National average salary: $52,090 per year Primary duties: A graphic designer creates visual content, whether in print form for newsletters and billboards or digital form for websites and apps. These professionals use their knowledge of color theory and spacing to
produce aesthetically pleasing art. While they may meet with clients and give presentations, graphic designers spend most of their time using illustration software.
National average salary: $50,110 per year Primary duties: A loan processor determines whether a client is eligible to borrow money. They may review applications for loans like mortgages and review the client's employment verification, bank statements and monthly expenses.
Loan processors also communicate with county clerks, attorneys and the title company if the client's case requires further investigation.
National average salary: $50,322 per year Primary duties: A customer service representative supports a company's clients by answering phone calls or managing live chats. They may also meet with customers in-person to answer questions about products or resolve
complaints. Additional responsibilities include providing instructions on how to use a product, documenting customer interactions and processing orders.
National average salary: $54,663 per year Primary duties: An executive assistant helps an organization's high-level officer by performing administrative duties. They might answer phone calls, respond to emails and send faxes to ensure efficient
operations. They also oversee travel arrangements and schedule appointments to ensure the executive meets with the appropriate clients.
National average salary: $53,420 per year Primary duties: An air traffic controller uses radars and computer software to monitor aircraft movement. They communicate with pilots to ensure they maintain safe distances between other aircraft. Air traffic controllers also
implement emergency protocols by communicating with the airport staff.
National average salary: $121,074 per year Primary duties: A software engineer develops digital products ranging from business applications and network control systems to database programs. These professionals rely on their programming knowledge and
ability to determine a user's unique needs. Software engineers also collaborate with developers, document the creation of apps and update systems to address potential bugs.
National average salary: $115,973 per year Primary duties: An actuary evaluates risk in the insurance industry. They create insurance policies based on the likelihood of future events occurring and determining the appropriate premiums for clients to pay.
Actuaries also conduct mark research to determine the demand for insurance products and present findings to shareholders.
National average salary: $91,519 per year Primary duties: A mathematician uses their extensive mathematical knowledge to research methodologies and solve problems in fields like education, finance and construction. These professionals study the latest advancements
in their field, compare research with other professionals and develop new mathematical principles. They also create computational models using advanced software.
National average salary: $75,668 per year Primary duties: A budget analyst is a financial professional who manages an organization's spending. They assign funding to various departments, track expenses and identify areas of waste to optimize budgets.
Budget analysts also research funding methods and forecast potential financial outcomes based on an organization's spending activities.
National average salary: $75,568 per year Primary duties: A broker acts as an intermediary between a securities exchange and investors. These professionals serve exchange members by helping them research security options and developing investment
plans that suit their financial goals. Brokers also execute trades on behalf of clients and manage their accounts.
National average salary: $58,942 per year Primary duties: A dispatcher creates delivery routes for professional drivers. They coordinate customer logistics to determine the most fuel-efficient routes and ensure on-time deliveries.
Dispatchers also monitor drivers' locations and account for potential obstacles like weather, traffic and construction delays.
National average salary: $55,711 per year Primary duties: A legal secretary works in an office and provides administrative support to lawyers. They perform standard organizational duties like preparing correspondence to parties, creating spreadsheets and
scheduling meetings. Legal knowledge can help them perform duties specific to the field, such as assisting with research for a case and proofreading legal documents.
National average salary: $56,653 per year Primary duties: An advertising manager oversees a marketing department and ensures the company uses the most effective promotional strategies. They may create schedules for employees, negotiate
contracts with clients and oversee the hiring process. Additional responsibilities include approving advertising materials for publication and suggesting revisions to campaigns based on metrics.
National average salary: $57,840 per year Primary duties: An IT security specialist protects an organization from digital threats. They identify potential cybersecurity attacks and implement security measures to prevent them from occurring. If breaches occur,
an IT security specialist responds using standardized protocols.
National average salary: $58,415 per year Primary duties: An insurance agent builds relationships with clients on behalf of an insurance provider. They contact potential customers and educate them on policies that suit their lifestyles. Insurance agents also
support current customers by settling claims and suggesting additions to existing policies.
National average salary: $58,598 per year Primary duties: A technical writer creates documents that explain complex concepts in simple terms. Their instruction manuals help users overcome learning curves and optimize various products. Technical writers
also collaborate with industry professionals to better understand how a product works and explain it in layman's terms.