You may want to get a list of salaries for careers that you're considering entering into. Salary information can provide you with insight into your field of interest and help you determine whether the education or experience that the field requires is worth the pay out in the end.
Where to Find Salary Information
You can find salary information from a number of sources.
Employment and Salary Websites
The Internet can provide you with extensive information on almost any subject. Not only can you find a list of salaries for careers, but you can also find information on benefits, differences in salary by location, and trends within the field. Almost every major job board can provide you with some information, but if you're looking for information specifically on salaries, check out the following websites:
Job Placement Agencies
If you're looking for information specific to your local area, including major employers in your city, call your state's employment agency or commercial job placement/temp agencies. These organizations have to feel the heartbeat of the local industry in order to continue meeting the needs of their clients. They should have general information on salaries, as well as specific information regarding salaries for companies that are currently hiring.
School Guidance Counselor or Career Services Department
If you're still in school, check with your high school guidance counselor or your university's career services department. Their primary role is to help students figure out where they want to go to college or work and what they want to do after graduation. Not only can they provide you with trends regarding burgeoning industries, but they can might also help you find internships in your area of interest.
Other Ways to Find Salaries
If you know of a specific company or organization you want to work for, you can always call the company's human resources department and voice your interest. Ask if you can meet with someone to learn more about the company. During this meeting, as you discuss the different departments, positions and requirements, you can always ask about the salaries and benefits that they provide to their staff members. Some companies won't be willing or able to schedule a sit-down with you, but you can still scour their website and take notes on positions and salary ranges.
List of Salaries for Careers
There are thousands, if not millions of jobs out there, so there's no way to list them all, but here is a list of the average salaries for some of the most popular career fields.
Healthcare
- Registered Nurse: $22.00 to $30.00 per hour
- Certified Nurse Assistant: $9.25 to $12.00 per hour
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $15.00 to $20.00 per hour
- Licensed Physical Therapist: $54,000 to $71,000 per year
- Chiropractor: $42,000 to $71,000 per year
- Occupational Therapist: $27.00 to $38.00 per hour
Physical Fitness and Recreation
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist: $13.00 to $20.00 per hour
- Personal Trainer: $12.00 to $30.00 per hour
- Athletic Trainer: $31,000 to $43,000 per year
- Swimming Pool and Spa Technician: $10.00 to $15.00 per hour
- Park and Recreation Director $40,00 to $70,000 per year
- Recreation Coordinator $29,000 to $42,000 per year
Computers
- IT Manager: $59,000 to $97,000 per year
- IT Project Manager: $65,000 to $99,000 per year
- Web Developer: $40,000 to $62,000 per year
- Software Developer: $49,000 to $73,000 per year
Education
- Elementary Special Education Teacher: $34,000 to $50,000 per year
- College Professor: $57,000 to $104,000 per year
- Teacher, K-12: $35,000 to $50,000 per year
- Teacher Assistant: $9.00 to $12.50 per hour
Understanding Salary Data
Remember, the salaries listed here represent averages that will vary based on location, education, experience and organization.
