Whether you’re deciding on a new career path or wondering whether you’re being paid enough, it can help to know what the typical American worker earns per year.
Based on the latest data available from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average annual pay in the U.S. in 2021 was $60,575 — an 8.89% jump from the previous year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the average worker made closer to $67,610 that same year. The amount you make may depend on a number of factors, including your occupation, where you live, your gender, and your level of education.
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Key Findings
Let’s take a closer look at how the average annual pay in the U.S. has changed over a three-year period based on data from both the SSA and BLS.
Year
Average Annual Salary per SSA
Average Annual Salary per BLS
2019
$54,099.99
$59,209
2020
$55,628.60
$64,021
2021
$60,575.07
$67,610
It can also be helpful to look at median earnings, which represent the midpoint of salaries in the U.S. In other words, half of the salaries fall below the median, and half are higher than the median.
The following table shows the median annual salary for a three-year period.
Year
Median Annual Salary
2022
$54,132
2021
$51,896
2020
$51,168
Source: BLS
As you can see, average and median incomes have risen each year. However, average salaries can be affected by various factors such as your occupation, age, and gender. Note that the numbers above also don’t include unearned income.
Examples of High-Salary Jobs in the US
Some industries tend to pay more than others, which means the career you choose may affect how much you earn. Here’s a sampling of high-paying jobs and their average annual salary, according to the BLS:
• Cardiologist, $353,970 per year
• Dentist, $177,770
• Aircraft pilots and flight engineer, $169,540
• Lawyer and judicial law clerk, $146,220
• Public relations manager, $138,000
• Air traffic controller, $127,920
Recommended: How to Reduce Taxable Income for High Earners
Average American Income by Occupation
While salaries tend to vary based on geography, seeing how much certain types of jobs pay can be informative. Let’s take a look at different occupations and how much they typically pay.
Occupation (Type)
Average annual salary
Management
$123,370
Legal
$113,100
Computer and Mathematical Operations
$99,860
Architecture and Engineering
$91,740
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
$91,100
Business and Financial Operations
$82,610
Life, Physical, and Social Science
$80,730
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
$66,100
Educational Instruction and Library
$62,140
Construction and Extraction
$55,900
Community and Social Service
$53,960
Protective Service
$53,420
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
$53,380
Sales (and Related)
$46,080
Office and Administrative Support
$43,430
Transportation and Material Moving
$41,340
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
$34,730
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance
$33,750
Personal Care and Service
$33,620
Healthcare support
$33,330
Food Preparation and Serving Related
$29,450
Source: BLS, May 2022 data
Keep in mind that average salaries may differ depending on the specific occupation you have. For example, although claims adjusters fall under the business and financial operations category, their average salary is around $70,960.
US Income by Gender
Demographics, specifically gender, are another factor to consider. By and large, men tend to outearn women throughout their career. The median annual salary for a 16- to 24-year-old man is $33,800; a woman of the same age earns $31,460, per the latest data available from the BLS. Likewise, the median annual salary for a man aged 25 and older is $60,320; a woman of the same age earns $49,608.
Median Income by State
Wages often vary based on where you live. In many cases, states with higher costs of living also have higher wages. For example, the median annual income in Hawaii is $100,532 — much higher than Mississippi’s median annual income of $61,205.
Below is the median income by state for a household of three people, according to data compiled by the Census Bureau between April 1 and May 14, 2022.
State
Median annual income
Alabama
$70,250
Alaska
$108,072
Arizona
$79,110
Arkansas
$70,169
California
$97,092
Colorado
$100,744
Connecticut
$108,409
Delaware
$96,841
District of Columbia
$138,342
Florida
$75,057
Georgia
$79,980
Hawaii
$100,532
Idaho
$76,635
Illinois
$97,067
Indiana
$81,783
Iowa
$85,758
Kansas
$88,369
Kentucky
$71,501
Louisiana
$71,371
Maine
$87,051
Maryland
$113,994
Massachusetts
$117,415
Michigan
$84,245
Minnesota
$106,445
Mississippi
$61,205
Missouri
$80,022
Montana
$79,652
Nebraska
$91,076
New Hampshire
$113,013
Nevada
$91,076
New Jersey
$117,697
New Mexico
$66,183
New York
$96,854
North Carolina
$76,386
North Dakota
$94,950
Ohio
$82,734
Oklahoma
$71,397
Oregon
$93,773
Pennsylvania
$92,441
Rhode Island
$101,104
South Carolina
$75,128
South Dakota
$87,475
Tennessee
$75,394
Texas
$80,733
Utah
$90,629
Vermont
$92,628
Virginia
$102,869
Washington
$104,644
West Virginia
$71,757
Wisconsin
$92,586
Wyoming
$88,902
US Income by Race
As the BLS data below shows, there is often a pay disparity among workers of different races and ethnicities.
• Asian, $69,056 per year
• White, $52,936
• Black or African American, $41,652
• Hispanic or Latino, $40,404
How Does Your Income Stack Up?
Now that you’ve seen some of the average and median annual salaries by occupation, location, gender, and race or ethnicity, how does yours compare? If you’re not making as much as you’d like, you may want to research wages in your industry and region, and use that information to help you negotiate a higher salary. If you’re ready to make a bigger change, you can use this data as you consider whether to switch to a more lucrative field or relocate to a higher-paying region.
Recommended: How to Negotiate Your Signing Bonus
How to Stretch Your Income
Here are some different strategies to help you make the most of the money you make:
Track Your Spending
Understanding exactly where your money is going can help you keep tabs on where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. Consider using a spending app to track your spending and saving.
Negotiate Bills
Want to lower monthly expenses, such as your cell phone or internet services? Consider calling up various providers to see if you’re able to get a better deal or if there are promotions you can take advantage of.
Cut Back on Large Expenses
Housing, food, and transportation tend to be the largest line budget items. Explore ways to trim your biggest costs. Examples include refinancing your mortgage, negotiating your rent, shopping at discount grocery stores, and taking public transportation when possible.
Sharpen Your Marketable Skills
Accepting networking opportunities and taking professional development courses could help you become more marketable as an employee. This in turn could set you up to earn more in the long run. If you’re on a tight budget, look into no- or low-cost ways to cultivate high-income skills, and ask your employer if there are any free resources are available.
Pros and Cons of a High Salary
A high income can be great, but it does come with some downsides.
Pros:
• Improved quality of life: With more money, you can afford a higher standard of living and be able to afford different amenities such as better access to healthcare and food.
• Financial security: The more you earn, the more you can feel secure you have enough money to afford the things you want and need.
• Ability to achieve financial goals faster: Having more disposable income could mean you can set more money aside for long- and short-term savings goals, like retirement or going on a family vacation.
Cons:
• Higher taxes: Earning more can put you in a higher tax bracket. However, there are ways to reduce your taxable income.
• Pressure to maintain income: If you’re accustomed to a certain living standard, you may feel like you need to keep earning the same amount or more to maintain it.
• More work stress: In many cases, higher-paying jobs come with more responsibilities and at times, longer hours.
The Takeaway
Understanding what the average American worker makes in a year can come in handy, especially if you’re considering a new career path, negotiating a higher salary, or looking for a new place to live. According to the latest data from the Social Security Administration, the average annual pay in the U.S. is $60,575. But the amount you earn may depend on a wide range of factors, such as the industry you work in, where you live, your gender, and your race or ethnicity.
If you’re looking to make the most out of the money you earn, consider using amoney tracker app. The SoFi Insights app connects all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see all of your balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score monitoring, plus you can get other valuable financial insights.
Stay up to date on your finances by seeing exactly how your money comes and goes.
FAQ
What is a good salary in the USA?
There’s no one set amount that would be considered a good salary in the U.S. However, the average salary is around $60,575, according to the Social Security Administration.
What is the real average wage in the US?
The average wage in the U.S. is $67,610 according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What is the top 10 percent income in the US?
According to the Economic Policy Institute, the top 10% of workers in the U.S. earn $133,482.
How much should you be making at 30?
While there is no definitive amount you should earn by the time you’re 30, the average salary for U.S. workers aged 25 to 34 is $52,832, according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Photo credit: iStock/VAKSMANV
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Most people’s income comes as the direct result of work — you get a job, show up, hopefully perform decently well and then money shows up in your bank account. Some people, though, look to set up streams of passive income — money that flows into your account regularly that doesn’t require any direct work. As with any income, though, there are tax implications for potential passive income streams. Here’s how it works.
If you would like professional help developing a comprehensive investment plan, consider working with a financial advisor.
What Is Passive Income?
Passive income is also often called unearned income, which differentiates from earned income — money you get from working for a company or yourself. Common forms of passive income are earnings from rental properties, returns on investments and interest on savings accounts.
Passive income is named as such because it doesn’t require any regular action on your part; once you have the stream established, it can mostly be set and forgotten.
Passive Income and Taxation
Generally speaking, passive income is taxed the same as active income. However, the exact tax treatment will depend on the exact source of your passive income and your financial situation as a whole. Let’s take a look at three examples.
Rental properties: Rental income is taxed the same way as regular income. All rent payments, security deposits, pet fees and any other payments you get for the use or occupation of your property count as rental income. That said, you can deduct many expenses related to a rental property, including mortgage interest, property tax, operating expenses, depreciation and repairs.
Stock dividends: Dividends — money distributed to shareholders from a company’s earnings — are taxed depending on whether they’re classified as ordinary or qualified. Ordinary dividends are taxed the same way as ordinary income, while qualified dividends are taxed as capital gains.
Savings account interest: You will owe taxes on most interest from an account that you can withdraw from in the year you receive that interest. This interest is taxed the same as earned income.
Passive vs. Active Income Tax
We’ve seen that in the vast majority of situations, passive income is taxed in much the same way as active income, but there can be some differences. After all, the taxes you owe will be determined not just by whether your income is passive or active, but your overall financial picture. You may find that working with a financial advisor can help you reduce your tax burden and maximize your passive income.
To get a sense of what your total income tax bill will be for the year, use SmartAsset’s free income tax calculator.
Passive Income Streams
It may be prudent to create multiple passive income streams rather than focusing on one. The principle of diversification applies here just as it would in building a stock portfolio: you can lower your risk and potentially increase your returns by spreading your investments among multiple areas.
As you start thinking about passive income and ways to earn it, try to create a varied portfolio with different asset classes, regions and sectors. Say you decide to purchase and rent out ten homes in Miami. You may be sitting pretty, doing minimal work and collecting thousands in rent each month. But if a hurricane comes through and levels all those homes, it’s going to take a lot of time and effort to get back to that position. That’s why it’s important to diversify.
Ways to Earn Passive Income
There’s no denying that passive income is a highly desirable way to build your net worth. Here are some great ways to develop a passive income stream yourself:
Rental properties: Buying a home, condo or apartment complex and renting it out is one way to generate passive income. Of all the passive income options, this one might require the most work as landlords often need to take on multiple responsibilities to ensure their property remains in good condition and their tenants remain happy.
REITs: If you want to get into real estate without doing the actual work of being a landlord, a real estate investment trust (REIT) is an excellent option. REITs own or manage real estate and allow you to invest in the business — and they’re known for their high-yield dividends.
Dividend stocks: Dividend stocks distribute a portion of the company’s earnings to the shareholders on a regular basis and can be an excellent source of passive income.
Bond ladders: A bond ladder is a portfolio where each bond comes to maturity at a different time at a steady pace. This is a low-risk way to generate steady income.
High-yield CDs: In the current high-interest-rate environment, high-yield CDs are a particularly appealing option. With this option, you hand over your money for a set amount of time — often 12 months or more — and are paid a set interest rate over the life of the CD.
High-yield savings accounts: These also benefit from the current rising rate environment and are an excellent option for passive income, though you will usually need to maintain a high balance to earn the top interest rate.
How to Grow Passive Income & Pay Little-to-No Tax Forever
Here are some tips for generating passive income while keeping taxes low:
Focus on investments that will be taxed as long-term capital gains. Capital gains are the profits you make selling an investment. Say you bought a stock for $5 and two years later sold it for $10—the $5 in profit is known as capital gains. If you sold the stock within a year of buying it, it would be taxed as regular income. If you held it for more than a year, though, it is considered a long-term capital gain and is taxed at either 0%, 15% or 20% depending on your taxable income.
Municipal bonds are not taxed by the federal government and those issued within your state may not be taxed by the state or municipality as well. These bonds are a safe bet and a great way to earn interest, save on taxes and help your government fund public projects and services.
A Roth IRA isn’t the sexiest investment option, but they grow tax-free and you won’t owe taxes on withdrawals as long as you’re 59 ½ or older and have had the account for at least five years. This is a good way to establish passive income when you’re retired.
The Bottom Line
While earning money without working for it may sound like a pipe dream, it’s more accessible than you think. If you have savings, put them to work generating passive income for you—just understand the tax implications before you do so.
Investment Tips
A financial advisor can help you build a robust stream of passive income. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Whether you’re considering getting started with investing or you’re already a seasoned investor, an investment calculator can help you figure out how to meet your goals. To see how much your investments will grow over time with a fixed rate of return, use our investment return and growth calculator.
What do you spend most of your money on? For most people, their two biggest expenses are their home and car(s). If you remember the post comparing expenses in 1913 to 2012, you might recall the three things that Mr. Average spent most of his “raise” on were:
Housing (36 percent of the raise)
Income taxes (28 percent), and
Transportation (24 percent)
A majority of the increase in transportation has, arguably, to do with that wonderful instrument of freedom — the automobile.
The choices we make
Our spectrum of choice in cars is, of course, wider than a mile. Egotistas spend big on the latest model of the coolest car. Hollywood celebrities once flaunted their beblinged Cadillac Escalades at the annual Oscar ceremony. That was before the 2002 recession. When that hit, it suddenly wasn’t cool any more to be seen piloting a behemoth slurping down rivers of Mother Earth’s precious resources. That’s when the curtain went up on the eco-friendly Toyota Prius, which Cameron Diaz and other stars rode to the 2003 big event in their sipply little Priuses. Overnight, saving the planet with the Prius became California Cool.
That was then.
The top 1 percent, as we saw a few weeks ago, figured out a way to ensure that a full 95 percent of the wealth increase from this economic recovery gets channeled into their pockets. With that, concern for saving the planet went the way of Uggs for boys, and now the wheels of choice for gliding down Rodeo Drive has become a Range Rover, starting at $85,000 (new, of course).
While an egotista’s main concern is how to bling up a new Range Rover, the other end of the spectrum is occupied by frugalistas sporting boring robust-o-cars destined for at least ten more faithful years of service. Those road warriors are inevitably at least 20 years old, scored on Craigslist for $500 from people with more money than savings concern.
Most of us find ourselves somewhere in the middle of the bulge of the ever-present bell curve, seeking to save while driving something a tad less extreme. That includes the mythical Mr. Average, the darling of all statisticians and bloggers.
So what does Mr. Average spend to keep his or her car on the road? The three biggest car expenses are depreciation, fuel, and car insurance. How does Mr. Average try to save on these items? Buy a cheaper car, is the usual answer.
Not for insurance. You would think you would save on auto insurance with an economical Toyota Corolla, which would be cheaper to insure than, say, a Chevy Tahoe, which is approximately twice the cost. You would be wrong. In an actual comparative pricing study I did for another blog post, I discovered that insuring the more expensive Tahoe is actually cheaper in total dollars than insuring the economical Corolla (new, as well as used).
Comparing gas mileage and depreciation is relatively easy. Getting a handle on car insurance costs for Mr. Average, however, is not.
You see, car insurance is greatly affected by “other” factors than by your choice of vehicle. According to Insurance.com, there are four basic factors insurance companies use to set your rates, and the actual vehicle is only third on that list.
The biggest factor setting your auto insurance rate is you — or, to be more specific, how insurance companies see you. You are bound to hate some and love some of these distinctions, but they’re driven by hard data, collected and analyzed by geeks at their computers.
Who you are
Age: If you’re under 25, your car insurance rates will be higher. Over 25, it depends. It drops until you become seriously interested in Depends, at which time your car insurance rates will start to climb again.
Along with age, insurance companies look at how many years you’ve been driving. Statistics prove that people who have driven longer file fewer claims. For that reason, it usually pays to keep your driver’s license current, even if you live somewhere like New York City or Chicago, where you many times don’t even need to own a car or drive. (Of course, you may need to have a driver’s license in America to write checks or buy stuff with plastic. Foreigners sometimes have a hard time figuring out how being able to pass a driving test qualifies you to write checks, but that’s a different story.)
Gender: Women pay less because:
They drive less
They get in fewer accidents
They get fewer speeding tickets
They get fewer DUI convictions
They buy safer cars
Please note: that’s not a personal judgment. Insurance companies agree that that’s what the numbers say.
Zip Code: Where you live affects your rates, because the frequency of “risk events” varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. These risk events include vandalism, theft of cars and/or contents, and fraudulent claims. Again, these are not Mark Cuban types of assessments; they’re conclusions drawn from statistical data. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for two identical people living just a few miles apart to have a difference of as much as 50 percent in their auto insurance rates.
So, if you’re considering moving, it might be a good idea to find out what the difference will be in your car insurance. You can get quotes from esurance, Progressive, or other online insurance providers — or you can fill out a single form at Insurance.com and get free online quotes from a bunch of insurance companies any time you want to compare rates. (It’s pretty slick, but I digress.)
In general, it’s cheaper to insure cars in rural areas, because they have less crime, less traffic, and fewer accidents.
Credit History: You might not think paying your credit card bill late would increase your car insurance, but you would be mistaken. According to an insurance broker friend of mine, statistics show that people with bad credit file claims something like 40 percent more frequently than those with good credit. If you want to look into this, here’s an article about how and why your credit history affects your car insurance premiums.
Occupation: Again, statistics rule when it comes to insurance. Occupations like scientist, pilot, or actor/artist show lower claims and, therefore, have lower car insurance rates, generally speaking. Why? I want to say nobody really knows, but I’m sure somebody does. The most common explanation I’ve heard is that those occupations require attention to detail and being meticulous. In other words, those people are careful. That’s in contrast to occupations with high auto insurance rates, such as lawyers, business executives, judges and doctors. Apparently, the reason for that is the stress level that comes with jobs like those. (They say the rate for doctors isn’t much lower than for teens.) Real estate brokers also pay more because they have to drive more.
Marital Status: Did you know married people get into fewer accidents than their unmarried counterparts? Insurance companies do, and that’s why they offer married people lower rates. In addition, insuring two cars with the same company usually will get you an additional multi-policy discount, much like the next criterion.
Homeownership: Insurance companies generally charge less for homeowners because they’re regarded as more stable. By itself, that’s not a significant factor, but the discount you get from combining your home and car insurance is.
The rest
The other basic factors determining your auto insurance rates are:
Your driving record (accidents, tickets, etc.) and claims history
The coverage you’re looking for (pretty obvious)
Your vehicle
The impact of your vehicle selection is not obvious, so it’s not simply that a more expensive car will carry a higher insurance premium. In fact, as pointed out above, a Tahoe costs less to insure than a Corolla.
Chances are that if you’re concerned with getting rich slowly, you will have a good (or at least improving) credit record, and you’ll be on the positive side of many of the variables listed above. But now you know exactly how those factors can lead to savings on your auto insurance, the third largest expense of car ownership.
How have you gone about lowering your car insurance premiums?
This reader story come from SB, a regular reader and commenter on GRS. SB writes about personal finance and personal development topics at One Cent at a Time.
Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success or failure. These stories feature folks with all levels of financial maturity and income.
This is my second guest post at this blog. I am grateful to J.D. and his team’s humble gesture in allowing me to do it. I hope to provide the same value regular writers of this blog provide to you.
My grandmother was nearly illiterate, born and reared in rural India during the British occupation of the country. At the age of 14, she was abducted by the British army (later released), which ultimately caused her to marry early at the age of 16. She couldn’t complete school beyond basic education. Still, she became a very wise woman and mastered many skills.
My aunt happened to write down some of my grandmother’s home-remedy techniques from her narration. Recently, my cousin forwarded me a soft copy of that compilation. I’ll mention a few common symptoms and their natural cures, all at a fraction of the cost of medicine. But before that, let me tell you why I find home-based cures so beneficial.
The Benefits of Home Remedies
Drugs contain unnatural substances and chemicals, which are foreign elements to our body. Natural remedies, on the other hand, are not synthetic molecules like drugs; they are made of living organisms which we eat anyway.
Some drugs act as a manipulator and force the brain to think differently — an example is an anti-depressant. The problem with this is, the moment you stop taking the drug, the symptoms often recur.
Natural remedies have fewer side effects compared to prescription drugs, as drugs tend to alter the chemical and hormonal balance of our body.
Natural remedies are available at a fraction of the cost of prescription drugs. Your grocery bill will cover them.
The Benefits of Prescription Drugs
It is important to remember that most drugs are developed by studying the natural cures and identifying ingredients which actually affect the symptoms. Still, prescription drugs are more useful under most circumstances. They work faster. We can’t afford to be bedridden for days and hope for natural cures to work someday. Life is tough and we must get well sooner.
We don’t have time to be sick. Prescription drugs provide the quickest recovery. They start fighting the bacteria and antibodies as soon as we take them. You may argue that we take chemically altered substances every day, be it the milk or the apple, or even the chicken. They have pesticides, growth hormones and God knows what.
An Introduction to Home Remedies
My grandmother was raised in a 100 percent organic environment. With near zero pollution, she ate healthy, farm-harvested food. Since childhood, I took medicines almost for any illness; rarely was I given a natural cure, except honey and basil leaves for a cold. Our bodies are used to chemicals anyway; therefore, natural remedies may not work the way they worked for our grandparents. Still, there is no harm in detoxifying our bodies to the extent we can, over time. My grandmother’s advice may help to accomplish that goal.
Here are some excerpts from the treasure I was handed recently.
Acidity: Acidity is caused by excess acid secretion from the gastric gland, the acid which is used for digestion.
Chew a piece of clove, and take some time to swallow. It provides instant relief.
Another immediate relief is to eat a small cup of yogurt.
For more sustainable relief, drink warm water every day early in the morning.
Drink coconut water regularly.
Mix a few drops of honey in water to drink.
If you know what a jaggery is, suck a small cube of it after lunch/dinner.
A glass of water with a teaspoon of soda can also provide immediate cure.
A couple of pieces of dates can also give you instant relief.
Backache: If you happen to work in a chair, you may have this symptom already. As a software professional, I have had backaches for the last few years. The natural cure is garlic. Eat a couple of cloves of garlic every day.
Prepare an ointment by frying a few cloves of garlic in olive oil, strain and let it cool. Apply to your back every day.
Indian masala tea can be a cure too — the one with cloves or ginger. Take it daily. (Two cups of masala tea can boost your energy as well, which is a low-cost replacement of Red Bull or 5-Hour Energy drinks.)
Eating oranges, lemons and berries can reduce the pain over time.
Drinking water with a tablespoon of honey can make your day pain-free as well.
Cough and cold: When allergens or viral infections cause an inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, we get cough and cold. Here is a less-costly alternative to Tylenol or Excedrin. (This is a remedy I learned in childhood: My mother used to give me a teaspoon of honey and a few basil leaves –Indian Tulsi — to chew. To get instant relief from congestion of nasal passages, she used to heat water with some cloves, cardamoms and cinnamon sticks and peppercorns.)
A soup with a lot of garlic in it can also bring relief.
Cut okra into small pieces and boil it, inhale the steam to get relief as well.
Take a hot-water bath when you catch a cold.
Migraine: This is caused by a contraction of blood vessels in the head. It can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, nicotine and alcohol consumption.
Concentrated grape juice can bring relief.
For a more sustainable remedy, put tomatoes and cabbage into your daily salad.
A daily dose of garlic can treat this symptom as well.
Grind cabbage leaves and apply to the affected area for relief.
When migraines occur, excuse yourself from work. Find a dark room and lie down. Exposure to sunlight may cause the migraine to intensify.
Per my grandmother, even if the migraine is in the back of your head, applying sandalwood powder on the forehead can cause blood vessels to function properly. You may have seen Indian religious workers applying a patch of sandalwood powder on the forehead throughout the day. It’s an age-old practice.
Snoring: I am afflicted with this disease for sure. My wife says I am the worst offender and she can’t sleep because of my snoring, so I have started following these tactics already.
Stop smoking. Smoking causes more mucus formation around the throat.
Go to the gym. Weight loss can even end snoring.
Alcohol increases snoring. (When you drink, you’d better sleep in a separate room!)
Sleep side-wise rather than on your back.
Avoid heavy meals before going to bed.
Stop eating oily/spicy foods at dinner.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, and don’t sleep during the day.
Wash the bed sheets and pillow covers frequently, and even change your pillow after a few months. The dust and allergens can accumulate on them, causing nasal passage blocks.
Stress: It’s amazing that stress was a concern even 60 years ago in a rural village. Here is her wisdom, which may reduce stress because you’re saving money. But more than the money saved, the main point here is reducing the dependence on synthetic drugs.
Chewing Indian basil (Tulsi) leaves every day is the best natural cure.
Yoga and Dhyana (meditation) can also cure this.
Milk and almonds in the morning keep you fresh and energetic.
Bad eating, oily foods, eating meals quickly, and drinking alcohol may cause depression over time. One of her tips to cure stress is to “love everybody and everything”!
Applying betel leaves on your forehead can ease your tension.
A few ingredients which are repeated here (and in the rest of the natural cures my grandmother used but which I don’t mention here) are mint, honey, water and garlic. Have sufficient supply of these items at your home, if you plan to follow the tips.
Also, another synergy I can see here is the morning drinking and eating habits. If you start your day the right way, the rest of your day should follow that lead and keep you upbeat.
Readers, even if you rely on these natural remedies, when the situation warrants it, there’s no alternative to a doctor and the prescription medicine. You need to know when to rely on home remedies and when to go to a doctor. Don’t ignore your doctor for a bit.
Inside: Do you have a passion for something, but don’t know what to do with it? This guide will help you find a career that is perfect for you and match your interests and values.
This is something all of us wonder, right?
What should I do for a living?
Am I doing what I should do as a career?
Did I make the right decision with my career?
Or is it time to switch gears and find something that I love to do and make money at the same time?
I have been asking this question so many times, I finally decided to make a list of answers.
This is not just for those who want to know what they should do with their lives; it’s also for anybody looking for some new ideas on how they can fit into a career that will bring them satisfaction and happiness.
Recently, my middle schooler was asked, what do you want to do beyond high school? And he looked at me shell shocked.
Remarkably, this question of what should I do for a living is a doozy to answer. So, don’t feel alone if you cannot answer it… yet.
How do I find out what I should do for a living?
The first step to finding out what you should do for a living is to identify your skills and interests.
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing?
Once you have a better idea of your strengths and passions, you can start researching your options.
The bottom line…you must be happy to spend the next decades doing what you picked.
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Tips for finding a career you love
When you’re looking for work, it’s important to remember that there are many different ways of making a living. You can be an artist or designer in your own home studio, or run your own business. The key is to figure out what your interests are, and then find a way to use those skills in the work you love doing.
The goal of this article is not just to help you find a job that pays the bills, but to help you find work that is satisfying, meaningful, and fun.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you go through the process of figuring out what you want to do with your life.
#1 – Focus on You
Don’t listen to people who tell you that you should do one thing. If your parents want to see you be a doctor, or if your friends think it’s important for you to have a “real” job, you might be tempted to listen to them.
Don’t let anyone else tell you what your passion is, or how you should spend your life.
Determine what’s important for YOU!
As you go through the process of figuring out what to do with your life, keep in mind that there are many different ways to live a happy and fulfilling life. You don’t have to be a doctor to help other people. You don’t have to work in an office all day, every day.
Do what you love and the money will follow.
If you do something that you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. If you do what you love, and are good at it, people will pay for that service or product.
Do what makes YOU happy. If you’re not happy, no one else will be either.
Don’t let anyone tell you what to do with your life. You should never have to justify your decisions or choices to anyone. You are the only one who has to live with your decisions and choices.
Do what you want, not what other people want for you or think that you should do. Period.
#2 – Identify What Interests You & Makes You Tick
There are a variety of ways you can go about finding out what interests you. You can read books and articles on different topics, talk to people with various careers, or take online quizzes and assessments – like this what should I do for a living quiz.
The first step to finding the right career for you is to identify what interests you intellectually.
What fascinates you?
What makes you feel like you are not working?
How do you want to spend your free time?
Once you know what fascinates you, the next step is to figure out how you can turn this into a career. Then, pursue your career interests relentlessly so you can reach your full potential.
#3 – Uncover your Strengths
Identifying your strengths is the key to finding opportunities that will be a good fit for you and enable you to reach your full potential.
Here are some things to take note of:
Pay attention to what you enjoy doing.
Notice when you feel most energized and engaged.
Consider what you do well naturally.
Reflect on feedback you’ve received from others.
Ask yourself how you can use your strengths more often in your current role or situation.
Once you know what they are, make sure to pursue opportunities that are based on them. This will help you stay focused and motivated in your work and life.
#4 – Match Your Values With Your Interests
Your values are the things that are most important to you in life. They guide your decisions and actions. They direct you to live a life that is meaningful to you.
There are many ways to identify your values. One way is to think about what is most important to you in different areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, leisure activities, and so on. Another way is to think about what you would like people to say about you when you are no longer here. What do you want them to remember about you?
Once you have identified your values, it can be helpful to write them down or share them with someone who will support and encourage you in living according to them.
When you link your values and interests together, it creates a powerful combination that can help you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
When you know what is important to you (values) and what makes you happy and excited (interests), it becomes much easier to make decisions about how to spend your time and energy.
For example, let’s say one of your values is “family” and one of your interests is “cooking”. You could combine these by cooking meals for your family members or friends. Not only would this be enjoyable for you (because it aligns with your interest in cooking), but it would also be meaningful because it would be an act of love and care for those closest to you (which aligns with the value of family).
#5 – Consider your Lifestyle
Are you okay living below your means? Or do you prefer to flash your cash?
If you tend to spend money frivolously or struggle with saving money, then you need to be a high-worth earner. If you are okay living stingy, then a modest salary will probably work for you.
Keep in mind your lifestyle and what would be the best fit for you.
Consider if the hours are flexible, if you’d have time for hobbies and other interests, and how the commute looks. Sometimes rethinking your opportunities can give you a better perspective on what’s truly important to you.
Other Questions to Ponder:
Do you want a job that will consume most of your time?
Do you want a job where you can have a good work-life balance?
Are you okay with being tied to one location or have the flexibility to move around?
Are you willing to travel for work? If so, how often and how far?
What are your salary expectations? Are you looking for health benefits, paid vacation, or other perks?
Ultimately, there are many factors going into your decision. When considering a new potential career opportunity, it’s important to think about more than just the paper qualifications and the salary.
#6 – Spend Time Doing your Research
The best way to find a career you love is to first figure out what it is that you’re passionate about. What are the things that make you excited to get out of bed in the morning? Once you know what your passions are, research careers that align with those interests.
This just doesn’t happen overnight.
In fact, I recently went back to something of interest to me years ago because it would provide the time freedom I desired.
Spend time doing your research and following all the steps we cover in this post.
#7 – Find a career that matches your skills and interests
It can be difficult to identify what you want to do with your life, especially if you’re feeling lost or uncertain.
However, once you’ve identified what areas of interest might suit your skillset, try to link these interests with some type of career options.
Consider how your interests would fit into potential careers before choosing one.
It’s important to consider how your unique passions would fit into certain occupations or fields of work before choosing one. This will help you find a career that is satisfying and fulfilling. Consider the skills and interests you have and search for job openings that match them.
Start by researching the field you’re interested in.
# 8 – Talk to people in the field
There are a few ways to find people to talk to about your career interests. You can start by talking to friends and family members who might know someone in the field you’re interested in. You can also look for professional organizations related to your field of interest, or search for networking events in your area.
When you’re talking to someone about their career, it’s important to ask questions that will help you learn more about the field and whether it’s a good fit for you. Some questions you might want to ask include:
What does a typical day look like?
What is the most challenging part of the job?
What are the biggest rewards of the job?
These people will have better insights than what you can find searching the internet.
#9 – Get experience in the field
Oh, I cannot tell you how important this step is!
You have heard a similar story… my son dreamed of being an engineer and we planned to send him to engineering school. After his internship, the thought of being an engineer sucked the life out of him. Glad we learned this lesson before we spend money on his college education.
That is why I believe schools like this are so important to get real-life experience doing what you think you want to do for a living.
Consider internships or volunteer work to get your foot in the door.
Gaining experience can help you learn more about a particular field or company, and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
#10 – Be open to change
Here are some things to keep in mind with change.
1. Change can lead to new opportunities: When you’re open to change, you’re also open to new opportunities. Embracing change can help you find a new job, start a business, or even move to a new city.
2. Change can help you grow: Personal growth is important for a fulfilling life. Change can challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone, leading to personal growth.
3. Change can be exciting: If you’re bored with your current situation, change can be exciting. It’s a chance to start fresh and experience something new.
4. Change can be positive: Even if it’s difficult, change can ultimately be positive. It can lead to improved relationships, increased happiness, and a better life overall.”
15 Most Popular Working for a Living Jobs
Many people want to know what they should do for a living.
For some, it’s not as easy as just “doing what you love.” There are definitely jobs out there that allow you to do what you love and make a living.
But first, we need to talk about the types of work available.
All salary estimates from Salary.com.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses are in high demand and make a good living. They work with patients to assess their health, provide treatments, and help them recover.
Average Pay: $65k-70k per year
Education Needed: You need to have a nursing degree from an accredited school. You will also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
Police Officers
Police officers are responsible for upholding the law and maintaining public safety. A successful career in law enforcement requires strong communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Average Pay: $54k-72k per year
Education Needed: Requires a college degree
Security Officer
More people are looking for security officer jobs as the world becomes increasingly dangerous. Security officers are in high demand and are usually the first responders in an emergency situation. It’s a challenging and rewarding career that can make a difference in people’s lives.
Average Pay: $32k-53k per year
Education Needed: Depends on their background and previous experience.
Real Estate Agents
If you’re looking for a job that’s in high demand, consider becoming a real estate agent. With the right education and licensing, you could be helping people buy and sell homes in no time. You must be comfortable marketing yourself and closing sales.
Average Pay: $38k-140k per year
Education Needed: Real estate agents need to be licensed in order to work. The real estate agent licensure test has a written and practical exam that must both be passed. In order to pass, you will need to know about contracts, financing, legal issues, and more.
Nursing Assistant
One of the most popular jobs in America is nursing assistant. It requires little training and pays relatively well. The work can be demanding, but it is also rewarding, and many nursing assistants feel a sense of satisfaction from their work.
Average Pay: $29k-41k per year
Education Needed: The Nursing Assistant job requires a high school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training, and certification.
Delivery Driver
One of the most popular jobs in America is being a delivery driver. There are many positions for delivery drivers with different companies. Popular companies to work for include UPS, FedEx, and Amazon.
Average Pay: $39k-54k per year
Education Needed: Minimal. To become a delivery driver, you need to have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift heavy objects.
Firefighter
The most popular jobs in the United States vary from year to year, but there are always a few constants. Among these are firefighters, who protect lives and property from fires and other emergencies. They undergo rigorous training and must be physically fit to do the job.
Average Pay: $54k-94k per year
Education Needed: To become a firefighter, you need to have completed high school and be at least 18 years old. You will also need to pass a physical test and complete a training program.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative is the front line of a company and often the first interaction a customer has with the brand. The customer service representative’s job is to handle customer complaints, provide product information, and handle other inquiries. In order to be a successful customer service representative, one must have excellent communication skills and be able to stay calm under pressure.
Average Pay: $28k-44k per year
Education Needed: Minimal. Most require on-the-job training.
Dental Assistants
Dental Assistants are needed in every dental office. They help the dentist chair-side and perform a variety of tasks such as: take X-rays, prepare patients for treatment, sterilize instruments, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for Dental Assistants will grow by 18% from 2016 to 2026.
Average Pay: $32k-50k per year
Education Needed: To become a dental assistant, you will need to complete an accredited program and pass certification exams.
Nanny
One of the most popular jobs, and one that is likely to continue being in high demand, is nannying. To become a nanny, it is important to have experience with children and to be comfortable caring for them.
Average Pay: $37k-51k per year
Education Needed: You should also be CPR certified and have a clean background check.
Medical Assistants
A medical assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks in a doctor’s office, such as handling insurance claims, scheduling appointments, and helping the doctor with examinations.
Average Pay: $33k-44k per year
Education Needed: The job requires certification from an accredited program and on-the-job training.
Home Health Aides
Being a home health aide can be a rewarding career. Home health aides assist people who are unable to care for themselves in their own homes. They may provide basic needs such as bathing and dressing, or they may provide more specialized help, such as caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Average Pay: $23k-33k per year
Education Needed: In order to be a home health aide, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license.
Personal Assistants
Being a personal assistant is a profession that helps people with various tasks. These tasks can include things like preparing meals, cleaning, and running errands. There are many different types of personal assistants, but all of them must have good communication skills and be able to multi-task.
Average Pay: $50k-83k per year
Education Needed: None
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
Average Pay: $39k-65k per year
Education Needed: Many hold a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related fine arts field.
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. They must have a strong understanding of marketing principles and be able to develop creative strategies that will engage consumers
Average Pay: $47k-94k per year
Education Needed: Usually need a least a bachelor’s degree, but the experience is more important.
High Paying Career Opportunities that Pay Over $100k a Year
There are many popular career choices that people will argue about. For example, which is the best job? This section covers jobs that pay over $100000 a year.
These jobs typically have six-figure salaries and require years of schooling and training.
Software Engineer
A software engineer is someone who designs, creates, tests, and maintains the software that makes computers work. They design, develop, test, and maintain the software that makes our lives easier. As technology advances, the job of a software engineer becomes more and more important. Writes code, tests, and debugs programs and perform a variety of complicated tasks.
There is a high demand for software engineers in the airline industry. Pilots need software engineers to design, develop, and maintain the software that controls the aircraft. They also need software engineers to help with the maintenance and troubleshooting of the software.
Average Pay: $65k-130k per year
Education Needed: Requires a college degree. Many have master’s degrees as well. To become a software engineer, one must have a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science.
Database Administrator
A database administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining databases, and troubleshooting databases while ensuring their availability 24/7/365. They work with clients to understand their needs and create databases that meet those needs. Database administrators need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills.
Average Pay: $97k-150k per year
Education Needed: May require a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty or require certification.
Investment Banker:
A career as an investment banker can be quite fulfilling, as you will be responsible for helping companies raise money by issuing and selling securities. You will need to have a good working knowledge of financial markets, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills. As well as provides analysis of opportunities and potential investments, assists clients with the formulation of investment proposals, and provides guidance on the structuring and negotiation of transactions.
Average Pay: $56k-110k per year
Education Needed: College degree is typical and may require an advanced degree.
Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controllers work in airports to ensure safe and efficient air travel. They monitor aircraft and make sure they follow all the necessary safety procedures. They also direct the movement of flights and keep an eye on traffic congestion. An air traffic controller is key for the safety of the pilots and passengers.
Average Pay: $54k-120k per year
Education Needed: Requires certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Petroleum Engineer:
There is an increasing demand for Petroleum Engineers. They are responsible for the exploration and production of oil and gas and work in a variety of industries, including energy, mining, and transportation. They develop plans to extract oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface and new ways to extract oil and gas from old wells.
Average Pay: $82k-120k per year
Education Needed: Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. May specialize in reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, or production engineering.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are responsible for the care of patients during and after surgery. They monitor patients to make sure they are safe, help them breathe, and make sure they are comfortable.
Average Pay: $310k-520k per year (most anesthesiology assistants make well over $100k)
Education Needed: Requires a bachelor’s degree. Then, medical schools are offering anesthesiology education.
Airline Pilots
Being an airplane pilot is a very demanding job. Pilots need to be able to stay focused for long periods of time while flying. They also need to be able to make quick decisions while flying. Pilots also need to be able to multitask while flying. With travel demand constantly growing, there will be a growing need for pilots.
The airline pilot profession is a very demanding one that requires a great deal of education and training. It takes many years of dedicated study to become a qualified airline pilot.
Average Pay: $125k-163k per year
Education Needed: In order to become a certified pilot, pilots must first complete an accredited undergraduate program. After that, they must complete a professional pilot training program that can last anywhere from 1 to 4 years. Finally, they must pass a certification.
Psychiatrists
There are many different types of psychiatrists and their job duties vary. Psychiatrists are typically employed as full-time employees in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. A psychiatrist’s job duties may include diagnosing mental disorders and providing treatment.
Average Pay: $190k-300k per year
Education Needed: Usually required to have a graduate degree in psychiatry and pass a psychiatric board examination.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists are a type of doctor who specializes in the treatment of teeth and jaws. They use orthodontic appliances (braces and retainer devices) and other treatments to correct problems with teeth and jaws. Orthodontists typically work in private clinics and hospitals.
Average Pay: $100k-210k per year
Education Needed: Required to have a four-year undergraduate degree in dental hygiene, dental medicine, or dental technology. After completing an orthodontic residency, they must pass the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) license examination.
Day Trader
A day trader is someone who makes a living by trading stocks, commodities, or currencies. They do this by buying and selling stocks, commodities, or currencies at the right time, and making a profit. This means that they are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to make money. A day trader typically works from home and may use a computer, telephone, or other electronic devices to trade.
Average Pay: $65k-120k per year
Education Needed: Required None required. However, many have a background in finance or economics.
Hedge Fund Manager
A hedge fund manager is a person who manages hedge funds. Hedge funds are investment pools that are used to protect investors from losses. Hedge fund managers make money by investing money in different types of securities.
Being a hedge fund manager is a very demanding job. It requires a lot of skill, knowledge, and experience. A hedge fun manager must be able to analyze financial data and make decisions quickly. He or she must also be able to communicate with clients and other employees of the hedge fund.
Average Pay: $87k-131k per year
Education Needed: Hedge fund managers must have a strong educational background. Studying finance or economics is usually necessary.
Web Developer:
A web developer is responsible for creating and maintaining websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and create a website that meets those needs. Web developers need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills.
Average Pay: $97k-140k per year
Education Needed: College degree required. Must have certifications as well.
Network Engineer
A network engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining networks. They work with clients to understand their needs and create networks that meet those needs. Network engineers need strong technical skills, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills
Average Pay: $73k-120k per year
Education Needed: College degree required. Must have certifications as well.
Trade Jobs that Pay A lot More than Minimum Wage
Trade jobs often come with good pay. This is because they require specialized skills and training. Some of these jobs include welders, plumbers, and electricians. Many trade jobs also come with good benefits packages. This includes things like health insurance and retirement plans. Some even offer the choice to join a union.
For example, welders and power plant operators can make an average of $23 an hour. Plumbers and electricians can make an average of $30 an hour.
Power Plant Operator
Aircraft Technician
Welders
Plumber
Construction Manager
Electricians
Real Estate Appraiser
HVAC Technician
Elevator Mechanic
Radiation Therapists
Boilermakers
Most Needed Job Opportunities
There are a number of jobs that are on-demand and in high demand right now. These jobs may have different requirements or be in higher demand in certain areas, but they all offer the potential to make a good living doing something you love.
There are many trade jobs that are in high demand right now. This means that there are more job openings than there are people to fill them.
This list of the top five jobs in demand right now was formed with the help of Best Colleges.
Nurse Practitioner
A Nurse Practitioner is a type of doctor who helps patients with a wide range of health problems. They work in a team with other doctors and nurses to care for patients.
Nurse Practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems, which can include everything from common colds to more serious diseases.
Average Pay: $100k-140k per year
Education Needed: Medical training is beyond what a registered nurse needs. A Master’s in nursing is required as well as state licensure.
Genetic Counselor
A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who helps individuals and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and social implications of genetic disorders. They work with patients to provide risk assessment, education, and support for inherited conditions.
Genetic counselors are poised for rapid growth and long-lasting job security due to advancements in genomics and genetic testing.
Average Pay: $67k-99k per year
Education Needed: Master’s degree in genetics and board certification.
Occupational Therapy Assistant
An occupational therapy assistant (OTA) is a healthcare professional who helps people regain and improve the skills they need to live and work independently. They provide rehabilitative services to patients who have sustained an injury, have a disability, or are experiencing physical and/or cognitive changes.
This may include helping individuals improve their mobility, balance, and coordination through exercise programs; improving the social skills of children with developmental challenges; working with people who have mental health conditions to help them participate in daily activities; or providing support to elderly patients who want to remain independent.
Average Pay: $52k-76k per year
Education Needed: Associate’s degree and field experience.
Physical Therapist Aides
Physical therapists aides help patients who have physical problems such as bed sores, fractures, and paralysis. They work with the physical therapist to help the patient move and perform activities of daily living. Typically duties include helping patients with exercises, massages, and other treatments.
Average Pay: $30k-38k per year
Education Needed: Physical therapist aides must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a criminal background check.
Information Security Analyst
The information security analyst job market is projected to grow by 33% over the next three years, making it one of the fastest-growing job markets. Information security analysts are vital to the protection of data and are responsible for the protection of computer systems and networks from cyberattacks and data breaches. They work to protect an organization’s most valuable assets- its data.
Average Pay: $70k-103k per year
Education Needed: Most have a Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science. Also, many have certifications.
Thinking to Follow Your Passion – Cool Jobs to Do
There are a variety of jobs that you may not have considered that can be a great fit for you.
If you’re looking for a career change or just want to try something new, here are a few jobs you may want to consider. These jobs offer great opportunities and allow you to do what you love every day.
Video Game Programmer or Designer
If you love playing video games and have some creativity, you may want to consider becoming a videogame designer. This job allows you to use your imagination and creativity to create new and innovative gaming experiences for players all over the world.
Average Pay: $53k-185k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in computer programming is preferred. However, you can program get a certification and start working sooner.
Virtual Assistants (VA)
Being a virtual assistant can be a great way to make some extra money. It can be a lot of work, but with the right skills and equipment, it can be a lot of fun. Virtual assistants work with people all over the world, so there is always something new to learn. A VA has very flexible hours and can set its own schedule.
Average Pay: $39k-52k per year (depending on how much you hustle). Very common to make more.
Education Needed: None. But, this virtual assistant training is highly recommended.
Video Producer
There are a variety of video production jobs that are in high demand. If you have the skills and are passionate about video, there are plenty of opportunities out there. You could work as a video producer for a news organization, create video content for a website, or work for a company that produces video content for marketing purposes.
Average Pay: $47k-100k per year
Education Needed: Most have a college degree in design and video production. But, experience is preferred.
Tour Guide
If you are good at giving information tours, you may want to consider becoming a tour guide. Tour guides give visitors an overview of a particular place or attraction. They must be knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area they are touring, and be able to answer visitor questions.
Average Pay: $22k-44k per year
Education Needed: None.
Fashion Stylist
Detail-oriented people who have a passion for fashion and design can make a great living as a stylist. Stylists are in high demand, especially in the fashion industry. They typically work with clients to help them choose outfits or styles that will suit them, as well as style photo shoots and provide consultation on current trends.
Average Pay: $47k-64k per year
Education Needed: This is a job where you get popular by your experience and referrals.
Translators
Being a translator can be a very rewarding and challenging career. The most popular jobs for translators are in the legal, medical, business, and technical fields.
Translating is a very versatile job that can be done in many settings. Learning about the different types of translation and which language pairs are the most popular can help you get a better understanding of the field.
Average Pay: $43k-72k per year
Education Needed: Typically hold a bachelor’s degree. Must be proficient in at least two languages.
Social Media Manager
If you are able to communicate well, have strong writing and communication skills, and have some marketing experience, you may want to consider becoming a social media manager. A social media manager is responsible for developing and executing a social media strategy for their employer or client.
A social media manager is responsible for creating and managing a company’s social media presence. This includes creating content, monitoring activity, and engaging with followers.
Average Pay: $49k-75k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in marketing is preferred.
Event Planner
Event planners are in charge of organizing and managing events. They come up with ideas for events, coordinate with various departments to make them a reality, and keep things running smoothly. Event planners can work for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to multinationals. There are many different types of event planners, so if you’re interested in a career in events, you should explore this avenue.
Average Pay: $47k-70k per year
Education Needed: Many have a college degree, but that is not mandatory. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. Experience is best.
Florist
There are many cool jobs that you can consider if you are interested in the floral industry. A florist can work in a variety of settings, such as a grocery store, a restaurant, or a ballroom. A florist can also work as a freelance artist, creating floral arrangements for special events. This is a creative outlet for many and comes with flexible hours. However, work can be seasonal and require working on weekends and holidays.
Average Pay: $35k-76k per year
Education Needed: Nothing special. Just have an eye for creativity and a love of flowers.
Work Opportunities to Make Real Money
How do you want to make money? There are many ways. You could choose a career in medicine, law enforcement, or any other occupation that ultimately benefits society and helps people thrive.
Many people believe a business degree is worth it, but may not be the best choice for you.
Here are real jobs to make real money at work.
Teacher
One of the most popular jobs in America is teaching. Teachers are needed in every state, and the profession offers great stability and benefits. We need our teachers to teach the next generation.
Average Pay: $39k-80k per year
Education Needed: In order to become a teacher, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree and be certified in your state. Many pursue a master’s degree in order to receive higher pay.
Veterinarian / Veterinary Tech
There are a lot of different jobs in the veterinary field, and if you love animals, chances are you would enjoy working with them. Veterinarians work with all types of animals, from pets to livestock. Veterinary technicians work with animals in veterinary hospitals, performing tasks such as recordkeeping and taking care of furry patients.
Average Pay: $60k-150k per year / $25k-55k per year
Education Needed: Becoming a veterinarian is much like going to college to become a doctor requiring specialty degrees. However, a vet tech only needs a high school diploma.
Construction Worker
Being a construction worker can be a challenging, but rewarding experience. It can be a great way to meet new people and build some amazing structures. The job requires a lot of physical labor, but it can also be very rewarding to see a project come to life. If you are interested in becoming a construction worker, be sure to research the profession and prepare yourself for the challenges that will come with the job.
Average Pay: $26k-47k per year
Education Needed: Starting out no experience is needed. To become a project manager, you will need a college degree.
Marketing Assistant
A marketing assistant helps with a variety of tasks in marketing. They may be responsible for monitoring and managing budgets, creating and distributing marketing materials, or working with customers to improve their experience with a company. If you have a strong interest in marketing and are comfortable working in a collaborative environment, a marketing assistant role may be a good fit for you.
Average Pay: $34k-57k per year
Education Needed: A college degree in marketing is preferred.
Truck Driver
One of the most popular jobs in America is a truck driver and a heavily needed position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 1,187,500 truck drivers employed in the United States.
Average Pay: $45k-58k per year
Education Needed: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a truck driver.
Administrative Assistant or Office Manager
The Administrative Assistant position is one of the most popular jobs in America. The role generally entails providing support to managers and employees, handling office operations, and managing schedules. In order to be successful in this career, you’ll need strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Average Pay: $35k-55k per year
Education Needed: None
What Should I Do for a Living FAQs
You enjoy going to work,
Your work makes you feel fulfilled.
Your skills are utilized and challenged.
You feel like you are making a difference.
This is why it is important to spend time making a decision on what to do for a living.
You’re not passionate about your work
You’re always stressed out
You dread going to work
You’re not challenged by your work
You don’t feel like you’re making a difference
It is better to make a decision to move out of the wrong career to maintain your happiness in life.
Research other careers that might be a better fit for you and consider making a switch.
Your interests can give you clues about the types of careers that might suit you. Your skills can help point you towards careers that will make use of your strengths.
Passions:
What are you passionate about?
What topics can you talk about for hours without getting bored?
Skills:
What natural talents do you have?
Are you good at working with your hands, or do you prefer working with your mind?
Do people often come to you for advice or help with problems?
Values:
What is important to you in a job?
Do you want to feel like your work makes a difference in the world, or do you just want a steady paycheck?
Do you prefer working independently or as part of a team?
Personality:
Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
Do people describe you as spontaneous or cautious?
Work environment:
Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors?
In an office or from home?
With animals or with people?
When it comes to choosing a career, it’s important to consider what kind of personality traits will make someone successful in their chosen field. Also, knowing your values can help narrow down your career options.
How can you create a career you love?
Your career is one of the most important aspects of your life. It’s what you spend the majority of your time doing, and it can have a huge impact on your overall happiness and satisfaction with life. That’s why it’s so important to find a career that you love.
When you have a career that you’re passionate about, it doesn’t feel like work. You’re more likely to be engaged and motivated, and you’ll be more likely to stick with it even when things get tough. Plus, pursuing a career that you love can lead to all sorts of other benefits, like increased success and earning potential.
There is no reason why you can’t create a career that brings joy into your life every single day!
How can you make a living doing what you love?
What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Which things are you naturally drawn to?
Those are the areas you need to focus on.
Once you have a plan, it’s time to start making money. There are a number of ways to do this, but the most important thing is to get started and keep moving forward.
Remember, it takes time and effort to build a successful business or find an enjoyable career.
What Should I Do Now?
There’s no single answer to the question “what should I do for a living?”
Everyone has a different idea of what they would like to pursue.
There is no right or wrong answer when answering this question, but if you are struggling with the decision-making process, take note of these most popular jobs and the skills you need to get them.
But by exploring your interests and values, you can find a career that is a perfect match for you.
No matter what your interests or skills may be, there is sure to be a cool job out there that is perfect for you.
You could also become an environmental scientist, web developer, or event planner. There are many exciting and rewarding careers out there – you just need to find the one that’s right for you.
Then, at the next social event, you can be proud to answer “what do you do for a living?”
So what are you waiting for? Start your search today!
More Ideas for You:
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Life insurance is an important part of most any financial plan. This is the case regardless of one’s occupation. When obtaining life insurance coverage, there are some professions – such as those who are members of the military – who may have a harder time in getting all of the benefits that they may need. For example, numerous life insurance policies will not pay out a benefit to beneficiaries if an insured is killed in the act of war.
Likewise, most life insurance providers will charge an additional amount of premium to cover those who are in “hazardous duty” occupations. And, even if an individual in such an occupation can obtain coverage, there may be a long list of restrictions that can make the coverage difficult to collect from in the event of a claim. This, however, is not the case for those who get their life insurance and other various benefits through Navy Mutual.
The History of Navy Mutual Life Insurance
Navy Mutual has been in the business of offering insurance and annuity benefits to military members since 1879 – often without fees, fine print, or frustration on the part of the policy holders regarding securing coverage.
This insurer, which is the Navy Mutual Aid Association (but referred to as Navy Mutual for short), is a non-profit entity that offers benefits to Navy and other military veterans. As a non-profit, Navy Mutual has acted as a mutual insurer, with payments going towards improving member services, and for reducing its overall costs.
For more than a century, this insurer has fulfilled its duty of supporting military families by offering numerous life insurance and retirement annuity options so that they can also experience the financial security they deserve.
In addition to offering life insurance and annuities, Navy Mutual offers other helpful services, as well, such as assistance with obtaining government benefits to which military members are legally entitled, and educating veterans and their families on matters of insurance and financial security.
Also, beneficiary service and support is an important aspect of what is offered by Navy Mutual, as is the representation to the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a chartered Veteran Service Organization, Navy Mutual can provide its members with assistance that they need with their benefits. An added service is free secure vault storage of valuable documents for its members.
Navy Mutual Life Insurance Review
In addition to the financial and insurance related benefits it offers, Navy Mutual is well known for being a leader in community service, as well as in civic responsibility. The company is very active within the communities that it serves – particularly with those that pertain to military (current and former) members.
Just some of the areas in which Navy Mutual serves include the following:
Terminal Illness Options Counseling – Navy Mutual offers to counsel to military families – regardless of their membership status – at no charge or obligation, when an active duty military member has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The company also presents various financing options to the survivors of those military members who die during active duty versus those who die during retirement. Also, the company provides survivors and military members with an explanation of various benefit election options that are available.
Help for Military Families in Need – Navy Mutual also helps military members and their families in times of need by contributing to the Toys for Tots program, as well as to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, on a yearly basis.
As it pertains to benefits, the plans that are offered through Navy Mutual offer some unique components, such as the following:
No war clauses. Regardless of where a member serves, he/she does not have to worry about benefits being denied due to a war clause.
No military service restrictions. Most life insurance providers will charge an additional amount of premium to those who serve in the military – if they even cover military personnel at all – to provide benefits for hazardous duty situations, aviation, and acts of terrorism. At Navy Mutual, insureds do not need to worry about this, either.
Maximum coverage is available. Navy Mutual allows its members to purchase their maximum amount of life insurance coverage – which is currently up to $1 million – regardless of where the individual is currently, or where he or she is going.
No sales fees or commissions. Because Navy Mutual is not a commercial life insurance company, there are no shareholders to keep satisfied, and members can enjoy the benefits of low costs.
Portable coverage. Unlike some other insurers that cater to military members, the insurance coverage that is obtained through Navy Mutual can stay with the individual – even as he or she transitions from the military.
Fast application for the process for members who are preparing to deploy. Navy Mutual also offers expedited processing of insurance and annuity applications for those members who are preparing to deploy. This can help them to get a plan in place – often within just a few days.
Online application process. Navy Mutual also offers a convenient application process, so members do not need to meet in person with an insurance agent to get their information completed, and their policy in place. It can also help those members who are already stationed in war zones and other remote areas to still apply for coverage.
Navy Mutual is secure and stable from a financial standpoint, and the company is known for making timely payments of its policy holders’ claims. The company has more than $25 billion of total insurance in force and receives more than $80 million in total direct premiums. As of year-end 2016, the company had more than 114,000 policy holders in its book of business and more than $2.9 billion in total cash and invested assets.
Insurer Ratings and Better Business Bureau (BBB) Grade
Over the years, Navy Mutual has kept a high level of financial stability. One of the key reasons behind this is the company’s low overhead, as well as its consistently increasing number of new members.
The company also has substantial financial reserves so that it can pay out its policy holder claims promptly. Due in large part to its stable financial footing, Navy Mutual has received high ratings from the insurer rating agencies. This includes an A+ rating from Fitch Ratings Agency.
Also, even though Navy Mutual is not an accredited life insurance company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it has been given a grade of A+ by the BBB. This is on an overall grading scale of A+ to F.
Over the past three years, Navy Mutual has only had to close out one single customer complaint through the Better Business Bureau. This criticism centered on the company’s advertising and sales issues. (No complaints have had to be closed out with the BBB within the past 12 months).
Life Insurance Coverage Offered Through Navy Mutual Life
Navy Mutual Life Insurance offers an extensive list of different life insurance policy options to choose from. These include both term and permanent life insurance options. These include the following:
Flex Term Life Insurance – The Flex Term policy offers a way to obtain level term insurance coverage for a set period of time, along with small premiums. This coverage is guaranteed up to the insured’s age 50 (or to age 40, if the insured is a smoker). There are no restrictions, and the coverage can continue even after the insured is not longer in the military. This plan provides death benefit coverage from $50,000 up to $1 million – and there are no military service restrictions, war clauses, terrorism clauses, aviation restrictions, or travel restrictions. There are several additional notable features on this coverage, including a guaranteed convertibility option, accelerated death benefit option, and a child benefit rider that can be added.
Express Term Life Insurance – The Express Term plan is a term life insurance policy that members can secure immediately, without having to take a physical as a requirement for approval. This policy offers $250,000 in life insurance coverage for a full ten years at a fixed monthly premium. This can be a viable option for those who are preparing to deploy soon and need to secure life insurance protection for those they care about.
Level ll Term Life Insurance – The Level ll term life insurance product essentially takes over where the company’s Flex Term plan ends by providing level life insurance coverage – and stable premiums – for members up to the age of 85. This policy is offered in benefit increments of $10,000 – with a maximum coverage amount of $1 million. This policy is purchased in one-year increments, for a minimum duration of five years. There are actually three different underwriting categories for this policy – which can impact the amount of premium that is due. These underwriting classes include the Standard, the Select, and the Super Select. This plan can also be converted over to a whole life insurance policy with no physical required in order to prove evidence of insurability.
Flagship Whole Life Insurance – The Flagship Whole Life insurance policy option through Navy Mutual offers coverage for the member’s entire lifetime – provided that the premium is paid. This participating whole life insurance plan combines the protection of a permanent life insurance policy with the flexibility of tax advantaged cash value growth. This means that the funds inside of the policy’s cash value can grow and compound over time without the gain being taxed (unless the funds are withdrawn). The policy holder can borrow against the cash value for any reason, such as paying off higher interest debt, or even supplementing his or her retirement income. The death benefit on the Flagship Whole Life plan starts at $10,000 and goes up to $1 million. This program offers guaranteed lifetime death benefit protection, as well as a chronic / terminal illness rider. In addition, because Navy Mutual is a mutual entity, policy holders may also be eligible to receive dividends with this policy.
Other Products and Services Available
Navy Mutual also offers retirement annuities, which can help to ensure that members will have an ongoing lifetime income in retirement, as well as a way to save and grow money in a tax advantaged manner.
The company offers three annuity options, including a:
Single Premium Immediate Annuity
Single Premium Deferred Annuity
Flexible Premium Retirement Annuity
To deposit money into an annuity, members may use current savings, and funds that are already invested in a retirement account, such as an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) or 401(k).
How to Get the Best Premium Rates on Life Insurance Coverage Through Navy Mutual
When searching for the best premium rates on life insurance, it can be important to shop and compare to determine that the coverage you need is priced to meet your budget. If you are interested in comparing policies and premium quotes from several top insurers, we can help. We are an independent insurance brokerage, and we work with many of the best life insurance carriers in the industry today. That means we can provide you with detailed information about multiple options, and from there, you can choose which will be the best one for you and your specific needs. To see the policies and quotes geared towards your situation, just click here to fill out our quote form.
Did you know that the average American has a nearly 70% chance of needing some form of long-term care upon reaching age 65? But did you also know that you may be able to prepare for the event by purchasing long-term care insurance? That’s why we’ve prepared this guide of the 7 best long-term care insurance of 2023.
Before getting into our reviews of the seven best long-term care insurance providers of 2023, scan the table below to see which company you think will work best for you:
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Our Picks for Best Long-Term Care Insurance
Dozens of insurance companies offer long-term care insurance, but below is our list of the top seven, and what each is best for:
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Best Long-Term Care Insurance – Company Reviews
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Maximum Benefits: Varies by provider
Benefit Period: Varies by provider
Waiting/Elimination Period: Varies by provider
GoldenCare, also known as National Independent Brokers, Inc, is a privately held long-term care insurance brokerage firm, and one of the leading such firms in the industry. They provide policies from the top-rated insurance companies in the industry. The company is based in Plymouth, Minnesota, and has been in business since 1976. Their plans are available in all 50 states.
The list of companies they work with includes the following:
GoldenCare also offers critical illness insurance, Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug plans, life insurance, annuities and final expense policies.
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Maximum Benefits: Varies by provider
Benefit Period: Varies by provider
Waiting/Elimination Period: Varies by provider
Like GoldenCare, LTC Resource Centers is also an insurance brokerage specializing in long-term care insurance. Based in Cape Coral, Florida, the company has been in business for more than 40 years. They provide long-term care insurance, short-term care, linked or combination products, Medicare supplements, life insurance, critical illness, and annuities.
A specialization they offer is what is known as asset-based long-term care. It’s a strategy that uses a whole life insurance policy or annuity to provide long-term care coverage, which eliminates the need for an expensive, dedicated LTC policy. A pricing comparison is presented in the screenshot below:
As a broker, they work with multiple long-term care insurance providers. That means to get detailed information you’ll need to set an appointment with a long-term care insurance specialist and make the request. The company’s licensed to operate in all 50 states.
Maximum Benefits: Up to $400 per day or $10,000 per month
Benefit Period: Up to 5 years, or unlimited lifetime benefit
Waiting/Elimination Period: 0, 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365 days
Mutual of Omaha is one of the top individual providers of long-term care insurance. They offer some of the best plans in the industry, including lifetime benefits coverage, multiple elimination periods, and inflation protection. They are a full-service insurance company providing coverage in all 50 states, providing virtually all types of insurance policies.
Mutual of Omaha also offers premium discounts. For example, you can save 15% when you purchase a policy for both you and your partner. You can also save 15% if you’re in good health. There’s even a 5% discount if you are married but your spouse does not purchase a policy.
Maximum Benefits: Up to $7,000 per day, up to a $250,000 lifetime maximum
Benefit Period: Up to maximum daily or lifetime limit
Waiting/Elimination Period: One-time deductible of $4,500 up to $21,000
Like Mutual of Omaha, New York Life is a large, well-established and diversified insurance company. In addition to long-term care policies, they also offer virtually every other type of insurance policy available. Also like Mutual of Omaha, New York Life is a mutual insurance company, which means it’s owned by its policyholders, not shareholders. The company partnered with the American Association of Retired Persons as a preferred provider of long-term care insurance policies.
New York Life provides their NYL My Care long-term care policy. The basic parameters are as follows:
Like other direct insurance providers on this list, New York Life also offers annuities and whole-life insurance policies with long-term care riders.
Maximum Benefits: Up to $750,000 maximum lifetime benefit
Benefit Period: Up to 7 years
Waiting/Elimination Period: 90 days
Nationwide is one of the leading providers of long-term care insurance in America. With a maximum lifetime benefit of up to $750,000, they provide the highest lifetime maximum benefit on our list. They also offer a single, simple, 90 calendar-day elimination period. You can choose between two years and seven years for a maximum benefit period.
The policy will also cover home healthcare, hospice, adult day care, household services, home safety improvements, and even family care. And in a unique twist, nationwide also provides international benefits. If you live out of the country during the benefit period, the policy will pay 50% of the maximum monthly benefit.
Maximum Benefits: Up to $250,000 maximum lifetime benefit
Benefit Period: Up to maximum lifetime benefit limit
Waiting/Elimination Period: 90 days
Brighthouse Financial is an insurance provider that offers two types of products, annuities and life insurance. Either is available with a long-term care rider. The company has $254 billion in assets, serving about 2 million customers.
Brighthouse Financial provides long-term care insurance through its SmartCare plan. It’s a combination plan that adds a long-term care provision to a whole life insurance policy. You’ll get the benefit of long-term care if it’s needed, but you’ll also have a life insurance benefit to pay to your beneficiaries if it’s not, or if there are any funds left over after your long-term-care stay.
The policy will cover adult day care, hospice, and home healthcare, in addition to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing care.
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Maximum Benefits: Varies by provider
Benefit Period: Varies by provider
Waiting/Elimination Period: Varies by provider
CLTC Insurance Services, or California Long Term Care Insurance Services, is a long-term care insurance aggregator, based in San Francisco. Aggregator is a fancy word for an online insurance marketplace. As an aggregator, CLTC will give you access to a large number of long-term care insurance companies. You can then choose the one offering the plan that will work best for you. The main limitation of this provider is that they offer policies only in the state of California.
In addition to long-term care insurance, they also offer annuities and life insurance policies, both with long-term care riders. These types of policies eliminate the need for a dedicated LTC policy, since the cost of long-term care is paid out of the proceeds of the annuity or life insurance. CLTC also offers critical illness insurance.
Long-Term Care Insurance Guide
What is Long-Term Care?
When an individual reaches a point where they can no longer care for themselves, long-term care becomes necessary. That care can be provided by anyone from family members to nursing homes.
The need for long-term care generally applies when the individual can no longer perform one or more of the six activities of daily living (ADL). This can include inability to dress, groom, go to the bathroom, bathe, eat, or even to move about freely.
In most cases, long-term care becomes necessary after a major health event, like a heart attack or stroke. But it can also be the result of an ongoing, degenerative health condition or simply advancing age.
In most cases, long-term care is provided by a family member. But institutional care may be necessary if the individual is unable to perform several ADLs, which may overwhelm the ability of family members to provide ongoing care.
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How to Purchase Long-Term Care Coverage?
We recommend contacting any of the seven best long-term care insurance providers in this guide. Otherwise, do a search and identify insurance companies that offer long-term care coverage. But be aware that not all insurance companies offer it, precisely because of the many variables. It involves.
When purchasing a policy, be aware of the following:
Like life insurance, it’s best to purchase LTC insurance when you’re young and healthy. That’s when the premiums are lowest.
Consider purchasing a long-term care insurance alternative, like a life insurance policy or an annuity with a long-term care rider (see below). It’s generally much less expensive.
Pay close attention to the maximum benefit paid, whether daily, monthly, annually, or lifetime. It should approximate nursing home costs in your area. (Be aware that these costs vary greatly from one state to another.)
Pay close attention to the benefit period. While the typical number of years an individual needs long-term care coverage is three years, there’s no way to tell what you may need. If you can afford the higher premium, it may be best to go with the longer benefit period, say, five years or longer.
Be aware of the elimination period. The standard is 90 days, but it can be as long as one year. This is not a minor factor, since nursing home care at $8,000 per month could cost you $24,000 with a 90-day waiting period before benefits kick in. The waiting period you choose should match the amount of liquid assets you expect to have available to cover it.
When you take a policy, be prepared to pay the premium for the rest of your life. If you take a policy at 60, stop making the payments at 80, then you need long-term care at 85, you’ll get no benefits from the lapsed policy.
According to the website Consumer Affairs, long-term care insurance premiums look something like this:
Now, the screenshot above reflects only sample averages for very specific policies at ages 55 and 65. The actual premium you will pay will be based on a combination of factors, including your age at the time of purchase, any health conditions you have, as well as the dollar amount and term of the benefits your policy will include.
Finally, given how complicated long-term care insurance is, it wouldn’t be overkill to have the policy reviewed by an attorney before accepting it. If so, an attorney who specializes in elder care will be your best choice.
Who Needs Long-Term Care Coverage?
The short answer to this question is everyone. The unfortunate reality is that people turning 65 have an almost 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services during their lifetimes. Approximately 37% will require institutional care. And statistically, women and single individuals are more likely to require long-term care than men and married individuals.
If you’re unsure if you need long-term care, check out Jeff’s post, Long term care insurance: do you really need it?.
Though it isn’t well-known outside the industry, there are two basic types of long-term care coverage available. The first is a standalone long-term-care insurance policy.
Like a life insurance policy, medical underwriting will be performed. The insurance company will consider your age, your health condition, your family health history, your occupation, requested benefit levels, and other factors in approving your application and setting the premium level. This is the more costly of the two options.
The other is a hybrid policy. Most commonly, this is life insurance with long-term care benefits. You’ll purchase a basic life insurance policy, then add a long-term care rider to the policy. This will increase the premium on the life insurance policy, but it will be much less expensive than a standalone long-term-care policy.
Meanwhile, you’ll also have a death benefit from the life insurance policy, in addition to long-term-care coverage. But the policy may also include using some or all the death benefits to pay the long-term-care benefits. Your beneficiaries will receive only the amount of the unused death benefit upon your death.
Most of the best life insurance companies offer life insurance policies with this rider.
Another variant of this option is to use an annuity with long-term care rider. Annuities are designed to provide an income stream, very similar to a pension. But similar to a life insurance policy with a long-term care insurance rider, you can also add the rider to an annuity.
Again, it will be less expensive than purchasing a standalone long-term-care policy. And the long-term-care benefits may reduce any death benefit in your annuity. But the provision will be much less expensive than purchasing a standalone long-term-care policy.
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Finding the Right Policy
Long-term care insurance is one of the more complicated insurance types. It also includes more potential variables than other policies. For example, not only will you not know if you will need the coverage at all, but you won’t know when, to what degree, what level of care will be required, or how long it will be needed.
Because of all these variables, the cost of a long-term care insurance policy can be all over the place. But it may be better to pay a little bit more for a more comprehensive policy than to price-shop for the least expensive plan.
Before deciding to purchase a long-term-care insurance policy, first review Jeff’s Podcast episode: Long Term Care Insurance – How much do you need? Given how complicated long-term-care insurance is, it’s best to go in with as much knowledge as possible.
How We Found the Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies
We used the following criteria to determine the best long-term care insurance companies of 2023:
Maximum Benefits: Given that the cost of long-term care can easily run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, we favored companies with the most generous lifetime benefits.
Benefit Period: One of the most basic problems with long-term care is the uncertainty. There’s no way to know in advance what level of care you might need, or how long it might be necessary. For that reason, we favor the companies that provide the most flexibility in this area.
Waiting/Elimination Period: Just as most insurance policies have deductibles, long-term care insurance uses the waiting period in much the same way. The standard delay on benefits is 90 days. But we prefer companies that offer longer waiting periods, since this will represent an opportunity to lower the cost.
Speaking of cost, as much as we would like to provide a list of average costs per provider, this information simply is not available. That’s because long-term care insurance is highly customized. There’s nothing approximating a “one-size-fits-all” policy, as each policy premium is determined by a multitude of factors.
These include your age at the time you purchase the policy, your general health condition, your family health history, the length and amount of coverage you need, and many other factors. The only way to get a reliable premium figure will be to contact one of the companies above and get a quote.
Best Long Term Care Insurance FAQs
What is long-term care insurance?
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Long-term care insurance is a type of coverage that will provide benefits to pay for your personal care when you’re no longer able to do so for yourself. While the typical long-term-care scenario involves a nursing home, it also applies in lesser situations. That can include assisted living arrangements, home nursing care, and even family care. The policy will begin paying benefits when you qualify for care based on inability to perform several of the ADLs.
What does long-term care insurance cover?
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As mentioned earlier, long-term care insurance benefits begin to apply when you are unable to perform activities of basic living. Depending on the type of policy you have, you’ll receive benefits for a stay in a nursing home, an assisted living facility, skilled nursing care, an adult day care, hospice, and even home care provided by your family.
Some policies will even provide for the cost of modifying your home to better accommodate your capabilities, or the purchase of certain helpful equipment.
How long does long-term care insurance work?
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A typical long-term-care insurance policy will pay benefits between two and five years, though some will go as long as seven, and a few providers offer lifetime benefits. You should be aware that you will need to qualify for whatever coverage term you prefer, and the longer the term, the higher the premium will be.
Is long-term care insurance worth it?
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It really depends on your perceived need for the coverage, and your ability to pay the premiums. Need can be determined by your family history. If you have multiple family members who require long-term care, having the coverage for yourself will be highly desirable. But if you’re in excellent health, and there’s little history of a need for care in your family, you may want to pass on the coverage.
And of course, given the high cost of the premiums, your ability to afford coverage can never be ignored. But if you have very limited financial means, Medicaid may provide benefits for long-term care. However, to qualify your total assets must generally be below $2,000.
Summary of the Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies
Let’s wrap up this guide by giving you one more look at our list of the seven best long-term care insurance companies of 2023:
Long-term care insurance isn’t inexpensive. But given the unusually high likelihood that will be needed at some point in your life, it’s a policy worth having if you can afford it. And if you can’t, consider taking an annuity or a whole life insurance policy with a long-term care provision.
That was a phrase that my father continually beat into my head harder than Lars Ulrich could pound on his bass drum (in case there is a generation gap, Lars is the drummer from the rock band Metallica).
Even though on average college graduates do earn more in the long-run and online colleges are bringing down costs, the current job market is saturated with sustainable careers that don’t necessarily require a degree.
Taking a closer look, it seems a major shift in employer priorities is occurring in certain fields, such as manufacturing and information technology (IT), where soft skills and on-the-job training are deemed more beneficial than a formal educational background.
Individuals bringing these resources to the table are now in high demand, especially since many companies now offer assistantship programs or even paid training for high-achieving candidates.
In this day and age, it just might be more about the right skills than the right schooling.
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25 Highest Paying Jobs Without A College Degree
Margin Department Supervisor
Air Traffic Controller
Automobile Service Station Manager
Real Estate Broker
Landscape Architect
Lead Carpenter
Director of Security
Elevator Mechanic
Cable Supervisor
Flight Services Manager
Freelance Photographer
Personal Trainer
Funeral Director
Commercial Pilot
Truck Driver
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Firefighter
Emergency Medical Technician
Railroad Jobs
Medical Coder
Information Technology Technician
Criminal Investigator
Brick Mason
Postal Service Worker
Pharmacy Technician
If you have decided to not attend a four-year college right out of high school, or are looking for a fresh start at a new career path, 25 of the highest paying careers with virtually no degree are featured below.
Looking for a fun job that pays well? Scared that the cause of unemployment may be growing? Sign up for free and see who’s hiring in 2023 at www.FlexJobs.com.
Disclaimer: While there are definitely some good paying trade jobs on this list, I still think having a college degree is worth it. Yes, tuition is high and will continue to rise, but the experience, connections, and mindset that college offers are invaluable. Now on to the jobs…
1. Margin Department Supervisor
Average Salary: $74,799
Prior Education: A finance or accounting degree is not required, but knowledge of all basic processes is needed.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training and/or shadowing.
Job Description: A Margin Department Supervisor oversees a company’s credit department, which manages customer credit accounts and approves or denies credit to customers.
As would be expected, approving or denying credit sometimes involves unhappy customers, so you’ll need strong communication and negotiation skills for this role.
Since the scope of the job requires mathematical calculations as well as debt analysis and recognition of accounting principles, make sure you are confident with these basic processes. Some companies may increase pay if you have a degree under your belt.
You’ll also primarily be in charge of ensuring all department employees adhere to federal policies and regulations.
2. Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
Average Salary: $124,540
Prior Education: A college degree is not required, but the nature of the field is very competitive where experience is highly valued. A combination of progressive work experience and formal education is generally preferred.
On-the-Job Training: Rigorous training and testing is required.
Job Description: An Air Traffic Controller is required to pass rigorous testing by the FAA, which includes health checks, as well as mental stability tests. You must initiate the testing process before age 31.
Being an Air Traffic Controller has been voted the most stressful job in the United States for many years because of what the job entails on a daily basis. Air traffic controllers also often work night shifts, weekends, and even holidays.
A typical work day may include monitoring and directing in-air traffic, including routine take off/landing. Sometimes in-air emergencies must be handled, hence the high stress associated with the position.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities along with excellent communication skills are highly valued in this role. It does help to know someone already in the business to land a job in this field.
3. Automobile Service Station Manager
Average Salary: $45,204
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer a Bachelor’s degree in management or similar field and/or several years of experience in automotive service management.
On-the-Job Training: Most can obtain this type of position by working one’s way up the ladder through on-the-job experience. Obtaining certification may also be required.
Job Description: Essentially, the role of the Service Station Manager is to run the day-to-day operations of a gas station.
The scope of the work includes setting the gas prices for the day, scheduling and training the rest of the employees who work at the station, ordering new merchandise to keep the shelves stocked, ensuring service station safety, as well as being the direct manager for the other employees.
Some skills that would be helpful in obtaining this job would be good personal skills as well as some managerial and accounting experience.
4. Real Estate Broker
Average Salary: $56,730
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. However, a college degree in finance or related field may prove beneficial.
On-the-Job Training: Even though you must take a couple of classes to obtain your certification, these courses are much less of an expense compared to financing a college degree. Licensure requirements typically vary from state to state.
Job Description: To become a real estate broker you will still need to take a couple of classes to become certified. But still, these courses are still much less of an expense to you compared to financing a college degree.
You will be trying to sell houses as well as filing the paperwork for the transactions. In addition, you will help customers with their loan agreements.
However, if you are considering this career, you should be very friendly and have flexible hours since you will most likely be working on your customers’ schedules.
You typically are self-employed setting your own hours and working on a commission basis. Good negotiation skills along with market research experience will prove helpful in this role.
5. Landscape Architect
Average Salary: $65,760
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture is preferred. An internship experience is highly encouraged. This job may require you to take some classes at a community college on horticulture as well as landscape design, but these types of courses are not required.
On-the-Job Training: With this career, you will have the option of whether you would like to be becoming certified or not. However, if you are certified, you will have access to larger contracts and a wider scope of work. Most states do mandate licensure, though, and the requirements vary from state to state.
Job Description: If you do not mind getting a little dirty and working hard for a living, then this might be a good career for you. Typical job duties include designing functional yet attractive outdoor spaces and parks for a variety of clients.
Landscape architects spend a large portion of their time creating blueprints and preparing cost analysis reports. You would also analyze environmental conditions for projects and even participate in restoration initiatives.
Make sure you have a good eye for design and a strong work ethic to consider this career. Understanding GIS technologies and project management is a must.
Here’s a how-to guide for starting your own lawn company and making some serious money (in turn being able to and saving some serious money, too!).
6. Lead Carpenter
Average Salary: $51,150
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Most Lead Carpenters begin their careers as skilled apprentices.
This job requires a high amount of experience in the field either through attending a trade school to master technical skills or by being an apprentice to a lead carpenter.
On-the-Job Training: By going to trade school you will actually have to obtain some type of certification, possibly making you more marketable in the field.
Often training includes learning how to expertly handle a variety of power tools, such as power drills or saws.
Job Description: Serving as an apprentice would most likely land you in a job replacing your teacher. Either way, you can be very successful in this type of career if you enjoy working with your hands.
Although highly dependent on the type of industry, job duties may include analyzing construction plans, creating project timelines, and managing and overseeing team production activities.
Carpenters often work in both indoor and outdoor settings and may need to eventually join a union.
7. Director of Security
Average Salary: $78,608
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred along with years of experience in related positions.
In reality, this job will involve starting off in an entry level security position before working your way through the ranks to become the Director of Security.
On-the-Job Training: You might also be required to pass a security guard training program, but this will most likely be paid in full by the employer so the actual educational cost to you would be zero.
Depending on the company you will work for, you might also be required to pass a background check as well as some minor health inspections.
Job Description: A typical work day would include reviewing and implementing security department policies along with ensuring relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations are adhered to. This role may also involve actively participating in training programs with the security staff.
Some good skills to have for this type of job would be some above average physical characteristics, as well as integrity to always choose what is right.
This position often involves being on-call for any emergencies after-hours, so make sure you can fulfill this requirement.
You can also try going the Police Officer route. If you decide to pursue this career, make sure you study with the Police Exam Guide.
8. Elevator Mechanic
Average Salary: $77,806
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Just like the Lead Carpenter job, this job will most likely be acquired through a trade school degree, assistantship, or lots of years of experience. Being an elevator mechanic does have a couple more stipulations, though.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training; may need to attend trade school to contract with large corporations.
Job Description: Lots of major corporations will require you to have a license and work for an insured company, which in this case would then force you to go the trade school route so that you could work on these large corporate jobs.
A typical work day would include repairing elevators and fulfilling routine preventative maintenance when needed. Installing and repairing control systems or adjusting and inspecting safety controls are other common work tasks.
Elevator mechanics should be able to identify and troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently, and having a working knowledge of elevator mechanics is needed. Most of this industry is unionized, so make sure you are willing to join a union before entering this line of work.
9. Cable Supervisor
Average Salary: $51,112
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. However, technical school education or an internship/assistantship may prove beneficial.
On-the-Job Training: A good way to acquire this type of a position is to either apply for the job with some type of managing/scheduling background or to apply for an entry-level position and work your way up by knowing the business.
Job Description: This career would be in a managerial-type setting. You would be responsible for overseeing the maintenance as well as installation workers setting up cable boxes and internet connections.
Typical work duties would also include interpreting cable specifications, troubleshooting issues with cable equipment, and also hiring and training any new cable technicians.
You would be responsible for the scheduling aspect as well as holding the workers accountable to be where they need to be.
10. Flight Service Manager
Average Salary: $64,042
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in aviation management or related field is preferred. Completing an internship program is highly suggested.
On-the-Job Training: This career would most likely be obtained through lots of on-the-job experience along with obtaining certification if required.
Job Description: You would be responsible for helping schedule flight crews as well as taking care of customer complaints and filing any necessary paperwork.
This job would require great personal skills as well as lots of patience with unhappy customers. Making sure all passengers have the best onboard experience possible is of top priority for Flight Services Managers.
Airlines can be a stressful arena to work in, so if you are considering this line of work make sure you can keep your cool in the toughest of situations.
11. Freelance Photographer
Average Salary: $36,630
Prior Education: No educational experience required.
On-the-Job Training: This career typically involves both self-education and hands-on training through practice. Natural talent and creativity are highly valued in this field.
Job Description: Being a Freelance Photographer takes dedication to one’s tasks, as well as a great eye for artistic detail. This type of career may also require traveling long distances to be able to acquire the right “shot” for the right story.
In a sense, being a Freelance Photographer can take many forms, such as snapping pictures of nature for magazines, or taking pictures of stories for newspapers, or even being a paparazzi-type photographer and searching for the next big celebrity scandal.
To really make a sustainable living in this field, it may prove helpful to complete some basic business management courses, or to attend training sessions on editing or even lighting techniques.
It’s best that Freelance Photographers have good personal skills and can identify and fulfill client needs and/or requests. If you become a really good photographer, you could even sell your photos on Shutterstock to make some extra cash.
12. Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $38,222
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
This career will most likely require that you are qualified to teach proper physical fitness techniques to clients. Many Personal Trainers have strong backgrounds in nutrition, exercise science, or other related fields.
This certificate is not very difficult to obtain; however, it is relatively cheaper compared to any other type of trade school mentioned above.
On-the-Job Training: Continual through updating or expanding one’s professional certifications.
Job Description: To be successful in this line of work you will most likely want to be a very physically active person yourself, as well as have a passion for this line of work.
A typical work day would include meeting one-on-one with clients to assess their physical fitness needs with the intent of designing an individualized training program.
Personal Trainers also motivate and encourage their clients to reach and even surpass their fitness goals. As a result, good personal and communication skills are a must.
Most Personal Trainers work at gyms, private workout facilities, or provide at-home or virtual coaching services. Some decide to work both inside and outside the home to help facilitate a higher income.
Also, you can try getting your Yoga certification.
13. Funeral Director
Average Salary: $56,850
Prior Education: Educational requirements range from a high school diploma or equivalent to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Funeral Service Education or related field. Internships are also encouraged.
On-the-Job Training: Licensure is required in the U.S. before taking on a Funeral Director position, and some states may require a certain level of education or the completion of an apprenticeship.
Job Description: You do need some training to become a Funeral Director and possibly certification, but you can eventually make as much as $80,000 a year.
A typical work day would include helping families organize funeral details and complete any corresponding paperwork, such as a death certificate.
Offering counseling to grieving family members and helping to prepare the deceased body for the funeral service are other common duties.
It is important that you be able to handle the macabre, and you do need to have tact and a warm personality since you are dealing with people in difficult situations. Make sure you can accommodate a flexible schedule since visitations and funerals are often on weekdays and weekends.
14. Commercial Pilot
Average Salary: $78,740
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent, but most airlines now require a Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for employment.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training is involved. Often the first step is to get your private pilot’s license. You’ll get your flight hours up and be more comfortable in the cockpit.
Job Description: Commercial Pilots fly planes for very specific reasons, such as for rescue operations, aerial photography, aerial tours, or charter flights.
Pilots generally evaluate overall conditions of aircraft, communicate with air traffic control, and monitor engines and fuel consumption, among other routine tasks. Being a team player with strong communication and observational skills is also a plus.
You’ll be spending a considerable amount of time away from home, so make sure you aren’t too much of a homebody. Fatigue and jet lag may also be experienced often.
Excellent observational and communication skills prove quite beneficial in this field of work. You can easily make more than $50,000 if you get on as a commercial pilot at the right airline.
15. Truck Driving
Average Salary: $53,199
Prior Education: Typically a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and/or high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
On-the-Job Training: Drivers must complete several weeks of on-the-job training.
Job Description: After completing six to eight weeks of training and obtaining your commercial driver’s license, you can make $45,000. Work your way up to becoming a trainer, and you can clear more than $70,000 a year.
Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial. Truck Drivers must adhere to all traffic laws, ensure cargo is secure for transport, and keep all trucks and equipment in good working condition.
Hand-eye coordination, visual stamina, and mental focus are important qualities to have for this type of position.
To become a Truck Driver you need a Commercial Drivers License or CDL. I recommend using both a CDL Practice Test and CDL Test Answers to help you study up so you can pass.
16. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Average Salary: $72,384
Prior Education: A degree in a field like engineering is required by some nuclear power plants, but you do not need a college degree to land a lower level operator job. In some cases, all you need to do in some cases is to simply pass the certification test.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training is required along with possible certification.
Job Description: Nuclear power reactor operators manage nuclear reactors, monitoring them and making adjustments as necessary to ensure the safety of the nuclear power production process.
They also have to perform routine maintenance on the reactors and shutdown on very specific systems. Because the job is quite risky and requires very careful attention to detail, it pays quite well.
It also helps to become efficient in the required computer technologies involved in nuclear power plants. Make sure you can handle shift work and long hours.
17. Fire Fighting
Average Salary: $49,080.
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Any prior training in emergency medical services is a plus.
On-the-Job Training: Completing a physically demanding training program is mandatory along with other certifications.
Job Description: The starting salary for a Firefighter is often just a little more than $30,000, but you can make more than $50,000 a year depending on where you work and whether you reach a supervisory position.
Firefighters must know how to use standard field equipment, such as hoses and ladders, become proficient at providing medical attention to injured victims, and properly handle coming in contact with hazardous materials or wildfires.
Depending on which state you work in, you may need to complete specific training programs, such as high-rise building rescues.
Being a firefighter is a very strenuous and dangerous occupation, and you often must work long shifts and over 40 hours per week. To help you get physically ready for firefighting duty, I recommend you check out Pass the Beep Test, a guide to help you prepare your body for firefighting.
18. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Average Salary: $33,380
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is required. Completing a postsecondary educational program is common.
On-the-Job Training: Generally there is little to no on-the-job training, but completing levels of certification are more than likely required for most states.
Job Description: If you are about to take your EMT classes to become an EMT, you will be happy to learn that the job outlooks in this field are very promising. However, chances of having a good job in the EMS are given to those who have more EMT certifications (like paramedics).
EMTs are first responders in a medical emergency, assessing victims’ conditions and possibly transporting them to the hospital by ambulance. Often people’s lives are on the line when EMTs arrive on the scene.
The hourly wages can vary from $12.08 (10% of the workforce earns less than this) to $24.77 (10% earn more than this bracket). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023 the median hourly wages of EMTs was at $17.76 per hour.
19. Railroad Jobs
Average Salary: $59,780
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
On-the-Job Training: Several months of moderate-level training is standard. Obtaining certifications may also be required.
Job Description: Do you like trains? Do you enjoy traveling? If so, a railroad job might be just for you.
A variety of positions are available, ranging from engineers and conductors to switch operators and management positions. Railroad jobs give you a chance to see new parts of the country while getting paid very well in the process.
Since trains operate every day of the week, expect to work nights, weekends, and holidays in all kinds of weather conditions.
Hand-eye coordination, visual acuity, and communication skills are valuable assets in this industry. If you’re looking at getting a railroad job, here’s a comprehensive guide that shares how to get a job in the railroad industry.
20. Medical Coder
Average Salary: $45,035
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, while an Associate’s Degree is sometimes preferred.
On-the-Job Training: There is little to no on-the-job-training since specific training programs are generally completed as a prerequisite for employment. Completing certifications may also be required.
Job Description: The healthcare industry is currently booming, and you can expect it to continue to rise with the Baby Boomer generation getting older. There aren’t enough doctors and nurses available.
Behind all of the doctors is a team of medical coders typing up detailed reports on what procedures you had done and billing you or your insurance company the amount owed.
According to The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)’s 2022 salary survey, on average medical coders without certification bring home approximately $47,200 per year. However, becoming certified as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is highly sought after to seek higher pay.
21. Information Technology (IT) Technician
Average Salary: $41,305
Prior Education: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or certificate program in computer science or related field is typically preferred. A degree is usually not required to land an entry-level position.
On-the-Job Training: Little to no on-the-job training expected since some employers require that candidates complete some level of formal training as a prerequisite for employment.
Job Description: There are a number of career paths within information technology that do not require a college degree.
Starting out you’ll probably conduct support calls on a helpdesk and only make $11-13 per hour. As your skills and experience progress and you get more experience you can easily make $50,000 to $70,000 per year as you get into systems administration and network engineering.
Typically IT technicians diagnose and repair computer malfunctions and install and maintain network systems. Get started on your IT career path by getting some online computer training and certification.
22. Criminal Investigator
Average Salary: $58,582
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Several years of prior experience in law enforcement is encouraged. Some employers do require a minimum of an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate on-the-job training is expected. Most states do require standard licensure for criminal investigators, along with a license to carry an armed weapon.
Training typically involves learning how to properly gather information and conduct remote surveillance, among other routine tasks. Reconstructing accident scenes is also a field-specific skill learned.
Job Description: Criminal investigators are the individuals tasked with interviewing and collecting evidence for specific cases.
Depending on the case at hand, you may be performing background checks, verifying facts and statements, conducting surveillance, searching online records, or gathering information on persons of interest.
You may even need to testify in court or make a physical arrest. This job is fast-paced and often involves working odd hours, weekends, and holidays.
Important skills to have include resourcefulness, inquisitiveness, and integrity. Being able to stay cool, calm, and collected during criminal investigations is integral to performing well in this role.
23. Brick Mason
Average Salary: $42,900
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Many masons also complete extensive apprenticeship programs or specific coursework before employment.
Any previous experience as a construction laborer is acceptable.
On-the-Job Training: Learning the trade is often accomplished through completing apprenticeships and/or on-the-job training shadowing experienced masons.
In these apprenticeship programs, promising candidates learn standard masonry practices, such as construction basics, measurement calculations, and safety procedures.
Job Description: Generally a brick mason uses bricks to construct walls, fences, and other structures.
A typical work day would include reading blueprints, gathering required materials, cleaning surfaces with power tools, and lifting heavy materials for proper alignment.
Brick masons often work long hours in a fast-paced and strenuous environment where becoming injured on the job is common. Protective gear, such as safety glasses, should be worn at all times.
Construction deadlines must be met, so brick masons often work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. Important skills to have for this role include hand-eye coordination, physical strength, and attention to detail.
24. Postal Service Worker
Average Salary: $57,260
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. An excellent driving record is a must along with a clean track record.
On-the-Job Training: There is some short-term on-the-job training involved, including passing a written exam, road test, and other standard background checks.
Job Description: Postal service workers generally collect, sort, process, and distribute mail in a timely manner. It’s their responsibility to make sure mail is delivered seamlessly.
They also sell common postal products, such as stamps, and obtain any customer signatures for certified mail.
Important skills to have for this role include a strong focus on customer service and attention to detail.
25. Pharmacy Technician
Average Salary: $31,750
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Complete a postsecondary program in pharmacy technology before employment is acceptable.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate on-the-job training is required, which typically involves passing an exam or specialized program.
You may also need to learn how to operate automated dispensing equipment, and some states may require certification.
Job Description: Pharmacy technicians are responsible for correctly filling, packaging, and labeling customers’ or health professionals’ prescriptions.
You would also be involved in organizing inventory, processing insurance claims, and accurately entering patient information into a computer database.
Having excellent organizational, listening, and customer-service skills is highly valued for this role.
Pharmacy technicians may be required to work nights and some weekends. Make sure you are physically fit enough to spend most of the day on your feet fulfilling orders.
Is Attending College Overrated?
There’s one thing I know for sure – college is extremely expensive! As the College Board highlights in a recent survey outlining changes in college tuition between 2012-2013 and 2022-2023, tuition is on a steady upward climb that shows no signs of letting up.
In 2023, public four-year in-state tuition is $10,950 for full-time students. This was a 1.8% increase from the previous college year.
There are a vast amount of careers that you can obtain without an actual college degree, but most require either a trade school certification or just time on the job and working your way up through the ranks.
“Formal education will make you a living. Self education will make you a fortune.” – Jim Rohn
Looking for a job? Scared that the cause of unemployment may be growing? Sign up for free at www.FlexJobs.com and see who’s hiring today!
FAQs on High Paying Jobs with No Degree
Are there high paying jobs with no degree?
Yes, there are several types of jobs that do not require a college degree but can still offer competitive salaries. Some examples include web developers, software engineers, medical coders, sales professionals and IT support staff.
What qualifications do I need for these jobs?
What qualifications do I need for these jobs? The requirements for these types of positions vary depending on the job and company, but often include certifications or specialized training in the field you are interested in pursuing.
In addition to technical skills, employers are looking for individuals who demonstrate strong problem solving abilities, excellent communication skills and an understanding of customer service principles.
Q: What are some high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree?
Here are some examples of high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree:
-Commercial pilots: median salary of $121,430 per year -Detectives and criminal investigators: median salary of $81,920 per year -Nuclear power reactor operators: median salary of $94,350 per year -Power distributors and dispatchers: median salary of $83,020 per year -Real estate brokers: median salary of $61,720 per year -Elevator installers and repairers: median salary of $80,180 per year -Web developers: median salary of $73,760 per year -Petroleum engineers: median salary of $137,170 per year -Computer network architects: median salary of $112,690 per year -Medical and health services managers: median salary of $100,980 per year
Are there any high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, but do require experience?
Yes, there are many high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree but do require experience. Some examples include:
-Commercial pilots: typically require several years of flight experience as a co-pilot before being considered for a pilot position. -Detectives and criminal investigators: typically require several years of experience in a related field, such as a police officer or federal agent. -Nuclear power reactor operators: require extensive on-the-job training and experience. -Real estate brokers: typically require several years of experience as a real estate agent before becoming a broker. -Petroleum engineers: typically require several years of experience in the oil and gas industry before being considered for a position as a petroleum engineer.
Life insurance is like most other products and services that are available. You can get the basic product, but you can also add different options to your policy. In the insurance industry, those options are commonly referred to as riders. You should be aware that any rider will come with an extra charge in your […]
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