Career Spotlights: 5 Surprising Jobs That Pay Well and are in High Demand

May 31, 2024

Many conversations around career exploration begin by asking students to identify their passions or strengths. The process is often rooted in identifying careers that excite a student. And though these are critical considerations and should, in fact, be the root of career exploration, these processes often leave out an understanding of the salary of a particular profession. 

The goal of having students aspire to careers that allow them to make a living wage is paramount to the success of college and career readiness programs. Including conversations, information, and research on what the required training will cost and what the projected annual salary is for a career can be an on-ramp to having students develop financial literacy in conjunction with their career development. And, sometimes, the allure of a high-paying career can provide a spark to students learning more about possible fields of study. It is also important to note that current economic conditions have resulted in shortages across many trades and technical fields that do not require college or advanced degrees. The higher demand, and essential nature of the work, have driven up salaries for these roles. 

Here is a spotlight on five professions with great earning potential that may surprise students, parents, and educators. Use this list to inspire additional research to think outside the box and to find ways to include requisite training and degrees, salary ranges, and other considerations to expand student awareness as they make plans for their lives beyond high school. 

Physician Assistant: Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work directly with patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and other clinical settings. They can provide preventative care, order and interpret medical testing, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and perform some medical procedures. Physician assistants can also specialize in anesthesia, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, or other roles–with opportunities to pivot between specialities throughout a career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for physician assistants will grow 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $112,260

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree, State-Specific Certification and License 

Court Reporter: Court reporters are responsible for creating real-time transcriptions of legal proceedings. They play a vital role in ensuring an accurate, complete record that is used by judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals. Most work in legal settings, such as legislatures, government offices, courtrooms, or law firms and some work as freelancers. Court reporters might use stenotype machines with specialized keyboards, voice recognition technology, digital recording equipment, or specialized software.

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $63,940 

Training or Degree Requirements: State-Specific Certification and On-The-Job Training 

Genetic Counselor: Genetic Counselors work with individuals to assess their risk of inherited conditions, including birth defects, chromosomal disorders, and other genetic mutations. As part of their job, they learn the patient's family history, discuss genetic testing options, and provide counseling after genetic screening to support decision making and disease management. Technological advances continue to give counselors more ways to assess genetic data and help patients understand and manage complex medical information. Genetic counselors can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, or colleges and universities. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $95,770 

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification 

AI Trainer: An artificial intelligence trainer works with AI systems to teach them how to understand user inputs and respond accurately, ensuring a productive user experience. Trainers often have expertise in data science and machine learning. They create training scenarios, adjust algorithms, integrate AI with other systems, and use analytics to review and evaluate performance. As AI continues to evolve and become more ubiquitous across industries, careers in AI training will become even more prevalent. 

Salary Range (Dataconomy): $53,000 for entry-level positions to $135,000 for advanced roles

Training or Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Power Lineman: Power, electrical, and utility linemen build, maintain, and repair electrical power systems. The work is physically intensive and often requires travel. The base pay is strong, and there are regular opportunities for overtime pay with storm recovery and other urgent repair needs. And, the demand for linemen is rising, with steady year after year growth in new positions. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $85,420

Training or Degree Requirements: High School Diploma, Apprenticeship Completion, Department of Labor Journeyman Certification 

Many conversations around career exploration begin by asking students to identify their passions or strengths. The process is often rooted in identifying careers that excite a student. And though these are critical considerations and should, in fact, be the root of career exploration, these processes often leave out an understanding of the salary of a particular profession. 

The goal of having students aspire to careers that allow them to make a living wage is paramount to the success of college and career readiness programs. Including conversations, information, and research on what the required training will cost and what the projected annual salary is for a career can be an on-ramp to having students develop financial literacy in conjunction with their career development. And, sometimes, the allure of a high-paying career can provide a spark to students learning more about possible fields of study. It is also important to note that current economic conditions have resulted in shortages across many trades and technical fields that do not require college or advanced degrees. The higher demand, and essential nature of the work, have driven up salaries for these roles. 

Here is a spotlight on five professions with great earning potential that may surprise students, parents, and educators. Use this list to inspire additional research to think outside the box and to find ways to include requisite training and degrees, salary ranges, and other considerations to expand student awareness as they make plans for their lives beyond high school. 

Physician Assistant: Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work directly with patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and other clinical settings. They can provide preventative care, order and interpret medical testing, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and perform some medical procedures. Physician assistants can also specialize in anesthesia, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, or other roles–with opportunities to pivot between specialities throughout a career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for physician assistants will grow 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $112,260

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree, State-Specific Certification and License 

Court Reporter: Court reporters are responsible for creating real-time transcriptions of legal proceedings. They play a vital role in ensuring an accurate, complete record that is used by judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals. Most work in legal settings, such as legislatures, government offices, courtrooms, or law firms and some work as freelancers. Court reporters might use stenotype machines with specialized keyboards, voice recognition technology, digital recording equipment, or specialized software.

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $63,940 

Training or Degree Requirements: State-Specific Certification and On-The-Job Training 

Genetic Counselor: Genetic Counselors work with individuals to assess their risk of inherited conditions, including birth defects, chromosomal disorders, and other genetic mutations. As part of their job, they learn the patient's family history, discuss genetic testing options, and provide counseling after genetic screening to support decision making and disease management. Technological advances continue to give counselors more ways to assess genetic data and help patients understand and manage complex medical information. Genetic counselors can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, or colleges and universities. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $95,770 

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification 

AI Trainer: An artificial intelligence trainer works with AI systems to teach them how to understand user inputs and respond accurately, ensuring a productive user experience. Trainers often have expertise in data science and machine learning. They create training scenarios, adjust algorithms, integrate AI with other systems, and use analytics to review and evaluate performance. As AI continues to evolve and become more ubiquitous across industries, careers in AI training will become even more prevalent. 

Salary Range (Dataconomy): $53,000 for entry-level positions to $135,000 for advanced roles

Training or Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Power Lineman: Power, electrical, and utility linemen build, maintain, and repair electrical power systems. The work is physically intensive and often requires travel. The base pay is strong, and there are regular opportunities for overtime pay with storm recovery and other urgent repair needs. And, the demand for linemen is rising, with steady year after year growth in new positions. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $85,420

Training or Degree Requirements: High School Diploma, Apprenticeship Completion, Department of Labor Journeyman Certification 

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Many conversations around career exploration begin by asking students to identify their passions or strengths. The process is often rooted in identifying careers that excite a student. And though these are critical considerations and should, in fact, be the root of career exploration, these processes often leave out an understanding of the salary of a particular profession. 

The goal of having students aspire to careers that allow them to make a living wage is paramount to the success of college and career readiness programs. Including conversations, information, and research on what the required training will cost and what the projected annual salary is for a career can be an on-ramp to having students develop financial literacy in conjunction with their career development. And, sometimes, the allure of a high-paying career can provide a spark to students learning more about possible fields of study. It is also important to note that current economic conditions have resulted in shortages across many trades and technical fields that do not require college or advanced degrees. The higher demand, and essential nature of the work, have driven up salaries for these roles. 

Here is a spotlight on five professions with great earning potential that may surprise students, parents, and educators. Use this list to inspire additional research to think outside the box and to find ways to include requisite training and degrees, salary ranges, and other considerations to expand student awareness as they make plans for their lives beyond high school. 

Physician Assistant: Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work directly with patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and other clinical settings. They can provide preventative care, order and interpret medical testing, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and perform some medical procedures. Physician assistants can also specialize in anesthesia, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, or other roles–with opportunities to pivot between specialities throughout a career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for physician assistants will grow 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $112,260

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree, State-Specific Certification and License 

Court Reporter: Court reporters are responsible for creating real-time transcriptions of legal proceedings. They play a vital role in ensuring an accurate, complete record that is used by judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals. Most work in legal settings, such as legislatures, government offices, courtrooms, or law firms and some work as freelancers. Court reporters might use stenotype machines with specialized keyboards, voice recognition technology, digital recording equipment, or specialized software.

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $63,940 

Training or Degree Requirements: State-Specific Certification and On-The-Job Training 

Genetic Counselor: Genetic Counselors work with individuals to assess their risk of inherited conditions, including birth defects, chromosomal disorders, and other genetic mutations. As part of their job, they learn the patient's family history, discuss genetic testing options, and provide counseling after genetic screening to support decision making and disease management. Technological advances continue to give counselors more ways to assess genetic data and help patients understand and manage complex medical information. Genetic counselors can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, or colleges and universities. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $95,770 

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification 

AI Trainer: An artificial intelligence trainer works with AI systems to teach them how to understand user inputs and respond accurately, ensuring a productive user experience. Trainers often have expertise in data science and machine learning. They create training scenarios, adjust algorithms, integrate AI with other systems, and use analytics to review and evaluate performance. As AI continues to evolve and become more ubiquitous across industries, careers in AI training will become even more prevalent. 

Salary Range (Dataconomy): $53,000 for entry-level positions to $135,000 for advanced roles

Training or Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Power Lineman: Power, electrical, and utility linemen build, maintain, and repair electrical power systems. The work is physically intensive and often requires travel. The base pay is strong, and there are regular opportunities for overtime pay with storm recovery and other urgent repair needs. And, the demand for linemen is rising, with steady year after year growth in new positions. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $85,420

Training or Degree Requirements: High School Diploma, Apprenticeship Completion, Department of Labor Journeyman Certification 

Many conversations around career exploration begin by asking students to identify their passions or strengths. The process is often rooted in identifying careers that excite a student. And though these are critical considerations and should, in fact, be the root of career exploration, these processes often leave out an understanding of the salary of a particular profession. 

The goal of having students aspire to careers that allow them to make a living wage is paramount to the success of college and career readiness programs. Including conversations, information, and research on what the required training will cost and what the projected annual salary is for a career can be an on-ramp to having students develop financial literacy in conjunction with their career development. And, sometimes, the allure of a high-paying career can provide a spark to students learning more about possible fields of study. It is also important to note that current economic conditions have resulted in shortages across many trades and technical fields that do not require college or advanced degrees. The higher demand, and essential nature of the work, have driven up salaries for these roles. 

Here is a spotlight on five professions with great earning potential that may surprise students, parents, and educators. Use this list to inspire additional research to think outside the box and to find ways to include requisite training and degrees, salary ranges, and other considerations to expand student awareness as they make plans for their lives beyond high school. 

Physician Assistant: Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work directly with patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and other clinical settings. They can provide preventative care, order and interpret medical testing, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and perform some medical procedures. Physician assistants can also specialize in anesthesia, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, or other roles–with opportunities to pivot between specialities throughout a career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for physician assistants will grow 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $112,260

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree, State-Specific Certification and License 

Court Reporter: Court reporters are responsible for creating real-time transcriptions of legal proceedings. They play a vital role in ensuring an accurate, complete record that is used by judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals. Most work in legal settings, such as legislatures, government offices, courtrooms, or law firms and some work as freelancers. Court reporters might use stenotype machines with specialized keyboards, voice recognition technology, digital recording equipment, or specialized software.

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $63,940 

Training or Degree Requirements: State-Specific Certification and On-The-Job Training 

Genetic Counselor: Genetic Counselors work with individuals to assess their risk of inherited conditions, including birth defects, chromosomal disorders, and other genetic mutations. As part of their job, they learn the patient's family history, discuss genetic testing options, and provide counseling after genetic screening to support decision making and disease management. Technological advances continue to give counselors more ways to assess genetic data and help patients understand and manage complex medical information. Genetic counselors can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, or colleges and universities. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $95,770 

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification 

AI Trainer: An artificial intelligence trainer works with AI systems to teach them how to understand user inputs and respond accurately, ensuring a productive user experience. Trainers often have expertise in data science and machine learning. They create training scenarios, adjust algorithms, integrate AI with other systems, and use analytics to review and evaluate performance. As AI continues to evolve and become more ubiquitous across industries, careers in AI training will become even more prevalent. 

Salary Range (Dataconomy): $53,000 for entry-level positions to $135,000 for advanced roles

Training or Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Power Lineman: Power, electrical, and utility linemen build, maintain, and repair electrical power systems. The work is physically intensive and often requires travel. The base pay is strong, and there are regular opportunities for overtime pay with storm recovery and other urgent repair needs. And, the demand for linemen is rising, with steady year after year growth in new positions. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $85,420

Training or Degree Requirements: High School Diploma, Apprenticeship Completion, Department of Labor Journeyman Certification 

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Many conversations around career exploration begin by asking students to identify their passions or strengths. The process is often rooted in identifying careers that excite a student. And though these are critical considerations and should, in fact, be the root of career exploration, these processes often leave out an understanding of the salary of a particular profession. 

The goal of having students aspire to careers that allow them to make a living wage is paramount to the success of college and career readiness programs. Including conversations, information, and research on what the required training will cost and what the projected annual salary is for a career can be an on-ramp to having students develop financial literacy in conjunction with their career development. And, sometimes, the allure of a high-paying career can provide a spark to students learning more about possible fields of study. It is also important to note that current economic conditions have resulted in shortages across many trades and technical fields that do not require college or advanced degrees. The higher demand, and essential nature of the work, have driven up salaries for these roles. 

Here is a spotlight on five professions with great earning potential that may surprise students, parents, and educators. Use this list to inspire additional research to think outside the box and to find ways to include requisite training and degrees, salary ranges, and other considerations to expand student awareness as they make plans for their lives beyond high school. 

Physician Assistant: Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work directly with patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and other clinical settings. They can provide preventative care, order and interpret medical testing, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and perform some medical procedures. Physician assistants can also specialize in anesthesia, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, or other roles–with opportunities to pivot between specialities throughout a career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for physician assistants will grow 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $112,260

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree, State-Specific Certification and License 

Court Reporter: Court reporters are responsible for creating real-time transcriptions of legal proceedings. They play a vital role in ensuring an accurate, complete record that is used by judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals. Most work in legal settings, such as legislatures, government offices, courtrooms, or law firms and some work as freelancers. Court reporters might use stenotype machines with specialized keyboards, voice recognition technology, digital recording equipment, or specialized software.

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $63,940 

Training or Degree Requirements: State-Specific Certification and On-The-Job Training 

Genetic Counselor: Genetic Counselors work with individuals to assess their risk of inherited conditions, including birth defects, chromosomal disorders, and other genetic mutations. As part of their job, they learn the patient's family history, discuss genetic testing options, and provide counseling after genetic screening to support decision making and disease management. Technological advances continue to give counselors more ways to assess genetic data and help patients understand and manage complex medical information. Genetic counselors can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, or colleges and universities. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $95,770 

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification 

AI Trainer: An artificial intelligence trainer works with AI systems to teach them how to understand user inputs and respond accurately, ensuring a productive user experience. Trainers often have expertise in data science and machine learning. They create training scenarios, adjust algorithms, integrate AI with other systems, and use analytics to review and evaluate performance. As AI continues to evolve and become more ubiquitous across industries, careers in AI training will become even more prevalent. 

Salary Range (Dataconomy): $53,000 for entry-level positions to $135,000 for advanced roles

Training or Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Power Lineman: Power, electrical, and utility linemen build, maintain, and repair electrical power systems. The work is physically intensive and often requires travel. The base pay is strong, and there are regular opportunities for overtime pay with storm recovery and other urgent repair needs. And, the demand for linemen is rising, with steady year after year growth in new positions. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $85,420

Training or Degree Requirements: High School Diploma, Apprenticeship Completion, Department of Labor Journeyman Certification 

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Many conversations around career exploration begin by asking students to identify their passions or strengths. The process is often rooted in identifying careers that excite a student. And though these are critical considerations and should, in fact, be the root of career exploration, these processes often leave out an understanding of the salary of a particular profession. 

The goal of having students aspire to careers that allow them to make a living wage is paramount to the success of college and career readiness programs. Including conversations, information, and research on what the required training will cost and what the projected annual salary is for a career can be an on-ramp to having students develop financial literacy in conjunction with their career development. And, sometimes, the allure of a high-paying career can provide a spark to students learning more about possible fields of study. It is also important to note that current economic conditions have resulted in shortages across many trades and technical fields that do not require college or advanced degrees. The higher demand, and essential nature of the work, have driven up salaries for these roles. 

Here is a spotlight on five professions with great earning potential that may surprise students, parents, and educators. Use this list to inspire additional research to think outside the box and to find ways to include requisite training and degrees, salary ranges, and other considerations to expand student awareness as they make plans for their lives beyond high school. 

Physician Assistant: Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work directly with patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and other clinical settings. They can provide preventative care, order and interpret medical testing, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and perform some medical procedures. Physician assistants can also specialize in anesthesia, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, or other roles–with opportunities to pivot between specialities throughout a career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for physician assistants will grow 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $112,260

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree, State-Specific Certification and License 

Court Reporter: Court reporters are responsible for creating real-time transcriptions of legal proceedings. They play a vital role in ensuring an accurate, complete record that is used by judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals. Most work in legal settings, such as legislatures, government offices, courtrooms, or law firms and some work as freelancers. Court reporters might use stenotype machines with specialized keyboards, voice recognition technology, digital recording equipment, or specialized software.

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $63,940 

Training or Degree Requirements: State-Specific Certification and On-The-Job Training 

Genetic Counselor: Genetic Counselors work with individuals to assess their risk of inherited conditions, including birth defects, chromosomal disorders, and other genetic mutations. As part of their job, they learn the patient's family history, discuss genetic testing options, and provide counseling after genetic screening to support decision making and disease management. Technological advances continue to give counselors more ways to assess genetic data and help patients understand and manage complex medical information. Genetic counselors can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, or colleges and universities. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $95,770 

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification 

AI Trainer: An artificial intelligence trainer works with AI systems to teach them how to understand user inputs and respond accurately, ensuring a productive user experience. Trainers often have expertise in data science and machine learning. They create training scenarios, adjust algorithms, integrate AI with other systems, and use analytics to review and evaluate performance. As AI continues to evolve and become more ubiquitous across industries, careers in AI training will become even more prevalent. 

Salary Range (Dataconomy): $53,000 for entry-level positions to $135,000 for advanced roles

Training or Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Power Lineman: Power, electrical, and utility linemen build, maintain, and repair electrical power systems. The work is physically intensive and often requires travel. The base pay is strong, and there are regular opportunities for overtime pay with storm recovery and other urgent repair needs. And, the demand for linemen is rising, with steady year after year growth in new positions. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $85,420

Training or Degree Requirements: High School Diploma, Apprenticeship Completion, Department of Labor Journeyman Certification 

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Many conversations around career exploration begin by asking students to identify their passions or strengths. The process is often rooted in identifying careers that excite a student. And though these are critical considerations and should, in fact, be the root of career exploration, these processes often leave out an understanding of the salary of a particular profession. 

The goal of having students aspire to careers that allow them to make a living wage is paramount to the success of college and career readiness programs. Including conversations, information, and research on what the required training will cost and what the projected annual salary is for a career can be an on-ramp to having students develop financial literacy in conjunction with their career development. And, sometimes, the allure of a high-paying career can provide a spark to students learning more about possible fields of study. It is also important to note that current economic conditions have resulted in shortages across many trades and technical fields that do not require college or advanced degrees. The higher demand, and essential nature of the work, have driven up salaries for these roles. 

Here is a spotlight on five professions with great earning potential that may surprise students, parents, and educators. Use this list to inspire additional research to think outside the box and to find ways to include requisite training and degrees, salary ranges, and other considerations to expand student awareness as they make plans for their lives beyond high school. 

Physician Assistant: Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work directly with patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and other clinical settings. They can provide preventative care, order and interpret medical testing, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and perform some medical procedures. Physician assistants can also specialize in anesthesia, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, or other roles–with opportunities to pivot between specialities throughout a career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for physician assistants will grow 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $112,260

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree, State-Specific Certification and License 

Court Reporter: Court reporters are responsible for creating real-time transcriptions of legal proceedings. They play a vital role in ensuring an accurate, complete record that is used by judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals. Most work in legal settings, such as legislatures, government offices, courtrooms, or law firms and some work as freelancers. Court reporters might use stenotype machines with specialized keyboards, voice recognition technology, digital recording equipment, or specialized software.

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $63,940 

Training or Degree Requirements: State-Specific Certification and On-The-Job Training 

Genetic Counselor: Genetic Counselors work with individuals to assess their risk of inherited conditions, including birth defects, chromosomal disorders, and other genetic mutations. As part of their job, they learn the patient's family history, discuss genetic testing options, and provide counseling after genetic screening to support decision making and disease management. Technological advances continue to give counselors more ways to assess genetic data and help patients understand and manage complex medical information. Genetic counselors can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, or colleges and universities. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $95,770 

Training or Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification 

AI Trainer: An artificial intelligence trainer works with AI systems to teach them how to understand user inputs and respond accurately, ensuring a productive user experience. Trainers often have expertise in data science and machine learning. They create training scenarios, adjust algorithms, integrate AI with other systems, and use analytics to review and evaluate performance. As AI continues to evolve and become more ubiquitous across industries, careers in AI training will become even more prevalent. 

Salary Range (Dataconomy): $53,000 for entry-level positions to $135,000 for advanced roles

Training or Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Related Field

Power Lineman: Power, electrical, and utility linemen build, maintain, and repair electrical power systems. The work is physically intensive and often requires travel. The base pay is strong, and there are regular opportunities for overtime pay with storm recovery and other urgent repair needs. And, the demand for linemen is rising, with steady year after year growth in new positions. 

Median Salary (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $85,420

Training or Degree Requirements: High School Diploma, Apprenticeship Completion, Department of Labor Journeyman Certification