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The average annual pay for a sonographer is $97,240 for the most recent year studied, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Working as a sonographer is a great way to enter the medical field without having to pursue an expensive advanced degree. Typically, only an associate degree is needed to work as a sonographer, which can be obtained quickly and affordably.

Read on to learn more about how much a sonographer can earn and what it’s like to work as this kind of professional.

What Are Sonographers?

A sonographer — also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer — uses sonography technology and tools to create images typically known as ultrasounds or sonograms. These images can give us a detailed look at organs and tissues within the body or at embryos and fetuses. There are many different types of sonographers who specialize in distinct areas of medicine, such as:

•   Abdominal sonographers

•   Breast sonographers

•   Cardiac sonographers (echocardiographers)

•   Musculoskeletal sonographers

•   Pediatric sonographers

•   Obstetric and gynecologic sonographers

•   Vascular technologists (vascular sonographers)

As briefly mentioned above, training for this career usually doesn’t involve medical school and its cost. Instead, diagnostic medical sonographers may obtain a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, or perhaps a vocational school degree or hospital training program certificate. Some may be trained in the Armed Forces.

It’s also worth noting that working as a sonographer will likely involve a high degree of patient interaction. For this reason, it may not be a good job for introverts.💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

How Much Do Starting Sonographers Make a Year?

Entry-level sonographers should expect their salary to be on the lower side until they gain more experience. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $67,820 per year.

However, the top 10% of earners working as sonographers make more than $129,370, meaning this is a career path that can lead to a job that pays $100,000 a year.

In addition to experience level, other aspects that can lead to competitive pay are your geographical location (big city vs. rural community) and whether the employer is a major hospital network, say, or a small, independent medical office.

Recommended: What Trade Earns the Most Money?

What Is the Average Salary for a Sonographer?

Those who work full-time as a sonographer can expect to earn an average annual salary of $97,240. However, some sonographers choose to work part-time and are paid by the hour. In terms of how much a sonographer makes an hour, the average hourly pay for sonography work is $46.75.

Many factors can influence how much a sonographer earns, and the state they work in is a major one. The following table illustrates how average sonographer salaries can vary significantly by state, with earnings shown from highest to lowest.

What is the Average Sonographer Salary by State for 2026?

Source: ZipRecruiter

Sonographer Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

If a sonographer chooses to work part-time, they may not gain access to the same suite of valuable employee benefits that full-time sonographers typically earn. While employee benefits can vary by employer, full-time sonographers can generally expect to receive health care coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans as a part of their overall compensation package.💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Sonographer Salary

One of the biggest pros associated with a sonographer’s salary is that they don’t have to take on expensive medical school debt — which can really eat into a worker’s monthly budget. An associate degree or a postsecondary certificate may be required, but it will cost less than pursuing other degree requirements commonly found in the medical field.

Regarding cons, some may find that the salary doesn’t outweigh the hardships of the job. Many sonographers work nights and weekends and are on their feet for long periods of time.

Recommended: Pros and Cons of Minimum Wage

The Takeaway

Sonographers currently earn an average of $97,240 per year. They have a very valuable medical-service skill set, and demand for that skill set is growing. It’s anticipated that job openings for this role will grow by 13% from 2024 to 2034, which is above the national average rate. As they navigate their careers, sonographers will likely want to make progress in their financial lives with smart budgeting and saving.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a sonographer?

It is possible to earn $100,000 or more each year as a sonographer. On average, sonographers in the state of Washington earn $124,668 per year. Where someone lives, how many years of experience they have, and their specialty can all impact how much they earn.

Do people like being a sonographer?

Working as a sonographer is a great fit for anyone who finds the work interesting and who enjoys patient interaction. Because this role requires so much patient care throughout the day, it’s not the best fit for those who are antisocial.

Is it hard to get hired as a sonographer?

Around 5,800 openings for diagnostic medical sonographers are anticipated to be available each year. Because of this high demand, if someone has the right education and qualifications, they should be able to find work as a sonographer.

How many years will it take to become a sonographer?

You can typically train to become a sonographer via a two-year associate degree. After graduation, you will likely obtain certification, which is required by most employers and many states, and your state might also require you to be licensed. Obtaining certification or licensure can add time to your training.

Do radiology tech or sonographer jobs pay more?

Typically, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a bit more than radiology technologists. While the average annual pay for radiology techs is $83,840, sonographers earn around $97,240.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/dusanpetkovic

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL-Q226-029

The median annual pay for travel agents is $48,450, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Travel is a passion many people share, but not many people are fortunate enough to make their love of travel their full-time job. If someone is skilled at finding the best travel deals and building the perfect vacation itinerary, they may find that working as a travel agent is a rewarding way to earn a living.

To better understand what it’s like to work as a travel agent and how much they earn, keep reading.

What Are Travel Agents?

Travel agents help their clients plan and book their trips. They may work for an individual client to plan their vacation or a corporate client to book their work travel. No two trips they manage are likely to be exactly the same, but they can help arrange everything from flights to hotels to excursions to dining reservations. Many travel agents can also give their clients access to deals through partner hotels and other travel vendors.

A travel agent can work independently, in-house at a large corporation, or for a major travel company. They may pursue this work full-time or as a side hustle. Given that a significant part of this career involves working with individuals to understand their travel aspirations and needs, it’s likely not a good job for antisocial people.

Travel agents can train in different ways: Some have a bachelor’s degree in an allied field or an associate’s degree in travel and tourism. There are many professional training programs and certifications available, such as ASTA, IATA, TIDS, and CLIA programs, for different dimensions of travel planning.

As part of their work, travel agents may have the opportunity to visit various properties and destinations to make sure they would be a good fit for clients and learn about their selling points. This is often available at a reduced rate or for free and can be a major perk of working as a travel agent.

However, it’s worth noting that travel agents likely have to be available 24/7 and can deal with considerable stress, if, say, a client misses their flight or extreme weather ruins a vacation.

💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

How Much Do Starting Travel Agents Make a Year?

If you’re wondering how much money a travel agent makes, the answer will depend a lot on how experienced the travel agent is. For example, entry-level travel agents can earn a lot less than more experienced agents. The lowest 10% of earners in this role make less than $33,280.

The highest 10% make more competitive pay north of $74,160. And there are also travel agents who work in the luxury sector who make considerably more.

Indeed, some could make an annual salary of $100,000 or more.

What Is the Average Salary for a Travel Agent?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the latest median pay per year for travel agents is $48,450, and the median hourly pay is $23.29.

Alongside experience, location can majorly impact a travel agent’s earning potential. The following table illustrates how much a travel agent’s average salary can vary by state, arranged from highest to lowest. For example, in Washington, travel agents make an average annual salary of $48,629, but in Florida, they earn over $15,000 less at an average of $32,085.

What Is the Average Travel Agent Salary by State for 2026?

Source: ZipRecruiter

Recommended: Average US Salary by State

Travel Agent Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

Working as a travel agent can be very flexible. While full-time positions are available in this role, some travel agents choose to work part-time or for themselves as entrepreneurs.

When working full-time for a travel advisory firm, travel agents can expect to gain access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement contribution matching. If they work part-time or are self-employed, they’ll need to provide themselves with those benefits, which can eat into their take-home pay.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Travel Agent Salary

The main disadvantage of a travel agent’s salary is that the median annual salary is on the lower side at just $48,450. That being said, one of the main advantages of this salary is that it can come with hefty bonuses based on travel bookings with partners that offer commissions to travel agents. Also, travel agents often get discounts and freebies as they themselves travel to check out new resorts and attractions.

Travel agents who work for themselves can also choose to set their own rates and can potentially earn more. Those who cater to high-net-worth individuals may be able to raise their income.

Recommended: Work-from-Home Jobs for Retirees

The Takeaway

A travel agent who is super organized and passionate about travel can help make their client’s lives easier and their trips more enjoyable. In exchange for their savviness, some travel agents earn good salaries doing work that they truly enjoy and have perks that involve more travel at lower or no cost for their own purposes.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a travel agent?

While most travel agents don’t earn $100,000 per year, those who choose to work for themselves and set their own rates or cater to an elite clientele can possibly make six figures. Many travel agents work on commission, so they can also stand to earn more if their clients book a lot of expensive trips.

Do people like being a travel agent?

Many people like working as a travel agent because it’s a fun way to put their love of travel to use. It tends to be a good job for those who consider themselves to be a “people person” since there’s a lot of interaction with clients. Also, it’s good for people who can “roll with the punches” since travel plans often change for various reasons.

Is it hard to get hired as a travel agent?

The demand for travel agents is on par with the average of other professions. So, while it’s not seeing a surge in need, there should be availability of jobs as a travel agent.

Do I need a degree to become a travel agent?

While some travel agents have degrees in a related field, such as travel and tourism, it’s not strictly necessary. There are various professional training programs and certifications available to get you started in this career, such as ASTA, IATA, TIDS, and CLIA.

Do travel agents earn commission?

Yes, many travel agents earn commission on their travel bookings. This can increase their overall income beyond their base salary.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/Dimensions

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL-Q226-031

The most recent mean annual salary for teachers nationwide is $67,540, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, there can be considerable variation depending on where they live, what level they teach, how much experience they have, and other factors.

Working as a teacher comes with its fair share of challenges and rewards, but being able to help shape young minds can be very fulfilling.

Want to learn more about how much teachers make and what the role entails? Read on for more insight.

What Are Teachers?

Working as a teacher can look a bit different depending on whether you work in an elementary, middle, or high school setting. That being said, all teachers create lesson plans and deliver those lessons to their students. They often work individually with students who need a bit of extra support and can help foster social and emotional development. Alongside instructing pupils, teachers grade assignments, write report cards, and meet with parents to help them understand their child’s education progress.

With that in mind, teaching may not be the right career for introverts. It typically involves interacting with students, their parents, and other faculty members for much of the workday.

Worth noting: Qualifications for teaching can vary. Teachers may be required to have certificates in order to teach, which can mean time, energy, and expense to attain those credentials.

💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Teachers Make a Year?

Like many chosen career paths, working as an entry-level teacher often comes with a lower salary. How much money might a teacher make a year when they’re first starting out? The mean salary for the lowest 10% of earners in this role nationwide is $32,990.

Incidentally, some teachers do earn six figures. As teachers gain years of experience, they can increase their salary (the top 10% of earners make $105,240 per year).

What Is the Average Salary for a Teacher?

Regarding how much a teacher can expect to earn on average, as briefly noted earlier, the national mean is $67,540. That being said, the state you work in can greatly impact how much you earn. The cost of living and other factors are responsible for the variation in salaries, which can be significant. For example:

•   The average annual salary in Florida is $34,816.

•   In Washington, the average is $52,767.

Prospective teachers can review the following chart to learn more about what their salary and hourly wage expectations should be in their state.

What Is the Average Teacher Salary by State for 2026?

Source: ZipRecruiter

Recommended: What Trade Makes the Most Money?

Teacher Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

How much a teacher earns and what type of benefits they qualify for can depend on whether they choose to work as a full-time teacher or as a substitute teacher. If someone works as a substitute, they’re generally paid a day rate only for the days they work and don’t qualify for benefits, such as health care or retirement plans.

However, working as a substitute teacher can be a great job for retirees looking to earn a bit of extra cash without committing to a consistent part-time work schedule. It might be good for someone who has a side hustle going or can fill in free days with work as, say, a rideshare driver or babysitter.

Full-time teachers generally qualify for those benefits and other traditional employee benefits, such as paid time off for sick and personal days. Some may even still qualify for pensions, which can be a real plus when it comes to retirement planning.

There’s also the fact that school is out in the summer. Some teachers may love this time off and want that family time. Others may choose to teach summer school or at a camp or otherwise bring in extra income. Still, others may use that time for creative or entrepreneurial projects, but it’s important to note whether or not you’ll receive a paycheck during those months.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Teacher Salary

Still on the fence about becoming a teacher? These are some of the common pros and cons associated with the salary.

Recommended: How to Negotiate for Competitive Pay

The Takeaway

The average teacher salary in the U.S. tops $67,000 per year. If you have a passion for teaching and like working with young people, you’ll likely love your job. There are also valuable benefits that may be available, such as paid vacations and summers off.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a teacher?

It’s possible to make $100,000 a year as a teacher, which is a good salary. The 90th percentile of earners in this role nationwide brings home $105,240 annually. Teachers tend to see higher salaries as they gain years of work experience.

Do people like being a teacher?

Working as a teacher can be hard work, but it’s often rewarding. Those who enjoy working with children and helping them learn will find they get a lot out of being a teacher. However, if they consider themselves to be introverted, they may find this role draining.

Is it hard to get hired as a teacher?

How challenging it is to get hired as a teacher can vary by location and year. It simply depends on what the current demand for teachers is. It’s generally harder to find a role as a public school teacher, as those jobs require specific advanced degrees.

What is the difference in pay and benefits between a full-time teacher and a substitute teacher?

Full-time teachers generally qualify for traditional employee benefits, such as health care, retirement plans, and paid time off for sick and personal days. Substitute teachers, however, are typically paid a day rate only for the days they work and don’t qualify for benefits such as health care or retirement plans.

What are the general responsibilities of a teacher?

All teachers are responsible for creating lesson plans and delivering them to their students. They also grade assignments, write report cards, and meet with parents to communicate their child’s progress. Whether they work in an elementary, middle, or high school, the job may look a little different, but they all help foster students’ social and emotional development.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/baona

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL-Q226-030

Currently, the median annual salary for a welder is $51,000, according to the latest statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If someone is on the hunt for a truly hands-on career and gets satisfaction from building or repairing things, they may find they enjoy working as a welder. However, this can be a physically demanding and potentially dangerous career choice. To better understand what this role entails and what welders earn, read on.

What Are Welders?

A welder is a highly skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to cut or join metal parts, as well as make other changes to metal products by filling holes, for example. Many welders specialize in certain techniques and processes, but the core of what they do involves applying heat to metal pieces so they can then melt and fuse them together permanently. Typical job responsibilities of welders include:

•   Scrutinizing structures or materials slated for welding.

•   Understanding and analyzing blueprints, sketches, and specifications.

•   Supervising the welding process, making heat adjustments as required.

•   Determining and measuring the dimensions of components for welding.

•   Executing welding tasks in accordance with blueprint specifications.

•   Managing and maintaining equipment and machinery.

Training to be a welder typically involves training at a vocational school, which can take between seven months and a year, depending on your desired specialization. Usually, a welder doesn’t need a college degree.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that welding can be a good career for introverts. While there is some teamwork and/or client contact involved, much of the job involves working solo with your tools.

💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Welders Make a Year?

If someone is new to the field of welding, they can expect to earn less as an entry-level welder compared to their more experienced counterparts. In terms of how much a welder makes a year, the lowest 10% of earners in this role make less than $38,130.

That being said, there’s a lot of room for salary growth in this role, as the highest 10% earn more than $75,850. While not common, it’s possible that a welder with experience and specialization could earn $100,000 per year in a job market where there’s a high cost of living and consequently higher-than-average pay.

Recommended: Best Entry-Level Jobs for Antisocial People

What Is the Average Salary for a Welder?

What the average salary looks like for a welder can depend a lot on where they live. For example, while Washington welders earn the most on average ($52,441), Florida welders earn almost $20,000 less per year ($34,601). The following table compares how much welders earn on average on an annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly basis in each state, arranged from highest to lowest.

What Is the Average Welder Salary by State for 2026?

Source: ZipRecruiter

Recommended: What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in the US?

Welder Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

What someone’s pay and benefits look like as a welder depends a lot on whether they choose to work full-time or part-time. Full-time welders who are employed by businesses can expect to gain access to traditional employer-sponsored benefits such as retirement accounts, paid time off, and health care.

However, if someone only works part-time as a welder or is self-employed, they likely won’t receive any benefits and will have to pursue things such as opening retirement accounts and sourcing health care coverage on their own.

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Welder Salary

Because welders don’t need a college degree — only technical and on-the-job training — they can save a lot of money on education expenses. Not having to worry about student loan payments each month can help their salaries stretch a lot further, which can be a major advantage of this career path.

On the other hand, this salary can come at a steep cost. Welding can be a very physical and therefore exhausting career. Welders expose themselves to many on-the-job hazards that can lead to injury, such as breathing in fumes and handling extremely hot materials. There are safety procedures in place to offset these risks, but there’s still a certain level of risk they can’t avoid.

Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?

The Takeaway

Working as a welder can lead to a median annual salary of $51,000, and an expensive degree isn’t required to work in this role. There’s also the potential for welders to earn a higher salary as they gain experience, as the top 10% earn more than $75,850. However, it can be tiring and potentially hazardous work.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a welder?

While it’s not impossible to make $100,000 or more a year as a welder, the top 10% of earners in this field make more than $75,850. However, it may take many years of experience to earn top pay. Welders who are self-employed may find it easier to charge higher rates for their work.

Do people like being a welder?

Many people enjoy working as a welder, especially people who consider themselves introverts. Working as a welder requires a lot of independent work, which can be a great fit for those who get overwhelmed by too much social interaction during the workday.

Is it hard to get hired as a welder?

If someone wants to get hired as a welder or in a similar role, they should be able to find employment if they have the right skills and education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates there to be an average of 42,600 job openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers every year up to 2032.

How long does it take to become a welder?

Many welders attend vocational schools to gain hands-on experience and training. This typically takes anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the program and specialization.

Do you need a degree to become a welder?

No, you typically don’t require a college degree to become a welder. Most welders enter the field through vocational training programs.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/simonkr

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL-Q226-032

A career as a psychiatrist can be highly rewarding, both professionally and financially, with the average annual salary in the U.S. coming in at $269,940, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Becoming a psychiatrist requires a lot of dedication and time — 12 years on average. But as the need for mental health services outstrips demand in the U.S., the outlook for a career in psychiatry is strong. Indeed, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration predicts a shortage of 43,810 psychiatrists by 2038 if current supply and utilization patterns continue.

Read on to learn more about how much a psychiatrist makes, as well as the job’s requirements, duties, and benefits.

What Are Psychiatrists?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They’re qualified to assess mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and prescribe medication.

The duties of a psychiatrist generally include:

•   Assessing patients’ mental health through holding interviews, reviewing medical history, and performing tests

•   Delivering an accurate diagnosis and developing a treatment plan

•   Consulting with other mental health professionals

•   Prescribing medication if needed

•   Following up with patients and making treatment adjustments if necessary

•   Documenting each patient’s diagnosis and progress

•   Offering emotional support and coping mechanisms

•   Staying current on new developments and psychiatric treatment methods

An effective psychiatrist should be able to:

•   Be compassionate and empathetic: These qualities allow a psychiatrist to understand what’s going on with their patients.

•   Establish trust: Patients need to feel safe opening up to their doctors.

•   Be patient: The road to mental wellness can be a long one.

•   Possess strong communication skills: Psychiatry isn’t a job for introverts. A successful psychiatrist needs to be able to actively listen, provide guidance, and communicate solutions.

•   Maintain flexibility: The job requires flexibility in both your schedule and treatment approaches in order to provide customized help for each patient.

💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Psychiatrists Make a Year?

Professional psychiatrists can make over $100,000. Even as a starting salary, the bottom 10% of earners make, on average, $84,060 a year.

What Is the Average Salary for a Psychiatrist?

Being a psychiatrist is one of the highest paying jobs in the U.S. The average salary ranges from $84,060 to $446,520 a year, with the average psychiatrist salary in the U.S. landing at $269,940. However, location makes a significant impact on how much a psychiatrist gets paid, with the average salary in New York City coming in at $283,899.

A psychiatrist can command a yearly salary or an hourly wage in a private practice. As for how much a psychiatrist makes in an hour, the national average is just under $130.

What Is the Average Psychiatrist Salary by State?

Psychiatrists can earn competitive pay no matter where they live and work. However, geographic location does have an influence on how much a psychiatrist makes. Here’s a look at the average psychiatrist’s annual salary by state.

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Psychiatrist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

A professional psychiatrist can earn a high salary while helping to improve the lives of others. But there are a lot of steps you need to take in order to become a licensed psychiatrist. These include:

1.   Earning a bachelor’s degree: Preferably, you’ll want a degree in psychology, biology, or biochemistry.

2.   Taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): The MCAT is a challenging standardized test used as an admissions requirement when applying for a medical degree program.

3.   Applying to and attending medical school: Medical school typically takes about four years to complete as a full-time student.

4.   Completing a four-year medical residency: This is required to obtain your medical license and involves treating patients in real-world scenarios. It’s generally a good idea to obtain your license in the same state you intend to practice in.

In addition to strong job prospects and a high salary, psychiatrists who work for a public, private, or government institution may be eligible for the following job benefits:

•   Health insurance (medical, vision, and dental)

•   Life and disability insurance

•   Vacation and holiday pay

•   Paid sick leave

•   Retirement plans

•   Malpractice coverage

Of course, if you open your own practice, you’ll have to cover those benefits yourself. But you’ll have the flexibility to set your own schedule and session rates.💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Being a Psychiatrist

As with any profession, there are positive and negative sides to being a psychiatrist. Here’s a closer look at the job’s pros and cons.

Pros of Being a Psychiatrist

•   Have the opportunity to help others: One of the reasons people enter the field of psychiatry is to help change people for the better and, in some cases, save their lives.

•   See a mix of patients: You’ll be challenged with helping people of all different ages and backgrounds to achieve mental wellness.

•   Work in a variety of places: Psychiatrists can work in private offices, hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, and other institutions.

•   Form relationships: In addition to establishing relationships with their patients, many psychiatrists have the opportunity to work with other professionals, including psychologists and occupational therapists, as part of a holistic treatment plan.

•   Be your own boss: If you decide to form your own practice, you’ll be able to set your own schedule and session rates.

•   Enjoy job security: As noted above, psychiatry is one of the types of jobs that are currently in demand.

Cons of Being a Psychiatrist

•   Emotionally drain: Caring for patients, especially those who have dealt with traumatic experiences, can be emotionally exhausting. The stress of responsibility, coupled with intense sessions, can potentially lead to professional burnout.

•   Substantial educational debt: The 12 years or more of school and residency required to become a psychiatrist can be costly and leave you with a lot of student loans to repay.

•   Irregular hours: Many psychiatrists have to be flexible in order to accommodate working patients and don’t work the traditional nine-to-five hours.

•   Fluctuating income: The goal of any psychiatrist is to help people manage their lives on their own, which means patients (hopefully) come and go. If you have a private practice, you could experience fluctuations in income from year to year.

•   Physical danger: Unfortunately, some more severely mentally ill patients can potentially become physically violent with their doctors.

•   Risk of lawsuits: Patients can sue their psychiatrist for prescription errors, a misdiagnosis, or session misconduct. Your place of work or private practice will have to have malpractice insurance.

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The Takeaway

You can earn a lot of money working as a psychiatrist if you are willing to spend years on your education, with the average psychiatrist salary coming in at $269,940. But helping others is also a calling. When you make a difference in a person’s life, the rewards can be more than financial.

Whatever type of job you pursue, you’ll want to make sure your earnings can cover your everyday expenses. To help ensure your monthly inflows always exceed your monthly outflows, try creating a budget and check out financial tools that can help track your income and spending.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can you make $100k a year as a psychiatrist?

Yes. The average salary range for a psychiatrist is generally between $84,060 and $446,520 a year. The national average salary is $269,940, and even the bottom 10% make an average of $84,060 a year.

Do people like being a psychiatrist?

While the job can be emotionally draining at times, many psychiatrists find tremendous satisfaction in helping others. The profession offers the opportunity to help people change for the better and, in some cases, save their lives. However, caring for patients, especially those with traumatic experiences, can be emotionally exhausting.

Is it hard to get hired as a psychiatrist?

No. There’s currently a great demand for psychiatrists, and there will likely always be a need to help patients with mental health issues. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration predicts a shortage of 43,810 psychiatrists by 2038 if current patterns continue.

How long does it take to become a psychiatrist?

Becoming a licensed psychiatrist typically requires an average of 12 years of dedication and schooling. This path includes earning a bachelor’s degree, passing the Medical College Admission Test, attending four years of medical school, and completing a four-year medical residency.

What are the primary duties of a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors qualified to assess mental health disorders, deliver an accurate diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan. Their duties generally involve interviewing patients, reviewing medical history, prescribing medication if necessary, and consulting with other mental health professionals.

Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions

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