Want to earn an $80K salary?

these comments are totally amazing - i wish all of you proserity, its rough as it is and as for comparing salaries, know that you will be taken care of, think positivity and wirk toward whatever your goal is and it will happen. . .patience! You are in control of all aspects of your life and know that no one should be able to have control over you, follow your own pathway and bless those who bless you

I am just tired of people bragging about how much money they make. Shut the &^%$ up! Is life all COMPLETELY what you make of it? Really? Completely? Hmm. Not sure about that one

I will probably never make 80K per year and I have a degree that is pretty much useless. I work now at Amazon.com and it's a good job. I was in security before this and I was qualified to be a supervisor, but when you are a small white female who doesn't know spanish your job search is extremely limited. So I moved away and changed jobs.

Why doesn't everyone face it, ever since they globalized everything and outsourced, jobs have been scarce and will remain that way. 6 billion people on this planet and counting...makes me feel all warm and cozy inside.

So much negativity here. An indication of why we do have a shot at jobs like these. Those that believe in themselves have less to compete with.

some tips here

Good luck to all.

I've made over 60k in year without any degree at all. Of course there wasnt as much anti-labor anti -consumer politics and anti union pundits yammering. There was also a Clinton in the White House.

But to make as little as 88k an attorney would bedoing a very small town practice.

Why do veterinarians earn less than Associate Actuaries, Floor Brokers, and Marketing Managers? In my view, veterinarians should be more highly compensated than anyone else on this (otherwise mostly ridiculous) list.

Make that 99%

I see that you have generated many negative responses for your article. I will give you a positive one from my perspective. I know that your articles go to many different people in many different occupations (or not). As a high school guidance counselor, I am in the position to help my students look to the future. For those just starting their education, this article may help them find occupations that provide a better than average wage. If one can step back and realize that every article that is written by Career Builder, isn't directed at him - then one can realize we have 18 year old students graduating each year and looking for lucrative careers. I see that the "Me Generation" is still very alive and kicking!

Reading these comments can depress even the most optimistic person. I have a degree in Occupational Safety and Health (worked 4.5 years in Loss Prevention) an AA degree and recently completed a BSN degree. One would think that with this education a person would receive job offers from a posted resume, and common courtesy from "professional" individuals when it comes to a reply for not being at an interview you traveled almost 70 miles to attend, and no one showed up from the company. Maybe some of the "professionals" need to get some education in human relations, people skills, and common manners in order to expect the same from their interviewee's....Sorry, I just believe in common courtesy and good manners no matter what your station in life is...and I will continue to post my resume, and go to interviews(in hopes that an individual from the company to interview me does actually show up). So guys keep your chin up because you will run into a brick wall if you are continually looking down, and keep hoping that the economy decides to look up as well. P.S. Guess what, I haven't ever made $80K either but I sure hope one day I might.

Amazing comments. You can do almost anything you set you mind to. I have degree in airport management, now I am a senior software engineer making a great salary. It is all just a matter of making a commitment to the work and making the right decisions to get where you want to be.

To Mr. Anonymous in Phoenix, you don't make the decision to have the kids if you can't afford to do it. If the kids are more important, then plan on a lifestyle change.

Hi,

I wished I can even go to USA to land a better pay.. I just wished and hope new year would bring positive replies to me. I am a Filipino. I graduated Bachelor of Arts in English but I worked with Commercial and Industrial Printing company as a Warehouse Manager for 3 years and 8 years in Operations Planning. I hope you can just even reply me..
Thanks. 09193466032 Philippines

You people are pathetic. I'm glad some you negative fools have lost hope. Gives me more of a chance to get these jobs that you are too pessimistic to even make an effort to go for. Thanks for that. Ill be laughing all the way to the bank while you collect unemployment.

I made over 80k working in sales for a Fortune 30 company in NJ. That was 10 years ago, I now work day-day in local school district asa substitute for $95 per day. I haven't made over 50k since 2005 and would be elated to land a solid job in 40-50k range. I know I cannot be the only 50+ seeing good jobs and good wages evaporate in this country. I am thinking Australia!!

I work a full-time job that pays me 53,000/yr. I have to work a part-time job for about 9,000/yr plus my wife works full-time at about 31,000/yr. We still can't pay our bills on time and we have no extra money with 2 teens 4 cars to pay insurance on. I don't know how 40K could ever be enough for any family. 80K sounds closer to what it takes to make it. You have to either own your own business or have a sales job if you don't have a degree.

I think this is a great article! Everyone can make $80,000 if you put effort into it. My parents are both only HS graduates and I just earned my masters degree. You CAN go to school and earn be successful! If you think you lot in life is minimum wage, changes are that will be your lot in life... Only you can change your life...

Pete,
Good to see your comment. I just recently received my bachelors degree at the age of 40 and presently I am working on continuing on for my masters. I like hearing from others in my position that have gone on and achieved their goals. It gives me the push that I need. Thanks, I hope to join you in the near future of achieving over $80K in salary.

I agree that some of these people responding need an attitude change. I'm sorry, but if you have been looking for full time employment since 2002, then something is wrong - with you! Yes, these are careers that you just can't jump into - especially if you are in mid-life with family and immediate income needs. You need to network, get your profile out on the networking sites (e.g. Linkedin), join and participate in the groups and forums in the areas you specialize in, go to local events related to business or other groups you may have an interest in, etc. Also, Google your name and see what comes up - don't have anything embarassing out there (including on Facebook or MySpace). Online job sites are way too crowded these days and only contain a fraction of what is out there. Most jobs are filled by referrals or friends of friends anyway.

Some good thoughts out there.For the people not makingwhat they keep trying. Right I dont have a job its hard especially the way things are going in this world. I ama full-time student in debt out the ass and cant get a job for nothing Ill do anything right know i need money. no money but plenty of bills.Does anybody want any Lol.. Nevermine that Iam in debt with school loans about 30000 and I still got 1 and half left for my BA. I'mjust trying to get by its hard. I sleep on my mothers couch. My stuff in storage there about to sell. What I'm suppose to do????? Cant give up! 100s of applications and not a single call back. Well Im going to look for a job take care good luck everyone. rememember only the strong survive

I too have recieved information from a career Builder web publication from the United kingdom. It a notice that you published . It seems to be a check cashing scheme . You cash a check and recieve 10% of the amount to perform the task. Why does'nt careerbuilder monitor these types of email???

I have a BS and about to finish my MBA and have been looking for a full time job for 3 YEARS! Please someone explain to me what's wrong and what I should do rather than making up silly topics just to fill up space. I know I'm not the only one that that needs USEFUL info that can help me with my real-life problems!

I do agree with Anonymous - $80k isn't actually all that much, considering the cost of living in the metro areas where many of the high-paying jobs are. Housing costs are high (prices have not dropped to their "pre-real estate bubble" prices), and the cash that goes into raising a family, contributing to retirement savings, paying taxes, etc. adds up to $80k sounding like a lot more that it really is.

To the plumber, etc - It's not uncommon to work in a field that's different than one imagined, especially when just starting out. Don't lose sight of your goals. Plumbers with websights, online ads, etc, will get more business as people increasingly turn to Google rather than the Yellow Pages that sit gathering dust. Perhaps there are other plumbers and contractors that could use your talent to market their services as well. With time, you can turn your web skills into a business targeting a niche that you understand better than most web designers.

I agree with the majority of the comments posted here. The information in this article is pretty useless to most people especially those who are out of work right now. I'm an employment specialist working with many people like this and they need more information on lower level job openings, networking, and how to find a job outside just posting on the internet which does not really work anyway (I've tried it myself).

I will like to add also that if I spent as much time working as I do submitting Resumes for the last two years I would be( RICH )write now. White yes, little older, but well established in my carrer, so welcome to the real world. Thanks (Bush).

Im teaching statistics. though am looking for a job elsewhere where i can i can reap better pay.
would i have a chance?

What is funny to me is that all you people want to know about jobs making $80K a year WITHOUT an education!!!!! What does that make the education worth that so many of us went to school and lost years in the workforce worth? I personally am lucky enough to be gainfully employed at this time, but I would love to make a career change... Those of you who scratched your way through High School and want to make $80K+, I say go lose your 4-5 years in the workforce now (I know it sucks and yes the pay is worse). Get a degree, then come back here and bitch again when you are fighting with the rest of us with multiple years experience in these fields for the same jobs...

To all who suggest you go back to school, how does a school loan pay for my mortgage, utilities, and groceries? These 80K jobs are unattainable for all but those kids with wealthy parents who are just starting to consider future careers. For those who suggest you work while you go to school, not all of us are young kids that can survive on 4 hours of sleep.

How about suggesting some good 40K "median income" jobs that will be strong even in the weak economy, and don't require 2-6 years of additional education? I have a BS, but the degree is over 25 years old now, and useless even with great experience. After being laid off, so these posts are quite sobering. I can only hope the job market will pick up once Obama's in office.

Maybe all these negative nelly's should realize that not every article is geared toward every person. This is a great feature for someone who is still in school and deciding what career path to choose. Furthermore, it was a report on careers that earn in that salary range. I do not see it as a "here are some good jobs to apply for" type of an article. Don't let your personal bitterness cloud your vision.

I was in the same boat as severalof you over the past 16 yrs.
I bounced back with perseverance. It was not easy and I had to take big cuts each time, but I worked my way back up in earnings.
I currently work for a local County and got the job after my last contract shutdown back in 2001.
You may have to wait a while,b ut I believe there may be many opportunities to get a job locally with your City/County/State agencies due to losts of retirees and promotions going on now.
Try it and see if you can get a listing of jobs being advertised in those agencies at entry levels and migrate up through the ranks when you find the right connections.

Have an interesting climb up the new ladders of success.
Bob

I like the information that is published on careers that pay $80K - although my position has been eliminated, would like some insight on how to generate this much income without having to return to school (already have a BBA degree!)

tayler, regarding last e-mail if you call only from 9:OOam - 1:00pm est. i will discuss in mor detail. thanks

tayler, would you pleas contact me as i was a fool an a victim of the subjet you are talking about regarding the invisible co in the uk. yes it is a chech cashing scheme. they send you bogus checks drawn on a bank and you have to cash the checks first then send the cash to someone they advise by western union. if i can get any information you have from these people please advise as i already hane filed a police report. if you want you can reach me by phone 845-368-2743. This is about it in a nutshell.

Not usually---the check is bogus in the first place---So you cash it at your bank, send them most of it back in guaranteed funds (western union,etc) and a week or so later the fraudulent check comes out of your account and you are stuck for the whole amount... I know, I've seen it happen numerous times to our customers at the bank.

I am not sure why this article was wrote. Do you feel that people are unaware of the possibilities that there are careers that are paying 80+?
Secondly, the choice of some of these careers are questionable. Floor Broker? Are you kidding me? Kate, I would state that in times such as these Floor Brokers are taking huge cutbacks in terms of salary and bonus. Luckily, some may avoid the pink slips but hang on for a very uncompromising future. Associate Actuary? There are too many actuary students that have flooded the market over the past few years...Economists? Where? In Washington DC? Or on Wall Street? ... Oh yeah, there is only the tumble grass floating on Wall and DC non-profit economists might make a few dollars but the economics training has yet to do anything of a profound nature to resolve our "economic" situation. I will give you credit for the Risk Management positions! There are traces of good positions nationwide that pay well and require innovation but the quality of background to prepare one for this kind of work is not known since the conventional methods of getting a degree and experience do not work for landing this position. Please do everyone a favor and not post an article like this to get attention but use your skills to guide those in need of assistance that can really be applied.

Alright, I disagree with this article. I believe that the average USA salary is below 80k a year. If you take out of the equation all the outliers incomes of people that make milions than you will see that the actual average income in USA is lower than 80k a year. There is a small chunk of ppl in USA that make outrageous money so they should be eliminated from these statistics in order to get realistic data.

Very inspiring, Pete. I'm 36, work full-time, have a BA and I've been considering going back to school to get a Masters. Thanks for the inspiration!

At one time or another it was merit, knowledge, and experience. Then it was the paper chaise (degree), and experience. Now if you do not have the exact amount of experience; or have worked for a company for 12+ year you do not have a chance; and/or who you know, you can forget it.
I love it when every one says that education opens doors; it doesn't. I started as a reupholster and could not make ends meet, then I received a Bachelors degree in animation and fine arts. I now repair furniture for a living; and I make less than 30,000 a yr.
The thing that really rubs me the wrong way is that you spend all that time and money to get an education only to pay it back and see no return on your investment.

I'm 45 years old, so is my husband, a Veterinarian??? Pharmacist????
So should we start school now with no income and in 12 years we'll make $80K????? Let's be real here, people need to work NOW!!! No more time for schooling, if I could afford school I wouldn't be looking for a job!

I went to school at a top University(#6 in the country in my field), and still haven't found a job in my field....but I'm not giving up. With the economy the way it is, you have to get used to busting your tail to get anything.

If employers cared about education and prestige, I'd be making a lot more than 20K. All that they really care about is how well you can bust your tail for the customer. I focus on that; I know that eventually I will land a great salary. For me, a great salary is 40K.

Just focus on busting your tail.

I totally agree with David! Are these job sites paying these companies to post jobs? Not to be pompous, but I have a pretty impressive resume with an excellent work history. I have replied to at least 100 postings and I haven't even received a thank you. These sites from Monster to Career Builder are an absolute joke! The only ones you hear back from are the "revolving door" jobs that a monkey could fill. Happy New Year!!!

sounds like you are valuable. you just need to find the folks who also believe that

I attended seminar People Hire People here is the website http://www.kconnersllc.com/ She also has a book you can purchase if your not in the area to attend the free workshop. Her thinking outside the box might help some. I have been blessed to stay employed. I attended just in case. Her book or seminar will address sending resume off to job boards etc.... Best of luck and these hard time in my opinion wouldn't hurt to look up for help :)

What area do you live in? Sounds like Louisiana could use you as there are still so many things to rebuild and fix and repair.

Thanks for the great article. It is one piece of information needed to determine what education and training is needed to better myself and my family. Keep up the good work.

I totally agree with everyone.

Amen to the no response and not really wanting to fill the position David. I have had much the same experiences with all of the sites myself. It has to cost them money to post on those sites and I wonder if I would want to work for anyone who squanders money for a bottomless pile of resumes.

I have to laugh at this post. Get a degree doing something with computers. You want to make 80k and actually have a chance of FINDING a job in the field? COMPUTERS are the way to go. You can get cheap education, start out small, work your way up, the tech industry doesn't care about your education unless you are going into the very top end, and those people are making 150k or more. The bottom end of IT is a burgeoning pool of 50-100k a year jobs that are not too glorious but pay the bills. And if you end up getting really good at it you can go work for Microsoft, Google, Apple, and start working your way towards millionaire status...

Kate just wants to get everyone aware that 80K/yr job is possible. To reach this range, it requires planning, commitment, focus on the goal and many sacrifie. Education, not a waste of time, is a tool to help to achieve the goal or easing the career transition. This is base on my experience.Thanks God for give me strengths to stay focus. I got a coupl good technical schools and jobs. I even got a degree in engineering. However when thing get sour, even with a degree, I worked as carpet cleaner at Yahoo, Well Fargo buildings... But at the end, I still able to earn 80K plus either with or without engineering title and helped family so that my wife could change her career from accountant to become nurse. Please don't give up...

Reading some of your comments are really depressing. I think in times like these we have to double up our efforts and refocus and rethink how we sell our selves. Think outside that box. I realize that life came easier when things were better. So many of you give up too easy. I will never except those words in my life, it sounds like some of you already have. Look within and refocus your thoughts and energy. Then you will be successful. (I read alot this has given me ideas which have given me ways on making money, by myself and not depending on any employer to provide it for me, you can too.) Think outside the box!

Edward