There are a lot of jobs that can seem appealing but have such insurmountable odds of getting that it almost seems unrealistic to chase depending on the situation.
It doesn’t pay to study to become an oceanographer if you live in a landlocked area and can not relocate.
Some of the most realistic jobs are accessible for most situations. But, why become a…
1. Auto Mechanic
Why Become an Auto Mechanic?
Vehicles are a part of life that is here to stay.
There will always be a demand for people who know how to repair their modes of transportation.
As vehicles are getting too complex to repair at home, the need for people who are capable of doing the work will continue to grow.
This is also a skill that can help out in your personal life.
| Auto Mechanic Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $47,990 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $23.07 |
| Education | 2-3 Years |
| Outlook | 0% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
2. Computer Technician
Why Become a Computer Technician?
Computers are the backbone of almost all business, anymore.
What used to mainly be a way of writing letters and keeping inventory has evolved to grow into the daily lives of nearly everyone in a developed country.
Computer technicians can work in a variety of industries ranging from academics to science, allowing the skill to continue to teach you even more.
| Computer Technician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $57,650 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $27.72 |
| Education | 1-2 Years |
| Outlook | 10% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Computer Technician
3. Architect
Why Become an Architect?
Architects get to see creations turn into a physical reality.
Because of the complexity of making a building out of raw materials, they also get to learn several aspects of making a structure – such as electrical work, plumbing, etc.
You will get to interact with a variety of teams, often managing the different groups to come together to achieve the desired finished product.
| Architect Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $91,900 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $44.19 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Architect
4. Medical Technician
Why Become a Medical Technician?
Medicine and healthcare is constantly-growing industry.
This offers flexibility to work within the industry and perform a variety of behind-the-scenes duties while supporting doctors in their roles of treating patients.
Not only do entry-level medical technicians have great luck at finding work right out of training, but there are excellent promotional opportunities within the industry as well.
| Medical Technician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $38,190 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $18.36 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 11% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Medical Technician
5. Chef
Why Become a Chef?
People love food, socializing, and eating with their friends.
Working as a chef provides you with the opportunity to create dishes of different flavors or components.
Creativity flourishes in culinary arts.
A good chef can opt to work in someone else’s kitchen or open their own.
If restaurant work isn’t of interest, chefs can also work in catering, or even be privately employed in someone’s home.
| Chef Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $56,920 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $27.37 |
| Education | 2-4 Years |
| Outlook | 11% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Chef
6. Surveyor
Why Become a Surveyor?
Surveyors are a part of developing land.
As society continues to grow, those people need to go somewhere.
Surveyors not only assist in the initial development of new buildings but in the deconstruction and reconstruction of older properties.
Surveyors also have the opportunity to specialize, such as focusing on personal real estate or commercial endeavors.
| Surveyor Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $68,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.12 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Surveyor
7. Video Game Tester
Why Become a Video Game Tester?
This might sound like too much of a dream to be on a list about “realistic” jobs, but they are real.
In fact, there are multiple forms.
There is quality assurance testing – team members will play a video game multiple times to report any technical bugs, crashes, or glitches that are found.
Playtesting involves playing the game to report on the experience of the gameplay.
Plus, you can tell your old teachers that you play video games for a living.
| Video Game Tester Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $68,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.12 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 12% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Video Game Tester
8. Logistics Analyst
Why Become a Logistics Analyst?
Some workplaces are known for taking a job that could be performed by one person in a day and turning it into a three-person job that takes a week.
A logistic analyst’s job is to understand operations and help point out where such overkill may be happening.
This reduces waste and helps companies properly allocate resources.
The analyst essentially gets to improve and streamline processes for everyone involved.
| Logistics Analyst Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $79,230 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $38.09 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 5% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Logistics Analyst
9. Airline Pilot
Why Become an Airline Pilot?
Many people dream of flying, but a few make it happen.
Pilots also get to operate some of the heaviest machinery in the world.
Pilots get to visit cities all over the world as a part of the job.
Major airports also tend to compensate pilots with fairly generous salaries and benefits packages.
Pilots also have the option to own and fly small planes independently, being chartered for transportation or offering scenic tours.
| Airline Pilot Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $198,190 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Airline Pilot
10. Drafter
Why Become a Drafter?
It is one thing to have an idea in your head, but it is another to be able to translate that mental image into a physical object.
Drafters help people by turning that internal image into a tangible one.
They then use the real image to determine the specifics, measurements, materials, etc., necessary to be able to turn that image and materials into a finished product.
| Drafter Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $60,620 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $29.14 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 0% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Drafter
11. Civil Engineer
Why Become a Civil Engineer?
There is a lot of flexibility in civil engineering.
These engineers spend a lot of time doing planning and preparation work.
They also get to network with industry leaders as cities and companies come together to work on projects for the community.
There is a lot of teamwork involved when getting utility departments, construction managers, architects, and politicians together on projects.
| Civil Engineer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $95,490 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $45.91 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Civil Engineer
12. Radiology Technician
Why Become a Radiology Technician?
The radiologic industry is constantly evolving and fresh education is an advantage as universities keep up with the latest technology.
Radiology is a specialty with its own paths of focus, including nuclear medicine.
Among x-rays, CTs, and MRIs, alone, people in this field have a direct impact on many individuals’ quality of life.
| Radiology Technician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $66,490 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $31.97 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 9% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Radiology Technician
