According to yahoo Hot Jobs, here are 7 jobs that pay over $50K in the first year.  I read the article, and I could only find 6.  Maybe they left it off accidentally, or upon further review, the 7th job fell under the $50K threshold.   Here they are, with my comments:

1. Web Designer

The position requires exhaustive technological know-how earned oftentimes from a Web design degree program and a creative eye — and if you have both, the payout is rewarding.

I can see this as a career with lots of growth potential.  I never thought I’d have my own website, and here you are, reading it.  I’m sure there are more noobs like me who need website design help.  I can highly recommend Logos for Websites if you need any logos, entrecards, gravatars or Twitter backgrounds.  Their designs are very professional looking, and their customer service is exceptional.

2. Physician Assistant

Admission into a PA program requires two years of college and takes two years to complete; it’s a smart alternative for those who want to pursue medicine but can’t stomach the time commitment or hefty tuition needed to complete medical school.

I know people are also looking at sports medicine and physical therapy as alternates to becoming a doctor.  The cost of medical school must be prohibitive, and who needs the hassle of malpractice insurance?

3. Computer Software Engineering

Software Engineers use their fluency in programming languages like C++ and Java to build new applications for consumers and clients. They may be hired to design a company’s accounting software or a new virtual game.

Designing games sounds like fun.  This looks like a pretty recession-proof job, taking into account the growth of eBusinesses.  There’s always a need for enterprise system design and internet security.

4. Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineers search for oil and gas reservoirs, determine the best method for extraction, and design the equipment needed for drilling and production.

Hopefully, for our planet’s sake, there won’t be a great demand for petroleum engineers in the future.  Other engineering positions pay well, too (how about designing more Earth-friendly power systems?).

5. Actuary

Actuaries are paid to tell others when to worry — in other words, they use their mathematical wizardry to assess risks and minimize potential losses.

If you like statistics, this may be right up your alley.  I think the narrator in Fight Club was an actuary.  Follow in Tyler Durden’s footsteps.  Just don’t pick a fight with your boss.

6. Economist

Microeconomists may help individual companies maximize their profits; macroeconomists study the broader picture, including trends in unemployment, inflation, and investment.

Wow, they’re still paying these guys?  Seriously, I think economists get a bad rap.  They can only offer suggestions; it’s up to others to act on them.  Again, $50K a year to provide hit-or-miss projections is pretty good.  I wonder what a meteorologist gets paid the first year?

So there you have it: my commentary on 6 of the 7 jobs.  If I find the 7th one, I’ll revise my article!

Does anyone work in these fields?  I’d be interested to know if they all pay $50K to start, or if this is dependent on the geographic location.

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