Six High-Paying Jobs for Gen Y Workers

Six High-Paying Jobs for Gen Y Workers


By Alida Moore, PayScale.com


When it comes to choosing a career, which jobs give Gen Y workers the best chance of making a high salary? Online salary database PayScale.com took a look at its Gen Y data to find out. 


 
The jobs with particularly strong earning potential for Gen Y fall into three categories: IT, engineering and upper-level management, says Katie Bardaro, lead analyst at PayScale. ¡§IT and engineering jobs typically pay well because they are in high demand and require a specialized workforce, whereas upper-level management jobs pay well due to their larger responsibilities and workload,¡¨ she says.


If you¡¦re wondering in what careers Gen Y workers can earn hefty paychecks, check out this list:


Petroleum Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $98,100


If you¡¦re looking for a field in which you can make a substantial salary, engineering is generally a smart path to take. Petroleum engineering jobs combine two lucrative worlds: engineering and oil/gas, thus accounting for the sizeable paychecks a Gen Y worker could earn. Petroleum engineers determine where and how to drill for oil. Typically, a bachelor¡¦s degree is required.


Senior Software Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $80,600


A software engineer develops and maintains software for a variety of industries. Gen Y workers are among the most tech-savvy in the workforce, making them potentially well-suited for this career. A bachelor¡¦s degree is required; senior positions require at least five years of experience.


Account Director
Median Annual Salary: $76,200


Millennials are known for their love of all things social — a skill that could come in handy when it comes to managing high-profile clients. An account director is responsible for overseeing account managers and maintaining important client relationships, often acting as the point of contact for large accounts. A bachelor¡¦s degree is required, and most senior positions require at least six years of experience.


IT Program Manager
Median Annual Salary: $75,100


An IT program manager is responsible for ensuring that a technology project is completed successfully and on time. Understanding and staying current on advances in technology– which is second nature to many in Gen Y — is vital, as are top-notch organizational skills. This job requires a bachelor¡¦s degree and at least four years of experience.


Sales Director
Median Annual Salary: $74,600


This job might be a good fit for strategic thinkers. Sales directors are often charged with identifying sales targets and training lower-level sales associates. They might also work with colleagues to develop more effective sales techniques. A bachelor¡¦s degree is required, along with five years of experience.


Technical Architect
Median Annual Salary: $73,000


Gen Y workers are generally good at juggling multiple tasks. Those who also have an interest in architecture might find career success as a technical architect. Technical architects are responsible for overseeing many parts of an IT architecture project. Their work includes coordinating with the teams overseeing various project elements and ensuring that those elements are delivered on time. A bachelor¡¦s degree is required.


Source: All salary and education data provided by online salary database PayScale.com. Salaries listed are median annual salaries for Gen Y workers (defined as those born between 1982 and 1993) and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing. All pay figures are for workers with no more than a bachelor¡¦s degree.