Five High-Paying Careers in Two Years or Less

Yahoo lists five high-paying careers you can have in two years or less as follows:

1. Dental Hygienist -- Median annual earnings: $58,350.

2. Fashion Designer -- Median annual earnings: $55,840.

3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer -- Median annual earnings: $52,490.

4. Forensic Science Technician -- Median annual earnings: $44,010.

5. Paralegal -- Median annual earnings: $39,130.

Maybe it's just me, but these don't seem that "high-paying." Perhaps Yahoo is stretching it a bit? I think $80k per year or up would qualify as high-paying to me. How about you?

That said, these are decent salaries for two-year degrees.

If you're interested in earning more money -- either in your career or with outside pursuits -- I suggest you check out 11 Great Ways to Earn More Money.

Comments

[Mark Miller]

Remember those are averages for pay. 50000 in NYC doesn't go very far but is middle class in the South and Midwest. They are also more 40 hour a week jobs than doctors or lawyers which is ideal for a family

[That One Caveman]

I think it's also saying that they're relatively high-paying for only having to put in 2 years. For someone with no education making maybe $10/hour in retail, that's a huge leap.

[LC]

In 2006, the median annual household income was $48,201.00 according to the US Census Bureau. The first three are higher than that and can thus be considered high paying. Even the last 2 are higher than a typical teacher's salary, for instance, which requires 4+ years of education. So these are pretty high paying jobs for 2 years of school. Perhaps a good option for someone looking to change careers in "retirement."

[Traciatim]

Keep in mind that in 2005 in Canada the median individual income was 25,400. Adding in 3% per year until 2008 would get about 27,700. I'm sure it's near the same amount in the USA. So considering the dental hygienist makes more than double the median individual income I would consider that a fairly high salary.

[Mark Bovair]

Caveman said it perfectly. These are very high-paying jobs, especially as a second income in a household, and they are geared toward someone without a college degree.

If you could go from making $10/hour working at Target to $50k per year, that would be significant.

[MonkeyMonk]

I take issue with "fashion designer" since anyone familiar with the industry knows that jobs are incredibly competitive and with the popularity of shows such as "Project Runway" there are many more applicants than there are positions. They might as well have included movie star -- median annual earnings: 10 million.

[Jim]

I think if you're looking for a new potential career then its also important to look at the current and future demand prospects for the field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts out a publication called the Occupational Outlook Handbook. You can go there and look up data on most jobs to find info on median pay and future demand. OOH: http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm

For example on Dental Hygenists it says:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos097.htm
"Dental hygienists rank among the fastest growing occupations, and job prospects are expected to remain excellent."

And MoneyMonk makes a good point on Fashion Designers, the OOH says:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos291.htm
"Slower-than-average job growth is projected. Competition for jobs is expected to be keen as many designers are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation."

Jim

[Daizy]

Those are also "median" salaries so you have to work at that job for a while to reach that level.

I have an issue with Sonographer being on the list. I looked in to that career a few years back. All of the programs in my state of Arizona required a previous 2 year nursing degree or a 2 year x-ray tech degree to get in to the program. Plus the nursing and x-ray tech programs here have a waiting list. 2 years to become a Sonographer is totally unrealistic.

By the way, I make $37k/yr with a 2 year drafting degree and that is pretty good for a single person in this area. I've been working for 7 years. I am on my way to 'retiring' in 5 years (by that I mean work for fun). I wouldn't want to have to support a family on that but people do it with less.

[Art Director]

I don't entire disagree with these findings. I really believe these figures aren't a far reach. It's pretty much up to the individual to make the best of a job/career and thrive. If you love what you do, this comes easy and people take notice. With that said, I so believe that this is can be acheived easier in the creative professions. Take myself for example, at 27 I have three years experience and I am currently at 75K as an Art Director with NO Degree whatsoever. (started out as a graphic designer after taking a few courses)

I think that sometimes people forget that nothing is impossible if you love what you do and are willing to work hard (while making sure that others take notice). Tons of wealthy people are self-made with no formal education. It's takes alot of instinct and hussle.

For example, I moved up quickly because I was the one to take on the most challenging projects that no one else wanted and polished my public speaking and presentation skills. Skills such as these go a long way for someone without a degree.

It really all depends on the individual - nothing is out of reach these days.

[jeff]

I can't agree these wages are NOT high regardless of education. As we approach 2009 85,000--120,000 is moving
into high the "high pay" scale.