Some people strive to become high earners and enjoy the perks that come with a six-figure paycheck. But for many people, a middle-class income gets the job done.
Those who are content with middle-class earnings may enjoy a better work-life balance and superior quality of life to those who push themselves to pursue the highest payday.
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Meanwhile, some middle-class jobs may be easier to come by than expected – because they don’t necessarily require a college degree. Here are five jobs where almost two-thirds of American workers were in the middle-income tier in 2022, according to Pew Research Center data.
The Pew analysis defines “middle-income” Americans as those living in households with an annual income that is two-thirds to double the national median household income — broadly speaking, ranging from about $62,000 to $187,000 annually.
Education is often regarded as a low-paying field. But as of 2022, 61% of those working in education were in the middle-income tier.
To become a teacher, you do need a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. That’s a requirement in all U.S. states to be a public school teacher for grades K-12, according to American University’s School of Education. There can also be more career opportunities if you choose to pursue a master’s degree.
If you’re curious as to what teachers make, the national average starting salary is $44,530, according to the National Education Association. The average overall salary is $69,544. However, pay can vary substantially from one district to another, even within the same state.
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As of 2022, 62% of professionals in the protective and building maintenance services field were in the middle-income tier. People in this profession are generally responsible for the upkeep of buildings both inside and out.
Indeed puts the average salary for this line of work at $18.26 per hour, which comes to $36,520 per year if we assume a 40-hour workweek and 50 working weeks per year. However, Indeed also notes that some people in this field earn up to $34.50 per hour.
Furthermore, this industry generally doesn’t require you to go to college. A high school diploma or equivalent coupled with training usually allows you to work in this field, thereby avoiding the expense of a bachelor’s degree.
As of 2022, 62% of office and administrative support professionals were in the middle-income tier. As of May 2023, the median annual salary for people in this field was $44,480, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the pay for an admin role can hinge heavily on the industry, with financial firms and banks, for example, commonly paying more than nonprofits and schools.
A college degree may not be necessary to work as an administrative professional. However, some employers may set that requirement.
Maintenance, repair and production professionals often work in manufacturing or similar industries. The average annual wage for general maintenance and repair workers was just shy of $50,000 as of May 2023, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And as of 2022, 64% of people in this field were in the middle-income tier.
In many cases, a college degree isn’t needed for one of these jobs. On-the-job training is generally the most crucial stepping stone for this line of work.
Armed forces jobs can run the gamut from entry-level recruits to high-ranking officers. As of 2022, 65% of armed forces members were in the middle-income tier. And the average salary for employees of the U.S. army is $72,000 per year, according to Payscale.
To enlist in the U.S. armed forces, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree isn’t necessary, but you may have a better chance of being able to join if you’ve earned some college credits at the time of your application.
Once enlisted, though, you may be eligible for a host of benefits, including money toward higher education and the option to buy a home with 0% down via the VA loan program.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
