The following is a list of 3 lucrative fields in which the top-earning 25 percent of workers take home more than $100,000 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That percentage proves there is real potential for sizeable salaries within these fields, even if your résumé doesn't boast a lengthy list of alma maters. Though some of these positions are filled by people with graduate degrees, a bachelor's degree and a little initiative could get you well on your way to a six-figure salary. --------------------------- Securities, Commodities and Financial Services Sales Agents Salary of top 25 percent: $123,910+ Median salary: $67,130 What they do: Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents buy and sell stocks, bonds and other financial products. They may also inform clients about financial markets and counsel them regarding their financial portfolios. How to get the job: The majority of financial sales agents have college educations, and have taken courses in business, economics and finance. Securities and commodities agents must pass state licensing examinations, and many firms require agents to complete in-house training programs. ------------------------- Financial Managers Salary of top 25 percent: $118,150+ Median salary: $86,280 What they do: Financial managers' responsibilities vary, but they generally oversee the preparation of financial reports involved with accounting, investing, banking, insurance and securities. They can also develop financial strategies for their organizations. How to get the job: Employers expect financial managers to have a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration, and increasingly expect a master's degree in one of these fields as well. Depending on the company and the specific position, professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation may also be required. ----------------------------------- Personal Financial Advisers Salary of top 25 percent: $107,470+ Median salary: $63,500 What they do: Personal financial advisers provide guidance to clients regarding financial decisions. Many financial advisers specialize in a particular field, such as retirement planning or risk management. How to get the job: Most financial advisers hold a bachelor's degree in finance, economics or accounting. Certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation can strengthen an adviser's professional standing.
This is a strictly sales / asset gathering job with very high turnover (90% failure rate). Don't even think about it unless you have some filthy rich friends and family who can vouch for you.
Most financial advisers make almost nothing. It's just another term for a stock broker. Nowdays, most good name firms won't even give you a salary while you get adjusted. In fact, the other two jobs you listed are just a more evolved form of a "stock broker". Pitching potential clients, along with 100s of others. One of my frat buddies does something quite similiar. He is no newbie, I think he is close to 6 figs after like 5 years. It ain't fun and it's tough & high pressure work. Sales and all sales. In most sales jobs, you eat what you kill. Most people can't sell. Hence, most people in those jobs drop out quick and make little. There are decent base salaries for those who package products for institutions, but if you don't make quota, you will be out of the door soon. You can make good money if you got talent in doing sales on that level and you start at the right firm.
OR if you are hard worker. I was a broker for 4.5 years and can vouch that you do not need all these high net worth connections. Don't get me wrong, it helps; but is not a necessity.
You won't make it through simply HARD WORK, you gotta have some innate skill as well. And a little luck (or a lot). Many brokers (stock & real estate) bust their ass for years and years to end up burnt out and with little assets. Most quit due to frustration or financial reasons within a year. Not in this day and age, it's a very very competitive and saturated marketplace. Just like daytrading US equities, hehe.
Or, unless you have a very thick skin and no moral compass so that you can cold-call from the phone book and lie to everybody who will talk to you.