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14 Unexpected Jobs That Pay More Than You Think

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14 Unexpected Jobs That Pay More Than You Think

When thinking about high-paying careers, doctors, lawyers, and CEOs often come to mind. However, many other jobs offer surprising salaries. These roles may not seem lucrative at first glance, but they provide substantial financial rewards. Here are 14 unexpected jobs that pay more than you think.

1. Court Reporter

Court Reporter

Court reporters play a crucial role in the legal system by transcribing court proceedings. Despite not requiring a law degree, they earn impressive salaries, often surpassing $63,000 annually. Their expertise in shorthand and transcription technology is highly valued. This makes court reporting a financially rewarding career.

2. Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers ensure the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft. The job is incredibly stressful, but the high salary compensates for it. Many air traffic controllers earn over $137,000 per year. This unexpected job offers both financial security and a sense of responsibility.

3. Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists provide treatment for cancer patients, working closely with oncologists. They typically earn around $98,300 annually. The job requires specialized training but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. It’s a rewarding career, both financially and emotionally.

4. Elevator Installer and Repairer

Elevator Installer and Repairer

Elevator installers and repairers maintain and fix elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. Their expertise ensures public safety, which is reflected in their salaries, often exceeding $100,000 per year. This trade job requires specialized training and apprenticeships. It’s a high-paying role that doesn’t require a traditional college degree.

5. Dental Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists play a vital role in maintaining oral health, working alongside dentists. They often earn around $87,530 annually. This job requires an associate degree and offers flexibility and job stability. It’s a well-paying role with significant demand.

6. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Operators at nuclear power plants manage the equipment that generates electricity. This job demands high responsibility and technical knowledge. Salaries commonly reach above $120,000 per year. It’s an unexpected job that offers high financial rewards without needing a four-year degree.

7. Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hacker

Ethical hackers, or penetration testers, help organizations identify and fix security vulnerabilities. With the rise of cyber threats, their skills are in high demand. They often earn salaries upwards of $100,000. This tech-savvy role is both financially and intellectually rewarding.

8. Funeral Service Manager

Funeral Service Manager

Funeral service managers oversee funeral homes and ensure smooth operations during a difficult time for families. They typically earn around $80,000 annually. The role requires a combination of managerial skills and empathy. It’s a surprising but well-paying job that makes a significant impact.

9. Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)

Commercial Pilot (Non-Airline)

Commercial pilots who fly charter flights, corporate jets, and agricultural planes earn substantial incomes. Their salaries often exceed $110,000. The job requires a commercial pilot’s license and extensive flight training. It’s an unexpected job that offers adventure and high pay.

10. Hearing Aid Specialist

Hearing Aid Specialist

Hearing aid specialists fit and maintain hearing aids for patients with hearing loss. They usually earn about $58,670 annually. This role requires specialized training but not necessarily a degree. It’s a fulfilling career that offers decent pay and job satisfaction.

11. Power Plant Operator

Power Plant Operator

Power plant operators control and maintain machinery to generate electricity. Their expertise ensures the continuous supply of power, reflected in salaries often exceeding $97,000. This job requires technical training and attention to detail. It’s a stable and well-compensated career.

12. Boilermaker

Boilermaker

Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers and other large containers holding liquids and gases. They typically earn around $71,140 annually. The job requires apprenticeships and hands-on training. It’s a physically demanding but financially rewarding trade.

13. Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound technicians, or diagnostic medical sonographers, use imaging equipment to help diagnose medical conditions. Their salaries often come in near $84,470 per year. This job requires specialized training and certification. It’s a vital healthcare role that offers good pay.

14. Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technician

Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. With the growth of renewable energy, their skills are increasingly in demand. They often earn a bit more than $61,700 annually. It’s a green job that offers good pay and the opportunity to work outdoors.

Consider These Unexpected Jobs That Pay More Than You Think!

Consider These Unexpected Jobs That Pay More Than You Think!

These 14 unexpected jobs demonstrate that lucrative careers exist beyond the conventional high-paying roles. Whether through technical skills, specialized training, or unique responsibilities, these professions offer substantial financial rewards. Exploring these career options can lead to surprising and lucrative opportunities.

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Teen Employment: 4 Questions to Ask Before Your Teenager Takes a Part-Time Job

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Working part-time is a rite of passage for many teens.  Teen employment can lead to increased independence—new friends at work, extra spending money, money to save, etc.  However, teens should think carefully before applying for and taking a job.  Ideally, they won’t just by default apply to the local restaurant or fast food restaurant.  Instead, they should choose a job that matches their goals and aspirations, if possible.

Before the job search begins, you and your teen should consider these questions:

Teen Jobs Employment
Orig. img. credit: Innovate Impact Media on Flickr

What is your teen’s interest?  What is your child interested in and good at?  What kind of job could he do that he would enjoy and that wouldn’t feel like a grind after a few months?  If he loves animals, maybe he could consider working at a pet store or a dog groomers.

What career is your teen considering?  If your child is a junior or senior in high school, she likely has a career choice in mind.  If she’s choosing between several, now is the time to learn more and help her narrow down her choices.

When I was a senior, I worked at a vet clinic.  I had the opportunity to work with the animals and even observe surgeries.  I had been toying with the idea of being a veterinarian, but after a summer at the job, I decided I didn’t want to invest all of the time and money it took to become a vet.  The job just wasn’t one I’d enjoy that much.

Ideally, your child’s job can help them discern if this is the right career path for them.  If it’s not, you and your child have saved thousands on an education they might not have used in the future.

What is your teen’s temperament?  How does your child do under pressure?  Is he introverted or extroverted?  Jobs available to teens can vary widely.  Some jobs will have them interacting with the public regularly while others will not.  Choose the job that best fits his temperament.

However, sometimes a good job that doesn’t perfectly fit your child’s temperament can provide learning opportunities, so also consider that a stretch in comfort level isn’t all bad.

Will this job help your child get into college or get a job in his career field?  Ultimately, a job should not just give your teen some spending money but also help her get into college or into her career field.  The jobs that teens take should be stepping stones into the life that they see for themselves.

Also, don’t be afraid to end the job if it is distracting your child from his ultimate goals.  Too often, teens take what looks to be a good job only to be given more work hours than they can handle, which causes their schoolwork to suffer.  Getting experience in their chosen field IS important and can help them get a better job later in life, but they also must focus on their studies.

Did you have a job as a teen that helped open doors for you or helped you choose your career field, or did you simply work whatever job was available?

 

My Wife Quit Her Job: End of Year Update

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Last update, I told you that the COBRA health insurance plan premium went through the roof and we were deciding whether to continue paying for it, or to switch over to the plan that I get at work.  In the end, we decided to remain on the COBRA plan.  The difference was about $350 a month, but we figured that if we had only one or two medical mishaps, it would easily pay for itself with the 100% coverage.  And, as luck would have it, it turned out to be a good idea.  Both my wife and I ended up having issues that required several weeks of physical therapy.  Hers stems from an accident she had a few years back that seems to have thrown a few things off.  Nothing some pt and a pair of orthotics won’t fix.  Mine is from my football days.  Arguably, not completely necessary, but was something that would need to be fixed one way or the other, so decided to get it taken care of.  Then, to make our decision look even smarter, my wife fell in the ice and snow yesterday and severely sprained her ankle and knee and prompted a visit to the ER.  We got a nice new pair of crutches and what will likely be a very expensive pair of athletic wraps.  Of course, all paid for by our insurance.  The extra money has easily paid for itself.  But, that all ends on the 1st, so we’re switching back to the coverage that I get at work.

The business that my wife and her friends started continues to do well.  They received a very important certification from the state that will allow them to pick up another line of business and expand even further.  My wife continues to be the only one getting a regular paycheck from the company, but with this new certification, that will likely change very soon.  Luckily, the people that she’s working with are both very qualified for the business that they are in and have plenty of experience (my wife does to) so they don’t have much in the way of learning curves for the actual service that they provide.  Their biggest learning curve has been the actual running of the business.  They were smart and got a lawyer and an accountant right away though, so they’ve had excellent guidance along the way.

Also, I did receive a small raise this year which should help.  However, between the insurance and some increases in medical flex and childcare flex, my checks will likely be smaller than they were in 2009.  Most of that should come back through the flex accounts.  Tax free money for the win.  Especially on things like childcare that you’re going to spend money on anyways!