Here's a selection of some of the best-paying stimulus jobs:
Computer Security Specialist
A big chunk of the ARRA money is dedicated to health-care information-technology initiatives -- digitizing medical records so they're easier to transmit and share between doctors, hospitals and pharmacists. Computer-security experts who can help keep electronic medical records locked away from computer hackers and other unauthorized users will be in high demand as the health-care sector modernizes, says Laurence Shatkin, author of "Great Jobs in the President's Stimulus Plan."
Other specialists will be needed to train workers on how to keep the data
safe. A brief certificate program may suffice to get you started in this field,
the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says. "There's going to be a special role
here of how to keep prying eyes away," Shatkin says.
Median annual
salary: $78,376
Cost Estimator
For each of the major infrastructure projects that receive stimulus funding,
an estimator must determine the likely cost of material plus labor so that
accurate job bids can be submitted and budgets properly prepared. Shatkin says
laid-off workers with a background in construction, who are familiar with the
industry's labor and materials costs, should find opportunities here, though
many estimators have a four-year degree.
Median annual salary:
$58,868
Civil Engineer
For each of these big federally backed construction projects, Shatkin points
out, civil engineers must make sure structures are properly designed to
withstand the elements. Engineers also make sure construction projects are
executed correctly. You'll need at least a college degree, usually in engineering. But the BLS notes a degree in science or
mathematics might work to get you started here, too.
Median annual
salary: $66,638
Insulation Installer
The ARRA is focused on making federal facilities more energy efficient,
starting with simple methods such as weatherizing buildings with more insulation
to save energy. Projects are happening all over the country, Shatkin notes, at
science labs, military installations, and other federal buildings. High-school
graduates often can receive on-the-job training, the BLS says.
Median
annual salary: $44,460
Solar Panel Installer
President Obama has made cleaner, greener energy use a top administration
priority. The ARRA includes funding for the installation of solar panels to cut
energy use at many federal buildings ... and that means someone with an
understanding of electric, water and heating systems will need to climb up on
the rooftops and put up these systems. Training programs may be as short as six
months, Shatkin notes.
Median annual salary:
$44,460
Physical Therapy Assistants
The ARRA included an extension of medical benefits for workers laid off in
the recent downturn, Shatkin points out. That will keep business brisk for
medical professionals, including physical therapy assistants. Assistants may
have a two-year degree, or can be trained on the job, to assist patients who
need exercises or must use crutches or other devices, according to the BLS.
Median annual salary: $48,999
Loan Officer
Just signed into law in May, legislation entitled Making Home Affordable provides federal incentives for banks to help up to 9 million distressed homeowners renegotiate their loans. Because each mortgage agreement and piece of property is unique, the work is time-consuming -- a loan officer must sit down with each homeowner individually.
This initiative is creating a sudden need for more mortgage loan specialists who can renegotiate with homeowners, says Joseph Burkhart, director of recovery-related business development at recruiting firm The Mergis Group in McLean, Va. Burkhart says the majority of the nation's loan-renegotiation work traditionally took place in the Dallas market, but that the huge volume of loan workouts planned means banks will be hiring all across the country.
"The mortgage industry in January only did 100,000 refis," he says. "Now they're projecting that millions of them will take place every month."
Because of high demand, Burkhart says employers are looking at applicants
with a variety of past work experience -- former bank loan officers and others
who understand contracts. One background that's of interest, Burkhart says:
call-center workers who've made contract offers over the phone.
Median
annual salary:
$43,070
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.
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