7 Great Second Jobs for Extra Income

7 Great Second Jobs for Extra Income

By Cherie L. Berkley

Strapped for cash? Many people are in these trying times. With growing unemployment, salary cuts, and the rising cost of living, plenty of Americans are looking for ways to earn extra income. What's a good second job? Check out these seven types of second jobs that can be done around your 9-to-5 and with skills you may already have.

1. Dog Walker. Even in a recession people don't skimp on their furry loved ones. Therefore, being a dog walker can be an easy sell, especially for other people who need to work two jobs to make ends meet. The double bonus here is you can get great exercise while racking up extra bucks. You can also walk dogs before or after your full-time job. Dog walker median salary per hour: $16.29.

2. Handyman.  No matter where the economy stands, things still break that must be fixed. When you are good at fixing things, word travels fast. It's possible to make a small mint fixing cars, installing shelves, building fences or doing minor home electrical and plumbing jobs. Keep in mind that some of these gigs may require attaining certain licenses and certifications so don't take on more than you're qualified to do. But, just consider how much a full-time car mechanic or a plumber charges. Even if you discount your rate, the pay is still good, and customers feel like they got a deal. From painting to step-building, there are plenty of household jobs many people can't do or simply don't want to. Handyman median salary per hour: $17.33.

3. Medical Transcription. Are you a fast typist with excellent grammar and a medical background? If so, medical transcription may be for you. This job often calls for at least one year's experience in a hospital or clinical setting, as well as coursework; some ads require transcription experience. Tools you will need for this job likely include high-speed Internet and Microsoft 2000 software. You should also be prepared to take a skills test. Medical transcriptionist median salary per hour: $13.78.

4. Wills/Medical Power of Attorney. While planning for the inevitable can be upsetting, it provides a way for attorneys to make extra side income. Lawyers can get up to speed on formulating simple wills and living trusts without too much effort. Completing these documents is something most people agree is essential but have not checked off their 'to-do' list. Talk to friends, church members, and neighbors to generate clients. Potential clients are likely working or have other commitments just like you. Therefore, being available outside of business hours makes meeting up more convenient for everyone involved. Attorney median salary per hour: $55.66.

5. Income Tax Preparer. Tax season is here so why not cash in? Preparing income taxes is one of the most dreaded have-tos among Americans. There are plenty of people who would be glad to pass off their tax preparations to someone else if for no other reason than the fear of being audited. Donald Cheatham, owner of DC Tax Group, turned his side job into a small side business. He chose this off-hours gig because of the high demand and he enjoys accounting and the extra money. "I work 50 to 60 hours a week on my main job [as an accountant] and another 25 to 35 hours a week for my part-time job during tax season. So it gets a little hard at times and usually sleep is the one thing that I don't get during tax season, but it is well worth it," says Cheatham, who started up in 1995 in Chicago. While it helps your credibility if you are a certified public accountant, this certification is not required. The median salary for an accountant per hour: $18.19; CPA median salary per hour: $26.25.

6. Teach a Hobby. Whether it is dance, tennis, golf, computer skills, or music, teaching someone how to do something you are good at and love makes working a second job less like, well...work. You can find teacher job ads at recreational centers in your neighborhood or advertise your expertise online and in local publications. With spring in the air, more people will want to get out and try something new or improve their skills. Dance instructor median salary per hour: $18.58; Music teacher median salary per hour: $21.28.

7. Babysitter. This job is convenient, especially if you have kids. After all, you can make money with them right near by. Offer to watch your friends' and neighbors' kids so they can take a breather, and they will love you for it. Another option is to help people who work nights. Finding a 24-hour daycare service is difficult to say the least. Caring for several kids on the same night can compound your earnings and get you extra cash more quickly. Babysitter median salary per hour: $9.00.

Entry Level Jobs for High School Graduates

By Carol Tice

A good salary and a rewarding career doesn't have to mean a four-year slog through college. There are plenty of jobs for high school graduates that pay nicely with less education, ranging from certificate courses just a few months long to two-year community college programs.

Education costs for most of these careers are modest - you might even pay nothing at all. If you're from a low-income family and between 18-24, you may qualify to receive up to three years of free job training, housing and support services through the federal program Job Corps. National program director Esther Jacobs says Job Corps serves roughly 100,000 students a year. "We're the best-kept secret in this country," she says.

Otherwise, state-sponsored technical and vocational schools will usually be a cheaper option than private training companies, and many offer financial aid. Most training programs will help you get entry level jobs with good pay  when you're done, too.

Here's a look at some of the best jobs for high school graduates that you can get into fast, listed with their salary for someone with three to five years' experience, according to PayScale.com.

1. Network installers, network administrators, computer systems administrators. If you enjoy tinkering with computers and wireless-network routers, consider this field. The business slowdown may have damped demand a bit, but it'll rebound fast as the economy picks up. Median salary: $49,801 per year.

2. Police officer. Law-and-order types who enjoy working with people might consider a quick career change into law enforcement. Basic training only takes about four months, and costs roughly $2,000. Median salary: $47,485 per year.

3. Court reporter. This one's a great recession-proof career for those who enjoy courtroom drama. It offers job security as the courts must continue to function in good times or bad, notes Laurence Shatkin, co-author of 300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree. Median salary: $47,275 per year.

4. Clinical laboratory technologist. Science lovers who watch CSI might like this line of work. Clinical lab techs examine tissue and body fluids under a microscope and test them for diseases. This field is expected to grow as new diagnostic methods continue to be developed. Entry into the field requires at least a two-year training course from either a technical college or hospital. Median salary: $47,081 per year.

5. Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning (HVAC) installer. If you enjoy working with your hands, this job's got that, along with the satisfaction of knowing you're helping people stay comfy indoors. You can earn the required certificate to get started in as little as nine months. Median salary: $44,814 per year.

6. Computer numerical control. In areas of the country that still have a strong manufacturing base, there's demand for people who can program the robots that do much of today's assembly-line work, says Bryan Albrecht, president of Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wis. "You need strong analytical decision-making skills, where you can diagnose a problem in a machine," he says. Median salary: $44,629 per year.

7. Solar energy systems installer. This and many other "green" jobs are hot now, as the recently signed federal stimulus bill put billions into alternative energy and energy conservation. A boom in installing solar panels is expected. Median salary: $44,460 per year.

8. Correctional officer. Working in prisons can be stressful and hazardous - so it pays well. Corrections can also be a good option for those who want to work the night shift, as prisons must be staffed 24/7. These are good jobs for high school graduates as local and state prisons may not require further training beyond a high school degree. Median salary: $42,795 per year.

9. Security and fire-alarm systems installers. Demand for security systems, Webcams and fire alarms is increasing, author Shatkin says, because the price of these systems is falling. This field offers entry level jobs with good pay as the National Alarm Association of America says training can be done in less than two weeks and costs under $1000. Median salary: $41,417 per year.

10. Aircraft mechanic. People who enjoy tinkering with their cars - and live near an airport - might consider this field, which pays better than automotive repair. Unless Americans suddenly give up their love affair with cheap travel, this field is expected to see continued steady growth. Roughly 170 schools nationwide are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to offer the needed training, which usually takes between 18 months and two years. Median salary: $39,584 per year.

8 Jobs That Are in High Demand for the Future

By Carol Tice

With the economy shrinking, many job-hunters are looking for a new career that pays well - and they need to find out what are the best jobs for the future. Here are the careers that are forecast for strong growth over the next decade, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2016.

Robin Ryan, career coach and author of 60 Seconds and You're Hired says, "I look at where you can make good money, where employers are looking for people and saying they can't find them."

She notes that the federal growth forecasts are a couple of years old, and some fields are undergoing rapid change. Be on the lookout for emerging opportunities, especially those that involve Internet skills. With the cost of education soaring, we asked our experts to focus primarily on careers you can get started in without a four-year degree. Based upon salary and career growth, here's our list of best jobs for the future.

1. Physician's assistant - The economy may be down, but people still get sick and need to go to the doctor. As the population continues to age, healthcare fields will continue to see strong growth, says Ryan. Health care is one of the top growing job fields. Physician's assistants usually take a two-year course and need to pass a certification exam. Then, they assist doctors in hospitals and clinics or in rural areas they may provide care if a doctor isn't always available. 27% projected growth. Median annual salary: $88,575

2. Database administrator - One thing's for sure in this uncertain economy - companies continue to pile up data and need experts to make sure it's properly organized and securely stored. Computer security is another one of the top growing job fields. Some database administrators get started with just a two-year degree - and if you enjoy computer programming, this is one of the best-paid areas in computer tech. 28.6% projected growth. Median annual salary: $73,388

3. Video game designer - The gaming field is exploding, notes Ryan. There are hugely successful, massive, multiplayer online role-playing games, casual games to play on computers, PDAs and cell phones, as well as games for Xbox, Nintendo and other proprietary game systems. If you're a game nut, consider learning how to create games to cash in on this trend as the gaming industry tend to offer jobs that are fun and pay good money.

"These skills are often self-taught," she notes. "And programming jobs pay extremely well, for anything where you know how to write code." 35% projected growth. Median annual salary: $66,664

4. Medical equipment repair - As medical equipment uses more complex technology, there are more parts that can malfunction - and more need for repair technicians. You may need a two-year degree, but the BLS reports most training is on the job. 9.4% projected growth. Median annual salary: $62,115

5. Media planner/buyer - Though the official BLS data doesn't show explosive growth here, the Internet is causing rapid change in this industry that probably isn't figured into federal forecasts yet, says job-trends expert Debra Yergen, author of Creating Job Security: The 2009 All-In-One Workbook. While the traditional advertising industry may be shrinking right now, online skills are in demand, she says. Many online-media pros are learning on the job.

"This is an emerging area where talent is going to be rewarded," Yergen says. 11.7% projected growth. Median annual salary: $47,149

6. X-ray/Imaging technician - The medical field is increasingly relying on X-rays, MRIs and other imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients, notes Yergen. As new types of scans are invented, and become covered by insurance, the demand for trained imaging technicians will continue to grow. The BLS says technicians can get started with a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree. 15% projected growth. Median annual salary: $42,749

7. Plumber - Robin Ryan calls plumbing, "A classic job most people don't want to do." Which is why it pays well. And bad economy or good, pipes burst and need replacing. If you enjoy working with your hands, look for an apprenticeship program where you can get paid while you learn on the job.  10.6% projected growth. Median annual salary: $42,001

8. Graphic/Web designer - Like Internet advertising, anyone who can make companies' Web sites look better will be in demand, Yergen says.  "This field will blossom as people find creative ways to help clients." About one-quarter of graphic designers are self-employed, the BLS reports, and may get started with a two-year degree or be self-taught. And at 44.6% projected growth, design careers offer some of the best jobs for the future. Median annual salary: $41,215

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

5 Hot Spots for Free Career Training

By Siri Anderson

Are you looking for a job, a promotion or trying to negotiate a pay raise? Your success will most likely depend on the answer to one question: do you have the skills to pay your employer's bills?

Though years of experience and a positive attitude are important, education is also important for career development. Staying current on your skills is invaluable. Highly-skilled people stand out. Because of this and our economic situation, people are heading back to school in droves to brush up for the future.

Are you worried about paying tuition? Don't be. If you know where to look, you can find free career training. Here are five alternative and absolutely free ways to keep your job skills up-to-date.

1. Online Career Training. Information sources continue to explode on the Web, and online jobs skills training programs are a good way to use the Internet to improve job skills. There are countless courses out there that offer free enrollment for online career training - but "buyer" beware: their quality can range from first-class to a complete waste of time. One excellent career training site is operated by the Goodwill Community Foundation, GCFLearnFree.org. This site, which focuses on vocational and technology training, has received top ratings for its extremely accessible and well-designed career training courses for adult learners of all levels and abilities. Many courses are accredited by IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training) and offer certificates for successful completion. You can even register for online career training courses led by a qualified instructor - all at no cost. "There are a lot of places of instruction out there, but not a lot of places where you can find this quality of training for free," says Steve Snyderman, spokesperson for GCFLearnFree.org. "It's always updated, always quality, always there, and it's always free."

2. Open Career Training Seminars and Lectures. Next time you're near a local community college or university, keep your eyes peeled for lectures and seminars that can help shine up your job skills. As a leading example, Pace University has presented a series of free career training seminars that were open to the public, called "Managing Your Career in a Down Economy" with the follow-up session "Learning Lab for Job Preparedness in the New Economy." According to Jody Queen-Hubert, executive director of Co-op and Career Services at Pace, learning institutions want to be seen as responsive resources that are relevant, on top of current trends and able to be resourceful to the community. Offering lectures, career support and job information are common ways they'll do this. "People absolutely should be looking to their colleges and universities to see what they can tap into for career services and training," says Queen-Hubert, "We are not an ivory tower."

3. Career Training Podcasts, Webinars and Blogs. If you haven't already, it's time to jump on the Web 2.0 bandwagon. Job trends and in-demand skills are in flux, and nothing can get you the most cutting-edge information faster or easier than these new media info sources. "In my [field], technology and business are changing at a faster pace than the design principles and methodologies I practice every day, so I tend to track blogs...pretty regularly to keep up on the tech landscape," says Seattle-based, user-experience designer Scott Neilson. In addition to blogs, many organizations publish podcasts or host webinars as a service to their industry. Ben Crosby, national recruiting manager for iSymmetry, said his company noticed the current need in the IT community for specialized job searching strategies and so created a free, five-part podcast series called "How to Land an IT Job in a Down Market," published in December of 2008. Using iTunes or any search engine, you can easily find this series as well as other podcasts and blogs that suit your career training needs.

4. Government Resources for Career Training. Though most people don't know it, every state has funds to support career training, both for the unemployed and those who just want to improve their job skills and expand their career goals. "It's unbelievable to me how many people think to claim unemployment but don't take advantage of all the other services their state offers," says Kris Linderoth, WorkSource employment and career training expert for the State of Washington. Programs are often federally funded, organized at the state level and commonly found at community colleges, universities, workforce training offices and public libraries. Every state has its own spin on how it uses funds. However, according to Linderoth, "wherever you live, you should be able to type into a search engine 'your state' and 'workforce development,' and that should lead you to information on what your state offers."

5. Career Training Through Volunteering/Internships. Though no one wants to hear that they should work for free, volunteering your time may help to season your resume with much-needed practical career training - some job skills just can't be learned as well in a classroom or through coursework, and employers know this all too well. "If it wasn't for that [internship] experience, there's less chance I would have been hired for my first job in non-profit development," said Kymberly Blackstock, now a development manager for an Anchorage-based organization, "and because of that experience, I was able to leverage a higher starting pay rate." Free career training is what a good volunteer or intern position offers, all while you plant your foot in the door of a potential employer. Don't get stuck sealing envelopes, though - make sure that you're both learning and using marketable skills to ensure your volunteered time is well spent.

Confessions of a Work-From-Home Mom

By Claudine Benmar

When Deborah Bryner's arthritis flares up, she works in bed. When it's time to make dinner, she totes her laptop to the kitchen. But when she really has to buckle down and meet a deadline, she heads for the basement, where there are no distractions.

"If I'm working in the basement, I tell my kids, 'Don't bug me unless you're bleeding or on fire,'" she says.

That kind of flexibility is what Bryner, 50, loves about her work-from-home career. She offers various services, including transcription of podcasts and online interviews, copy editing, and blog writing. And while she types away at her laptop in Anchorage, Alaska, her various bosses check in on her from Pennsylvania, Maryland, California and Nebraska.

Like other parents who work from home, Bryner's focus is her children. Her son, 16, is in high school now and her 20-year-old daughter, who is autistic, currently attends an alternative career training program. "Our kids have always had one of us at home, as much as possible," she says. "Even teenagers do better when there's a parent at home."

Tishia Lee, 33, who decided to work from home as a scheduler and virtual assistant from her home in Burton, Michigan, echoes that sentiment. Three years ago, she worked as an optometrist's assistant at a Wal-Mart Vision Center, often stuck in a shift that didn't end until 7 or 9 p.m.

"My son was literally being raised by daycare," she says. "I'd see him in the morning, then send him to school, and when I finally picked him up, it was time to go home and go to bed."

Now, Lee takes her 10-year-old son to school each morning and picks him when the school bell rings - not five hours later. "I love to see him come out of that building with a huge smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye," she says.

Getting to that point wasn't easy. Lee is a single mom without a college degree, so she knew she had to make enough to support them both. She considered going to cosmetology school, but couldn't afford it. She and her boss tried to schedule better hours, but it didn't seem fair to other employees. Finally, she teamed up with another friend who was launching her own virtual career as a business coach.

"She really took me under her wing and trained me," Lee says. "To this day, she's still one of my clients."

As a work from home scheduler and virtual assistant, Lee does transcription, manages customer service e-mail, schedules appointments and offers other administrative services for online businesses, mostly those that are run by other work-from-home moms. In her personal time, she writes a blog called Adventures of a Single WAHM. <http://tishialee.com/>

"For the first six to eight months of my business, I had to take side jobs to make extra money," she says. "I did housecleaning, or babysitting at my church."

Unfortunately, being more available for her son doesn't necessarily eliminate the guilt she sometimes feels when her work and parenting collide. "I still feel guilty when my schedule is really busy and he can't have my undivided attention," Lee says.

In the days before high-speed Internet and laptop computers, these kinds of careers would not have been possible. So these moms have learned to be tech-savvy. Melody Spier, 38, who lives in rural Tennessee and also works as a freelance, work-from-home virtual assistant, relies on satellite for her Internet connection. "So anything - rain, clouds, ice - can't interfere with it," she says. "But when that happens, I have work that I can do offline."

Spier, whose kids were 9 and 12 when she quit her job as an office manager seven years ago, says she stumbled into a couple of "work at home" scams before hitting success with her own business. "I lost a few hundred dollars because they have you buy the merchandise up front and then sell it," she says. When she couldn't make sales, she couldn't recoup the money.

Despite the false start and the many friends who told her to beg for her "real" job back, she's found success. "My husband was always supportive, but he was skeptical at first. He thought I could make money, but that it wouldn't replace what I made before," she says. "Now I'm making even more than I used to."

You May Earn 30% More Than You Think

By Siri Anderson

What's in a wage? Most of us think of a simple base rate of pay and don't include the benefits part of salary but if we call it by another name - like, total compensation package - this topic gets a whole lot sweeter, and you're probably earning more than you think.

Of course, base pay will make up a large part of your total compensation, but don't stop there. If you're a full-time employee, your company is quite possibly paying 30 percent more money than you see on your pay stub, according to the averages found by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  If you're a freelancer on the other hand, you might be able to raise your rates and still be cost-effective compared to a full-time employee.

So what is included in a total compensation package? Obviously this varies from company to company, so it's worth your time to view a compensation package in full detail, from a quality health insurance plan to seemingly small perks like free lunches. Furthermore, if taken advantage of, the benefits part of salary can do a lot to help you create a golden nest egg for you and your family a few years down the road.

The latest information on the costs for employee compensation comes from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and is evaluated based on numbers gathered through September of 2008 when the average wage across all industries and seniority levels was just over $20/hour (approximately $42,000/year). Below is a list of common benefits and how they much can add to your salary:

Health Insurance Benefits, +11%
It's no secret what an asset health benefits are, both financially and for your general well-being. Even if you have to share costs and pay deductibles, your employer is essentially paying you in insurance premiums, not to mention probably offering you a better plan than you could afford on your own. This benefit can be worth $5,000-6,000 a year if you're older or you have a pre-existing condition.

Social Security, Medicare and Other Insurances, + 8%
Unemployment insurance, workers' comp, Social Security and Medicare - these bennies may not sound too sexy, and you may wrinkle your nose at that 7.65 percent deduction on your pay stub. But don't forget that for every cent you pay, your employer matches it. That means if you're earning $42,000 annually, your employer is paying an extra $3,200 a year on your behalf. Granted, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of these programs - but at the very least, they're helping to take care of your parents so you don't have to.

Retirement Plan, + 6%
In addition to paying Social Security, retirement benefits vary widely from employer to employer. Most companies will offer you an investment plan (401k) and many will offer to match your contributions at a defined rate - translation: pay raise. Beyond that, your contributions are taken out of pre-tax income, so you'll be paying less to the government. If you manage to lower your tax bracket, you might even end up taking home more disposable income while you're putting cash in your retirement plan.

Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Time, + 7%
Never underestimate the value of free time paid equally to hours spent in a board meeting, and don't forget that not all employers offer it. Even if you get just two weeks of vacation a year, that's 4 percent of your salary that's being earned while you sip soda on the beach. When you factor in sick leave, personal time and holidays, you might be tacking on another couple of weeks, or 3-4 percent, that would otherwise come out of your pocket. And if you rather have it in cold, hard cash, you can often have it paid out while you keep working (and earning).

Other Less Common Benefits, +1-10%
Certain companies may offer you extra benefits that - if you're lucky enough to get them - can really boost your total compensation. Some are large, some are small, but they can all add up to quite a lot over the course of a year.

• Stock Options
If your employer offers stock at a discounted price, you reap rewards automatically from the higher rate of return. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics is just beginning to assess the percentage this adds to total compensation, but depending on your company's program and depending on the markets, it could add 5-10% to your salary.

• Company Cars
Company cars are more commonly offered in sales and service industries, but if your company offers you this asset, that could equate to a 10% increase on your yearly salary - especially if you get to use the car for nights, weekends and family trips.

• Gym memberships
Offering a membership to a gym helps a business by keeping its employees healthy, which hopefuly lowers their medical costs. Either way, if you'd normally spend $40/month on a membership, this bumps your salary by $480 a year.

• Lunch, Coffee, Snacks
If your company provides snacks, teas and coffee, or even lunch, it could be worth $5-10 per day. Taking advantage of it might save you $2,600 over the year.

• Bus Passes
Some employers will encourage public transportation and offer you a transit or bus pass. This may be saving you $50/month ($600/year) or more depending on where you live. And that doesn't include what you'll save in gas and car maintenance costs by giving your vehicle a rest.

Preparing for a Job Interview? Take Our Quiz

By C.J. Liu, PayScale.com

After networking, sending resumes and waiting patiently by the phone, all your hard work has paid off with an invitation to interview. Now it's time for some expert tips on preparing for a job interview. Are you ready with smart answers to tough interviewing questions? What about explaining a job termination during an interview? There are ways to be honest but not hurt your chances of getting hired.

PayScale.com has developed a quick quiz to test your interview savvy. Read through the following true and false statements to assess your interview IQ, then enjoy the follow-up hints for a job interview.

1. Spending a lot of time preparing for a job interview will make me seem desperate.

False - There is nothing worse than an unprepared interviewee. Make sure you have done your homework about the organization and the job skills required before the interview. This will help you when the job interview question, "Why do you want to work here?" is thrown at you. Plus, you can ask knowledgeable questions when your turn comes around.

2. While preparing for a job interview, put yourself in the interviewer's shoes to see things from their perspective.

True - Typically, interviewers are busy and easily distracted. Remember that you may be 1 of 10 people that they have talked to in the last 5 hours. Don't make them struggle to get answers out of you or make sense of your rambling replies.

3. Role playing to prepare for typical interview questions is really important.

True- Practicing your responses to typical interview questions is paramount. Role play with a friend and get feedback on how you come across. For example, if you say that you are really excited about the job but sound hesitant, you will not seem credible.

4. If you have reservations about your abilities or skills for the position you should tell the whole truth.

True/False- You should not tell a lie and say you have five years of experience when you really have two. Nor should you fully disclose your inadequacies. If you left your last job because you were fired, there's no need to bring that up. When the employer asks you about your biggest mistake, pick a less emotionally charged experience and emphasize what you learned from it.

5. A job interview is a one-direction conversation, like on a talk show.

False - Having a one-sided interview can be exhausting for both parties. Make sure that while you are preparing for a job interview, you come up with at least 10 engaging and relevant questions to ask. Even better, have some questions about their favorite subject - themselves. An example is, "Tell me about your job and what you love about it?"

6. Interviewers are like dogs; they can smell my fear.

True- Interviewing is the quintessential example of dogs sniffing each other out. Like a dog, the interviewer will be trying to determine your overall confidence. Your body language indicates your level of self-esteem. Remember, a shaking leg or deer in headlights expression can matter more than how well you answer the questions.

7. The "real me" will shine through whether I'm dressed in pajamas or a suit.

False- Whether we like it or not, what we wear helps form a first impression. Here are some attire hints for a job interview. See if you can get some insider information on the dress code and whether it is more casual or formal. If you don't know, opt for formal. For women, remember it's about getting a job not a date. Stay away from low cut or short anything.

8. Sending a thank you note is an important way of standing out.

True- Thank you notes are not only about good etiquette but self-marketing, too. How can a simple card help you seal the deal? Start by mentioning something you learned about your interviewer. You could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about your first years at Boeing."  Then, write a quick summary of the conversation and why you are perfect for the job.  

9. Making demands for your ideal salary and vacation in the initial interview is a risky proposition.

True- While you are aching to know the starting salary and benefits right off the bat, it's a bit risky to ask these types of questions initially. Reserve negotiations on these matters until you have a job offer.

10. It doesn't matter if I'm 5 minutes late. Everyone runs late to interviews.

False - It's okay for your interviewer to be late, but the interviewee needs to be on time or 5-10 minutes early. Even if you have a good reason for being late, the interviewer will make assumptions about your level of organization and how you treat others. Plus, getting there early gives you time to compose yourself and shake off your coffee jitters.

C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers life, business, and career coaching and can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

12 Money-Making Certificates

By Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Laid off and looking to flee the floundering industry that sent you packing?

Not to worry: Minimum wage work is not your only option.

Whether you're in dire need of a new career, trying to earn more at your current gig or you're returning to work after a prolonged hiatus at home with the kids, a certificate program from a community college or vocational school is the swiftest way to pump up your earning potential.

"Many people refer to community college as the new master's degree," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. "It's a way to repurpose yourself."

As an added bonus, countless certificate programs train you for cubicle-free jobs - good news for weary office workers who'd like a change of scenery.

Certificate programs vary in length, averaging six months to a year, with evening, weekend, and online classes frequently available. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (happily, financial aid is sometimes offered for those who qualify).

Review the list below and make note of which certificate programs appeal to you or build on what you already know.

1. Court reporter certificate program.

Can you type like the wind? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters remain in high demand -- by both the justice system and the television industry, which hires these workers to create closed captioning text. Average salary: $39,781 a year.

2. Auto insurance appraiser certificate program.

Appraisers have the best of both worlds: Many split their time between the office and the field, traveling to homes and auto shops to write up repair estimates for crumpled cars. While most work for insurance companies, some are self-employed. Average salary: $50,165 a year.

3. Auto or motorcycle mechanic certificate program.

Are you happiest when wielding a wrench? "Mechanic jobs are particularly good in a recession because people are trading in their cars less," Shatkin says. In other words, there's no shortage of clunkers in need of repair. Average salary: $41,233 a year.

4. Massage therapist certificate program.

If you think the economy is keeping people from getting a massage, you're wrong. The American Massage Therapy Association found that 36 percent of Americans got a massage to relieve stress in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to increase by 20 percent before 2016. Average salary: $35,349 a year.

5. Security and fire alarm system installer certificate program.

Do you live to tinker with electronic devices? Then installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial alarm systems might be the ideal career for you. Most installation work requires driving to various job sites each day. Average salary: $42,763 a year.

6. Emergency medical technician certificate program.

Why sit at a desk all day when you could be out there saving lives? Despite the recession, people will continue to "crash their cars and have heart attacks in the middle of the night," reminds Shatkin. EMT certification requirements vary by state. Average salary: $30,530 a year.

7. Aerobics or fitness instructor certificate program.

If you're already a workout fiend, why not get paid for pumpin' it up? Job openings for exercise instructors are expected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade, Shatkin says, with most located at health clubs and fitness centers. Average salary: $37,113 a year.

8. Medical transcriptionist certificate program.

With healthcare the fastest-growing job sector, there's plenty of work for those who can decipher and type up the audio recordings doctors make about their patients. While a majority of transcriptionists work in a hospital or doctor's office, many telecommute from home. Average salary: $31,286 a year.

9. Cosmetologist certificate program.

Are you the person everyone calls for beauty advice? Then why not go pro? Cosmetologists are trained to cut, style, and chemically treat hair, as well as to treat skin and nails. Bonus: Schedules are flexible and self-employment is common. Average salary: $27,112 a year.

10. Language interpreter certificate program.

Maybe you grew up speaking two languages or picked one up while traveling abroad. If so, hospitals, courtrooms, and social service agencies need your help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five interpreters works for themselves, and many work part time. Plus, oftentimes, only a one-day exam is needed to be certified. Average salary: $44,175 a year.

11. Sign language interpreter certificate program.

If you enjoy working with others in multiple settings -- from live performances and business conferences to schools and social service agencies -- translating the spoken word for the deaf could be the job for you. Average salary: $36,278 a year.

12. Embalmer certificate program.

Preparing the dead for their final resting place isn't for everyone. But for those with a strong constitution, there's job security in the funeral business -- people won't stop dying simply because the economy's taken a turn for the worse. Average salary: $38,482 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

10 Entry Level Jobs with Good Pay

Entry Level Jobs for High School Graduates

By Carol Tice

A good salary and a rewarding career doesn't have to mean a four-year slog through college. There are plenty of jobs for high school graduates that pay nicely with less education, ranging from certificate courses just a few months long to two-year community college programs.

Education costs for most of these careers are modest - you might even pay nothing at all. If you're from a low-income family and between 18-24, you may qualify to receive up to three years of free job training, housing and support services through the federal program Job Corps. National program director Esther Jacobs says Job Corps serves roughly 100,000 students a year. "We're the best-kept secret in this country," she says.

Otherwise, state-sponsored technical and vocational schools will usually be a cheaper option than private training companies, and many offer financial aid. Most training programs will help you get entry level jobs with good pay  when you're done, too.

Here's a look at some of the best jobs for high school graduates that you can get into fast, listed with their salary for someone with three to five years' experience, according to PayScale.com.

1. Network installers, network administrators, computer systems administrators. If you enjoy tinkering with computers and wireless-network routers, consider this field. The business slowdown may have damped demand a bit, but it'll rebound fast as the economy picks up. Median salary: $49,801 per year.

2. Police officer. Law-and-order types who enjoy working with people might consider a quick career change into law enforcement. Basic training only takes about four months, and costs roughly $2,000. Median salary: $47,485 per year.

3. Court reporter. This one's a great recession-proof career for those who enjoy courtroom drama. It offers job security as the courts must continue to function in good times or bad, notes Laurence Shatkin, co-author of 300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree. Median salary: $47,275 per year.

4. Clinical laboratory technologist. Science lovers who watch CSI might like this line of work. Clinical lab techs examine tissue and body fluids under a microscope and test them for diseases. This field is expected to grow as new diagnostic methods continue to be developed. Entry into the field requires at least a two-year training course from either a technical college or hospital. Median salary: $47,081 per year.

5. Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning (HVAC) installer. If you enjoy working with your hands, this job's got that, along with the satisfaction of knowing you're helping people stay comfy indoors. You can earn the required certificate to get started in as little as nine months. Median salary: $44,814 per year.

6. Computer numerical control. In areas of the country that still have a strong manufacturing base, there's demand for people who can program the robots that do much of today's assembly-line work, says Bryan Albrecht, president of Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wis. "You need strong analytical decision-making skills, where you can diagnose a problem in a machine," he says. Median salary: $44,629 per year.

7. Solar energy systems installer. This and many other "green" jobs are hot now, as the recently signed federal stimulus bill put billions into alternative energy and energy conservation. A boom in installing solar panels is expected. Median salary: $44,460 per year.

8. Correctional officer. Working in prisons can be stressful and hazardous - so it pays well. Corrections can also be a good option for those who want to work the night shift, as prisons must be staffed 24/7. These are good jobs for high school graduates as local and state prisons may not require further training beyond a high school degree. Median salary: $42,795 per year.

9. Security and fire-alarm systems installers. Demand for security systems, Webcams and fire alarms is increasing, author Shatkin says, because the price of these systems is falling. This field offers entry level jobs with good pay as the National Alarm Association of America says training can be done in less than two weeks and costs under $1000. Median salary: $41,417 per year.

10. Aircraft mechanic. People who enjoy tinkering with their cars - and live near an airport - might consider this field, which pays better than automotive repair. Unless Americans suddenly give up their love affair with cheap travel, this field is expected to see continued steady growth. Roughly 170 schools nationwide are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to offer the needed training, which usually takes between 18 months and two years. Median salary: $39,584 per year.

8 Jobs That Are in High Demand for the Future

By Carol Tice

With the economy shrinking, many job-hunters are looking for a new career that pays well - and they need to find out what are the best jobs for the future. Here are the careers that are forecast for strong growth over the next decade, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2016.

Robin Ryan, career coach and author of 60 Seconds and You're Hired says, "I look at where you can make good money, where employers are looking for people and saying they can't find them."

She notes that the federal growth forecasts are a couple of years old, and some fields are undergoing rapid change. Be on the lookout for emerging opportunities, especially those that involve Internet skills. With the cost of education soaring, we asked our experts to focus primarily on careers you can get started in without a four-year degree. Based upon salary and career growth, here's our list of best jobs for the future.

1. Physician's assistant - The economy may be down, but people still get sick and need to go to the doctor. As the population continues to age, healthcare fields will continue to see strong growth, says Ryan. Health care is one of the top growing job fields. Physician's assistants usually take a two-year course and need to pass a certification exam. Then, they assist doctors in hospitals and clinics or in rural areas they may provide care if a doctor isn't always available. 27% projected growth. Median annual salary: $88,575

2. Database administrator - One thing's for sure in this uncertain economy - companies continue to pile up data and need experts to make sure it's properly organized and securely stored. Computer security is another one of the top growing job fields. Some database administrators get started with just a two-year degree - and if you enjoy computer programming, this is one of the best-paid areas in computer tech. 28.6% projected growth. Median annual salary: $73,388

3. Video game designer - The gaming field is exploding, notes Ryan. There are hugely successful, massive, multiplayer online role-playing games, casual games to play on computers, PDAs and cell phones, as well as games for Xbox, Nintendo and other proprietary game systems. If you're a game nut, consider learning how to create games to cash in on this trend as the gaming industry tend to offer jobs that are fun and pay good money.

"These skills are often self-taught," she notes. "And programming jobs pay extremely well, for anything where you know how to write code." 35% projected growth. Median annual salary: $66,664

4. Medical equipment repair - As medical equipment uses more complex technology, there are more parts that can malfunction - and more need for repair technicians. You may need a two-year degree, but the BLS reports most training is on the job. 9.4% projected growth. Median annual salary: $62,115

5. Media planner/buyer - Though the official BLS data doesn't show explosive growth here, the Internet is causing rapid change in this industry that probably isn't figured into federal forecasts yet, says job-trends expert Debra Yergen, author of Creating Job Security: The 2009 All-In-One Workbook. While the traditional advertising industry may be shrinking right now, online skills are in demand, she says. Many online-media pros are learning on the job.

"This is an emerging area where talent is going to be rewarded," Yergen says. 11.7% projected growth. Median annual salary: $47,149

6. X-ray/Imaging technician - The medical field is increasingly relying on X-rays, MRIs and other imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients, notes Yergen. As new types of scans are invented, and become covered by insurance, the demand for trained imaging technicians will continue to grow. The BLS says technicians can get started with a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree. 15% projected growth. Median annual salary: $42,749

7. Plumber - Robin Ryan calls plumbing, "A classic job most people don't want to do." Which is why it pays well. And bad economy or good, pipes burst and need replacing. If you enjoy working with your hands, look for an apprenticeship program where you can get paid while you learn on the job.  10.6% projected growth. Median annual salary: $42,001

8. Graphic/Web designer - Like Internet advertising, anyone who can make companies' Web sites look better will be in demand, Yergen says.  "This field will blossom as people find creative ways to help clients." About one-quarter of graphic designers are self-employed, the BLS reports, and may get started with a two-year degree or be self-taught. And at 44.6% projected growth, design careers offer some of the best jobs for the future. Median annual salary: $41,215

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

5 Hot Spots for Free Career Training

By Siri Anderson

Are you looking for a job, a promotion or trying to negotiate a pay raise? Your success will most likely depend on the answer to one question: do you have the skills to pay your employer's bills?

Though years of experience and a positive attitude are important, education is also important for career development. Staying current on your skills is invaluable. Highly-skilled people stand out. Because of this and our economic situation, people are heading back to school in droves to brush up for the future.

Are you worried about paying tuition? Don't be. If you know where to look, you can find free career training. Here are five alternative and absolutely free ways to keep your job skills up-to-date.

1. Online Career Training. Information sources continue to explode on the Web, and online jobs skills training programs are a good way to use the Internet to improve job skills. There are countless courses out there that offer free enrollment for online career training - but "buyer" beware: their quality can range from first-class to a complete waste of time. One excellent career training site is operated by the Goodwill Community Foundation, GCFLearnFree.org. This site, which focuses on vocational and technology training, has received top ratings for its extremely accessible and well-designed career training courses for adult learners of all levels and abilities. Many courses are accredited by IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training) and offer certificates for successful completion. You can even register for online career training courses led by a qualified instructor - all at no cost. "There are a lot of places of instruction out there, but not a lot of places where you can find this quality of training for free," says Steve Snyderman, spokesperson for GCFLearnFree.org. "It's always updated, always quality, always there, and it's always free."

2. Open Career Training Seminars and Lectures. Next time you're near a local community college or university, keep your eyes peeled for lectures and seminars that can help shine up your job skills. As a leading example, Pace University has presented a series of free career training seminars that were open to the public, called "Managing Your Career in a Down Economy" with the follow-up session "Learning Lab for Job Preparedness in the New Economy." According to Jody Queen-Hubert, executive director of Co-op and Career Services at Pace, learning institutions want to be seen as responsive resources that are relevant, on top of current trends and able to be resourceful to the community. Offering lectures, career support and job information are common ways they'll do this. "People absolutely should be looking to their colleges and universities to see what they can tap into for career services and training," says Queen-Hubert, "We are not an ivory tower."

3. Career Training Podcasts, Webinars and Blogs. If you haven't already, it's time to jump on the Web 2.0 bandwagon. Job trends and in-demand skills are in flux, and nothing can get you the most cutting-edge information faster or easier than these new media info sources. "In my [field], technology and business are changing at a faster pace than the design principles and methodologies I practice every day, so I tend to track blogs...pretty regularly to keep up on the tech landscape," says Seattle-based, user-experience designer Scott Neilson. In addition to blogs, many organizations publish podcasts or host webinars as a service to their industry. Ben Crosby, national recruiting manager for iSymmetry, said his company noticed the current need in the IT community for specialized job searching strategies and so created a free, five-part podcast series called "How to Land an IT Job in a Down Market," published in December of 2008. Using iTunes or any search engine, you can easily find this series as well as other podcasts and blogs that suit your career training needs.

4. Government Resources for Career Training. Though most people don't know it, every state has funds to support career training, both for the unemployed and those who just want to improve their job skills and expand their career goals. "It's unbelievable to me how many people think to claim unemployment but don't take advantage of all the other services their state offers," says Kris Linderoth, WorkSource employment and career training expert for the State of Washington. Programs are often federally funded, organized at the state level and commonly found at community colleges, universities, workforce training offices and public libraries. Every state has its own spin on how it uses funds. However, according to Linderoth, "wherever you live, you should be able to type into a search engine 'your state' and 'workforce development,' and that should lead you to information on what your state offers."

5. Career Training Through Volunteering/Internships. Though no one wants to hear that they should work for free, volunteering your time may help to season your resume with much-needed practical career training - some job skills just can't be learned as well in a classroom or through coursework, and employers know this all too well. "If it wasn't for that [internship] experience, there's less chance I would have been hired for my first job in non-profit development," said Kymberly Blackstock, now a development manager for an Anchorage-based organization, "and because of that experience, I was able to leverage a higher starting pay rate." Free career training is what a good volunteer or intern position offers, all while you plant your foot in the door of a potential employer. Don't get stuck sealing envelopes, though - make sure that you're both learning and using marketable skills to ensure your volunteered time is well spent.

Confessions of a Work-From-Home Mom

By Claudine Benmar

When Deborah Bryner's arthritis flares up, she works in bed. When it's time to make dinner, she totes her laptop to the kitchen. But when she really has to buckle down and meet a deadline, she heads for the basement, where there are no distractions.

"If I'm working in the basement, I tell my kids, 'Don't bug me unless you're bleeding or on fire,'" she says.

That kind of flexibility is what Bryner, 50, loves about her work-from-home career. She offers various services, including transcription of podcasts and online interviews, copy editing, and blog writing. And while she types away at her laptop in Anchorage, Alaska, her various bosses check in on her from Pennsylvania, Maryland, California and Nebraska.

Like other parents who work from home, Bryner's focus is her children. Her son, 16, is in high school now and her 20-year-old daughter, who is autistic, currently attends an alternative career training program. "Our kids have always had one of us at home, as much as possible," she says. "Even teenagers do better when there's a parent at home."

Tishia Lee, 33, who decided to work from home as a scheduler and virtual assistant from her home in Burton, Michigan, echoes that sentiment. Three years ago, she worked as an optometrist's assistant at a Wal-Mart Vision Center, often stuck in a shift that didn't end until 7 or 9 p.m.

"My son was literally being raised by daycare," she says. "I'd see him in the morning, then send him to school, and when I finally picked him up, it was time to go home and go to bed."

Now, Lee takes her 10-year-old son to school each morning and picks him when the school bell rings - not five hours later. "I love to see him come out of that building with a huge smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye," she says.

Getting to that point wasn't easy. Lee is a single mom without a college degree, so she knew she had to make enough to support them both. She considered going to cosmetology school, but couldn't afford it. She and her boss tried to schedule better hours, but it didn't seem fair to other employees. Finally, she teamed up with another friend who was launching her own virtual career as a business coach.

"She really took me under her wing and trained me," Lee says. "To this day, she's still one of my clients."

As a work from home scheduler and virtual assistant, Lee does transcription, manages customer service e-mail, schedules appointments and offers other administrative services for online businesses, mostly those that are run by other work-from-home moms. In her personal time, she writes a blog called Adventures of a Single WAHM. <http://tishialee.com/>

"For the first six to eight months of my business, I had to take side jobs to make extra money," she says. "I did housecleaning, or babysitting at my church."

Unfortunately, being more available for her son doesn't necessarily eliminate the guilt she sometimes feels when her work and parenting collide. "I still feel guilty when my schedule is really busy and he can't have my undivided attention," Lee says.

In the days before high-speed Internet and laptop computers, these kinds of careers would not have been possible. So these moms have learned to be tech-savvy. Melody Spier, 38, who lives in rural Tennessee and also works as a freelance, work-from-home virtual assistant, relies on satellite for her Internet connection. "So anything - rain, clouds, ice - can't interfere with it," she says. "But when that happens, I have work that I can do offline."

Spier, whose kids were 9 and 12 when she quit her job as an office manager seven years ago, says she stumbled into a couple of "work at home" scams before hitting success with her own business. "I lost a few hundred dollars because they have you buy the merchandise up front and then sell it," she says. When she couldn't make sales, she couldn't recoup the money.

Despite the false start and the many friends who told her to beg for her "real" job back, she's found success. "My husband was always supportive, but he was skeptical at first. He thought I could make money, but that it wouldn't replace what I made before," she says. "Now I'm making even more than I used to."

You May Earn 30% More Than You Think

By Siri Anderson

What's in a wage? Most of us think of a simple base rate of pay and don't include the benefits part of salary but if we call it by another name - like, total compensation package - this topic gets a whole lot sweeter, and you're probably earning more than you think.

Of course, base pay will make up a large part of your total compensation, but don't stop there. If you're a full-time employee, your company is quite possibly paying 30 percent more money than you see on your pay stub, according to the averages found by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  If you're a freelancer on the other hand, you might be able to raise your rates and still be cost-effective compared to a full-time employee.

So what is included in a total compensation package? Obviously this varies from company to company, so it's worth your time to view a compensation package in full detail, from a quality health insurance plan to seemingly small perks like free lunches. Furthermore, if taken advantage of, the benefits part of salary can do a lot to help you create a golden nest egg for you and your family a few years down the road.

The latest information on the costs for employee compensation comes from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and is evaluated based on numbers gathered through September of 2008 when the average wage across all industries and seniority levels was just over $20/hour (approximately $42,000/year). Below is a list of common benefits and how they much can add to your salary:

Health Insurance Benefits, +11%
It's no secret what an asset health benefits are, both financially and for your general well-being. Even if you have to share costs and pay deductibles, your employer is essentially paying you in insurance premiums, not to mention probably offering you a better plan than you could afford on your own. This benefit can be worth $5,000-6,000 a year if you're older or you have a pre-existing condition.

Social Security, Medicare and Other Insurances, + 8%
Unemployment insurance, workers' comp, Social Security and Medicare - these bennies may not sound too sexy, and you may wrinkle your nose at that 7.65 percent deduction on your pay stub. But don't forget that for every cent you pay, your employer matches it. That means if you're earning $42,000 annually, your employer is paying an extra $3,200 a year on your behalf. Granted, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of these programs - but at the very least, they're helping to take care of your parents so you don't have to.

Retirement Plan, + 6%
In addition to paying Social Security, retirement benefits vary widely from employer to employer. Most companies will offer you an investment plan (401k) and many will offer to match your contributions at a defined rate - translation: pay raise. Beyond that, your contributions are taken out of pre-tax income, so you'll be paying less to the government. If you manage to lower your tax bracket, you might even end up taking home more disposable income while you're putting cash in your retirement plan.

Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Time, + 7%
Never underestimate the value of free time paid equally to hours spent in a board meeting, and don't forget that not all employers offer it. Even if you get just two weeks of vacation a year, that's 4 percent of your salary that's being earned while you sip soda on the beach. When you factor in sick leave, personal time and holidays, you might be tacking on another couple of weeks, or 3-4 percent, that would otherwise come out of your pocket. And if you rather have it in cold, hard cash, you can often have it paid out while you keep working (and earning).

Other Less Common Benefits, +1-10%
Certain companies may offer you extra benefits that - if you're lucky enough to get them - can really boost your total compensation. Some are large, some are small, but they can all add up to quite a lot over the course of a year.

• Stock Options
If your employer offers stock at a discounted price, you reap rewards automatically from the higher rate of return. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics is just beginning to assess the percentage this adds to total compensation, but depending on your company's program and depending on the markets, it could add 5-10% to your salary.

• Company Cars
Company cars are more commonly offered in sales and service industries, but if your company offers you this asset, that could equate to a 10% increase on your yearly salary - especially if you get to use the car for nights, weekends and family trips.

• Gym memberships
Offering a membership to a gym helps a business by keeping its employees healthy, which hopefuly lowers their medical costs. Either way, if you'd normally spend $40/month on a membership, this bumps your salary by $480 a year.

• Lunch, Coffee, Snacks
If your company provides snacks, teas and coffee, or even lunch, it could be worth $5-10 per day. Taking advantage of it might save you $2,600 over the year.

• Bus Passes
Some employers will encourage public transportation and offer you a transit or bus pass. This may be saving you $50/month ($600/year) or more depending on where you live. And that doesn't include what you'll save in gas and car maintenance costs by giving your vehicle a rest.

Preparing for a Job Interview? Take Our Quiz

By C.J. Liu, PayScale.com

After networking, sending resumes and waiting patiently by the phone, all your hard work has paid off with an invitation to interview. Now it's time for some expert tips on preparing for a job interview. Are you ready with smart answers to tough interviewing questions? What about explaining a job termination during an interview? There are ways to be honest but not hurt your chances of getting hired.

PayScale.com has developed a quick quiz to test your interview savvy. Read through the following true and false statements to assess your interview IQ, then enjoy the follow-up hints for a job interview.

1. Spending a lot of time preparing for a job interview will make me seem desperate.

False - There is nothing worse than an unprepared interviewee. Make sure you have done your homework about the organization and the job skills required before the interview. This will help you when the job interview question, "Why do you want to work here?" is thrown at you. Plus, you can ask knowledgeable questions when your turn comes around.

2. While preparing for a job interview, put yourself in the interviewer's shoes to see things from their perspective.

True - Typically, interviewers are busy and easily distracted. Remember that you may be 1 of 10 people that they have talked to in the last 5 hours. Don't make them struggle to get answers out of you or make sense of your rambling replies.

3. Role playing to prepare for typical interview questions is really important.

True- Practicing your responses to typical interview questions is paramount. Role play with a friend and get feedback on how you come across. For example, if you say that you are really excited about the job but sound hesitant, you will not seem credible.

4. If you have reservations about your abilities or skills for the position you should tell the whole truth.

True/False- You should not tell a lie and say you have five years of experience when you really have two. Nor should you fully disclose your inadequacies. If you left your last job because you were fired, there's no need to bring that up. When the employer asks you about your biggest mistake, pick a less emotionally charged experience and emphasize what you learned from it.

5. A job interview is a one-direction conversation, like on a talk show.

False - Having a one-sided interview can be exhausting for both parties. Make sure that while you are preparing for a job interview, you come up with at least 10 engaging and relevant questions to ask. Even better, have some questions about their favorite subject - themselves. An example is, "Tell me about your job and what you love about it?"

6. Interviewers are like dogs; they can smell my fear.

True- Interviewing is the quintessential example of dogs sniffing each other out. Like a dog, the interviewer will be trying to determine your overall confidence. Your body language indicates your level of self-esteem. Remember, a shaking leg or deer in headlights expression can matter more than how well you answer the questions.

7. The "real me" will shine through whether I'm dressed in pajamas or a suit.

False- Whether we like it or not, what we wear helps form a first impression. Here are some attire hints for a job interview. See if you can get some insider information on the dress code and whether it is more casual or formal. If you don't know, opt for formal. For women, remember it's about getting a job not a date. Stay away from low cut or short anything.

8. Sending a thank you note is an important way of standing out.

True- Thank you notes are not only about good etiquette but self-marketing, too. How can a simple card help you seal the deal? Start by mentioning something you learned about your interviewer. You could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about your first years at Boeing."  Then, write a quick summary of the conversation and why you are perfect for the job.  

9. Making demands for your ideal salary and vacation in the initial interview is a risky proposition.

True- While you are aching to know the starting salary and benefits right off the bat, it's a bit risky to ask these types of questions initially. Reserve negotiations on these matters until you have a job offer.

10. It doesn't matter if I'm 5 minutes late. Everyone runs late to interviews.

False - It's okay for your interviewer to be late, but the interviewee needs to be on time or 5-10 minutes early. Even if you have a good reason for being late, the interviewer will make assumptions about your level of organization and how you treat others. Plus, getting there early gives you time to compose yourself and shake off your coffee jitters.

C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers life, business, and career coaching and can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

12 Money-Making Certificates

By Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Laid off and looking to flee the floundering industry that sent you packing?

Not to worry: Minimum wage work is not your only option.

Whether you're in dire need of a new career, trying to earn more at your current gig or you're returning to work after a prolonged hiatus at home with the kids, a certificate program from a community college or vocational school is the swiftest way to pump up your earning potential.

"Many people refer to community college as the new master's degree," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. "It's a way to repurpose yourself."

As an added bonus, countless certificate programs train you for cubicle-free jobs - good news for weary office workers who'd like a change of scenery.

Certificate programs vary in length, averaging six months to a year, with evening, weekend, and online classes frequently available. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (happily, financial aid is sometimes offered for those who qualify).

Review the list below and make note of which certificate programs appeal to you or build on what you already know.

1. Court reporter certificate program.

Can you type like the wind? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters remain in high demand -- by both the justice system and the television industry, which hires these workers to create closed captioning text. Average salary: $39,781 a year.

2. Auto insurance appraiser certificate program.

Appraisers have the best of both worlds: Many split their time between the office and the field, traveling to homes and auto shops to write up repair estimates for crumpled cars. While most work for insurance companies, some are self-employed. Average salary: $50,165 a year.

3. Auto or motorcycle mechanic certificate program.

Are you happiest when wielding a wrench? "Mechanic jobs are particularly good in a recession because people are trading in their cars less," Shatkin says. In other words, there's no shortage of clunkers in need of repair. Average salary: $41,233 a year.

4. Massage therapist certificate program.

If you think the economy is keeping people from getting a massage, you're wrong. The American Massage Therapy Association found that 36 percent of Americans got a massage to relieve stress in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to increase by 20 percent before 2016. Average salary: $35,349 a year.

5. Security and fire alarm system installer certificate program.

Do you live to tinker with electronic devices? Then installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial alarm systems might be the ideal career for you. Most installation work requires driving to various job sites each day. Average salary: $42,763 a year.

6. Emergency medical technician certificate program.

Why sit at a desk all day when you could be out there saving lives? Despite the recession, people will continue to "crash their cars and have heart attacks in the middle of the night," reminds Shatkin. EMT certification requirements vary by state. Average salary: $30,530 a year.

7. Aerobics or fitness instructor certificate program.

If you're already a workout fiend, why not get paid for pumpin' it up? Job openings for exercise instructors are expected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade, Shatkin says, with most located at health clubs and fitness centers. Average salary: $37,113 a year.

8. Medical transcriptionist certificate program.

With healthcare the fastest-growing job sector, there's plenty of work for those who can decipher and type up the audio recordings doctors make about their patients. While a majority of transcriptionists work in a hospital or doctor's office, many telecommute from home. Average salary: $31,286 a year.

9. Cosmetologist certificate program.

Are you the person everyone calls for beauty advice? Then why not go pro? Cosmetologists are trained to cut, style, and chemically treat hair, as well as to treat skin and nails. Bonus: Schedules are flexible and self-employment is common. Average salary: $27,112 a year.

10. Language interpreter certificate program.

Maybe you grew up speaking two languages or picked one up while traveling abroad. If so, hospitals, courtrooms, and social service agencies need your help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five interpreters works for themselves, and many work part time. Plus, oftentimes, only a one-day exam is needed to be certified. Average salary: $44,175 a year.

11. Sign language interpreter certificate program.

If you enjoy working with others in multiple settings -- from live performances and business conferences to schools and social service agencies -- translating the spoken word for the deaf could be the job for you. Average salary: $36,278 a year.

12. Embalmer certificate program.

Preparing the dead for their final resting place isn't for everyone. But for those with a strong constitution, there's job security in the funeral business -- people won't stop dying simply because the economy's taken a turn for the worse. Average salary: $38,482 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

8 Jobs That Are in High Demand for the Future

8 Jobs That Are in High Demand for the Future

By Carol Tice

With the economy shrinking, many job-hunters are looking for a new career that pays well - and they need to find out what are the best jobs for the future. Here are the careers that are forecast for strong growth over the next decade, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2016.

Robin Ryan, career coach and author of 60 Seconds and You're Hired says, "I look at where you can make good money, where employers are looking for people and saying they can't find them."

She notes that the federal growth forecasts are a couple of years old, and some fields are undergoing rapid change. Be on the lookout for emerging opportunities, especially those that involve Internet skills. With the cost of education soaring, we asked our experts to focus primarily on careers you can get started in without a four-year degree. Based upon salary and career growth, here's our list of best jobs for the future.

1. Physician's assistant - The economy may be down, but people still get sick and need to go to the doctor. As the population continues to age, healthcare fields will continue to see strong growth, says Ryan. Health care is one of the top growing job fields. Physician's assistants usually take a two-year course and need to pass a certification exam. Then, they assist doctors in hospitals and clinics or in rural areas they may provide care if a doctor isn't always available. 27% projected growth. Median annual salary: $88,575

2. Database administrator - One thing's for sure in this uncertain economy - companies continue to pile up data and need experts to make sure it's properly organized and securely stored. Computer security is another one of the top growing job fields. Some database administrators get started with just a two-year degree - and if you enjoy computer programming, this is one of the best-paid areas in computer tech. 28.6% projected growth. Median annual salary: $73,388

3. Video game designer - The gaming field is exploding, notes Ryan. There are hugely successful, massive, multiplayer online role-playing games, casual games to play on computers, PDAs and cell phones, as well as games for Xbox, Nintendo and other proprietary game systems. If you're a game nut, consider learning how to create games to cash in on this trend as the gaming industry tend to offer jobs that are fun and pay good money.

"These skills are often self-taught," she notes. "And programming jobs pay extremely well, for anything where you know how to write code." 35% projected growth. Median annual salary: $66,664

4. Medical equipment repair - As medical equipment uses more complex technology, there are more parts that can malfunction - and more need for repair technicians. You may need a two-year degree, but the BLS reports most training is on the job. 9.4% projected growth. Median annual salary: $62,115

5. Media planner/buyer - Though the official BLS data doesn't show explosive growth here, the Internet is causing rapid change in this industry that probably isn't figured into federal forecasts yet, says job-trends expert Debra Yergen, author of Creating Job Security: The 2009 All-In-One Workbook. While the traditional advertising industry may be shrinking right now, online skills are in demand, she says. Many online-media pros are learning on the job.

"This is an emerging area where talent is going to be rewarded," Yergen says. 11.7% projected growth. Median annual salary: $47,149

6. X-ray/Imaging technician - The medical field is increasingly relying on X-rays, MRIs and other imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients, notes Yergen. As new types of scans are invented, and become covered by insurance, the demand for trained imaging technicians will continue to grow. The BLS says technicians can get started with a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree. 15% projected growth. Median annual salary: $42,749

7. Plumber - Robin Ryan calls plumbing, "A classic job most people don't want to do." Which is why it pays well. And bad economy or good, pipes burst and need replacing. If you enjoy working with your hands, look for an apprenticeship program where you can get paid while you learn on the job.  10.6% projected growth. Median annual salary: $42,001

8. Graphic/Web designer - Like Internet advertising, anyone who can make companies' Web sites look better will be in demand, Yergen says.  "This field will blossom as people find creative ways to help clients." About one-quarter of graphic designers are self-employed, the BLS reports, and may get started with a two-year degree or be self-taught. And at 44.6% projected growth, design careers offer some of the best jobs for the future. Median annual salary: $41,215

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

5 Hot Spots for Free Career Training

By Siri Anderson

Are you looking for a job, a promotion or trying to negotiate a pay raise? Your success will most likely depend on the answer to one question: do you have the skills to pay your employer's bills?

Though years of experience and a positive attitude are important, education is also important for career development. Staying current on your skills is invaluable. Highly-skilled people stand out. Because of this and our economic situation, people are heading back to school in droves to brush up for the future.

Are you worried about paying tuition? Don't be. If you know where to look, you can find free career training. Here are five alternative and absolutely free ways to keep your job skills up-to-date.

1. Online Career Training. Information sources continue to explode on the Web, and online jobs skills training programs are a good way to use the Internet to improve job skills. There are countless courses out there that offer free enrollment for online career training - but "buyer" beware: their quality can range from first-class to a complete waste of time. One excellent career training site is operated by the Goodwill Community Foundation, GCFLearnFree.org. This site, which focuses on vocational and technology training, has received top ratings for its extremely accessible and well-designed career training courses for adult learners of all levels and abilities. Many courses are accredited by IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training) and offer certificates for successful completion. You can even register for online career training courses led by a qualified instructor - all at no cost. "There are a lot of places of instruction out there, but not a lot of places where you can find this quality of training for free," says Steve Snyderman, spokesperson for GCFLearnFree.org. "It's always updated, always quality, always there, and it's always free."

2. Open Career Training Seminars and Lectures. Next time you're near a local community college or university, keep your eyes peeled for lectures and seminars that can help shine up your job skills. As a leading example, Pace University has presented a series of free career training seminars that were open to the public, called "Managing Your Career in a Down Economy" with the follow-up session "Learning Lab for Job Preparedness in the New Economy." According to Jody Queen-Hubert, executive director of Co-op and Career Services at Pace, learning institutions want to be seen as responsive resources that are relevant, on top of current trends and able to be resourceful to the community. Offering lectures, career support and job information are common ways they'll do this. "People absolutely should be looking to their colleges and universities to see what they can tap into for career services and training," says Queen-Hubert, "We are not an ivory tower."

3. Career Training Podcasts, Webinars and Blogs. If you haven't already, it's time to jump on the Web 2.0 bandwagon. Job trends and in-demand skills are in flux, and nothing can get you the most cutting-edge information faster or easier than these new media info sources. "In my [field], technology and business are changing at a faster pace than the design principles and methodologies I practice every day, so I tend to track blogs...pretty regularly to keep up on the tech landscape," says Seattle-based, user-experience designer Scott Neilson. In addition to blogs, many organizations publish podcasts or host webinars as a service to their industry. Ben Crosby, national recruiting manager for iSymmetry, said his company noticed the current need in the IT community for specialized job searching strategies and so created a free, five-part podcast series called "How to Land an IT Job in a Down Market," published in December of 2008. Using iTunes or any search engine, you can easily find this series as well as other podcasts and blogs that suit your career training needs.

4. Government Resources for Career Training. Though most people don't know it, every state has funds to support career training, both for the unemployed and those who just want to improve their job skills and expand their career goals. "It's unbelievable to me how many people think to claim unemployment but don't take advantage of all the other services their state offers," says Kris Linderoth, WorkSource employment and career training expert for the State of Washington. Programs are often federally funded, organized at the state level and commonly found at community colleges, universities, workforce training offices and public libraries. Every state has its own spin on how it uses funds. However, according to Linderoth, "wherever you live, you should be able to type into a search engine 'your state' and 'workforce development,' and that should lead you to information on what your state offers."

5. Career Training Through Volunteering/Internships. Though no one wants to hear that they should work for free, volunteering your time may help to season your resume with much-needed practical career training - some job skills just can't be learned as well in a classroom or through coursework, and employers know this all too well. "If it wasn't for that [internship] experience, there's less chance I would have been hired for my first job in non-profit development," said Kymberly Blackstock, now a development manager for an Anchorage-based organization, "and because of that experience, I was able to leverage a higher starting pay rate." Free career training is what a good volunteer or intern position offers, all while you plant your foot in the door of a potential employer. Don't get stuck sealing envelopes, though - make sure that you're both learning and using marketable skills to ensure your volunteered time is well spent.

Confessions of a Work-From-Home Mom

By Claudine Benmar

When Deborah Bryner's arthritis flares up, she works in bed. When it's time to make dinner, she totes her laptop to the kitchen. But when she really has to buckle down and meet a deadline, she heads for the basement, where there are no distractions.

"If I'm working in the basement, I tell my kids, 'Don't bug me unless you're bleeding or on fire,'" she says.

That kind of flexibility is what Bryner, 50, loves about her work-from-home career. She offers various services, including transcription of podcasts and online interviews, copy editing, and blog writing. And while she types away at her laptop in Anchorage, Alaska, her various bosses check in on her from Pennsylvania, Maryland, California and Nebraska.

Like other parents who work from home, Bryner's focus is her children. Her son, 16, is in high school now and her 20-year-old daughter, who is autistic, currently attends an alternative career training program. "Our kids have always had one of us at home, as much as possible," she says. "Even teenagers do better when there's a parent at home."

Tishia Lee, 33, who decided to work from home as a scheduler and virtual assistant from her home in Burton, Michigan, echoes that sentiment. Three years ago, she worked as an optometrist's assistant at a Wal-Mart Vision Center, often stuck in a shift that didn't end until 7 or 9 p.m.

"My son was literally being raised by daycare," she says. "I'd see him in the morning, then send him to school, and when I finally picked him up, it was time to go home and go to bed."

Now, Lee takes her 10-year-old son to school each morning and picks him when the school bell rings - not five hours later. "I love to see him come out of that building with a huge smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye," she says.

Getting to that point wasn't easy. Lee is a single mom without a college degree, so she knew she had to make enough to support them both. She considered going to cosmetology school, but couldn't afford it. She and her boss tried to schedule better hours, but it didn't seem fair to other employees. Finally, she teamed up with another friend who was launching her own virtual career as a business coach.

"She really took me under her wing and trained me," Lee says. "To this day, she's still one of my clients."

As a work from home scheduler and virtual assistant, Lee does transcription, manages customer service e-mail, schedules appointments and offers other administrative services for online businesses, mostly those that are run by other work-from-home moms. In her personal time, she writes a blog called Adventures of a Single WAHM. <http://tishialee.com/>

"For the first six to eight months of my business, I had to take side jobs to make extra money," she says. "I did housecleaning, or babysitting at my church."

Unfortunately, being more available for her son doesn't necessarily eliminate the guilt she sometimes feels when her work and parenting collide. "I still feel guilty when my schedule is really busy and he can't have my undivided attention," Lee says.

In the days before high-speed Internet and laptop computers, these kinds of careers would not have been possible. So these moms have learned to be tech-savvy. Melody Spier, 38, who lives in rural Tennessee and also works as a freelance, work-from-home virtual assistant, relies on satellite for her Internet connection. "So anything - rain, clouds, ice - can't interfere with it," she says. "But when that happens, I have work that I can do offline."

Spier, whose kids were 9 and 12 when she quit her job as an office manager seven years ago, says she stumbled into a couple of "work at home" scams before hitting success with her own business. "I lost a few hundred dollars because they have you buy the merchandise up front and then sell it," she says. When she couldn't make sales, she couldn't recoup the money.

Despite the false start and the many friends who told her to beg for her "real" job back, she's found success. "My husband was always supportive, but he was skeptical at first. He thought I could make money, but that it wouldn't replace what I made before," she says. "Now I'm making even more than I used to."

You May Earn 30% More Than You Think

By Siri Anderson

What's in a wage? Most of us think of a simple base rate of pay and don't include the benefits part of salary but if we call it by another name - like, total compensation package - this topic gets a whole lot sweeter, and you're probably earning more than you think.

Of course, base pay will make up a large part of your total compensation, but don't stop there. If you're a full-time employee, your company is quite possibly paying 30 percent more money than you see on your pay stub, according to the averages found by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  If you're a freelancer on the other hand, you might be able to raise your rates and still be cost-effective compared to a full-time employee.

So what is included in a total compensation package? Obviously this varies from company to company, so it's worth your time to view a compensation package in full detail, from a quality health insurance plan to seemingly small perks like free lunches. Furthermore, if taken advantage of, the benefits part of salary can do a lot to help you create a golden nest egg for you and your family a few years down the road.

The latest information on the costs for employee compensation comes from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and is evaluated based on numbers gathered through September of 2008 when the average wage across all industries and seniority levels was just over $20/hour (approximately $42,000/year). Below is a list of common benefits and how they much can add to your salary:

Health Insurance Benefits, +11%
It's no secret what an asset health benefits are, both financially and for your general well-being. Even if you have to share costs and pay deductibles, your employer is essentially paying you in insurance premiums, not to mention probably offering you a better plan than you could afford on your own. This benefit can be worth $5,000-6,000 a year if you're older or you have a pre-existing condition.

Social Security, Medicare and Other Insurances, + 8%
Unemployment insurance, workers' comp, Social Security and Medicare - these bennies may not sound too sexy, and you may wrinkle your nose at that 7.65 percent deduction on your pay stub. But don't forget that for every cent you pay, your employer matches it. That means if you're earning $42,000 annually, your employer is paying an extra $3,200 a year on your behalf. Granted, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of these programs - but at the very least, they're helping to take care of your parents so you don't have to.

Retirement Plan, + 6%
In addition to paying Social Security, retirement benefits vary widely from employer to employer. Most companies will offer you an investment plan (401k) and many will offer to match your contributions at a defined rate - translation: pay raise. Beyond that, your contributions are taken out of pre-tax income, so you'll be paying less to the government. If you manage to lower your tax bracket, you might even end up taking home more disposable income while you're putting cash in your retirement plan.

Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Time, + 7%
Never underestimate the value of free time paid equally to hours spent in a board meeting, and don't forget that not all employers offer it. Even if you get just two weeks of vacation a year, that's 4 percent of your salary that's being earned while you sip soda on the beach. When you factor in sick leave, personal time and holidays, you might be tacking on another couple of weeks, or 3-4 percent, that would otherwise come out of your pocket. And if you rather have it in cold, hard cash, you can often have it paid out while you keep working (and earning).

Other Less Common Benefits, +1-10%
Certain companies may offer you extra benefits that - if you're lucky enough to get them - can really boost your total compensation. Some are large, some are small, but they can all add up to quite a lot over the course of a year.

• Stock Options
If your employer offers stock at a discounted price, you reap rewards automatically from the higher rate of return. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics is just beginning to assess the percentage this adds to total compensation, but depending on your company's program and depending on the markets, it could add 5-10% to your salary.

• Company Cars
Company cars are more commonly offered in sales and service industries, but if your company offers you this asset, that could equate to a 10% increase on your yearly salary - especially if you get to use the car for nights, weekends and family trips.

• Gym memberships
Offering a membership to a gym helps a business by keeping its employees healthy, which hopefuly lowers their medical costs. Either way, if you'd normally spend $40/month on a membership, this bumps your salary by $480 a year.

• Lunch, Coffee, Snacks
If your company provides snacks, teas and coffee, or even lunch, it could be worth $5-10 per day. Taking advantage of it might save you $2,600 over the year.

• Bus Passes
Some employers will encourage public transportation and offer you a transit or bus pass. This may be saving you $50/month ($600/year) or more depending on where you live. And that doesn't include what you'll save in gas and car maintenance costs by giving your vehicle a rest.

Preparing for a Job Interview? Take Our Quiz

By C.J. Liu, PayScale.com

After networking, sending resumes and waiting patiently by the phone, all your hard work has paid off with an invitation to interview. Now it's time for some expert tips on preparing for a job interview. Are you ready with smart answers to tough interviewing questions? What about explaining a job termination during an interview? There are ways to be honest but not hurt your chances of getting hired.

PayScale.com has developed a quick quiz to test your interview savvy. Read through the following true and false statements to assess your interview IQ, then enjoy the follow-up hints for a job interview.

1. Spending a lot of time preparing for a job interview will make me seem desperate.

False - There is nothing worse than an unprepared interviewee. Make sure you have done your homework about the organization and the job skills required before the interview. This will help you when the job interview question, "Why do you want to work here?" is thrown at you. Plus, you can ask knowledgeable questions when your turn comes around.

2. While preparing for a job interview, put yourself in the interviewer's shoes to see things from their perspective.

True - Typically, interviewers are busy and easily distracted. Remember that you may be 1 of 10 people that they have talked to in the last 5 hours. Don't make them struggle to get answers out of you or make sense of your rambling replies.

3. Role playing to prepare for typical interview questions is really important.

True- Practicing your responses to typical interview questions is paramount. Role play with a friend and get feedback on how you come across. For example, if you say that you are really excited about the job but sound hesitant, you will not seem credible.

4. If you have reservations about your abilities or skills for the position you should tell the whole truth.

True/False- You should not tell a lie and say you have five years of experience when you really have two. Nor should you fully disclose your inadequacies. If you left your last job because you were fired, there's no need to bring that up. When the employer asks you about your biggest mistake, pick a less emotionally charged experience and emphasize what you learned from it.

5. A job interview is a one-direction conversation, like on a talk show.

False - Having a one-sided interview can be exhausting for both parties. Make sure that while you are preparing for a job interview, you come up with at least 10 engaging and relevant questions to ask. Even better, have some questions about their favorite subject - themselves. An example is, "Tell me about your job and what you love about it?"

6. Interviewers are like dogs; they can smell my fear.

True- Interviewing is the quintessential example of dogs sniffing each other out. Like a dog, the interviewer will be trying to determine your overall confidence. Your body language indicates your level of self-esteem. Remember, a shaking leg or deer in headlights expression can matter more than how well you answer the questions.

7. The "real me" will shine through whether I'm dressed in pajamas or a suit.

False- Whether we like it or not, what we wear helps form a first impression. Here are some attire hints for a job interview. See if you can get some insider information on the dress code and whether it is more casual or formal. If you don't know, opt for formal. For women, remember it's about getting a job not a date. Stay away from low cut or short anything.

8. Sending a thank you note is an important way of standing out.

True- Thank you notes are not only about good etiquette but self-marketing, too. How can a simple card help you seal the deal? Start by mentioning something you learned about your interviewer. You could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about your first years at Boeing."  Then, write a quick summary of the conversation and why you are perfect for the job.  

9. Making demands for your ideal salary and vacation in the initial interview is a risky proposition.

True- While you are aching to know the starting salary and benefits right off the bat, it's a bit risky to ask these types of questions initially. Reserve negotiations on these matters until you have a job offer.

10. It doesn't matter if I'm 5 minutes late. Everyone runs late to interviews.

False - It's okay for your interviewer to be late, but the interviewee needs to be on time or 5-10 minutes early. Even if you have a good reason for being late, the interviewer will make assumptions about your level of organization and how you treat others. Plus, getting there early gives you time to compose yourself and shake off your coffee jitters.

C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers life, business, and career coaching and can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

12 Money-Making Certificates

By Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Laid off and looking to flee the floundering industry that sent you packing?

Not to worry: Minimum wage work is not your only option.

Whether you're in dire need of a new career, trying to earn more at your current gig or you're returning to work after a prolonged hiatus at home with the kids, a certificate program from a community college or vocational school is the swiftest way to pump up your earning potential.

"Many people refer to community college as the new master's degree," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. "It's a way to repurpose yourself."

As an added bonus, countless certificate programs train you for cubicle-free jobs - good news for weary office workers who'd like a change of scenery.

Certificate programs vary in length, averaging six months to a year, with evening, weekend, and online classes frequently available. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (happily, financial aid is sometimes offered for those who qualify).

Review the list below and make note of which certificate programs appeal to you or build on what you already know.

1. Court reporter certificate program.

Can you type like the wind? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters remain in high demand -- by both the justice system and the television industry, which hires these workers to create closed captioning text. Average salary: $39,781 a year.

2. Auto insurance appraiser certificate program.

Appraisers have the best of both worlds: Many split their time between the office and the field, traveling to homes and auto shops to write up repair estimates for crumpled cars. While most work for insurance companies, some are self-employed. Average salary: $50,165 a year.

3. Auto or motorcycle mechanic certificate program.

Are you happiest when wielding a wrench? "Mechanic jobs are particularly good in a recession because people are trading in their cars less," Shatkin says. In other words, there's no shortage of clunkers in need of repair. Average salary: $41,233 a year.

4. Massage therapist certificate program.

If you think the economy is keeping people from getting a massage, you're wrong. The American Massage Therapy Association found that 36 percent of Americans got a massage to relieve stress in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to increase by 20 percent before 2016. Average salary: $35,349 a year.

5. Security and fire alarm system installer certificate program.

Do you live to tinker with electronic devices? Then installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial alarm systems might be the ideal career for you. Most installation work requires driving to various job sites each day. Average salary: $42,763 a year.

6. Emergency medical technician certificate program.

Why sit at a desk all day when you could be out there saving lives? Despite the recession, people will continue to "crash their cars and have heart attacks in the middle of the night," reminds Shatkin. EMT certification requirements vary by state. Average salary: $30,530 a year.

7. Aerobics or fitness instructor certificate program.

If you're already a workout fiend, why not get paid for pumpin' it up? Job openings for exercise instructors are expected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade, Shatkin says, with most located at health clubs and fitness centers. Average salary: $37,113 a year.

8. Medical transcriptionist certificate program.

With healthcare the fastest-growing job sector, there's plenty of work for those who can decipher and type up the audio recordings doctors make about their patients. While a majority of transcriptionists work in a hospital or doctor's office, many telecommute from home. Average salary: $31,286 a year.

9. Cosmetologist certificate program.

Are you the person everyone calls for beauty advice? Then why not go pro? Cosmetologists are trained to cut, style, and chemically treat hair, as well as to treat skin and nails. Bonus: Schedules are flexible and self-employment is common. Average salary: $27,112 a year.

10. Language interpreter certificate program.

Maybe you grew up speaking two languages or picked one up while traveling abroad. If so, hospitals, courtrooms, and social service agencies need your help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five interpreters works for themselves, and many work part time. Plus, oftentimes, only a one-day exam is needed to be certified. Average salary: $44,175 a year.

11. Sign language interpreter certificate program.

If you enjoy working with others in multiple settings -- from live performances and business conferences to schools and social service agencies -- translating the spoken word for the deaf could be the job for you. Average salary: $36,278 a year.

12. Embalmer certificate program.

Preparing the dead for their final resting place isn't for everyone. But for those with a strong constitution, there's job security in the funeral business -- people won't stop dying simply because the economy's taken a turn for the worse. Average salary: $38,482 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

5 Hot Spots for Free Career Training

5 Hot Spots for Free Career Training

By Siri Anderson

Are you looking for a job, a promotion or trying to negotiate a pay raise? Your success will most likely depend on the answer to one question: do you have the skills to pay your employer's bills?

Though years of experience and a positive attitude are important, education is also important for career development. Staying current on your skills is invaluable. Highly-skilled people stand out. Because of this and our economic situation, people are heading back to school in droves to brush up for the future.

Are you worried about paying tuition? Don't be. If you know where to look, you can find free career training. Here are five alternative and absolutely free ways to keep your job skills up-to-date.

1. Online Career Training. Information sources continue to explode on the Web, and online jobs skills training programs are a good way to use the Internet to improve job skills. There are countless courses out there that offer free enrollment for online career training - but "buyer" beware: their quality can range from first-class to a complete waste of time. One excellent career training site is operated by the Goodwill Community Foundation, GCFLearnFree.org. This site, which focuses on vocational and technology training, has received top ratings for its extremely accessible and well-designed career training courses for adult learners of all levels and abilities. Many courses are accredited by IACET (International Association for Continuing Education and Training) and offer certificates for successful completion. You can even register for online career training courses led by a qualified instructor - all at no cost. "There are a lot of places of instruction out there, but not a lot of places where you can find this quality of training for free," says Steve Snyderman, spokesperson for GCFLearnFree.org. "It's always updated, always quality, always there, and it's always free."

2. Open Career Training Seminars and Lectures. Next time you're near a local community college or university, keep your eyes peeled for lectures and seminars that can help shine up your job skills. As a leading example, Pace University has presented a series of free career training seminars that were open to the public, called "Managing Your Career in a Down Economy" with the follow-up session "Learning Lab for Job Preparedness in the New Economy." According to Jody Queen-Hubert, executive director of Co-op and Career Services at Pace, learning institutions want to be seen as responsive resources that are relevant, on top of current trends and able to be resourceful to the community. Offering lectures, career support and job information are common ways they'll do this. "People absolutely should be looking to their colleges and universities to see what they can tap into for career services and training," says Queen-Hubert, "We are not an ivory tower."

3. Career Training Podcasts, Webinars and Blogs. If you haven't already, it's time to jump on the Web 2.0 bandwagon. Job trends and in-demand skills are in flux, and nothing can get you the most cutting-edge information faster or easier than these new media info sources. "In my [field], technology and business are changing at a faster pace than the design principles and methodologies I practice every day, so I tend to track blogs...pretty regularly to keep up on the tech landscape," says Seattle-based, user-experience designer Scott Neilson. In addition to blogs, many organizations publish podcasts or host webinars as a service to their industry. Ben Crosby, national recruiting manager for iSymmetry, said his company noticed the current need in the IT community for specialized job searching strategies and so created a free, five-part podcast series called "How to Land an IT Job in a Down Market," published in December of 2008. Using iTunes or any search engine, you can easily find this series as well as other podcasts and blogs that suit your career training needs.

4. Government Resources for Career Training. Though most people don't know it, every state has funds to support career training, both for the unemployed and those who just want to improve their job skills and expand their career goals. "It's unbelievable to me how many people think to claim unemployment but don't take advantage of all the other services their state offers," says Kris Linderoth, WorkSource employment and career training expert for the State of Washington. Programs are often federally funded, organized at the state level and commonly found at community colleges, universities, workforce training offices and public libraries. Every state has its own spin on how it uses funds. However, according to Linderoth, "wherever you live, you should be able to type into a search engine 'your state' and 'workforce development,' and that should lead you to information on what your state offers."

5. Career Training Through Volunteering/Internships. Though no one wants to hear that they should work for free, volunteering your time may help to season your resume with much-needed practical career training - some job skills just can't be learned as well in a classroom or through coursework, and employers know this all too well. "If it wasn't for that [internship] experience, there's less chance I would have been hired for my first job in non-profit development," said Kymberly Blackstock, now a development manager for an Anchorage-based organization, "and because of that experience, I was able to leverage a higher starting pay rate." Free career training is what a good volunteer or intern position offers, all while you plant your foot in the door of a potential employer. Don't get stuck sealing envelopes, though - make sure that you're both learning and using marketable skills to ensure your volunteered time is well spent.

Confessions of a Work-From-Home Mom

By Claudine Benmar

When Deborah Bryner's arthritis flares up, she works in bed. When it's time to make dinner, she totes her laptop to the kitchen. But when she really has to buckle down and meet a deadline, she heads for the basement, where there are no distractions.

"If I'm working in the basement, I tell my kids, 'Don't bug me unless you're bleeding or on fire,'" she says.

That kind of flexibility is what Bryner, 50, loves about her work-from-home career. She offers various services, including transcription of podcasts and online interviews, copy editing, and blog writing. And while she types away at her laptop in Anchorage, Alaska, her various bosses check in on her from Pennsylvania, Maryland, California and Nebraska.

Like other parents who work from home, Bryner's focus is her children. Her son, 16, is in high school now and her 20-year-old daughter, who is autistic, currently attends an alternative career training program. "Our kids have always had one of us at home, as much as possible," she says. "Even teenagers do better when there's a parent at home."

Tishia Lee, 33, who decided to work from home as a scheduler and virtual assistant from her home in Burton, Michigan, echoes that sentiment. Three years ago, she worked as an optometrist's assistant at a Wal-Mart Vision Center, often stuck in a shift that didn't end until 7 or 9 p.m.

"My son was literally being raised by daycare," she says. "I'd see him in the morning, then send him to school, and when I finally picked him up, it was time to go home and go to bed."

Now, Lee takes her 10-year-old son to school each morning and picks him when the school bell rings - not five hours later. "I love to see him come out of that building with a huge smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye," she says.

Getting to that point wasn't easy. Lee is a single mom without a college degree, so she knew she had to make enough to support them both. She considered going to cosmetology school, but couldn't afford it. She and her boss tried to schedule better hours, but it didn't seem fair to other employees. Finally, she teamed up with another friend who was launching her own virtual career as a business coach.

"She really took me under her wing and trained me," Lee says. "To this day, she's still one of my clients."

As a work from home scheduler and virtual assistant, Lee does transcription, manages customer service e-mail, schedules appointments and offers other administrative services for online businesses, mostly those that are run by other work-from-home moms. In her personal time, she writes a blog called Adventures of a Single WAHM. <http://tishialee.com/>

"For the first six to eight months of my business, I had to take side jobs to make extra money," she says. "I did housecleaning, or babysitting at my church."

Unfortunately, being more available for her son doesn't necessarily eliminate the guilt she sometimes feels when her work and parenting collide. "I still feel guilty when my schedule is really busy and he can't have my undivided attention," Lee says.

In the days before high-speed Internet and laptop computers, these kinds of careers would not have been possible. So these moms have learned to be tech-savvy. Melody Spier, 38, who lives in rural Tennessee and also works as a freelance, work-from-home virtual assistant, relies on satellite for her Internet connection. "So anything - rain, clouds, ice - can't interfere with it," she says. "But when that happens, I have work that I can do offline."

Spier, whose kids were 9 and 12 when she quit her job as an office manager seven years ago, says she stumbled into a couple of "work at home" scams before hitting success with her own business. "I lost a few hundred dollars because they have you buy the merchandise up front and then sell it," she says. When she couldn't make sales, she couldn't recoup the money.

Despite the false start and the many friends who told her to beg for her "real" job back, she's found success. "My husband was always supportive, but he was skeptical at first. He thought I could make money, but that it wouldn't replace what I made before," she says. "Now I'm making even more than I used to."

You May Earn 30% More Than You Think

By Siri Anderson

What's in a wage? Most of us think of a simple base rate of pay and don't include the benefits part of salary but if we call it by another name - like, total compensation package - this topic gets a whole lot sweeter, and you're probably earning more than you think.

Of course, base pay will make up a large part of your total compensation, but don't stop there. If you're a full-time employee, your company is quite possibly paying 30 percent more money than you see on your pay stub, according to the averages found by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  If you're a freelancer on the other hand, you might be able to raise your rates and still be cost-effective compared to a full-time employee.

So what is included in a total compensation package? Obviously this varies from company to company, so it's worth your time to view a compensation package in full detail, from a quality health insurance plan to seemingly small perks like free lunches. Furthermore, if taken advantage of, the benefits part of salary can do a lot to help you create a golden nest egg for you and your family a few years down the road.

The latest information on the costs for employee compensation comes from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and is evaluated based on numbers gathered through September of 2008 when the average wage across all industries and seniority levels was just over $20/hour (approximately $42,000/year). Below is a list of common benefits and how they much can add to your salary:

Health Insurance Benefits, +11%
It's no secret what an asset health benefits are, both financially and for your general well-being. Even if you have to share costs and pay deductibles, your employer is essentially paying you in insurance premiums, not to mention probably offering you a better plan than you could afford on your own. This benefit can be worth $5,000-6,000 a year if you're older or you have a pre-existing condition.

Social Security, Medicare and Other Insurances, + 8%
Unemployment insurance, workers' comp, Social Security and Medicare - these bennies may not sound too sexy, and you may wrinkle your nose at that 7.65 percent deduction on your pay stub. But don't forget that for every cent you pay, your employer matches it. That means if you're earning $42,000 annually, your employer is paying an extra $3,200 a year on your behalf. Granted, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of these programs - but at the very least, they're helping to take care of your parents so you don't have to.

Retirement Plan, + 6%
In addition to paying Social Security, retirement benefits vary widely from employer to employer. Most companies will offer you an investment plan (401k) and many will offer to match your contributions at a defined rate - translation: pay raise. Beyond that, your contributions are taken out of pre-tax income, so you'll be paying less to the government. If you manage to lower your tax bracket, you might even end up taking home more disposable income while you're putting cash in your retirement plan.

Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Time, + 7%
Never underestimate the value of free time paid equally to hours spent in a board meeting, and don't forget that not all employers offer it. Even if you get just two weeks of vacation a year, that's 4 percent of your salary that's being earned while you sip soda on the beach. When you factor in sick leave, personal time and holidays, you might be tacking on another couple of weeks, or 3-4 percent, that would otherwise come out of your pocket. And if you rather have it in cold, hard cash, you can often have it paid out while you keep working (and earning).

Other Less Common Benefits, +1-10%
Certain companies may offer you extra benefits that - if you're lucky enough to get them - can really boost your total compensation. Some are large, some are small, but they can all add up to quite a lot over the course of a year.

• Stock Options
If your employer offers stock at a discounted price, you reap rewards automatically from the higher rate of return. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics is just beginning to assess the percentage this adds to total compensation, but depending on your company's program and depending on the markets, it could add 5-10% to your salary.

• Company Cars
Company cars are more commonly offered in sales and service industries, but if your company offers you this asset, that could equate to a 10% increase on your yearly salary - especially if you get to use the car for nights, weekends and family trips.

• Gym memberships
Offering a membership to a gym helps a business by keeping its employees healthy, which hopefuly lowers their medical costs. Either way, if you'd normally spend $40/month on a membership, this bumps your salary by $480 a year.

• Lunch, Coffee, Snacks
If your company provides snacks, teas and coffee, or even lunch, it could be worth $5-10 per day. Taking advantage of it might save you $2,600 over the year.

• Bus Passes
Some employers will encourage public transportation and offer you a transit or bus pass. This may be saving you $50/month ($600/year) or more depending on where you live. And that doesn't include what you'll save in gas and car maintenance costs by giving your vehicle a rest.

Preparing for a Job Interview? Take Our Quiz

By C.J. Liu, PayScale.com

After networking, sending resumes and waiting patiently by the phone, all your hard work has paid off with an invitation to interview. Now it's time for some expert tips on preparing for a job interview. Are you ready with smart answers to tough interviewing questions? What about explaining a job termination during an interview? There are ways to be honest but not hurt your chances of getting hired.

PayScale.com has developed a quick quiz to test your interview savvy. Read through the following true and false statements to assess your interview IQ, then enjoy the follow-up hints for a job interview.

1. Spending a lot of time preparing for a job interview will make me seem desperate.

False - There is nothing worse than an unprepared interviewee. Make sure you have done your homework about the organization and the job skills required before the interview. This will help you when the job interview question, "Why do you want to work here?" is thrown at you. Plus, you can ask knowledgeable questions when your turn comes around.

2. While preparing for a job interview, put yourself in the interviewer's shoes to see things from their perspective.

True - Typically, interviewers are busy and easily distracted. Remember that you may be 1 of 10 people that they have talked to in the last 5 hours. Don't make them struggle to get answers out of you or make sense of your rambling replies.

3. Role playing to prepare for typical interview questions is really important.

True- Practicing your responses to typical interview questions is paramount. Role play with a friend and get feedback on how you come across. For example, if you say that you are really excited about the job but sound hesitant, you will not seem credible.

4. If you have reservations about your abilities or skills for the position you should tell the whole truth.

True/False- You should not tell a lie and say you have five years of experience when you really have two. Nor should you fully disclose your inadequacies. If you left your last job because you were fired, there's no need to bring that up. When the employer asks you about your biggest mistake, pick a less emotionally charged experience and emphasize what you learned from it.

5. A job interview is a one-direction conversation, like on a talk show.

False - Having a one-sided interview can be exhausting for both parties. Make sure that while you are preparing for a job interview, you come up with at least 10 engaging and relevant questions to ask. Even better, have some questions about their favorite subject - themselves. An example is, "Tell me about your job and what you love about it?"

6. Interviewers are like dogs; they can smell my fear.

True- Interviewing is the quintessential example of dogs sniffing each other out. Like a dog, the interviewer will be trying to determine your overall confidence. Your body language indicates your level of self-esteem. Remember, a shaking leg or deer in headlights expression can matter more than how well you answer the questions.

7. The "real me" will shine through whether I'm dressed in pajamas or a suit.

False- Whether we like it or not, what we wear helps form a first impression. Here are some attire hints for a job interview. See if you can get some insider information on the dress code and whether it is more casual or formal. If you don't know, opt for formal. For women, remember it's about getting a job not a date. Stay away from low cut or short anything.

8. Sending a thank you note is an important way of standing out.

True- Thank you notes are not only about good etiquette but self-marketing, too. How can a simple card help you seal the deal? Start by mentioning something you learned about your interviewer. You could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about your first years at Boeing."  Then, write a quick summary of the conversation and why you are perfect for the job.  

9. Making demands for your ideal salary and vacation in the initial interview is a risky proposition.

True- While you are aching to know the starting salary and benefits right off the bat, it's a bit risky to ask these types of questions initially. Reserve negotiations on these matters until you have a job offer.

10. It doesn't matter if I'm 5 minutes late. Everyone runs late to interviews.

False - It's okay for your interviewer to be late, but the interviewee needs to be on time or 5-10 minutes early. Even if you have a good reason for being late, the interviewer will make assumptions about your level of organization and how you treat others. Plus, getting there early gives you time to compose yourself and shake off your coffee jitters.

C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers life, business, and career coaching and can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

12 Money-Making Certificates

By Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Laid off and looking to flee the floundering industry that sent you packing?

Not to worry: Minimum wage work is not your only option.

Whether you're in dire need of a new career, trying to earn more at your current gig or you're returning to work after a prolonged hiatus at home with the kids, a certificate program from a community college or vocational school is the swiftest way to pump up your earning potential.

"Many people refer to community college as the new master's degree," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. "It's a way to repurpose yourself."

As an added bonus, countless certificate programs train you for cubicle-free jobs - good news for weary office workers who'd like a change of scenery.

Certificate programs vary in length, averaging six months to a year, with evening, weekend, and online classes frequently available. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (happily, financial aid is sometimes offered for those who qualify).

Review the list below and make note of which certificate programs appeal to you or build on what you already know.

1. Court reporter certificate program.

Can you type like the wind? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters remain in high demand -- by both the justice system and the television industry, which hires these workers to create closed captioning text. Average salary: $39,781 a year.

2. Auto insurance appraiser certificate program.

Appraisers have the best of both worlds: Many split their time between the office and the field, traveling to homes and auto shops to write up repair estimates for crumpled cars. While most work for insurance companies, some are self-employed. Average salary: $50,165 a year.

3. Auto or motorcycle mechanic certificate program.

Are you happiest when wielding a wrench? "Mechanic jobs are particularly good in a recession because people are trading in their cars less," Shatkin says. In other words, there's no shortage of clunkers in need of repair. Average salary: $41,233 a year.

4. Massage therapist certificate program.

If you think the economy is keeping people from getting a massage, you're wrong. The American Massage Therapy Association found that 36 percent of Americans got a massage to relieve stress in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to increase by 20 percent before 2016. Average salary: $35,349 a year.

5. Security and fire alarm system installer certificate program.

Do you live to tinker with electronic devices? Then installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial alarm systems might be the ideal career for you. Most installation work requires driving to various job sites each day. Average salary: $42,763 a year.

6. Emergency medical technician certificate program.

Why sit at a desk all day when you could be out there saving lives? Despite the recession, people will continue to "crash their cars and have heart attacks in the middle of the night," reminds Shatkin. EMT certification requirements vary by state. Average salary: $30,530 a year.

7. Aerobics or fitness instructor certificate program.

If you're already a workout fiend, why not get paid for pumpin' it up? Job openings for exercise instructors are expected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade, Shatkin says, with most located at health clubs and fitness centers. Average salary: $37,113 a year.

8. Medical transcriptionist certificate program.

With healthcare the fastest-growing job sector, there's plenty of work for those who can decipher and type up the audio recordings doctors make about their patients. While a majority of transcriptionists work in a hospital or doctor's office, many telecommute from home. Average salary: $31,286 a year.

9. Cosmetologist certificate program.

Are you the person everyone calls for beauty advice? Then why not go pro? Cosmetologists are trained to cut, style, and chemically treat hair, as well as to treat skin and nails. Bonus: Schedules are flexible and self-employment is common. Average salary: $27,112 a year.

10. Language interpreter certificate program.

Maybe you grew up speaking two languages or picked one up while traveling abroad. If so, hospitals, courtrooms, and social service agencies need your help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five interpreters works for themselves, and many work part time. Plus, oftentimes, only a one-day exam is needed to be certified. Average salary: $44,175 a year.

11. Sign language interpreter certificate program.

If you enjoy working with others in multiple settings -- from live performances and business conferences to schools and social service agencies -- translating the spoken word for the deaf could be the job for you. Average salary: $36,278 a year.

12. Embalmer certificate program.

Preparing the dead for their final resting place isn't for everyone. But for those with a strong constitution, there's job security in the funeral business -- people won't stop dying simply because the economy's taken a turn for the worse. Average salary: $38,482 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Confessions of a Work-From-Home Mom

Confessions of a Work-From-Home Mom

By Claudine Benmar

When Deborah Bryner's arthritis flares up, she works in bed. When it's time to make dinner, she totes her laptop to the kitchen. But when she really has to buckle down and meet a deadline, she heads for the basement, where there are no distractions.

"If I'm working in the basement, I tell my kids, 'Don't bug me unless you're bleeding or on fire,'" she says.

That kind of flexibility is what Bryner, 50, loves about her work-from-home career. She offers various services, including transcription of podcasts and online interviews, copy editing, and blog writing. And while she types away at her laptop in Anchorage, Alaska, her various bosses check in on her from Pennsylvania, Maryland, California and Nebraska.

Like other parents who work from home, Bryner's focus is her children. Her son, 16, is in high school now and her 20-year-old daughter, who is autistic, currently attends an alternative career training program. "Our kids have always had one of us at home, as much as possible," she says. "Even teenagers do better when there's a parent at home."

Tishia Lee, 33, who decided to work from home as a scheduler and virtual assistant from her home in Burton, Michigan, echoes that sentiment. Three years ago, she worked as an optometrist's assistant at a Wal-Mart Vision Center, often stuck in a shift that didn't end until 7 or 9 p.m.

"My son was literally being raised by daycare," she says. "I'd see him in the morning, then send him to school, and when I finally picked him up, it was time to go home and go to bed."

Now, Lee takes her 10-year-old son to school each morning and picks him when the school bell rings - not five hours later. "I love to see him come out of that building with a huge smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye," she says.

Getting to that point wasn't easy. Lee is a single mom without a college degree, so she knew she had to make enough to support them both. She considered going to cosmetology school, but couldn't afford it. She and her boss tried to schedule better hours, but it didn't seem fair to other employees. Finally, she teamed up with another friend who was launching her own virtual career as a business coach.

"She really took me under her wing and trained me," Lee says. "To this day, she's still one of my clients."

As a work from home scheduler and virtual assistant, Lee does transcription, manages customer service e-mail, schedules appointments and offers other administrative services for online businesses, mostly those that are run by other work-from-home moms. In her personal time, she writes a blog called Adventures of a Single WAHM. <http://tishialee.com/>

"For the first six to eight months of my business, I had to take side jobs to make extra money," she says. "I did housecleaning, or babysitting at my church."

Unfortunately, being more available for her son doesn't necessarily eliminate the guilt she sometimes feels when her work and parenting collide. "I still feel guilty when my schedule is really busy and he can't have my undivided attention," Lee says.

In the days before high-speed Internet and laptop computers, these kinds of careers would not have been possible. So these moms have learned to be tech-savvy. Melody Spier, 38, who lives in rural Tennessee and also works as a freelance, work-from-home virtual assistant, relies on satellite for her Internet connection. "So anything - rain, clouds, ice - can't interfere with it," she says. "But when that happens, I have work that I can do offline."

Spier, whose kids were 9 and 12 when she quit her job as an office manager seven years ago, says she stumbled into a couple of "work at home" scams before hitting success with her own business. "I lost a few hundred dollars because they have you buy the merchandise up front and then sell it," she says. When she couldn't make sales, she couldn't recoup the money.

Despite the false start and the many friends who told her to beg for her "real" job back, she's found success. "My husband was always supportive, but he was skeptical at first. He thought I could make money, but that it wouldn't replace what I made before," she says. "Now I'm making even more than I used to."

You May Earn 30% More Than You Think

By Siri Anderson

What's in a wage? Most of us think of a simple base rate of pay and don't include the benefits part of salary but if we call it by another name - like, total compensation package - this topic gets a whole lot sweeter, and you're probably earning more than you think.

Of course, base pay will make up a large part of your total compensation, but don't stop there. If you're a full-time employee, your company is quite possibly paying 30 percent more money than you see on your pay stub, according to the averages found by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  If you're a freelancer on the other hand, you might be able to raise your rates and still be cost-effective compared to a full-time employee.

So what is included in a total compensation package? Obviously this varies from company to company, so it's worth your time to view a compensation package in full detail, from a quality health insurance plan to seemingly small perks like free lunches. Furthermore, if taken advantage of, the benefits part of salary can do a lot to help you create a golden nest egg for you and your family a few years down the road.

The latest information on the costs for employee compensation comes from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and is evaluated based on numbers gathered through September of 2008 when the average wage across all industries and seniority levels was just over $20/hour (approximately $42,000/year). Below is a list of common benefits and how they much can add to your salary:

Health Insurance Benefits, +11%
It's no secret what an asset health benefits are, both financially and for your general well-being. Even if you have to share costs and pay deductibles, your employer is essentially paying you in insurance premiums, not to mention probably offering you a better plan than you could afford on your own. This benefit can be worth $5,000-6,000 a year if you're older or you have a pre-existing condition.

Social Security, Medicare and Other Insurances, + 8%
Unemployment insurance, workers' comp, Social Security and Medicare - these bennies may not sound too sexy, and you may wrinkle your nose at that 7.65 percent deduction on your pay stub. But don't forget that for every cent you pay, your employer matches it. That means if you're earning $42,000 annually, your employer is paying an extra $3,200 a year on your behalf. Granted, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of these programs - but at the very least, they're helping to take care of your parents so you don't have to.

Retirement Plan, + 6%
In addition to paying Social Security, retirement benefits vary widely from employer to employer. Most companies will offer you an investment plan (401k) and many will offer to match your contributions at a defined rate - translation: pay raise. Beyond that, your contributions are taken out of pre-tax income, so you'll be paying less to the government. If you manage to lower your tax bracket, you might even end up taking home more disposable income while you're putting cash in your retirement plan.

Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Time, + 7%
Never underestimate the value of free time paid equally to hours spent in a board meeting, and don't forget that not all employers offer it. Even if you get just two weeks of vacation a year, that's 4 percent of your salary that's being earned while you sip soda on the beach. When you factor in sick leave, personal time and holidays, you might be tacking on another couple of weeks, or 3-4 percent, that would otherwise come out of your pocket. And if you rather have it in cold, hard cash, you can often have it paid out while you keep working (and earning).

Other Less Common Benefits, +1-10%
Certain companies may offer you extra benefits that - if you're lucky enough to get them - can really boost your total compensation. Some are large, some are small, but they can all add up to quite a lot over the course of a year.

• Stock Options
If your employer offers stock at a discounted price, you reap rewards automatically from the higher rate of return. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics is just beginning to assess the percentage this adds to total compensation, but depending on your company's program and depending on the markets, it could add 5-10% to your salary.

• Company Cars
Company cars are more commonly offered in sales and service industries, but if your company offers you this asset, that could equate to a 10% increase on your yearly salary - especially if you get to use the car for nights, weekends and family trips.

• Gym memberships
Offering a membership to a gym helps a business by keeping its employees healthy, which hopefuly lowers their medical costs. Either way, if you'd normally spend $40/month on a membership, this bumps your salary by $480 a year.

• Lunch, Coffee, Snacks
If your company provides snacks, teas and coffee, or even lunch, it could be worth $5-10 per day. Taking advantage of it might save you $2,600 over the year.

• Bus Passes
Some employers will encourage public transportation and offer you a transit or bus pass. This may be saving you $50/month ($600/year) or more depending on where you live. And that doesn't include what you'll save in gas and car maintenance costs by giving your vehicle a rest.

Preparing for a Job Interview? Take Our Quiz

By C.J. Liu, PayScale.com

After networking, sending resumes and waiting patiently by the phone, all your hard work has paid off with an invitation to interview. Now it's time for some expert tips on preparing for a job interview. Are you ready with smart answers to tough interviewing questions? What about explaining a job termination during an interview? There are ways to be honest but not hurt your chances of getting hired.

PayScale.com has developed a quick quiz to test your interview savvy. Read through the following true and false statements to assess your interview IQ, then enjoy the follow-up hints for a job interview.

1. Spending a lot of time preparing for a job interview will make me seem desperate.

False - There is nothing worse than an unprepared interviewee. Make sure you have done your homework about the organization and the job skills required before the interview. This will help you when the job interview question, "Why do you want to work here?" is thrown at you. Plus, you can ask knowledgeable questions when your turn comes around.

2. While preparing for a job interview, put yourself in the interviewer's shoes to see things from their perspective.

True - Typically, interviewers are busy and easily distracted. Remember that you may be 1 of 10 people that they have talked to in the last 5 hours. Don't make them struggle to get answers out of you or make sense of your rambling replies.

3. Role playing to prepare for typical interview questions is really important.

True- Practicing your responses to typical interview questions is paramount. Role play with a friend and get feedback on how you come across. For example, if you say that you are really excited about the job but sound hesitant, you will not seem credible.

4. If you have reservations about your abilities or skills for the position you should tell the whole truth.

True/False- You should not tell a lie and say you have five years of experience when you really have two. Nor should you fully disclose your inadequacies. If you left your last job because you were fired, there's no need to bring that up. When the employer asks you about your biggest mistake, pick a less emotionally charged experience and emphasize what you learned from it.

5. A job interview is a one-direction conversation, like on a talk show.

False - Having a one-sided interview can be exhausting for both parties. Make sure that while you are preparing for a job interview, you come up with at least 10 engaging and relevant questions to ask. Even better, have some questions about their favorite subject - themselves. An example is, "Tell me about your job and what you love about it?"

6. Interviewers are like dogs; they can smell my fear.

True- Interviewing is the quintessential example of dogs sniffing each other out. Like a dog, the interviewer will be trying to determine your overall confidence. Your body language indicates your level of self-esteem. Remember, a shaking leg or deer in headlights expression can matter more than how well you answer the questions.

7. The "real me" will shine through whether I'm dressed in pajamas or a suit.

False- Whether we like it or not, what we wear helps form a first impression. Here are some attire hints for a job interview. See if you can get some insider information on the dress code and whether it is more casual or formal. If you don't know, opt for formal. For women, remember it's about getting a job not a date. Stay away from low cut or short anything.

8. Sending a thank you note is an important way of standing out.

True- Thank you notes are not only about good etiquette but self-marketing, too. How can a simple card help you seal the deal? Start by mentioning something you learned about your interviewer. You could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about your first years at Boeing."  Then, write a quick summary of the conversation and why you are perfect for the job.  

9. Making demands for your ideal salary and vacation in the initial interview is a risky proposition.

True- While you are aching to know the starting salary and benefits right off the bat, it's a bit risky to ask these types of questions initially. Reserve negotiations on these matters until you have a job offer.

10. It doesn't matter if I'm 5 minutes late. Everyone runs late to interviews.

False - It's okay for your interviewer to be late, but the interviewee needs to be on time or 5-10 minutes early. Even if you have a good reason for being late, the interviewer will make assumptions about your level of organization and how you treat others. Plus, getting there early gives you time to compose yourself and shake off your coffee jitters.

C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers life, business, and career coaching and can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

12 Money-Making Certificates

By Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Laid off and looking to flee the floundering industry that sent you packing?

Not to worry: Minimum wage work is not your only option.

Whether you're in dire need of a new career, trying to earn more at your current gig or you're returning to work after a prolonged hiatus at home with the kids, a certificate program from a community college or vocational school is the swiftest way to pump up your earning potential.

"Many people refer to community college as the new master's degree," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. "It's a way to repurpose yourself."

As an added bonus, countless certificate programs train you for cubicle-free jobs - good news for weary office workers who'd like a change of scenery.

Certificate programs vary in length, averaging six months to a year, with evening, weekend, and online classes frequently available. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (happily, financial aid is sometimes offered for those who qualify).

Review the list below and make note of which certificate programs appeal to you or build on what you already know.

1. Court reporter certificate program.

Can you type like the wind? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters remain in high demand -- by both the justice system and the television industry, which hires these workers to create closed captioning text. Average salary: $39,781 a year.

2. Auto insurance appraiser certificate program.

Appraisers have the best of both worlds: Many split their time between the office and the field, traveling to homes and auto shops to write up repair estimates for crumpled cars. While most work for insurance companies, some are self-employed. Average salary: $50,165 a year.

3. Auto or motorcycle mechanic certificate program.

Are you happiest when wielding a wrench? "Mechanic jobs are particularly good in a recession because people are trading in their cars less," Shatkin says. In other words, there's no shortage of clunkers in need of repair. Average salary: $41,233 a year.

4. Massage therapist certificate program.

If you think the economy is keeping people from getting a massage, you're wrong. The American Massage Therapy Association found that 36 percent of Americans got a massage to relieve stress in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to increase by 20 percent before 2016. Average salary: $35,349 a year.

5. Security and fire alarm system installer certificate program.

Do you live to tinker with electronic devices? Then installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial alarm systems might be the ideal career for you. Most installation work requires driving to various job sites each day. Average salary: $42,763 a year.

6. Emergency medical technician certificate program.

Why sit at a desk all day when you could be out there saving lives? Despite the recession, people will continue to "crash their cars and have heart attacks in the middle of the night," reminds Shatkin. EMT certification requirements vary by state. Average salary: $30,530 a year.

7. Aerobics or fitness instructor certificate program.

If you're already a workout fiend, why not get paid for pumpin' it up? Job openings for exercise instructors are expected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade, Shatkin says, with most located at health clubs and fitness centers. Average salary: $37,113 a year.

8. Medical transcriptionist certificate program.

With healthcare the fastest-growing job sector, there's plenty of work for those who can decipher and type up the audio recordings doctors make about their patients. While a majority of transcriptionists work in a hospital or doctor's office, many telecommute from home. Average salary: $31,286 a year.

9. Cosmetologist certificate program.

Are you the person everyone calls for beauty advice? Then why not go pro? Cosmetologists are trained to cut, style, and chemically treat hair, as well as to treat skin and nails. Bonus: Schedules are flexible and self-employment is common. Average salary: $27,112 a year.

10. Language interpreter certificate program.

Maybe you grew up speaking two languages or picked one up while traveling abroad. If so, hospitals, courtrooms, and social service agencies need your help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five interpreters works for themselves, and many work part time. Plus, oftentimes, only a one-day exam is needed to be certified. Average salary: $44,175 a year.

11. Sign language interpreter certificate program.

If you enjoy working with others in multiple settings -- from live performances and business conferences to schools and social service agencies -- translating the spoken word for the deaf could be the job for you. Average salary: $36,278 a year.

12. Embalmer certificate program.

Preparing the dead for their final resting place isn't for everyone. But for those with a strong constitution, there's job security in the funeral business -- people won't stop dying simply because the economy's taken a turn for the worse. Average salary: $38,482 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

You May Earn 30% More Than You Think

You May Earn 30% More Than You Think

By Siri Anderson

What's in a wage? Most of us think of a simple base rate of pay and don't include the benefits part of salary but if we call it by another name - like, total compensation package - this topic gets a whole lot sweeter, and you're probably earning more than you think.

Of course, base pay will make up a large part of your total compensation, but don't stop there. If you're a full-time employee, your company is quite possibly paying 30 percent more money than you see on your pay stub, according to the averages found by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  If you're a freelancer on the other hand, you might be able to raise your rates and still be cost-effective compared to a full-time employee.

So what is included in a total compensation package? Obviously this varies from company to company, so it's worth your time to view a compensation package in full detail, from a quality health insurance plan to seemingly small perks like free lunches. Furthermore, if taken advantage of, the benefits part of salary can do a lot to help you create a golden nest egg for you and your family a few years down the road.

The latest information on the costs for employee compensation comes from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and is evaluated based on numbers gathered through September of 2008 when the average wage across all industries and seniority levels was just over $20/hour (approximately $42,000/year). Below is a list of common benefits and how they much can add to your salary:

Health Insurance Benefits, +11%
It's no secret what an asset health benefits are, both financially and for your general well-being. Even if you have to share costs and pay deductibles, your employer is essentially paying you in insurance premiums, not to mention probably offering you a better plan than you could afford on your own. This benefit can be worth $5,000-6,000 a year if you're older or you have a pre-existing condition.

Social Security, Medicare and Other Insurances, + 8%
Unemployment insurance, workers' comp, Social Security and Medicare - these bennies may not sound too sexy, and you may wrinkle your nose at that 7.65 percent deduction on your pay stub. But don't forget that for every cent you pay, your employer matches it. That means if you're earning $42,000 annually, your employer is paying an extra $3,200 a year on your behalf. Granted, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of these programs - but at the very least, they're helping to take care of your parents so you don't have to.

Retirement Plan, + 6%
In addition to paying Social Security, retirement benefits vary widely from employer to employer. Most companies will offer you an investment plan (401k) and many will offer to match your contributions at a defined rate - translation: pay raise. Beyond that, your contributions are taken out of pre-tax income, so you'll be paying less to the government. If you manage to lower your tax bracket, you might even end up taking home more disposable income while you're putting cash in your retirement plan.

Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Time, + 7%
Never underestimate the value of free time paid equally to hours spent in a board meeting, and don't forget that not all employers offer it. Even if you get just two weeks of vacation a year, that's 4 percent of your salary that's being earned while you sip soda on the beach. When you factor in sick leave, personal time and holidays, you might be tacking on another couple of weeks, or 3-4 percent, that would otherwise come out of your pocket. And if you rather have it in cold, hard cash, you can often have it paid out while you keep working (and earning).

Other Less Common Benefits, +1-10%
Certain companies may offer you extra benefits that - if you're lucky enough to get them - can really boost your total compensation. Some are large, some are small, but they can all add up to quite a lot over the course of a year.

• Stock Options
If your employer offers stock at a discounted price, you reap rewards automatically from the higher rate of return. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics is just beginning to assess the percentage this adds to total compensation, but depending on your company's program and depending on the markets, it could add 5-10% to your salary.

• Company Cars
Company cars are more commonly offered in sales and service industries, but if your company offers you this asset, that could equate to a 10% increase on your yearly salary - especially if you get to use the car for nights, weekends and family trips.

• Gym memberships
Offering a membership to a gym helps a business by keeping its employees healthy, which hopefuly lowers their medical costs. Either way, if you'd normally spend $40/month on a membership, this bumps your salary by $480 a year.

• Lunch, Coffee, Snacks
If your company provides snacks, teas and coffee, or even lunch, it could be worth $5-10 per day. Taking advantage of it might save you $2,600 over the year.

• Bus Passes
Some employers will encourage public transportation and offer you a transit or bus pass. This may be saving you $50/month ($600/year) or more depending on where you live. And that doesn't include what you'll save in gas and car maintenance costs by giving your vehicle a rest.

Preparing for a Job Interview? Take Our Quiz

By C.J. Liu, PayScale.com

After networking, sending resumes and waiting patiently by the phone, all your hard work has paid off with an invitation to interview. Now it's time for some expert tips on preparing for a job interview. Are you ready with smart answers to tough interviewing questions? What about explaining a job termination during an interview? There are ways to be honest but not hurt your chances of getting hired.

PayScale.com has developed a quick quiz to test your interview savvy. Read through the following true and false statements to assess your interview IQ, then enjoy the follow-up hints for a job interview.

1. Spending a lot of time preparing for a job interview will make me seem desperate.

False - There is nothing worse than an unprepared interviewee. Make sure you have done your homework about the organization and the job skills required before the interview. This will help you when the job interview question, "Why do you want to work here?" is thrown at you. Plus, you can ask knowledgeable questions when your turn comes around.

2. While preparing for a job interview, put yourself in the interviewer's shoes to see things from their perspective.

True - Typically, interviewers are busy and easily distracted. Remember that you may be 1 of 10 people that they have talked to in the last 5 hours. Don't make them struggle to get answers out of you or make sense of your rambling replies.

3. Role playing to prepare for typical interview questions is really important.

True- Practicing your responses to typical interview questions is paramount. Role play with a friend and get feedback on how you come across. For example, if you say that you are really excited about the job but sound hesitant, you will not seem credible.

4. If you have reservations about your abilities or skills for the position you should tell the whole truth.

True/False- You should not tell a lie and say you have five years of experience when you really have two. Nor should you fully disclose your inadequacies. If you left your last job because you were fired, there's no need to bring that up. When the employer asks you about your biggest mistake, pick a less emotionally charged experience and emphasize what you learned from it.

5. A job interview is a one-direction conversation, like on a talk show.

False - Having a one-sided interview can be exhausting for both parties. Make sure that while you are preparing for a job interview, you come up with at least 10 engaging and relevant questions to ask. Even better, have some questions about their favorite subject - themselves. An example is, "Tell me about your job and what you love about it?"

6. Interviewers are like dogs; they can smell my fear.

True- Interviewing is the quintessential example of dogs sniffing each other out. Like a dog, the interviewer will be trying to determine your overall confidence. Your body language indicates your level of self-esteem. Remember, a shaking leg or deer in headlights expression can matter more than how well you answer the questions.

7. The "real me" will shine through whether I'm dressed in pajamas or a suit.

False- Whether we like it or not, what we wear helps form a first impression. Here are some attire hints for a job interview. See if you can get some insider information on the dress code and whether it is more casual or formal. If you don't know, opt for formal. For women, remember it's about getting a job not a date. Stay away from low cut or short anything.

8. Sending a thank you note is an important way of standing out.

True- Thank you notes are not only about good etiquette but self-marketing, too. How can a simple card help you seal the deal? Start by mentioning something you learned about your interviewer. You could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about your first years at Boeing."  Then, write a quick summary of the conversation and why you are perfect for the job.  

9. Making demands for your ideal salary and vacation in the initial interview is a risky proposition.

True- While you are aching to know the starting salary and benefits right off the bat, it's a bit risky to ask these types of questions initially. Reserve negotiations on these matters until you have a job offer.

10. It doesn't matter if I'm 5 minutes late. Everyone runs late to interviews.

False - It's okay for your interviewer to be late, but the interviewee needs to be on time or 5-10 minutes early. Even if you have a good reason for being late, the interviewer will make assumptions about your level of organization and how you treat others. Plus, getting there early gives you time to compose yourself and shake off your coffee jitters.

C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers life, business, and career coaching and can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

12 Money-Making Certificates

By Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Laid off and looking to flee the floundering industry that sent you packing?

Not to worry: Minimum wage work is not your only option.

Whether you're in dire need of a new career, trying to earn more at your current gig or you're returning to work after a prolonged hiatus at home with the kids, a certificate program from a community college or vocational school is the swiftest way to pump up your earning potential.

"Many people refer to community college as the new master's degree," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. "It's a way to repurpose yourself."

As an added bonus, countless certificate programs train you for cubicle-free jobs - good news for weary office workers who'd like a change of scenery.

Certificate programs vary in length, averaging six months to a year, with evening, weekend, and online classes frequently available. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (happily, financial aid is sometimes offered for those who qualify).

Review the list below and make note of which certificate programs appeal to you or build on what you already know.

1. Court reporter certificate program.

Can you type like the wind? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters remain in high demand -- by both the justice system and the television industry, which hires these workers to create closed captioning text. Average salary: $39,781 a year.

2. Auto insurance appraiser certificate program.

Appraisers have the best of both worlds: Many split their time between the office and the field, traveling to homes and auto shops to write up repair estimates for crumpled cars. While most work for insurance companies, some are self-employed. Average salary: $50,165 a year.

3. Auto or motorcycle mechanic certificate program.

Are you happiest when wielding a wrench? "Mechanic jobs are particularly good in a recession because people are trading in their cars less," Shatkin says. In other words, there's no shortage of clunkers in need of repair. Average salary: $41,233 a year.

4. Massage therapist certificate program.

If you think the economy is keeping people from getting a massage, you're wrong. The American Massage Therapy Association found that 36 percent of Americans got a massage to relieve stress in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to increase by 20 percent before 2016. Average salary: $35,349 a year.

5. Security and fire alarm system installer certificate program.

Do you live to tinker with electronic devices? Then installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial alarm systems might be the ideal career for you. Most installation work requires driving to various job sites each day. Average salary: $42,763 a year.

6. Emergency medical technician certificate program.

Why sit at a desk all day when you could be out there saving lives? Despite the recession, people will continue to "crash their cars and have heart attacks in the middle of the night," reminds Shatkin. EMT certification requirements vary by state. Average salary: $30,530 a year.

7. Aerobics or fitness instructor certificate program.

If you're already a workout fiend, why not get paid for pumpin' it up? Job openings for exercise instructors are expected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade, Shatkin says, with most located at health clubs and fitness centers. Average salary: $37,113 a year.

8. Medical transcriptionist certificate program.

With healthcare the fastest-growing job sector, there's plenty of work for those who can decipher and type up the audio recordings doctors make about their patients. While a majority of transcriptionists work in a hospital or doctor's office, many telecommute from home. Average salary: $31,286 a year.

9. Cosmetologist certificate program.

Are you the person everyone calls for beauty advice? Then why not go pro? Cosmetologists are trained to cut, style, and chemically treat hair, as well as to treat skin and nails. Bonus: Schedules are flexible and self-employment is common. Average salary: $27,112 a year.

10. Language interpreter certificate program.

Maybe you grew up speaking two languages or picked one up while traveling abroad. If so, hospitals, courtrooms, and social service agencies need your help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five interpreters works for themselves, and many work part time. Plus, oftentimes, only a one-day exam is needed to be certified. Average salary: $44,175 a year.

11. Sign language interpreter certificate program.

If you enjoy working with others in multiple settings -- from live performances and business conferences to schools and social service agencies -- translating the spoken word for the deaf could be the job for you. Average salary: $36,278 a year.

12. Embalmer certificate program.

Preparing the dead for their final resting place isn't for everyone. But for those with a strong constitution, there's job security in the funeral business -- people won't stop dying simply because the economy's taken a turn for the worse. Average salary: $38,482 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

More from PayScale
• Where Do Happy People Work?
• 6 Simple Ways to Significantly Increase Your Pay
• 10 Jobs with Great Perks

What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Preparing for a Job Interview? Take Our Quiz

Preparing for a Job Interview? Take Our Quiz

By C.J. Liu, PayScale.com

After networking, sending resumes and waiting patiently by the phone, all your hard work has paid off with an invitation to interview. Now it's time for some expert tips on preparing for a job interview. Are you ready with smart answers to tough interviewing questions? What about explaining a job termination during an interview? There are ways to be honest but not hurt your chances of getting hired.

PayScale.com has developed a quick quiz to test your interview savvy. Read through the following true and false statements to assess your interview IQ, then enjoy the follow-up hints for a job interview.

1. Spending a lot of time preparing for a job interview will make me seem desperate.

False - There is nothing worse than an unprepared interviewee. Make sure you have done your homework about the organization and the job skills required before the interview. This will help you when the job interview question, "Why do you want to work here?" is thrown at you. Plus, you can ask knowledgeable questions when your turn comes around.

2. While preparing for a job interview, put yourself in the interviewer's shoes to see things from their perspective.

True - Typically, interviewers are busy and easily distracted. Remember that you may be 1 of 10 people that they have talked to in the last 5 hours. Don't make them struggle to get answers out of you or make sense of your rambling replies.

3. Role playing to prepare for typical interview questions is really important.

True- Practicing your responses to typical interview questions is paramount. Role play with a friend and get feedback on how you come across. For example, if you say that you are really excited about the job but sound hesitant, you will not seem credible.

4. If you have reservations about your abilities or skills for the position you should tell the whole truth.

True/False- You should not tell a lie and say you have five years of experience when you really have two. Nor should you fully disclose your inadequacies. If you left your last job because you were fired, there's no need to bring that up. When the employer asks you about your biggest mistake, pick a less emotionally charged experience and emphasize what you learned from it.

5. A job interview is a one-direction conversation, like on a talk show.

False - Having a one-sided interview can be exhausting for both parties. Make sure that while you are preparing for a job interview, you come up with at least 10 engaging and relevant questions to ask. Even better, have some questions about their favorite subject - themselves. An example is, "Tell me about your job and what you love about it?"

6. Interviewers are like dogs; they can smell my fear.

True- Interviewing is the quintessential example of dogs sniffing each other out. Like a dog, the interviewer will be trying to determine your overall confidence. Your body language indicates your level of self-esteem. Remember, a shaking leg or deer in headlights expression can matter more than how well you answer the questions.

7. The "real me" will shine through whether I'm dressed in pajamas or a suit.

False- Whether we like it or not, what we wear helps form a first impression. Here are some attire hints for a job interview. See if you can get some insider information on the dress code and whether it is more casual or formal. If you don't know, opt for formal. For women, remember it's about getting a job not a date. Stay away from low cut or short anything.

8. Sending a thank you note is an important way of standing out.

True- Thank you notes are not only about good etiquette but self-marketing, too. How can a simple card help you seal the deal? Start by mentioning something you learned about your interviewer. You could say, "I really enjoyed our conversation about your first years at Boeing."  Then, write a quick summary of the conversation and why you are perfect for the job.  

9. Making demands for your ideal salary and vacation in the initial interview is a risky proposition.

True- While you are aching to know the starting salary and benefits right off the bat, it's a bit risky to ask these types of questions initially. Reserve negotiations on these matters until you have a job offer.

10. It doesn't matter if I'm 5 minutes late. Everyone runs late to interviews.

False - It's okay for your interviewer to be late, but the interviewee needs to be on time or 5-10 minutes early. Even if you have a good reason for being late, the interviewer will make assumptions about your level of organization and how you treat others. Plus, getting there early gives you time to compose yourself and shake off your coffee jitters.

C.J. Liu is a certified, professional coach who helps professionals define success on their own terms. C.J. offers life, business, and career coaching and can answer your questions at cjliu@mywholelife.net.

12 Money-Making Certificates

By Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Laid off and looking to flee the floundering industry that sent you packing?

Not to worry: Minimum wage work is not your only option.

Whether you're in dire need of a new career, trying to earn more at your current gig or you're returning to work after a prolonged hiatus at home with the kids, a certificate program from a community college or vocational school is the swiftest way to pump up your earning potential.

"Many people refer to community college as the new master's degree," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. "It's a way to repurpose yourself."

As an added bonus, countless certificate programs train you for cubicle-free jobs - good news for weary office workers who'd like a change of scenery.

Certificate programs vary in length, averaging six months to a year, with evening, weekend, and online classes frequently available. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (happily, financial aid is sometimes offered for those who qualify).

Review the list below and make note of which certificate programs appeal to you or build on what you already know.

1. Court reporter certificate program.

Can you type like the wind? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters remain in high demand -- by both the justice system and the television industry, which hires these workers to create closed captioning text. Average salary: $39,781 a year.

2. Auto insurance appraiser certificate program.

Appraisers have the best of both worlds: Many split their time between the office and the field, traveling to homes and auto shops to write up repair estimates for crumpled cars. While most work for insurance companies, some are self-employed. Average salary: $50,165 a year.

3. Auto or motorcycle mechanic certificate program.

Are you happiest when wielding a wrench? "Mechanic jobs are particularly good in a recession because people are trading in their cars less," Shatkin says. In other words, there's no shortage of clunkers in need of repair. Average salary: $41,233 a year.

4. Massage therapist certificate program.

If you think the economy is keeping people from getting a massage, you're wrong. The American Massage Therapy Association found that 36 percent of Americans got a massage to relieve stress in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to increase by 20 percent before 2016. Average salary: $35,349 a year.

5. Security and fire alarm system installer certificate program.

Do you live to tinker with electronic devices? Then installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial alarm systems might be the ideal career for you. Most installation work requires driving to various job sites each day. Average salary: $42,763 a year.

6. Emergency medical technician certificate program.

Why sit at a desk all day when you could be out there saving lives? Despite the recession, people will continue to "crash their cars and have heart attacks in the middle of the night," reminds Shatkin. EMT certification requirements vary by state. Average salary: $30,530 a year.

7. Aerobics or fitness instructor certificate program.

If you're already a workout fiend, why not get paid for pumpin' it up? Job openings for exercise instructors are expected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade, Shatkin says, with most located at health clubs and fitness centers. Average salary: $37,113 a year.

8. Medical transcriptionist certificate program.

With healthcare the fastest-growing job sector, there's plenty of work for those who can decipher and type up the audio recordings doctors make about their patients. While a majority of transcriptionists work in a hospital or doctor's office, many telecommute from home. Average salary: $31,286 a year.

9. Cosmetologist certificate program.

Are you the person everyone calls for beauty advice? Then why not go pro? Cosmetologists are trained to cut, style, and chemically treat hair, as well as to treat skin and nails. Bonus: Schedules are flexible and self-employment is common. Average salary: $27,112 a year.

10. Language interpreter certificate program.

Maybe you grew up speaking two languages or picked one up while traveling abroad. If so, hospitals, courtrooms, and social service agencies need your help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five interpreters works for themselves, and many work part time. Plus, oftentimes, only a one-day exam is needed to be certified. Average salary: $44,175 a year.

11. Sign language interpreter certificate program.

If you enjoy working with others in multiple settings -- from live performances and business conferences to schools and social service agencies -- translating the spoken word for the deaf could be the job for you. Average salary: $36,278 a year.

12. Embalmer certificate program.

Preparing the dead for their final resting place isn't for everyone. But for those with a strong constitution, there's job security in the funeral business -- people won't stop dying simply because the economy's taken a turn for the worse. Average salary: $38,482 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

More from PayScale
• Where Do Happy People Work?
• 6 Simple Ways to Significantly Increase Your Pay
• 10 Jobs with Great Perks

What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

12 Money-Making Certificates

12 Money-Making Certificates

By Michelle Goodman, PayScale.com

Laid off and looking to flee the floundering industry that sent you packing?

Not to worry: Minimum wage work is not your only option.

Whether you're in dire need of a new career, trying to earn more at your current gig or you're returning to work after a prolonged hiatus at home with the kids, a certificate program from a community college or vocational school is the swiftest way to pump up your earning potential.

"Many people refer to community college as the new master's degree," says Dr. Laurence Shatkin, author of more than a dozen books for job hunters, including 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs. "It's a way to repurpose yourself."

As an added bonus, countless certificate programs train you for cubicle-free jobs - good news for weary office workers who'd like a change of scenery.

Certificate programs vary in length, averaging six months to a year, with evening, weekend, and online classes frequently available. Costs range from several hundred to several thousand dollars (happily, financial aid is sometimes offered for those who qualify).

Review the list below and make note of which certificate programs appeal to you or build on what you already know.

1. Court reporter certificate program.

Can you type like the wind? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters remain in high demand -- by both the justice system and the television industry, which hires these workers to create closed captioning text. Average salary: $39,781 a year.

2. Auto insurance appraiser certificate program.

Appraisers have the best of both worlds: Many split their time between the office and the field, traveling to homes and auto shops to write up repair estimates for crumpled cars. While most work for insurance companies, some are self-employed. Average salary: $50,165 a year.

3. Auto or motorcycle mechanic certificate program.

Are you happiest when wielding a wrench? "Mechanic jobs are particularly good in a recession because people are trading in their cars less," Shatkin says. In other words, there's no shortage of clunkers in need of repair. Average salary: $41,233 a year.

4. Massage therapist certificate program.

If you think the economy is keeping people from getting a massage, you're wrong. The American Massage Therapy Association found that 36 percent of Americans got a massage to relieve stress in 2008, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these jobs to increase by 20 percent before 2016. Average salary: $35,349 a year.

5. Security and fire alarm system installer certificate program.

Do you live to tinker with electronic devices? Then installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial alarm systems might be the ideal career for you. Most installation work requires driving to various job sites each day. Average salary: $42,763 a year.

6. Emergency medical technician certificate program.

Why sit at a desk all day when you could be out there saving lives? Despite the recession, people will continue to "crash their cars and have heart attacks in the middle of the night," reminds Shatkin. EMT certification requirements vary by state. Average salary: $30,530 a year.

7. Aerobics or fitness instructor certificate program.

If you're already a workout fiend, why not get paid for pumpin' it up? Job openings for exercise instructors are expected to increase by 25 percent over the next decade, Shatkin says, with most located at health clubs and fitness centers. Average salary: $37,113 a year.

8. Medical transcriptionist certificate program.

With healthcare the fastest-growing job sector, there's plenty of work for those who can decipher and type up the audio recordings doctors make about their patients. While a majority of transcriptionists work in a hospital or doctor's office, many telecommute from home. Average salary: $31,286 a year.

9. Cosmetologist certificate program.

Are you the person everyone calls for beauty advice? Then why not go pro? Cosmetologists are trained to cut, style, and chemically treat hair, as well as to treat skin and nails. Bonus: Schedules are flexible and self-employment is common. Average salary: $27,112 a year.

10. Language interpreter certificate program.

Maybe you grew up speaking two languages or picked one up while traveling abroad. If so, hospitals, courtrooms, and social service agencies need your help. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in five interpreters works for themselves, and many work part time. Plus, oftentimes, only a one-day exam is needed to be certified. Average salary: $44,175 a year.

11. Sign language interpreter certificate program.

If you enjoy working with others in multiple settings -- from live performances and business conferences to schools and social service agencies -- translating the spoken word for the deaf could be the job for you. Average salary: $36,278 a year.

12. Embalmer certificate program.

Preparing the dead for their final resting place isn't for everyone. But for those with a strong constitution, there's job security in the funeral business -- people won't stop dying simply because the economy's taken a turn for the worse. Average salary: $38,482 a year.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

Michelle Goodman is author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube and My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire.

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

More from PayScale
• Where Do Happy People Work?
• 6 Simple Ways to Significantly Increase Your Pay
• 10 Jobs with Great Perks

What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

5 Lucrative Engineering Careers and Career Paths

What Career Path Should I Take? 5 Lucrative Engineering Career Paths

By Kim Ruehl, PayScale.com

Everyone knows engineers never have to worry about bringing home the bacon. But, most folks assume that engineering careers are boring and tedious. This isn't necessarily true. There are a ton of interesting, exciting possibilities in engineering-a highly lucrative career path that, contrary to popular belief, doesn't require a graduate degree in order to achieve long-term success. If you're not familiar with the many engineering fields, you may ask yourself, "What career path should I take?" Here are a few options that can get you started with one of the most in-demand, well-paid engineering careers for people with a four-year degree:

1. Environmental Engineering

With Obama on his way into office, and his emphasis on tackling environmental issues, most folks would agree that environmentally friendly careers are on the rise. An environmental engineering job is one of the most promising and, perhaps, the most attractive for prospective engineers. Cody Johnson, Principle Engineer for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm in Seattle, puts into perspective why this field is only on the rise. "From a practical standpoint," he says, "if there is a 'new New Deal' in the works, it's likely that a good portion of the money will go to public works projects to shore up our aging infrastructure. So, in the current economic climate, there might actually be [environmental engineering] jobs out there for engineers." Like most engineering paths, environmental engineers do need to earn Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. Then, within the first five years in the field, you'll also need to complete a Professional Engineer certification. Both certifications, says Johnson, only ensure your ascent up the environmental engineering job ladder. Average Salary for an Environmental Engineer: $63,833 per year

2. Chemical Engineering

The benefits chemical engineering careers are growing each day as our society looks for more environmentally savvy ways to tackle the production and use of oil, plastics, paint, and food products. Think of how often you fill up the tank, buy toys for the kids, or scan the shelves at the grocery store. These are some of the most basic products in our society, and chemical engineers are in charge of figuring out how to manufacture them-think compostable baby bottles and biofuels. All of this makes both chemical engineers' demand and income reliably high - two great benefits of chemical engineering for you. And you don't need a master's degree to ensure a long, productive career in this field. Average Salary for a Chemical Engineer: $79,345 per year

3. Electrical Engineering

If you've ever taken apart a radio just to see whether you can put it back together again, electrical engineering may be the job for you. The advantages of electrical engineering are found in the number of options for jobs in this field. Bill Culbreth, Associate Dean at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, says students pursuing this avenue can "work for private industry or for the government. The construction industry, aerospace, transportation, automotive, and electronics firms also hire these graduates." And, if you get into any of these kinds of electrical engineering careers and decide you're ready for that higher degree, it's a great prerequisite for a highly lucrative future in nuclear engineering. Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer: $70,941 per year

4. Computer Engineering

Nobody can deny that computer engineering is here to stay. As we all look for newer, better and faster computerized electronics to help us tackle our ever-changing world, even in a tipsy economy, computer and software engineers are in constant demand. Steve Wong, Senior Account Manager with COMSYS, an information technologies recruiting company, says that the "industries that are strong are aerospace, telecom, and specialized technology. Those are areas that'll stay strong, and specialized technology, especially, is going to continue strongly." What's more, while larger companies are cutting back on full-time employees, the demand for computer engineering contractors remains steady. One of the sweetest perks of being a computer engineer is contracting. You may have the opportunity to work from home on occasion-something almost nobody would complain about. Average Salary for a Computer Engineer, Systems Software: $79,359 per year

5. Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

If you've ever marveled at the efficiency of a highway junction or the power of a well-built dam, civil engineering may be right up your alley. Civil engineers work on public projects, planning the construction of new highways, dams, bridges, and other infrastructure mainstays. According to Gary Spring, Professor and Chair of the Engineering Department at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass., there are plenty of options for pursuing a future job in civil engineering, and you won't have to be in school forever, either. He recommends seeking out civil or structural engineering careers with a smaller to midsize consulting firm because the larger the company, the more they require their employees to be specialized. Plus, he says, "don't avoid engineering because you might someday have to earn an advanced degree. Most [of our] students don't go on for an advanced degree." The career path for a structural engineer is pretty steady.  Once you have earned your certification, sticking to civil or structural engineering careers is one of your most stable options because, he says, "there is always a need for infrastructure improvements." Average Salary for a Civil Engineer: $66,638 per year

Want to further explore the answer to "What career path should I take?" Fill out Payscale's Salary Survey to get a free report and find out what you should be earning and where you can go from your current job.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

More from PayScale
• Where Do Happy People Work?
• 6 Simple Ways to Significantly Increase Your Pay
• 10 Jobs with Great Perks

What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

What Jobs are in the Stimulus Package? - PayScale

What Jobs Are in the Stimulus Package? 6 Hot Opportunities

By Cherie L. Berkley

President Obama's economic stimulus plan, a.k.a. the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is taking effect. You may be asking yourself, "What does the stimulus plan mean to me?" At nearly $800 billion, it's important for you to know what is in Obama's economic stimulus plan that can help you get a new job. Here are six gigs that are likely to be in high demand from the plan.

6 Big Wins from the Stimulus Plan on the Creation of Jobs

1. Accountants and auditors. Expect accountants to be in even hotter demand. The economic stimulus plan requires transparent tracking of government expenditures from the stimulus funds; some experts call it an "accounting of the accounting." Additionally, the new Financial Stability and Recovery Plan mandates increased transparency and lending accountability from financial institutions that take Troubled Asset Relief Program (T.A.R.P.) funds from the feds. Translation: The financial sector will need more accountants to help it mind its Ps and Qs, stay out of trouble, and get the biggest bang for its borrowed bucks. Median salary, Auditor = $65, 185 per year

2. Census workers. The Census Bureau received a $1 billion boost from the economic stimulus plan for the 2010 census. States such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hope to hire 75,000 people combined, according to the Census Bureau. Jobs will last between six to 18 months depending on the position. New opportunities will be available for canvassers and office workers. While temporary, these positions are nationwide, numerous, and may get people over the hump of the recession.  Median salary, Statistician = $80, 567 per year
 
3. IT professionals. The economic stimulus plan designates money and incentives toward adopting health information technology and broadband Internet expansion. This puts software engineers, computer equipment makers, telecommunications technicians, network engineers and other IT professionals in a great position for job growth. Other related jobs, such as data entry workers, will also be needed to get electronic medical records ready to go online. Median salary, Information Technology Consultant = $80, 316 per year

4. Green-Collar Jobs. There is a recurrent call throughout the economic stimulus plan for energy efficiency and energy renewal. Expect to see a slew of new jobs that will help people "green up" their act, thanks to corporate and individual tax incentives to do so included in the economic stimulus plan. Environmental engineers, environmental lawyers, urban planners, conservation scientists, and energy consultants are just a few of the professionals needed so that companies can retrofit their operations or build brand new ones to comply with a greener world. And since homeowners will receive tax credits toward products that make their houses more energy-efficient, there will be a need for more jobs related to everyday goods and housewares, such as product engineers and retail salespeople. Even prior to the economic stimulus plan, the American Solar Energy Society forecasted that by 2030, the number of direct and indirect jobs related to renewable energy and energy efficiency was expected to reach nearly 40 million. Median salary, Environmental Engineer = $64,315 per year

5.  Infrastructure-related workers. The plan designates a substantial chunk of money to renovate or build more roads, schools, bridges, public parks, community health care centers and VA hospitals. As a result, more construction workers, electricians, and roofers will be needed to get these projects off the ground. Given the additional funds designated to the Army Corp of Engineers, you can include civil and chemical engineers, and urban planners on the list of careers in demand. Median salary, Electrician = $41,181 per year

6. Scientists, chemists, and lab workers. Health care is a top priority, as well, in the stimulus plan. The plan includes $8.5 billion for research grants, in areas such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stem cells, and $1.5 billion to renovate research facilities, according to The New York Times. The research grants include money designated toward climate and environmental research as well as clean and renewable energy. Median salary, Research Chemist = $59,706 per year

Sources: "The Stimulus Plan: How to Spend $787 Billion," The New York Times, Feb. 20, 2009. The Morning Call website. American Solar Energy Society website. Scallan, M. "Help Wanted: 2010 Census Takers for the Gulf Coast," The Biloxi Sun-Herald, Feb. 10, 2009. The Census Bureau website.

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.