Careers That Are Popular Today
It’s natural to be curious about careers that offer high earning potential. With so many well-paying and in-demand opportunities available, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to focus your efforts. The key is to find a path that aligns with your personal needs and long-term goals, setting you up for success and satisfaction. While it’s possible to thrive in any field, here’s a curated list of desirable and well-compensated careers worth exploring.
Ophthalmologist
If you find the idea of improving people's vision and maintaining eye health intriguing, consider pursuing a career as an ophthalmologist. This role involves diagnosing and treating eye diseases, performing surgeries, and prescribing corrective eyewear. On average, ophthalmologists can earn a salary of $100,940.
To become an ophthalmologist, you will need to obtain a medical degree, complete specialized training, and pass medical licensing exams. To increase your chances of success in this field, focus on achieving a high GPA during your undergraduate studies and prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Additionally, consider participating in ophthalmology internships or engaging in medical-related extracurricular activities while pursuing your undergraduate degree.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist specializes in treating hair, skin, and nail conditions. This career may be for you if you want to help people look and feel their best by maintaining healthy skin. Dermatologists can treat skin issues, acne, and hair loss. They may also develop a treatment plan for patients to help combat issues related to their skin.
Some dermatologists may only provide medical treatment, while others may perform surgical services. To become a dermatologist, you should attend medical school after passing the MCAT and then complete a residency. After this, you should get a medical license and become board certified in your state.
When looking for some of the highest paying jobs in the medical field, a career as a dermatologist can be rewarding. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows you can earn between $100,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on your location.
Data Scientist
Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields and shows no signs of slowing down. Demand for data scientists seems to be increasing yearly, so if you like numbers and statistics, this career might be what you want. This position has an average salary of $100,910, making it a lucrative choice.
A data scientist looks at large data sets and uses machine learning to enhance that data. They usually need to know programming languages like SQL, R, or Python to help analyze data. Other job duties may include pulling data from databases and removing irrelevant data.
To become a data scientist, you generally need a bachelor's degree and certification. If you want to pursue a higher position, you might consider a master's degree.
Actuary
Actuary is a finance professional that usually works in the insurance industry. They design insurance policies and assess the financial cost of uncertain future events. They also help decide the rates for premiums regarding insurance.
They may also have to create charts to determine how insurance policies pay out in certain situations and report their findings to clients and executives. An actuary career may be attractive and fulfilling if you enjoy working with numbers and statistics.
To become one, you need a bachelor's degree, preferably in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science. You also have several certifications you can complete in various fields, like homeowner's, automobile, and medical malpractice insurance. You can potentially earn between $101,000 and $110,000.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers help design and oversee major construction projects. It is possible to make between $77,000 and $100,000, making it a good choice for a STEM career. When working on a project, a civil engineer may need to ensure everything stays within the budget and that the project is feasible.
They also need to talk to clients, architects, and subcontractors to ensure the project is going according to plan. Health and safety are also essential for any construction project, and a civil engineer ensures the project meets regulations and other legal requirements.
Their main goal is to complete public construction projects on time and within budget, so they need excellent planning and communication skills. To become a civil engineer, you need a bachelor's in civil engineering or a related field and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination.
If you want a higher position, you can decide to pursue post-graduate education. You can also be certified as a professional engineer or a Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEAD).
Java Programmer
If you enjoy coding and creating applications, you might want to look into becoming a Java programmer. Java is a well-known programming language that is in use everywhere. Java programmers design programs using Java and may work for a company or work in a freelance capacity.
Daily, they may need to communicate with stakeholders, document errors, or give feedback to other developers. While you can teach yourself Java, you might learn faster by completing a college degree. Choose a field like computer science or computer engineering.
If you decide you want to focus on Java, you need to work on developing those skills. You can create personal projects before finding a job, so do not feel you need professional experience to start building a portfolio. You can potentially make up to $102,000 or more, depending on your specialty.
Physician Assistant
You might see a physician's assistant referred to as a PA. They work under a licensed physician and can work in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. During the day, a physician assistant may perform physical exams, prescribe medicines, or order lab tests.
If this career path sounds like something you are interested in, you need to get an undergraduate degree and complete an advanced certification. This certification is usually a two-year degree called a master's physician assistant program.
However, you must have at least three years of healthcare experience. To accomplish this, get a bachelor's in something that will allow you to work in a healthcare setting first.
After completing the program, potential PA's must complete the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. If you are looking for a lucrative career, PA's can make up to $128,000 a year.
Marketing Manager
If you want a chance to create marketing campaigns and lead a team, then consider a career as a marketing manager. You can potentially make $100,000 or more. Marketing managers look for trends using data concerning their industry.
Depending on the company's needs, a marketing manager might help with industry research or create a marketing plan. They may also look at a project, determine its budget and work with sales and business personnel. To become a marketing manager, you need a bachelor's degree in a related field, like communications or business management.
You may want to take courses in advertising, public speaking, and business writing. If possible, complete an internship since it can boost your job potential and help you make contacts in the industry.
To become a manager, you need to have work experience. Entry-level positions include marketing assistants or coordinators and can be excellent ways to start your career.
Start Your Job Search Today
Even if you are looking for your first job, there are plenty of ways to work your way into one of these high paying career paths. Pick a degree that is valuable to your potential career path. After graduating, start with an entry-level position in the industry of your choice, make connections, and complete any necessary certifications. Use this list to give you an idea of the highest paying occupations available today.
