The Quickest Route to a Six-Figure Job

Gabby Hyman, FindTheRightSchool.com, Yahoo! HotJobs

Today’s college graduates dream of breaking the $100k barrier in considering their careers and aspirations. The road to the top-level salaries in the land is arduous and may be fraught with setbacks. Beware of get-rich-quick schemes. Continuing your education is often the key to rising to a six-figure income.In most professions, there are few shortcuts beyond dedication and training. Some simply have ceilings that remain below the magic number. Other career choices, however, are naturally pegged to higher earning power. Very few career groups offer six-figure entry wages. Here are a few that lend themselves to strong earnings after several years of on-the-job experience and/or advanced college degree work.

Actuaries
Actuaries earned a mean annual wage of $95,420 in 2007, with the top tier hauling down a tasty $145,600. Most (60 percent) are employed in the insurance industry, crunching numbers to determine risks in pension planning, insurance coverage, or investment strategies. That means they need a high math aptitude and financial savvy. However, many only hold a bachelor’s degree in math, business or statistics. You can earn one of those online in short order and get yourself going.

Job outlook: Exceptional, with a 24-percent rise in positions for actuaries projected over the 2006-2016 decade.

Dental Hygienists
Not all dental hygienists‘ earnings skyrocket into the six figures — but there are enough that do, making this a surprisingly rich opportunity for someone who holds only an associate degree. The Labor Department reports that while the median earnings are in the high $60k range, the top-end hygienists found themselves in the $90k range last year. And you can prep for this career in the two-year, online career training program and be loving life in a matter of a few years with experience.

Job outlook: Magnificent. Hygienists are among the fastest-growing career groups in the country, with a 30-percent rise in new positions predicted through 2016.

Marketing Managers
Marketing managers earned a median income of $104,000 in 2007. At the top end, salaries were well over $150k. These professionals lead campaigns by determining a potential customer base for products and services and eyeballing what the competitors are doing. You can enter the profession with as little as an associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or marketing, but the best earners typically continue their career training, pursuing an MBA degree. Many employers offer tuition assistance for employees who seek advanced degrees.

Job outlook: Strong, but highly competitive. A 12-percent growth in jobs is expected in the 2006-2016 decade.

Computer Software Engineers
Computer software engineers may often begin their careers after completing a two-year, online associate degree in programming or IT systems. Starting salaries actually can reach the $90k range. But to grab the top-end $130,850 salaries earned in 2007, you’ll probably need a bachelor’s degree, on-the-job experience, and some professional certifications.

Job outlook: Sizzling. Labor Department projections show a 38-percent increase in career positions over the 2006-2016 decade.

Medical and Health Service Managers
The American health care industry will generate 3 million new jobs between 2006 and 2016, the most of any industry. Medical and health service managers will be in high demand to help direct the growth and daily operations. A bachelor’s degree may provide sufficient career training to enter the occupation and earn the median $76,990 salary reported for 2007; however, earning a master’s degree in management, finance, or health care administration typically provides the best path toward the $132,580 high-end 2007 wage.

Job outlook: Excellent. Most jobs will be with hospitals. A 16 percent increase in total management jobs is predicted through 2016.

Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers earned a mean annual wage of $92,710 in 2007, with high-end earnings reported as $120,960. That’s a solid income that varies based on training and experience. Most professionals find their way following graduation from a bachelor’s degree program in personnel, human resource management, or labor relations. Typically, interdisciplinary training is beneficial, combining coursework in recruitment, labor law, or business administration. Rise to the top wage through on-the-job experience or by earning an advanced degree.

Job outlook: Solid. A faster than average, 17-percent rise in career positions is predicted through 2016.
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
Copyright 2008 HQ Publications, LLC. All rights reserved.

In fact, seven of the top twenty fastest-growing careers are in health care. Here’s where the opportunities are (with data from BLS):

1. Home care aide
Expected job growth: 53%

There are minimal requirements to become a home care aide — and it’s one of the most in-demand jobs in the country. Home care aides care for people who are disabled in their own homes. Besides assisting with laundry, meals and household tasks, home health aides may also advise patients and their families on nutrition, cleanliness, and other household activities. If you’re looking for a health job that doesn’t require special training, this is a great place to start. Typical salaries range from $17,895 to $23,481 a year.

2. Medical assistants
Expected job growth: 36%

Medical assistants help with essential administrative and clinical tasks that keep hospitals and clinics running smoothly. They update medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle billing and bookkeeping, and take patients’ vital signs. Medical assistants make between $24,317 and $36,987 a year and can be trained on the job or through a short certification program.

3. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants
Expected job growth: 33%

Physical therapists help people recover from injuries and prevent permanent physical disabilities. While becoming a physical therapist requires a master’s degree, you can get certified as a physical therapist assistant in just two years and begin earning $44,762 to $61,139 a year right away.

4. Pharmacy technicians
Expected job growth: 32%

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists provide medication to patients by preparing prescriptions, maintaining patient records, organizing insurance claim forms and stocking inventory of medications. Pharmacy technicians enter the field through on the job training, and typically make $30,085 to $40,285 a year.

5. Dental hygienists
Expected job growth: 31%

Dental hygienists clean teeth, look for oral disease and provide preventative care. Since they often work with the dentist during treatment, dental hygienists also have to be familiar with various instruments including ultrasonics, X-ray machines, and syringes. Dental hygienists must complete a two-year certification program before entering the field and they earn between $60,654 and $93,475.

6. Physician Assistants
Expected job growth: 30%

Physician assistants perform tasks typically performed by a doctor. They take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and X-rays, make diagnoses and prescribe medications. They also treat minor injuries and may supervise technicians and assistants. This job requires a master’s degree and brings a salary of $70,390 to $98,751.

7. Occupational Therapists
Expected job growth: 29%

Occupational therapists help people with mental or physical disabilities develop or recover the skills they need for work and daily living. Occupational therapists are required to earn a master’s degree and make a salary of $64,402 to $88,664. However, if you are looking to get into the field more quickly and still make some money, consider getting a two-year certification as an occupational therapist assistant and making $43,337 to $59,404.

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