SoFi

The median annual pay for cosmetologists is $33,400 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the most recent year studied. Helping people feel their best can be a rewarding way to spend one’s workdays, and cosmetologists get to do just that. From hair to skincare to makeup to nails, there are a lot of different niches a cosmetologist can master, all of which can be really fun and rewarding career paths to take.

That said, the average pay for cosmetologists is significantly lower than the average income for all jobs in America, which, again according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is just below $60,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Keep reading to learn more about what it’s like to work as a cosmetologist and what the earning potential could be.

What Are Cosmetologists?

Cosmetologists can specialize in one type of personal grooming service, such as haircuts or manicures and pedicures. Others may offer skincare services like facials, hair removal (waxing), or applying makeup for special occasions. Many cosmetologists offer a variety of these services, whereas others have a specific niche, like hairstyling.

During cosmetology school, it’s common to take lessons in a handful of different specialties. That way, students can gain better insight into which areas of cosmetology they are most passionate about and most skilled at.

In terms of training, states often require a certain number of hours of training and passing written and practical examinations. For instance, in New York, you need 1,000 hours of training. You might study at a private cosmetology school (cosmetology school loans may be available) or find an associate’s degree program.

Also, it’s a good idea to note that your area of specialization can impact your earning potential as a cosmetologist, as can your location. In New York City, with its high cost of living and pay grade, one study found the average salary to be more than $70,000 per year. That could mean that those in major cities, with superior skills and experience and a loyal following, could even earn $100,000 per year.

Lastly, it’s important to recognize that cosmetology typically involves lots of interaction with clients. For this reason, it may not be the best job for antisocial people.


💡 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 Cosmetologists Make a Year?

When they are working with entry-level experience, cosmetologists can expect to earn less than those with many years of fieldwork under their belt.

When it comes to starting wages, cosmetologists can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $10.48 (this is the lowest 10% of earners) but may see that amount rise significantly over time. The top 10% of earners in this field make more than $28.88 per hour.

For example, a celebrity makeup artist can make very competitive pay, but they also tend to be extremely skilled and experienced.

What is the Average Salary for a Cosmetologist?

The amount of money someone stands to earn as a cosmetologist can vary significantly depending on the services they offer, their experience level, and where they live. How much money does a cosmetologist make per year? The median annual salary is $33,400.

It’s important to note that an annual salary is not a guarantee as a cosmetologist as many work part-time. In terms of how much a cosmetologist makes an hour, the median hourly wage for a cosmetologist is $16.06.

These medians give prospective cosmetologists an idea of how much they stand to make if they choose to pursue this career path, but they can get an even clearer picture once they learn what the average salary by state is for their location. Here, you’ll find these figures arranged from highest to lowest.

What is the Average Cosmetologist Salary by State for 2023

State	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
New York	$48,025	$4,002	$923	$23.09
Vermont	$47,198	$3,933	$907	$22.69
California	$46,356	$3,863	$891	$22.29
Maine	$45,017	$3,751	$865	$21.64
Idaho/td>	$44,534	$3,711	$856	$21.41
Washington	$44,187	$3,682	$849	$21.24
Pennsylvania	$43,983	$3,665	$845	$21.15
Massachusetts	$43,445	$3,620	$835	$20.89
Alaska	$43,170	$3,597	$830	$20.76
New Jersey	$43,011	$3,584	$827	$20.68
New Hampshire	$42,908	$3,575	$825	$20.63
Oregon	$42,677	$3,556	$820	$20.52
North Dakota	$42,635	$3,552	$819	$20.50
Wisconsin	$42,362	$3,530	$814	$20.37
Wyoming	$41,983	$3,498	$807	$20.18
Hawaii	$41,826	$3,485	$804	$20.11
Colorado	$41,600	$3,466	$800	$20.00
Indiana	$41,247	$3,437	$793	$19.83
Nevada	$40,819	$3,401	$784	$19.62
New Mexico	$40,705	$3,392	$782	$19.57
Minnesota	$40,649	$3,387	$781	$19.54
Arizona	$40,394	$3,366	$776	$19.42
South Dakota	$40,294	$3,357	$774	$19.37
Montana	$39,786	$3,315	$765	$19.13
Ohio	$39,590	$3,299	$761	$19.03
Rhode Island	$39,530	$3,294	$760	$19.01
Delaware	$39,456	$3,288	$758	$18.97
Alabama	$39,289	$3,274	$755	$18.89
Virginia	$39,028	$3,252	$750	$18.76
Connecticut	$38,758	$3,229	$745	$18.63
Iowa	$38,685	$3,223	$743	$18.60
Illinois	$38,391	$3,199	$738	$18.46
Mississippi	$38,340	$3,195	$737	$18.43
Maryland	$38,247	$3,187	$735	$18.39
Tennessee	$37,798	$3,149	$726	$18.17
Utah	$37,700	$3,141	$725	$18.13
Nebraska	$37,533	$3,127	$721	$18.04
Missouri	$37,031	$3,085	$712	$17.80
South Carolina	$36,656	$3,054	$704	$17.62
Georgia	$36,600	$3,050	$703	$17.60
Oklahoma	$36,348	$3,029	$699	$17.48
Texas	$36,300	$3,025	$698	$17.45
Kansas	$36,094	$3,007	$694	$17.35
North Carolina	$35,899	$2,991	$690	$17.26
Louisiana	$35,490	$2,957	$682	$17.06
Kentucky	$34,483	$2,873	$663	$16.58
Michigan	$34,470	$2,872	$662	$16.57
West Virginia	$33,968	$2,830	$653	$16.33
Arkansas	$32,760	$2,730	$630	$15.75
Florida	$32,391	$2,699	$622	$15.57

Source: ZipRecruiter

Cosmetologist Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

Even if they work full-time, many cosmetologists are self-employed and rent a chair or workspace at the salon they work in. Because most cosmetologists are not full-time employees of someone else’s business, they typically don’t receive employer-sponsored benefits like health coverage or a 401(k) match. That means they also won’t receive a paycheck when they take time off. To help offset the loss of benefits, cosmetologists need to set their rates to account for not just the amount of money they need to cover living expenses, but so they earn enough to afford benefits as well.

Some cosmetologists, however, will find full-time work. Examples of these career paths could be working as a cosmetology instructor or being a staffer at a resort’s spa.


💡 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 Cosmetologist Salary

One of the main benefits of a cosmetologist’s salary is that expensive schooling isn’t required to start this career. While completing a state-approved cosmetology program is typically required, this education path is usually much faster and less expensive than pursuing a four-year degree. This means many cosmetologists can avoid taking out expensive student loans with monthly payments that can eat into their paychecks.

However, there is no denying that the average cosmetologist salary is below the national average for all incomes combined.

The Takeaway

Working as a cosmetologist leads to a median annual salary of $33,400. With hard work and strong skills, cosmetologists can expect to make more money down the road, especially if they work in certain markets. Also, since many cosmetologists work for themselves, they can gradually increase their rates as they build their client base and reputation.

SoFi helps you stay on top of your finances.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a cosmetologist?

It is possible to earn $100,000 or more a year as a cosmetologist. However, it will take time to build up a client base or find a position that will pay high enough rates to build a six-figure salary.

Do people like being a cosmetologist?

It’s very common to pursue cosmetology as a career because of a passion for hair care, skincare, makeup, or nail care. This can be a really fun and rewarding career path for anyone whose passions align with the services they offer. However, if someone is an introvert, even if they love cosmetology, they may find a full day of social interaction to be too draining.

Is it hard to get hired as a cosmetologist?

There are currently 89,400 job openings projected annually for cosmetologists between now and 2032, and there is an anticipated 8% growth of openings during that time, which exceeds the national average.

---

Photo credit: iStock/Renata Angerami

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.

SORL0124037

Read more

The median annual salary for detectives is $52,120 for the most recent year reviewed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This can be an exciting career for many people. Is there anything quite as satisfying as solving a big mystery? For anyone who is passionate about putting the puzzle pieces together until they discover the truth, working as a detective could be a dream job.

Read on to learn more about this career path. In addition to how much a detective makes a year, you can find out about the responsibilities and benefits involved.

What Are Detectives?

Working as a private detective involves searching and piecing together financial, legal, and personal matters to help get to the root of an unanswered question. For example, private detectives can help find missing persons or investigate cybercrimes. Here’s a quick breakdown of some common on-the-job responsibilities that detectives tackle on a daily basis:

•   Conduct interviews to help collect information

•   Pursue evidence

•   Review civil judgments and criminal history

•   Plan and execute surveillance

•   Search records (court, public, and online).

Some private detectives work for themselves and offer their services to a variety of clients, whereas others work for businesses, like law firms.

Regardless of where one works, being a detective can involve a good number of interviews and interpersonal interaction. For this reason, it may not be a good job for antisocial people.


💡 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 Detectives Make a Year?

In the early days of their career, detectives can expect to earn less until they gain more experience and a strong reputation for their sleuthing skills. When it comes to entry-level detective work, competitive pay can be fairly low. The lowest 10% of detective earners made less than $33,710 per year.

However, there is considerable room for improvement when it comes to salary for this role. The highest 10% earn more than $92,660 annually. This indicates that it can be possible to earn $100,000 per year as a detective.

Recommended: Work-at-Home Jobs for Retirees

What is the Average Salary for a Detective?

Some detectives earn an annual salary (a median of $52,120), but others earn an hourly wage. How much does a detective make an hour? The median hourly wage is $25.06.

How much someone earns on average working as a detective can vary based on where they live and the industry they work in. When it comes to working in different industries, these are the median annual wages for detectives in a few different industries for the most recent year available:

•   Government: $64,220

•   Professional, scientific, and technical services: $61,280

•   Investigation, guard, and armored car services: $47,280

•   Retail trade: $37,290

The state someone works in also plays a big role in their earning potential. The following table highlights how average detective wages can vary by state, with salaries listed from highest to lowest.

What is the Average Detective Salary by State for 2023

State	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
Wisconsin	$68,202	$5,683	$1,311	$32.79
Alaska	$66,013	$5,501	$1,269	$31.74
Massachusetts	$65,834	$5,486	$1,266	$31.65
Oregon	$65,791	$5,482	$1,265	$31.63
New Mexico	$65,593	$5,466	$1,261	$31.54
North Dakota	$65,592	$5,466	$1,261	$31.53
Washington	$65,380	$5,448	$1,257	$31.43
Minnesota	$64,657	$5,388	$1,243	$31.09
Hawaii	$64,277	$5,356	$1,236	$30.90
Ohio	$63,203	$5,266	$1,215	$30.39
Colorado	$62,621	$5,218	$1,204	$30.11
Nevada	$62,417	$5,201	$1,200	$30.01
South Dakota	$61,992	$5,166	$1,192	$29.80
New York	$61,597	$5,133	$1,184	$29.61
Iowa	$61,016	$5,084	$1,173	$29.33
Rhode Island	$60,938	$5,078	$1,171	$29.30
Connecticut	$60,392	$5,032	$1,161	$29.03
Tennessee	$60,347	$5,028	$1,160	$29.01
Vermont	$60,038	$5,003	$1,154	$28.86
Utah	$59,824	$4,985	$1,150	$28.76
Mississippi	$59,304	$4,942	$1,140	$28.51
Delaware	$59,138	$4,928	$1,137	$28.43
Virginia	$58,393	$4,866	$1,122	$28.07
Illinois	$57,890	$4,824	$1,113	$27.83
Maryland	$57,300	$4,775	$1,101	$27.55
New Jersey	$56,643	$4,720	$1,089	$27.23
California	$56,576	$4,714	$1,088	$27.20
Louisiana	$56,450	$4,704	$1,085	$27.14
Pennsylvania	$56,431	$4,702	$1,085	$27.13
Nebraska	$56,157	$4,679	$1,079	$27.00
Kansas	$55,812	$4,651	$1,073	$26.83
Missouri	$55,599	$4,633	$1,069	$26.73
Maine	$55,350	$4,612	$1,064	$26.61
South Carolina	$55,077	$4,589	$1,059	$26.48
New Hampshire	$54,828	$4,569	$1,054	$26.36
Oklahoma	$54,383	$4,531	$1,045	$26.15
Idaho	$54,051	$4,504	$1,039	$25.99
Wyoming	$54,049	$4,504	$1,039	$25.99
North Carolina	$53,940	$4,495	$1,037	$25.93
Texas	$53,624	$4,468	$1,031	$25.78
Indiana	$53,401	$4,450	$1,026	$25.67
Arizona	$52,297	$4,358	$1,005	$25.14
Kentucky	$52,131	$4,344	$1,002	$25.06
Michigan	$51,864	$4,322	$997	$24.94
Montana	$51,509	$4,292	$990	$24.76
Alabama	$50,866	$4,238	$978	$24.46
Arkansas	$49,398	$4,116	$949	$23.75
Georgia	$47,386	$3,948	$911	$22.78
West Virginia	$43,583	$3,631	$838	$20.95
Florida	$41,937	$3,494	$806	$20.16

Source: ZipRecruiter

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

Detective Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

Detectives who work for businesses such as large corporations or law firms on a full-time basis often receive employer-sponsored benefits as a part of their compensation package. These benefits can include paid time off, retirement accounts with employer contribution matches, and health insurance.

However, many detectives work on a part-time basis or are self-employed and then are on the hook for supplying their own benefits which can be quite expensive.

Recommended: The Highest Paying Jobs in the US

Pros and Cons of Detective Salary

Detectives can earn a very good salary, and the work can be very interesting.

However, the tradeoff may not be worth it for some. Working as a detective often involves long and varied hours due to the nature of their work — especially when they are conducting surveillance. Some people may find that working on weekends, nights, or holidays isn’t worth the salary. It simply may not align with their career goals and the desired work-life balance.

The Takeaway

Skilled detectives stand to earn a lot of money (close to six figures) as they work their way up in their industry. This can be a very exciting, but also extremely demanding role.

With SoFi, you can keep tabs on how your money comes and goes.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a detective?

It is possible to make $100,000 a year or more as a detective. The top 10% of earners in this field make $92,660 or more per year. As a detective gains years of experience and improves their skills, they can expect to earn more competitive pay.

Do people like being a detective?

Many people pursue a career as a detective because they are passionate about the work they do and enjoy a lot of satisfaction from their job. It’s worth noting that this job can require a lot of personal interactions and may not be the best fit for anyone who is antisocial.

Is it hard to get hired as a detective?

Getting hired as a detective can be competitive, but there is currently anticipated to be 3,800 openings for private detectives each year until 2032. There is also a projected 6% growth in employment opportunities, so someone with the right qualifications should be able to find a job in this field.

---

Photo credit: Andrii Lysenko

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.

SORL0124036

Read more

Currently, the median annual salary for a welder is $47,540, according to 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 like filling holes. 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:

•   Scrutinize structures or materials slated for welding

•   Understand and analyze blueprints, sketches, and specifications

•   Supervise the welding process, making heat adjustments as required

•   Determine and measure the dimensions of components for welding

•   Execute welding tasks in accordance with blueprint specifications

•   Manage and maintain equipment and machinery.

Training to be a welder typically involves training at a vocational school, which can take between six months and two years, in part depending on one’s desired specialization. Usually, a welder does not 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 one’s 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 a welder makes an hour, the lowest 10% of earners in this role make less than $35,380.

That being said, there is a lot of room for salary growth in this role. The highest 10% earned more than $68,750. While not common, it is possible that a welder with experience and specialization could earn $100,000 per year in a job market where there is 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 New York welders earn the most on average ($54,046), Arkansas welders earn almost $10,000 less per year ($35,598). The following table compares how much welders earn on average on a monthly, weekly, annual, and hourly basis in each state, arranged from highest to lowest.

What is the Average Welder Salary by State for 2023

State	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
New York	$54,046	$4,503	$1,039	$25.98
Vermont	$53,304	$4,442	$1,025	$25.63
Pennsylvania	$49,492	$4,124	$951	$23.79
New Hampshire	$48,368	$4,030	$930	$23.25
New Jersey	$47,846	$3,987	$920	$23.00
Washington	$47,742	$3,978	$918	$22.95
Massachusetts	$47,279	$3,939	$909	$22.73
Wyoming	$47,171	$3,930	$907	$22.68
Alaska	$47,110	$3,925	$905	$22.65
Wisconsin	$46,976	$3,914	$903	$22.59
Oregon	$46,688	$3,890	$897	$22.45
North Dakota	$46,613	$3,884	$896	$22.41
Indiana	$46,231	$3,852	$889	$22.23
Hawaii	$45,712	$3,809	$879	$21.98
Arizona	$45,276	$3,773	$870	$21.77
Colorado	$45,180	$3,765	$868	$21.72
New Mexico	$45,152	$3,762	$868	$21.71
Minnesota	$44,904	$3,742	$863	$21.59
Montana	$44,593	$3,716	$857	$21.44
Nevada	$44,544	$3,712	$856	$21.42
South Dakota	$44,055	$3,671	$847	$21.18
Alabama	$44,036	$3,669	$846	$21.17
Ohio	$43,785	$3,648	$842	$21.05
Rhode Island	$43,245	$3,603	$831	$20.79
Delaware	$42,795	$3,566	$822	$20.57
Iowa	$42,621	$3,551	$819	$20.49
Connecticut	$42,541	$3,545	$818	$20.45
Virginia	$42,308	$3,525	$813	$20.34
Mississippi	$41,987	$3,498	$807	$20.19
Tennessee	$41,804	$3,483	$803	$20.10
Illinois	$41,717	$3,476	$802	$20.06
Utah	$41,617	$3,468	$800	$20.01
Maryland	$41,478	$3,456	$797	$19.94
California	$41,424	$3,452	$796	$19.92
Georgia	$41,022	$3,418	$788	$19.72
Nebraska	$40,688	$3,390	$782	$19.56
Maine	$40,571	$3,380	$780	$19.51
Missouri	$40,186	$3,348	$772	$19.32
South Carolina	$39,789	$3,315	$765	$19.13
Idaho	$39,544	$3,295	$760	$19.01
Kansas	$39,523	$3,293	$760	$19.00
Oklahoma	$39,404	$3,283	$757	$18.94
Louisiana	$39,205	$3,267	$753	$18.85
Texas	$39,201	$3,266	$753	$18.85
North Carolina	$38,967	$3,247	$749	$18.73
West Virginia	$38,223	$3,185	$735	$18.38
Kentucky	$37,499	$3,124	$721	$18.03
Michigan	$37,431	$3,119	$719	$18.00
Florida	$36,305	$3,025	$698	$17.45
Arkansas	$35,598	$2,966	$684	$17.11

Source: ZipRecruiter

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

Welder Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

What someone’s pay and benefits look like as a welder depends a lot on if 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 like retirement accounts, paid time off, and healthcare.

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 like opening retirement accounts and sourcing healthcare 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 is 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 $47,540, and an expensive degree isn’t required to work in this role. There is also the potential to earn a higher salary as welders gain experience (the top 10% earn more than $68,750) in this field. However, it can be tiring and potentially hazardous work.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a welder?

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 $68,750. 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 an introvert. 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. There are an anticipated average of 42,600 job opportunities for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers expected between now and 2032.

---

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.

SORL0124035

Read more

The median pay for medical assistants is $38,270 annually for the most recent year studied, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If someone is very social and passionate about the medical field, they may find they really enjoy working as a medical assistant. Patient care will be one of their main responsibilities, but it’s not necessary to attend medical school to work in this role, which can mean a significant reduction in student debt. To better understand what the role of a physician assistant entails and how salary can vary by location and experience, keep reading.

What Are Medical Assistants?

What a medical assistant does on a daily basis depends on their specialty. While some medical assistants specialize in clinical tasks, others focus on administrative functions. Specializations may also align with specific medical practices, such as assisting ophthalmologists in educating patients about contact lens care.

These are some common tasks that medical assistants may tackle on a daily basis:

•   Interview patients

•   Record patient medical history

•   Measure vital signs

•   Assist physicians during examinations

•   Administer injections or medications as directed by physicians and state law

•   Conduct basic laboratory tests

•   Schedule patient appointments

•   Managing medical records

•   Handle insurance-related tasks

•   Maintain inventory.

Given how much of one’s time at work can be spent interacting with patients and other members of the medical team, the role of a physician’s assistant probably is not a great fit as a job for introverts.

Another aspect of this role to consider is that training for a medical assistant career often involves one to two years of study to receive an associate’s degree or certificate. This can be a more affordable option for a medical job than one that requires additional training.


💡 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 Medical Assistants Make a Year?

As briefly noted earlier, the median annual wage for medical assistants is $38,270. However, when someone is working as an entry-level medical assistant, they can expect their salary to be on the lower side. The lowest 10% of earners in this role earn less than $30,390.

However, the highest 10% earn more than $51,710. While that is significantly higher than the average, it does reveal that it may not be easy to earn $100,000 annually as a medical assistant.

For those looking to earn more as a medical assistant, it’s always a good idea to interview with a few different medical practices or facilities to see which employer can offer the most competitive pay.

What is the Average Salary for a Medical Assistant?

The average annual salary that a medical assistant earns varies a lot depending on what state they work in. This difference in wages can be substantial. For example, on average medical assistants in New Jersey earn $15,136 more than their West Virginia counterparts.

The following table illustrates how much their salary and hourly wages can vary by state, arranged from highest to lowest figures.

What is the Average Medical Assistant Salary by State for 2023

State	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
New Jersey	$43,978	$3,664	$845	$21.14
Wyoming	$43,660	$3,638	$839	$20.99
Wisconsin	$43,084	$3,590	$828	$20.71
Washington	$42,976	$3,581	$826	$20.66
Massachusetts	$42,784	$3,565	$822	$20.57
Indiana	$42,718	$3,559	$821	$20.54
Alaska	$42,716	$3,559	$821	$20.54
Oregon	$42,410	$3,534	$815	$20.39
North Dakota	$42,322	$3,526	$813	$20.35
Arizona	$41,834	$3,486	$804	$20.11
Hawaii	$41,495	$3,457	$797	$19.95
New Mexico	$41,419	$3,451	$796	$19.91
Montana	$41,204	$3,433	$792	$19.81
Minnesota	$41,073	$3,422	$789	$19.75
Colorado	$40,824	$3,402	$785	$19.63
New York	$40,763	$3,396	$783	$19.60
Alabama	$40,689	$3,390	$782	$19.56
Nevada	$40,389	$3,365	$776	$19.42
Ohio	$40,082	$3,340	$770	$19.27
South Dakota	$39,999	$3,333	$769	$19.23
Vermont	$39,700	$3,308	$763	$19.09
Rhode Island	$39,281	$3,273	$755	$18.89
Iowa	$38,912	$3,242	$748	$18.71
Connecticut	$38,734	$3,227	$744	$18.62
Delaware	$38,634	$3,219	$742	$18.57
Tennessee	$38,269	$3,189	$735	$18.40
Virginia	$38,179	$3,181	$734	$18.36
Mississippi	$38,167	$3,180	$733	$18.35
Utah	$38,046	$3,170	$731	$18.29
Georgia	$37,905	$3,158	$728	$18.22
Illinois	$37,709	$3,142	$725	$18.13
Maryland	$37,440	$3,120	$720	$18.00
Pennsylvania	$37,345	$3,112	$718	$17.95
California	$37,258	$3,104	$716	$17.91
Nebraska	$36,716	$3,059	$706	$17.65
Maine	$36,477	$3,039	$701	$17.54
Missouri	$36,291	$3,024	$697	$17.45
New Hampshire	$36,270	$3,022	$697	$17.44
South Carolina	$35,937	$2,994	$691	$17.28
Kansas	$35,925	$2,993	$690	$17.27
Louisiana	$35,860	$2,988	$689	$17.24
Idaho	$35,575	$2,964	$684	$17.10
Oklahoma	$35,557	$2,963	$683	$17.09
Texas	$35,275	$2,939	$678	$16.96
North Carolina	$35,196	$2,933	$676	$16.92
Kentucky	$33,916	$2,826	$652	$16.31
Michigan	$33,819	$2,818	$650	$16.26
Florida	$33,545	$2,795	$645	$16.13
Arkansas	$32,178	$2,681	$618	$15.47
West Virginia	$28,842	$2,403	$554	$13.87

Source: ZipRecruiter

Medical Assistant Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

Many medical assistants work in full-time positions, which can qualify them for employee benefits, such as:

•   Health insurance

•   Employer-sponsored retirement plans

•   Paid time off.

That being said, if someone only works part-time, they may not qualify for any benefits.


💡 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 Medical Assistant Salary

One of the main advantages of a medical assistant salary is that it isn’t canceled out by expensive student loan debt payments each month. Having a bachelor’s or graduate school degree is not necessary to work as a medical assistant.

In many cases, a postsecondary certificate is required, but sometimes only a high school diploma and on-the-job training is required.

Also, except for those who are looking for a job for antisocial people, a medical assistant career can involve plenty of satisfying social interaction. It can also be a good choice for those who like to know they are helping to enhance others’ quality of life.

The Takeaway

Working as a medical assistant can be a great way to work in the medical field without having to pursue many years of higher education. This is also a very stable career field to enter, as the employment outlook for medical assistants indicates a projected growth of 14% from 2022 to 2032, which surpasses the average rate of expansion for all occupations.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

Can you make 100k a year as a medical assistant?

In most cases, it is not possible to earn more than $100,000 a year. The median annual salary for this role is $38,270 per year. That being said, it is possible to earn more than that if the medical assistant has many years of experience under their belt.

Do people like being a medical assistant?

Many people enjoy working as a medical assistant, especially if they are passionate about patient care. However, this role is not a good fit for those who are antisocial or would call themselves an introvert, as it can require interacting with a lot of different people on a daily basis.

Is it hard to get hired as a medical assistant?

Getting hired as a medical assistant isn’t too challenging as this role doesn’t require much-specialized schooling. It’s also a very in-demand field — on average, there is an anticipation of around 114,600 job openings annually for medical assistants.

---

Photo credit: iStock/FG Trade Latin

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.

SORL0124034

Read more

The median annual pay for travel agents is $46,400, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent data.

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 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 in question 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 $29,650.

The highest 10% make more competitive pay north of $64,100. And there are those 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 $46,400 and the median hourly pay is $22.31.

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 New York, travel agents make an average annual salary of $51,002, but in Arkansas, they earn almost $20,000 less at an average of $33,194.

What is the Average Travel Agent Salary by State for 2023

State	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
New York	$51,002	$4,250	$980	$24.52
Pennsylvania	$46,702	$3,891	$898	$22.45
New Hampshire	$45,667	$3,805	$878	$21.96
New Jersey	$44,975	$3,747	$864	$21.62
Wyoming	$44,490	$3,707	$855	$21.39
Washington	$44,429	$3,702	$854	$21.36
Wisconsin	$44,110	$3,675	$848	$21.21
Massachusetts	$44,109	$3,675	$848	$21.21
Alaska	$43,993	$3,666	$846	$21.15
Oregon	$43,637	$3,636	$839	$20.98
Indiana	$43,568	$3,630	$837	$20.95
North Dakota	$43,557	$3,629	$837	$20.94
Hawaii	$42,711	$3,559	$821	$20.53
Arizona	$42,667	$3,555	$820	$20.51
New Mexico	$42,402	$3,533	$815	$20.39
Colorado	$42,122	$3,510	$810	$20.25
Minnesota	$42,111	$3,509	$809	$20.25
Montana	$42,024	$3,502	$808	$20.20
Nevada	$41,598	$3,466	$799	$20.00
Alabama	$41,499	$3,458	$798	$19.95
South Dakota	$41,167	$3,430	$791	$19.79
Vermont	$41,101	$3,425	$790	$19.76
Ohio	$41,077	$3,423	$789	$19.75
Rhode Island	$40,418	$3,368	$777	$19.43
Iowa	$39,934	$3,327	$767	$19.20
Delaware	$39,881	$3,323	$766	$19.17
Connecticut	$39,806	$3,317	$765	$19.14
Virginia	$39,419	$3,284	$758	$18.95
Mississippi	$39,257	$3,271	$754	$18.87
Tennessee	$39,219	$3,268	$754	$18.86
Utah	$39,017	$3,251	$750	$18.76
Illinois	$38,900	$3,241	$748	$18.70
Georgia	$38,659	$3,221	$743	$18.59
Maryland	$38,651	$3,220	$743	$18.58
California	$38,534	$3,211	$741	$18.53
Nebraska	$37,909	$3,159	$729	$18.23
Maine	$37,734	$3,144	$725	$18.14
Missouri	$37,456	$3,121	$720	$18.01
South Carolina	$37,087	$3,090	$713	$17.83
Kansas	$36,952	$3,079	$710	$17.77
Idaho	$36,789	$3,065	$707	$17.69
Louisiana	$36,765	$3,063	$707	$17.68
Oklahoma	$36,712	$3,059	$706	$17.65
Texas	$36,475	$3,039	$701	$17.54
North Carolina	$36,322	$3,026	$698	$17.46
West Virginia	$36,068	$3,005	$693	$17.34
Kentucky	$34,977	$2,914	$672	$16.82
Michigan	$34,895	$2,907	$671	$16.78
Florida	$34,212	$2,851	$657	$16.45
Arkansas	$33,194	$2,766	$638	$15.96

Source: ZipRecruiter

Travel Agent Job Considerations for Pay & 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 like health insurance and retirement contribution matching. If they work part-time or are self-employed, they will 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 $46,400. 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. Or 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.

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 lots 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.

---

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.

SORL0124040

Read more