<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands and products we trust or actually use ourselves. Using them doesn’t cost you a thing, but it helps support our mission.&nbsp;</i></p><p>You don’t have to work in a corporate office to increase your salary. High-paying trade jobs are great career options that are increasing in demand and don’t often require a bachelor’s degree.&nbsp; Many also have the potential to earn six figures as your seniority grows. For example, <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ocwage.t01.htm">May 2025 data</a> from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that trade jobs like construction managers and elevator installers/repairers both make annual salaries over $100,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Breaking into a trade may require some schooling or work experience. Several skilled trades often have low barriers to entry in which you can get paid to learn in an apprenticeship or other on-the-job training options (which are perfect for people without a college degree). Other education requirements may include trade schools, associates degrees, certifications, or licenses.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>But what actually qualifies as a trade job?</strong></p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>Top-paying skilled trades based on median salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor include construction managers, elevator installers, IT systems administrators, and dental hygienists.</li><li>The highest-paying trade jobs found in our Salary Database include aircraft mechanics, electricians, sonographers, and graphic designers with a high-paying specialization like animation.&nbsp;</li><li>Most trade jobs on this list don’t require a bachelor’s degree, but may look for certifications, licenses, or completion of trade school programs.</li><li>Entry-level workers can break into trade jobs without a degree through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.</li><li>Skilled trades with paid apprenticeships include plumbing, electrical, tattoo artistry, and carpentry careers.</li><li>Some union-protected trade workers, like electricians and ironworkers, earn more and receive better benefits than non-union peers.</li><li>Our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> has access to more high-paying trade job titles.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Here's a sneak peak into a few top-paying trade jobs from our recent interviews with <strong>real trade workers:</strong></p>

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<h2>What is a skilled trade job?</h2><p>Trade jobs are careers that require specialized training and skills (often working with one's hands), and exist in many different industries including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and even tech. There are also lesser-known careers that qualify fully under the trade job umbrella, such as culinary and cosmetic trades.</p><h2>Do union trade workers make more money?&nbsp;</h2><p>Several trade jobs are also union jobs. Union jobs are jobs where workers are represented by a labor union, which is an organized group that <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiates wages</a>, <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">pay raises</a>, <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">benefits</a>, and working conditions on behalf of its members. Because of this, they tend to be some of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">highest-paying jobs</a>.</p>

<p>According to <a href="https://www.unionplus.org/page/benefits-union-membership">Union Plus</a>, Union workers make 30% more than non-union workers and 92% of union workers have job-related health coverage versus 68% of non-union workers. Many also have guaranteed pensions, which is extremely rare in today’s job market and most often seen in <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-government-jobs">government jobs</a>.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a few union trade workers at </strong><a href="https://www.indylaborfest.org/">Indianapolis’s LaborFest </a><strong>in the video below who let us know that anyone who wants to</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-join-a-union">join a union</a><strong> and get started in a trade, to apply at your local union hall!</strong></p>

How Much Do Trade Workers Really Make? Earnings Revealed at LaborFest

<h2><strong>21 In-Demand Trade Jobs That Pay Well&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>This article was put together using salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a>, <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/index.htm">Glassdoor</a>, our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database </a>of thousands of self-reported salaries, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SalaryTransparentStreet">interviews</a> with real trade workers.&nbsp; Every salary figure in this article also links directly back to its original source. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> and the salary transparency movement has increased the amount of salary data available for us to use and report on.</p><p>Keep in mind that the numbers below may change depending on your location. You may notice that the higher paying trades may include more education requirements, such as completing accredited programs, apprenticeships, and obtaining licenses. Requirements may change depending on the company and state.</p><h2>1. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=construction+manager&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Construction Manager</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm">$106,980</a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/construction-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm">$89,000 - $147,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DConstruction+Manager&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$125,000</a></p><p>Construction managers are the foundation of any construction project. They're the ones who plan, coordinate, and oversee building projects from start to finish. This includes setting and managing budgets, overseeing material orders, interpreting contracts, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements and building/safety codes.</p><p>Those managing large-scale commercial or government-funded projects tend to earn the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm#tab-5">highest salaries</a> ($121,060 median annual salary), especially when working in high-demand urban areas or for industries like renewable energy. <strong>We interviewed a construction project manager in the video below who makes $105,000 a year working for a mechanical contracting company!</strong></p>

How much does a Construction #ProjectManager make? Greenville, NC📍#salarytransparentstreet

<p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma, associate’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field, and some work experience. <strong>Need help paying for school? </strong>Check out our <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/r8fc8db4eb91" rel="sponsored">top student loan picks</a> to compare options and find what fits your future.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>A few years of experience in construction trades or site supervision. Those wanting to get experience can start with a paid construction apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 9%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/XmR9X4" rel="sponsored">Construction Management Fundamentals</a></p><h2>2. Elevator Installer and Repairer</h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm">$106,580</a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/elevator-installation-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,30.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Elevator+Installation+Engineer&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Elevator+Installation+Engineer&amp;Autocomplete=">$75,000 - $114,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DElevator+Mechanic&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$106,000</a></p><p>Elevator installers and repairers are the mechanics of elevators and get paid handsomely for it too. They do it all: commercial, residential, and even high-rise buildings. One day they could be working with electrical wiring, and another day, they could be reading blueprints and assembling different components.</p><p>Jobs tied to the construction industry or union-backed roles tend to offer higher wages and more consistent work opportunities. According to the<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm#tab-5"> BLS’s filtered pay data</a>, government jobs pay the most for elevator installers/repairers ($110,390 median annual salary).</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>A high school diploma or equivalent.</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> Apprenticeship (typically 4 years). Paid apprenticeships can be found through local unions or contractors.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 5%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/ra0vWj" rel="sponsored">Electric Power Systems</a></p><h2>3. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=System+Administrator&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">IT System Administrator</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-1">$96,800</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/systems-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Systems+Administrator&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Systems+Administrator&amp;Autocomplete=">$9240,000 - $14254,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSystems+Administrator&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$154,000</a></p><p>Like this one, there are many tech roles that are also actually considered trade jobs. These technical trade workers are in the weeds of networks and systems. They're responsible for managing several systems at the company they’re at, such as security and network systems, and get paid pretty well to do so as one of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">highest-paying tech jobs</a> available. The BLS reported that IT systems administrators that work in management earn the highest, with a <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-5">$101,600</a> median annual salary. <strong>We interviewed a system administrator in the video below who currently makes $93,000 a year!</strong></p><p>If you've ever worked anywhere where you had to use a computer and company systems for your job, thank your company's IT systems administrator. They're the ones who make sure everything runs smoothly so you can do your job effectively.</p>

How much does a #SystemsAdministrator make?📍Detroit, MI #salarytransparentstreet

<p>This trade requires a high level of technical proficiency and some programming skills to be able to work with different types of systems from different locations (which are also essential skills needed for many <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-remote-jobs">remote jobs </a>too). They should also possess problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and reverse engineering problems.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent. Some companies will hire without a degree if there is some work experience such as working in a help desk IT support role or past freelance experience. Other companies may require an associate's degree, completion of a technical trade program, or specific certifications for specialists.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>It depends on the company and role. Typically no prior experience is required when education qualifications are fulfilled.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 2%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DyRdY2" rel="sponsored">System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services</a></p><h2>4. Dental Hygienist</h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm#tab-1">$94,260</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/construction-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm"> </a><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/dental-hygienist-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Dental+Hygienist&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Dental+Hygienist&amp;Autocomplete=">$94,000 - $137,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DConstruction+Manager&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters="> </a><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Ddental+hygienist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$150,000</a></p><p>Dental hygienists are the ones who tirelessly work to make our smiles brighter with every teeth cleaning, treatment, and round of X-rays. So naturally, they have to be good with their hands and have a keen eye for detail and pointing out abnormalities.&nbsp;</p><p>Working as a dental hygienist is a more accessible job option than many other top healthcare jobs. It’s one of the few medical trades that only requires an Associate’s degree to take the exam and get licensed with high chances of being on your way to earning $100,000+ within a few years. Dental hygienists who work at dentist offices make the most ($94,570 median annual salary), as <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm#tab-5">reported by the BLS</a>.</p><p>We found a dental hygienist in our Salary Database making <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DDental+Hygienist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=highestEducation%3D64811ae7061f88ce2a2ce1d6">$125,000 a year </a>with an associate’s degree and four years of experience!<strong> We interviewed another making $55 to $60 an hour in our dental interviews below that we did in collaboration with the American Dental Association!</strong></p>

How much do dental professionals make? We collaborated with the ​⁠@AmericanDentalAssoc to find out!

<p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a program that’s been approved by the <a href="https://coda.ada.org/find-a-program">Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)</a> and be licensed by the state they work by taking and passing the <a href="https://jcnde.ada.org/nbdhe">National Board Dental Hygiene Exam</a>.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None required besides entry-level education requirements.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 7%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/XmR9X4"><strong> </strong></a>Check out our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/dental-career-guide">Dental Career Guide</a> (with tips from real dental professionals)!</p><h2>5. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=sonographer&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Sonographer</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-1">$89,340</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/sonographer-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Sonographer&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Sonographer&amp;Autocomplete=">$86,000 - $124,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSonographer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$230,000</a></p><p><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">Healthcare careers </a>can be trade careers too. A sonographer is a medical trade worker who uses ultrasound technology to create sonograms or ultrasounds of what's happening inside the body. Sonographers must have the ability to understand how to use ultrasound equipment and have good communication skills to convey information clearly when discussing images with the healthcare team.&nbsp;</p><p>Many <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">high-paying healthcare jobs</a> are tough to break into without an advanced degree, which is what makes sonography such an attractive career option. Instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on university degrees, a sonography program and certification can be completed through technical and trade schools.&nbsp;</p><p>Because of its high pay and growing demand, sonography is a great <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/top-jobs-of-2025">top-paying job for the future</a>. According to BLS’s filtered pay data, sonographers that work at outpatient care centers tend to make the most, with a <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-5">$123,610</a> median annual salary. They also have a 13% projected growth rate, which I can definitely tell by looking at any imaging center I've made an appointment at. They're always packed!&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and depending on the company and state, completion of an accredited sonography program or sonography certification. License requirements vary by state.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>Some companies may require work experience but clinical hours from certificate programs normally fit requirements.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 13%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Wy9jn3" rel="sponsored">Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging</a></p><h2>6. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=aircraft+mechanic&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Aircraft Mechanic/Technician</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm">$79,140</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/aircraft-maintenance-technician-salary-SRCH_KO0,31.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Aircraft+Maintenance+Technician&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Aircraft+Maintenance+Technician&amp;Autocomplete=">$62,000 - $102,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database</strong>: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DAircraft+Mechanic&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$220,000</a></p><p>Aircraft mechanics and technicians have the responsibility of inspecting and working on aircraft to ensure they're ready to go up in the air. They’re basically the reason we can safely fly wherever we want. So, thank an aircraft technician for keeping our planes in the sky if you ever come across one.&nbsp;</p><p>Precision is extremely important in aircraft maintenance. Aircraft mechanics must have a special eye for detail to ensure that all repairs and inspections are carried out correctly. This job can be particularly difficult, and technicians have a lot riding on their shoulders, but that's why they make the big bucks! According to BLS’s filtered pay data, the highest paying mechanics work in air transportation, with a median annual salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm#tab-5">$95,320</a>.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and certification from a <a href="https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airline_certification/amts">Part 147 FAA-approved</a> aviation maintenance technician school.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 4%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4v6On" rel="sponsored">Fundamentals of Flight Mechanics</a></p><h2>7.<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=radiology+technician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters="> Radiology Technician or Technologist</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-1">$78,980</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/radiology-technologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Radiology+Technologist&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Radiology+Technologist&amp;Autocomplete=">$72,000 - $116,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DRadiology&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$131,000</a></p><p>Working as a radiology technician is another medical trade in which they perform diagnostic imaging to help treat patients. They operate imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and fluoroscopy equipment to produce images of the inside of the body. Technicians that are the highest paid are those that work at outpatient care centers ($128,290 median annual salary), according to BLS <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-5">filtered pay data</a>.</p><p>The skills that are crucial to their role are radiation safety and math skills to calculate the right amount of radiation emitted in imaging procedures. Technical skills are also required to operate imaging equipment and technology.</p><p>Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an accredited program. The <a href="http://www.jrcert.org/">Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology</a> (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. It depends on the state if licenses or certifications are required.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 5%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Wy9jn3" rel="sponsored">The Science of Radiation Therapy</a></p><h2>8. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=Occupational+Therapy+Assistant&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Occupational Therapy Assistant</a></h2><p>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-1">$66,050</a></p><p>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-occupational-therapy-assistant-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,44.htm">$61,000 - $99,000</a></p><p>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DOccupational+Therapy+Assistant&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$88,000</a></p><p>Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to individuals with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges. Their role is to help patients live independently through developing goals and improving their ability to perform daily tasks and activities.</p><p>For instance, if you were to suffer a stroke or anything else that is difficult to recover from, an OTA would be who you would work with to help return to your daily life.</p><p>OTAs who make the most work in home healthcare services and receive a median annual salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-5">$76,800</a>, according to the BLS.</p>

<p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, certification, and license. Follow the steps lined out by the <a href="https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure/learn-the-steps-to-licensure">American Occupational Therapy Association</a>.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>There are some fieldwork requirements, but those are already required when applying for a license.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034: </strong>18%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MKym2M" rel="sponsored">Patient Care Technician Fundamentals</a></p><h2>9. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=union+plumber&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Union Plumber Pipefitter</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm">$62,970</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/plumber-pipefitter-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm">$65,000 - $102,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DPlumber&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$110,000</a> (for a journeyman)</p><p>Union plumbers and pipefitters install and repair piping systems for homes, businesses, factories, and other places. They're essential to our infrastructure. Depending on the specific job, they may be responsible for installing gas lines and water supply pipes, testing pipes, and repairing malfunctions. Plumbers that work for the government are reported to have the highest salaries, with a median annual wage of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm#tab-5">$69,160</a>, according to the BLS.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a plumber in the video below who makes between $80,000 and $110,000 a year with 4 years of experience! </strong>They also gave a great tip: many companies will actually send you to school for free once you start working with them.</p>

🪠 How much do #plumbers make? Washington, DC📍#plumber #plumberpay #salarytransparency

<p>Plumbers need to be able to work with a variety of materials like copper, PVC, steel, and cast iron, and have the skills to use different tools and know how to maneuver them. Troubleshooting skills are also required to be able to quickly find and repair problems.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job. Go to your local union hall to apply for apprenticeship. License requirements depend on your state.</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034: </strong>4%</p><h2>10. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=union+electrician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Union Electrician</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm">$62,350</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/electrician-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Electrician&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Electrician&amp;Autocomplete=">$54,000 - $91,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DElectrician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$220,000 </a>(for an industrial electrician)&nbsp;</p><p>Union electricians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. A few of their key duties include inspections, troubleshooting, making upgrades, reading blueprints, and following safety protocols, all of which are <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">high income skills</a> as the demand for electricians continues to increase.&nbsp;</p><p>Electricians who work in the government tend to make more than those who work in manufacturing, with a median annual salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-5">$77,080</a>, according to the BLS. <strong>We found an industrial electrician in our Salary Database who makes $220,000 working for the government in New York City and interviewed another in the video below who makes $100 an hour in Los Angeles!</strong></p>

⚡How Much Do Female Electricians Make? Real Pay, Real Stories from Women in the IBEW💸

<p>Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job. One of the electricians we interviewed at the The IBEW's International Women's Conference in New Orleans, LA (in the video above) is making<strong> $77.55 an hour in her 4th year of apprenticeship. And that’s only 60% of what they'll be making when they become a journeyperson!</strong></p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 9%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/QjGqEa">Introduction to Electronics</a></p><h2>11. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=iron+worker&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Union IronWorker</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/structural-iron-and-steel-workers.htm">$61,940</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-iron-worker-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,25.htm">$50,000 - $73,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dironworker&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$134,000</a></p><p>Ironworkers fabricate and install structural iron and steel components used in construction projects.&nbsp; They work primarily with iron, steel, and other metal materials to build frameworks, structures, bridges, and other infrastructure, and it isn't an easy job. This is one of the most dangerous jobs out there, according to the OSHA and BLS numbers that show a <a href="https://www.bls.gov/iif/fatal-injuries-tables/fatal-occupational-injuries-table-a-5-2022.htm">21.3 mortality rate per 100,000 workers</a>. It's no wonder this position pays well. The highest-paid ironworkers work in nonresidential building construction (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/structural-iron-and-steel-workers.htm#tab-5">$62,780</a> median annual salary), according to the BLS.</p><p>Skills needed include metalworking skills, the ability to read blueprints, and physical strength to handle heavy steel. They’ll also need to be able to work at great heights and walk on narrow beams. Because of the specialized skills in this trade, it pays pretty well. <strong>We interviewed an IronWorker in the video below who makes $40 an hour!</strong></p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034: </strong>4%</p>

<h2>12. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=graphic+design&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Web/Graphic Designer</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm">$61,300</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dgraphic+designer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$29,000 - $240,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dgraphic+designer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$240,000</a></p><p>Web and graphic designers are creative professionals that design websites and pieces of digital media with the goal of making them not only beautiful, but also user friendly. Look at the website that you're on right now! It wouldn't exist without a designer.&nbsp;</p><p>Web and graphic designers must have both creative and technical skills to be able to use different software for crafting designs. They usually work within design teams that work with different departments such as product and technical teams for projects. As they become more experienced in their career, they can move on to other <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-creative-jobs">higher-paying creative jobs</a> in specialized design, like UX design. Designers that work in specialized design make the most at a median annual salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-5">$63,410</a>, according to the BLS.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required:</strong> High school diploma or equivalent. Some companies may require completion of a technical trade school program. But you may not need specific education credentials if you can demonstrate prior related work experience or project work. <strong>We interviewed a graphic designer in the video below who makes $100,000 a year and is entirely self taught!</strong></p>

How much does a self-employed #GraphicDesigner make in Chicago, IL📍? #salarytransparentstreet

<p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None but some companies may require internships or apprenticeships (which you can learn on the job). Portfolios of past work based on personal projects, school projects, or freelance projects can also be shown in the place of work experience.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034: </strong>2%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/LK1qxZ" rel="sponsored">Fundamentals of Graphic Design</a></p><h2>13. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=Commercial+HVAC+Technician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Commercial HVAC Technician</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm">$59,810</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/commercial-hvac-technician-salary-SRCH_KO0,26.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Commercial+HVAC+Technician&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Commercial+HVAC+Technician&amp;Autocomplete=">$64,000 - $97,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dhvac+technician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$130,000</a></p><p>Commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians are in charge of installing, maintaining, or repairing (or whatever the job that day entails) HVAC systems in commercial and industrial buildings. Think about the last time the AC went out at your work or any other building you've been in. You can thank an HVAC technician for being there to fix it and saving your sanity (and potentially your life, depending on how hot it was).</p><p>Commercial HVAC technicians make the most in wholesale trade, with a median annual salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-5">$65,760</a>, according to the BLS. Wholesale trade refers to the companies that supply HVAC equipment to contractors and businesses, rather than selling directly to homeowners. <strong>We also interviewed an HVAC technician in the video below who makes $25 an hour with less than a year of experience, with the prospect of making $30 an hour by the end of the year!</strong></p>

How Much Does an HVAC Tech Make in 2025?

<p>Their skills usually include technical HVAC knowledge and mechanical and electrical skills. Commercial HVAC technicians should also have strong diagnostic skills to identify and resolve HVAC system issues quickly.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships and other training programs.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 6%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/e12MvX">Basics of Air Conditioning &amp; Heat Load Calculation</a></p><h2>14. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=Union+Carpenter&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Union Carpenter</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm">$59,310</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/carpenter-salary-SRCH_KO0,9.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Carpenter&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Carpenter&amp;Autocomplete=">$51,000 - $79,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DCarpenter&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$89,000</a></p><p>Carpenters build almost anything you can think of with wood, like the skeletal framework of buildings (walls and floors), staircases, and even small add-ons like cabinets. There are actually several different <a href="https://www.skilledtradescollege.ca/blog/types-of-carpentry">types of carpentry jobs </a>that you could specialize in. Rough and formwork carpenters are those who usually handle the skeletal framework. Other carpentry jobs include trim carpentry, ship carpentry, and set and production carpentry (for putting together things like movie sets). The highest-paid carpenters work in nonresidential building construction and make a median annual salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm#tab-5">$63,330</a>, according to the BLS.</p><p>An important skill that they must have, aside from reading blueprints and carpentry techniques, is their attention to detail. The stability of entire structures depends on that attention to detail. They should also be familiar with using hand and power tools.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and training is usually done on the job through paid apprenticeships.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034: </strong>4%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/VxQrd6">Construction Techniques and Practices</a></p><h2>15. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=massage+therapist&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Massage Therapist</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-massage-therapist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,31.htm"> </a><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm">$57,950</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-massage-therapist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,31.htm">$57,000 - $117,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dmassage+therapist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$96,000</a></p><p>Massage therapists are healthcare professionals who use touch and manipulation techniques to provide therapeutic relief to their clients. They're a godsend to people who need pain relief, to destress, and to improve circulation, especially for those who are recovering from injuries or surgeries. It's a pretty <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/low-stress-jobs-that-pay-well">low-stress job</a> with work available in a variety of settings, including spas and medical offices.&nbsp;</p><p>Massage therapists that work in chiropractor offices make the most, with a median annual salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-5">$66,710</a>, according to the BLS. <strong>We interviewed a massage therapy student in the video below who makes between $35,000 and $40,000 a year.</strong></p>

How much does a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) and massage therapy student make?

<p>Important skills to have include the ability to evaluate the needs of their clients and recommend treatments. They must also be physically capable to apply pressure and manipulate muscles while administering massage therapy.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent and massage therapy education programs. Currently, <a href="https://www.abmp.com/practitioners/state-requirements#:~:text=Licensure%20is%20required%20in%20each,as%20a%20requirement%20for%20renewal.">45 states</a> require massage therapists to be licensed.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None but some companies may require internships or apprenticeships (which you can learn on the job). Some companies like to see portfolios of past work based on personal projects, school projects, or freelance projects.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 15%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/POg9rQ" rel="sponsored">Anatomy: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems</a></p><h2>16. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=tattoo+artist&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Tattoo Artist</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm">$56,260</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-tattoo-artist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,27.htm">$56,000 - $94,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DTattoo+Artist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$40,000</a></p><p>A tattoo artist creates permanent designs on the skin using tattooing techniques and equipment. They usually work in tattoo studios or shops, and also have the option to work at events and conferences for extra pay, like Comic Con and Horror Con.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>We interviewed a tattoo artist in the video below who said earnings will depend on the time of year and clientele. They currently charge $150 an hour!</strong></p>

How much does a #TattooArtist make? Eugene, OR📍#salarytransparentstreet

<p>Tattoo artists need to have artistic talent and creativity to produce unique designs, but also need the technical tattooing skills to execute those designs. They must also pay close attention to detail when applying tattoos since they are permanent. Many of these skills are learned on the job during apprenticeships and with continuous practice.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships that lead to certification or a license.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Work experience required:</strong> None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034:</strong> 4%</p><h2>17. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=auto+mechanic&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Automotive Mechanic</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm">$49,670</a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor)Total potential pay: </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/automotive-mechanic-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm?suggestCount=0&amp;suggestChosen=false&amp;sc.keyword=Automotive+Mechanic&amp;locT=&amp;locId=&amp;typedKeyword=Automotive+Mechanic&amp;Autocomplete=">$61,000 - $91,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dmechanic&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$154,000</a></p><p>Automotive mechanics specialize in working on a variety of vehicles. It depends on what specific vehicle the mechanic specializes in, whether that's cars, trucks, or motorcycles. They typically work in settings like dealerships and repair shops (and even places like Costco's Tire Service Center). Diesel mechanics who work for local government make the most, with a reported median annual salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm#tab-5">$67,710</a>, according to the BLS.</p><p>Mechanics should have a good grasp of vehicle systems and their components, and also know how to use different tools to perform repairs. Even though they may learn some of this from hands-on training during certification programs, they can continue to build their expertise through on-the-job training and other continous learning.&nbsp;</p><p>Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Although some mechanics may not be certified, most shops require certification from the <a href="http://www.ase.com/">National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence</a>. <strong>We interviewed a mechanic who currently makes $100,000 a year and got started by going to a trade school!</strong></p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034:</strong> 4%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/QjGqv6" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Mechanics</a></p>

How Much Do Auto Trades Pay? Insights from the SEMA Trade Show

<h2>18. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=construction+worker&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Construction Worker</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-laborers-and-helpers.htm#tab-1">$46,050</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-construction-worker-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,33.htm">$43,000 - $66,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DConstruction+Helper&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$66,000</a></p><p>Construction workers perform various duties around a construction site. They clean and prepare sites, load and unload materials, operate power tools, and assist other trade workers, such as carpenters and electricians. They’re not only involved in building, but also disassembling, and may be responsible for taking apart structures too.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a construction worker in the video below who’s a lagger (insulates pipes) and a bracer (installs structural supports), and makes $21 an hour with 4 months of experience!</strong></p>

How much does a #constructionworker make in 📍Washington, DC?#salarytransparentstreet

<p>Once you get started in construction, there are several other roles you can pivot or move up to for a higher salary. These include roles like “Construction Equipment Operator”, “Construction Manager" (which is #1 on this list!)”, “Construction Project Manager”, “Construction Foreman”, and several other position titles.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent. Employers may require a safety certification that meets <a href="https://www.osha.gov/">Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)</a> guidelines.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None. Many get paid while learning on the job. There are also apprenticeship programs available that may be sponsored by local unions or trade associations, but aren’t required.</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate through 2034: </strong>4%</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/VxQrd6">Construction Techniques and Practices Specialization</a></p><h2>19. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=Esthetician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Esthetician</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm">$41,560</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-esthetician-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,25.htm">$53,000 - $88,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DEsthetician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$50,000</a></p><p>Estheticians are licensed professionals who work in salons or spas to provide skincare services to clients. Some of these services may include skincare analysis and facial treatments, like acne treatments, or full-body treatments, like hydrating body wraps or laser hair removal. The top skills that need to have to do their job include knowledge of skincare, hygiene, and sanitation practices, and interpersonal soft skills (like emotional intelligence, communication, and active listening skills) to build trust with clients.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a lead master esthetician in the video below who makes over $100,000 a year with 10 years of experience!</strong> She indicated that she doesn’t have a college degree but she has an esthetician license.</p>

How much does a Lead Master Esthetician make? #paytransparency #esthetician

<p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a cosmetology or esthetician program, and state license. Licensing requirements vary by state.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034: </strong>7%</p><h2>20. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=hair+stylist&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Hair Colorist/Stylist</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm">$35,420</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor):</strong> <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-hair-stylist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,26.htm">$54,000 - $91,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dhair+stylist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$80,000</a></p><p>Hair colorists specialize in applying hair color treatments to enhance the look of their client’s hair, while hair stylists provide a broader range of services, including cutting, styling, and sometimes coloring hair. While both roles may involve some overlap in coloring techniques, the primary difference lies in the colorist's expertise in achieving and maintaining various hair colors, whereas the stylist focuses on the overall hairstyle and appearance.</p><p>You’d think that this profession may not make much, but think again. <strong>We interviewed two hair stylists who make $160,000 and $130,000 a year!</strong></p>

#Hairstylists in Atlanta, GA📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency #hairstylistjob

<p>Hair colorists and stylists should have a strong understanding of color theory to create hair color combinations that complement clients' features, as well as cutting and styling techniques and being able to handle different types of hair and textures.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a state-approved cosmetology program, and state license. License requirements vary by state.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034: </strong>9%</p><h2>21. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=nail+technician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Nail Technician</a></h2><p><strong>BLS median annual salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/manicurists-and-pedicurists.htm">$34,660</a></p><p><strong>Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): </strong><a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-nail-technician-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,29.htm">$58,000 - $104,000</a></p><p><strong>Highest self-reported salary in our database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNail+Technician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$60,000</a></p><p>Nail technicians help keep our nails beautiful and healthy. They work with several clients a day, performing manicures, pedicures, and creating custom nail art designs. Some may work for nail salons or spas, but also have the option to work independently for themselves.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a nail artist in the video below who has 6 clients a day and charges anywhere from $60 to $80 per client, totaling around $75,000 to $90,000 a year! </strong>She also sells press-on nails for Labubus as her side hustle.</p>

She’s made thousands (this month alone!) by making press on nails for Labubus 🤯 ​⁠@Nailedbyhazel

<p>It's a given that nail techs should have creative abilities, but they also need some customer service and social skills since they work one-on-one with the public. Nail technicians who run their own salons must understand business principles to manage a salon and make it profitable.</p><p><strong>Entry-level education required: </strong>High school diploma or equivalent. State licensing requirements vary.</p><p><strong>Work experience required: </strong>None</p><p><strong>Projected growth rate up to year 2034:</strong> 9%</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>Learn more about beauty and skincare jobs in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-start-a-creative-career">creative career guide</a>, including what they do, how much they make, how to get started, different courses available, and more!</p><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Jobs</strong></h2><h2>How do I know what trade job is right for me?</h2><p>Choosing the right trade job for you comes down to what you like, what you’re good at, what work goes best with your personality, and your lifestyle and career goals. For example, if you’re curious about the human body and are normally interested in medical subjects, you should explore medical trades. Take our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/find-your-trade-quiz">Skilled Trades Career Quiz</a> to find what trade is right for you.</p><h2>What trade jobs pay the most?</h2><p>Based on BLS median salary data, the highest-paying trade jobs are construction managers ($106,980) and elevator installers and repairers ($106,580), both of which don't require a four-year degree. IT system administrators ($96,800), dental hygienists ($94,260), and sonographers ($89,340) round out the top five. Outside of the BLS, our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> shows aircraft mechanics and electricians earning up to $220,000 and sonographers earning up to $230,000.&nbsp;</p><h2>What trade makes over $100,000 a year?</h2><p>Trades that pay $100,000 or more a year are construction managers and elevator installers and repairers, both of which don't require a traditional four-year college degree. We also found aircraft mechanic and sonographer salaries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> paying over $200,000 a year!</p><h2>What trade jobs are in demand?</h2><p>According to BLS projections, the fastest-growing trade jobs are occupational therapy assistants (18% growth), massage therapists (15%), and sonographers (13%). Electricians (9%) and HVAC technicians (8%) are also in high demand as infrastructure investment and new construction continue to increase. If you're prioritizing job security alongside pay, sonography and occupational therapy assistance offer the strongest potential for high salaries and fast growth on this list.&nbsp;</p><h2>Do trade jobs require a college degree?</h2><p>Trade jobs don't require a bachelor's degree, but some may require completion of a trade or technical school program for an associate's degree, licensing, or certification. Several trade jobs, like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, only require a high school diploma and workers get paid to learn on the job through apprenticeships and other on-the-job training programs.</p><h2>How to Get Into The Best Paying Trade Jobs</h2><p>There are tons of high-paying trade jobs that require minimal schooling and paid training so you get hands-on experience as you learn your job. This is the complete opposite of paying thousands for a bachelor's degree that doesn’t provide any sort of experience.&nbsp;</p><p>If you have a trade in mind, the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a> from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and <a href="https://explorethetrades.org/what-we-do/trainingjobs/licensing-information/">Explore The Trades</a> are great resources for looking up each trade, their requirements, and information on how to actually land the job. <strong>We also recently created an all-in-one </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-get-into-a-trade">skilled trades career guide</a> <strong>with step-by-step guidance and tips to find the trade that's perfect for you (with our free</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/find-your-trade-quiz">Skilled Trades Career Quiz</a><strong> included)!</strong></p><p>For trades that require program completion with a certification, the handbook has links for which ones are accredited and are better to take. This way you’re not confused about how to proceed forward. You can also search job sites for any trade position to see what current trade jobs are requiring.</p><p>If you want to work for a union, apply at your local union hall before jumping in to pay for any of these programs because they may help cover the bill.</p><p>Don’t forget to browse our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/onboarding">share your salary here</a>!&nbsp;</p><p>Alright, that wraps it up for this week! I’m Daniella Flores, a former software engineer turned career researcher who writes about tech, money, and different jobs. My work has been featured in TIME, CNBC, CNET, Business Insider, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) If you want to connect, follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p><strong>Do you know if you're being underpaid?</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</p><p><strong>Need help determining your market rate? </strong>Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</p><p><strong>Follow us</strong> on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</p><p><strong>Send us an email </strong>➡️ hello@checksalaries.com</p>

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 21 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs With Low Barriers to Entry in 2026

<p>What’s the reason we have jobs? <strong>To get paid.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>You’d think we should know what we’re going to get paid before we spend time and energy applying for a job, but that isn’t the case for much of the U.S.. With pay transparency laws being different across the country, not everyone is getting the same access to salary information.&nbsp;</p><p>For years it’s been normalized for employers to hide pay on job listings, ask for salary history, promote pay secrecy, and avoid reporting on pay data. This gives the employer the upper hand in salary negotiations and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">raise discussions</a>, which can cause pay gaps and wage discrimination for workers.&nbsp;</p><p>Despite the implementation of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/civil-rights-center/internal/policies/equal-pay-for-equal-work#:~:text=The%20Equal%20Pay%20Act%20of,wage%20discrimination%20based%20on%20sex.&amp;text=The%20Equal%20Pay%20Act%20(EPA)%20protects%20individuals%20of%20all%20sexes.">Equal Pay Act of 1963</a>, a significant gender wage gap persists, with women still earning less than men for the same work. The pay gap across all education levels actually grew in 2026, with <strong>women earning $0.82 per dollar earned by men, down from $0.83 the year prior</strong>, according to a <a href="https://www.payscale.com/press-releases/2026-gpgr">report by Payscale</a> (we actually spoke with Lulu Seikaly at Payscale for this article). This wage disparity exists across both private and public sectors.<strong> Black women were reported making only $0.65 for every dollar white non-Hispanic men make</strong>, according to the <a href="https://nwlc.org/resource/wage-gap-state-black-women/">National Women’s Law Center</a>.</p><p>Pay transparency laws seek to change that and give more power back to workers as they fight for fair pay, negotiate their salaries, and discuss wages with their coworkers. Keep in mind that laws may differ from state-to-state, city-to-city, and even sector-to-sector. Depending on your location, your job search may be impacted in all the best ways.</p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>Pay transparency laws help create policies that close marginalizing pay gaps, combat discrimination, and help workers get paid what they deserve.</li><li>17 states (and Washington D.C.) have pay transparency laws that require employers to disclose pay ranges in job listings.</li><li>In locations where pay transparency laws are not in effect yet, employers are already starting to disclose pay ranges on listings and becoming part of the movement.</li><li>With several states having 1 or more laws that require pay transparency in some way, there are now federal bills in the works.</li></ul>

<h2><strong>What Are Pay Transparency Laws?</strong></h2><p>Pay transparency laws govern how employers disclose information about employee compensation, whether that’s internally or externally. They help ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and equitably for the work they do, regardless of gender, race, or other demographic factors, while also helping employees to be able to advocate for themselves with more ease when they <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiate salary in a job offer</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Disclosing pay compensation has been a practice for quite some time in state and federal job listings. Requirements for private companies are a little different depending on your location as these laws can vary by jurisdiction.</p><p>It's important for both employers and employees to be aware of the pay transparency laws that apply to their jurisdiction to ensure compliance and protect their rights.</p>

<h2><strong>What Are The Different Types of Pay Transparency Laws?</strong></h2><p><strong>There are 4 different types of pay transparency legislation that currently exist in the U.S.</strong> This includes laws that require disclosure of pay ranges, salary history bans, policies that prohibit pay secrecy, and mandatory requirements around pay data reporting.</p><h2>Required Disclosure of Pay Range</h2><p>Pay transparency laws that require pay range disclosure exist in a variety of ways and change from location to location. Some laws require salary ranges to be posted in all job listings while other laws require disclosure upon candidate request or after the first interview.&nbsp;</p><p>“Most of the laws say that employers must post a range that they in ‘good faith’ believe they will pay for the role,” says Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Employment Attorney at PayScale. The pay range posted can be a wide range or smaller range depending on the company.</p>

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<h2>Salary History Bans</h2><p>Salary history bans are laws that prohibit employers from asking candidates about their salary history, including the question on applications, and from retaliating against job applicants for not sharing salary history information.</p><p>What someone makes at a past job shouldn’t have anything to do with what they make at a new job and can often bar them from negotiating for more. Salary history bans make it possible for candidates and employees to fairly negotiate their salary, as it puts them on a more equal level playing field as the employer during those discussions.</p><h2>Policies Against Pay Secrecy</h2><p>Thanks to the <a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-act?fbclid=PAAab4PmbuWL_Zt9kFS6Py2dLdDIKMls-WSwbjOzOQPz_ttj92ytYN_Iy7khI">National Labor Relations Act</a>, workers are legally protected from employer retaliation for <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">talking about their pay</a>. In order for workers to be fully protected under the act, it’s best to share salary information off company time and property.</p><p>While most employees in the private sector are covered by the NLRA, the act doesn’t cover any federal, state, or local government employees.</p><p><strong>Other workers that aren’t covered by the NLRA includes:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Agricultural laborers</li><li>Domestic service workers of any person or family in a home</li><li>Workers employed by a parent or spouse</li><li>Independent contractors</li><li>Supervisors</li><li>Railroads and airlines workers</li><li>For more information on who is and isn’t covered by the NLRA, visit their <a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/the-law/jurisdictional-standards">jurisdictional standards</a> page.</li></ul><h2>Required Pay Data Reporting</h2><p>Reporting on pay data helps to identify and eliminate any inequities in compensation. There are a handful of states, including Illinois and Minnesota, that are currently required to report pay and demographic data. This data is usually required to be reported on an annual basis and to their Civil Rights Department, Department of Labor, or other state agency.</p>

<h2><strong>What States Have Pay Transparency Laws?</strong></h2><p>There are pay transparency laws in <strong>17 states that require employers to disclose pay ranges</strong> in job listings. <strong>Those states include: </strong>California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington (and Washington D.C.).</p><p><strong>20 states have salary history bans:</strong> Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington (and Washington D.C.).&nbsp;</p><p><strong>10 states have policies against pay secrecy: </strong>Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington.</p><p><strong>6 states require pay data reporting from employers: </strong>California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Oregon.</p><p>If you don't see your state above and it's hard to find salary information on job listings for your job title and experience,<strong> explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> <strong>and </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/onboarding">add your own!</a></p><p>Use the <a href="https://my.visme.co/view/8roxdkrq-pay-transparency-law-map">interactive map below</a> to hover over each state in the U.S. to see what pay transparency laws exist (or don’t exist) in your location. <strong>To see the full explanation and official government document history for each law, refer to the full table down below.</strong></p>

<h2><strong>2026 Proposed Pay Transparency Bill Tracker</strong></h2><p>Pay transparency bills continue to pop up from all over the country. Refer to the below tracker to track current bills in progress for 2026 (scroll horizontally to view more information for each proposed bill).</p><figure class="table" style="width:96.43%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:20.13%;"><col style="width:20.13%;"><col style="width:17.94%;"><col style="width:26.7%;"><col style="width:15.1%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>State</strong></p></td><td><strong>Type(s) of Pay Transparency Bill</strong></td><td><strong>Who’s Affected</strong></td><td><strong>Bill</strong></td><td><strong>Status</strong></td></tr><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Alaska</strong></p></td><td><p>Required disclosure of pay range</p><p>Salary history ban</p><p>Policies against pay secrecy</p></td><td>All employers state-wide</td><td><a href="https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB%20%2078">SB 78</a>: Would require employers to disclose pay range for all job postings and impose a salary history ban. Employers would also be prohibited from retaliating against employees for sharing salary information with others.</td><td>Introduced 1/29/2025 (last hearing was <a href="https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Meeting/Detail/?Meeting=SL%26C%202026-04-08%2013:30:00&amp;Bill=SB%20%2078">04/08/2026</a>)</td></tr><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Iowa</strong></p></td><td><p>Salary history ban</p><p>Policies against pay secrecy</p></td><td>All employers state-wide</td><td><a href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&amp;ba=SF187">SF 187</a>: Would impose a salary history ban and employers would not be able to retaliate against employees for sharing their salary.</td><td>In committee 2/3/2025 - no new 2026 updates yet</td></tr><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Kentucky</strong></p></td><td>Required disclosure of pay range</td><td>All employers state-wide</td><td><a href="https://legiscan.com/KY/bill/HB362/2025">HB 362</a>: Would require employers to disclose pay ranges for all job postings.</td><td>Introduced 2/5/2025 - no new 2026 updates yet</td></tr><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>New York</strong></p></td><td><p>Required disclosure of pay range</p><p>Pay data reporting</p></td><td>Employers with 4 or more employees</td><td><a href="https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5906">A5906</a>: Would require employers to include benefit and other non-salary compensation information to be included in job postings (an amendment to the current requirement of disclosing pay ranges in job postings) and keep written records if they offer a salary outside of the posted range. They would also have to clarify what “range of compensation” actually means and provide pay range information to current employees.</td><td>Last hearing 2/11/2026 and is on the current floor calendar</td></tr><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Pennsylvania</strong></p></td><td>Required disclosure of pay range</td><td>Employers with 15 or more employees</td><td><a href="https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2025&amp;sind=0&amp;body=H&amp;type=B&amp;bn=560">HB 560</a>: Would require employers to disclose at least the minimum salary to candidates offered a new role, promotion, or transfer. Would also require employers to annually notify current employees of their pay range in writing and ensure transparency for jobs with similar skill, effort, and responsibility.</td><td>Introduced 2/12/2025 - no new 2026 updates yet</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<h2><strong>How Do State-Specific Pay Transparency Laws Work For Remote Positions?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Where the laws get confusing is when candidates or employees are remote and located elsewhere that isn’t clarified in the law.</p><p>“When Colorado’s law first came out, many companies were posting remote job postings, but the postings were explicitly excluding Colorado applicants. A lawsuit was filed, and Colorado came in and said that if employers do this, they are operating in bad faith and skirting around the law. Ultimately, if the job can be performed in 49 out of 50 states, it can be performed in all 50 states, and employers must comply by posting ranges,” Seikaly explained.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Pay Transparency Laws Outside The U.S. in Canada and the EU</strong></h2><p>Pay transparency laws don’t only exist in the U.S.. In Canada, <strong>5 provinces have passed pay transparency legislation: Ontario, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia.</strong></p><p>Employers are required to provide wage and salary information for any public job listing they post in all 4 provinces. They have all also added salary history bans, and all except for Prince Edward Island require pay transparency reporting.&nbsp;</p><p>The EU is also embracing pay transparency, having recently passed the <a href="https://figures.hr/post/how-countries-are-implementing-the-eu-pay-transparency-directive">EU Pay Transparency Directive</a> in 2023 that requires all<strong> 27 EU states to meet the directive byJune 2026</strong>, which requires employers to disclose wage information before the interview stage. <strong>EU countries that currently require wage information in job listings include Belgium, Malta, Lithuania, and Austria.</strong> There are <strong>17 other countries that submitted draft laws</strong> to do the same, including Sweden, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Poland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czechia, and Latvia.&nbsp;</p><p>This<a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/pay-transparency/"> directive also requires E</a>U companies to share information about how much employers pay women and men for the same work. If it’s found from the reporting that the gender pay gap exceeds 5%, legal action will be taken in the form of penalties and fines for employers who break the rules.</p><h2><strong>Looking Forward to Federal Pay Transparency Legislation&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>Pay transparency is also gaining momentum on the Federal level. The <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/17/text">Paycheck Fairness Act</a> was introduced in Congress on March 25, 2025 to prohibit employers from asking job applicants about their salary history. It would also require them to prove that pay disparities between genders are job-related if the bill gets passed.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/the-importance-of-salary-transparency">importance of salary transparency</a> is becoming clearer and clearer with each passing day (and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/why-i-started-salary-transparent-street">interview we film</a>). Pay transparency laws weren't around 10 years ago. Now there are over 30 states that have some form of pay transparency law, with more on the way and a movement that continues to grow.</p>

<p><strong>Author note:</strong> I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p><strong>Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> <strong>and add your own!</strong></p><p><strong>Do you know if you're being underpaid?</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</p><p><strong>Need help determining your market rate?</strong> Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</p><p><strong>Send us an email </strong>➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@checksalaries.com">hello@checksalaries.com</a></p>

Green featured image (for desktop) with an illustration of the united states map with color coded states based on their pay transparency laws and title text overlay that reads "Is pay transparency required in your state?"

Green featured image with an illustration of the united states map with color coded states based on their pay transparency laws and title text overlay that reads "Is pay transparency required in your state?"

Pay Transparency Laws By State and Country (2026)

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn't cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>Performance reviews can feel <i>super </i>uncomfortable, but they're a great opportunity to potentially make your job a little easier while increasing your income.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Annual review season is the perfect time to show how much you've grown in your role and how you'd like to shift your current position to better align with your overall career goals.</strong> This is also your chance to get on the same page as your manager about any miscommunications, misunderstandings, and expectations going into next year.</p><p>But this season's most important opportunity? It's when hiring managers bring up bonuses and pay adjustments, basically setting you up to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">ask for a raise</a>. Employers project a 3.5% average increase in pay raise budgets in 2026, according to <a href="https://www.imercer.com/articleinsights/2026-increase-budgets">Mercer</a>, a global professional services firm. That's an average and not the number that all companies, nor all employees, will experience. Keep in mind that your raise may be lower or higher than that.</p>

tyra banks making a face at the camera saying "ooh"

<p>Companies are in a weird spot right now as they grapple with ensuring fair pay for employees while trying to optimize their spending in the current market conditions. You’ll have to get creative here. A raise can significantly impact your finances in all the best ways but how you go about asking for that raise may determine if you actually get one or not.&nbsp;</p><p>This is why we love review season. When your performance improves, so should your pay! But don’t go into your meeting with money at the top of your mind. You’ll first need to best present your accomplishments and value to your manager, and show them how you’ve grown (and how you plan to continue to grow).</p><p>Start with these steps and advice from a few experts we interviewed.</p><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>The preparation for your review starts with understanding your job description, the evaluation criteria, goals set for the year, and how you’ve grown in your role.</li><li>Highlight your achievements in a result-based format and how your contributions directly impacted the business.</li><li>Performance reviews are the perfect time to ask for a raise. Employers project a 3.5% average increase in pay raise budgets in 2026.</li><li>Continue to track your accomplishments and keep an open line of communication with your manager following the review.</li></ul>

<h2><strong>1. Review Your Job Description</strong></h2><p>It’s helpful to go back to your original job description and see how it’s changed over time. If you don’t have this handy, ask the human resources department at your company for a copy of the original job description.&nbsp;</p><p>Review this description and cross-reference it with your current role. Understand your role and responsibilities, then compare that with what you’ve done over the past year. Think about the projects you worked on, any new responsibilities that were added to your workload, and how your job might’ve changed.</p>

friends gif of joey thinking and pointing

<h2>2. Understand The Evaluation Criteria and Expectations</h2><p>To fully understand how you’ll be assessed, first review the evaluation criteria. These are usually found in an internal portal to make comments on and submit before your official review meeting with your manager. Revisit individual and team objectives as you think about your recent accomplishments and how they fit into those.</p><p>“Make sure you’re clear on the goals that were set for the year, and <strong>reflect on whether your behaviors aligned with expectations and where you exceeded them</strong>,” says Edel Holliday-Quinn, former Senior Human Resources Chief Leadership Psychologist at the Centre for Leadership Psychology.</p><h2>3. Reflect on Goals and Achievements</h2><p>There are various communication gaps we experience at work, especially with our leadership. We may often hold back communicating when we can’t handle the increasing responsibilities in our role or when we’re at the top of our game because we figure that management has already noticed. When you get used to holding back so much, you’re shrinking your achievements and can easily lose sight of your goals.&nbsp;</p><p>Reflect on any specific accomplishments, projects, and goals you’ve met since the last review. <strong>Even if you don’t think they’re a big deal, they are. Don’t leave anything out.</strong>&nbsp;</p><h2>4. Showcase Your Achievements</h2><p>Think of your biggest achievements from the year and how you can best market that progress to your manager. Just like you would highlight your accomplishments on your resume and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/job-interview-questions-and-answers">in an interview</a>, you’ll do the same in your performance review.<br>&nbsp;</p>

kylie saying "it's the highlight of my career"

<p>“Always be concise. <strong>Instead of listing tasks, tie your goals and achievements directly to outcomes and use specific examples and metrics wherever possible</strong>,” says Dovilė Gelčinskaitė, Senior Talent Manager at Omnisend.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, one of your accomplishments might be something along the lines of, “I spearheaded a last-minute project with an aggressive due date, which the team was able to launch on time and helped the program reach its metric goals of a 30% decrease in reported incidents and defects for the quarter.”</p><p><strong>Other examples of results you could include:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Success metrics from ticketing or project tracking software</li><li>Reporting dashboards for product sales</li><li>Productivity stats for you and your team</li><li>A completed advertisement&nbsp;</li><li>Marketing campaign performance metrics</li></ul><p>Feedback from others that you work with cross-functionally may also help. “Include testimonials or input from key individuals who relied on your work,” Holliday-Quinn adds.</p><h2>5. Identify Strengths, Areas for Improvement, and Updated Goals</h2><p>Be ready to discuss what you excel at and how you're <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">building your skills</a>. Maybe you’re often the one who speaks up more than others in meetings, identifying a strength of strong communication. But you may also need improvement in your time management skills when your role requires that a majority of your time is spent in meetings. Your goals may reflect that theme as you discuss these different areas with your manager.</p><p>When looking at these strengths and weaknesses and how they played a part in this year’s objectives, also prepare suggestions for future objectives or skills you'd like to develop.</p><h2>6. Prepare Questions</h2><p>Your performance review isn’t only for talking about the past year. <strong>It also includes what to work on going forward.</strong> Use this time to take advantage of how you can grow through this conversation. Ask about career growth opportunities, feedback, or support for professional development.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Example questions:</strong></p><ul><li>What areas do you think I excel in, and where could I improve?</li><li>What opportunities are available for career advancement or skill development in the coming year?</li><li>What are the key goals or priorities for my role/team this year, and how can I best contribute to achieving them?</li><li>With the growth I’ve had in this role and the results I’ve delivered, can we revisit my salary to better match my contributions?</li></ul>

<p>This is also a good spot to ask for a raise! You’ve already given them all the data they need for why you deserve one. Our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a>,<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts"> salary negotiation scripts</a> and free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64c03066207ff6fa282b6bac?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">Salary Negotiation Guide </a>will help you make sure you don’t leave any money on the table.</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2><h2>What should I say in a performance review?</h2><p>Managers usually run the performance review and will start the discussion with how you performed over the year. This is from their perspective, so they may naturally leave some things out since they don’t know what you don’t tell them.&nbsp;</p><p>When it comes time for you to speak and respond to their comments, tell them about your specific accomplishments that they may not be aware of using metrics and examples like, “I led a project that improved sales by 35%”. Connect these achievements directly to the business and how it increased their revenue and met their goals. Then tie all of these together to ask about career growth opportunities and a possible raise.</p><h2>What not to say during a performance review?</h2><p>Not everyone’s performance review is going to be perfect. Some of us have had worse years than others. When it comes time to respond to your manager’s assessment, try not to get defensive. Avoid saying things like, “I’m stuck doing everyone else’s work” and making excuses, even if they’re true. Professionally accept their feedback and discuss your areas of improvement to make a plan going forward. When you talk about your contributions and the value you added that they may not know about, avoid vague wording like, “I worked hard at this”. Be specific.</p><h2>How should I ask for a raise in my annual performance review?</h2><p>Save any talk about raises for the end of the meeting. You don’t want to ask for more money before you discuss why you deserve it. Start your request with gratitude, then lean in using a negotiation script like this:</p><p>“Thank you for your time today to discuss my performance. I’m enjoying the projects I’m working on and am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the team. As discussed, my role has evolved significantly and I’ve taken on more senior-level responsibilities. Given my performance, like [mention 1 to 2 key accomplishments that best tie to business improvement] and the new scope of my work, I’d like to review my compensation. Based on my market rate research, data for similar roles and those hiring on the company’s website, and the value I’ve brought to the team, I believe a salary of [$X] would be appropriate.”</p><h2>What’s next?</h2><p>Once everything is prepared, rehearse how to present your achievements, discuss challenges, and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">talk about pay</a>. And don’t get too hung up on the scoring part of the evaluation.&nbsp;</p><p>“Recognise that scoring above the standard benchmark is often challenging,” Holliday-Quinn says, “Benchmark systems are designed to identify and reward exceptional performance. Meeting the standard benchmark is still an achievement, so don’t undervalue that.”</p><p>Following your review, establish a way to have an open line of communication for on-going periodic reviews and feedback throughout the year, such as bi-weekly or monthly one-on-one meetings. Continue to track your accomplishments throughout this time in a Google spreadsheet or anything that you can quickly and easily access.</p>

<p>Reviews are a two-way street, just like an interview. There are two people here, and at the end of the day they both want the same things – a smooth meeting with clear takeaways and more money in their pockets.</p><p>That wraps it up for this week. Until next time, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a current member of the<a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/"> CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub"> Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/"> Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p><strong>Don’t forget to browse our other resources as you navigate your career:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">How to Find Your Market Rate</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">What is Pay Discrimination?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-myths">9 Salary Negotiation Myths Debunked</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">How to Negotiate Benefits</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/401k-rollovers">A Guide to 401(k) Rollovers</a></li></ul><p>If this guide helps you land a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@checksalaries.com</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Street resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

Desktop cover image with a green background and 2 people discussing a performance review with title text overlay that reads "how to prepare for a performance review"

Cover image with a green background and 2 people discussing a performance review with title text overlay that reads "how to prepare for a performance review"

How to Prepare for a Performance Review in 6 Steps

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>Side hustles are nothing new. People have used them for centuries to make ends meet, explore hobbies and passions, or pivot their careers, even before the internet was around. Some of the highest-paying side hustles have even helped folks quit their day jobs to run their own business, like Salary Transparent Street's founder, Hannah Williams, did when she quit her job as a data analyst to <a href="https://time.com/collections/time100-creators-2025/7299126/hannah-williams/">run the brand full time</a>.</p><p>I'm also another proponent of side hustles, having run my own website on the side working full time as a software engineer while also freelance writing. That was until I quit my job in 2022 to write full time.</p><p><strong>Half of Americans actually report having a side hustle</strong>, according to a 2025 survey by <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/financial-guides/banking/side-hustles/">MarketWatch</a>. But we all know that when you already work full-time, it’s hard to juggle another job on top of that just to survive, let alone keep your mental health in check in the process.</p><p>The best side hustles shouldn’t require another full-time commitment and should give you the highest return for your time spent, in both money and fulfillment. They also shouldn’t be so expensive to start that you have to take out a loan or buy in to a “starter kit”, like so many MLMs (multi-level marketing) companies try to get you to do.</p><p><strong>Let’s dive into some of the top-paying side hustles we’ve found that are truly part-time and where you can find them!</strong></p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>The highest-paying side hustles include freelance writing and editing, becoming a notary public, and small business automation.</li><li>The top side hustles pay as much as <strong>$150 an hour</strong>, <strong>$2,000 a project</strong>, and <strong>$10,000 a month or more</strong>.&nbsp;</li><li>You can use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, freelance marketplaces like Fiverr, and Facebook Communities (as well as several side gig apps) to connect with other professionals and find gigs.</li></ul><h2><strong>17 Highest-Paying Side Hustles (No Burnout Included)&nbsp;</strong></h2><p><strong>Here’s a sneak peek into our side hustle conversation on our podcast, </strong><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/73aW8kLgSzNrpKyKdxgMzf"><strong>Two Cents</strong></a><strong>:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>We’ve identified these top side hustles that pay well&nbsp; ideas using salary data from the past 3+ years of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SalaryTransparentStreet/">Salary Transparent Street interviews</a> with real professionals, data we’ve collected in our <a href="http://checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> of over 13,000 publicly shared salaries, and wage data from various career resources like <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Community/profile/hannah-williams-ygsa">Glassdoor</a> and <a href="https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/">ZipRecruiter</a>.</p><p>Many of these side hustles require working as a freelancer. Not all, but many. They typically charge hourly or by project, and have to set aside money for income and self-employment taxes.&nbsp;</p><p>As W-2 employee, your taxes are automatically taken out of your paycheck, but that won't be the case when you're working as a freelancer. You'll have to pay those yourself quarterly or ask your employer to withhold more taxes to account for your side hustle earnings.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center">Self-employment taxes </a>are also higher at 15.3%. Your employer normally pays half when you're a W-2 employee, but freelancers pay the full percentage. <strong>Keep this in mind when looking at any side hustle-related pay data.</strong></p><p>You can find more transparent pay data by searching for any of the below side jobs in our Salary Database. <strong>Don’t forget to </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/onboarding"><strong>join </strong></a><strong>and add yours too!</strong></p><h2>1. Freelance Writing and Editing ($25-$100/hr)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$25 - $100 an hour&nbsp;</p><p>Freelance writers and editors get paid to create content for countless mediums. The most popular type of content with a high demand for them right now is web content and social media content, but many businesses are also increasing the demand for documentation, training, and other types of internal content.</p><p>Think of anything you read online in your daily life or your job. They make their money by charging clients for that content, like blog posts, social media posts, newsletters, video and podcast scripts, and user guides. Copywriters, who write to get the reader to take action on something (like make a purchase), specifically have one of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-creative-jobs">highest-paying creative jobs</a>.</p><p>Freelance writers can also become <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/freelance-ghostwriter">ghostwriters</a>, which are writers who get paid to write content without credit or as someone else (like a CEO's LinkedIn posts). <strong>We interviewed a ghostwriter that makes $200,000 a year!</strong></p>

"I've Made Over $200K as a Ghost Writer" 👻 Interview with Alice Lemee | Two Cents Podcast

<p>Don’t sound the AI alarm yet. Writer’s won’t cease to exist because of word-generating algorithms. This field thrives on human creativity and perspective, something <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/will-ai-take-my-job">AI can't replicate</a>.</p><p><strong>How to get started:</strong> As a freelance writer myself, I created a blog that many of my clients were able to find me through. When you’re starting from scratch, try publishing some work on a free site like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://medium.com/">Medium</a>, <a href="https://substack.com/home">Substack</a>, or your own blog. Also, look for courses to help you with your craft, such as these <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9LrP4E" rel="sponsored">writing courses.</a></p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>List your services on marketplaces like <a href="http://fiverr.com">Fiverr</a>, write content on Substack and charge subscribers, or look for writing gigs and open calls for writers on job sites like LinkedIn, <a href="https://www.findfreelanceopportunities.com/">Freelance Opportunities Newsletter</a>,<a href="https://contentwritingjobs.com/"> Content Writing Jobs</a> by Best Writing, and our own <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Salary Transparent Job Board</a>.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/vP5Zze" rel="sponsored">Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization</a></p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>If you want to turn your side hustle into a real business, consider <a href="https://secure.money.com/lp/business-registration-services/lp/best-business-registration-services-sts?pcuid=v6a8ada9ae4b&amp;jump_from_embed=true&amp;wafid=" rel="sponsored">registering your business</a>. <strong>This helps unlock tax benefits, protect your personal assets, and boost credibility.</strong> Start with our recommended business registration services, which guide you step-by-step from LLC formation to EIN registration and more. <a href="https://secure.money.com/lp/business-registration-services/lp/best-business-registration-services-sts?pcuid=v6a8ada9ae4b&amp;jump_from_embed=true&amp;wafid=" rel="sponsored">Compare top recommended services and get started here</a>!</p><h2>2. Virtual Assistant ($20-$40/hr)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage:</strong> $20 - $40 an hour</p><p>Virtual assistants (VAs) have a similar demand to freelance writers and editors, in which they’re the glue that holds many online business operations together. They offer a variety of services depending on the specialty they choose, such as social media content creation and management, email marketing, site support, and even full-on business administration.&nbsp;</p><p>VAs get paid pretty well too. <strong>We found a part-time VA in our Salary Database making </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dvirtual+assistant&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters="><strong>$48,000 a year</strong></a><strong> with only a high school degree!</strong></p><p>While AI is an apparent threat in this area, there are ways to position yourself as a VA with <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">high-demand skills</a> that AI can never compete with. AI<strong> </strong>can't create anything <strong>original. </strong>AI can't connect emotionally with social media followers. It can't even fact check itself and make sure it isn't making mistakes.</p><p>Show clients how your strategic thinking and human touch are packaged in your customized services and how that outweighs any simple task completion bot.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>Choose a niche (like inbox management, social media, or customer support), then build a simple portfolio using <a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva </a>or <a href="https://www.notion.com/">Notion</a>. Taking helpful courses that focus on social media and <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/7aQgnY" rel="sponsored">how to use Canva</a> can also be helpful. Also look for established VAs on social media (like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liYeQjE1s4w">this one</a>) to learn the ropes, and start networking in entrepreneur-focused Slack groups, LinkedIn, or Reddit threads.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Use LinkedIn or Slack and Facebook groups to find jobs (search for “virtual assistant jobs” or #virtualassistant on LinkedIn) or work with a site like <a href="https://getmagic.com/careers/">Magic </a>to find clients. Following other successful virtual assistants online and pitching directly to business owners (CEOs are a huge market for this!) can help you find work.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/qzQ2ny" rel="sponsored">Office Productivity Software Specialization</a></p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>Use our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">Market Research Guide</a> to help set your market rate.</p><h2>3. User Testing and Market Research Panels ($40 - $150/session)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage:</strong> $40 - $150 a session</p><p>If you didn’t think you could get paid for your opinion online, think again. And no, I’m not talking about surveys. I’m talking about user testing and market research panels.&nbsp;</p><p>User testing usually involves a user (you) testing out a website, application, or product. It’s actually one of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">highest-paying tech jobs</a> available and a great side hustle to get your feet wet with if you want to eventually<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-break-into-tech"> get into tech</a>.</p><p>Market research panels are a little different and involve getting paid to give your opinion on something. A real-world example of a market research panel is when a healthcare company recruits people to give their feedback in an ongoing study for a medication or medical device.</p><p><strong>How to get started:</strong> Create an account on any user testing and market research panel websites you can find. You can find these by Googling terms like "user testing sites" and "market research panels near me". Then ask Google (or whatever ChatGPT look alike you use) questions like, “Is UserTesting.com a legit site to get paid for user testing?” to make sure the sites you find are legitimate.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Use testing sites like <a href="http://ustertesting.com">UserTesting</a>, <a href="https://www.userfeel.com/">UserFeel</a>, and <a href="https://trymata.com/">TryMata </a>to find testing opportunities. Usually these require passing a small test before you can start accepting tests. For market research, <a href="https://app.respondent.io/signup/?r=hannahwilliams-386720cd8fb1&amp;signupAs=participant" rel="sponsored">Respondent </a>is a great app to get started on with many opportunities <strong>paying $50 or more</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/RGEyOR">Foundations of Software Testing and Validation</a></p><p><strong>💸 Want more ways to get paid for your opinion? </strong>Earn <strong>up to $100 per survey </strong>with <a href="https://secure.money.com/pr/j91066be116d">Money.com’s top paid survey providers</a> (some even offer a free <strong>$5 signup bonus </strong>for new members)!</p>

<h2>4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking ($20-$40/walk and $50-$150/day)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$20 - $40 per walk and $50 - $150 per day</p><p>If you love animals, this is one of the most fun and low-barrier side hustles to get into, and it can be surprisingly lucrative 🐶. Pet sitters care for animals while their owners are away, either by visiting the home daily or staying overnight. You can also offer dog walking services and have animals stay in your home for day or overnight boarding services.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://rover.com">Rover</a> and <a href="https://wagwalking.com/">Wag</a> are the the best for this and can easily set you up to run your business locally. <strong>Some successful pet care pros even earn six figures annually, like this dog walker we interviewed who makes $100,000 a year with this side hustle.</strong></p>

This #DogWalker makes up to $100k!📍Boston, MA #salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<p><strong>How to get started: </strong>Create a profile on pet-sitting apps and make sure to include your experience, availability, and any certifications (like pet CPR). Start by offering competitive rates and asking friends or family for reviews to build credibility.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Use apps like Rover, Wag, and <a href="https://meowtel.com/become-cat-sitter/information">Meowtel</a>. You can also post flyers at local vet offices, pet stores, restaurants, or in neighborhood Facebook groups. Word of mouth spreads quickly in pet parent communities. <strong>Once you get one happy client, more will follow.</strong></p><h2>5. Online Course Creation ($500-$10K/month)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$500 - $10,000 a month</p><p>Online instructors create and sell courses on platforms like <a href="https://gumroad.com/">Gumroad </a>and <a href="https://www.udemy.com/">Udemy</a>. They may teach topics like software tutorials, design, and how to start a business. Some instructors even contract with companies to design employee training programs as freelance curriculum creators.</p><p>Courses can be video-based, text-based, or a mix of both. Once you build them, they can become a long-term passive income stream with a little maintenance here and there. Even niche skills like spreadsheet tricks and resume writing can sell well if packaged the right way <i>to the right person.</i></p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>List out 2 to 3 topics you’re confident in teaching, then validate your ideas by searching for similar courses on platforms like Udemy. Choose one to start with, outline your content, and record short videos using tools like <a href="https://www.loom.com/">Loom</a> or Canva. Also look for online resources that can be helpful in <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9Lron4" rel="sponsored">learning how to be an effective teacher</a>.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Use platforms like <a href="https://teachable.com/">Teachable</a>, Gumroad, and Udemy to host and sell your own course. To contract out your skills, look on LinkedIn, Fiverr, or pitch course creation services directly to small businesses, online coaches, or education startups. <a href="https://www.codeadvantage.org/about/join-the-team">CodeAdvantage </a>is a platform that often hires online instructors skilled in coding for up to $40 an hour. <strong>We found one of their instructors in our Salary Database making </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dinstructor&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=jobType%3DPart-time%2CContract%2CGig"><strong>$48,000 a year</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this side hustle: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9LmJL5">How to Create Video for Online Courses</a></p><h2>6. Notary Public ($75-$200/signing)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$75 - $200 per signing</p><p>Notaries are licensed professionals appointed by a state official who witness and verify signatures on legal documents like loan agreements and real estate paperwork. Mobile notaries in particular bring their services to clients, meeting them at homes or wherever they happen to be. If you've ever bought a house, you might've had one come to you for urgent mortgage and deed paperwork.&nbsp;</p><p>This side hustle is especially popular with real estate and legal professionals, and it’s both flexible and pays pretty decent. <strong>We interviewed a notary that makes $25 an hour!</strong> It does require some paperwork and a state license, but once you’re certified, you can offer your services on your own terms.</p>

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<p><strong>How to get started: </strong>Research the notary commission requirements in your state (usually via your Secretary of State’s website or the <a href="https://www.nationalnotary.org/">National Notary Association).</a> You’ll need to complete an application, pay a small fee, and pass a brief exam. Once approved, get a notary seal and logbook, then start offering mobile or remote services.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Sign up on notary directories like <a href="https://www.snapdocs.com/join-notary-network">Snapdocs</a>, <a href="https://www.notaryrotary.com/">NotaryRotary</a>, and <a href="https://www.signingorder.com/">SigningOrder</a>. You can also reach out directly to real estate agents, loan officers, law offices, and title companies in your area to partner with</p><h2>7. Voice Work/Audiobook Narration ($100-$500/project)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$100 - $500 per project</p><p>Voice actors and narrators get paid to lend their voice to audiobooks, anime, explainer videos, podcasts, ads, and anywhere a voice is needed. It’s a side hustle that thrives on personality and tone, and one where your voice is its own resume.</p><p>You don’t need a professional studio to start, but sound quality matters. Many use closets or small spaces with sound-absorbing materials, and that works just fine. With basic equipment (like a good USB mic and free audio editing software), you can begin auditioning for projects.</p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>Start by listening to popular narrators and voiceover reels on platforms like <a href="https://www.audible.com/">Audible</a>. Then record a demo reel using a basic script (you can find samples online) and edit it using free tools like <a href="https://www.audacityteam.org/">Audacity</a>. Since dubbing is in such high demand, a fun way to do this is recording some signature lines from your favorite dubbed anime characters. Some <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/RGWV2X" rel="sponsored">basic acting classes </a>can also help you get familiar with voice acting.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Post your reel and apply to jobs on <a href="http://acx.com">ACX.com</a> (Amazon's Audiobook Exchange), <a href="https://www.findawayvoices.com/">Findaway Voices by Spotify</a>, and <a href="http://voices.com">Voices.com</a>. You can also find freelance voiceover gigs on Fiverr, Upwork, and in podcast or indie author communities on Reddit and Facebook.</p>

How much do people in Portland, OR make? Filmed at the Pioneer Courthouse Square @c@capitalonecafe

<h2><strong>Less Saturated Side Hustles to Explore</strong></h2><p>The above side hustles are great areas to explore but there are so many other possibilities out there which much less saturation (and lower barriers to entry).&nbsp;</p><h2>8. Podcast Notes Writer ($30-$150/episode)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$30 - $150 per episode</p><p>Podcast notes writers get paid to listen to episodes and turn them into reusable content for summaries and timestamps, guest bios, and social media posts. Good show notes boost a podcast’s visibility and listener engagement, making this role in high demand, especially with business and educational podcasts.</p><p>This is a great gig if you love writing and are like a hawk with details. Don’t be discouraged by AI in this field because it can’t replace the perspective that is required for a podcast notes writer. AI doesn’t know their subject matter well enough nor the audience it’s designed to reach.</p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>Choose a few favorite podcasts in the niche you want to explore (like travel, wellness, or tech) and write 1 to 2 sample episode summaries to build a mini portfolio. Use tools such as Google Docs or Notion for formatting show notes (utilize the built-in AI in them as well!). Bonus if you know how to optimize for SEO (search engine optimization) or create content repurposing templates.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Pitch podcasters directly via Instagram, LinkedIn, or their website contact forms. You can also search freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Slack groups for podcasters are another great place to network and find leads.</p><h2>9. Digital Decluttering Coach ($25-$150/hr)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$25 to $150 an hour</p><p>A digital decluttering coach helps people clean up and organize their digital lives, including chaotic email inboxes, cloud storage like their Google Drive, password management, and even their own videos and pictures on their phone. Unlike in-person organizers that declutter closets and kitchens, this type of organization can be done 100% remotely.</p><p>If you're someone who loves digital organization and helping others simplify their online life, this is a niche side hustle with growing demand. Many of us are extremely unorganized on our devices with no time to do anything about it. That's where you come in.</p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>Decide on 2 to 3 services to specialize in, such as email management, digital file organization, password vault setup, etc. Create a portfolio (you can even use a case study from cleaning your own digital life) on a simple website builder like Canva, and offer free or discounted sessions to get testimonials. Bizway has a great article on <a href="https://www.bizway.io/business-ideas/for-digital-decluttering-and-organization">digital decluttering service ideas</a> to help you define your niche.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Promote your services on LinkedIn, Facebook groups for productivity and organization, or offer sessions on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and <a href="https://www.taskrabbit.com/services/online-tasks">TaskRabbit </a>(under virtual tasks). You can also pitch yourself as a productivity assistant or digital organizer to online business owners and creators.</p><h2>10. Help Small Businesses Set Up Automations ($50-$150/hr)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage:</strong> $50 - $150 an hour</p><p>Helping businesses set up automations so they can get more done (and make more money) is a huge area of opportunity right now. With the rise of AI, all anyone can talk about automation, and businesses desperately need it if they want to scale their operations.</p><p>This side hustle goes by many names, such as automation specialist or consultant, business operations engineer, or something similar. They automate tasks like client intake, email marketing, and sales funnels, and is a great side hustle for folks who love tech and figuring out cool ways to use it.</p><p><strong>How to get started:</strong> Pick 1 to 2 automation tools to learn well. <a href="https://zapier.com/">Zapier </a>is a great beginner-friendly platform. Practice building automations for your own workflows, or offer free help to a friend’s business to build a case study. Post your projects with before/after transformations on LinkedIn and follow automation experts to see how they position their services.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Pitch yourself directly to small business owners (like e-commerce store owners) who are active on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok. You can also find freelance automation gigs on Upwork and list your services on Fiverr or <a href="http://clarity.fm">Clarity.fm</a> under tech consulting.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/OekmYW" rel="sponsored">Automation for Business</a></p><p><strong>Read also: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/top-jobs-of-2025">7 Highest-Paying In-Demand Jobs for The Future</a></p><h2>11. Online Reputation Cleaner ($300-$2,000/project)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$300 to $2,000 per project</p><p>Online reputation cleaners help their clients, usually people with a public-facing job or responsibility, manage how they appear on the internet. This also includes removing or pushing down any bad press or links about them.&nbsp;</p><p>This is a niche side hustle for people with a background in digital marketing, PR (public relations), or content strategy. It's also something people are willing to dish out a lot of money for. You're basically rewriting a person's online image (and history), and not many people know how to do that.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How to get started:</strong> Learn the basics of SEO and digital PR using online courses or by moderating your own online presence. You can also pick a few of your favorite public figures to see how their own online reputations might be managed. Familiarity with tools like <a href="https://www.semrush.com/">SEMrush </a>and <a href="https://www.google.com/alerts">Google Alerts</a>, or reputation monitoring software helps too.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs:</strong> Offer your services on LinkedIn and pitch directly to professionals in industries where reputation matters (like law, real estate, influencer marketing, or local government). You can also network in PR Slack groups and other online business communities where reputation issues often come up.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/4GzWan" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Public Relations</a></p><h2>12. Digital Menu Consultant ($150-$750/project)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$50 to $750 per project</p><p>Digital menu consultants help restaurants and food businesses digitize their online menus and optimize them so they're easy to find online. This may include creating digital menus for QR codes and designing user friendly layouts. They may also include writing item descriptions and improving usability for online ordering platforms in their services.</p><p>This niche is growing in popularity as more restaurants want to go digital. Many restaurants are also starting to utilize QR codes for self checkout at the end of meals, which can be added as another task for a digital menu consultant. It’s a great opportunity for consultants who understand design, branding, and customer experience, all at once. <strong>And if you love food? It’s a win-win.</strong></p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>Research popular platforms like <a href="https://www.musthavemenus.com/">MustHaveMenus</a>, Canva, or <a href="https://www.gloriafood.com/">GloriaFood </a>that restaurants use to build and share digital menus. Offer to revamp a local restaurant’s menu for free or a discounted rate (or a few free meals) to build your portfolio. Use that to showcase before-and-after examples that you can show potential clients.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs:</strong> Pitch restaurant owners directly via email, Instagram, or Google Business Messages. Join local business Facebook groups or walk into independent cafés to introduce yourself.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/7aEJXg" rel="sponsored">Google Digital Customer Engagement Specialization</a></p>

<h2>Remote Side Hustles That Pay Well</h2><p>Even though many of the side hustles we’ve already covered in this article can be done remotely, we’ve also identified a few <strong>that are strictly online</strong> and also great for remote workers to easily switch to after their 9 to 5.</p><p>Some of the remote side hustles below are actually listed as top remote part-time jobs on <a href="https://flexjobs.sjv.io/xL7Rm5">FlexJobs</a>, a remote job board that we recommend for anyone looking to work from home (or anywhere). They screen every job to make sure it’s legit, so there isn’t an ounce of spam on the site!</p><h2>13. Tutoring and Teaching Online ($20-$50/hour)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage:</strong> $20 - $80 an hour</p><p>If there is a specific subject you enjoy and excel in, consider tutoring others online for extra cash. All types of people and kids need tutoring for things like test prep and learning a skill or other language online.&nbsp;</p><p>You can tutor or teach online in subjects like math, english, and even music and dancing. Not only kids need those services either. Tons of adults meet with tutors and teachers online daily to learn new things.</p><p><strong>How to get started:</strong> Look for websites that hire tutors and teachers to see what subjects have the highest demand and what they pay. Be sure to stick to those that offer online services.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs:</strong> Use sites like <a href="https://www.varsitytutors.com/tutoring-jobs">Varsity Tutors</a>, <a href="https://tutormeeducation.com/fortutors/">Tutor Me</a>, and <a href="https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/careers/tutor">PrepScholar </a>to apply to be a tutor and find tutoring gigs. <a href="https://www.superprof.com/">Superprof </a>is a good site for those who also want to tutor in skills like music, dancing, accounting, and coding (they also pay up to <strong>$80 an hour</strong>). For teaching, you can find teaching gigs to teach English online with <a href="https://vipteacher-content-site.webflow.io/content/home">VIPTeacher</a>. You don’t need experience being an actual teacher, but you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience, whether that’s from tutoring, mentoring, or running training programs.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/e13AnO" rel="sponsored">Foundations of Teaching for Learning</a></p><h2>14. Create Digital or Physical Products to Sell ($60-$80/hour)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage:</strong> $60 - $80 an hour (or more)</p><p>If you’re creative in any way or just have an idea for something to sell, you can absolutely do that. There are so many shopping platforms available today that make it easy to quickly set up a shop. For instance, if you have an interest in something like Labubus, you could create accessories or clothing for them and sell them on sites like TikTok Shop.&nbsp;</p><p>The audience is already there on the platform. All you have to do is start talking to them. Show off your Labubu in the accessories or clothing you’ve created and direct people to your TikTok Shop.</p><p><strong>This is actually something Hannah and James talked about in a past episode of their podcast, Two Cents:</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

How to Monetize Your Labubu (Creative Side Hustle Ideas) | Two Cents by Salary Transparent Street

<p>If you don’t want to create and sell physical products, think of a digital product to create, like a budget tracker or how-to guide.</p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>Look at the type of products you want to create and see where there might be a gap in the market in the specific niche you want to sell in. Start scrolling on Instagram and TikTok and browsing shops to see if your idea already exists.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs:</strong> You don’t necessarily “find gigs” as an ecommerce store owner. Instead, you sell on different platforms or your own website. Create a store on <a href="https://business.tiktokshop.com/">TikTok Shop</a>, Etsy, or other frequently visited shopping platforms where users can easily find your products.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle:</strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/JK9mqq" rel="sponsored"> Make the Sale: Build, Launch, and Manage E-commerce Stores</a></p><h2>15. Web Developer or Designer ($40-$70/hour)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$40 - $70 an hour&nbsp;</p><p>This side hustle is perfect for those who work in tech, I.T., or have some experience working with websites, but you don’t need work experience to freelance as a web developer. You can even use no-code tools to build your webpages, like <a href="https://www.squarespace.com/">Squarespace </a>and <a href="https://www.wix.com/">Wix</a>, if you aren’t confident in your coding skills.</p><p>Before you can get clients, you’ll need something to show what you can do for them. This is when building a portfolio comes in, which is hard to do when you don’t have any projects to show yet. If this is the case, try building a website of your own, like a blog, or offer online creators a free mini website to add to your portfolio.</p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>If you already use this expertise in your job or have past personal projects to share, have a space that shows your work (like LinkedIn) and start reaching out to potential clients. Instagram and TikTok are full of creators, musicians, and artists who need websites built but have no idea where to start. Start reaching out to these types of accounts.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Fiverr and Upwork can be your starting points to help gain more experience and get samples for your portfolio. Then, get off the freelance marketplaces to take your own clients, which will help you earn more.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/WyED4Z" rel="sponsored">Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development &amp; Coding</a></p><h2>16. Video Editor ($30-$50/hour)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage: </strong>$30 - $50 an hour&nbsp;</p><p>Piggybacking off of the podcast notes writer side hustle we mentioned earlier in this article, podcasters are another group that need video editors for video podcasts and editing clips for social media.&nbsp;</p><p>All sorts of online content creators and business owners actually have a need for video editors because that’s mainly how they connect with their audience. For instance, YouTube has <a href="https://www.semrush.com/website/top/">48.6 billion visitors</a> a month. That’s a massive audience for video content! When you add in TikTok and Instagram Reels, you have <strong>another 7 billion on top of that.</strong></p><p><strong>How to get started: </strong>If you have video editing experience or create videos often for social media (either at work or personally), clean up one social media account of yours to showcase your best work. This is what you’ll use when reaching out to clients or applying to job listings.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs:</strong> Video editing gigs can be found on niche production job boards like <a href="https://www.productionhub.com/jobs">ProductionHub, </a>but also on most job boards that list part-time and freelance remote jobs, like <a href="https://flexjobs.sjv.io/xL7Rm5">FlexJobs </a>and LinkedIn. Our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board </a>is another great place to check!</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/WyZGYA" rel="sponsored">Start Your Freelance Video Editing Career Specialization</a></p><h2>17. Community Moderator ($30-$40/hour)</h2><p><strong>Average hourly wage:</strong> $25 - $40 an hour&nbsp;</p><p>Community moderators, also sometimes referred to as chat moderators or social media moderators, monitor conversations in different community platforms and respond to posts. This might look like granting access to members and enforcing community rules in a Facebook group, or responding to posts on a Discord server.</p><p>The tasks you’ll be performing as a moderator depends on the community and business it’s for. Some communities might require the scheduling and overseeing of events in the community on top of normal moderation duties while others might require monitoring for misinformation and removing spam.</p><p><strong>How to get started:</strong> If there are any communities you’re a part of and enjoy, reach out to its creator to see if they need any help managing the space. You can also reach out to any online creators you follow that you see are launching communities to see if there is an opportunity there.</p><p><strong>Where to find gigs: </strong>Community moderator gigs can be found on sites like <a href="https://web3.career/moderator-jobs">Web3 Jobs</a> and&nbsp; <a href="https://join.modsquad.com/join-the-mods/">ModSquad </a>or reach out directly to creators online on social media.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills needed for this side hustle: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/vP5Z2v" rel="sponsored">Social Media Management 101</a><br>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to Start a Profitable Side Hustle That Isn't Exhausting</h2><p>As you dive in head first into the world of side hustling, don’t get too far ahead of yourself just yet. That’s how you exhaust yourself and eventually burn out. Start with what you already know or do well. Lean into skills you’ve already used at your job, in hobbies, or helping others (writing, organizing, customer service, etc.).</p><p><i><strong>We actually created a free </strong></i><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/side-hustle-quiz"><i><strong>Side Hustle Quiz</strong></i></a><i><strong> to help you decide what to do and how to do it. 👇</strong></i></p>

<p>Once you have a better idea of what you want to do, start small with at least one or a few of these actions each day.</p><ul><li><strong>Validate the demand before diving in: </strong>Search job boards, Reddit threads, TikTok or Instagram trends, or Google to make sure people are already paying for the service you want to offer.</li><li><strong>Start small, cheap, and fast: </strong>Don’t waste months building a business before you test it. Offer a sample version of your service to a few real clients and build from there.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Create a simple service menu or offer: </strong>Package your offer clearly (example: “1-hour podcast notes for $75” or "1 digital menu page for $500") so potential clients know exactly what they’re buying.</li><li><strong>Avoid platforms that don’t respect your time: </strong>If a gig app pays you $5/hour after fees and expenses (like drive time on gig apps), it’s not profitable. It doesn’t matter how much flexibility it offers.</li><li><strong>Build a repeatable system:</strong> Once you find something that works, create templates, workflows, or automations to keep things organized and reduce the time you spend per client.</li><li><strong>Use free courses to learn how to manage a business: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/bO0z6M" rel="sponsored">Building Your Freelancing Career</a> is a great one for beginner side hustlers.</li></ul><h2>Balancing Your Side Hustle With a 9-to-5</h2><p>As much as you want to make some waves with your new side hustle, be mindful of your current lifestyle and how you can remain grounded and balanced. You need to still make time for yourself between your job, second job, and personal life. This means scheduling your time for your side hustle outside of family and social obligations, as well as taking care of your health and rest.&nbsp;</p><p>Don’t sell yourself short on your pay either. Prioritize gigs that pay <strong>$20/hr or more </strong>(or what best matches your <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">market rate)</a> and allow you to work flexible hours without sacrificing your mental health. You know yourself best, so do what feels right.</p><p>And that's it for today! I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and side hustle expert quoted by <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/13/side-hustles-for-spring-one-pays-as-much-as-150-per-hour-.html">CNBC</a>, TIME, and Buzzfeed. I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p>If this guide helps you land a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@checksalaries.com</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Want to join the movement? </strong>Explore over 13,000 individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database"><strong>Salary Database</strong></a>!</li><li><strong>Subscribe to our</strong> <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe"><strong>weekly newsletter</strong></a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li><li><strong>Do you know if you're being underpaid?</strong> <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz"><strong>Take our free quiz</strong></a> to find out!</li><li>If you need help finding a career that fits you, <strong>take any of our </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/topic/quizzes"><strong>career quizzes</strong></a><strong> that comes with tons of free resources</strong>!</li><li><strong>Need help determining your market rate?</strong> Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47"><strong>Market Research Guide</strong></a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li><strong>Need help negotiating your salary?</strong> Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide"><strong>Salary Negotiation Guide</strong></a>!</li><li><strong>Follow us on</strong> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet"><strong>TikTok</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/"><strong>Instagram</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet"><strong>YouTube </strong></a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/"><strong>LinkedIn </strong></a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li></ul>

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17 Highest-Paying Side Hustles That Won’t Burn You Out

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>Every year, 600,000 people transition back into their lives after spending time in state and federal correctional facilities, according to a report from the <a href="https://vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com/production/downloads/publications/how-corrections-departments-are-preparing-people-for-in-demand-careers.pdf?dm=1676991382">Vera Institute</a>. 600,000 people that need jobs <i>and probably sooner than later.</i></p><p>The Vera Institute also found a rising demand for workers following the passing of the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684">Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act</a>, which aims to strengthen the infrastructure in the U.S.. <strong>This is expected to create 1.5 million jobs per year by 2033.</strong></p><p>The Departments of Corrections (DOCs) in different states across the U.S. are helping fill that demand through partnering with employers, schools, and community-based programs to provide training for <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/top-jobs-of-2025">future high-demand jobs</a>. Apprenticeships are perfect for this, which is why you’ll see many trade jobs on this list, with some even paying as much as $100,000 or more.</p><p>Let’s bust some of this data open and look at the top jobs for people with a record (that also pay well) so you can quickly get back on your feet.</p><p><strong>Key takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li>The highest-paying job for people with criminal records is an elevator and escalator installer and repairer with a median salary of $106,580 (BLS).</li><li>The top-paying jobs for people with a criminal history from our Salary Database are web developers ($165,000) and ironworkers ($134,000).</li><li>Jobs for ex-offenders with the highest demand are certified peer support specialists (11% increase) and electrical power-line installers (7% increase).</li><li>Apprenticeships are a great way to reenter the job force as someone with a record.</li><li>None of these jobs require 4-year degrees.&nbsp;</li><li>Browse thousands of more publicly shared salaries on our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>8 Careers for People With a Criminal Record That Pay Over $51K</h2><p>We’ve identified these roles using data from the Vera Institute and <a href="https://www.apprenticeship.gov/career-seekers/with-employment-barriers">Apprenticeship.gov</a>. All salary data included is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), our <a href="http://checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> of over 13,000+ publicly shared salaries from our community, and 3+ years of <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-we-made-1million">street interviews</a>.</p><p>To find more about these different jobs, search our Salary Database and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a>. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/onboarding">join and add your salary</a>!</p><h2>1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers (or Mechanics)</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/elevator-installers-and-repairers.htm">$106,580</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DElevator+&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=created_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$106,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 5%</p><p>Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, also referred to as elevator mechanics, do exactly what their job title says. They install new elevators and escalators, do routine servicing, or fix them when they break down. They make pretty good money doing it too, and without the requirement for a college degree.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>We interviewed two union elevator mechanics that make $56 an hour (20 years of experience) and $40 an hour (3 years of experience). </strong>Many <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">trade jobs</a> are unionized which is another perk for people with a record looking for stability. You’ll <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-join-a-union">have a union</a> on your side that provides you with a pension and great healthcare, and pays you time and a half for overtime.</p><p>This job is perfect for people with a record because apprenticeships care more about your skills. However, they still run background checks and a job offer may depend on the nature of the charge. Either way, focus on passing the <a href="https://www.iprep.online/courses/elevator-industry-aptitude-test-eiat-free/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19641214729&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC4kpd9tGuxeCixaldF9NnvA1vVDq&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Y7KBhCkARIsAOxhqtNTUmQVM8Ft5dMy2p1owj3znAFSUmppd69xxTMC-1CJ9AS6V-NqipcaAgClEALw_wcB">aptitude test </a>first.</p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLBLM5" rel="sponsored">General Physics</a></p>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet/video/7540107542882487607" data-video-id="7540107542882487607" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@salarytransparentstreet" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">@salarytransparentstreet</a> How much do <a title="elevatormechanics" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/elevatormechanics?refer=embed">#ElevatorMechanics</a> make in NYC?📍 <a title="salarytransparentstreet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">#salarytransparentstreet</a> <a title="salarytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparency?refer=embed">#salarytransparency</a> <a title="paytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/paytransparency?refer=embed">#paytransparency</a> <a title="howmuchdoyoumake" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/howmuchdoyoumake?refer=embed">#howmuchdoyoumake</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7540107635211635469?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<h2>2. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=web+developer&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Web Developer</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm#tab-1">$95,380</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dweb+developer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$165,000&nbsp;</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 7%</p><p>Web developers are responsible for coding websites, with some also focusing on web design. This is a great role for someone with a record because you can learn coding and design skills online and many jobs don’t require a degree. There are also freelance opportunities where many freelance clients don’t run background checks. They only care about what you can do for them.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a senior web designer that makes $175,000 a year and says he loves the work.</strong> It has a good work-life balance and offers remote job options, but it doesn't pay any overtime.</p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and an associate’s degree in computer science or web development (certifications will work too). Some employers will hire based on a portfolio of projects (personal or professional) and proof that you’re pursuing education or certification.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/jePeb5" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Web Development</a></p>

#SeniorWebDesigner in Washington, DC📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<h2>3. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/line-installers-and-repairers.htm">$92,560</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DLineman&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$134,000</a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>7%</p><p>When you see someone referred to as a lineman or lineworker, those are electrical power-line installers and repairers. They’re the reason we have a power grid in the first place and our saviors that come in the middle of the night when the power is out, which is partly why they make such good money and are growing in demand. <strong>We interviewed a line worker that works in Washington state and makes just over $64 an hour as her base wage with 11 years of experience.&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The reason this is a great role for someone who is justice-impacted is because even though they do background checks, they often encourage people with a criminal record to apply (as seen on many job openings on Apprenticeship.gov). Some states may also have specific programs to help get into the trade. For example, in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, they referred to a Line Clearance and Tree Trim Program that was a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Corrections and a local energy services company. Upon graduation, they became eligible to join the local <a href="https://ibew.org/">International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union</a> (IBEW).</p><p>They care about your skills and you getting through lineschool, not your past. However, they might require a clean driving record because there is driving required for the job.</p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/ra0vWj" rel="sponsored">Electric Power Systems</a></p><h2>4. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=industrial+engineer+technician&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Industrial Engineer Technician</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/industrial-engineering-technicians.htm">$64,790</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dindustrial+engineer+technician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$115,000</a> at Intel</p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 2% (11% for industrial engineers)</p><p>Industrial engineer technicians come up with new ways to create more efficient systems when thinking about how people work and the materials and machines they use to get that work done. Basically, they look at what people and organizations are doing and how to improve it, and they’re much needed for improving our infrastructure and how we do things.&nbsp;</p><p>For example, they may look at the time workers take to do a task, what’s included in those tasks, and use that data to create goals to help that organization improve its products and quality of service.</p><p>This is also another job where you can get into it via apprenticeship and they often accept people with a record, depending on the nature of what’s in your record, of course.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>High school diploma and apprenticeship. You can also study towards a degree in industrial engineering while working to increase your salary.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MAZAMK" rel="sponsored">Automotive Industrial Engineering</a></p><h2>5. Ironworker</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/structural-iron-and-steel-workers.htm">$61,940</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dironworker&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$134,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>4%</p><p>Ironworkers are the jack of all trades. They basically have 5 trades rolled into one job title. They may do concrete reinforcement, structural iron work, enclose the glass in the building, ornamental iron work for hand rails and other necessities, and maintenance iron work. They’re kind of the whole reason we have bridges, buildings, stadiums, you name it.</p><p>You can get started with an apprenticeship and your DOC may already have agreements with local unions. For example, the Washington State DOC offers a pre-apprenticeship program called the <a href="https://doc.wa.gov/corrections/programs/learning-working/correctional-industries">Trades Related Apprenticeship Coaching</a> (TRAC) program for those who are incarcerated and want to become carpenters, ironworkers, cement masons, and laborers. Over 600 students have graduated and went on to registered apprenticeships and post-release employment.</p><p>You can also work up in this field to make up to six-figures. <strong>We interviewed a training director for the Ironworkers Local Union No. 22 that makes $40 an hour, but with the total union benefits package, it’s easily worth over $100,000 a year.</strong></p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://www.coursera.org/specializations/heavy-manufacturing" rel="sponsored">Heavy Manufacturing</a></p>

How much does a #unionironworker make in Indiana? #salarytransparentstreet #ironworker #ironworkers

<h2>6. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=IT+support&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">IT Support Analyst</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm">$61,550</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DIT+support&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$70,000</a> at Verisk</p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> -3%</p><p>IT (information technology) support is a <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">great-paying tech job</a> that doesn’t require an expensive degree. Many companies look for some type of past customer support experience or an associate’s degree, and often hire entry-level workers because many can learn on the job. The things you’ll be doing in this job is replying to customer support tickets, troubleshooting their issues, and finding ways to resolve them as soon as possible to minimize any disruption of service.</p><p>The job is great for ex-offenders because it has a lower barrier of entry when compared to other tech jobs and you can learn skills online and on the job. <strong>We interviewed someone who works in IT that makes $187,000 a year and he recommends some base entry-level certifications can help you </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-break-into-tech">break into the field</a><strong> (</strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/7a4nvA">Security+</a><strong> is a good one and you can learn online).&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>High school diploma and associate’s degree in information technology or similar area, certificates, or on-the-job training.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/gO2475" rel="sponsored">Technical Support Fundamentals</a></p>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet/video/7434212658448059694" data-video-id="7434212658448059694" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@salarytransparentstreet" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">@salarytransparentstreet</a> How much does this worker make in <a title="informationtechnology?" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/informationtechnology%3F?refer=embed">#InformationTechnology?</a> Washington, DC📍 <a title="salarytransparentstreet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">#salarytransparentstreet</a> <a title="salarytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparency?refer=embed">#salarytransparency</a> <a title="paytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/paytransparency?refer=embed">#paytransparency</a> <a title="howmuchdoyoumake" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/howmuchdoyoumake?refer=embed">#howmuchdoyoumake</a> <a title="streetinterview" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/streetinterview?refer=embed">#streetinterview</a> <a title="it" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/it?refer=embed">#it</a> <a title="informationtechnologyjobs" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/informationtechnologyjobs?refer=embed">#informationtechnologyjobs</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7434212646766791466?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<h2>7. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=construction&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Construction Worker</a> or <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=equipment+operator&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Equipment Operator</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-equipment-operators.htm">$58,320</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dconstruction+worker&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$66,000</a> at Consigli</p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 4%</p><p>Construction workers do a variety of things in the building process. They may prep the site, handle materials, operate machinery, or work in demolition, among many other tasks. There is a ton of opportunity in the field with several roles to choose from, including construction laborer, equipment operator, or explore roles in carpentry or bricklaying. Once you get into the field, you can also choose to move up to construction/building inspector or construction manager.</p><p>These are all great for people trying to reenter the workforce. You can get started as an apprenticeship and get paid on-the-job training. <strong>We interviewed a construction worker who makes $21 an hour 4 months into the job.</strong></p><p><strong>Required education:</strong> High school diploma and apprenticeship or on-the-job training.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/VxQrd6" rel="sponsored">Construction Techniques and Practices</a></p>

<h2>8. Certified Peer Support Specialist</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm">$51,030</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dcommunity+health&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$54,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>11%</p><p>Peer support specialists have a distinct requirement that makes it perfect for folks with a record. It’s specifically for people with lived experience from incarceration, mental health, and substance abuse issues. Christopher Life Willars spent 17 years in prison (after a 144-year sentence) and now runs a TikTok account where he empowers others through his personal story, including helping people with felonies find jobs. He specifically recommends this job in one of <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@christopher_life_willars/video/7535936571539721502">his recent TikTok videos</a>.</p><p><strong>We also interviewed a peer support specialist in the video below that makes $43,000 a year and thinks they can hit $50,000 if they stick with it. </strong>They stated the position has a lot of flexibility and they enjoy working in the community.</p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>High school diploma and certified peer support specialist training.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9LBbLW" rel="sponsored">Mental Healthcare Fundamentals</a></p>

How much does a #PeerSupportSpecialist make in Corvallis, OR📍? #salarytransparentstreet

<h2>Employers That Hire People With Records</h2><p>There are several employers that seek to hire people with a record, also referred to as second-chance employers, partly thanks to the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wotc">Work Opportunity Tax Credit </a>that gives them tax discounts for doing so. We also talked about this credit in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/jobs-for-people-with-disabilities">disability-friendly jobs</a> article and how it’s a great way for companies to avoid excluding people who face barriers to employment.</p><p><strong>A few of these companies include:</strong></p><figure class="table" style="width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:33.33%;"><col style="width:33.33%;"><col style="width:33.34%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Company</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Hiring Approach</strong></p></td><td><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Entry-Level Positions</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Apple</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review</td><td>Retail, Technical Support, Operations</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Amazon</strong></td><td>Known to hire people with felonies</td><td>Warehouse, Fulfillment Center, Delivery Driver</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield Association</strong></td><td>Varies by local chapter</td><td>Customer Service, Claims Processing, Administrative</td></tr><tr><td><strong>General Electric</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review</td><td>Manufacturing, Maintenance, Technical Roles</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hilton Hotels</strong></td><td>Known to hire people with felonies</td><td>Housekeeping, Kitchen Staff, Maintenance, Concierge</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lowe's</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review (they removed the checkbox asking about criminal history in job applications)</td><td>Sales, Loading/Stocking, Customer Service</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Allied Van Lines</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review (may require a clean driving record)</td><td>Movers, Drivers, Warehouse Staff</td></tr><tr><td><strong>PetSmart</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review</td><td>Sales Associate, Grooming, Stocking</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Nordstrom</strong></td><td>Case-by-case review</td><td>Sales, Stock, Customer Service</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Safeway</strong></td><td>Varies by location</td><td>Cashier, Stocker, Deli/Bakery, Overnight Crew</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Find dozens more in this <a href="https://www.ilnp.uscourts.gov/pdfs/List_of_Felon_Friendly_Employers%20(002).pdf">full list of felon-friendly employers</a>.</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2><h2>What is the highest-paying job for felons?</h2><p>The highest-paying job for people with a felony is an elevator mechanic with a median salary of $106,580, according to the BLS. For a felon to work as an elevator mechanic, eligibility depends on the specifics of their conviction, how long ago it was, and state-specific requirements.</p><h2>What are the best job platforms for people with a criminal record?</h2><p>The best platforms to find jobs for people who are justice-impacted include <a href="http://honestjobs.com">HonestJobs.com</a> and any job board that has a “fair chance jobs” filter.</p><h2>What are the top industries hiring people with past convictions?</h2><p>The top industries that hire people with a criminal record include skilled trades in construction and manufacturing.&nbsp;</p><h2>Re-Entering The Job Market As An Ex-Offender</h2><p>Figuring out how you’re going to get your next job is scary but you don’t have to do it on your own. There are tools and resources available to help you along the way, including programs that work with you personally to take the next step.</p><p><strong>A few of these resources include:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Job reentry programs:</strong> CareerOneStop has a <a href="https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/Toolkit/find-reentry-programs.aspx">ReEntry Program Finder</a> to search for a local program near you.</li><li><strong>Clearing your criminal record:</strong> Use the resources at the <a href="https://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/cleanslate">National Reentry Resource Center</a> to learn how you can clear your criminal record.</li><li><strong>Job board for people with criminal records:</strong> Join <a href="http://honestjobs.com">HonestJobs.com</a> created by people with records to help others reentering the job market to find jobs and programs that help with other basic needs.</li><li><strong>Our </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Salary Transparent Job Board</a>: Every job post is listed with transparent salary information!</li><li><strong>Our FREE career guides: </strong>Read <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/topic/free-guides">free career guides</a> that are jam-packed with knowledge to help you get into the field of your choice, including quizzes that match you with the job title(s) that best fits you.</li></ul><p>When searching for jobs online, be sure to filter by equal opportunity employers and felon-friendly employers if those are options on the job board you use. The specific name of the filter may change depending on the job board. One example is Indeed’s “Fair chance” filter.</p><p>Keep this list of jobs and resources saved on your phone or email it to yourself so you can have it as a checklist and cheatsheet. When you’re getting stuck or discouraged, come back to this to see if there is something you haven’t utilized yet.</p><p>That’s a wrap for this week! I’m Daniella Flores, a former software engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a current member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub </a>(thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) If you want to connect, follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p>If this guide helps you land your dream job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@checksalaries.com</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Don’t know what you want to do? Take any of our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/topic/quizzes">career quizzes</a>!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li></ul>

green cover image with a justice symbol and title text overlay that reads "jobs for people with a criminal record"

8 Careers for People With a Criminal Record That Pay Well (+ Employers Hiring)

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>Job security means that you feel stable in your role and your job has a high enough demand for your skills to possibly protect you from future job loss. But the economy and company you work for has a lot to do with it.</p><p>How much the job pays is another indicator of a secure job. No matter how much job security your role has, what’s the point if it doesn’t pay you a living wage?&nbsp;</p><p>2025 was a zinger for many who thought their jobs were stable and secure. As a part of the <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/04/layoff-announcements-this-year-top-1point1-million-the-most-since-2020-when-pandemic-hit-challenger-says.html">1.1 million layoffs</a> we saw this year, tech and government workers bore the brunt of it. It’s almost maddening, but a lot of what was going on behind the scenes had less to do with their actual job titles and more to do with the economy and company priorities. AI was a big reason but not in every scenario. <a href="https://www.policyuncertainty.com/">Trade policy uncertainty</a> is the highest it’s ever been and many companies have decided to change course in response to that.</p><p>Looking forward, the job market will continue to go through changes driven by technological development and economic shifts, according to the World Economic Forum’s <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/future-of-jobs-report-2025-jobs-of-the-future-and-the-skills-you-need-to-get-them/">Future of Jobs Report</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>So, what does this mean for your job?</strong> If we look to history, some jobs are always needed and hard to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/will-ai-take-my-job">replace with AI</a> and robots, like electricians and nurses. In today’s world, jobs that support AI development are also crucial because AI can’t create itself and it <i>desperately</i> needs data.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Let’s dive into the best-paying careers with the most job security in 2026 and how you can find your own!</strong></p>

<p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>The jobs projected to grow the most in demand by 2030 are cybersecurity analysts (40% growth) and big data specialists (110% growth).</li><li>The most stable and secure jobs are those in healthcare, trade jobs, and anything that supports AI development and data.</li><li>The highest-paying job with the most job security is a physician assistant with a median salary of $133,260.</li><li>The highest-paying secure jobs from our Salary Database are advanced practice registered nurses and big data specialists, both with their highest recorded salary being $350,000.</li><li>Out of the real professionals we interviewed, electricians talked the most about their job security and everything that’s included in their total compensation packages.</li><li>More than half of the jobs listed have a six-figure median salary and 3 of them don’t require a college degree to get started.</li><li>Browse thousands of more publicly shared salaries on our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>.</li></ul><h2>7 Most Secure Jobs That Pay Well in 2026</h2><p>We’ve identified these roles using <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm">job outlook data</a> from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/">World Economic Forum</a> (WEF), salary data we’ve collected in our <a href="http://checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> of over 13,000+ publicly shared salaries from our community, and 3+ years of <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-we-made-1million">street interviews</a>.</p><p>To find more about these high-paying secure jobs, search our Salary Database and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a>. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/onboarding">join and add your salary</a>!</p><h2>1. Physician Assistant</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm">$133,260</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dphysician+assistant&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$220,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>20% per the BLS</p><p>A physician assistant (PA) works under physician supervision to meet with patients and provide care. They’re also able to diagnose patients, prescribe them medication, and assist doctors in surgery, but their scope of practice depends on the state they live in and its regulations.&nbsp;</p><p>It’s basically like being a doctor without the PhD or the pay, but PAs are still one of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">highest-paying healthcare jobs</a> out there. <strong>We interviewed a PA that makes $130,000 a year!</strong></p>

How much do a #BehavioralMentalHealth worker and #PhysicianAssistant make? Broccoli City Festival📍

<p>If you’ve ever called your doctor’s office to make an appointment and they asked if it was ok to schedule with the PA instead due to the doctor’s limited availability, you’ve run right into the reason why this job has so much job security. There’s such a high demand for providers in the industry that PAs are becoming a must-have for many doctors.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>A master’s degree from an <a href="https://www.arc-pa.org/entry-level-program/currently-accredited-programs/">accredited PA program</a>. <strong>The PA we interviewed also recommends starting with as much shadowing as possible to make sure you know what you exactly want to do in this field.</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4a2bE" rel="sponsored">Human Anatomy &amp; Physiology I</a></p><h2>2. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm">$132,050</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNurse+Anesthetist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$350,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 35% per the BLS</p><p>Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and nurse midwives (CNMs). Similar to PAs, they work closely with doctors to provide patient care and are also able to diagnose patients and prescribe medication. The reason for their job security is also the same: there just aren’t enough providers in the industry to cover the growing amount of patients. Their projected job growth is also a little higher than physician assistants (BLS projects a 35% growth by 2034).</p><p><strong>We interviewed a pediatric NP in the video below that was a nurse for 12 years before working their way up to an NP. They currently make $100,000 with the expectation that their earning could increase to $150,000 throughout the rest of their career.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>A Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) from <a href="https://nursinglicensemap.com/advanced-practice-nursing/#:~:text=To%20become%20an%20advanced%20practice%20registered%20nurse,primary%20or%20specialty%20health%20care%2C%20and%20more.">an accredited program</a>, an RN license, pass a certification exam in your specialty, and further licensing may be required.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4amDY" rel="sponsored">The Nurse’s Toolkit</a></p>

How much does a Pediatric #NursePractitioner make?📍New York City #salarytransparentstreet

<h2>3. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=cybersecurity&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Cybersecurity Analyst</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm"><strong> </strong>$124,910</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dcybersecurity+analyse&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$205,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 40% per the WEF</p><p>The Future of Jobs Report from the WEF found that cybersecurity skills are the 2nd <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">fastest-growing skillset</a>, according to 70% of employers they surveyed. As cyberattacks become a daily occurrence in our modern world, cybersecurity analysts are desperately needed to protect our data and systems. Tech giants also need to think about what new vulnerabilities come with the AI they’re developing and cybersecurity analysts help them do this. So much so that 25% of businesses cite cybersecurity as one of their core skills for their workforce, according to the WEF.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a cybersecurity analyst in the video below that makes $150,000 a year after 5 years of experience.</strong></p><p>Other job titles that utilize cybersecurity skills also come with a similar type of job security and pay. <strong>We also interviewed a cybersecurity instructor and project manager in the same video that makes $83 an hour as a contract cybersecurity project manager and $75 an hour as an educator!</strong></p>

🔒Cybersecurity Pay Compilation!#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<p><strong>Required education:</strong> A bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or similar is preferred but not absolutely necessary. Some are able to break in with an associate’s degree or certifications. The cybersecurity analyst we interviewed got a bachelor’s degree in information technology online.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLoE0O" rel="sponsored">Foundations of Cybersecurity</a></p><h2>4. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=data+engineer&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Big Data Specialist or Data Engineer</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm">$112,590</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Ddata+scientist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$350,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 110% per the WEF</p><p>The only skills that topped cybersecurity on the Future of Jobs Report as the fastest-growing skills are AI and big data, according to 87% of employers. The report also found that Bi projected job growth increase of 80% by 2030.&nbsp;</p><p>But what is big data? Big data refers to large and complex data sets that big data specialists and data engineers transform and clean so they can be used, whether that’s for analysis, training AI, or other purposes. It’s important work in a world fueled by data and is one of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">best-paying tech jobs</a> for that very reason.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a data engineer that makes $165,000 a year after getting their master’s degree.</strong> They originally studied chemical engineering and then pivoted to data engineering.</p>

How much does a #DataEngineer make? PA📍#salarytransparentstreet #dataengineering #dataenginnerjobs

<p><strong>Required education:</strong> A bachelor’s degree in computer science, data engineering, or similar area, but some jobs may accept an associate’s degree, certifications, or experience in place of a 4-year degree.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/7aA6BQ" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Big Data with Spark and Hadoop</a></p><h2>5. Speech Language Pathologist</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm">$95,410</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSpeech+Language+Pathologist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$230,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>15%</p><p><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/speech-language-pathologist">Speech language pathologists</a> work with different communication and swallowing issues and work with every age group from infants to seniors. They work with stroke survivors to regain their speech abilities and support those with swallowing disorders (dysphagia). They also work with children on articulation difficulties and nonverbal children on alternative forms of communication.&nbsp;</p><p>The reason why speech language pathologists have stable jobs is due to their high demand (BLS projects a 15% growth by 2034), which partially comes from increased awareness about disorders and the need for care and a shortage of professionals.&nbsp;</p><p>There are a lot of different specialties to explore in this area and it pays great too. <strong>We interviewed a </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqoy6MZVLeQ&amp;t=9s">speech language pathologist that makes $110,000 a year</a>!</p>

Self-Employed Speech Pathologist Reveals Her Real Income!

<p><strong>Required education: </strong>A master’s degree in speech language pathology and audiology, professional supervised hours, and state licensing. Master’s programs are highly competitive, so applicants should be persistent!</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/kOnK9n" rel="sponsored">Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to Know</a></p><h2>6. Electrician</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS):</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm">$62,350</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Delectrician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$108,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034): </strong>9%</p><p>Becoming an electrician has always been one of the most stable<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs"> trade jobs</a>, as there never ceases to be a need for electricity and energy and many roles are <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-join-a-union">union roles</a> that tend to pay higher than non-union roles. Now with an aging infrastructure and the push to provide a power grid that can handle scaling AI technology, they’re growing even more in demand. This is also why there has been such a push for nuclear energy, which is another good thing for electricians as they’re needed to make sure facilities run safely.</p>

<p><strong>We interviewed several electricians at the </strong><a href="https://ibew.org/"><strong>IBEW</strong></a><strong>'s International Women's Conference and many cited the work as rewarding and the pay as equally rewarding, with one from Boston, Massachusetts that makes $77.55 (total compensation) after 4 years of experience and another in Santa Clara, California that makes $117.55 (total compensation) an hour after 5 years of experience!&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Many women we interviewed cited how much they love the stability of the job and what it offers. “I’m very blessed to be in the local I’m in. I’m very lucky,” one woman said. “I appreciate everything I’m willing to get with all of the benefits, our health insurance, which is huge in America, especially as a woman when it comes to creating a family.”</p><p><strong>Required education: </strong>High school diploma and apprenticeship (which is paid). Apprenticeships are also great for people trying to get a <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/careers-for-people-with-a-criminal-record">job with a criminal record</a> and are looking for job security.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/QjGqEa">Introduction to Electronics</a></p><h2>7. Social Worker or Therapist</h2><p><strong>Median salary (BLS): </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm">$61,330</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dsocial+worker&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$155,000</a></p><p><strong>Job growth (2024-2034):</strong> 6%</p><p>Social workers will always be in demand as long as our general population needs social justice. They’re the ones who are there when we need counseling, advocacy, and access to essential services like food assistance and housing programs.&nbsp;</p><p>Our aging population in America especially has a huge need for social workers as they navigate long-term care and end-of-life decisions. Many social work positions are also tied to legally required services that can’t be easily eliminated, like child protective services and veteran services.&nbsp;</p><p>The work is stressful but rewarding, and it also doesn’t pay too bad either. <strong>We interviewed a medical social worker in the video below that makes $74,000 a year and a mental health therapist (LCSW) that makes $80,000 a year. </strong>The mental health therapist noted that she was able to make more in Maryland versus Connecticut</p>

How much do #socialworkers and #therapists make? ❤️‍🩹 #salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency #paytransparency #socialwork #socialworkjobs #socialworker #socialworkprobs #therapist #therapistjobs

<p><strong>Required education:</strong> A Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Vxjonj">Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change</a></p><h2>Finding Your Own Job Security</h2><p>Regardless of what the data says about what jobs have the most job security, sometimes it all comes down to where you work and fluctuating external factors. For example, being a data engineer is a great option for job security due to its projected growth. However, if you’re working for a tech startup company with an unclear financial future, that threatens your job security.</p><p>Some companies have pretty bad track records for layoffs too. If you find a job with one of those companies but it’s in a department they seem to do layoffs in every year, then it may not be the right fit for you. Or you can take it temporarily while you still look for another job (this also helps you deal with a future layoff when you’re always putting your feelers out in the job market).</p><p>Start with our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a> when searching for jobs, which has salary ranges listed for each job and you can filter per industry, remote jobs, etc. For remote jobs only, we love <a href="https://flexjobs.sjv.io/xL7Rm5">FlexJobs</a> that screen every single job on the board so they can keep the site 100% scam free.&nbsp;</p><p>When applying for jobs, we also recommend using a tool like <a href="https://get.tealhq.com/55VxqL">Teal </a>to revamp your resume and find ways to stand out to the employer.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you need help finding your next job or career pivot, browse any of our free guides:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-get-into-a-trade">How to Get Into a Trade</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-break-into-tech">How to Break Into Tech</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-start-a-creative-career">How to Start a Creative Career (or Pivot to One)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">How to Get Into Healthcare</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/dental-career-guide">How to Start a Career in Dentistry</a></li></ul><p>That’s a wrap for this week! I’m Daniella Flores, a former software engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a current member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) If you want to connect, follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p>If this guide helps you land your dream job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@checksalaries.com</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Don’t know what you want to do? Take any of our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/topic/quizzes">career quizzes</a>!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li></ul>

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Green cover image for mobile with a security and job listing illustration with title text overlay that reads "careers with the most job security"

7 Most Secure Jobs That Pay Over $61K in 2026 (+ What Workers Say)

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>Becoming a speech language pathologist (SLP) gives you the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives <i>and make a steady income doing it.&nbsp;</i></p><p>While the path requires a master’s degree and clinical hours before you can get licensed, it’s one of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">higher-paying healthcare jobs</a> out there with tons of different work settings and the opportunity to do deep meaningful work.</p><p><strong>Ok, but first, what does a speech language pathologist do? </strong>Simply put: they help people communicate. For adults, that may mean helping a brain injury patient restore their communication skills. For kids, that may mean helping them with speech and language development, including finding alternative ways of communicating for nonverbal children.</p><p>We interviewed a licensed pediatric speech language pathologist, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatssojayah/">Jayah</a>, to share how she got into the field, what she makes, and tips for those who also want to get into speech language pathology.</p>

<h2>Why Jayah Chose to Become a Speech Language Pathologist</h2><p>Jayah chose speech language pathology thanks to her mom, who owned a daycare and also worked in the special education field. This gave Jayah early exposure to the world of therapeutic support for children.</p><p>“She introduced me to the speech therapist at her school and once I got the opportunity to shadow her, I knew it was the field for me,” says Jayah. That shadowing experience where she got to see the daily job of a speech language pathologist firsthand was the turning point that solidified her career choice.</p><h2>How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist</h2><p>It isn’t exactly an easy path to become a speech language pathologist. You need a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology before you can even become licensed. But once you get into the field, it's one of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/most-secure-jobs">most secure jobs</a> with a projected 15% growth rate by 2034.</p><p>Jayah faced significant challenges along the way. “I got rejected by over 10 schools and it took me 4 years to finally get accepted,” she shared. Graduate programs for speech language pathology are highly competitive, with the average acceptance rate being 30% to 40%, according to the <a href="https://www.asha.org/siteassets/surveys/2023-asha-speech-language-pathology-assistants-survey-results.pdf">American Speech-Language-Hearing Association</a> (ASHA).&nbsp;</p><p>More competitive schools accept only 10% to 20% of applicants, but that doesn’t mean you have no chance of getting in. Persistence definitely pays off, as Jayah has shown us.</p><p><strong>As you start looking into speech language pathology requirements and programs, use this full list of requirements as your checklist:</strong></p><ul><li>A Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders</li><li>A Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology</li><li>1,260 professional supervised hours after completing your degree (also known as your Clinical Fellowship Year)</li><li>Pass the SLP Praxis exam</li><li>Get licensed in your state (<a href="https://www.speechpathologygraduateprograms.org/state-licensing-overview/">requirements</a> vary by state)</li></ul><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">How to Get Into Healthcare (+Tips From Real Healthcare Workers)</a></p><p><strong>Free course to learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/kOnK9n" rel="sponsored">Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to Know</a></p><h2>Where Do Speech Language Pathologists Work?</h2><p>There are a variety of work settings available to speech language pathologists, so you have some flexibility to choose an environment that matches your interests and lifestyle.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Common work settings include:</strong></p><ul><li>Public and private schools</li><li>Hospitals and medical centers</li><li>Rehabilitation facilities</li><li>Nursing homes and long-term care facilities</li><li>Private practices</li><li>Early intervention programs</li><li>Home health care</li><li>Teletherapy companies</li></ul><p>School-based speech language pathologists work during the academic year with summers off (unless they work another contract), while medical settings may offer higher pay with more flexibility. Nursing, residential care facilities, and hospitals offer the highest pay, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>.</p><h2>How Much Do Speech Language Pathologists Make? Salary &amp; Benefits</h2><p>When we interviewed Jayah (shown at the beginning of the article), she is on track to make <strong>$110,000 to $125,000</strong> <strong>this year</strong> as a pediatric speech language pathologist. Before that, the highest she earned from one job was $85,000.&nbsp;</p><p>The setting you choose to work in and your location has a lot to do with how your salary varies. For example, self-employed speech language pathologists tend to make more than those who are employed somewhere, as Jayah also indicated in her interview. This is partially why Jayah said in her interview that she would much rather have her own practice. This also allows her more flexibility.&nbsp;</p><p>But with your own practice, you aren’t getting health insurance benefits provided like you would be as an employee somewhere. Jayah recommends to “get a plan that makes sense to you”. You may have to do some shopping around on <a href="http://healthcare.gov">Healthcare.gov</a> to find a plan that’s affordable. When you negotiate a competitive package at an employee, don’t forget to<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits"> negotiate your benefits</a>, including healthcare if you can!</p><p><strong>For what other speech language pathologists make, we dug into some data from the BLS and our </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database </a><strong>of over 13,000 publicly shared salaries from our community. This is what we found:</strong></p><ul><li>The national median salary is <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-1">$95,410</a> per year, according to the BLS.</li><li>The industry where speech language pathologists are paid the most is nursing and residential care facilities, which is a median salary of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5">$106,500 </a>per year.</li><li>The highest recorded salary in our Salary Database for speech language pathologists is <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSpeech+Language+Pathologist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$230,000</a> per year. Their salary entry indicates they have 28 years of experience and work healthcare remotely full-time.</li><li>The second highest recorded salary in our Salary Database is <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DSpeech+Language+Pathologist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$154,000</a>. Their salary entry indicates they have 23 years of experience and work a healthcare contract on-site.</li></ul><p>When you’re ready to enter the job market as a speech language pathologist, or any job for that matter,<strong> don’t forget to </strong><i><strong>always</strong> </i><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer"><i>negotiate your salary</i></a><i><strong>!&nbsp;</strong></i></p><p><strong>Download our</strong> <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> <strong>to find out how much you should be getting paid, then download our Salary Negotiation Guide to use hand-in-hand to prepare for any job offer.</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>If you want to get a better idea of the different things speech language pathologists do, check out our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a> and search for “speech language pathologist” to read different job descriptions from different companies and organizations!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Last-Minute Tips for Aspiring Speech Language Pathologists</h2><p>As you’re exploring a speech language pathologist career path, the best thing you can do to determine where you should go in the field is to shadow someone. Shadowing was what showed Jayah that the field was perfect for her and getting insight from others helped her plan her career path.</p><p>You can also take free online courses to get introduced to the field and start building skills early. We recommend starting with the <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/kOnK9n" rel="sponsored">Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to Know</a> course on Coursera.</p><p>It’s also helpful while in school to find an entry-level healthcare job within speech pathology or an adjacent field to start gaining some insight into the industry. This could be a front desk receptionist job at a facility or hospital, a doctor office staff job that verifies insurance and enters patient records, or a school where you would handle student records or handle assistant-level work. It’s also great experience to add to an application for a master’s program to show how much you’re already actively pursuing the job.</p><p>It might take you a while to get licensed to practice, but that’s no excuse to pause on gaining useful skills directly from the field. That’ll just make you that much more experienced and ready to make a difference in other people’s lives when the time comes!</p><p>To learn more about Jayah, connect with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatssojayah/">Instagram</a>!</p><p><strong>This article is a part of our “Meet Your Neighbor” series</strong>, where we highlight real career paths and real paychecks from across the country.</p><p><strong>Read more from the series:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/flight-attendant">How to Become a Flight Attendant With No Experience</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/freelance-ghostwriter">How This Freelance Ghostwriter Built a $200K Business</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/certified-anesthesiologist-assistant">How This Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Makes $300K a Year Without Going to Medical School</a></li><li><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/from-baseball-to-law-to-tech">From Professional Baseball Player to Software Tester</a></li></ul><p>If this guide helped you start or pivot to a career in the airline industry, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@checksalaries.com.</p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Check out our other <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/topic/quizzes">free career quizzes</a> in areas like trade jobs, tech, and side hustles .</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

Green cover image with an illustration of a speech language pathology team and title text overlay that says "how to become a speech language pathologist"

Green cover image with a speech language pathology team illustration and title text overlay that says "how to become a speech language pathologist"

How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist (From a Real SLP That Makes $110K)

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>The President of the United States currently makes $400,000 a year, which is set by congress and is one of the highest-paying government jobs out there. <strong>But you don’t have to be the president to make six-figures working in the government.</strong></p>

gif of colonial person saying how wonderfully bureaucratic

<p>The federal government has had a horrible year for jobs in 2025 following the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) layoffs and the<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5598315/government-shutdown-longest-history"> longest government shutdown in history</a> that just ended in November. Even though the federal job outlook isn’t looking great, <strong>state and local government jobs are on the rise with 22,000 new jobs having just been added in September</strong>, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>.</p><p>And yes, while jobs in the federal government seem to be all we hear about when the government and media talk about their grim outlook, there are government jobs available in so many other areas that are more stable, on the rise, and pay just as well (if not better).</p><p>These don’t only include jobs in state and local government, but also military, law enforcement, public health, infrastructure, administrative, legislative branch , and government contractor jobs.&nbsp;</p><p>For instance, the<strong> </strong>highest recorded government salaries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-databas">Salary Database</a> are <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dlawyer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$500,000</a> <strong>for a lawyer in law enforcement</strong> <strong>and </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dcivil+engineer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$270,000</a> <strong>for a civil engineer that works on government contracts</strong>!</p><p><strong>Let’s take a closer look into some of these top government jobs, what’s required, and how you can land one of your own!</strong></p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>The highest-paying government jobs besides the president and elected officials are IT program managers, attorneys, air traffic controllers, and nurse practitioners (based on BLS median salaries).</li><li>Not all top-paying government jobs require a degree. Some may hire based on skills, certifications, or experience.</li><li>Contrary to the private sector, all government salaries are publicly shared.</li><li>Browse thousands of more publicly shared salaries on our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-databas">Salary Database</a> for both private and public sectors.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What Government Workers Are Saying</h2><p>Besides the fact that jobs in the public sector are owned and managed by the government rather than private ownership, the job duties themselves aren’t that much different between the two sectors. This is especially true for roles with comparable titles and functions.</p><p>We sat down with a few government workers to talk about their jobs, including <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">benefits</a>, pay transparency, <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiating salary</a>, and the pros and cons of working in the government. In the video, a local government worker, Daniel, states that the reason he’s in this line of work <strong>is the mission.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>“To be able to assist residents and businesses in the nation’s capital to get stuff done that they need to get done is so rewarding, and just being able to be connected to that and seeing the results of my hard work happen very quickly is super rewarding for me,” says Daniel.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>A big pro that these workers discussed is that their jobs provide certain benefits that aren’t available at private companies, such as pensions. Similar to the role of unions for many <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">high-paying trade jobs</a>, several government jobs also have a strong union presence, providing collective bargaining power for wages, benefits, and working conditions.</p><h2>12 Highest-Paying Government Jobs to Make Over $100k in 2026</h2><p><strong>Transparency is the name of the game and we're here for it!</strong> Government jobs actually paved the way for salary transparency. Before there were any <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> set, public sectors were already fighting <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">pay discrimination</a> and have been sharing salary data since the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/foia#:~:text=The%20Freedom%20of%20Information%20Act%20(FOIA)%20allows%20any%20person%20the,in%20writing%20by%20any%20person.">Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) </a>was enacted in 1966. Now it’s time for us to sink our teeth into some of that juicy data.</p><p>We identified these 12 top-earning government jobs in high demand for 2026 after pulling together salary data from the past 3+ years of interviews, over 13,000 publicly recorded salaries in our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>, the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook</a>, and the <a href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/">U.S. Office of Personnel Management</a>.</p><p>You can find all of the highest government salaries we recorded by filtering for “government” in our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> or by searching for the job titles below. <strong>Don’t forget to join and add your salary too!</strong></p><h2>1. Senator</h2><p><strong>Yearly salary: </strong><a href="https://www.senate.gov/senators/SenateSalariesSince1789.htm">$174,000</a> <strong>– All senators make the same! </strong>See our recent interview with U.S. senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, and Elissa Slotkin to hear more about what they do and how much they make. 👇</p>

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet/video/7495417249503694122" data-video-id="7495417249503694122" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@salarytransparentstreet" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">@salarytransparentstreet</a> How much do US Senators and Representatives make? Thanks to Senator Warren, @Senator Cory Booker, Senator Gallego and Senator Slotkin for being transparent with us! Reminder: ALL federal government positions are 100% transparent (you can look them all up), and EVERY Senator and Representative in Congress makes the same amount. Pay gap where? 💚 In 2017, President Trump passed a massive tax giveaway to billionaires and giant corporations that cost the US nearly $2 trillion. This year, many of those tax breaks are ending, and Republicans in Congress took the first steps last week to not only extend these giveaways, but make them permanent. This decision will add $4.5 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, and $37 trillion over the next 30 years. ($37 trillion is as much debt as we have today, built up over 249 years.) Billionaires and big corporations don&#39;t need any more handouts, especially not at the expense of hard-working Americans and their families! Please contact your representatives and make your voice heard by demanding they represent their constituents and not the ultra-wealthy! Thanks to @UnrigOurEconomy for trusting our platform and community with this important message! 🫡 <a title="salarytransparentstreet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparentstreet?refer=embed">#salarytransparentstreet</a> <a title="salarytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/salarytransparency?refer=embed">#salarytransparency</a> <a title="paytransparency" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/paytransparency?refer=embed">#paytransparency</a> <a title="unrigoureconomypartner" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/unrigoureconomypartner?refer=embed">#unrigoureconomypartner</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7495417406186081070?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Salary Transparent Street</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>Senators are the officials we elect to represent our states in congress and the faces that you probably recognize the most, including the faces we interviewed. They’re legislators who represent the people of their state to draft and vote on laws that impact everything from healthcare to foreign policy.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The cost of your meds, how you receive your education, and the taxes you pay: they have a part in all of it. </strong>There is a certain kind of balance senators must keep. While they represent local interests back home, they’re also making decisions that shape an entire nation. It’s up to them on how they handle both when federal interests clash with state and local&nbsp; interests.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>No specific education required. The only <a href="https://www.senate.gov/senators/qualifications_termsofservice.htm">requirements </a>the government has for senators are for them to at least be 30 years old, have U.S. citizenship for at least 9 years, and be a resident in the state they represent at the time of election.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/JKEXQr" rel="sponsored">Law, Governance, and Public Policy</a></p><h2>2. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=IT+program+manager&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">IT Program Manager</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm">$171,200 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database?page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=industry%3DGovernment">$240,000 per year </a>at Accenture (government contractor)</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 15% increase in job growth</p><p>There are several <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/technology/government-it-initiatives">government IT initiatives</a> that need IT program managers to run them, including those in AI, digital experience, identity and access management, and even our tax system. For example, they might manage a program to modernize IRS tax processing or roll out a new electronic health records system across VA hospitals.</p><p>Their work is what stands between you and if your tax return will get digitally accepted, or if you’re a veteran, if the VA hospital can access your patient records accurately or not. The way they manage these programs has a huge effect on the population. It’s a big job with many opportunities not only in local government, but also at private companies that work on government contracts (like Accenture does).</p><p>If you don’t want to focus on IT programs but still want to explore program management, there are still plenty of other government opportunities out there. <strong>We interviewed a program manager in the public sector who makes $78,000 a year developing programs in healthcare to support the community while also working with health insurance companies to continue to fund those programs!</strong></p>

How much does a #ProgramManager in the public sector make in📍Austin, TX? #salarytransparentstreet

<p><strong>Education needed: </strong>An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or similar area. For other program managers not in IT, degree programs in business and management are typically required.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/jej2dn" rel="sponsored">IBM Program Manager Professional Certificate</a></p>

<h2>3. Attorney&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm">$151,160 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dlawyer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$500,000 per year</a> in law enforcement</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>8% increase in job growth</p><p>Attorneys that work in government have similar responsibilities and duties to private attorneys, but instead of representing individuals or businesses, they represent the government. They usually work for government agencies at the local, state, or federal level, with duties that may include prosecuting criminal cases, providing legal advice to government departments, or drafting and enforcing regulations.</p>

<p>One reason why government attorneys are paid well is the heightened level of responsibility and specialized expertise required for their position. They must holistically understand public law and government procedures, and also be skilled in researching legal issues, drafting legal documents, and preparing reports for governmental use. <strong>We recently interviewed a lawyer who makes $215,000 with only 2 years of experience!</strong></p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> A Juris Doctor (JD) degree and passing the bar exam.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job:</strong> <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/9L5DQ0" rel="sponsored">A Law Student's Toolkit</a> course from Yale University</p>

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<h2>4. Air Traffic Controller</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm">$144,580 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DAir+Traffic+Controller&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$204,000 per year</a> at the FAA</p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>1% increase in job growth</p><p>When we take a plane anywhere, there are air traffic controllers that coordinate different aircrafts to make sure we have a safe trip. The only difference for government air traffic controllers is that they typically work for national aviation authorities, such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Many may also come from a military background and bring experience from military air traffic control. <strong>We interviewed an air traffic controller in the video below who went through the military and makes a base salary of $175,000!</strong></p><p>Air traffic controllers undergo extensive training to handle the high-stakes nature of their job and require a specific set of hard skills to perform their day-to-day duties. A few of these skills include knowledge of radar and surveillance systems and the ability to communicate effectively. They must also have exceptional flight data and aerospace management skills.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>The completion of an Associate’s or Bachelor's degree through <a href="https://www.faa.gov/jobs/students/schools">AT-CTI programs</a> set by the FAA and complete training at the <a href="https://www.faa.gov/">Federal Aviation Administration</a> (FAA) academy.</p>

Air Traffic Controller Reveal Their REAL Salary

<h2>5. Nurse Practitioner</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm">$132,050 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNurse+Practitioner&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$194,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>38% increase in job growth</p><p>The demand for government nurse practitioners is skyrocketing. The position is one of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">highest-paying healthcare jobs</a> and was named the best job in 2024 by <a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/the-25-best-jobs#:~:text=Nurse%20anesthetists%20are%20registered%20nurses,critical%20decisions%20about%20patient%20care.">U.S. News &amp; World Report</a>, with a projected <strong>118,600 new jobs by 2032</strong>.</p>

<p>The difference between nurse practitioners that work for the government versus those that work in the private sector is they often work within public health clinics, VA hospitals, or military facilities. Their primary duties are to provide healthcare services, such as diagnosing and treating patients, and are in huge demand due to the decreasing number of doctors.&nbsp;</p><p>Skills needed to be a successful nurse practitioner are advanced clinical knowledge, proficiency in medical procedures, and expertise in pharmacology, which are core skills for several <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">healthcare careers</a>. They must also understand the unique needs of military or veteran patients if they work in military settings or Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>Become a registered nurse (RN) through an accredited nursing program, obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a master's degree, and be board certified. <strong>We interviewed a nurse practitioner who makes $144,000 a year plus bonuses after getting a bachelor’s degree, working as a registered nurse, and then went back to school for a Master’s degree in nursing.</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/zxD6jM" rel="sponsored">Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us</a><strong> </strong>course from University of Pennsylvania&nbsp;</p>

How Much Do Nurses Make? Nurse Salary Compilation 💚 Salary Transparent Street

<h2>6. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=cybersecurity&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Cybersecurity Analyst or Specialist</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm">$124,910 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DCyberSecurity&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters="> $205,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>32% increase in job growth</p><p>Positions in cybersecurity are set to soar in the next ten years as one of the<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs"> top tech jobs</a>, especially those in the government. So much so that the National Cyber Director is <a href="https://govciomedia.com/white-house-eyes-new-pillar-in-cyber-strategy-refresh/">establishing a National Cyber Academic Program</a> to help fill over half a million of these projected jobs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>U.S. government intelligence data is a coveted item by hackers, and cyber security analysts are there to protect it. Analysts typically work for federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Security Agency (NSA), along with the Department of Defense, and state and local governments.&nbsp;</p><p>Cybersecurity analysts are experts at securing network infrastructures and protocols, including firewalls and VPNs. They’re also coders that need to write and understand code or for automating tasks, using knowledge of encryption methods to protect sensitive data. A day in the life of one of these analysts may include monitoring and responding to threats and implementing security measures.</p>

<p><strong>Education needed:</strong> A Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or something similar. Not all jobs may require a degree and may be accepted based on skills and certifications. <strong>We interviewed a cybersecurity analyst who makes $150,000 after 5 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in information security!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xLoE0O" rel="sponsored">Foundations of Cybersecurity</a> course from Google</p>

<h2>7. Economist</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm">$115,440 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Deconomist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$175,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034):</strong> 6% increase in job growth</p><p>Government economists work with economic data to inform decision-makers on the economic implications of various policies, such as reducing unemployment or controlling inflation. They typically work at federal government agencies, such as the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, and Labor and the Federal Reserve, state and local governments, and regulatory agencies.</p><p>The day-to-day duties include anything from economic data analysis to modeling and predicting outcomes based on various scenarios. They must also know how to conduct research, prepare reports, and provide insights on economic issues.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in economics, public policy, business, or other related fields. <strong>We interviewed an economist who makes $68,000 a year after completing his master’s degree and a 6-month internship!&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DyXGaj" rel="sponsored">Logic for Economists</a><strong> </strong>course from the University of Amsterdam</p>

How much do a #BusinessAnalyst and #Economist make?📍Baltimore, MD #salarytransparentstreet

<h2>8. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=data+scientist&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Data Scientist</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary:</strong> <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm">$112,590 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Ddata+scientist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=industry%3DGovernment">$160,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034)</strong>: 35% increase in job growth</p><p>Governments can’t make decisions without understanding their data. That’s where data scientists come in. Due to the demand for data scientists and AI expertise, <a href="https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-report/2024/01/opm-leads-governmentwide-data-scientist-hiring-effort-to-build-up-ai-expertise/">The Office of Personnel Management (OPM)</a> announced in a governmentwide hiring effort.&nbsp;</p><p>Their job is to interpret large volumes of data to inform public policy decision-making. Without them, the government wouldn’t know how to optimize government programs and services, improve efficiency, and address societal challenges.</p>

anchorman gif of ron burgundy saying it's science

<p>The daily job duties of a government data scientist include data management and analysis, and interpreting that data to create visual representations and communicate findings to stakeholders.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Education needed:</strong> A Bachelor's degree is data science, computer science, engineering, or equivalent area. Some jobs may hire based on skills, experience, and certifications in place of a bachelor's degree requirement. <strong>We interviewed a data scientist who makes $110,000 a year after a data science bootcamp and a bachelor’s degree in business!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MAEXnY" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Data Science</a> course from IBM</p>

Data Scientists Make How Much? 🤯 Data Scientist Salary Compilation 💚 Salary Transparent Street

<h2>9. Statistician</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm">$104,350 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DStatistician&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$158,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>11% increase in job growth</p><p>Anytime we see census data from the government, statisticians are the ones behind the scenes designing the census survey and collecting that data. Then analyze that data to identify population growth trends and inform resource allocation for public services like schools and hospitals. They also evaluate unemployment rates and economic indicators to help guide policy decisions on job creation and social programs.</p>

<p>But how is that any different from data analysts and data scientists? The main difference is statisticians develop and apply advanced mathematical models to process and analyze data, while data analysts focus on using established tools and methods to interpret data and provide practical insights. However, there are times when they work together.</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A Bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or related field and a master's degree or PhD may be required for advanced positions.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DyXGMj" rel="sponsored">Foundations of Probability and Statistics</a> course from the University of Colorado Boulder</p><h2>10. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=Program+Analyst&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Program Analyst or Policy Analyst</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm">$101,190 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DProgram+Analyst&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=industry%3DGovernment">$135,000 per year in defense</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>10% increase in job growth</p><p>Government program analysts use data to create policies, which may also sometimes be called a policy analyst. Their primary job duty is to evaluate and improve public programs, such as public health and economic development programs, through data analysis and reporting. However, their specific job title and responsibilities may change depending on the company hiring and the position.&nbsp;</p><p>Program analysts can be a sort of catch-all job title due to their variety of job responsibilities. Sometimes they have duties that resemble a software engineer with project management skills or being a business analyst that works to improve government processes and functions. The role may vary widely depending on the government agency and program, but regardless, the job pays great and is quite rewarding.</p><p><strong>We interviewed a policy analyst in the government who makes $182,000 a year after serving time in the military, and getting a Bachelor's degree in government politics and a Master’s degree in administration!</strong></p>

#PolicyAnalyst in New York City, NY📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<p>Skills needed to become a program analyst include coding skills using various programming languages and expertise in interpreting data and applying methodologies. They usually work with tools like Excel, SAS, database management systems, and project management software.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A degree may not be an absolute requirement and may depend on the specific position, but a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields like public administration, economics, or data science, or becoming a <a href="https://www.agacgfm.org/cgfm-certification/">Certified Government Financial Manager</a> (CGFM) or the <a href="https://www.certifiedanalytics.org/">Certified Analytics Professional</a> (CAP) may be helpful in securing a job.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/3JDWMK" rel="sponsored">Using Public Policy for Social Change</a> course from the University of Michigan</p><h2>11. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board?job_title=Civil+Engineer&amp;city=&amp;state=&amp;country=&amp;locationLabel=&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=posted_at&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">Civil Engineer</a></h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm">$99,590 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database:</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DCivil+Engineer&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$270,000 per year at Kimley-Horn (government contractor)</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>5% increase in job growth</p><p>Civil engineering involves the design, planning, and oversight of the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects that are vital to our everyday lives. Think of the roads you drive and the buildings you see. They wouldn’t exist without civil engineers.</p>

gif of person saying i'm a civil engineer

<p>Other project areas civil engineers oversee in addition to roads and buildings include bridges, water supply systems, wastewater management, railways, airports, tunnels, flood control systems, and park and recreational facilities. So yea, their work has a huge impact on the quality of our lives and community.&nbsp;</p><p>As our infrastructure ages (which it's always doing), the demand will continue to go up for these jobs. <strong>This makes it a great stable option to explore!</strong></p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering is a common requirement.</p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Oe20vN" rel="sponsored">BIM Fundamentals for Engineers</a> course from L&amp;T EduTech</p>

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<h2>12. Budget Analyst</h2><p><strong>Median salary: </strong><a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm">$87,930 per year</a></p><p><strong>Highest salary recorded in our Salary Database: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dbudget+analyst&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$140,000 per year</a></p><p><strong>Job outlook (2024-2034): </strong>3% increase in job growth</p><p>A government budget analyst, also referred to as a budget officer, works for public institutions, such as federal government, state, and local government departments. Their main responsibility is to help manage and track how money is spent. We all know the government has a little bit of a spending problem, so these workers are crucial for addressing the nation’s debt and yearly budgets.</p><p><strong>Government budgets go through 3 main phases; budget formulation, budget presentation/enactment, and budget execution. </strong>Budget analysts assist in these phases by analyzing past spending and future needs, and create budget proposals from their findings. From there, they help government entities stick to their budgets and track their performance.</p>

spongebob squarepants gif of fish calculating something

<p>Their work is key to everyday public services and programs, such as education, healthcare, and social programs. The budgets they work on could end up deciding things like how much money is allocated to schools or where your tax money goes.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Education needed: </strong>A Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, accounting, economics, or statistics is typically required. <strong>We interviewed a budget analyst that makes $93,000 a year with 5 years of experience!</strong></p><p><strong>Learn the skills for this job: </strong><a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MA6zVK" rel="sponsored">Finance &amp; Quantitative Modeling for Analysts</a> course from the University of Pennsylvania&nbsp;</p>

The Wharf, Washington, D.C.📍#salarytransparency #equalpay #diversitymatters #howmuchdoyoumake

<h1>How to Break Into Government Jobs</h1><p>The skills for breaking into the public sector are no different from the private sector. You go through the same motions of seeking required education, networking, and gaining experience through internships or entry-level work. However, if you’re in the military or were formerly in the military, you might have an edge over non-military applicants.</p><p><strong>Some</strong> <strong>government jobs pay on a per-level basis using the General Schedule (GS)</strong>. There are 15 different grades, starting from GS-1 to GS-15, with GS-15 being the highest-paying classification. How these grades are assigned to different positions are based on the level of responsibility, difficulty, specific hard skills required, and qualifications required. Positions that are classified at a GS-5 and above require a bachelor's degree, and those above GS-9 require a master’s degree. Keep these in mind as you look at open jobs and decide what education path you’ll take.</p><p>A great way to gain the most relevant experience is by looking for government agencies that have any entry-level positions open, or working for companies that contract with the government. They don’t have to be in the specific position you’re going for, especially if you haven’t met all of the qualifications just yet, but can be in adjacent positions with less qualifications while you finish school and work your way up. However, <strong>if there is a position that you think you’d be perfect for but don’t meet all the qualifications, apply to it anyway</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>To start searching for and applying to government jobs, use <a href="https://www.usajobs.gov/">USAJOBS</a>, a website managed by the U.S. government for their federal hiring process. <strong>Then check out our</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a> <strong>to find more openings!</strong></p>

<p>Don’t forget to use our list of the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/job-interview-questions-and-answers">most common interview questions and answers</a> when preparing for your interview, and always advocate for yourself and negotiate your salary at any job you work.</p><p>We know you’ll land a good one and can’t wait to see what differences you make in our everyday lives!</p><p>That wraps it up for this week. Until next time, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a current member of the<a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/"> CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub"> Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/"> Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!</p><p>If this guide helps you land a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@checksalaries.com">hello@checksalaries.com</a></p><p><strong>For more Salary Transparent Resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">Market Salary Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

illustration of government building and dollar bills against a split green background with title text overlay that says highest-paying government jobs

12 Highest-Paying Government Jobs for 2026 (+ What Workers Are Saying)

<p><i>Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands we trust. Using them doesn’t cost you anything and helps support our mission.</i></p><p>Did you just get off the most tone deaf Zoom call where someone from human resources announced a mass layoff? Or worse, was it done over email?</p><p>Getting laid off is never fun and it’s downright insulting when it’s done without an ounce of respect. Your employer could be downsizing, restructuring, or going through other operational changes, but that doesn’t make it seem any less personal.</p><p>We’ve seen way too many layoffs recently from technology companies, partially <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/will-ai-take-my-job">due to AI,</a> but it can happen within any company and <strong>it’s absolutely not your fault</strong>.</p><p>There have been <strong>1.1 million job cuts in 2025 so far (65% more than 2024)</strong>, according to an <a href="https://www.challengergray.com/blog/october-challenger-report-153074-job-cuts-on-cost-cutting-ai/">October 2025 report</a> by Challenger, Gray &amp; Christmas, an outplacement and executive coaching firm that tracks layoffs monthly.</p><p>Layoffs are emotional and you’ll need some time to process, but it’s important to stay professional with your eyes looking forward. Sit with those emotions and feel your feelings, but don’t stay there.&nbsp;</p><p>We gathered a few software engineers to get a behind-the-scenes look into their careers, including how they’re handling layoffs. One software engineer we interviewed had an interesting point. He says, “<strong>It gives you, as an employee, a chance to kind of redefine or reevaluate where you’re at.</strong>” He touches on this chance that you now have to take the power back in your hands and see where you can pivot from there.&nbsp;</p>

How Much Do Software Engineers Make? Reactions to AI, Layoffs and More! The Break Room Episode 5

<p>You’re not alone in this and it won’t be the deciding factor for what happens to the rest of your career. <strong>There </strong><i><strong>is </strong></i><strong>life after a layoff.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Use this step-by-step guide to understand your rights, secure your severance, learn how to file for unemployment, and other important tasks like </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/401k-rollovers">rolling over your 401(k) </a><strong>and getting healthcare coverage, so you can move on with your life and on to your next chapter.</strong></p><p><strong>Key points:</strong></p><ul><li>There are laws in place, like the WARN act, that protect workers’ rights in a layoff.</li><li>Get all of the details about your layoff from human resources in writing, which is called a “layoff letter”, before you sign anything.</li><li>You may be entitled to a severance package, continuation of benefits, and unemployment.</li><li>You can work with an employment lawyer through the National Employment Lawyers Association throughout your layoff to negotiate your severance and benefits, and make sure your rights are being honored (most offer free consultations).</li><li>Revisit your finances and adjust your budget to account for the loss of income and apply for unemployment benefits through the U.S. Department of Labor website.</li><li>Prepare a few things to re-enter the job market with, such as recommendation letters, resume and LinkedIn updates, and connect with your professional network.</li></ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Know Your Rights &amp; Revisit Your Contract</h2><p>Yes, employees have rights, especially during a layoff! We reached out to retired employment attorney, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/delyannethemoneycoach/">Delyanne Barros</a>, to help us get a little more acquainted with what rights you may or may not have.&nbsp;</p><p>After hearing the <i>unsavory </i>news of your layoff, expect a separate meeting request from human resources. If they don’t, set one up. This meeting is to go over the details of the layoff and to ask for your signature on a few documents (don’t sign just yet).&nbsp;</p><p>Delyanne says that employees should not sign anything before talking to an attorney. “Many employers will try to pressure you to sign a severance agreement or waiver on the spot. The best thing to do is to take it with you and say that you need to look it over carefully and that you will promptly get back to them,” says Delyanne.</p>

<p>Delyanne recommends that employees get familiar with the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/layoffs/warn">Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act</a>. “Most states in the US are at-will states which means that an employer can fire for any reason or none at all. However, there are specific laws that apply to certain employers when conducting mass layoffs. <strong>The WARN Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide 60 days notice of any mass layoffs</strong>."</p><p>To find whether an employer has issued a WARN notice or not, a simple google search can help. ”An employee can look up whether their employer has issued a WARN notice by googling ‘Warn notice’ plus their state. Many states also have mini-WARN Acts that provide additional protections for employees at smaller companies,” she says.</p><p><strong>There are currently </strong><a href="https://www.statechambers.org/state-warn-acts"><strong>13 states</strong></a><strong> with mini-WARN acts, including California, Connecticut, Washington, North Carolina, and Illinois, to name a few.</strong></p><p>Employees’ rights outside of the WARN Act can get a little tricky, but Delyanne says to check your employment contract to see if it outlines any specific information in case of a layoff, and to reach out to the <a href="https://www.nela.org/">National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)</a> to find an employment lawyer to work with.</p><h2>Request a “Layoff Letter”</h2><p>Your company can supply a confirmation letter, or “layoff letter”, that states that your position is being terminated. <strong>Request this letter from the human resources associate you’re working with that includes the reasons for the layoff, effective date of termination, date of your last paycheck, and details about any severance payments or benefits that you’re entitled to.</strong></p><p>Having this letter gives you official documentation of your layoff, which may come in handy when applying for unemployment benefits and future job searches. It will also come in handy if there are any disputes or legal issues related to the layoff.</p><h2>Understand Your Severance Package</h2>

gif of jason bateman on ozark saying "where's my money"

<p>If you’re entitled to a severance package, lucky you! That will be your lifeline after your final paycheck, so don’t overlook it. It’s best to review all the details with a member of human resources so you fully understand your severance package and if it’s fair or not. There are no stupid questions here. Ask them anything and everything you can think of.</p><p>Negotiation is the name of the game with severances. <strong>Just like</strong> <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiating salary during a job offer</a><strong>, severance packages can also be negotiated. </strong>Delyanne says this is where an employment lawyer also comes in handy, but many people hesitate to reach out to one because they think they’re only useful when planning to sue an employer. “However, I coached many clients behind-the-scenes during severance negotiations or negotiated on their behalf if they preferred it,” she says.</p><p>Delyanne advises employees to “consult with an employment attorney in their state before they engage in severance negotiations. Most attorneys will offer a free consultation and may provide some guidance during that meeting.”</p><p><strong>Employees wanting to speak with an employment lawyer should check</strong> <a href="https://exchange.nela.org/memberdirectory/findalawyer">NELA’s referral directory</a> <strong>online.&nbsp;</strong></p><h2>Ask About Benefits</h2><p><strong>Similar to </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiating benefits</a> <strong>during a job offer, you can also negotiate them when you leave. </strong>In your meeting with HR, go over your current benefits with them to see if compensation is warranted.&nbsp;</p><p>Even if your benefit information is included in the layoff letter, discuss the specifics with human resources so you don’t have any unexpected surprises later on. Ask about health coverage changes, including the official end date of your employer-sponsored health plan and how to sign up for <a href="https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/cobra">Continuation of Health Coverage (COBRA)</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>But, what about unused paid time off (PTO)? </strong>You can absolutely get compensated for those if the company is able to include it. Some employers already have a policy indicating the certain number of PTO days they pay out for employees based on how long they’ve been at the company, but if yours doesn’t, don’t be afraid to ask! Your employment lawyer can help you negotiate this as well.</p><h2>Look At Options to Continue Healthcare Coverage</h2><p>Depending on your employer, you may be able to sign up for COBRA to continue your health coverage. The time period for the coverage continuation usually falls around 18 months, but you’ll have to pay the full premium in addition to administration fees.</p>

gif of larry david on snl saying "universal health care doesn't sound too crazy now, does it?"

<p>Another option is looking at alternative health insurance options on the <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/">Healthcare Marketplace</a> or joining your spouse’s health plan.&nbsp;</p><h2>Review Your 401(k) &amp; Prepare for a 401(k) Rollover</h2><p><strong>Your 401(k) is 100% yours and won’t disappear just because you've been laid off. </strong>Employers will either keep it where it is, or transfer it to another 401(k) provider or Individual Retirement Account (IRA) of their choosing.&nbsp;</p><p>This is where 401(k) rollovers come in. It’s a good idea to rollover your 401(k) after your last day of employment so you aren’t at the mercy of the company’s choices. When rolling over a 401(k), there’s the option of transferring it to an IRA of your choosing using tools like Capitalize or PensionBee.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Ask Your Boss for a Letter of Recommendation</h2><p>You need as many resources on your side as possible when you reenter the job market. This is where your boss can help! I mean, it’s the least they can do.</p>

gif of simon on zoey's playlist saying "morning, boss"

<p>Set up a quick 1-on-1 with your boss during your last weeks or months at your job to see if they can write a letter of recommendation for you and if you can use them as a reference. Another option is asking them if they can fill out a recommendation for you on LinkedIn to help your profile attract recruiters.</p><p>Many folks will also post on LinkedIn that they just got laid off and are looking for another job. If you also want to do this, I recommend following <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kelli-e-ballou-mcmillan-6ba85ba2_cisco-avaya-aws-activity-7389402559255494656-aOTI/">this example</a> and asking your manager if they can comment on it and vouch for your expertise (including at least 1 result you achieved). This is such an easy 1-minute thing they can do for you that will instantly appear in front of multiple employers at once, including your manager’s connections as well.</p><h2>File for Unemployment Benefits</h2><p>Unemployment benefits are available to laid off employees if your employer contributed to the state’s unemployment insurance program. Payments from unemployment benefits, and its duration, will depend on your state.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website to find your state and</strong> <a href="https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance">file for unemployment benefits</a>.</p><h2>Revisit Your Finances &amp; Adjust Your Budget</h2><p>Now that you’ve lost your primary source of income, it’s time to review your finances. Log into your different accounts including your checking, savings, and any investment accounts to take stock of your current financial situation.&nbsp;</p><p>Re-adjust your budget and cut any expenses you can. If you’ve saved an emergency fund, determine how much of it you want to use and how you can rework your budget to accommodate it.</p><h2>Update Your Resume &amp; LinkedIn</h2>

<p>It’s probably been awhile since you’ve updated your resume and LinkedIn. Many of us forget about them the longer we stay at one job. It’s time to update and revamp both to help you stand out when applying for jobs.</p><p>Add information about your most recent job to your resume. Update it to include not only what you did, but also include the impact and results of your contributions. <strong>We love</strong> <a href="https://get.tealhq.com/55VxqL" rel="sponsored">Teal </a><strong>for updating your resume.</strong> It formats your resume so recruiters can find it easily and suggests ways to stand out, including how to match your resume to the jobs you’re applying to.</p><p>Then update your information on LinkedIn, including your past role and the skills used in that role. Even better if you put a bullet or 2 about project results and upload or link to the work you did at each company (if you’re allowed to share that work). It’s also helpful to add keywords in your LinkedIn headline that shows exactly what you do and for who, and select that you’re “Open to work” on your profile.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-write-a-cover-letter"><strong>How to Write An Unignorable Cover Letter (With Examples)</strong></a></p>

<h2>Tap Into Your Network</h2><p>Your network is one of the most valuable resources when searching for a new job. Reach out to past colleagues on LinkedIn or other platforms, and any recruiters you’ve had contact with in the past.&nbsp;</p><p>If you’re in any local networking groups, such as a women’s networking group or alumni organization, reconnect with them and see what events are happening near you or virtually. Online groups, like those on <a href="https://slack.com/">Slack</a>, <a href="https://www.fishbowlapp.com/">Fishbowl</a>, and <a href="https://joinhandshake.com/">Handshake</a>, can also be helpful when building a professional network. Type into Google your job title and the words “Slack groups” to find relevant groups for you.</p><h2>Really Think About Where You Want to Go From Here</h2>

gif with woman saying "into the next chapter of my life"

<p><strong>Before diving head first into a stream of endless job applications, ask yourself what you </strong><i><strong>really </strong></i><strong>want to do from this point on.</strong> Do you want to work for a company in the same sector? Do you want the same role? Do you want to freelance while you figure out your next move?</p><p>Most people need a new job immediately to replace the loss of income, especially when they don’t have an emergency fund to fall back on. This is why many turn to freelancing during their job search. Or if they already did so as a side hustle, they lean even more into it. That’s exactly what <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/justdanamiranda/">Dana Miranda</a>, a personal finance journalist that I spoke to about her recent layoff, did after she got the news.</p><p>“I didn't start applying for jobs right away or reach out for any freelance writing work. I slowly contacted a couple of people in my network about full-time writing jobs, and I decided to take the opportunity to diversify my income,” says Dana. “I don't want to be wholly reliant on the media industry, especially a single niche, for my income. So I posted to LinkedIn offering virtual assistant(VA)/operations support to see if I’d get any bites.”</p><p>This was something Dana had experience in from running her own freelance business on the side of her job, and she indeed got some bites. She was able to secure 3 clients from promoting her new service on LinkedIn via one simple post. If you want to try a similar approach in your area of expertise, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/justdanamiranda_know-anyone-who-needs-a-va-in-the-wake-activity-7388599306573967360-DRe5/">follow her example</a> to get an idea for how to position yourself. She’s still looking for jobs while running her new VA service and freelance writing.</p><p>Also think about how much you want to get paid and what sort of benefits you’re looking for in your next job. Our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> and free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">Market Research Guide</a> can help when setting your market salary range.&nbsp;</p><p>And for your job search, our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/job-board">Transparent Job Board</a> can help! <strong>We only post jobs that include the salary because you don’t deserve to spend hours applying to jobs that may not even pay you fairly.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>For </strong><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-remote-jobs">remote jobs</a><strong>, we love </strong><a href="https://flexjobs.sjv.io/xL7Rm5" rel="sponsored">FlexJobs</a> (they screen every job so the job board is 100% scam-free and ghost job-free).</p>

<h2>Take Care of What Matters Most: Yourself</h2><p>Job hunting is exhausting. Take it day-by-day and know that there <i>is</i> light at the end of this tunnel. It’s important to have some sort of structure in your days with a daily routine. Add some much-needed self care and set realistic expectations in your job search to promote a positive outlook.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Please, please, please ask for help if you need it</strong>, whether that’s spending time with your family and friends to free your mind, working with a life or career coach, or reaching out to a mental health professional. There are people out there that can help you through this, including those in the Salary Transparent Street community.</p><p>That wraps it up for this week. Until next time, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a current member of the<a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/"> CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub"> Resource Hub </a>(thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/"> Linkedin</a>. Chat soon! 👋</p><p>If this guide helps you improve your negotiation skills, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@checksalaries.com">hello@checksalaries.com</a></p><p><strong>For more transparent resources:</strong></p><ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

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