Work Dish

As everybody knows, money can’t buy happiness. In this economy, though, it can be useful for buying a lot of other things, especially for a recently-graduated bachelors’ student. While salaries will of course vary based on cost of living and location, these are some of the careers that regularly net big bucks for college graduates.

• High School Teachers: Teaching is generally thought of as a lesser-paying career. With the shortage of applicants, though, some school districts offer salaries of up to 60,000. This can handily make up for the terror of having to return to high school.
• Registered Nurses: With either a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, an RN can earn over 50,000 in the first year, with some districts offering salaries in the upper 60,000 range. These degrees are an excellent pay-off for the time investmenttwo years can get you an RN degree.
• Computer Software Engineers: IT jobs continue to be rewarding opportunities for recent graduates. With a computer programming degree, you can earn anywhere from 59,000 to 75,000 based on your experience and problem-solving skills. Computer hardware engineers, incidentally, can earn even more, and require a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, information systems, or mathematics.
• Financial Analysts: This position is especially important with the current financial climate. Multiple sources suggest entry-level salaries over 50,000. The benefit of this position is that not only will you have the money you need, but you’ll know where to put it to keep it safe.
• Construction Jobs: Construction jobs require either a technical degree or time spent under the wing of a senior contractor. With the right training, you can earn up to 70,000 a year. In today’s economy, though, construction jobs can be more difficult to find, although hopefully that will change in the near future.