10 Easy Jobs That Pay Well

If you are looking to make extra money but want to work as little as possible then you need to check out the list of 10 easy jobs that pay well. In any job you will have to put in some sort of effort to get paid. But with the 10 easy jobs that pay well, that effort is reduced and your return can be high.

Freelance writing

There are dozens of websites out there that will pay anywhere from $5 to $20 or more per article. If you enjoy writing and have a certain level of expertise in any number of topics, then start signing up for freelance writing websites and begin generating a lot of money for sitting on your couch and writing articles.

Babysitting

If you can find the right child then babysitting is easy money. Be sure you charge at least minimum wage per hour, and also ask to get paid in cash. Five or six hours of babysitting a few nights a week can be hundreds of extra dollars a month.

House-sitting

House-sitting is even easier than babysitting, and the financial reward can be significant. When people go out of town on vacation or business, you offer to take care of their home for a fee. You pick up the mail, do any minor repairs that may come up, take care of the pets and make sure the house is secure. If you are a reliable and trustworthy person, this can be one of the 10 easy jobs that pay well.

Internet surveys

You may have seen the commercials on television that talk about getting paid for doing product surveys on the Internet. Those opportunities are for real and they are one of the 10 easy jobs that pay well. You can get between $5 and $30 per survey and, depending on the survey companies you work for, you can be doing several surveys a week.

Secret shopper

What could be easier that going shopping and then writing down prices? Retail stores use secret shoppers to spy on the competition. You get paid to go to the store and look around. Definitely one of the 10 easy jobs that pay well.

Newspaper delivery

Adults and kids can deliver newspapers, and once you are given a route this becomes one of the 10 easy jobs that pay well without a doubt. The only thing you have to worry about is waking up on time. Other than that, newspaper delivery pays well and is easy money.

Amusement park ride attendant

When you are an amusement park ride attendant you spend your days in the sun giving a prepared speech a few dozen times a day and then pressing a button. For that you will get paid at least minimum wage and you will get discounted or free admission to the park on your day off.

Cashier

A cashier needs to be able to deal with the public, and that can be a demanding skill in itself. But when your job consists of running products across a scanner, putting them in a bag and then cashing the customer out then you have one of the 10 easy jobs that pay well.

Message board administrator

There are thousands of public message boards on the Internet, and several of them generate a lot of money for the owners. In order to keep the peace on a busy message board, the board owners will hire administrators. All you need to do to make your money each month is log on and watch for message board trolls.

Greeter

Larger department stores are starting to all use greeters now, and it is definitely one of the 10 easy jobs that pay well. All you have to do is be pleasant when greeting people that enter the store. If you can force a smile, then this is easy money.

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10 Highest-Paying Blue-Collar Jobs

Who says hard work doesn't pay? These 10 blue-collar jobs show that the color of your collar doesn't necessarily dictate the level of your income.

What Does it Mean to be a Blue-Collar Worker?
Blue-collar jobs are typically classified as involving manual labor and compensation by an hourly wage. Some fields that fall into this category include construction, manufacturing, maintenance and mining. (Learn the pros and cons of unions and how they fit into today's economy, in Unions: Do They Help Or Hurt Workers?)

What it Does Not Mean
Do not mistake blue-collar jobs for easy to land, easy to keep or low-paying ones. Although some blue-collar jobs do not require a four-year degree, many of them require additional education by way of specialized training, a certification or an apprenticeship.

There are several blue-collar jobs that offer competitive compensation packages, relative to their white-collar counterparts.

Elevator installers and repairers sit atop the list with an average hourly wage of $42.08. This hands-on occupation involves many tasks, including assembly, testing, maintenance and repair of elevators, escalators and moving sidewalks. On average, an elevator installer or repairer can bring in over $87,000 dollars per year.

Ship and boat captains and operators earn an average of $24.86 per hour for navigating their vessels through a variety of waterways. On average, a captain or operator brings in almost $58,000 each year, but these captains have to work a bit harder for the money - the average work week is 51.8 hours.

The pressure is on, literally, for gas plant operators who control compressors to keep gas flowing through pipelines. This essential job pays workers just under $64,000 or approximately $30.71 on an hourly basis.

There are several specialties within the electrical and electronic repair industry. The most lucrative area involves inspecting and repairing electrical equipment at generating stations, substations and in-service relays. These workers bring in an average salary of $68,000 per year. (Education and training benefit not only the worker, but also the employer and the country as a whole. Find out more in How Education And Training Affect The Economy.)

The Top 10 List

1. Elevator Installer and Repairer

• Average salary: $87,518
• Average hourly wage: $42.08
• Average work week: 40 hours

2. Electrical and Electronics Repairer – Powerhouse, Substation and Relay

• Average salary: $68,084
• Average hourly wage: $32.75
• Average work week: 40 hours

3. Power Plant Operator, Distributor and Dispatcher

• Average salary: $65,846
• Average hourly wage: $31.50
• Average work week: 40 hours

4. Gas Plant Operator

• Average salary: $63,872
• Average hourly wage: $30.71
• Average work week: 40 hours

5. Locomotive Engineer

• Average salary: $63,125
• Average hourly wage: $28.27
• Average work week: 42.5 hours

6. Electrical Power Line Installer and Repairer

• Average salary: $60,354
• Average hourly wage: $29.02
• Average work week: 40 hours

7. Structural Iron and Steel Worker

• Average salary: $59,224
• Average hourly wage: $28.55
• Average work week: 39.9 hours

8. Construction and Building Inspector

• Average salary: $59,144
• Average hourly wage: $28.31
• Average work week: 40.2 hours

9. Ship and Boat Captain and Operator

• Average salary: $57,910
• Average hourly wage: $24.86
• Average work week: 51.8 hours

10. Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installer

• Average salary: $57,149
• Average hourly wage: $27.48
• Average work week: 39.9 hours

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Top Paying Jobs In the U.S.

Medical professions dominated the government's latest list of top-paying jobs in America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its summary of American jobs and salaries in 2010. Only one other profession, CEOs, made it in the top 10 of the highest-paying professions.

 

Surgeons

The highest salaries went to surgeons, who average $219,770 a year. Surgeons spend numerous years in study and preparation before they make it to this level. After four years of medical school comes a one-year internship followed by five to seven years of surgical residency. An alternative route to becoming a surgeon is to seek training through the armed forces. The United States military offers accelerated training to become a surgeon. After years of commitment to the military, surgeons are free to practice in the private sector.

 

Anesthesiologists

The second highest paid professionals are anesthesiologists, who average a yearly salary of $211,750. Those who desire to become an anesthesiologist must complete four years of medical school, a one-year internship, then a three-year residency. A three-year residency includes on-campus simulation and on-site hospital training. Residents are guided by senior anesthesiologists in actual operating room settings.

 

Oral Surgeons

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons were the third highest earners in 2010, averaging $210,700 a year. Oral surgeons must have graduated from an accredited dental school and have a license in the state of practice to qualify for board certification. Candidates for board certification also must complete a four- to six-year residency program approved by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. It is important to continue professional development by attending training seminars and lectures, even after certification and in practice. Success depends on keeping up with the latest developments in this field.

 

Orthodontists

Orthodontists, the fourth-highest paid professionals, averaged $206,190 in 2010. Orthodontist must complete four years of dental school upon obtaining a bachelor degree. Dental students must then practice by treating patients in dental clinics under the supervision of dental instructors. All states require an orthodontist to pass a licensing exam prior to practicing. Orthodontics is somewhat tied to the health of the overall economy, as most procedures are elective

 

10 Top Paying US Jobs

Choosing or changing a career remains one of the most important decision in your life. Research the highest-paid jobs prior to making a career change decision. A variety of factors go into determining which job works best for you, including the schedule, number of work hours, educational requirements and training needed. As of 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that these careers provide the best source of income.

 

CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that a CEO earns about $301,930 per year. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in your industry and years of work experience leading to this appointment.

 

Physicians

A physician earns $145,688 and works an average of 2,188 hours a year. Physicians require a bachelor's degree as well as four additional years of medical school training. Additional requirements include an internship or residency and passing a licensed exam.

 

Dentist

A dentist earns on average $132,660. Additional training requirements include eight years of dental school. A dentist must graduate from a school accredited by the American Dental Association and pass dental exams.

 

Pilots

Pilots earn on average $128,406 per year. Different flight experience minimums, from 250 to 1,500 flying hours, exist for each state. Additional requirements include a commercial pilot's license.

 

Lawyers

On average, lawyers earn $118,004 per year based on nearly 2,242 hours of work annually. Lawyers work more than physicians and earn, on average, less than them. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree and three additional years of law school as well as passing a state bar exam.

 

Optometrists

Optometrists earn about $116,000 annually. An eye doctor works about 1,975 hours each year. An optometrist position requires a bachelor's degree and four additional years of optometry school as well as passing a licensed exam.

 

Marketing, Advertising or Public Relations Managers

Earning nearly $104,000 annually, these managers punch in nearly 2,131 hours a year. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in the chosen industry; some employers prefer a master's degree.

 

Post-Secondary Educational Administrators

Post-secondary educational administrators earn about $97,410 each year. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in education; often administrators also require a master's degree with a educational focus too.

 

College Health and Medical Teachers

College health or medical teachers earn $94,585 each year. These teachers clock 1,877 hours a year. Most positions require a master's degree in the field of study being taught.

 

Financial Services & Securities Salespersons

Working nearly 2,068 hours a year, a financial services or security salesperson earns about $94,000 a year. This position requires a bachelor's degree in a business administration, finance or economics focus and passing of a licensed exam.
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Top Paid Jobs in Construction

The top-paid jobs in construction generally are in management or skilled trades, including electricians and plumbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a non-management construction worker was $21.87 an hour, while construction managers received $38.39 an hour in 2008. Construction positions that require more education, experience and training generally earn higher salaries. Salary will also vary depending on location, type of construction work and level of difficulty.

 

Construction Managers

Construction managers organize the plans, personnel and materials used in construction jobs. They assist in the planning stages, supervise contractors and subcontractors, and coordinate delivery of materials. The position often requires a bachelor's degree in construction science (or a related field), along with national certification from the American Institute of Constructors, Construction Management Association of America or other similar association. Construction managers in heavy and civil engineering earn the highest construction salaries, with an average of $39.87 per hour in 2008.

First-line Supervisors

First-line supervisors directly manage the skilled trades workers at a construction site. They are responsible for reading plans, managing equipment, scheduling workers, estimating materials and coordinating with management. This position may require an associate's degree in construction science and on-the-job construction experience. First-line supervisors take home an average hourly pay of $27.95 in 2008.

Electricians

Electricians design, implement, repair and replace the electrical systems of residential and commercial buildings. They run wires, connect circuits, install circuit breakers and test electrical systems. Education and experience for electricians come from vocational programs, apprenticeships and on-the-job instruction. Electricians earned an average hourly rate of $22.32 in 2008.

Plumbers

Plumbers plan and implement water pipe systems for buildings. They must be familiar with blueprints, building codes, mathematics, pipe installation, soldering and welding. This skilled trade generally requires learning as an apprentice alongside an experienced plumber, along with an associate's degree or vocational training. Plumbers received an average hourly salary of $21.94 in 2008.

Construction Equipment Operators

Construction equipment operators control large construction vehicles to move materials around building sites. Equipment used includes backhoes, bulldozers, cranes, dump trucks, excavators and other specialized heavy machinery. Most heavy equipment operator positions provide apprenticeships or on-the-job training. However, some employers might look for candidates with previous construction experience or certification through a training program. Construction equipment operators earned an average hourly rate of $18.88 in 2008.

Carpenters

Carpenters construct the forms, framing and finish work for buildings using wood and other materials. Form carpenters build forms for concrete to be poured into, framing carpenters create the internal structure of a building and finish carpenters install the cabinets, siding, trim and other wood work that finishes a structure. Education and experience for carpenters comes from apprenticeships, on-the-job training and vocational programs. Carpenters made an average hourly salary of $18.72 in 2008.

Masons

Masons work with stones, blocks and bricks to create columns, fences, floors and walls. They must have knowledge of blueprints, mathematics, mortar and stone or block setting. As with many construction jobs, masons learn their craft through apprenticeships, on-the-job training or through a vocational program. Masons earned an average hourly pay of $16.87 in 2008.