1. Transportation and railroad police
If you are concerned about the safety of others, you may want to consider a career in law enforcement. | Anchorage Police Department via Facebook
The average yearly pay is $67,850.
Entry-level schooling often includes: A high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
Work experience in a similar field: None
On-the-job education: Moderate-term
The safety of passengers, staff, and property is the responsibility of transit and railroad police. The 90th percentile of workers may earn $96,670 per year. Transit and railroad police in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Tennessee are more likely to earn six-figure wages.
To become one, follow these steps: If you wish to join the transit or railroad police force, you must normally first complete the agency's training school. You must also undergo on-the-job training. Your application may be denied if you have any criminal convictions or fail the drug test.
2. Insurance claims adjuster
If dealing with insurance claims appeals to you, you could love working as a claims adjuster. | iStock.com/Poike
The average yearly pay is $64,990.
Entry-level schooling often includes: A high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
Less than five years of experience in a similar profession
On-the-job education: Short-term
Claims adjusters handle claims for property loss, property damage, and personal injury. They also examine claims, help with settlement talks, and determine whether a claim is allowed or refused. Earners in the 90th percentile may make $95,760 per year. The highest-paid claims adjusters are employed in New York, California, Oregon, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Colorado.
To become one, follow these steps: A high school diploma or its equivalent is all that is required for entry-level claims adjusters. When you first start out, you will often be taught under the supervision of a more senior claims adjuster. A bachelor's degree or basic job experience in the insurance business is required for advancement. Claims adjusters are needed to be certified in certain states.
3. Web designer
We advocate web developer as a professional route for coders and graphic designers. | iStock.com/NakoPhotography
The average yearly pay is $72,150.
Entry-level schooling often includes: Bachelor's degree
Work experience in a similar field: None
No on-the-job training
Websites are created and designed by web developers. They are in charge of designing the appearance and feel of a website. They sometimes create website material as well. The highest-paid web developers make about $119,550 per year. Those who work in California, New York, Virginia, or Georgia earn the greatest money.
To become one, follow these steps: If you want to work as a web developer, you may begin with simply an associate's degree. Some firms, however, may recruit individuals with merely a high school diploma. You will also require a basic understanding of programming and visual design. More high level developers (for example, back-end web developers) may need a bachelor's degree as well as extensive understanding of multiple programming languages.
4. Operator of a power plant
Power plant operators may make up to $97,410 per year. Bigstock
The average yearly wage is $73,800.
High school diploma or similar is the typical entry-level education.
Work experience in a relevant field: None
On-the-job education: Long-term
Power plant operators supervise, operate, and maintain machines used in the production of electricity. The highest-paid power plant operators earn $101,590 per year. North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Montana, and California have the highest earnings.
To become one, follow these steps: Long-term on-the-job training is required to become a power plant operator. This often comprises both classroom and on-the-job training. A license is required if you wish to operate a nuclear power plant. These positions also need drug and alcohol testing.
5. Elevator contractors
Elevator installers may learn on the job during a four-year apprenticeship. AFP/Getty Images/Ed Jones
The average yearly pay is $76,860.
Entry-level schooling often includes: A high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
Work experience in a similar field: None
On-the-job education: Apprenticeship
Elevator installers and repairers are in charge of installing, repairing, and maintaining elevators, escalators, and other lifting equipment. Top earners might make up to $114,980 per year. Workers in places like New York, Connecticut, and California earn the most.
To become one, follow these steps: If you want to work in elevator installation and maintenance, you may learn on the job. A four-year apprenticeship is required for new apprentices to master their trade. Some of the intriguing things you'll study are elevator safety, electronics, electrical theory, and blueprint reading. Furthermore, several jurisdictions mandate that elevator installation and repairers be licensed. Visit the website of the National Association of Elevator Contractors to learn more about this industry.
Sixth, a nuclear technician
Nuclear technicians collaborate with scientists and engineers. | iStock.com
The average yearly pay is $79,140.
Entry-level schooling often includes: Bachelor's degree
Work experience in a relevant field: None
On-the-job education: Moderate-term
Nuclear technicians assist nuclear physicists, engineers, and other scientists in the laboratory or in manufacturing. Their duties might include operating, maintaining, or evaluating the quality of nuclear testing and research equipment. They may be requested to monitor radiation as well. Those who work in South Carolina, New York, California, and North Carolina earn the greatest money.
To become one, follow these steps: You may get started with an associate's degree in nuclear science or a comparable discipline. You may also obtain experience via on-the-job training.
Radiation therapist 7
An associate's degree is required to become a radiation therapist. | iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages
The average yearly pay is $84,980.
Entry-level schooling often includes: Bachelor's degree
Work experience in a similar field: None
No on-the-job training
Patients get radiation treatment from radiation therapists. They may also check prescriptions and diagnoses, prepare equipment, and keep records. Radiation therapists may make up to $123,710 per year. Residents of Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Florida earn the most.
To become one, follow these steps: If you want to work in this field, you'll need at least an associate's degree in radiation therapy. A license or certification may also be required.
Construction supervisor
To advance to the position of construction manager, you must first serve as an assistant. | Shipponosov/iStock
The average yearly wage is $99,510.
Entry-level schooling often includes: Bachelor of Science
Work experience in a similar field: None
On-the-job education: Moderate-term s Construction managers are in charge of planning, directing, and coordinating all aspects of construction. They may also be expected to supervise the planning, scheduling, and budgeting of building projects. Construction managers may make up to $158,330 per year. Residents in states such as Wisconsin, Wyoming, New York, and Pennsylvania earn the most.
To become one, follow these steps: In most cases, no prior job experience in a relevant profession is necessary. New construction managers often begin as assistants, learning under the guidance of a more experienced construction manager. If you want to work for a major construction business, you may need some construction experience as well as a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or engineering.
Air traffic controller No. 9
If you wish to be an air traffic controller, you need apply before the age of 31. | AFP/Getty Images/Mohd Rasfan
The average yearly wage is $118,200.
Entry-level schooling often includes: Bachelor's degree
Work experience in a similar field: None
On-the-job education: Long-term
Aviation traffic controllers direct the flow of air traffic. They are also in charge of authorizing, regulating, and controlling commercial airline flights. The highest earners earn more than $172,000 each year. Air traffic controllers earn the highest in Colorado, Texas, New York, and Georgia.
To become one, follow these steps: To become an air traffic controller, you must have a college degree, job experience, or a combination of the two. You must also pass a Federal Aviation Administration pre-employment exam, a standardized aptitude test, and an FAA Academy training course. You're out of luck if you're an older applicant. Applicants must begin training before the age of 31.