Money may not buy happiness, but it will buy your food, pay your mortgage, and finance your vacation – things that can help you find your own happiness. It’s been proven time and again that when your personal finances are in good shape, your overall stress levels decrease.
In most of the United States, an income around $100,000 is more than enough to give you (and your family) financial peace of mind.
Although many high-paying jobs require significant investment in education and many years of experience, you don’t always need to spend a decade working your way up to reach that six-figure milestone. Here’s a look at seven jobs you could be doing in just a few years that can provide you with a six-figure income.
1. Computer programmer
This is a huge category of career options that covers a variety of skills and roles, such as software developer, database manager, or web developer. The type of programming you do – or, more specifically, the programming languages you master – will impact how much money you can make. That said, it’s common to find skilled programmers earning six figures or more.
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Some employers might prefer programmers with bachelor’s degrees in computer science, but skilled developers can often bypass that requirement. Resources for learning various types of programming are plentiful. Online courses and programming “boot camps” can give you marketable skills in mere months.
2. Air traffic controller
Air traffic controllers are responsible for helping pilots (and their planes) safely take off and land at airports, so this role is vital to the operation of any airport. Luckily, the pay is commensurate with that importance: According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the median salary for an air traffic control specialist is over $125,000.
You’ll need to be 30 or younger to get a job as an air traffic controller with the FAA. You’ll also need to have one of the following:
- Three years of progressive work experience
- A bachelor’s degree
- A combination of post-secondary education and work experience equaling three years
The FAA gives preferential consideration to applicants with aviation degrees from a Collegiate Training Initiative school.
3. Commercial truck driver
Truck drivers are the blood cells of commerce, funneling needed supplies all over the country (and the world). A good salary for a commercial truck driver is around $65,000, but some industries and areas may pay more. If you want to hit the six-figure range, you’ll likely need to purchase your own truck and become an owner-operator.
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Becoming a commercial truck driver requires a high school degree (or GED), and a commercial driver’s license (CDL)….
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