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1. Virtual Assistant (Median Earnings: $40 Per Hour)
Businesses, entrepreneurs, writers and other professionals are always on the lookout for skilled individuals who can handle research, administrative duties and other specialized services from a remote location. If you are comfortable with computers and like the idea of working from home, a career as a virtual assistant might be a good choice. Virtual assistants with marketable skills typically earn between $25 and $60 per hour.
Virtual Assistant Resources
- How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business - Great advice and resources for virtual assistants from Entrepreneur.com.
- International Virtual Assistants Association - Non-profit organization with information on education and certification for virtual assistants.
- Virtual Office Temps - Virtual office assistant jobs.
2. Gaming Manager (Median Salary: $62,820)
Gaming managers oversee operations at casinos and similar establishments. While you won't be able to land a job as a gaming manager without previous casino experience, there's no reason why you can't work your way up from other positions. In fact, most gaming managers start out as dealers or runners.
Gaming Manager Resources
- Gaming Manager Statistics - Occupational employment and wage statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Game Managers Job Forum - Indeed.com forum with pertinent information and job opportunities.
- Gaming Manager Resume - Sample resume for a gaming manager.
3. Real Estate Broker (Median Salary: $58,720)
A real estate broker acts as the middleman between people who want to buy and those who want to sell real estate. Becoming a real estate broker is very painless--all you have to do is spend 30 to 90 hours in class and pass a state exam. Employment opportunities are usually dependent upon the local economy, but gaining a job and making a decent living is relatively easy.
Real Estate Broker Resources
- Requirements to Become a Real Estate Broker - Real estate broker education, training and licensure requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Day in the Life of a Real Estate Broker - Career overview provided by The Princeton Review.
- Real Estate Broker Jobs - Find real estate broker jobs on Career Builder.
4. Salesperson (Median Salary: $58,710)
They say that all you need to do to be able to sell something is believe in the product. It must be true, because you don't need a degree to become a salesperson. If there's something you are knowledgeable about, try to sell it. Most sales reps work on commission, which means the more you sell, the more you make. The median annual salary for sales reps is $57,710, but it is not unusual for skilled salespeople to earn more than $100,000 per year. Not bad for a job that doesn't require a college degree.
Sales Rep Resources
- How to Become a Top-Selling Sales Rep - Great article from Jill Konrath, the author of Selling to Big Companies.
- Working as a Sales Manager - Information on preparation, jobs, certification and more from iseek.com.
- Sales Rep Jobs on Career Builder - Thousands of jobs for new and experienced sales representatives.
5. Police Detective (Median Salary: $53,990)
Police detectives collect evidence, interview perps and solve crimes. If you are a U.S. citizen who is at least 20 years old, you can become a police detective. Of course, you might have to start out as a patrol officer first and work your way up. But the opportunity for advancement is great. Most police offers are eligible for promotion within six months to three years of active duty.
Police Detective Resources
- Free Criminal Justice Course - Free online criminal justice course from Weber State University.
- Working as a Police Detective - Career and training information from CareerOverview.com.
- Police Detective Jobs on Simply Hired - Find police detective jobs around the country.
6. Ship Captain (Median Salary: $53,430)
Want to sail the high seas and get paid to do it? Consider a job as a ship captain. Ship captains command vessels and supervise ship crews. To become a captain, you need good vision, the proper licenses and the ability to navigate in the water. A good set of sea legs are helpful too.
Ship Captain Resources
- How to Become a Cruise Ship Captain - Step-by-step instructions on becoming a ship captain.
- Job Outlook for Ship Captains - Job outlook data for ship captains from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Ship Captain Jobs - Search for ship captain jobs on Indeed.com.
7. Writer (Median Salary: $48,640)
Because there is more demand for writers than ever before, it is much easier to break into the industry without an English degree. New writers can create material for books, magazines, newspapers, trade journals, advertisements and online publications. They can also write content for motion pictures, TV or radio.
Writer Resources
- Free Creative Writing Courses - Thirty writing courses offered free by top universities and educational websites.
- Best Writing Reference Sites - Listing of 25 websites that will help you become a more effective writer.
- About Freelance Writing - A wonderful site with writing advice and job opportunities for freelance writers.
8. Fish and Game Warden (Median Salary: $47,830)
Like the great outdoors? Consider a career as a fish and game warden. These government employees get plenty of fresh air patrolling the areas where people hunt and fish. There are approximately 8,000 fish and game wardens stationed around the country. To apply for a job, contact your state's Department of Personnel or the Federal Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Fish and Game Warden Resources
- Working as a Fish and Game Warden - Information on preparation, jobs, certification and more from iseek.com.
- Fish and Game Warden Statistics - Occupational employment and wage statistics given by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Average Earnings for Fish and Game Wardens - Average hourly and average annual salary for fish and game wardens by state.
9. Web Designer (Median Salary: $43,059)
A job as a web designer is perfect for someone with an eye for design. Web designers create and design content for web pages. Designers have flexibility and can either freelance or work a regular nine-to-five. The pay isn't bad either. Web designers with less than one year's experience earn a median annual salary of $34,791, according to a recent United States Salary Survey. Designers who have worked in this field for over ten years typically earn more than $50,000 each year.
Web Designer Resources
- Free Web Design Education Online - Fifteen web design courses that you can take for free online.
- Free Graphic Design Courses and Tutorials - A listing of more than 25 graphic design courses that you can take for free online.
- About Web Design - Thousands of articles, job listings and other resources for web designers from About.com's Guide to Web Design.
10. Game Tester (Median Salary: $37,861)
You know how your mom always told you video games were a waste of time? Well, she was wrong. Game testers play games all day long and get paid handsomely for it. Entry-level testers can usually earn at least $25,000 per year and experienced testers average $66,574. The best part is that jobs are plentiful in this growing industry.
Game Tester Resources
- How to Become a Game Tester - This is a great place to start if you're interested in becoming a game tester.
- Game Informer - Site with cutting edge video game news, reviews and previews.
- Game Tester - This site has articles, jobs and all the information you need to get started in video game testing.
