Top 10 Unexpectedly High-Paying Jobs

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When most people think of high-paying jobs, there are several classic well-to-do professions that come to mind. For example, everyone knows that lawyers, doctors, and CEOs often earn a pretty hefty paycheck. However, many other careers come along with unexpectedly high salaries.

Note

From air traffic controllers to art directors, funeral managers to foresters, there is a varied range of jobs that bring in much more money than one might expect.

Read on for a review of 10 unexpectedly high-paying jobs.

01 of 10

Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controller at work
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Air traffic controllers are responsible for directing the flow of commercial airline flights. They authorize and regulate the pathways of flights. They also communicate important information to pilots, such as weather conditions and runway closures.

To get started in this job, air traffic controllers must complete an FAA-recognized education program, and attend a training course at the FAA Academy.

Air traffic controllers make a median annual salary of $124,540. This job is projected to grow 1% between 2018 and 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

02 of 10

Astronomer/Physicist

Astronomers looking through telescope
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Astronomers are involved in the observation, analysis, and research of various astronomical phenomena, such as the movements of celestial bodies like moons, planets, stars, and galaxies.

Many astronomers have educational backgrounds in mathematics or physics. Professional astronomers generally possess a PhD in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics, and tend to be employed by high-level research universities.

Professional astronomers and physicists make a median annual salary of $119,580. This job is expected to grow 9%, much faster than average, between 2018 and 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

03 of 10

Nurse Midwife

Nurse with pregnant patient
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Either working on their own or as part of a medical team, nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses. They are involved in OB/GYN healthcare for women, and are specifically responsible for care before, during, and after childbirth.

To become a nurse midwife, you must receive a degree from an accredited program. You also need to pass a national certification exam.

Nurse midwives make a median annual salary of $113,930, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These jobs are expected to grow 26% between 2018 and 2028 – much faster than average. 

04 of 10

Art Director

Woman looking at photos on computer
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Art directors develop and design visual communication methods and strategies for various companies. Art directors are often involved in the conception of graphic design and layouts for a company's website, advertising campaigns, and/or overarching multimedia marketing strategies.

Art directors might work for an advertising or public relations firm, a newspaper or magazine, or even work for motion picture industries.

Art directors make a median annual salary of $92,780, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects that this occupation will grow 1% between 2018 and 2028. 

05 of 10

Funeral Service Manager

Funeral procession
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Funeral service managers oversee the operations of a funeral home, and may also be involved in the planning and coordination of individual memorial services.

Funeral service managers are also responsible for the attainment and sale of funeral home merchandise and services, such as caskets or cremation.

Funeral service managers make a median annual salary of $57,580. This job is expected to grow 4% between 2018 and 2028.

06 of 10

Talent Agent

Performer on stage
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Talent agents (also simply called agents) are the masterminds behind artists, performers, and athletes. They often serve as the middleman between their clients and potential employers or customers, handling auditions or tryouts, contract negotiations, perks and paycheck terms, and publicity matters.

Although agents don't receive the million-dollar paychecks their clients are accustomed to, they do make a median annual salary of $66,040, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

07 of 10

Postmaster and Mail Superintendent

Man overlooking warehouse
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Postmasters and mail superintendents plan and coordinate the administrative and operational services of U.S. post offices. They also supervise the postal workers working under their office.

Postmasters and mail superintendents make a median annual salary of $75,970. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that these occupations will decline 27% between 2018 and 2028. 

08 of 10

Animator

Creative professional designing on computer
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Animators formulate and design special effects, digital animation, and other multimedia elements for movies, television shows, computer games, music videos, commercials, and other forms of media. They might work freelance, or for a specific production company.

Animators make a median annual salary of $72,520, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects that this occupation will grow 4% between 2018 and 2028.

09 of 10

Forester

Lumberjack felling tree
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Foresters are involved in all types of environmental and outdoor work, such as managing wilderness or protected lands, appraising the value of an allotted acreage, maintaining forest health, and working on conservation efforts.

Foresters make a median annual salary of $61,340, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and have an occupational outlook of 3% growth between 2018 and 2028.

10 of 10

Archivist

One box missing from rows of boxes on shelves
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Archivists are researchers who appraise and manage historically valuable documents and records. They may also participate in research based on archived essays, letters or photographs, and are involved in the maintenance and upkeep of such materials. They sometimes help other researchers or visitors look for items in the archives.

Archivists make a median annual salary of $48,400, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This job is expected to grow 9% between 2018 and 2028. 

Article Source: Salary and employment information is based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for May 2018.

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