Have you ever wondered just how glamorous it might be to be a supermodel? Or if that’s not your thing, perhaps how cush the life of an important legislator is?
Well, I hate to tell you, but you might be sorely disappointed if you were expecting a life of glamor with either of these two jobs. Matter of fact, you might be better off working as a flight attendant or even farm manager.
There are a whole handful of professions with salaries that might surprise you, and so in today’s post, be prepared to be shocked and awed. Check out these 14 surprising salaries, from the remarkably low to the startlingly high.
The Remarkably Low
1) NFL Cheerleaders: If you thought those pretty pom-pom wavers on the sidelines were getting paid big bucks, think again. The average NFL cheerleader only gets paid $50 a game, which adds up to a $5,000 annual salary! In short, if you dream of cheering for the NFL, you better have a day job.
2) Emergency Medical Technicians: The life of an EMT always looks pretty exciting—and dangerous to boot! But if you think a job full of danger equates a job full of money, well, think again. The average EMT only makes about $20,000 per year.
3) Casino Dealers: These guys might work with a lot of money, but they certainly don’t make that much. They only earn an average of about $13,000 per year. So next time you’re in Vegas, remember to tip your dealer!
4) Magazine Editor: If an image of Devil Wears Prada pops into your head here, with the luxurious purses, styles, limos, travel… Think again. In real life the average magazine editor only earns about $28,000 (and that’s in New York!) and about $19,000 outside of the Big Apple. It isn’t until you climb the ranks to senior editor that you start making more money.
5) Radio DJ: It always sounds like these guys are having a blast—going on trips, interviewing local celebrities, making “appearances.” Well maybe they are having fun, but if they are, they’re doing it on a budget. The average radio DJ only earns about $18,000 a year.
6) Legislator: This certainly sounds like a Big, Important, Official Job, right? Well, that it may be, but that doesn’t always mean it’s well paying. The average legislator only earns about $38,000 per year.
7) Models: Don’t let the glamorous T.V. shows and runways fool you: the average model barely makes enough to eat, let alone live a life of limos and lavish. (Which probably works out okay for many of them…) Most models only make about $40,000 a year, with the bottom 10% making about $20,000.
The Startlingly High
1) Court Reporters: These guys transcribe court proceedings, meetings, speeches, and other events where an exact transcript is needed. And who knew typing could earn you so much money? The average court reporter earns about $60,000 a year.
2) Elementary School Principals: We always hear about how teachers, particularly elementary school teachers, aren’t earning much money. Maybe it’s because it’s all going to the principals! The average elementary school principal earns about $79,000 per year. No wonder the principal always looked so satisfied when we were kids!
3) Fashion Designers: Of course if you’re a Roberto Cavalli or a Tommy Hilfiger, you’ll earn a lot more; but even the average fashion designer (working for a retail chain, for example) earns a good amount: about $70,000 per year!
4) Astronomers: These physics and math whizzes study the universe and its origins, which includes galaxies, solar systems, and the planets within. They use this research to analyze and solve problems dealing with satellites and space travel. Sounds pretty cool, huh? To top it off, the average astronomer earns about $96,000 per year. But before you decide “Hey I’ll do that!” just remember, the standard level of education for an astronomer is a Doctorate and there are only 1,700 astronomers in the US.
5) Flight Attendants: This occupation was big-time glamorized in the 60’s and now, even though it has lost some of its luster, the pay is still pretty high flying. The top 10% earn about $102,660 per year, while the average flight attendant makes about $63,000. Not too shabby.
6) Farm, Ranch, or other Agricultural Manager: Most people think of farm or ranch managers as Old McDonald in overalls, but it turns out those overalls might be Gucci. The average agricultural manager earns about $61,000 per year, while the most successful make over $100K.
7) Air Traffic Controllers: Remember recently when there was a big hubbub in the news about air traffic controllers falling asleep on the job? Well it is no wonder people were angry. Not only are these guys responsible for the lives of the people on the planes, but they’re also getting paid pretty well for that responsibility. The average annual salary is almost $108,000, while the top earners in the field make about $142K per year.
What do you think? Do these professions earn the amount they should? Share your thoughts below!
Sources: CafeMom.com, Forbes.com, CNN.com, FYICenter.com
Photos Courtesy of: Ed Yourdon, Alan Cleaver, AleBonvini, stilettobootlover_83, kevin dooley, Mr. T in DC, …love Maegan, Space Ritual, Space Ritual, josef.stuefer, NASA Goddard Photo and Video
