Dream Salaries: Great Paying Jobs and How to Get One

With the economy on the rise, many people are tired of surviving by just making ends meet and are ready to start living with a great paying job. Whether you’re just starting out and want to live large or you’re ready for a career change, it’s exciting to know that there are great paying jobs available with or without a degree. Here are 5 rewarding careers that would make Mom proud.

Image via Flickr by gtalon

1. Police Officer

Requirements to become a police officer vary depending upon jurisdiction. Generally, you can expect to need the minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, along with formal police training through a police academy program or through a college degree program in criminal justice. You’ll need to pass a physical examination and a physical agility test to qualify. Many jurisdictions have age limit requirements, so don’t wait too long to become a police officer. The annual median salary for police officers is $58,720.

2. Emergency Medical Technician

As an EMT you’ll respond to emergency calls and transport patients to necessary medical facilities while also performing any needed medical care on the way. To become an EMT you’ll need to become certified. Certification can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending upon the program of choice. The annual median salary of an EMT is $31,020.

3. Nurse

There will always be a demand for nurses in the healthcare field and this is a job that pays amazingly well. Educational requirements to become a nurse depend upon the nursing level that you’re training for. CNAs can train in just 6 weeks to care for patients, while LPNs train 1-2 years (part-time or full-time), and RNs even longer. To become a RN, you’ll need the minimum of an associate’s degree. The annual median salary for RNs is $69,110.

4. Social Worker

The world will always need good social workers to make a difference by mending the homes of broken families. To become a social worker you’re going to need the minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work. The annual median salary for social workers with a social work degree is $56,060.

5. Teacher

It’s never too late to become a teacher. The educational requirements needed to teach will depend upon the age group that you’re interested in teaching. Generally, you’ll need the minimum of a bachelor’s degree to work with elementary, middle school, and high school kids, whereas, to teach college students you’ll need a master’s degree and maybe even a doctoral degree.

To learn about the steps and degree requirements that are necessary to become a teacher, read this .

The annual median salary for a teacher ranges from $53,090-$68,970.

When choosing between a degree program and a trade program, consider cost, program length, and what you’re passionate about. To learn more about great paying jobs and how to get one, contact your local college, vocational, or technical school. If you’re unable to afford tuition upfront, speak with a financial advisor to find out if you qualify for financial assistance or to finance your education through a generous lending program.