You've got your degree, and you're ready to make your first million. First things first: You've got to get rid of the debt you incurred earning that degree in the first place. While choosing a career for monetary reasons alone isn't always wise, one of these high-paying jobs may actually prove to be a good fit -- financially, and otherwise.
Take a look at these monetarily rewarding jobs that come with top-notch salaries to help you pay down your education debt.
Actuary
$57,006 starting; $82,800 average
Are you a math whiz with strong analytical skills? Then consider a career as an actuary. Actuaries utilize complex statistics to minimize risk for companies by evaluating the likelihood that certain events -- like death, sickness, injury or theft -- will occur.
Six out of 10 actuaries are employed in the insurance industry, specializing in either life and health insurance or property and casualty insurance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other actuaries work for financial institutions. Those interested in becoming an actuary should supplement high-level math classes with business and finance courses. And it helps if you're a good test-taker; actuaries have to take a series of licensing examinations, and are generally rewarded with bonuses and higher salaries for passing. Actuaries typically work a 40-hour week, most of the time spent at their desks.
Construction manager
$52,745 starting; $73,700 average
It's a 24/7 job -- but if you thrive on managing others and seeing results, a construction manager job may be in your future. Sure, dealing with delays, bad weather and emergencies onsite isn't always fun, but if you're extremely detail-oriented, work well under pressure, and can see the "big picture," it's a highly rewarding job, too.
Construction managers coordinate the entire construction project, from residential and commercial buildings to roads, bridges and wastewater treatment plants. Education requirements typically include a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, or civil engineering. Some start as construction workers after high school, and later move onto a construction manager job. These days, certification from either the American Institute of Constructors or the Construction Management Association of America is highly attractive to employers.
Petroleum engineer
$66,124, starting; $120,780 average
Petroleum engineers use the latest high-tech equipment to access natural gas and oil used to heat homes, power cars, and cook food. They tend to work in petroleum-rich areas like Texas, Louisiana, and the Middle East.
Since they use computer models to help drill, aspiring petroleum engineers should take courses in computers, along with calculus, physics, chemistry, and earth science. Many job opportunities exist abroad, so if you like to travel, this aspect of the job can be a plus. Be prepared to work in the field; most petroleum engineers do. A bachelor's degree is typically required and many states require practicing petroleum engineers pass a licensing exam.
Computer systems software engineer
$59,873 starting; $79,780 average
Are you the resident techie, the recipient of frantic calls from family and friends when their computers crash? If you secretly relish that role, consider becoming a computer systems software engineer. That way, you'll spend your days constructing company intranets and installing complete computer systems to handle a company's inventory, employee communication, billing, or data storage requirements.
A growing number of computer engineers break out on their own or join consulting firms, working on a temporary or contract basis. Either way, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science. And since this field is constantly evolving, you'll have to keep your skills fresh by staying up-to-date with advances in computer technology.
Registered nurse
$54,922 starting; $57,280 average
Nursing is a fast-growing, well-paying career. But not everyone is cut out to be a nurse. You need to be a natural caregiver who enjoys helping others, and it helps to be endowed with an extra dose of patience.
To earn your R.N., you'll need at least a two-year associate degree in nursing from a hospital or community college-based nursing program. More than 59 percent of nurses work in hospitals, according to the BLS. Nurses may care for patients at clinics, in doctor's offices or in patient's homes. Nurses typically work nights and weekends, so don't expect a typical 40-hour workweek.
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