by using a calendar that has notes on each day, as well as other information such as what’s coming up in the near future.
You may want to color-code your bills by paycheck. Another option is to track your payments with colors, such as red for debt, green for paydays, etc.
Either way, you want to notate when you paid a bill and the manner you paid it.
5. Digital or Paper
Now, for the endless debate… do you use a digital or paper system? Or do you need to use both for double reminders?
Regardless of what you decide, you should use a monthly calendar printable template to track what needs to be done.
Here are some options on how to organize your bill calendar.
Keep your monthly bill calendar in your budget binder.
Print out the month’s schedule and hang it up on your refrigerator or wall for easy reference. This is an important habit because you’ll never miss due dates if you don’t have to worry about finding paper calendars or trying to remember which bills are due when.
Create a post-it note with the day’s due date on it and stick it to your monitor so you don’t forget.
Use Google Calendar or iCalendar, which are both free online calendars that can be accessed from any computer or mobile device. This allows you easy access when away from home but still keeps things relatively simple as well since these options only.
Many budget apps have cost-effective solutions with tons of cool features and helpful tools that will make your life easier.
The end goal is to keep things simple, allowing you more time for other tasks.
Bill Calendar Sample
Here is a bill calendar example.
You would personalize this for your needs and your expenses.
Remember, many times it is helpful for people to visualize how bills will be paid and when.
This helps with cash flow planning.
Bill Calendar Template
It is important to keep track of your bills and how much you have to pay each month. The best way to do this is with a bill calendar template that has columns for your monthly expenses, which include rent, utilities, phone service, groceries, etc.
Some effective strategies for keeping tabs on what’s due when are:
– Create a list of all the upcoming payments in order from high priority (such as a mortgage) to low priority (such as grocery store), and then put them in your calendar as they come due.
– Create a list of all the upcoming bills, rent from highest to lowest priority, and then put them in your calendar as they come due.
To make the most of your budget, you need to know where every dollar is going.
A bill calendar template will help you plan and prioritize which bills are due when so that money can be properly allocated for important expenses without letting any slip through the cracks or being overspent on things like entertainment.
FREE Printable Bill Calendar
A bill calendar is a type of monthly planner used to keep track of bills that are due. This free bill calendar printable can be downloaded and used personally.
Having a visual reminder of what’s coming up helps me stay focused and watch my spending because it gives me an idea at a glance of how much money comes out each month.
It also helps remind me when certain events occur such as income tax or mortgage payments.
Download your printable monthly bill calendar.(This is a perk for our readers who subscribe to our email list.)
A bill payment calendar is a helpful tool for keeping track of when your bills are due.
Bill Calendar App
A bill payment app is a form of software that helps people pay their bills online. It offers a way to manage the process and avoid any potential late fees.
Bill payment apps are useful for many individuals.
They can help you keep track of your monthly bills without having to use a paper calendar, which is typically cluttered with social events and day-to-day tasks.
Furthermore, bill month calendars organize recurring payments that occur on the same date each month so that they don’t get charged twice or renew prematurely before you know it!
Here are some great options:
How Will a Bill Paying Calendar Help You?
All in all, a bill calendar is another tool in the personal finance toolkit.
This bill organizer calendar is an important part of your managing money.
You can choose a checklist style or a monthly layout.
Bill calendars are a simple and effective way to keep track of your bills and expenses.
They can help you save money and come up with strategies to boost your finances. They come in many different types and are often used for budgeting purposes.
Many people use a bill calendar in conjunction with a budget binder with envelopes as well.
How do you see a bill calendar improving your finances?
From all of the free and paid budgeting apps, here are our top budgeting apps to check out!
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You’re probably seeing headlines almost daily screaming about layoffs, layoffs, layoffs. The ubiquity of those stories may make you worry about your own job stability.
There was a 10% increase in layoffs last year from the previous year — 19.8 million in 2023 compared with 17.6 million in 2022, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
But monthly layoffs throughout 2023 were actually slightly below pre-pandemic levels after a massive spike during the start of the pandemic, BLS data shows.
“I’m cautiously optimistic. I think there are some signs that we’ll still see robust demand for workers, be that through hiring or a relative absence of layoffs,” says Nick Bunker, economic research director for North America at the Indeed Hiring Lab, which tracks employment trends.
The current job market is incredibly resilient, and labor market indicators show that workers who are laid off aren’t likely to stay unemployed for long. The unemployment rate has stayed steady between 3.4% and 3.9% since December 2021. Unemployment claims, meanwhile, are largely in line with pre-pandemic claims, Department of Labor data shows. That goes for initial claims — by those unemployed for the first time — and for continued unemployment claims — those who have remained unemployed beyond an initial claim.
“I’m not particularly concerned,” says Elise Gould, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank.
If economists aren’t panicked, it means you probably shouldn’t be either. Unless, of course, you’re in one of the sectors that’s seen an uptick.
Where are layoffs happening?
Gould and Bunker both say layoffs are largely siloed in the information sector, which includes both tech companies and media companies (hence all those layoff headlines). They say that shedding is likely to continue into 2024.
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In the scope of the entire labor market, tech and media remain the outliers when it comes to layoffs, Bunker says. “This time last year there were concerns about what’s happening to the tech or media industries or the broader information sector. And you could see from the data that layoffs did tick up, but that was not representative of what you saw in the rest of the market — it didn’t spread out.”
The transportation and warehousing industry has also seen a rise in layoffs since companies began downsizing after more rapid expansion during the pandemic. But employment in the sector is still well above pre-pandemic levels.
Among other sectors, a Feb. 1 report by Challenger, Gray and Christmas, an outplacement company, shows the financial industry has had the most job cuts so far in 2024 with a total of 23,238 in January. That’s the highest monthly layoffs among financial companies since September 2018.
Gould says layoffs like these aren’t necessarily signs of industrywide distress. Some reflect the churn that happens in the economy in any given month — jobs lost are offset by jobs added, she says. Throughout 2023, the amount of jobs added often exceeded expectations. That trend remained in January: The amount of jobs added was double what was projected.
“There’s a lot moving,” says Gould.
Some other areas with layoffs include the food industry, which announced 6,656 layoffs, the highest number since November 2012. The retail industry announced 5,364 cuts in January — a 4,776% increase from December. But take that big, scary percentage with a grain of salt: Layoffs happen every year in the retail industry after the holidays are over because companies hire a ton of temporary workers to meet demand.
Layoffs spiked among tech companies in 2023
Last year was not a good one for tech and neither was the one before that. Let’s face it — this year isn’t looking much better. In 2023, more than 1,190 tech companies laid off some 262,000 workers, according to layoffs.fyi, which tracks layoffs in the tech industry.
The biggest layoffs in 2023 were at big-name companies, including Amazon (27,410 workers) Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram (21,000), Google (12,115) and Microsoft (11,158).
But so far in 2024, over 34,000 employees have been laid off among more than 140 tech companies, according to layoffs.fyi. Some of the big names this year include Snap, which owns SnapChat, Zoom, PayPal, Salesforce, Microsoft, eBay, TikTok, Wayfair, Google, Discord, Audible and Rent the Runway.
Job availability may also be dwindling. “Employers are still looking to hire at fairly robust rates across a variety of sectors,” says Bunker. “And that’s not the case for job titles related to the tech sector; they’re still pretty depressed there.”
The downsizing is likely due to some pullback from the hiring spree in the tech industry during the start of the pandemic, experts say. And layoffs in this sector, particularly for highly skilled tech professionals, don’t mean workers stay unemployed for long. They’re likely being gobbled up by other companies pretty quickly, Bunker and Gould say.
“For workers that have higher levels of education, oftentimes their unemployment rates are much lower,” Gould says. “Oftentimes they are able to get back on their feet. Obviously, that average story does not tell everybody’s experience, and there are people that will be worse off.”
Randi Weitzman, executive director of technology talent solutions at Robert Half, an international human resource consulting firm, says workers in tech positions have an in-demand skill set that every company needs.
“It’s not so much we’re seeing the demand in high tech, but in industries like health care, manufacturing, government, retail, hospitality and leisure. We also saw an uptick in professional services. But all of those industries need IT professionals to help them drive their companies,” Weitzman says.
Media layoffs soared as companies struggle to profit
For the media, 2023 was a proverbial bloodbath. The industry, as a whole, announced 20,324 cuts last year — the highest since 2020, according to a report by Challenger, Gray and Christmas, Inc. As a subset of media, news announced 2,681 cuts, which was more than layoffs in 2021 and 2022 combined, according to the report. Bloomberg estimated news media losses even higher — about 3,000.
“I think that is very much a structural story that’s more about long-term trends,” says Bunker.
“The issue for the media is internet.”
Media was once mostly funded by advertising — “they were sort of a one-stop shop for lots of advertisers,” Bunker says. But the advent of the internet changed advertising, and media paid the price. The other issue, Bunker says, is consumer expectations of the price they pay for information, that is, most people don’t want to pay for articles.
“It’s just more difficult for media to be profitable, and so you’ve had a pullback and a decline in employment in that sector of the economy,” Bunker says.
The past year saw cuts at Buzzfeed News (15%), Time Magazine (15%), NPR (10%), Business Insider (8%), Gannett (6%), Vox (11%), Conde Nast (5%), Vice Media (around 10%) and others. The Washington Post completed 240 buyouts last year to avoid laying off workers.
Since the start of 2024, even more news media organizations have announced staff reductions.
On Jan. 17, Conde Nast announced it was laying off staff and folding Pitchfork into the GQ umbrella. On Jan. 19, Sports Illustrated announced it would be giving its entire staff the boot within 90 days. On Jan. 23, the Los Angeles Times announced it was cutting 115 reporters — about 20% of its staff. Back in June, it slashed its workforce by 13%. The paper was reportedly losing somewhere between $30 million to $40 million a year.
Layoffs aren’t just hitting news outlets. Streaming services have disrupted traditional television. On Feb. 13, the TV network giant Paramount announced it was laying off 3% of its staff.
Mass layoffs across the labor market aren’t likely in 2024
Despite some worrisome trends in the information sector, widespread layoffs throughout the labor market still aren’t likely to happen anytime soon under current conditions, experts say.
“The outlook for layoffs is a function of what you think a broader economic outlook is, and we’ve gotten very strong economic growth data as of late,” says Bunker.
While the labor market is tight, and the industries with layoffs are generally contained, it doesn’t mean we won’t see more employment churn coming this year. CEOs aren’t feeling the need to hoard labor as much as they once did: A quarterly survey of CEO confidence released on Feb. 8 by The Conference Board, a think tank, shows 23% of CEOs expect to lay off workers in the next 12 months, up from 13% from the previous quarter.
Los Angeles Times: Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images News via Getty Images
Google: Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images News via Getty Images
Microsoft: Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images News for BIG3 via Getty Images
TikTok: Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images News via Getty Images
Paramount Studios: Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images News via Getty Images
Nursing can be a well-paying profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a registered nurse (RN) is $81,220 per year or $39.05 per hour.
In fact, nursing can be a rewarding career path in more ways than one. Not only can these healthcare professionals provide for themselves financially, they also care for people during times of need.
To better understand what it’s like working as a nurse and what the earning potential is, keep reading.
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What Are Nurses?
An RN provides patients with care and support, and they offer education on health issues and conditions. Responsibilities can vary by workplace and specialty. For example, a geriatric nurse works with elderly patients and provides a different type of care than an oncology nurse, who supports patients with cancer.
Generally speaking, an RN’s tasks often include the following:
• Evaluate the condition of patients.
• Set up care plans for patients.
• Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers.
• Operate and monitor medical equipment.
• Document patients’ medical backgrounds and symptoms.
• Administer medications and treatments.
• Assist in conducting diagnostic tests and analyzing the results.
• Educate patients and their families on managing illnesses or injuries.
• Provide instructions for post-treatment care at home.
Nurses often work on a team made up of other nurses, physicians, and healthcare specialists. Some nurses may even supervise other RNs, nursing assistants, or home health aids. Because of how much collaboration and patient interaction is involved in nursing, this role may not be a great fit for introverts. 💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
How Much Do Starting Nurses Make?
On average, entry-level nurses earn around $80,321 a year or $39 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. But keep in mind that amount represents a middle ground; incomes for nurses fresh out of school can run the gamut from $36,000 to $136,000.
Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?
What Is the Average Salary for a Nurse?
Unlike some other healthcare professionals, nurses may be paid hourly or earn an annual salary. They can also make extra by working overtime, overnight, or on holidays. As mentioned, nurses who are paid by the hour earn a median rate of $39.05 or $81,220 per year.
It’s worth noting that where a nurse chooses to work can significantly affect how much they earn. When it comes to settings that pay the most money, the government comes out on top. Let’s take a look at the median annual wage for nurses across a variety of settings, per the BLS:
• Government: $92,310
• Hospitals: $82,250
• Ambulatory healthcare services: $78,670
• Nursing and residential care facilities: $75,410
• Educational services: $65,450
Nurses also have the option to take travel assignments, which can be an attractive option for professionals seeking flexibility, short-term assignments, and competitive pay. Travel nurses can expect to earn anywhere from $81,000 to $128,00 a year.
To help manage that high level of income, consider digital tools like a money tracker app. In addition to being convenient, it can help take the guesswork out of budgeting and setting financial goals.
What Is the Average Salary by State for a Nurse?
The state a nurse chooses to work in can greatly influence how much they earn, as illustrated by the following table:
State
Average Annual Salary
Alabama
$68,782
Alaska
$78,193
Arizona
$70,717
Arkansas
$71,792
California
$78,490
Colorado
$90,700
Connecticut
$69,698
Delaware
$84,924
Florida
$56,707
Georgia
$64,076
Hawaii
$75,614
Idaho
$75,172
Illinois
$84,135
Indiana
$72,210
Iowa
$69,236
Kansas
$65,099
Kentucky
$76,147
Louisiana
$63,306
Maine
$76,539
Maryland
$82,211
Massachusetts
$78,960
Michigan
$75,056
Minnesota
$72,508
Mississippi
$69,141
Missouri
$80,121
Montana
$69,652
Nebraska
$80,357
Nevada
$73,935
New Hampshire
$74,558
New Jersey
$76,040
New Mexico
$72,231
New York
$83,627
North Carolina
$77,842
North Dakota
$77,045
Ohio
$70,515
Oklahoma
$77,820
Oregon
$77,062
Pennsylvania
$76,604
Rhode Island
$71,379
South Carolina
$79,483
South Dakota
$72,815
Tennessee
$67,322
Texas
$74,746
Utah
$67,313
Vermont
$81,802
Virginia
$83,556
Washington
$91,445
West Virginia
$59,162
Wisconsin
$75,198
Wyoming
$73,262
Source: ZipRecruiter
Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?
Nurse Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
Whether they’re paid by the hour or per year, a nurse can make a good living. And there are ways to supplement that income or create a flexible working schedule that supports a work-life balance. For instance, nurses can choose to work part-time, as many hospitals are short-staffed and need the extra help and expertise. There’s also travel nursing, which allows these healthcare professionals to pick up short-term assignments.
But if a full-time role with benefits is what you’re after, you may have little trouble finding one that fits. The BLS projects that between now and 2032, the number of RN jobs available in the field will grow 6%. And those on-staff positions can come with benefits like health insurance, retirement contribution matches, and tuition reimbursement.
Pros and Cons of Nurse Salary
Like any career path, working as an RN comes with a unique set of pros and cons that are worth keeping top of mind:
Pros
Cons
• High demand for nurses
• Full-time work and benefits available
• Flexible schedule may be an option depending on your employer
• Physically and emotionally demanding job
• Potential exposure to illnesses
• May work nights, weekends, or holidays
• Limited work-from-home options (aside from telehealth roles)
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
The Takeaway
While the hours can be long and the work physically demanding, nurses have the potential to earn a lot of money. As they gain years of experience or enter more lucrative industries, these professionals can potentially earn a six-figure salary. Bottom line: If you’re passionate about health care and helping others, you may find that a career in nursing is professionally and financially rewarding.
FAQ
What is the highest-paid RN job?
The type of nursing role an RN takes can affect how much they earn. Those looking to earn high incomes may want to pursue government nursing, which earns a median salary of $92,310. This is much higher than the $81,220 median salary for all RNs.
How much money does a RN make in California?
In the state of California, an RN can expect to earn an average of $78,490 per year, or an hourly rate of $37.74, per ZipRecruiter.
What state pays nurses the lowest?
Of all the 50 states, Florida pays its nurses the least, according to ZipRecruiter. Nurses there earn an average of $56,707 a year, and their average hourly wage is $27.26.
Photo credit: iStock/FG Trade
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
I have sold many houses as an agent, and investor over the last 20 years. I have learned a lot about what helps houses sell and what does not. I have also learned what to spend money on and what not to. If you plan to sell your house, and you want to get the most money you can, you need to make it look as appealing as possible without breaking your budget.
Table of Contents
How important is curb appeal?
First impressions matter but they may not matter as much as many people think. When we watch HGTV all we hear about is curb appeal. I think curb appeal is mentioned so much because it is an easy catchphrase to remember and it is easy to see the differences on TV. TV is not always reality.
When I sell houses I want the property to look good on the outside but I do not need to spend tens of thousands of dollars installing custom landscaping. if the yard is dead on a house we are flipping we won’t install sod and then sprinklers because we will never get that money back. Now if you live in the home and can nurse a yard back to health with little money definitely do that.
We will add mulch, trim or remove dead trees, repair fences, etc, but we usually aren’t adding fences or adding trees. If the house needs paint we will of course paint it, especially if there is peeling paint as that can stop a buyer from getting financing. The reason we don’t do a lot of yard work is that most buyers feel they can do that work themselves. It can be hard work but not complicated work.
Decluttering and staging a home
Most of the homes we sell are vacant so we do not need to declutter. However, many of you reading this may be living in the home and have your stuff, maybe a lot of stuff in that home. Homes look their best when there are very few personal items in the home and no mess. It might sound weird, but leaving pictures up distracts buyers. It distracts me. I see them and I think do I know them, have we met, how many kids do they have, when I should be looking at the house! This is for a seasoned investor! Take down all the personal photos and remove as much clutter as you can. Make sure the home is as clean as possible and smells good!
If the house is vacant we sometimes stage it and sometimes don’t. It depends on the size of the home, the market, the feel of the home, and many other factors. When we do stage, we hire a company to add furniture and a few decorations. The worst thing you can do is add one table and chair with a bottle of wine. If you are going to stage, do it right. If you don’t want to stage that is fine but don’t make it obvious you wanted to stage but got tired and quit.
What repairs should you make when selling?
I can write an entire article on repairs and have done that because a lot can be said. I also have videos that I will link to after this section because repairs are tricky. The two biggest questions to ask when thinking about what to repair and what not to are can the buyers get financing and does the house look good?
For FHA to finance a home, it needs to be in livable condition which means the roof is decent, the windows aren’t broken, the major systems work, there is no peeling paint, and there are no safety hazards. Some people may say well we will just sell to a buyer not using FHA. Except, most owner-occupied loans will use the same guidelines as FHA. If you want to sell to an investor you will most likely get much less money than selling to an owner-occupant. if you need help figuring out what repairs to make for financing talk to a local agent or check this out.
Once the house qualifies for financing you need to make sure it looks and feels good. Cosmetic repairs go a long way like paint and flooring. You do not need to go crazy spending $100k on kitchen and bath upgrades. Stick to the affordable repairs if your budget allows it and if the home is in decent shape you might not need to make any repairs.
Price the home right and be easy to work with
If you price your home too high, it doesn’t matter how good it looks or feels. Pricing is the most important part of selling a home and you need to get it right from the start. If you price too high and lower it over time, you will most likely get less than pricing it right the first time. Again, I would use an agent to help you figure out what to price it at based on the condition of the home.
It is also important to be easy to work with. If you need 48 hours for a showing, that will deter many buyers. Have the home ready to show at all times and be ready to get out of there or let it be shown if you are at work. You may want 2 weeks after closing to move out but that will deter many buyers as well. be very clear about what stays with the home and what you are taking as far as appliances or other items that may be attached to the property.
If you get an offer remember you are not fighting the buyers or trying to win, you are working with them to come up with a win/win scenario.
When should you sell the home?
Many people say you should always sell in the spring because that is when most buyers are looking. That is true but that is also when most sellers are selling as well. If you are ready to sell your home, I would not wait for the perfect time although I would avoid a few times of the year if possible. Fall is usually the slowest time of the year because kids are going back to school and everyone is super busy. The Holidays are also tough because people are distracted and busy. Most any other time of the year works and buyers are always looking.
Conclusion
Selling a house is not rocket science but many things that go into it. Getting your house prepared to sell can net you tens of thousands of dollars more than simply listing it and hoping. It is easier than ever to sell by owner now with online marketing tools and social media but I would always use an agent personally. Yes, I am an agent but even buying or selling out of state where I am not licensed I always use an agent. They can help you price the home right, and give you ideas on staging and repairs, they also handle the showings and will expose the property to more buyers.
As painful as it can be to see interest rates topping 7% when they hovered over 2% in late 2020, waiting for them to come down again could bite would-be homeowners. Although today’s rates mean homebuyers can expect to spend more on interest over their loan’s lifetime, they’re actually close to the 50-year average — and besides, if they plummet again, the market will once again be flooded by buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines.
Still, interest rates are a big deal when it comes to how much home you can comfortably afford — and the ongoing health of your personal finances. In this article, we’ll walk through a little bit of mortgage rate history and context, as well as offering ways to decide whether you’re ready to buy or not, regardless of the market.
Why Are Mortgage Rates So High?
Since Americans just witnessed a historic mortgage interest rate drop in 2020, today’s 7% and 8% rates seem astronomical. (And, to be fair, coupled with a median national home sales price over $400,000, they can pack a powerful punch: After interest, a 30-year mortgage could easily cost twice the amount of the loan.)
Still, it’s important to remember that when you look at the big picture, today’s rates are actually not that big a deal. Yes, they’re the highest they’ve been since the year 2000, but they’re about on par (or slightly under) the rates buyers saw in the 1990s — and less than half of the 17% and 18% interest rates buyers paid in the early 1980s.
The rise and fall of mortgage rates is tied to complicated economic factors, including inflation, the Federal interest rate, and the yield of 10-year Treasury bonds. It’s not totally predictable, but one thing’s for sure: It will continue to undulate over time. What’s more, attempting to time the market to purchase a house might not be the best financial move, even if it does save you money on interest. 💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s Lock and Look + feature allows you to lock in a low mortgage financing rate for 90 days while you search for the perfect place to call home.
First-time homebuyers can prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan, with as little as 3% down.
How Low Will Mortgage Rates Drop This Year?
While no one can fully predict the future, experts do weigh in with their predictions for the mortgage interest rate. In 2024, projections suggest a mortgage interest rate drop to about 6%, or slightly lower — but still, we’re likely to stay far from the 2% and 3% free-for-all we saw a few years ago.
How Your Interest Rate Impacts Your Buying Power
So how much do interest rates really impact how much house you can afford? Glad you asked! Let’s do some math.
Say you’re going to buy a $400,000 home — which is just a little less than the U.S. median sale price right now. You’ve saved up a 20% down payment, or $80,000, and plan on taking out a 30-year mortgage.
With a fixed interest rate of 7%, your monthly payment would be about $2,129 per month, before additional costs like homeowners insurance and property taxes. At 6.5%, that payment goes down to $2,023, and at 6% it drops to $1,919. (So a percentage point drop equates to $210 per month in savings, or $2,520 per year.)
However, it’s over the long term that interest really has the opportunity to add up. In the exact same scenario, over the 30-year lifetime of the loan, you’d pay approximately the following amount in total interest:
• 7%: $446,428
• 6.5%: $408,142
• 6%: $370,682
As you can see, just a single percent difference can save you nearly $100,000 in the long run. So while it’s not possible to perfectly time the market, it is worth shopping around for the lowest possible interest rates you can qualify for.
(Keep in mind, too, that you can always pull your own customized numbers using a mortgage calculator.) 💡 Quick Tip: Don’t have a lot of cash on hand for a down payment? The minimum down payment for an FHA mortgage loan is as low as 3.5%.1
Should You Wait to Buy a Home?
The question of whether you’re ready to buy a home — or if it makes more sense to wait — is one that depends on far more than the going market interest rate. Here are some ways for first-time homebuyers to decide what might be the right move, right now.
Reasons to Buy
These are good reasons to consider going ahead with the homebuying process, high interest rates or no:
• You’re financially (and emotionally) ready. Your credit score is in tip-top shape, you’ve saved up a down payment, and you’re planning to stay in your new home for at least five years — which means you could feasibly refinance once interest rates drop substantially and still break even on closing costs. (A home affordability calculator can help you figure out just how much house you can reasonably afford.)
• The market looks good to you. These higher interest rates mean the housing market is moving far more slowly than it used to, so the amount of available inventory may give buyers who are ready to buy more time to shop around and find something they really like. This dynamic can also drive home prices down, creating more value for you as the property appreciates over time.
• It’s time to move. Regardless of the housing market, life goes on — and if you’re expanding your family or relocating, you may not have a choice about moving. If the opportunity is presenting itself and you’re financially ready, this could be a great time to get started on building equity and generational wealth as a homeowner.
Reasons to Wait
On the other end of the spectrum, there are some good reasons to wait on buying a home, even when interest rates are low:
• You’re not financially (or emotionally) ready. If a monthly mortgage payment would leave you cash-poor, you don’t have a substantial emergency fund saved up, your job security is in question, or you’re not quite sure you’re ready to commit to a given locale, buying a home might not be the right move for you — yet.
• You can’t get prequalified by a mortgage lender. Perhaps you’re in a decent amount of debt or have an iffy credit history. If you can’t qualify for a loan right now, take the time to work on those factors and get ready for the future.
• The market looks meh to you. If you can’t find a home you like, you probably shouldn’t buy one. After all, it’s a major investment — and while we’re not suggesting you have to wait for an absolutely perfect house to come along, you should be happy with your purchase!
Should Interest Rates Influence Your Decision?
While interest rates are of course a relevant factor for would-be homeowners, so long as you’re financially prepared and planning on staying in your new home for at least a few years, higher interest rates shouldn’t deter you. After all, you can always refinance once rates drop.
The Takeaway
Waiting for interest rates to drop can be a bit like waiting for Godot: You might get stuck in the in-between. If your finances are in shape and you’ve found your dream home, now could still be the right time to take the leap and become a homeowner.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% – 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It’s online, with access to one-on-one help.
SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.
FAQ
Is it better to wait for interest rates to go down?
Not necessarily. While lower interest rates can subtly lower a monthly mortgage payment — and save buyers potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a loan — it’s not the only factor to consider if you’re otherwise ready to buy a home. (Plus, qualified buyers can always refinance their purchase down the line when rates drop again.)
Will 2024 be a good year to buy a house?
It’s probably as good a year to buy as any. Many experts expect interest rates to drop a bit this year, from their current position between about 7% and 8% to somewhere between 5.5% and 6.5%. And it’s unlikely that interest rates will plummet back down to 2% or 3% as they did a few years ago.
What month is the best time to buy a house?
November and December tend to be favorable times to buy a home for buyers looking for the best deal possible. That’s because the holidays and winter weather may keep some buyers from shopping during this time, which means sellers might be more motivated to make a deal. You won’t get to see your new home in the height of its summer beauty for months — but you’ll get to find out whether it’s well insulated!
Photo credit: iStock/Andrii Yalanskyi
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SoFi Mortgages Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
+Lock and Look program: Terms and conditions apply. Applies to conventional purchase loans only. Rate will lock for 91 calendar days at the time of preapproval. An executed purchase contract is required within 60 days of your initial rate lock. If current market pricing improves by 0.25 percentage points or more from the original locked rate, you may request your loan officer to review your loan application to determine if you qualify for a one-time float down. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this offer at any time with or without notice to you.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
As a former sorority girl who went to college in the South during the 2010s, I’m no stranger to bows. We wore them loud and proud in our hair and on our clothing and slapped them on all sorts of DIY projects. That may have been 10 years ago, but as they say, all trends come back around eventually. Fast forward to last year when designers Sandy Liang and Simone Rocha debuted their fall 2023 collections at New York Fashion Week with one theme in common: bows. Soon afterward, TikTok became full of videos tagged with #coquetteaesthetic, AKA a romantic, feminine style à la Bridgerton. Think baby doll dresses, pastel colors, lots of lace, and delicate bows tied in your hair.
It’s not just fashion included in this trend, though. Bow home decor is having its moment, too. During the holiday season, it was hard not to scroll through social media and see images of bows tied around Christmas trees, candlesticks, ornaments, artwork, and more. But even though the holidays have passed, the coquette aesthetic is still going strong. If you’re interested in trying out the trend for yourself, keep scrolling for suggestions on how to incorporate bow home decor into your space. No trip to the ribbon aisle of the craft store required.
In this article
Decor & Accessories
Some may argue that a bow is an accessory itself, but this trend takes it a step further. In keeping with the delicate, feminine vibes of the coquette aesthetic, add small touches throughout your home with these bow-adorned decor pieces.
Linens & Pillows
Embrace your feminine energy and create the bedroom of your dreams with blankets, pillows, and curtains all adorned with bow accents.
Rugs
Whether it’s a plush bath mat or a large area rug, a patterned rug adds not only visual interest to a space but it also cozies up otherwise cold, bare floors.
Wallpaper & Artwork
If you’re looking to really lean into the coquette trend, consider using wallpaper or wall art to make a bold statement with bows. The best part is peel-and-stick wallpaper or art prints are easy to change out when trends shift.
The weather is nippy, the sun is low in the winter sky, and all thoughts are turning to comfort food. In other words, it’s officially the season to hunker down and gleefully embrace your homebody instincts to stay in.
If your household is anything like ours, these next few months will also be when the dining room becomes a place for more than just meals. Indeed, winter hibernation includes slow mornings over a book and long evenings with your latest craft in hand.
But your dining room might need some extra love these days, especially if your home feels a bit bare sans all the holiday decor. To help, we’ve gathered up some timeless dining room looks from Instagram that will make your space feel just as cozy as it did around the holidays.
Here are five decor ideas to keep the warm vibes going in your space well into the new year.
1. Dining room library
One of our favorite chic and snug looks for the season? This dining room/dream reading space by @kateabtdesign. The best part of this look is that it doesn’t take a lot of construction chops to achieve, just a few well-placed bookshelves.
“The concept of integrating a library into a dining room has grown more popular because it adds a layer of intellectual charm and character to the space,” says designer Guillaume Drew, of Or & Zon. “Bookshelves adds a warm, lived-in feel and a unique ambiance that’s both cultured and comfortable.”
Get the look: Get your dining room library off to an exciting start with this etagere bookshelf.
2. Warm wood side table
When creating a cozy space that you genuinely want to spend time in this winter, nothing achieves that feeling quite as well as vibrant wood tones. This is especially true when the wood vibes come in the form of a spotlight piece of furniture, like this side table from @oezlem.oezsoy.
“Warm wood tones have this inherent quality of making any space feel grounded and cozy due to their connection with nature and the outdoors,” says Drew. “The rich hues and grains pair well with both traditional and modern decor and evoke a sense of durability and timelessness.”
Get the look: Give your space a homey hue with this midcentury buffet in Acorn.
3. Woven-backed chairs
Another variation on the theme of using natural materials to create a grounded, comfortable space is a woven-backed chair, such as the ones featured by @heidicaillierdesign.
“Current dining areas are overwhelmingly wood—with hardwood flooring and built-in wood storage,” says designer Courtney Wollersheim, of FLOOR360. “Choose a dining room chair that has a complementary wood tone and woven seat back to tie the space together.”
Get the look: Complement your naturally decorated space with a set of these Astrid upholstered rattan dining chairs.
4. Grand-scale chandelier
Is a high ceiling making your dining room feel more formal than comfy? Not to worry. A perfectly placed grand-scale chandelier like this one from @chairishbydesign might be the thing to change that.
“Including a grand-scale chandelier in a dining room is more than just a statement. It’s about creating intimacy and ambiance,” says Drew. “The sheer size draws the eye up, then down, illuminating the room in a soft glow and shrinking to a more comfortable scale.”
Get the look: Cast a welcoming glow over your space with this Cassi 6 chandelier.
5. Tabletop taper candles
Taper candles are having a serious moment this winter. And if you’ve been feeling like your dining space lacks a certain glowing ambiance, then a few styled candles like these from @barwny_domek will work wonders.
“Your dining room tablescape is a space to showcase things that demonstrate your heritage, thrifting talent, eco-consciousness, and seasonal flavor,” says Wollersheim. “Tapered candles complement any style while adding an elegant vintage feel with warming, cozy candlelight.”
Get the look: Shop this collection of tapered candles on Etsy, or skip the matches and opt for a few of these Wick rechargeable LED table lights.
While spring and summer are typically the most active home-buying seasons, things tend to cool down by September, much like the weather. But that doesn’t mean you should put off your home search. In fact, the fall can be the golden time to find a home.
Let’s explore why autumn can be one of the best times of the year to buy a home.
There Are Fewer Shoppers
The spring and early summer frenzy of buyers wanting to get into a home before school starts has settled down. You’ll have less competition as homes hit the market.
Very Motivated Sellers
Sellers are often motivated due to less competition from buyers. They may also be eager to sell before the holiday season, which can translate into a good deal for you.
Starter Home Inventory Peaks
Leaf colors aren’t the only things that peak in the fall. Typically, so does starter home inventory, which can be good news for first-time homebuyers. These homes tend to be in the lower-third price range of available houses, making them a potential option for those taking their initial step into homeownership.
The Weather Can Uncover Issues in the Home
Sunny summer weather can hide water-related issues such as roof or window frame leaks. Autumn rains make it easier for your home inspector to see potential water problems firsthand. Cooler fall weather also allows you to evaluate the heating system more effectively.
Uncovering issues that need repair may help you bring down the price of a home, or you may want to consider rescinding an offer if the fixes are too extensive or expensive.
You Could Have More Negotiating Power
With fewer homebuyers in the market, you may be in a good position to negotiate a more favorable price. Plus, sellers may be tired of waiting for a sale if the home has been on the market since the summer. They may be more open to making a deal and hoping to close before the holidays and the winter.
Flexibility on Move-In Dates
Need to move in earlier or later? Motivated sellers may be more willing to accommodate your schedule.
Plus, demand for moving companies wanes in the fall. With more crews available, scheduling your move may be easier, allowing for more flexible move-in dates. Moving costs may also be lower, thanks to off-peak pricing.
Prices Are Dropping
Historically, home prices are highest in the spring and summer and drop during the fall. This is especially true for homes that have been on the market throughout the summer; sellers may lower the asking prices to encourage a sale.
Home Winterization Not an Issue Yet
Milder fall temperatures mean a home’s winterization isn’t yet an issue, but you’ll have time to address any concerns. Prepare for winter’s chill by maintaining the furnace and water heater, sealing cracks and adding insulation, all of which cut energy costs.
More Contractors Available for Renovations
Spring and summer are busy seasons for contractors, but things tend to slow down in autumn. Contractors, subcontractors and skilled laborers may be more readily available to take on your new home’s renovation or repair projects.
Tax Write-Off Before End of Year
Taking advantage of homeowner tax deductions on next year’s returns may save you money, too. Write-offs may only be a percentage of a full year’s deductions (when you’ve been residing in the home continually), but getting in before the December 31 tax deadline means you’ll be able to write off some of this year’s mortgage interest, along with deductions for points, property taxes and home offices.
Summer Listings Are Still Available
There are still homes on the market from summer that some sellers may remove during the holidays and relist next year.
Spring and summer may traditionally be the peak home-buying periods, but the autumn months present several overlooked benefits — from reduced competition to lower prices to greater starter home inventory. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating, moving up or downsizing, autumn can be the perfect time to begin your search and find a home you’ll “fall” in love with. Contact a Pennymac Loan Expert to explore our wide range of financing options for your home loan needs.
Looking for the best jobs for single moms? Being a single mom can be hard because you have to manage both your job and taking care of your kids. There are not many hours in a day, so it’s probably important to you to find a job that pays you a good income and lets…
Looking for the best jobs for single moms?
Being a single mom can be hard because you have to manage both your job and taking care of your kids. There are not many hours in a day, so it’s probably important to you to find a job that pays you a good income and lets you take care of your children.
The good news is that nowadays, there are many stay at home jobs for moms. This means you don’t have to follow a strict 9-to-5 schedule, making it easier to balance work and family. There are also many in-person jobs that allow you to have a better schedule to match your children’s schedule (such as when they are in school!).
Whatever you may be looking for, there are many flexible jobs for single moms. Continue reading below to learn more!
Best Jobs for Single Moms
Below is a quick summary of some of the best jobs for single moms.
Bookkeeper – You can organize the finances for businesses and have flexible working hours. With quick training, entry-level bookkeeping jobs might start at around $20 per hour, but with experience, you could earn a lot more.
Blogger – Bloggers get to work from home and make their own schedule, which is great for anyone, including single moms.
Teacher – Teaching probably aligns well with your child’s school schedule. Whether full-time, substitute, or part-time, teaching can be a good choice.
Virtual Assistant – This job involves helping businesses with tasks online, and you can typically make your own schedule.
Childcare provider – If you enjoy taking care of children, providing childcare for others while watching your own can, at the same time, be a way to earn money.
Below, you can learn about each of these, as well as many more of the best jobs for single moms.
1. Blogger
Blogging is one of the best jobs for single moms, and this is because you can work from home, make your own flexible schedule, and be your own boss; these are all reasons why I think it’s one of the best jobs for single moms who stay at home.
Plus, to start, you don’t need a lot of stuff – just a computer and internet.
I do this myself while taking care of my daughter, Marlowe. Blogging lets me travel whenever I want, make my own work schedule, earn good money, write about topics I like, and I really enjoy having a blogging business.
I started Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and since then, I’ve earned over $5,000,000 with my blog. When I began, I didn’t know it would become one of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms. Now, blogging lets me have a flexible schedule and spend lots of time with my daughter. It’s been a great way to balance work and family for me.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
In this free course, you will learn:
Why you should start a blog today
How to decide what you should write about
How to create a blog (this will go over the actual step-by-step process)
How to make income from your blog
How to get people to read your blog
And more!
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Day care (and bring your kid)
Finding a job that lets you bring your child along can save you childcare costs and watching other people’s kids is one way to do it.
You could start your own day care or find a job at a day care.
If you want to start a home day care, then you will want to check your state’s rules for home day cares, such as if you need a license. You’ll also need a safe space for children, as well as toys and games.
You could also try to find a job at a day care in your local area. Many day care centers allow you to bring your child, or they will give you a discounted rate to have your child attend the day care as well while you work.
Another option is to become a nanny or babysitter for a family that allows you to have your child there as well.
Starting a day care, working in one, or becoming a nanny/babysitter can be a win-win. You earn money and don’t worry about finding someone to watch your kid. Plus, your child gets to play and learn with other children.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money on Maternity Leave: 27 Real Ways
3. Sell printables
Selling printables is a great work-from-home business idea for single moms. This is because you can do this while your kids are sleeping or at school and earn passive income too!
Printables are digital files that people buy, download, and print themselves. These can include planners, calendars, wall art, grocery shopping checklists, weekly meal plans that someone puts on their fridge, and educational worksheets for kids.
You can sell your printables on websites like Etsy. This is a way to make money from home because you only need to make one digital file for each product, and you can sell it many times. You don’t have to print or send anything to your customers. You make the digital file; your customer buys it, downloads it, and takes care of the rest.
I recommend reading about this further at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy to learn more about one of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
4. Virtual assistant
As a single mom, you may be looking for a job that fits into your schedule. Working as a virtual assistant (VA) could be your answer, as you get to work from home and choose hours that work for you.
I’ve worked as a virtual assistant before, and I also have virtual assistants who help me with my business. Many parents have told me that a virtual assistant job is one of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms because it’s very flexible, and I agree!
A VA is someone who works from home as an assistant for someone else. Nowadays, many businesses can be operated from home, so it makes sense that an assistant can also work from home.
A virtual assistant can do tasks like managing social media accounts, formatting and editing content, scheduling appointments, handling travel plans, managing emails, and overseeing Facebook groups, among other things.
You can learn more at How Kayla Earns $10,000 Each Month From Home as a Virtual Assistant.
5. Freelance writer
If you’re a single mom looking for a job you can do from home, freelance writing might be a good fit for you. It’s a job where you write articles, blog posts, and sometimes even books for money. You don’t have to work in an office; you can write from anywhere, even your own kitchen table.
I have been a freelance writer for years, and it can be a great career choice for someone who wants to work from home.
When you’re just starting as a freelance writer, you might begin by writing articles that pay around $50 each or even more. However, the amount of money you can earn can vary a lot. You may be able to earn around $50,000 a year, and I know several freelance writers who are moms who make over $200,000 per year.
Many people are searching for freelance writers, and this job has a lot of opportunities for growth. It could be a great career to begin with.
Learn more at 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!).
6. Book author
If you love telling stories or sharing your knowledge, writing books could be an ideal job for you as a single mom. You get to create your own schedule and work from anywhere, even your home. Writing can be done at times that fit your schedule best, such as when your kids are at school or asleep.
For publishing your book, there are two options:
Traditional Publishing – You submit your manuscript to publishers. If a publisher likes your work, they will print, distribute, and market your book for you. In return, you’ll earn royalties from sales.
Self-Publishing – Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing allow you to publish your book yourself. You control every aspect and get a higher percentage of the sales, but you also handle marketing and distribution.
The amount of money that you can make as a book author can vary by a lot. As a first-time author, getting published can be challenging, and earning substantial income takes time. If you self-publish and your book becomes popular, you could make a significant amount. But, this isn’t guaranteed.
Recommended reading: How Alyssa is making $200 a DAY in book sales passively
7. Graphic designer
Graphic design is a creative job that involves making artwork and visual designs. You might create designs for websites (like logos), advertisements, or printed materials like brochures and magazines.
Your work helps companies communicate with their customers through eye-catching and effective visuals.
This can be a great job for single mothers, as you may be able to find a work-from-home job as a graphic designer, or even start your own business where you can make your own flexible schedule.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
8. Social media manager
Becoming a social media manager can be a great fit for single moms looking for remote work jobs.
Social media managers are in charge of social media accounts for businesses or people. Their job is to post on social media, reply to comments, and keep everyone interested.
This can include TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, X (formally known as Twitter), and more.
I have been a social media manager for companies, and it’s a great job that allows you to have a flexible schedule. That means you can work when it suits you – such as when the kids are at school or asleep.
9. Real estate agent
If you’re a single mom looking to balance work and family, becoming a real estate agent might be a great fit. As a real estate agent, you help people buy and sell homes.
To be a real estate agent, you just need a high school diploma and a license.
In 2021, the average pay for this job was $23.45 per hour, which is about $48,770 per year. But, there are many real estate agents who earn much more than this.
10. Proofreader
Proofreaders read documents and check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and they make sure everything is perfect before it gets printed or published online. They review books, articles, blog posts, social media content, newsletters, advertisements, and more.
If you want flexible work hours, proofreading is a good choice. Depending on your experience and the job’s complexity, you can earn between $20 and $50 per hour and more.
As a single mom, this job lets you balance work with looking after your kids. You can usually set your own schedule and work from home, which can make life a little easier.
You can read more at How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere.
There is also a FREE 76-minute workshop where you will learn more about how to become a proofreader with Proofread Anywhere. You can sign up for free here.
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
11. Bookkeeper
If you’re a single mom, becoming a bookkeeper might be a good option for you. Bookkeepers manage money records for businesses by keeping track of all the money that comes in and goes out.
If you work as an online bookkeeper, you could make about $40,000 or more per year. Typically, this involves managing finances for around 12 to 16 clients.
Being an online bookkeeper is great because you don’t need to be an accountant or have any prior experience. Also, virtual bookkeeping is a service that many people are looking for, so there’s a demand for it.
Recommended reading: Online Bookkeeping Jobs: Learn How To Get Started Today
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
12. Transcriptionist
As a transcriptionist, your job is to listen to audio or video files and type out what you hear into text. This is a task that you can do from home, making it a good option if you’re a single mom looking for flexible work.
One of the biggest benefits of this job is flexibility. You can usually choose when and how much you want to work (such as when your kids are sleeping or when they are at school). This can make balancing work and family much easier.
You need to be able to type quickly and accurately and attention to detail is important because you need to catch every single word.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
13. Customer service representative
Customer service representatives help people by answering questions and solving problems on the phone or online, which means they can sometimes work from home.
On average, customer service representatives earn around $35,868 a year as an average salary. This will change depending on where you work and how much experience you have.
Some large companies like Apple, Progressive, U.S. Bank, American Express, and U-Haul hire customer service representatives who can work from home. This means you can do the job from the comfort of your own house.
14. Data entry clerk
Data entry clerks enter information into databases or spreadsheets. They type things like numbers and names into computers to keep everything organized and make sure records are correct.
Jobs in data entry usually pay about $15 to $20 per hour.
Recommended reading: 15 Places To Find Data Entry Jobs From Home
15. Dog walker or pet sitter
If you’re a single mom looking for a job that fits around your schedule, you may want to look into becoming a dog walker or pet sitter. This type of job lets you choose when you work, which is great for making sure you have time for your kids.
As a dog walker, you walk dogs for people who are busy or away from home. You might take them around the neighborhood or to a park. If you’re a pet sitter, you take care of pets while their owners are out of town or at work.
The money you make can vary. Some jobs might pay you each day, like $15 to $25 an hour or a flat rate per day like $75. How much you make could depend on how many pets you care for and how long you spend with them.
Rover is a great company that you can sign up with in order to become a dog walker and pet sitter.
16. BabyQuip
If you’re a mom looking for a flexible side hustle, BabyQuip might be worth looking into. It’s a service where you can rent out baby gear like strollers and car seats to traveling parents – starting is simple: apply online, and BabyQuip will guide you through the process.
As a mom after all, you probably already have a lot of baby gear that you can rent out to make money with.
With BabyQuip, you make money by renting out items you already own or plan to invest in for rentals. Because parents travel, the demand for clean and safe baby gear is always there.
People using BabyQuip can make about $1,000 a month on average, and some even earn more than $10,000 each month.
On BabyQuip, you can rent items like cribs, strollers, car seats, high chairs, toys, bouncers, books, hiking packs, and many other things.
17. Teacher
As a single mom, teaching can be a great career for you. As a teacher, you typically work while your children are in school as well, after all.
Most teaching jobs follow a traditional school year calendar. This means you usually have summers off, along with school holidays, which can help you spend time with your kids.
18. Doula
If you’re a single mom looking for a job, you may want to become a doula. A doula supports women during childbirth, but your work can also extend to helping moms after the baby is born.
They are there to give comfort, encouragement, and knowledge during the pregnancy journey, labor, and the postpartum period.
19. Tutor
If you’re looking for part-time jobs for single moms, then tutoring may be an option to look into.
If you’re a single mom who knows a lot about a specific subject like math, science, or a language, becoming an online tutor could be a smart choice. You can schedule sessions around your life and help students learn. You pick when you work, which is perfect when you have kids at home. You might teach early mornings, afternoons, or even nights.
You will need a quiet place to work, a computer, and a good internet connection.
Income as a tutor ranges, and you may be able to earn $20+ an hour. And, if you specialize in something more advanced, like SAT prep or college courses, you could make more, even up to $50 per hour or more.
20. Photographer
As a single mom, becoming a photographer can be a rewarding job choice for you. With a camera and some practice, you can start taking photos that people will enjoy.
To begin, you need a decent camera. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive one. You also need to learn about lighting and how to frame a good picture. There are lots of free tutorials online, such as on YouTube, if you want to learn more.
One of the best parts about photography is that you can make your own schedule. You decide when to book photo shoots, which can be great for balancing time with your kids. It’s possible to do photo shoots on weekends or during special events like weddings.
You can earn money by selling your photos online or by working with clients directly. Graduations, weddings, family portraits, and even pet photos can be great opportunities. Pricing varies depending on the job, but as you gain experience, you can charge more for your work.
As you grow, you can invest in better equipment and editing software to enhance the quality of your photos. This helps you stand out and can lead to more jobs and higher pay.
I know many moms who are successful photographers, and they love having a photography business.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
21. Instacart shopper
If you’re a single mom looking for a job that fits around your schedule, becoming an Instacart shopper might be a good choice. Instacart is a service that lets people order groceries online, and shoppers like you do the shopping and deliver the orders to their homes.
When you’re an Instacart shopper, you can set your own hours. This means you can work when it’s best for you, like when your kids are at school or sleeping. As a shopper, you get a payment card from Instacart to buy the groceries at the store.
Shoppers usually earn about $11 to $20 per hour. It’s important to remember that as an independent contractor, you will have extra costs like gas and vehicle maintenance that you need to think about when figuring out your earnings.
You can learn more at Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
22. Paralegal
As a single mom, you might find the role of a paralegal interesting. It’s a job where you work in a law firm or legal department, helping lawyers by preparing legal documents and doing research.
Your typical work hours are most likely Monday to Friday, fitting well with a school-week schedule.
Paralegals earn around $30,000 to $35,000 a year.
23. Dental assistant
As a single mom, if you’re looking for a job that lets you help people and have regular hours, you might like being a dental assistant. In this job, you work in a dentist’s office and help the dentist with patients.
Your tasks could include getting the tools ready, making sure patients are comfortable, and teaching them how to care for their teeth.
Your week would be busy, but you usually wouldn’t have to work nights or weekends. This is great because it matches up with your kids’ school schedule.
24. Travel agent
As a single mom, you may find that being a travel agent is a job that fits well with your life. It’s a job where you get to plan and book trips for others. You could work from home or an office.
Travel agents plan vacations, business trips, and getaways for clients and they find the best deals on flights, hotels, and fun activities.
The money you earn can vary because some agents get paid hourly and others get a commission, which is a part of the trip cost.
25. Nurse
As a single mom, you might worry about balancing work with taking care of your kids. As a nurse, there are jobs that can fit your life.
Some examples include:
School nurse – You can work the same hours your kids are in school. You’ll care for sick children, keep track of health records, and help with health checks.
Doctor’s office nurse – Working here can be less stressful. Usually, the hours are regular, Monday to Friday, so you can be home with your kids in the evenings and on weekends.
Home health care nurse – You’ll visit patients in their homes, which can give you a flexible schedule.
Public health clinics – These places look after the community’s health. Hours can be more regular, meaning you won’t have to do lots of night shifts.
Nurse educator – If you love teaching, this lets you work in a classroom instead of a hospital. You’ll have a steady schedule, perfect for family time.
26. Speech pathologist
A speech pathologist helps people with speech and language issues. You would work to improve their communication skills, which can be very rewarding.
You need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and certifications vary by state.
Your work may take place in schools, hospitals, or private clinics. Some speech pathologists work from home providing virtual sessions.
27. Sleep consultant
Sleep is really important for the growth and well-being of babies, and it’s important for parents too. But sometimes, parents find it hard to make sure their child gets the sleep they need.
Pediatric sleep consultants are very helpful in solving children’s sleep problems, making it easier for families to have peaceful nights. If you really enjoy working with kids and want to make a positive difference in their lives, becoming a sleep coach could be a great career option.
I have personally learned from sleep consultants in the past, and I know many others who have hired a sleep consultant as well. These are typically moms who have firsthand experience with improving a baby’s sleep.
Learn more at How To Become A Sleep Consultant And Make $10,000 Each Month.
28. Run a dog treat bakery
If you enjoy cooking, starting a home bakery could be a way to make money from home. It allows you to use your cooking skills to create dog treats and earn some income.
You can make dog treats, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more.
Starting a dog treat bakery business could potentially help you earn an extra $500 to $1,000 a month or even more. It’s a niche small business idea that taps into the love people have for their pets.
I also recommend reading How I Earned Up to $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find jobs for single moms.
What should a single mom do to handle financial stress?
I get it – as a single mom, you may have a lot of financial stress. It is hard to be a single mom and manage everything all on your own after all. To manage financial stress, I recommend trying to find jobs that pay well but also have flexible hours or work hours that match up with your children’s school schedule. Jobs that allow you to work remotely can also help lower your childcare expenses as you can work from home.
How to work as a single mom without help or childcare?
If you don’t have help or childcare, then you may want to work during hours when your kids are at school or asleep. This may include looking for jobs or employers who understand your situation and have flexible schedules or the ability to work from home.
What are the best work from home jobs for single moms?
I think one of the best ways for a single mom to make money is to work from home. This is because you may be able to make your own schedule, and you may be able to find a job that allows you to take care of your kids at the same time.
The best work-from-home jobs include jobs like virtual assistants, freelance writers, and bloggers.
What are jobs for single moms without a degree?
Jobs for single moms without a degree include administrative support, customer service positions, and sales roles as these jobs usually give on-the-job training.
How can a single mom go back to college and what degrees are best?
You can go back to college by looking for online degree programs, or classes when your children are at school, that fit your schedule. Popular degrees that balance well with being a single mom could be in fields like education, business, or healthcare, which have the potential for career growth.
Best Jobs for Single Moms – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to find the best jobs for single moms.
Whether you are looking for full-time or part-time jobs for single moms, there are many options that may fit what you need.
As you probably noticed above, jobs for single moms vary and include different types of work. Some jobs are creative, like writing or graphic design, while others are more regular, such as customer service or bookkeeping.
If you enjoy telling stories and writing, you could be a blogger or a freelance writer. If you’re good with organizing and numbers, you might like being a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper.
If you prefer doing your own thing, you could start a home day care or sell printables online.
As you can see, this is a long list of the best jobs for single mothers! There are many different job ideas that you could try that have a good work-life balance.
What do you think are the best jobs for single parents?