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You want a high-quality education for a career that will continue to reward you. As universal as food, water, and love – the need for income, satisfaction, and longevity in your profession is always a factor. We’ve done the research and tabulated our top 10 recommended careers suited for online education in the country, using the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor* and Salary.com** occupation statistics. Choices based on job growth, income and education needed to enter field.
1. The “Accountant”
Get into Action:
Whether you just want to bolt on and bolster a company’s finances or go all the way as a CPA, accounting is a career path with autobahn characteristics, fast-moving companies rely on you for the right economic moves.
Dollars and sense:
Entry level you can expect to make between $36,304 and $44,360 a year on average**.
When you manage a team of number ninjas expect $95,239 and $142,209 average salary per year**.
Why it’s hot:
Accountants and auditors held about 1.2 million jobs in 2004. They worked throughout private industry and government, but 1 out of 4 wage and salary accountants worked for accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services firms*.
What you need to succeed:
First off – a Bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer a Master’s degree, especially for higher level and more involved positions. Get an internship under your belt and for a real competitive advantage get your CPA license*.
Learn about accounting schools.
2. The “Chef”
Get into Action:
Enjoy Top Chef? Hell’s Kitchen? Then you’ll enjoy the fast-paced and soulfully rewarding careers in cuisine and the culinary arts. Time to get hot and spicy.
Dollars and sense:
With a Bachelor’s and some chutzpa you should enter as a Sous Chef making $31,897 – $49,597 a year**.
When you can teach others and run the show… an Executive Chef earns between $55,918 and $85,247**.
Why it’s hot:
Because it’s fun! It’s one of those jobs where you make money doing what you love plus people will always need chefs and cooks (holding 3.1 million jobs in 2004!). While there are plentiful job openings there is also fierce competition for the top positions in the fancy restaurants*.
What you need to succeed:
You don’t necessarily need an education, you could work for years in low-skill low-pay positions. Sound fun? No. Get your culinary degree and get into the real-deal meals. Formal Cordon Bleu programs, you can find here, are a great way to let the cooking world know that you’re serious.
Learn about culinary schools.
3. The “Computer Programmer”
Get into Action:
Analyze, modify, debug, and review instructional computer systems for running the planet earth. This job pays well because it has to be done right, and it has to be done now.
Dollars and sense:
Make between $44,207 and $62,615 average yearly salary** with your first job if you have the right training (like a Bachelor’s degree you can find here).
Get to the upper echelon and expect 6 figures to roll in: earn between $89,326 $107,691 a year on average at the high levels**.
Why it’s hot:
Software development, business intelligence, cross-platform and OS compatibility… art. You will delve into a society of professionals whose ethos is eternal improvement and creativity through passion. In this field, anything is possible and when you make it happen you will change the way things work. Powerful and elite: computer programmers held about 455,000 jobs in 2004*.
What you need to succeed:
Get educated, because computer systems and knowledge expands at exponential rates, and so does the amount of highly qualified applicants (well beyond 2-year degrees). Several degrees in associated business fields can boost your likelihood of becoming the master programmer of all time*.
Learn about computer programming schools.
4. The “Dental Assistant”
Get into Action:
While the dental career is desirable for many scheduling and income-related reasons, Dental Assistant may not seem like the most alluring job. Think again.
Dollars and sense:
Make anywhere between $27,987 and $34,152 a year on average* (this is a national average, so adjustments can be made for your locale).
Why it’s hot:
Quickly enter this field and start making money fast and steady. 265 dental-assisting training programs were approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2005*.
What you need to succeed:
All you need is a Certificate to enter this field! Most programs are about a year (a 2-year Associate’s Degree will put you in front of the pack). For a quick jump into a reliable profession, this is the way to go.
Learn more about dental assistant training schools.
5. The “Fashion Designer”
Get into Action:
You know those billions of articles of clothing you see online, in stores, on the street? That’s what fashion designers create by knowing the trends of the global fashion industry, sketching designs of their hottest new fabric, pattern and color splash.
Dollars and sense:
Doing what you dream about will earn you between $35,255 and $52,100 average yearly salary**.
Why it’s hot:
Main concentrations of fashion designers live (or work out of) New York and California*. The great thing about online schools is that you can go to class in New York or California from your home in ANY state!
What you need to succeed:
An Associate’s degree is acceptable; a Bachelor’s degree is best. Fashion designers are artists first and business people a very close second. Know the aesthetics of color, balance, proportion, and beauty. Know textiles, fabrics, and accessories. Know how to communicate and solve complex problems*.
Learn more about fashion schools.
6. The “Graphic Designer”
Get into Action:
Create art in print, digital, and film media for Web, magazine, newspaper, journal, and corporate communications. Create the visual solution for the modern age.
Dollars and sense:
Entry-level positions earn yearly average salaries between $38,090 and $49,159**.
AN established senior designer averages between $47,439 and $60,192 per year.
Why it’s hot:
Demand for Graphic artists and designers will continue to increase from advertisers, publishers, and interactive design agencies.* Graphic designers will have the most jobs out of the design family (industrial design, fashion design, floral design, and interior design)*.
What you need to succeed:
Most entry-level positions will require a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design. You will need to learn the methods of creativity, refined communication, and critical problem solving*. A Bachelor’s of fine arts will include studio art, principles of design, computer design programs, commercial production, printing, and interactive Web and website*.
Learn more about graphic design schools.
7. The “Marketing/Advertising Professional”
Get into Action:
Market and sell products and services. It is a simple process with the most complicated implications. As a marketing and advertising manager you translate and communicate an entire business to meet the buyer’s expectations.
Dollars and sense:
Start out as a Marketing Coordinator earning between $39,808 and $53,306 a year (avg.)**.
A highly sought after position: Advertising Manager. Earn a yearly salary between $68,795 and $97,583**.
Why it’s hot:
The number of jobs for marketing and advertising (as well as promotions, public relations and sales) professionals is expected to grow faster than average for a position that is highly sought after for its creative aspects and excellent pay ranges*.
What you need to succeed:
A Bachelor’s degree is necessary for a start in this field*. You will need to convey a sophisticated intelligence about your specialty. This indicates that a Master’s degree will prepare you for a position in the type advertising and marketing profession that you choose*.
Learn more about marketing/advertising schools.
8. The “Paralegal”
Get into Action:
Also known as legal assistants, are responsible for the tasks that lawyers and law firms delegate. Prepare for closing arguments, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings*.
Dollars and sense:
Entry-level Paralegals make on average $36,557 – $49,639 a year**.
Paralegal Managers make between $68,634 and $99,935 a year**.
Why it’s hot:
There will be a “much faster than average” growth for this job sector*. As a paralegal you can expect to take on responsibilities once performed by lawyers as law firms aim to reduce costs to client and remain competitive (and profitable)*. It’s an exciting time for paralegals!
What you need to succeed:
Depending on your educational level, desire to make managerial status, and amount of prior experience; you most commonly will only need an Associate’s degree*. However, if you already possess a degree a certificate can make your entrance into the paralegal position happen. If you want to be manager material, best to get your Bachelor’s degree in a paralegal program*.
Learn more about paralegal training schools.
9. The “Teacher”
Get into Action:
The tools of the trade: props, games, models, books, cameras, computers, creativity, etc. You are the expert in your classroom. Break down the latest trends and information in your field.
Dollars and sense:
Public school teachers make $41,645 to $55,646 a year on average**
Academic (postsecondary) instructors make $64,364 to $96,867 a year on average**
Why it’s hot:
Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding careers out there. Both emotionally and economically: truly help and shape young people’s lives and be part of a very fast growing profession with above average wages*.
What you need to succeed:
Public school teachers will need a teaching license and all States require a Bachelor’s degree for general education*. Postsecondary academic instructors and professors usually need above a Bachelor’s degree and work experience in your field*.
Learn more about education schools.
10. The “X-Ray Technician”
Get into Action:
X-ray technicians, or radiologic technologists, take x rays and give nonradioactive injections for diagnostic purposes, searching for problem areas.
Dollars and sense:
Radiologic Technologist earn $41,340 to $48,342 per year average**.
Radiology Directors earn $89,102 to $113,444 per year average**.
Why it’s hot:
Employers are reporting difficulty hiring enough radiologic technicians to provide their patients with xrays*. This places x ray professionals in high demand. Take advantage.
What you need to succeed:
Ranging from certificate and 1 to 4 year degree programs, the aspiring x-ray technician is quickly ready for work. Most common education for the radiology professional is an Associate’s degrees*.
Learn more about x-ray technician schools.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Labor*
Salary.com**
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