20 Jobs Where You Can Make $60,000 Out of College
Are you a recent college graduate eager to kickstart your career with a job that offers a solid starting salary? Look no further!
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GOBankingRates has done the research for you to uncover jobs where you can make $60,000 right out of college. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, specifically the May 2021 Occupational Employment Statistics, we've identified occupations that not only meet the $60,000 salary threshold but also require a Bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, an "on-the-job training" level of none, and no prior work experience in a related occupation.
Whether you're passionate about technology, healthcare, finance, or more, we've got you covered with a list of high-paying career options to jumpstart your professional journey.
20. Kindergarten teacher, except special education
Median annual salary in 2021: $60,490
Being a kindergarten teacher, excluding special education, is a great job where you can make at least $60,000 out of college. It offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young minds during their formative years, shaping their educational and social development. The desire for qualified kindergarten teachers is steady, providing job stability. Additionally, you can enjoy holidays and breaks, fostering creativity and variety in lesson planning, building foundational skills, collaborating with colleagues and parents, and pursuing professional development opportunities to continually grow and enhance your teaching skills.
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19. Therapist
Median annual salary in 2021: $60,800
As a therapist, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful and positive impact on people's lives by helping them overcome mental health challenges and improve their well-being. The demand for mental health services is on the rise, creating a growing need for qualified therapists. Therapists also often have flexible work arrangements, including the option to work in private practice or within healthcare settings, providing the potential for higher earning potential and independence.
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18. Fundraisers
Median annual salary in 2021: $61,190
As a fundraiser, you have the opportunity to work for a variety of causes and organizations, helping to make a positive impact on society. The need for qualified fundraisers is high as nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations rely on successful fundraising efforts to support their missions. Bonus: The skills acquired as a fundraiser, such as communication, persuasion, and strategic planning, are highly transferable and can lead to a successful career in various fields beyond fundraising, ensuring long-term financial stability.
17. Teachers and Instructors, All Other
Median annual salary in 2021: $61,250
As an educator, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives, fostering their intellectual and personal growth. The demand for competent teachers and instructors is consistently high, ensuring a steady job market with a range of employment options across different educational settings. While the initial salary may vary based on factors like location and specialization, the potential for growth and increased earnings over time is promising.
16. Social Workers, All Other
Median annual salary in 2021: $61,420
As a social worker, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities facing various challenges. The need for qualified social workers is consistently high, with diverse career options in areas such as child welfare, mental health, healthcare, and community development. While entry-level salaries may vary depending on factors like location and specialization, there are opportunities for growth and advancement in the field. The ability to positively impact lives, along with the potential for personal and professional growth, makes social work a rewarding and financially viable career choice.
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15. Interior Designer
Median annual salary in 2021: $61,590
As an interior designer, you have the opportunity to blend creativity and functionality to transform spaces and improve people's quality of life. The necessity for proficient interior designers is consistently high, with various career options in residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. With a combination of technical skills, design expertise, and a strong portfolio, you can absolutely secure a well-paying job right out of college.
14. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Median annual salary in 2021: $61,690
Elementary school teachers often enjoy a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Plus, the work-life balance in this profession is typically great, with weekends, evenings, and school holidays providing ample personal time. The intrinsic rewards of making a difference in children's lives, the sense of fulfillment from witnessing their progress, and the opportunity for continuous professional development make being an elementary school teacher a rewarding and financially viable career choice.
13. Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Median annual salary in 2021: $61,810
Middle school teachers play a transformative role in shaping the academic and personal growth of young minds as they navigate the crucial transition from elementary to high school. The desire for skilled and passionate middle school educators remains steadfast, ensuring not only job stability but also a plethora of promising employment opportunities. With competitive benefits packages encompassing healthcare, retirement plans, and generous paid time off, these dedicated professionals enjoy a favorable work-life balance, allowing them to pursue personal passions and maintain a fulfilling career.
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12. Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Median annual salary in 2021: $62,240
Working in a preschool setting as a special education teacher allows you to support students early development and set a solid foundation for their educational journey. The demand for qualified special education teachers in preschools remains high, ensuring a stable job market with various employment opportunities. While starting salaries may vary depending on factors like location and experience, special education teachers often have the potential for growth and increased earnings over time.
11. Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Median annual salary in 2021: $62,360
Being a secondary school teacher, excluding special and career/technical education, is a great job where you can make a good living and earn at least 60k right out of college. While starting salaries may vary based on factors like location and experience, many school districts offer competitive compensation packages that can surpass the $60,000 mark. The joy of witnessing students' intellectual development, fostering critical thinking skills and the potential for career advancement through leadership roles or specialized areas make being a secondary school teacher a rewarding and financially viable career choice.
10. Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
Median annual salary in 2021: $62,390
Being a special education teacher in kindergarten and elementary school can offer the opportunity to make at least $60,000 right out of college. Special education teachers play a crucial role in supporting the educational needs of students with disabilities, ensuring inclusive and individualized instruction. The necessity for qualified special education teachers in these grade levels remains high, which contributes to a competitive salary range. With a combination of specialized knowledge, dedication to student success, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, special education teachers can make a good living and have a meaningful impact on the lives of their students.
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9. Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Median annual salary in 2021: $62,990
Special education teachers in middle school play an important role in supporting students with disabilities during this critical stage of their academic and social development. Plus, the need for qualified special education teachers in middle schools remains high, contributing to competitive salary prospects.
8. Film and Video Editor
Median annual salary in 2021: $63,520
Film and video editors spend much of their time working in studios or office settings. Those who work in the motion picture industry often have periods of time in between pictures where they have to look for work. Most of these types of positions require a bachelor's degree related to film or broadcasting. An understanding of digital cameras and specialized editing software is required. Between 2016 and 2026, job growth in this field is predicted to grow by 13%.
7. Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Median annual salary in 2021: $63,560
Special education teachers in secondary schools are hugely important in supporting students with disabilities to achieve academic success and prepare for their future. The need for qualified special education teachers in secondary schools remains high, resulting in competitive salary potential. Additionally, special education teachers can often earn higher salaries by acquiring advanced certifications, pursuing additional training in specialized areas such as transition services or assistive technology, or taking on leadership roles within the field.
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6. Special Education Teachers, All Other
Median annual salary in 2021: $63,950
Being a special education teacher in any other specialized area can provide the opportunity to make at least $60,000 right out of college. Special education teachers who focus on specific areas such as autism spectrum disorders, emotional or behavioral disorders, or sensory impairments bring specialized knowledge and expertise to meet the unique needs of students. The need for qualified special education teachers in these specialized areas remains high, leading to competitive salary prospects.
5. Foresters
Median annual salary in 2021: $64,220
Becoming a forester is another career path for jobs that pay above $60,000. Typically, you must hold a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field, like agricultural science, environmental science or rangeland management. In some states, foresters must be licensed. The job growth rate in these professions is projected at 6% between 2016 and 2026, which is about as fast as the average growth when compared to other jobs.
4. Human Resources Specialists
Median annual salary in 2021: $64,240
The need for qualified HR specialists remains high as organizations recognize the importance of effective talent management and employee engagement. HR specialists handle a wide range of responsibilities, including recruitment, employee onboarding, performance management, training and development, and employee relations. With a strong foundation in HR principles and practices, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills, you can secure well-paying job opportunities.
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3. Conservation Scientist
Median annual salary in 2021: $64,460
A career as a conservation scientist or in related fields offers the potential to earn above $60,000. To pursue this career, a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field such as agricultural science, environmental science, or rangeland management is typically required. While some states may require foresters to be licensed, conservation workers do not necessarily need a license. The job growth rate for these professions is projected to be around 6% between 2016 and 2026, which is on par with the average growth rate for other occupations.
2. Designers, All Other
Median annual salary in 2021: $65,390
Being a designer can offer the opportunity to make at least $60,000 right out of college. The need for capable designers is high as organizations recognize the importance of visually appealing and user-friendly designs to attract and engage customers. Additionally, designers coming right out of college understand the latest design trends and technologies and can sometimes command higher salaries. Plus, freelance design work and entrepreneurial ventures provide additional avenues for income generation and financial success.
1. Soil and Plant Scientists
Median annual salary in 2021: $65,730
With a bachelor's degree in soil science, plant science, or a related field, individuals can enter this profession. The need for skilled soil and plant scientists is significant as the global population grows and the need for efficient food production increases. By conducting research, analyzing soil composition, studying plant genetics, and implementing innovative farming techniques, soil and plant scientists contribute to improving crop yields and environmental conservation. Furthermore, the expertise of these scientists is incredibly valued in both public and private sectors, offering opportunities for competitive salaries and benefits.
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Cynthia Measom contributed to the reporting for this article.
Methodology: To find jobs where you can make $60,000 out of college, GOBankingRates used the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, which utilizes and categorizes the May 2021 Occupational Employment Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. GOBankingRates analyzed all occupations that had (1) a 2021 median pay above $60,000, (2) a "typical entry-level education" of a Bachelor's degree, (3) an "on-the-job training" level of none and (4) "work experience in a related occupation" of zero. All data was collected on and up to date as of July 6, 2023.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 20 Jobs Where You Can Make $60,000 Out of College
