The titles EMT and paramedic are often used interchangeably in the vernacular, which may lead you to wonder: what’s the difference? Is there a difference? There is, in fact, a distinction between the two of them, but they work in the same field doing similar duties, making it not obvious.

Both EMTs and paramedics are trained, medical first responders. They’re the ones who show up in an ambulance when you call 911. This means that they’re trained to spot and respond to medical emergencies. They perform triage and other emergency procedures, as well as medical transportation when necessary.

The main difference is training and education. While EMTs go through an extensive training program, paramedics typically have an associate’s degree, and many have prior experience as EMTs.

What is an EMT?

An EMT is a medical professional who is trained to respond to emergencies. All EMTs are trained in basic medical procedures such as administering CPR, oxygen, or glucose to a patient.

An EMT’s main duties are to assist. They’re dispatched by the 911 operator and are the ones to contact the hospital to inform them they have an incoming patient and of the severity of the injuries. Many of them are also licensed to drive an ambulance and will assist with the transport of patients.

EMTs don’t need to have a higher education. Instead, they are required to have a high school diploma or GED and pass a training course. Requirements vary from state to state, but generally, EMT programs take around 150 hours. Aspirants are then required to get a license to practice, which again varies depending on where you are, but usually requires taking an exam.

What is a Paramedic?

A paramedic is a certified medical professional who does almost everything that an EMT does, but they have far more training and can perform more complex tasks. Not all paramedics have an associate’s degree, but many do. Even if they don’t, becoming a paramedic requires at least 1,000 hours of training.

Because of their higher level of training, paramedics are able to perform more complex medical tasks, such as administering medication intravenously, performing tracheostomies, emergency baby delivery, and applying pacemakers.

Paramedics are often the leader of the ambulance crew, as they have more experience and training. The high level of training makes it so they’re in high demand, and as a result, they make almost $10,000 more a year than their EMT counterparts.

Many paramedics start out as EMTs and get paramedic training in order to further their careers. It’s also possible to transfer the medical credits to become a different type of medical professional later.

Tips for Becoming an EMT

If you want to become an EMT, it’s important to know that:

• You are required to have a high school diploma and be 18.

• It’s also necessary to pass a training program. Many vocational schools or community colleges offer them.

• All EMTs have to be licensed. Each state has different requirements on the amount of coursework and how their certification works – the majority require an exam, and for you to pay a fee to take it.

• Being an EMT is an incredibly physically and emotionally demanding job. It’s definitely not for everyone, so be prepared for the strain the job will put on you.

Tips for Becoming a Paramedic

Becoming a paramedic is hard work, and it involves a lot of steps:

• Most paramedics are EMTs first, and some states even require experience as an EMT to become a paramedic.

• Paramedics also need to be licensed, and the requirements vary from state to state. Many require you to take an exam to prove you have the required knowledge to do the job.

• An associate’s degree helps with the training and required coursework and can potentially be used towards a higher medical degree in the future.

• Paramedics need 1,000 to 2,000 hours of training, depending on the state, so it’s a serious time commitment.

• Due to the higher level of training and education, paramedics have a higher chance of advancement in their careers.

EMT Vs. Paramedic FAQ

1. Which has more skill, an EMT or a paramedic?

   A paramedic has more skill, knowledge, and training than an EMT. Paramedics are required to have at least 1,000 hours of training, while EMTs are usually around 150 hours. Paramedics are therefore able to perform higher-level medical procedures and are often in charge of doing triage and leading the ambulance team.

2. What’s the salary of a paramedic vs. an EMT?

   EMTs usually make around $36,000 per year, while paramedics make closer to $44,000 annually. This varies from state to state and the amount of experience you have.

3. Are an EMT and a paramedic the same thing?

   No, EMTs and paramedics aren’t the same thing. While it varies from state to state, an EMT and paramedic have different levels of training. While their jobs are similar – they’re both medical first responders and are usually part of an ambulance crew – paramedics have far more training than EMTs do.

The difference between validity and reliability is important in research, testing, and statistical analysis. Both are used to determine how well a test measures something, but the two of them tell you different things about your test.

Validity is all about accuracy in your measurements, while reliability determines consistency. Ideally, you want your equipment to be both reliable and valid – or consistent and accurate – be it a thermometer, questionnaire, or scale.

What is Validity?

Validity is the measure of whether or not your test is accurate. If you have a ten-pound weight and your scale reads it as ten pounds, then it’s valid. Valid test results need not be consistent as long as they’re accurate. If the conditions change – even if you’re unaware of them – then you should get a different measurement.

Hard measurements – such as weight, temperature, and pH – aren’t the only type of measurements that require determining validity. It’s also used in medicine and psychology to determine how useful their surveys and questionnaires are.

For instance, a questionnaire created to determine if a person has a type of illness is valid if the answers predict whether or not the patient suffers from that disease. And if it’s valid, it can be a useful tool for diagnosis.

Of course, validity isn’t quite as simple as that. There are three major types of validity that are referenced in tests.

• Criterion Validity. This determines whether or not the test fits the criteria. To put it plainly, it’s whether or not it stacks up to other valid measurements of the same thing.

• Construct Validity. Does this test measure what it’s meant to measure? If you want to measure someone’s reading comprehension and instead design a test that is a great indicator of short-term memory, it’s not valid.

• Content Validity. Sometimes also called face validity, this measures whether or not the test adequately covers what you’re attempting to measure. For instance, if it’s a test to determine comprehension of a subject in a course, it should cover all the key knowledge learned in the course.

As with most things in studies, validity isn’t a hard measure. Most studies have a sliding scale of validity, and they try to get it as close to the top as reasonably possible, but it’s essentially impossible to have something that’s truly, completely valid.

What is Reliability?

Reliability is the measure of the consistency of your instruments. If a weight put on a scale consistently comes up as ten pounds, then your scale is reliable. It should be noted that the weight in question doesn’t need to weigh ten pounds. If it’s a five-pound weight and the scale is off by five pounds, but it comes up with the same answer every time, it’s still reliable.

As with validity, there are different types of ways to determine reliability.

• Test-retest reliability. This determination is exactly what it sounds like. Tests are conducted multiple different times in order to determine the reliability of the results. This is best for something like temperature under similar conditions – something that isn’t going to change.

• Parallel forms reliability. With this one, they use different tests that are designed to be equivalent to one another. Sometimes this is also done with split-half reliability, where the test is split into two pieces, and those are compared.

• Internal consistency reliability. This is often used in personality tests, where the questions are related to what you’re trying to determine. In personality tests, they will even ask multiple similar questions in order to help determine reliability.

• Inter-rater reliability. For this type of reliability, different people run the same study or test, and the results are compared. This is the basis of many serious studies, as someone will run a study, then another person will run a similar or identical study in order to make sure the results can be replicated.

Like validity, reliability isn’t binary in most studies. The goal is to try to get as high a level of reliability as possible. The idea of limited reliability is seen most often in polling – there’s always a listed margin of error. If the margin of error is large enough, it also calls into question the validity.

Validity vs. Reliability FAQ

1. What is the relationship between validity and reliability?

   The relationship between validity and reliability is that they’re both used to determine the efficacy of a test or a study. Validity determines whether or not it’s accurate, while reliability determines whether or not the results are consistent.

2. What are examples of reliability and validity?

   An example of validity is a poll accurately predicting whether or not a candidate will win reelection. An example of reliability is that a poll gets similar results from similar parts of the electorate.

3. Can something be valid but not reliable?

   No, something can’t be valid but not reliable. If your results aren’t reliable, they’re inherently not valid. Validity is accuracy, so if your results aren’t consistent in similar conditions, they can’t possibly be accurate. However, something can be reliable but not valid.

4. How do you measure reliability and validity?

   There are several different ways to measure reliability and validity. For reliability, the best way to do it is to repeat the test multiple times in order to make sure you get the same results. For validity, it’s best to try to compare to other similar results that you know are valid.

As both supervisors and managers have managerial roles, you may be wondering: what’s the difference between the two? Are the terms interchangeable?

The short answer is: no, supervisors and managers aren’t the same. The exact differences between them are going to depend on where you work and the exact nature of their duties. However, there are some general, agreed-upon differences in the business world.

As a rule, supervisors are in the trenches, doing the same work as the other members of the team. They oversee what’s going on in their team and implement the manager’s and the company’s policies. Managers do little of the actual work being done, as they’re too busy managing and making sure that the whole of the project is coming together.

What Is a Supervisor?

A supervisor is typically an experienced employee that has been promoted to run a team. While supervisors are sometimes pulled from outside, it’s less likely, as their role requires them to have a good understanding of the work being done and how goals are set and achieved.

While supervisors do managerial duties, it’s generally on a smaller scale. They work more closely with the team to make sure that day-to-day goals are being met. They’re also the ones who deal with injuries on the job and any customer complaints (depending on the job they’re doing.)

Supervisors typically report to a manager. It’s a supervisor’s job to advocate for their people and to make sure that they have the supplies they need to get the job done.

What Is a Manager?

Someone in the role of a manager is usually more removed from the day-to-day work on a project. Their goals are more overarching in terms of the company.

A manager usually oversees several different supervisors and teams and has to do the work of fitting them together. That’s especially true of a project manager, who oversees the various parts of a project and has to make sure that they’ll fit together in the end.

Many managers will want status reports from supervisors so that they can see how the various departments are doing and if they’re meeting their goals. They’re responsible for making sure that the supervisors get the resources that their team needs and that different department are able to work together when needed.

Managers are extremely likely to have at least a bachelor’s degree, with almost half of them holding one. Another 7% have a master’s. It is possible to become a manager with a GED, but the path will be a lot harder. This, of course, is also dependent on the field you work in – there are some that aren’t possible to get into without a degree.

Tips for Becoming a Supervisor

If you want to become a supervisor, here are some things to consider:

• Supervisors usually work their way up from the bottom to end up in a supervisory position. So start off in your field of choice and build up experience.

• A bachelor’s degree is recommended if you want to be a supervisor, but that will be largely dependent on the field you’re working in.

• Make an effort to understand different pieces of the project. You don’t need to be an expert on every part, but if you want to supervise a team, you need to know the basics of what everyone’s doing.

• All management is about dealing with people and working out the best way to bring out their best. If you don’t like working with others, a supervisory role may not suit you.

Tips for Becoming a Manager

If you’re interested in going into management, here are some things to consider.

• Managers are all about the macro. They’re interested in the bigger picture and how the different pieces come together.

• While Zippia’s statistics show that about 60% of managers have a bachelor’s degree, it’s likely higher than that, as some roles that are really supervisors are labeled as managers – such as in retail. If you want to be a manager, a degree in something like business management is an excellent choice.

• Managers deal in resources and time management and are required to think on their feet. If part of a project isn’t coming together on the right timeline, you have to be able to make adjustments to it.

• Most of a manager’s job is planning and communications. If run properly, managers should spend all of their time managing, as it’s impossible to be effective both managing and working on the project.

Supervisor vs. Manager FAQ

1. Is the role of a supervisor higher than a manager?

   No, a manager is considered a higher-level role than a supervisor. Supervisors usually work directly with the people who are working on a piece of a project, while managers oversee the entirety of a project.

2. Are managers and supervisors the same thing?

   No, manager and supervisors aren’t the same roles. While both managers and supervisors oversee other employees and work with time management and resources, a supervisor is more on a micro level while the manager is on the macro level.

3. What’s the salary difference between a supervisor and a manager?

   The salary difference between a supervisor and a manager is about $26,000 annually.

   Of course, this is in many ways just an estimate, as your salary will hugely depend on what you’re managing or supervising, your level of experience, and the field you’re working in. But, as you can see, managers make a fair bit more money than supervisors on average.

As stated in the job titles, data analysts and data scientists work with data. Data is becoming a more and more important commodity in the business world, and demand for those who are experts in its categorization and interpretation is in high demand.

What isn’t immediately apparent, however, is what exactly the difference between a data analyst and a data scientist is. Obviously, they both work with data, but what do they do with it?

The answer has to do with their fields of expertise: data analysis and data science. An analysis is what it sounds like. Data analysts take existing data and make interpretations from it – analysis. Data scientists take the data and generate new questions from it, then use the data and databases to try to answer those questions.

What is a Data Analyst?

Data analysts answer questions using data. Various managers in the company have different questions they want answers to and different metrics they want to see if they’re hitting, and it’s a data analyst’s job to scour the data and find the truth.

Because of this, data analysts are excellent with statistics, numbers, and managing data. They are expected to support their answers with the data, so a large part of their job is making graphs, charts, and other visual aids to help explain their answers.

Beyond just answering the questions posed to them, data analysts are expected to come up with solutions and recommendations. For instance, if they’re tasked with finding out the business is meeting its profit goals, they’re supposed to find out not only if that’s true but how to fix it if they aren’t – or improve it, even if they are.

Due to the fact that their job is heavily mathematically and observation-based, data analysts are expected to back up all of their answers and recommendations with data. That means that they need a strong understanding of not only data but the industry that they’re working in as a whole.

They also need good communication skills to get their point across and make the data easy to understand.

What Is a Data Scientist?

Data scientists do many of the same things that data analysts do; however, the job is much broader in general. As stated above, data scientists ask new questions. They will also try to find the answer to these questions by devising experiments or new ways to interpret or categorize data.

Due to the fact that data scientists will reinterpret and categorize data in databases, they’re required to know programming languages and possibly some computer science. Some data scientists are responsible for developing algorithms, which are programs that automatically gather and interpret data.

Data scientists need to have a coterie of skills in order to be successful. Knowledge of programming skills, as mentioned previously, along with strong mathematical and statistical knowledge and skills. Also, like a data analyst, a data scientist is expected to be an expert in the field that they’re working in.

Like data analysts, data scientists will report their findings. This requires them to be good at presenting, as well as communicating and be able to back up their assertions with hard data.

Tips for Becoming a Data Analyst

If you want to work as a data analyst, here are some things to consider:

• The vast majority of data analysts have a bachelor’s degree, and many of them majored in business or computer science. A degree like data analysis or mathematics is also an excellent choice.

• While much of what data analysts do will be working on a computer alone, they are also expected to present their findings and suggestions. This means that working on improving your presentation skills is likely to pay off.

• While knowing a programming language isn’t essential, it’s recommended and will help you work with databases and other programs. It also helps you to understand how computers function, which will help when working with data sets.

Tips for Becoming a Data Scientist

If you’re thinking about becoming a data scientist, here are a few things to consider.

• Much of data scientists’ work is more abstract, working with data in a scientific manner.

• There’s a lot of freedom in terms of problem-solving in this job, which means you’ll do a lot of work without much supervision.

• The majority of data scientists have at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have a master’s or even a doctoral degree.

• It’s not uncommon for data scientists to start off working as data analysts to gain experience.

Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist FAQ

1. What skills are used by data scientists vs. data analysts?

   Data scientists and data analysts use many of the same skills. However, data scientists are required to know programming languages, while with data analysts, it’s just recommended.

   Data scientists are also expected to do more than just interpret data – they’re expected to come up with different ways of looking at it and different solutions to those observations.

2. Is a data analyst a good data scientist career start?

   Yes, many data scientists will start out as data analysts. It grants you both experience and a chance to work with data in the real world.

   Interpreting data and coming up with solutions are a data analyst’s main responsibilities, and having a basis in that will help with the more complex analyses and alterations that data scientists do.

3. What qualifications are required to become a data scientist?

   The most important qualification to become a data scientist is a bachelor’s degree – preferably in data science, statistics, mathematics, or computer science. It’s essentially impossible to become a data scientist without higher education. Many data scientists have more than just a bachelor’s – almost 35% have a master’s, and some even have a doctorate.

   Many data scientists also have experience in the field, either as a data analyst or some other job working with data – such as a research assistant.

4. Do data analysts code?

   It’s not a requirement for data analysts to be able to code, but it’s highly recommended to have knowledge of programming languages. It can be helpful in altering or improving databases and sets, and it’s essential if you wish to go on to be a data scientist.

5. Is it better to study data analytics or data science?

   It is better to study data analytics if you’re more interested in working with numbers than programming, and data science if you’d like to program and earn more money.

   Data science requires being able to program, and data scientists make more money than data analysts. However, if you like working with numbers and aren’t as interested in programming, then data analytics is still an excellent and highly in-demand choice.

Yes, Military/Government/Technical is a good career path. While working in the public sector generally isn’t as lucrative as the private sector, it does have other advantages. The first, of course, is that it benefits society and the nation as a whole. For many people in these positions, that’s the main motivator.

However, government jobs also come with security and benefits. They don’t pay a lot, but they are known for excellent benefits and low turnover. They also have the advantage of giving you experience in the field. So if you choose to move to a different position later, the experience you gained in the job boosts your desirability tremendously.

Jobs in the armed services not only have the honor of serving your country, but they also set you up with tremendous opportunities. The different military branches will train their personnel in many different fields, allowing you to pursue a path that suits you, as well as setting you up for a good career in civilian life if you so choose.

10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Military/Government/Technical

While a career in public service isn’t generally as lucrative as the alternative, high levels of experience and skill can still land you a good paycheck. These jobs require a lot of skill and training, and/or education to achieve.

1. Military Intelligence Analyst

   Average Annual Salary: $68,000

   Intelligence is a vital part of the running of the military. It’s paramount in actual warfare, but even when not in a hot war or conflict, intelligence helps to determine potential threats and ways to react to them.

   Military intelligence analysts’ jobs vary depending on their area of focus. However, they spend a lot of time working with sensitive information and making interpretations from it. They also make recommendations to leadership based on their findings.

   Find Military Intelligence Analyst jobs near me

2. Military Pilot

   Average Annual Salary: $114,000

   Military pilots’ duties can be vastly different depending on what branch of the military they serve in and what sort of aircraft they operate. Most of them will be in the Air Force, but the Navy has a large number of pilots as well – particularly on aircraft carriers.

   Military pilots also aren’t limited to fixed-wing aircraft but can fly helicopters as well – particularly if they’re in the Army or the Coast Guard.

   Find Military Pilot jobs near me

3. Legislative Analyst

   Average Annual Salary: $72,000

   As the name implies, legislative analysts spend their time analyzing legislation. They’ll work on the details of a draft bill, figuring out all the effects it’ll have. They’ll also follow hearings on the matter to keep up with changes and where other members of the legislature stand on the matter.

   Strong reading and communication skills are a must. They also must have a strong knowledge of policy and the legislative process in order to understand the challenges potential legislation faces and what effects it’ll have. Both legislative offices and lobbying firms rely on them.

   Find Legislative Analyst jobs near me

4. Civil Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $76,000

   Engineering is vital in all military branches. Civil engineers have a large role to play, though, as they’re all about different types of transportation.

   Their area of expertise is in bridges, roadways, and railways. This means that if the unit needs to build a bridge to advance, they have engineers to tell them how, what they need, and whether all their equipment can make it across.

   Find Civil Engineer jobs near me

5. Captain

   Average Annual Salary: $55,000

   This rank is in several branches of the military, with different meanings. However, the best-known one is as captain of a ship. In the Navy and Coast Guard, this is a highly skilled position with tremendous responsibility – more so, the larger and more valuable the ship.

   Find Captain jobs near me

6. Governor

   Average Annual Salary: $72,000

   In our political system, the governor is the head of state in a state. It’s unusual to reach the governorship without having experience in a lower office first. The amount of responsibility and power the governor has is dependent on the laws of the state that elected them, but it’s undeniably a prestigious position.

   Governors are in charge of a lot of economic and political decisions in a state, as well as appointments and pardons. They need to be able to work with the legislature to get laws passed as well as deal with any disasters in the state and respond to constituents’ complaints and requests.

   Find Governor jobs near me

7. Senator

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Most states have a state senate, but generally, when someone says senator, everyone thinks of the federal senate. National senators represent their entire state for a term of six years. They need to be able to work with other senators to get legislation passed, as well as with members of Congress and the Executive branch.

   The Senate is considered the higher and more stately house in our legislative branch, so expectations for senators are generally higher than for congresspeople.

8. Military Aircraft Designer

   Average Annual Salary: $86,000

   While the military doesn’t manufacture aircraft itself – instead leaving that to private companies – designing military aircraft is a complex and precise process.

   Much of the design will be done by engineers at the company that receives the contract, such as Lockheed Martin, but the military has requirements for what they want, depending on the aircraft’s purpose.

   Find Military Aircraft Designer jobs near me

9. Political Advisor

   Average Annual Salary: $70,000

   Political advisors can work outside the government, advising companies on the changes in the political climate. However, they are also essential during political campaigns and in the running of an administration. Political advisors consider actions and legislation from a political point of view, seeing what the fallout will be in terms of perception.

   Find Political Advisor jobs near me

10. Military Police Officer

    Average Annual Salary: $41,000

    The armed forces follow the Uniform Code of Military Justice, meaning that their laws and regulations differ somewhat from civilians. Because of that, they have their own police, attorneys, and judges to determine whether or not a crime was committed and what the punishment is.

    Military police officers have many of the same duties as any other police officer, but their jurisdiction is within the military. They investigate crimes, arrest those accused of them, and testify as needed. They’ll also perform other police duties, such as helping guard dignitaries and government officials.

    Find Military Police Officer jobs near me

Most of these positions require high levels of experience and higher levels of education. Therefore, they aren’t jobs you just step into. But if you’re looking to start a career in military/government/technical, then the below list is a good place to start your search.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Military/Government/Technical

The different branches of the military are actively recruiting. As there isn’t a requirement to serve in this country, they have to rely entirely on volunteers. That means that they offer a lot of incentives for people to join the armed forces.

1. Soldier

   Average Annual Salary: $43,000

   A person who serves in the Army is called a soldier. The Army is the largest branch of the armed forces and has the most diverse set of duties. Most of their combat is on the ground, utilizing infantry, armor, and limited air support in terms of helicopters.

   Find Soldier jobs near me

2. Sailor

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Sailors serve in the Navy. If you choose to join the Navy, you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time at sea. The Navy’s responsibilities include the oceans and the ships, submarines, and marine aircraft that patrol them. Many members of the Navy will do tours at sea, being gone from their homes and families for months.

3. Airman

   Average Annual Salary: $63,000

   The Air Force is largely considered the most technically stunning branch of the military. As the name implies, the Air Force is all about aerial combat, reconnaissance, and support. Many in the air force are aircraft pilots, but they also fly drones, do military intelligence, and provide other sorts of support.

   Find Airman jobs near me

4. National Guard Member

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   The National Guard is, in some ways, in between the force. They are a military unit, but they also have some police powers, which is why they’ll be called up during disasters and riots.

   Most members of the National Guard are reserved, meaning that they aren’t on active duty, so they act as civilians most of the time. Members of the national guard will have ordinary jobs and spend most of their time living a civilian life.

   They have certain expectations of keeping themselves fit and combat-ready, of course, if they need to be called into action. But if you choose to join the National Guard, chances are good that you will spend most of your career doing something else entirely.

5. Marine

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   The Marine Corps is separate from the Navy, which any Marine will inform you if you make that mistake. The Marines Corps is smaller than the Navy, Army, or Air Force, so they’re generally used in more specialized missions.

6. Legislative Assistant

   Average Annual Salary: $60,000

   Also sometimes called a legislative aide, legislative assistants can work for a legislative office, an advocacy group, or a nonprofit. Legislative assistants help lawmakers carry out their duties in several different ways.

   They can do research, take care of setting up meetings or provide the essential support that legislators need. They usually have an area that they specialize in and typically have contacts with groups associated with that area.

   Find Legislative Assistant jobs near me

7. Coastguardsman

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   While the Coast Guard is under the umbrella of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense, they’re still a military unit. Coastguardsmen wear many hats. They serve in combat when needed, patrol the coast, and rescue boaters and ship crews that get in trouble at sea.

   The Coast Guard is a cross between a military unit and a police force. They have police powers and are the agency responsible for making sure that regulations in terms of boating and ships are followed – such as being registered, wearing life vests, and following the rules of seamanship.

   They also stop smugglers and have been very involved in preventing illegal drug shipments from entering the United States.

8. Guardian

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   The newly formed Space Force calls its members guardians. This is expected to be the smallest unit in the armed forces, even smaller than the Coast Guard. Most of their duties are expected to be scientific, exploratory, and focused on threat prevention rather than combat.

9. Government Documents Librarian

   Average Annual Salary: $51,000

   Government documents are required to be archived and accessible to the public. Government document librarians are the caretakers, sorters, and experts on these records.

   They can work either for a government agency, such as the National Archives, or for a university. Their duties will involve sorting, organizing, and helping patrons or students find what they’re looking for.

   Find Government Documents Librarian jobs near me

10. City Council Member

    Average Annual Salary: $63,000

    Most politicians start their careers in local government. Many decide they aren’t interested in “advancing” and instead stay in local politics. Whatever you think you may decide, starting in a local government position like the city council is a good idea.

    The responsibilities and power in this role will vary hugely depending on your location. For instance, a council member in Los Angeles will be much more involved than a member in a small city. City councilors need to be familiar with local regulations, work with other members of the council, and be responsive to voters.

    Find City Council Member jobs near me

The jobs are a good way to get started in the military/government/technical industry. They all have room for growth or are a good way to gain experience before moving to a higher-level position.

Why Choose a Career in Military/Government/Technical?

Public sector jobs have a couple of benefits that private sector jobs don’t. The main ones are security and benefits, but they also offer training and encourage personnel to stay. And if you think you’ll want to change jobs part way through your career, starting in the military or government opens up a lot of possibilities.

There are a few traits that are recommended to have if you’re thinking of a career in this industry.

• Public service calls to you. The main recommendation for a job in the armed forces or the government is that it’s a service to your country. If that doesn’t sound fulfilling to you, then a job in this sector is likely not for you.

• You’re good at following instructions. In the military especially, following orders is paramount. And it’s not just a matter of being willing to, but you have to be able to do so well and rapidly. If instructions are difficult for you, or if you resent being told what to do, it’s inadvisable to join the military.

• Details are important to you. Legislation, tech, and military affairs are all about details. If you like getting down to the nitty-gritty and exploring every aspect of something, then this career path could be for you.

• You like working with others. In public service, it’s very rare for you to work solo. Particularly in politics, you have to be able to work with people with very different views and agendas in order to get things done. And in a military situation, you’re always part of a team or a unit.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Military/Government/Technical

A wide variety of degrees can help you in this industry – and there are ways to advance without one, as well. However, if you’re looking to get one or already have one, here are some degrees to consider.

• Political Science. This is an excellent degree for both politics and some military positions. It covers the way politics work and the effect it has on people and nations’ actions.

• Military Applied Sciences. There are several different skills that are needed to be effective militarily. This degree covers the best ways to deal with defense, warfare, and diplomacy.

• Military Technology. This focuses on the technological aspects of the military and warfare, which cannot be overstated.

• Law. Many politicians have a law degree, which makes it easier for them to write legislation and understand the way the law works.

• Logistics. The importance of logistics in warfare and defense is paramount. If you can’t get troops or supplies where you need them, you’re going to be ineffective.

• Public Policy Analysis. This is a specialized degree that focuses on the effects of laws and the public’s reaction to them.

• Intelligence Operations. A degree in this specialty covers the many aspects of intelligence work, whether analyzing data, images, or gathering information from sources.

• Engineering. This degree can get you into all kinds of engineering positions.

  • Civil Engineering. If you want to be a civil engineer.

It’s also worth drawing attention to the fact that if you join the military, they will pay for your education. So long as you’re willing to serve for a time and use your expertise in the service of the armed forces, you can get an education without debt.

There are limited certifications that you can get that relate to this sector. Of course, there are ones related to politics and public policy, but it’s best to select one that directly relates to your aspirations and expertise.

What Do People Working In Military/Government/Technical Do?

People working in the Military/Government/Technical serve in the military or the government. Both of these institutions have myriad different duties and purposes. The military is involved in defense of our nation, warfare (if needed), intelligence, and diplomacy. The government runs our country as well as deals with diplomacy, logistics, and disasters.

There are many choices depending on what sort of career you’re looking for. You can choose to work in intelligence, combat, diplomacy, politics, or analysis — and that’s hardly an exhaustive list.

Different military and government branches have vastly different roles and responsibilities, meaning that you can choose almost any discipline and still work in public service.

Yes, clothing/shoe/accessory stores is a good career path to consider. Apparel retail is a huge industry and one that’s impossible to ship overseas.

Despite the rise of online stores, clothing stores are still going to draw people due to their employees’ expertise. Clothing is also a difficult item to select without seeing it and trying it on – not to mention the fact that a lot of people enjoy shopping for additions to their wardrobe in person.

There are retail stores that include all three: clothing, shoes, and accessories. There are also shops that specialize in one of them. No matter which one you select, there are special skills that make you desirable – most especially being knowledgeable about the products.

Due to these being largely retail positions, it isn’t the highest-paying career path to take. However, that doesn’t mean that the work doesn’t take skill and training. The skills learned here can also be transferred to other industries, if you so choose.

10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores

As most of the careers in this industry don’t require a college education, the higher-paying jobs aren’t as lucrative as some industries. However, there are some careers you can get into in higher-level retail that still allow for a good paycheck.

1. General Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $65,000

   General managers manage the entire store. That means they’re expected to have some knowledge of everything that the store sells as well as be attentive to all employees and departments. They’re also expected to deal with any issues with the store’s personnel, displeased customers, and any requirements from higher management.

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2. Assistant Store Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $40,000

   An assistant store manager is a second-in-command in a retail store. If the general manager isn’t available, then it’s the assistant store manager’s job to take over. Like the general manager, it’s the assistant manager’s job to look after the entirety of the store and fill in if an employee is sick or otherwise unavailable.

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3. Clothier

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   This job requires strong customer service skills as well as extensive knowledge of clothing. Clothiers often do custom work for customers, be it alterations or making bespoke garments.

   They can work independently or with a store. If they do work with a store, it’s likely to be a higher-class one, such as one that specializes in men’s formal wear or a bridal shop.

4. Inventory Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $76,000

   Someone in this role is responsible for tracking the store’s inventory. This job requires a lot of counting, as the inventory manager has to make sure that the store’s true inventory matches up with the digitized inventory.

   As most retail stores use a just-in-time model with automated replenishment, this is necessary to make sure that stock gets shipped to the store when it should.

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5. Goldsmith

   Average Annual Salary: $48,000

   A goldsmith’s duties and salary depend greatly on where they work and how skilled they are. Goldsmiths mainly work with jewelry through forging, filing, and casting. Despite the name, goldsmiths don’t work exclusively with gold and are expected to have a working knowledge of other precious metals as well.

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6. Jeweler

   Average Annual Salary: $44,000

   A jeweler is responsible for designing and creating jewelry. This requires knowledge of metals – especially precious metals – gemstones, especially gem setting, as well as forging techniques. A jeweler’s salary can vary greatly depending on where they work and their level of experience and skill.

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7. Shoe Designer

   Average Annual Salary: $82,000

   A shoe designer does exactly what it sounds like: they design shoes. They have to be good with designs, materials, and aesthetics – such as color choice. They may work independently or for a major company, such as Adidas. If you’re interested in footwear and are artistic and creative, this is a good career choice.

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8. Clothes Designer

   Average Annual Salary: $75,000

   Like all designers, clothes designers require high levels of creativity. They have to understand different types of fabric, how it reacts once sewn together, as well as clothing styles. Not all clothes designers are going to work in high fashion – clothing companies such as Levi’s need designers to generate new designs all the time.

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9. Merchandise Coordinator

   Average Annual Salary: $75,000

   This is, in many ways, a higher-level retail position. Merchandise coordinators work with inventory levels, move stock around as needed, and make sure items are priced properly. They’re also responsible for product displays, such as setting up displays in windows to draw customers into their establishment.

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10. Jewelry Designer

    Average Annual Salary: $50,000

    Jewelry designers come up with product designs – specifically for jewelry.

    This job has a high level of variance, as you can be a jewelry designer with your own business selling pieces on Etsy, or you can work for a major jeweler and design products to be mass produced. Either way, it’s a career that requires high levels of creativity and design know-how. Drawing skills are also highly recommended.

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While some of these jobs require degrees or apprenticeships, most of them are going to mainly become available and lucrative through experience. A degree is likely going to be required for the designer positions, but otherwise, getting into the right path is what’s going to land these jobs.

If you’re on the lookout for an entry into the industry, the below jobs are a good place to start your search.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores

1. Retail Cashier

   Average Annual Salary: $27,000

   Almost every retail employee is expected to run the cash register at some point. However, there are usually a few employees who are designated to be on the register.

   Cashiers must be familiar with the software the register runs, different products, and where the barcodes are likely to be located. It’s also important to know the location of goods in the store, in case they need to direct a customer or check a price or the item doesn’t have a barcode.

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2. Assistant Merchandise Buyer

   Average Annual Salary: $51,000

   Buyers are responsible for getting the supplies and merchandise that a business needs to run. In the case of assistant merchandise buyers, their focus is on merchandise rather than supplies.

   This means that they need to pay close attention to the stock and inventory levels of the business, as well as have excellent communication and negotiation skills. Maintaining a good rapport with sellers is paramount in this job, as well as working on getting the best deal possible.

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3. Jewelry Polisher

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Jewelry polishers do more than just shine up jewelry. They work with bench jewelers to restore and prepare gemstones and precious metals. They use equipment to buff dull coatings off stones and smooth away scratches from gems or metals.

   This means you’ll need to have a working knowledge of precious and semiprecious stones, as well as different precious metals, such as platinum, silver, and gold.

4. Apparel Associate

   Average Annual Salary: $30,000

   An apparel associate works with clothing. Most of their job is folding clothes, setting up displays, and returning items from the dressing room to the store floor.

   However, they’re also expected to be able to help customers find what they need, be familiar with the inventory and store layout, and, depending on the store, make suggestions for what will suit the customer.

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5. Shoe Repairer

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   While the name here is self-explanatory, shoe repairs can do more than just repair footwear. So long as the shoes are made of high-quality materials, they can also adjust them. Shoe repairers will replace heels and soles and buff out scuff marks. They can also stretch out too-tight leather shoes, replace heel caps, or add padding.

6. Boot Maker

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   This job has a lot of variances. Boot makers can work in factories to sew and put boots together, or they can work at a high-end establishment making bespoke boots. Depending on which one you choose, the amount of money you make will vary significantly.

7. Footwear Associate

   Average Annual Salary: $27,000

   Footwear associates usually work at specialty shoe stores, such as Rack Room Shoes, helping customers select the right shoes. They can also work at a department store in the shoe section.

   Depending on the store, your job may also involve getting the right size shoe from the backroom, or it may just involve stocking, cleaning, and helping customers find what they’re looking for.

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8. Alterations Tailor

   Average Annual Salary: $41,000

   Sometimes called alterations specialists, alterations tailors are experts at altering clothing. Someone with this job can either work independently or work for a specialty clothing store, such as a bridal shop or men’s suits retailer, where alterations are considered part of the service.

   This job requires knowledge of fabric, clothing, and precision in both measurements and the finished product.

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9. Jewelry Sales Associate

   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Jewelry sales associates are the first point of contact in a jewelry store. Their main duties are to help customers select the right pieces and to close sales.

   Because a large part of their job is to approach customers and give advice, jewelry sales associates need to be comfortable talking with other people and have knowledge of different types of jewelry and styles.

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10. Apparel Merchandiser

    Average Annual Salary: $40,000

    A merchandiser is another name for a stocker. Apparel merchandisers work with clothing, making sure that it’s taken out of the stock room, properly folded or hung on a hanger, and put in its proper place. Not every store has designated merchandisers instead of jack-of-all-trades employees, but if it’s a larger store, it’s likely.

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Most of these jobs don’t require a college education, though going to a vocational school or community college is recommended for some. The majority have on-the-job training, meaning that you can step right into them out of high school if you’re looking to start your career right away.

Why Choose a Career in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores?

A career in clothing/shoe/accessory stores is going to involve a lot of working with other people and with apparel. Clothing is a necessary item, so even in economic downturns, clothing stores do well. The nature of your job will be different depending on what part of the industry you choose, but there are some skills that are helpful no matter where you land.

• You’re passionate about apparel. If you’re going to specialize in retail, it’s a very good idea to pick something that interests you. In this case, you should have a strong interest in clothing, shoes, or accessories – preferably all three. This will help you in keeping up to date in the industry as well as making your job more enjoyable.

• You like working with the public. Retail is, at its heart, a service industry. The majority of a retail associate’s job is dealing with customers. You need to be patient, cheerful, and make the customer feel heard and welcome, even when you don’t feel like it.

• Getting a four-year degree isn’t a priority for you. Almost none of these jobs require a college degree. So, if school isn’t your strong suit, you don’t want to go into debt, or you want to start working right away, then retail is an industry you can step into with a high school diploma.

• You’d like to get a discount on your wardrobe. The one major perk retail employees get is an employee discount at the store. So if you love shoes and clothes, getting a job at a store that sells those will guarantee you can get them for less money.

• Flexibility in your schedule is important to you. As almost every retail job is part-time, you can have more flexibility in your schedule. Most retail stores allow you to block out times you aren’t available, and you can request time off, just like other jobs.

Retail positions, in general, aren’t highly paid, so it’s strongly recommended for you to be interested in what you’re doing. If the above list sounds like it describes you, then you should absolutely look into a career in specialty retail.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores

The majority of these jobs don’t require a college education, so experience is going to be the main way that you’re able to advance in this industry. However, there are a few exceptions, so here are some degrees to consider.

• Apparel and Textiles. This degree will teach you about clothing and different textiles, fabrics, and materials.

• Retail Management. This degree isn’t available everywhere, but it can help if you want to be in management or a merchandising coordinator.

• Design. This isn’t a degree that you can just get anywhere, and it’s fairly involved. However, it teaches you all about design and the processes behind it.

  • Design Technology. This focuses on the technology that goes into designing and that you’d work with as a designer.

  • Fashion Design. This teaches you how to design clothing, shoes, and accessories. Excellent if you want to be a shoe designer or clothes designer.

A few of these jobs are also best served by getting a degree at a vocational school or getting an apprenticeship.

• Goldsmiths often apprentice. However, most of the skills can also be learned at a trade school.

• A jeweler is also a position that’s usually apprenticed for. Vocation schools will also teach these skills as well.

• Tailors will also apprentice. So clothiers and alterations tailors usually apprentice and are taught with on-the-job training.

• While there aren’t requirements to become a jewelry polisher, getting some training at a vocational school is recommended.

• There aren’t really any schools that teach shoe repair, so apprenticeship is the best way to get into it.

• High-level bootmakers will apprentice to learn the skills needed.

There are certifications that you can get in these jobs, but for most of them, experience is the best way to advance your career.

What Do People Working In Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores Do?

People working in clothing/shoe/accessory stores sell apparel to customers. This, of course, involves the designing of the apparel, getting it to the retail store, and putting it on the shelf for customers to select.

Most people who work in this industry are going to work in retail stores. They advise customers, keep the stores stocked and organized, and ring up purchases.

Others will work more on the design side, coming up with products to sell to customers in their stores. Some will also be highly specialized or trained, creating the products themselves: jewelers, goldsmiths, boot makers, and clothiers fit in this category.

If you like working with apparel and with customers, then this is an excellent industry for you to look into.

Yes, miscellaneous manufacturing industries is a good career path. Manufacturing has been a huge part of the economy for the better part of two hundred years, and current trends show no sign of that changing, especially with the push lately to move manufacturing and other industrial careers back to the United States.

Miscellaneous manufacturing industries are a broad industry, meaning that there are myriad career options to choose from. Whether you’re interested in getting a four-year degree, an associate’s degree, or just stepping into the workforce, there’s a job for you here.

There’s a lot of room for growth in the sector, as well as overlapping jobs. That means that if you think you might want to change careers at some time in the future, you can use your knowledge and experience and apply it to a different career path.

Jobs in this industry run the gamut in the amount of education and training required. Many require college degrees, while others require an apprenticeship or an education from a vocational school, and a few can be stepped right into. This means that there will be a job to meet your needs, whatever they may be.

10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries

Every job on this list is going to require a college degree, as jobs that require more education tend to pay better. And if you’re looking for top-tier high-paying work, experience is going to be a requirement.

1. Manufacturing Systems Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $92,000

   Manufacturing systems engineers design and install manufacturing systems and equipment. They’re also expected to test and evaluate said systems to make sure that they meet the requirements and won’t fail.

   As they oversee the whole manufacturing process, manufacturing system engineers work with lots of other experts, meaning that good communications skills are a must, as well as being able to work in a team.

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2. Industrial Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $78,000

   Industrial engineers specialize in the industry. Their area of expertise is on the best, most practical way to set up production. This includes helping design the layout of the production floor as well as being familiar with the processes themselves.

   Find Industrial Engineer jobs near me

3. Process Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $81,000

   This type of engineering is similar to industrial engineering, but it focuses entirely on the process. Process engineers help select the optimal materials, chemical components, and design for the product. They’re also involved in the testing and upgrading of systems in order to make sure it’s the best they can be.

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4. Continuous Improvement Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $74,000

   As the name suggests, continuous improvement engineers are focused on improving a process. Their duties are mainly focused on testing and studying the current process and searching for ways to make it better – be that more efficient, less expensive, or more durable.

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5. Industrial Hygienist

   Average Annual Salary: $60,000

   While the general connotation of hygiene is cleanliness, its true definition is general health. Industrial hygienists focus on all aspects of health in an industrial environment.

   This includes cleanliness, sanitation, comfort, and trying to bolster mental health. They are responsible for coming up with plans and helping to implement them, as well as educating the workforce.

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6. Manufacturing Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $76,000

   Manufacturing engineers focus entirely on the manufacturing process. They come up with the most cost-efficient way to manufacture the best product. It’s imperative they are familiar with the current rules and regulations and make sure that the manufacturing process follows them.

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7. Industrial Designer

   Average Annual Salary: $75,000

   Industrial designers design products for manufacture. They work with clients to design blueprints, mockups, and samples of products. In order to make sure their designs are feasible, they also work with manufacturers, material scientists, as well as safety and quality experts.

   Due to the broadness of the career, most industrial designers have a specialty, such as toys, furniture, or vehicles.

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8. Mechanical Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $79,000

   Mechanical engineers specialize in machines. Specialized machines are essential to manufacturing, meaning that a lot of mechanical engineers work in this field. Their work mainly involves improving on design, materials, and durability of the machines.

   They’re also involved in coming up with better ways to maintain and repair machinery that’s already in service.

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9. Quality Assurance Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $86,000

   This job is focused on making sure that a product is feasible to make and that quality can be maintained with the current materials and technology.

   Quality assurance engineers help with overall production, but they are mainly focused on the product itself. It has to be within cost parameters but also within parameters for quality and the percentage of products that end up defective.

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10. Design Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $79,000

    Design engineers design and create systems and applications. This varies depending on their area of expertise and the business they’re working in – design engineers aren’t specific to manufacturing.

    They aren’t limited to creating new systems, though, as they’ll also make recommendations to improve an existing system. It requires strong knowledge of computer systems and programming.

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Each of the above jobs requires a college degree, and many require experience in a related field. So this is an idea of what a career in miscellaneous manufacturing industries is likely to look like at the height of your career. If you’re looking to get started in the industry, then the below list is worth a look.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries

Several of these jobs don’t require a college degree and instead rely on education from a vocational school or an apprenticeship. Most of these careers are excellent in their own right but will also help if you’re aiming to end up in the highest-paid positions.

1. Machinist

   Average Annual Salary: $45,000

   Machinists are skilled workers that are responsible for actually making machined items. While most of their job is programming the requirements into a computer, they have to be familiar with the program, components, and the machining process in order to do the job properly.

   They can make custom pieces or work on a larger scale, such as setting up machining for an assembly line.

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2. Industrial Painter

   Average Annual Salary: $36,000

   This is a specialized painting position. Industrial painters provide painting services to industrial enterprises, such as construction and manufacturing. They aren’t restricted to painting walls and ceilings, either, as they may paint vehicles or other manufactured items.

   They need to be familiar with different types of paint and how they work on different surfaces, as well as safety equipment. Industrial painters are unlikely to work alone, so you need to be able to follow directions and work as a team.

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3. Machine Operator

   Average Annual Salary: $32,000

   The majority of factories have at least a few manned machines. A machine operator has to know the proper way to operate the machine, as well as basic maintenance. They’re responsible for making sure their machine runs properly as well as keeping it lubricated and clean.

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4. Operations Analyst

   Average Annual Salary: $67,000

   To do this job properly, you need to pay strong attention to detail. An operations analyst’s main job is in data management. This necessitates working closely with other members of the team to make sure that the database is kept up to date and accurate.

   In order to be effective in this job, you have to be comfortable with math and computers and have good communication skills.

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5. Calibration Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $48,000

   A calibration technician’s job is to make sure that the assembly line machines are properly calibrated. This means testing them, doing measurements, and correcting them if they’re off. It requires attention to detail along with familiarity with machines and measurements.

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6. Industrial Electrician

   Average Annual Salary: $58,000

   An industrial electrician is a specialized electrician. They work in industrial buildings, making sure that the electrical setup can handle the load of a factory. It involves running a lot of wires, as well as setting up the electrical system in large buildings. Industrial electricians also repair and upgrade existing electrical systems when needed.

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7. Industrial Cleaner

   Average Annual Salary: $27,000

   Industrial cleaning isn’t limited to industrial complexes, as anything that isn’t home is considered “industrial.” However, every place needs to be cleaned and needs a cleaning service. Cleaners have to be familiar with different types of cleaning tools, solutions, and requirements.

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8. Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

   Average Annual Salary: $48,000

   Industrial maintenance mechanics maintain industrial machinery. They check to make sure it’s running properly, and that proper maintenance is done. If there’s an issue, they’ll repair the machine. This can include replacing parts, checking wiring, and other repair duties.

   Troubleshooting is also a major part of the job, as they have to find out what’s causing the problem and get it replaced quickly, as any issue with the factory equipment results in delays.

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9. Manufacturing Production Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $27,000

   This job is focused on making sure the production process works properly. Manufacturing production technicians help with the setup and make sure that the products that come off the line are properly made and meet quality standards.

   If there are issues, they work to troubleshoot the equipment to find errors or inefficiencies. They’ll also check the production quality once the assembly line is up and running, but the majority of their job is making sure it gets off to a proper start.

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10. Quality Inspector

    Average Annual Salary: $33,000

    This job title is largely self-explanatory. Quality inspectors make sure that the products’ quality meets the requirements. They test durability, ease of use, and efficiency. They’re also expected to know both the manufacturer’s standards as well as the regulations on products and make sure that they’re both met.

    The job requires taking a lot of measurements and testing products at random to make sure that quality is maintained.

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Vocational schools will offer many of the skills for several of the above jobs, but most still need a college degree. It’s going to depend on what level of education you’ve decided you want to pursue.

Why Choose a Career in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries?

The types of careers in this industry are varied in the amount of education required, as well as how much you end up working with your hands versus doing more cerebral work. However, there are still some qualities that will help you with any job in this industry. Here are some traits to consider.

• You’re mechanically inclined. Not every job on this list involves working directly with machinery, but most of them require at least a passing knowledge of them. So if you don’t have at least an interest in them, it may not be the best career path for you.

• How things are made interests you. Working with industrial machinery generally means that you’re going to be working around factories or processing centers. How those processes work is a major component of it.

• You’re detail-oriented. Whether you’re designing something, improving a system, or putting a system together, the details are important. All of these jobs require attention to detail and being willing to correct errors.

• You’re goal-oriented. Most of the jobs here are about meeting requirements, goals, and deadlines. If you’re a linear thinker that likes to have goals and deadlines, then manufacturing is a good choice.

Depending on what type of job you choose to do, there will be some variation in the skill set. But if the above qualities describe you, then you should absolutely look into going into miscellaneous manufacturing industries as a career path.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries

The level of education required is going to vary greatly depending on the career you choose to pursue. But here are some ideas for majors to look into.

• Industrial Technology. This covers the science of industry, from manufacturing and industrial production to the management of such a system.

• Mechatronics and Robotics. This specializes in machines and robots. This is good if you want to be a mechanical engineer.

• Drafting and Design. This is good if you want to be an industrial designer or design engineer.

• Engineering. This is a generic degree that can get you into any kind of engineering. But you can also specialize:

  • Industrial Engineering. If you want to be an industrial engineer.

  • Manufacturing Engineering. If you’re looking to become a manufacturing engineer.

  • Mechanical Engineering. If you want to be a mechanical engineer.

A few of the jobs listed above are skilled trades. A vocational school is an excellent place to start, but several of them also have apprenticeship programs. And the majority of them must be licensed.

• Electricians need to be licensed and meet training requirements.

• The majority of those who operate heavy equipment need to be trained and licensed, too.

There are various certifications that you can get to further your career as well. This will depend on what you choose to do. For instance, it’s strongly recommended for industrial hygienists to be certified, and there are various other certifications you can get to prove your knowledge and experience.

What Do People Working In Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries Do?

People in miscellaneous manufacturing industries set up, maintain and improve factories and other industrial complexes. This lends a great deal of variance to your career choices, as the industry involves being familiar with machinery, design, and manufacturing. Several of the careers listed above overlap with two or even all three, but many focus on just one aspect.

If you work in the setup, you can help with the layout design and the ergonomics of it. Or you can set up the machinery and test it to make sure it’s working properly and is safe.

If you’re part of maintenance, then you continue to test to make sure everything’s working properly. It also involves making sure the machinery is kept clean and oiled. If the problem runs deeper than that, then it’s time to repair or replace it, depending on the circumstances. This could be recalibration, part replacement, or even replacing it with a new apparatus.

As for improvement, those in miscellaneous manufacturing industries are always looking for ways to improve the process. Be that using different packaging, altering the order of manufacture, or switching to better materials, there’s always someone on the lookout to make it better, quicker, or less expensive – hopefully all three.

Yes, paper is a good career path. Despite the movement away from paper, it’s still widely in use. And this isn’t just sheets of paper, either, but paper products, like napkins and plates, and packaging, such as cardboard. There are also various kinds of specialty paper and stationery that remain in use.

Paper production is an involved and complex process involving several different steps. Logging, manufacturing, processing, and sustainability efforts all come into play in the industry. All of these steps require highly educated and skilled workers as well, meaning that the industry is unlikely to end up fully mechanized.

Paper has myriad uses and the advantage of being biodegradable. The process of making paper is complex and requires several steps, rendering it an art form in many ways. And there’s more to the paper industry than just the manufacture of the paper itself.

10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Paper

As papermaking is a complex chemical process, there are several jobs in the paper industry that require higher education. There’s also the matter of the other requirements of industrial papermaking, having to do with industry and manufacturing in general. This results in several high-paid positions in the sector.

1. Packaging Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $86,000

   Packaging engineers are experts in packaging products. Paper and cardboard are used regularly as packing materials, meaning that you’ll often work with them. Packaging engineers mainly work with concepts and will test various packages to make sure they’re efficient, inexpensive, and meet the requirements.

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2. Process Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $81,000

   Process engineers help select the optimal materials, chemical components, and design for the product. With an item like paper, they’re likely to alter the recipe as needed to get the exact sort of paper that suits the purpose best. They’re also involved in the testing and upgrading of systems in order to make sure it’s the best they can be.

   Find Process Engineer jobs near me

3. Sawmill Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $80,000

   Sawmills are where raw lumber is processed. A sawmill manager is responsible for the entire mill. They oversee the intake of lumber, making sure it’s properly cut and dried, as well as stored and shipped. Because of the large amount of responsibility, sawmill managers are well compensated and expected to have experience in the industry.

   Find Sawmill Manager jobs near me

4. Chemical Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $85,000

   Chemical engineers are involved in the creation of new products and materials by way of chemical processes. They can be involved in food, drugs, petroleum, or chemical production. The majority of their profession is taking raw materials and processing them into other products.

   Find Chemical Engineer jobs near me

5. Manufacturing Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $104,000

   As with most managerial roles, manufacturing managers are tasked with making sure that the work is done effectively and meets the company’s goals. It requires a lot of coordination due to the fact that the different workers are going to be experts at their jobs.

   Manufacturing managers also need to be aware of industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements to make sure that their area meets all the requirements.

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6. Forest Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $84,000

   Forest engineers are mainly involved in the logging industry. Their job is to find the best and most efficient way to get an area logged. This means they have to know the trees, the equipment, and the topography of the area. And they must do all this while following local laws, regulations, and safety guidelines.

   They’re also tasked with planning where to set up the equipment so that it’s ergonomic, effective, and safe.

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7. Industrial Hygienist

   Average Annual Salary: $60,000

   While the general connotation of hygiene is cleanliness, its true definition is general health. Industrial hygienists focus on all aspects of health in an industrial environment. This includes cleanliness, sanitation, comfort, and trying to bolster mental health. They are responsible for coming up with plans to that effect and helping to implement them, as well as educating the workforce.

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8. Quality Assurance Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $86,000

   The main duties of this job are making sure that a product is feasible to make and that quality standards can be met or exceeded with the current materials and technology.

   Quality assurance engineers help with overall production, but they are mainly focused on the product itself. It has to fit within cost parameters but also within the parameters for quality and the percentage of products that end up defective.

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9. Environmental Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $69,000

   Environmental engineers’ main task is tackling environmental issues. They focus on pollution and the use of natural resources. Sustainability is the goal, so they try to come up with solutions where the land’s natural resources can be utilized without harming the environment.

   This job requires a mix of knowledge of biology, ecology, engineering, and chemistry.

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10. Manufacturing Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $76,000

    Manufacturing engineers focus entirely on the manufacturing process. They come up with the most cost-efficient way to manufacture the best product. It’s imperative they are familiar with the current rules and regulations and make sure that the manufacturing process follows them.

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Most of these jobs require both higher education and experience to get, which is why they’re higher paid. That makes the above list a snapshot of where a career in the paper industry may peak. If you’re just looking to get started in the paper industry, then the below list is a better place to start.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Paper

The paper industry has several different parts to it, meaning there are a few career paths you can take. That allows for a few different entries into the industry, which you can choose based on your interests and circumstances.

1. Paper Maker

   Average Annual Salary: $32,000

   Paper makers process wood pulp into paper. Depending on the type of paper being made, it can involve different chemicals and amounts of pulp fiber and water, as well as how long it takes to dewater, dry, and finish.

   Paper makers have to be familiar with the paper-making machines as well as the recipe for the type of paper they’re making and proper handling of chemicals and other materials.

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2. Forester

   Average Annual Salary: $64,000

   If you love forestry and natural environments, then this position could be for you. Foresters care for and safeguard forests and parks. They will plant trees, collect data on the area, and keep track of when certain trees are ready for harvest.

   They can also be expected to monitor the local wildlife population and help out in an emergency – such as if a hiker goes missing or is injured.

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3. Quality Inspector

   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   This job title is largely self-explanatory. Quality inspectors make sure that the products’ quality meets the requirements. They test durability, ease of use, and efficiency. They’re also expected to know both the manufacturer’s standards as well as the regulations on products and make sure that they’re both met.

   The job requires taking a lot of measurements and testing products at random to make sure that quality is maintained.

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4. Paper Machine Operator

   Average Annual Salary: $36,000

   Paper machines can serve a variety of functions, such as corrugating – to create corrugated cardboard – banding, wrapping, or laying paperboard or paper sheets. As an operator, your job would be to operate and maintain the machine.

   You’ll need to understand its different settings and proper function, as well as how to keep it clean, lubricated, and operational.

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5. Wood Technologist

   Average Annual Salary: $61,000

   Wood technologists are experts in wood. Many work in sawmills to determine the best way to cut, dry, and process the wood to create saleable products, such as plywood.

   Wood technologists’ expertise is also called on in other areas to determine how wood is best utilized in building and manufacturing, for instance, and what types of wood are optimal for what’s being built.

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6. Silviculturist

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Silviculture is the science of raising trees for the purpose of harvesting. Lumber is the most common product, but silviculturists may also raise trees and forests for the purpose of other raw goods, such as oils and maple syrup, but lumber is the most sought-after resource.

   How much money you make is going to be heavily dependent on the market, what type of trees you’re cultivating, and how much land you have.

7. Forestry Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $32,000

   Forestry technicians’ main duties are in conservation. They collect and analyze samples to look for any threats to the forest they’re responsible for. Raising public awareness of environmental conservation is a large part of their job as well.

   It’s a position that spends a lot of time outdoors and requires coordination with other departments, such as fire and police.

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8. Lumber Grader

   Average Annual Salary: $41,000

   Someone in this position typically works at a sawmill. They sort incoming logs, looking for flaws – such as knots and boules – and decide what each log is suited for. They decide whether it should be ground up to make something else or if it should be dried and cured as a piece of lumber.

   Lumber graders also have to be experts in wood grain and be able to tell how the piece of wood should be processed and handled.

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9. Industrial Mechanic Apprentice

   Average Annual Salary: $53,000

   Also called millwrights, industrial mechanics maintain and repair industrial machinery. They will also install heavy machinery and move it if the need arises. They need to be able to read blueprints and sketches and be familiar with different types of metal and mechanisms.

   This is a skilled trade that is often apprenticed, though some vocational schools will also offer classes.

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10. Logger

    Average Annual Salary: $68,000

    Also called lumberjacks, loggers harvest trees. This is an extremely physical position that involves working outdoors in difficult conditions. Loggers are experts with both power and hand tools.

    Cutting down trees is dangerous work, meaning that loggers must be knowledgeable about the trees they’re working with and the best way to cut them down safely.

    Find Logger jobs near me

Several of the above jobs don’t require a college degree, and most of the rest can be attained with an associate’s or a degree from a vocational school. That makes it easier to break into these careers, and they can also work as a springboard as you finish your degree.

Why Choose a Career in Paper?

The creation of paper has several different aspects to it, allowing you to choose which part of the industry you’d like to focus on. While the jobs are disparate, there are still some attributes that serve you well anywhere in the industry.

• You’re interested in the industry. Paper production is heavily industrialized. The complexity of the process makes it impossible for it to be otherwise.

  So, whether you work in a sawmill or a factory, or even just in getting the trees ready to be harvested, it helps to have some knowledge and interest in the industry and manufacture of the product.

• Details are important to you. Paper is difficult to make, and different recipes can get very different results. But details also apply to logging, manufacturing, and machine operation.

• You’re practical. All of these jobs have a strong aspect of practicality to them. Engineering is, in many ways, the science of the practical, and a lot of these other jobs require being focused on the practical aspects as well.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Paper

The required education level varies greatly depending on what part of the industry you choose to be a part of. But if you’re looking to work in the paper industry or are curious if your degree will fit, here are some suggestions.

• Industrial Technology. This is a sort of generic industry degree. It’s excellent if you’re looking to work in manufacturing.

• Forestry. This focuses on forests, both management and husbandry. It’s an excellent choice if you want to be a forester or forestry technician.

  • Forest Engineering. If you want to be a forest engineer.

• Engineering. This is a generic degree that can get you into different types of engineering.

  • Manufacturing Engineering. This is good if you want to be a manufacturing engineer.

  • Environmental engineering. If you’d like to be an environmental engineer.

• Chemistry. This is also an excellent basis for manufacturing, as well as the sciences.

  • Chemical Engineering. If you want to be a chemical engineer.

There are several different types of certifications you can get both in the environmental and manufacturing fields. Certifications aren’t required for most of these jobs, but looking for ones that are in your field can help your prospects in your career.

Some things to consider:

• Industrial Mechanics need to be licensed. This requires sufficient training and knowledge, which is typically learned through apprenticeship.

• The majority of machine operators need a license.

• Industrial hygienists need to be certified.

• Loggers need safety training in most places – or an associate’s degree in forest harvesting.

What Do People Working In Paper Do?

People who work in paper are involved in the collection of raw materials for and manufacture of paper. The paper industry is split into different pieces: husbandry, collection, and manufacture.

Husbandry has to do with making sure that trees are sustainably harvested. That can take the form of a forester caring for a forest, a silviculturist growing them, or an environmental engineer considering the impact of harvesting.

Collection involves logging and processing the wood. Not all wood is good for paper. Loggers harvest the trees with the help of forestry engineers and technicians, and sawmills process the lumber.

The last stage is manufacturing. This is the process of taking the wood pulp and turning it into paper. This varies depending on the type of paper being made and whether it needs further processing.

Yes, environmental services is a great career path. Society as a whole is becoming more and more concerned with conservation, sustainability, and the environmental impact of our actions. This means that the government, businesses, and universities are interested in the field, resulting in more roles.

As technology advances, there is still going to be concern about the impact and sustainability of new technologies and techniques, meaning that the field of environmental services is unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon. And even as some of the measurements become automated, there will still need to be people to interpret the data and educate others on what it means.

Environmental services is a complex field involving lots of different factors. That means that there are many different paths you can take in this career field, depending on what interests you and your specialty.

10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Environmental Services

Like most career paths, more education tends to lead to better pay. Most of the jobs in environmental services are going to require some education, as it’s a complex field. A lot of it is tied into sustainability, husbandry, and understanding of the natural world.

1. Environmental Scientist

   Average Annual Salary: $55,000

   Environmental scientists collect, analyze, and research the environment. Samples are taken from the soil, air, and water to track pollutants and contamination. Their research helps come up with ways to minimize hazards and in the creation of policies to control contaminants.

   This position is typically either in an office or laboratory. It requires attention to detail, analytical thinking, and good communication skills.

   Find Environmental Scientist jobs near me

2. Water Resources Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $87,000

   This position has several different responsibilities, including managing drinking water, flood control, and dealing with wastewater. It requires problem-solving skills, as well as being a good communicator, as not only do you have to come up with solutions, but you have to get them approved by the requisite local and government agencies.

   Find Water Resources Engineer jobs near me

3. Marine Scientist

   Average Annual Salary: $82,000

   Marine scientists study oceanology, which focuses on marine environments and the organisms that reside there. As the ocean covers roughly 70% of the plant’s surface, it’s extremely important for understanding climate and habitats. Marine scientists can study fish, undersea plants, coral, and other marine life.

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4. Energy Engineer

   Average Annual Salary: $82,000

   While being focused on generating energy may not seem directly related to environmental services, a not insignificant part of an energy engineer’s job is to consider the environmental impact.

   Many energy engineers are also focused on green and renewable energy sources and what effect those may have on the planet. The majority of those in this role work in the field, meaning that your hours may be irregular. It also requires working with contractors, cleaving to a budget, and staying current with technological advances.

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5. Environmental Planner

   Average Annual Salary: $63,000

   Environmental planners’ job is in many ways similar to urban planners, except that they have a different focus. As the name indicates, environmental planners consider the environmental impact and effects of a project and ways to mitigate them.

   It’s also their responsibility to make sure that projects comply with environmental rules and regulations and meet sustainability goals.

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6. Climate Change Analyst

   Average Annual Salary: $70,000

   Also called climatologists, climate change analysts study the climate. Their current focus is dealing with climate change and working through data to prove both its effect and come up with ways to mitigate it.

   They use the gathered data to generate policy solutions and goals to reduce emissions and other activities that greatly alter the world’s climate. This is a highly mentally demanding job that generally requires a Master’s degree to attain.

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7. Environmental Attorney

   Average Annual Salary: $74,000

   Environmental attorneys are lawyers that specialize in environmental law. They can either work for a business by helping them navigate the myriad environmental laws and regulations or represent those hurt by the violation of such laws.

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8. Naturalist

   Average Annual Salary: $50,000

   Naturalists study nature in all its forms. Their main focus is studying organisms and ecosystems, recording how different living things interact with and affect one another. They also help with conservation and educate the public on their findings. This job requires a strong foundation in biology, ecosystems, and fieldwork.

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9. Sustainability Consultant

   Average Annual Salary: $60,000

   Someone in this role is often employed by a business. A sustainability consultant’s main job is to be an expert on the environment and sustainable practices and advise businesses on how best to implement them.

   Most sustainability consultants are an expert in a particular field, as the environmental requirements and impacts differ from industry to industry. Their job ranges from public relations to tax rebates to making sure a certain industry is sustainable.

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10. Environmental Engineer

    Average Annual Salary: $69,000

    Environmental engineers’ main task is solving environmental issues. They often focus on pollution and the use of natural resources. Sustainability is the goal, so they try to come up with solutions where the planet’s natural resources can be utilized without harming the environment.

    This job requires a mix of knowledge of biology, ecology, engineering, and chemistry.

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All the above jobs require higher levels of education and experience. So if you’re just looking to get started in the industry, the below list is a good place to start.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Environmental Services

Environmental services is a difficult field to get into with a four-year college degree. There are a few jobs you can get with a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, but if you’re interested in the higher-earning positions, you’re going to need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

1. Environmental Assistant

   Average Annual Salary: $35,000

   Environmental assistants help environmental scientists with their studies. They’re responsible for sample collection and analysis, as well as writing reports.

   Duties also include helping with fieldwork and writing up proposals for policies and new techniques to aid the environment. This is an excellent way to gather experience and learn skills to help advance your career.

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2. Forest Firefighter

   Average Annual Salary: $55,000

   This is a specialized firefighting position. Forest firefighters are experts on forest fires and the best way to contain and extinguish them. They are also expected to be well versed in fire prevention and the conditions under which forest fires are most likely to occur so as to help them prepare in case a fire breaks out.

   Most firefighters are also trained in first aid and other emergency management skills.

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3. Environmental Field Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   Environmental field technicians do a lot of fieldwork. They test water, soil, and air to check for pollutants. It requires being familiar with testing equipment, such as water pumps, air sampling monitors, and microscopes.

   Compiling reports is a large part of their duties as well, so you have to be comfortable with paperwork. They can be employed by government agencies, companies, or firms.

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4. Water Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $43,000

   Water technicians work with machinery in a water treatment plant. They’re responsible for the equipment’s upkeep as well as ascertaining that it’s working properly. Water technicians take water samples to make sure that the water’s being properly processed, as well as adjusting the mineral and chemical content of the water, as applicable.

   They also need to be experts in water quality regulations and have strong attention to detail.

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5. Environmental Educator

   Average Annual Salary: $46,000

   Despite the title, environmental educators don’t directly teach. Their job is more in line with raising awareness and getting the word out. They will create displays, brochures, and handouts for the public to promote conservation and sustainability practices.

   This job requires a lot of interaction with the public in terms of working with community groups, schools, and businesses to raise awareness and train people on environmental issues.

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6. Conservation Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   Like most technician positions, a conservation technician’s duties are hands-on. They do work to help with conservation projects, be it land, sea, or air.

   Duties include making maps, recording information about territories that are selected for conservation efforts, and walking the area to make sure everything is as it should be. A lot of their work involves data collection and monitoring of the conservation area.

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7. Park Ranger

   Average Annual Salary: $47,000

   Park rangers work for the government. Their duties vary between conservation of the park they’re responsible for and aiding visitors and members of the public. They make sure that rules and regulations are followed, as well as help out any visitors that might be injured or lost.

   They’re the first responders in national parks and have to deal with complaints, emergencies, and other incidents, as well as filing the appropriate reports.

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8. Forester

   Average Annual Salary: $64,000

   If you love forests and other natural environments, then this could be the job for you. Foresters are responsible for caring for and safeguarding forests. They plant trees, collect data on the area, and keep track of when trees are ready for harvest.

   Depending on the breadth of their duties, they may also monitor the local wildlife population and help out in an emergency – such as if a hiker goes missing or is injured.

   Find Forester jobs near me

9. Forestry Technician

   Average Annual Salary: $32,000

   Forestry technicians’ main duties are in conservation. They collect and analyze samples to look for any threats to the forest they’re responsible for.

   Raising public awareness of environmental conservation is a large part of their job as well. It’s a position that requires a lot of time spent outdoors and coordination with other departments, such as fire and police.

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10. Wildlife Technician

    Average Annual Salary: $35,000

    Wildlife technicians study wildlife and manage their populations. Their skill sets are mainly utilized in wildlife reserves, but they can work in hatcheries, fisheries, and parks. Most of their time is spent aiding biologists and other wildlife experts, and, being a technician position, the job requires a lot of fieldwork.

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The majority of the above positions require a bachelor’s degree, but you should be able to get into them out of college if you meet the education requirements. These jobs can serve as excellent careers in their own right or as a way to gather experience and advance your career.

Why Choose a Career in Environmental Services?

There are several different career paths you can follow in environmental services, depending on your interests. However, there are several different attributes that will serve you well if you choose to pursue a career in this field.

• You like being outdoors. Not every job listed here is going to require spending a lot of time outside, but most of them require fieldwork, and several are majority outdoors careers. If you like being outdoors, then this will be right in your wheelhouse.

• The environment is important to you. This field is about making sure that the environment is preserved and resources are used in a sustainable way. Being passionate about your job makes it more rewarding.

• You’re interested in the natural world. Environmental services are about conservation, sustainability, and the study of the natural world. If you’re interested in nature, then learning about it and working in the field will be easier for you.

• Science appeals to you. Much of environmental services require an understanding of some form of science, be it biology, ecology, chemistry, or oceanography. If science interests you and doesn’t intimidate you, then this career path will be better suited to you.

Of course, the study of the environment is more varied and complicated than could be listed in this article, so there are many more specialties to be had. Still, the above list is a good basic check to make sure that this career field would be good for you.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Environmental Services

Higher education is a requirement for almost every job listed here. And even the one where it’s not required, it’s recommended. So, the best thing you can do for a career in this field is to get a college degree. If you’re interested in following a career path in environmental services, here are some majors to consider.

• Biology. This is an excellent major choice for this field. There are several different specialists you can choose from as well, such as ecology.

• Chemistry. A lot of testing is involved in monitoring the environment. Chemistry forms the building blocks of the world, so it helps in both understanding the tests and being familiar with the different chemicals and why they’re problematic – or not.

• Forestry. This is the science of creating, maintaining, and rebuilding forests and wooded areas. Forestry involves conservation and understanding of habitats and ecology.

• Environmental Science. This is another excellent general choice. Environmental sciences cover conservation, sustainability, and ecosystems.

  • Wildlife Management. This is excellent if you want to be a wildlife technician or naturalist, but many of the jobs here would benefit from it.

• Engineering. This is a genetic degree to get you into engineering. It’s also possible to specialize.

  • Environmental Engineering. If you want to be an environmental engineer.

• Marine Sciences. If you want to be a marine scientist.

Certifications aren’t required for most jobs here, though there are conservation and environmental certifications you can get to help your career. However, there are a few things to consider for specific jobs.

• An environmental attorney needs to be licensed to practice law. This means having the requisite education and passing the bar.

• It’s heavily recommended to be EMT certified to be a firefighter.

What Do People Working In Environmental Services Do?

People who work in environmental services prioritize conservation and the environment. There are several aspects to this: direct conservation and sustainability efforts, educating the public and businesses on environmental impact, and coming up with energy generation, business practices, and regulations to help the environment.

You can get a job studying the natural world to better understand how it works and how our actions affect it. Or you can work to recommend better practices for businesses to take and individuals to lobby for. It’s also possible to work directly to come up with better solutions and consider their potential impact on the natural world.

Yes, specialty retail is absolutely a good career path. Retail is a huge industry and one that’s impossible to ship overseas. Despite the rise of online stores, specialty retailers are still going to draw customers due to their employees’ expertise.

Specialty retailers focus on one particular type of product. That can be anything from cosmetics and beauty products to pet supplies to electronics to clothing. Employees at these stores are expected to have knowledge and interest in the product and help customers find what they’re looking for – be it enthusiasts or people just learning about it for the first time.

The vast majority of retail positions don’t require any kind of higher education. Advancement occurs through experience and displayed competency. Retail employees often work odd hours, which can either be a positive thing if you have an unusual schedule or make the job more challenging.

Here are 20 great jobs in specialty retail:

1. General Manager Jobs (Overview)

2. Inventory Manager Jobs (Overview)

3. Dog Groomer Jobs (Overview)

4. Assistant Store Manager Jobs (Overview)

5. Retail Pharmacist Jobs (Overview)

6. Electronics Department Manager Jobs (Overview)

7. Dog Trainer Jobs (Overview)

8. Dairy Department Manager Jobs (Overview)

9. Retail Sales Lead Jobs (Overview)

10. Pharmacist Manager Jobs (Overview)

11. Game Advisor Jobs (Overview)

12. Apparel Associate Jobs (Overview)

13. Beauty Advisor Jobs (Overview)

14. Retail Cashier Jobs (Overview)

15. Overnight Stocker Jobs (Overview)

16. Pharmacist Clerk Jobs (Overview)

17. Pet Care Associate Jobs (Overview)

18. Electronics Associate Jobs (Overview)

19. Apparel Merchandiser Jobs (Overview)

20. Geek Squad Agent Jobs (Overview)

10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Specialty Retail

Being considered unskilled labor, retail isn’t known for being a particularly lucrative career path. However, in the case of specialty retailers, it can allow you to work with others who share your interests, as well as give you a discount on your hobby. With the exception of the retail pharmacist, none of these jobs require a college degree.

1. General Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $65,000

   General managers manage the entire store. That means they’re expected to have some knowledge of everything that the store sells as well as be attentive to all employees and departments. It’s their responsibility to deal with unhappy customers, requirements from higher managers, and any issues with the store’s personnel.

   Find General Manager jobs near me

2. Inventory Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $76,000

   Someone in this role is in charge of the store’s inventory. This job requires a lot of counting, as the inventory manager has to make sure that the store’s true inventory matches up with the digitized inventory.

   As most retail stores use a just-in-time model with automated replenishment, this is necessary to make sure that stock gets shipped to the store when it should.

   Find Inventory Manager jobs near me

3. Dog Groomer

   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   This, of course, isn’t strictly a retail position. However, many major pet store chains have a salon with groomers on staff. Dog groomers are responsible for bathing, brushing, and trimming dogs’ coats. They will also brush dogs’ teeth, trim their nails, and some will even apply dog nail polish or fur dye. They also get tips.

   Find Dog Groomer jobs near me

4. Assistant Store Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $40,000

   The assistant store manager is the second-in-command in a store. If the general manager isn’t available, then it’s the assistant store manager’s job to take over. Like the general manager, it’s the assistant manager’s job to look after the store and fill in if an employee is sick or otherwise unavailable.

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5. Retail Pharmacist

   Average Annual Salary: $127,000

   A retail pharmacist is a pharmacist that works in a retail location, such as Walgreens or CVS. You must be a licensed pharmacist in order to fill this role, which is why it’s well paid. Retail pharmacists are responsible for filling prescriptions, giving vaccinations, and occasionally filling in at the counter to deal with customers directly.

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6. Electronics Department Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $60,000

   Several different major retailers have electronics departments: Target, Best Buy, and Walmart, for starters. The electronics department manager is in charge of this department.

   They are expected to help customers with questions about electronics, as well as be familiar with the different electronics the store carries. Being a manager, they’re also expected to make sure it runs smoothly, is properly stocked, and is clean.

   Find Electronics Department Manager jobs near me

7. Dog Trainer

   Average Annual Salary: $34,000

   Both Petco and Petsmart have dog trainers on staff in their stores. The company will train their dog trainers in positive reinforcement techniques and then have them teach classes. They are expected to market themselves and their classes and get a small commission for every class sold along with their hourly pay.

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8. Dairy Department Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $38,000

   The dairy department manager is in charge of the dairy department in a grocery store. Most dairy department managers also oversee the frozen food department. They make sure that the shelves are properly stocked, that the food on the shelves is within its sell-by date, as well as making sure that the department is on track to meet its goals.

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9. Retail Sales Lead

   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   Not every retail store has this position, and it’s more common in larger stores. Retail sales leads are in between a retail associate and a manager.

   They usually work full time, unlike most retail employees, and have more responsibilities in their department. This position requires strong communication skills as well as excellent customer service skills.

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10. Pharmacist Manager

    Average Annual Salary: $123,000

    The pharmacist manager oversees a pharmacy. This can either be the entire store, in the case of local pharmacies, or just the pharmacy department, in the case of a location like a grocery store. Pharmacist managers are required to be familiar with medications, as they’re also expected to advise customers on their prescriptions.

    Find Pharmacist Manager jobs near me

The majority of these jobs are only gotten through experience and being good at your job. Pay for these positions is going to depend a lot on the size of the store you work in and, therefore, the level of responsibility, along with the type of retailer. If you’re just looking to get started in specialty retail, then the below list is a good place to look.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Specialty Retail

Retail positions are usually pretty easy to get into, even without experience. That’s why they’re sometimes referred to as “starter jobs.” If your interests or area of expertise line up with any of the below jobs, then you’re even more likely to get hired.

1. Game Advisor

   Average Annual Salary: $28,000

   This exact job title is used at GameStop to describe its associates. Best Buy has a similar position in that they have someone who’s a video game expert to help advise customers on what video games suit their interests.

   And even if the customer just has a particular game in mind, they appreciate it when the employee knows what they’re talking about.

   Find Game Advisor jobs near me

2. Apparel Associate

   Average Annual Salary: $30,000

   An apparel associate works with clothes. Most of their job is going to be folding clothes, setting up displays, and returning items from the dressing room to the store floor.

   However, they’re also expected to be able to help customers find what they need, be familiar with the inventory and store layout, and, depending on the store, make suggestions for what will suit the customer.

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3. Beauty Advisor

   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   Beauty advisors specialize in cosmetics and beauty products. They’re most likely to work in a specialty beauty store, such as Ulta, and have a working knowledge of different beauty products.

   Their main job is to advise customers on different products and help those that are just learning about a new beauty product, whether it be cosmetics, skincare, or nail care.

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4. Retail Cashier

   Average Annual Salary: $27,000

   Almost every retail employee is expected to run the cash register at some point. However, there are usually a few employees who are designated to be on the register.

   Cashiers have to be familiar with the software the register runs, different products and where the barcodes are likely to be located, and the location of goods in case they need to check the price or if the item doesn’t have a barcode.

   Find Retail Cashier jobs near me

5. Overnight Stocker

   Average Annual Salary: $28,000

   This job title is extremely descriptive. Overnight stockers usually work in large retail stores, taking stock out of the stockroom and placing it in its proper place on the sales floor. It’s a very physical job, as it requires moving a lot of products.

   Depending on the store and merchandise, it can sometimes require moving heavy items, such as bags of dog food, furniture, or lumber.

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6. Pharmacist Clerk

   Average Annual Salary: $32,000

   Pharmacist clerks take care of the duties that don’t involve filling prescriptions. You don’t need a pharmacy degree to be a pharmacy clerk, so you wouldn’t be working with medications. However, you will help customers who come up to the pharmacy, enter information into the system, and ring up their purchases.

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7. Pet Care Associate

   Average Annual Salary: $32,000

   As you might guess, pet care associates work at pet stores. Someone in this position is directly involved in taking care of the animals on the sales floor. They’re considered an expert in animal care and are the ones that answer questions about the animals that the pet store sells.

   Their duties also include selling the animals, making sure the person purchasing a new pet is aware of the responsibilities and expenses in caring for this pet, and recommending the necessary products.

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8. Electronics Associate

   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   An electronics associate works in the electronics department of a store. Because they specialize, they’re expected to be familiar with the different electronics the store sells, as well as be able to answer questions about them and make recommendations.

   Depending on the store, they may also be in possession of the keys to getting locked items for customers, such as video games and memory sticks, that have a high theft rate.

   Find Electronics Associate jobs near me

9. Apparel Merchandiser

   Average Annual Salary: $40,000

   A merchandiser is another name for a stocker. Apparel merchandisers work with clothing, making sure that it’s taken out of the stock room, properly folded or hung on a hanger, and put in its proper place. Not every store has designated merchandisers, but if it’s a larger store, then it’s likely.

   Find Apparel Merchandiser jobs near me

10. Geek Squad Agent

    Average Annual Salary: $30,000

    This position is unique to Best Buy. Geek Squad members are expected to act as tech support to the general public. They will help install electronics in people’s homes, as well as work on computers or other electronic devices that customers bring in to be fixed.

    Find Geek Squad Agent jobs near me

Many of these jobs have some opportunity for advancement, at least to store manager. They will also give you experience in an area of interest if you’re looking to move into a different field.

Why Choose a Career in Specialty Retail?

Specialty retail has a variety of options in terms of what type of product you want to work with. You can be interested in electronics, video games, beauty supplies, pets, food, or apparel. However, most of the jobs in this industry require a similar set of skills.

• You enjoy working with the public. Retail is a service industry. Most of a retail associate’s job is dealing with customers, be that to help them find what they need, make recommendations, or ring up their purchases. You need to be patient, cheerful, and make the customer feel heard and welcome.

• Getting a four-year degree isn’t a priority for you. Almost none of these jobs require a college degree. So, if school isn’t your strong suit, you don’t want to go into debt, or you want to start working right away, then retail is an industry you can step into right out of high school.

• You like getting discounts. Retail employees usually get limited benefits; however, they will get an employee discount at the store. So if you love electronics, pets, or beauty supplies, getting a job at a store that sells those will guarantee that you can get them for less money.

• You’re passionate about a particular hobby. If you’re going to specialize in retail, it’s an excellent idea to pick something that interests you. Not only does that mean you’ll already have knowledge of the products, but it’ll make it easy to stay up to date on changes and help customers with questions.

• You like having flexibility in your schedule. As almost all retail jobs are part-time, you can have a more flexible schedule. This doesn’t always work out perfectly, as the store may be looking for people with a lot of availability.

Retail positions generally don’t pay a lot, so it’s highly recommended to be interested in what you’re doing. If the above list sounds like it describes you, then you should absolutely look into a career in specialty retail.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Specialty Retail

There are very few requirements for retail positions. The vast majority of jobs offer on-the-job training if you’re looking for a more specialized position. The exception is being a retail pharmacist.

• Retail pharmacists need to be licensed pharmacists. This means that you need a pharmacy degree and have to pass the exam.

There are some highly specialized jobs where having other training will help.

• If you want to be a dog trainer in a pet store, they will train you. However, it’s a coveted position, so you need to be lucky. If you’ve already worked as a dog trainer, then you’ll likely get hired as one.

• The same is true for dog groomers. It’s a more involved training program than dog training, so they’re going to want to make sure you’re sure you want to be one. It’s also coveted, as it’s a way to specialize and make more money.

• Geek Squad members also go through a training program.

There are some certificates you can get for retail, though the emphasis is likely going to be on experience and being lucky enough for a position to come open while you’re there.

What Do People Working In Specialty Retail Do?

Specialty retail stores are stores that specialize in a particular product or type of product. So, specialty retailers are stores like Best Buy, which focuses on electronics; GameStop, which focuses on video games; Petsmart, which focuses on pets and pet supplies; and Ulta Beauty, which exclusively sells beauty supplies.

If you work in retail, you’re expected to be customer-facing. The main duties of a retail employee are stocking shelves, helping customers, running the cash register, and making sure the store is tidy and inviting.