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You Might Not Expect These Jobs Come With Six-Figure Salaries

SavvySugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:55:18 -0700

If a six-figure paycheck is out of the realm of possibility in your current career-path and you're unhappy with that prospect, you may be considering a switch in gears. Some careers and companies are rigid in their compensation structures or simply will never be flush enough to pay you the big bucks. Forbes points out 14 jobs that surprisingly come with six-figure salaries along with the states that pay best relative to each job, and I've chosen seven from the list that I found to be most surprising. Could relocation be in your future?

Flight attendants: Corporate flight attendants will earn the most. The top 10 percent of flight attendants earn $102,660 a year, the average annual salary is $62,880, and the median annual salary is $61,120. Florida is the top-paying state for this occupation.
Farm, ranch and other agricultural managers: The top 10 percent earn $103,660 a year, the average annual salary is $61,030, and the median annual salary is $53,720. Florida is the top-paying state for this occupation.
Loan officers: This one surprised me not because of the six-figure salary, but because of the top-paying state. The top 10 percent earn $106,130, the average annual salary is $62,610, and the median annual salary is $53,000. Alaska is the top-paying state for this occupation, followed by Massachusetts.
Gaming managers: The top 10 percent earn $106,220 a year, the average annual salary is $69,600, and the median annual salary is $64,410. Nevada is the top-paying state for this occupation.

There are four more six figure jobs so just read more

Insurance sales agents: The top 10 percent earn $113,190 a year, the average annual salary is $58,580, and the median annual salary is $44,110. New Jersey is the top-paying state for this occupation.
Transportation, storage and distribution managers: The top 10 percent earn $126,440 a year, the average annual salary is $81,980, and the median annual salary is $76,310. Washington, D.C., is the top-paying location for this occupation.
Construction managers: The top 10 percent earn $142,210 a year, the average annual salary is $85,830, and the median annual salary is $76,230. New York is the top-paying state for this occupation.
Air traffic controllers: The top 10 percent earn $141,860, the average annual salary is $107,780, and the median annual salary is $112,930. Illinois is the highest-paying state for this occupation.

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Good News! Salaries Poised For a Comeback

SavvySugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:21:10 -0700

Raise your glasses to some much-needed good news. A new survey of 175 large employers from consulting firm Watson Wyatt says that nearly half of employers will reverse salary reductions in the next six months, and one-third of companies intend on unfreezing salaries in the same time period.

It's a good sign for employees who've been dealing with the salary uncertainty that's become commonplace in the recession. A director at the firm explained, "Some employers are seeing the light at the end of tunnel and feeling optimistic." Has your employer resorted to reducing salaries or freezing salaries?

3 Sites For Understanding Where Your Salary Stands

SavvySugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:30:56 -0700

Once or twice a month, most of us are reminded exactly how much we earn. When you're gazing at the gross figure on your paycheck, it's almost impossible to keep yourself from thinking about the fairness of that number staring back at you. Curious workers can understand more about where their salaries stand by utilizing a few online resources. SmartMoney compared them and highlighted the main differences.

Salary.com: The site buys its information from corporations and uses it to provide average salaries for 3,700 job categories. You'll have to pay for more personalized reports that factor in details like education and experience; entry-level candidates pay $29.95 and executives pay up to $79.95.

See two more websites when you read more.

PayScale.com: Because the website gets its information from individuals and not from companies, you're required to fill out a profile to peruse the site. SmartMoney didn't see much of a difference between the numbers it saw on PayScale versus Salary.com. There's a feature that allows you to see other individual's bios, and you can research up to four job descriptions for free. A premium membership costs $19.95 and allows you to research 10 job descriptions.
Jobnob.com The site has about a quarter of the information compared to the other sites since it just launched in February, but all of the information can be accessed for free. The company's co-founder says "jobs are being added rapidly," so it's a site to keep in mind going forward.

Ask Savvy: How to Respond When Asked For Salary Requirements

SavvySugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:32:34 -0700

Dear Savvy,

When you are applying for a job and they ask for your salary requirements how should you respond, especially if you do not have a current salary? I just graduated from law school and I am looking for my first job as a lawyer and have no idea how to respond to this.

See my answer when you read more.

How excited are you to print "Attorney at Law" after your name? Fancy! Now, Miss (almost) Attorney at Law, your salary requirements are quite simply, and honestly, negotiable. You don't have a salary history to divulge so you really are at a jumping-off point, and your salary will be based not only on what is a fair number but also on what other benefits they offer.

If asked for your requirements in a cover letter write "my salary requirements are negotiable." Something so simple that it can help you get your foot in the door for an interview and will help you in the long run - naming a number too high could make them apprehensive about bringing you in, and identifying a number too low could hurt your chances of securing the best possible salary. If you've done thorough salary research using the Internet, making phone calls, and discussions with other first-year associates, you could name a salary range, but only do so if you're very comfortable and confident that you've gathered accurate information.

It's also likely that you will be asked about salary during your interview. Prevent a deer-in-headlights reaction by having a prepared response. Choose from two options: You could respond by saying something along the lines of, "my salary is negotiable considering other benefits and what your firm thinks is a reasonable start." The other choice would be to mention a salary range that leaves plenty of room for negotiation.

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Your Two Cents: Are You an Hourly or Salaried Employee?

SavvySugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:37:09 -0700

Overworked salaried employees are used to receiving the same pay no matter the extra hours they work, but there's an ongoing lawsuit between ex-employees and T-Mobile over whether or not hourly employees who email after hours should be paid extra for this time. I've been a salaried employee in every postcollege job I've held; what's your current status?

Ask Savvy: Can I Ask About Salary Before the Interview?

SavvySugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:44:32 -0800

Dear Savvy,

Is it totally inappropriate to ask about the salary range of a job up front (before the interview)? I've applied for a job that sounds right up my alley, but that I think might be entry level (I've been in the field for several years). Before I waste my time and the company's time, can I ask what the salary is?

To see my answer just read more

A: If you haven't been asked to interview yet, you can ask the human resources representative for a salary range when she initially invites you to interview. It's inappropriate and tacky to ask about salary before the company contacts you - they'll think you're just focused on the money and your chances of getting the opportunity to interview would be slim.

Depending on the company's size and organizational structure, someone other than a human resources rep may initially contact you. If that's the case, it would be inappropriate to ask that person about salary. Do some research online to figure out the general salary for the position, and since you're already working in the field you should already have some insight.

There are instances where different companies will pay drastically different salaries to do the same job (so frustrating, but true). If you're over qualified and the company where you've applied could use your extra experience, they may even tweak the job description to better suit what you can bring to the table. You never know, so don't blow an opportunity by inappropriately asking about salary.

As a final, related note: Money shouldn't be discussed during the interview unless the interviewer brings it up. It's usually on her agenda and she'll get to it if she thinks it's worth discussing with you.

Good luck with the job search!

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New Job Site Lets You See Other People's Salaries

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:33:11 -0700

Could this be what we've been waiting for? Almost 70 percent of you said that discussing salary with your co-workers is a big no-no, but going into a job search with some idea of average salary can only help us when negotiating. Whether you're planning to stay in your current field of work or go another direction, having knowledge about what type of earnings to expect can be a powerful tool. Find out how you can start peeping other people's salaries when you read more.

We've been familiar with the glass ceiling for some time now, but the glass door is completely different - Glassdoor.com, that is. The newly launched site is aiming to bring more transparency to job searching, and if the site succeeds in gaining participants willing to share accurate salary data, job seekers may have more leverage when nailing down that final offer.

The site also encourages members to review other aspects of their jobs like company culture and bosses. Membership to the site is free but you must first submit a company review or salary details before you browse what others have written - would you consider joining and sharing your own, anonymous, salary information or company review?

Source

Do You Know Who Earns What on TV?

SavvySugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:08:18 -0700

TV Guide magazine's yearly Who Earns What? edition, which shows off TV's highest paid actors, hits newsstands today and the salaries are staggering despite the economy. Do you think you know how much your favorite TV power women and men pull in for their pretty faces, comedic timing, and acting chops? Take my quiz and find out!

Take the quiz

Ask Savvy: How Should I Discuss Salary in a Bad Economy?

SavvySugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:30:38 -0800

Dear Savvy,

With the economy the way it is, what's the average pay cut people are being forced to take after their position is eliminated and they need a job? And what is the best way to handle an employer asking what salary you are looking for in this kind of economy?

See my answer when you read more.

There aren't any statistics showing how much less workers are making now that unemployment has been on the upswing for some time, but it's clear that workers are making less in general. Some experts have even advised that an employee should take a voluntary pay cut if she's about to be given an official pink slip. The logic behind that idea is that the job market is so tough you'll have to take a pay cut anyway, and once things turn around you'll be a prime candidate for a raise.

Young workers are being hit by the downturn because more experienced out-of-work candidates are taking the jobs normally filled by young job hunters. Because most companies are running with leaner workforces, meaning less jobs are available, and the candidate pool is overflowing, taking a pay cut from your old paycheck might be necessary to be competitive.

Your answer to employers asking for salary requirements should be similar to what you would have said in a stronger economy. As I've mentioned before, there are a couple of ways to approach the salary question. You could respond by saying something along the lines of, "my salary is negotiable considering other benefits and what your firm thinks is a reasonable start," or mention a salary range that leaves plenty of room for negotiation. Know what you are worth going in to the conversation, but keep in mind that a little flexibility will get you a long way in this economy.

Source

Guess How Much: Salaries of 20-and 30-Something Women

SavvySugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:30:45 -0700

Commuting to work is great for people watching, and there are always women just like you mentally preparing for the work day ahead. Have you ever wondered what those women do for a living and what kind of salaries they command? Glamour magazine did the research and gathered salary information from 20 and 30-something women around the country. What do you know about your peers' pay scale? Take the quiz!

Source

Take the quiz