Spring is traditionally considered a season of rebirth: trees and flowers start blooming, migratory birds are returning from their trips south, temperatures are rising, and people want to get outside! Get inspired by these careers that celebrate spring, and will pay a better wage because of the post-high school education required.
Recent job postings in the Nebraska Game & Parks State Agency show biologists could be working in wildlife management: ensuring habitat for wild animal species to thrive through weed control, planting specific vegetation, and even observing animal health. With a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, fish or wildlife management, earn between $23 to $31 per hour (or between $48-65k per year) to conduct surveys, collect data, and make plans to help mountain lions, waterfowl, bats, pollinators, sheep, and more!
After frigid days working outside or not being able to work at all because of feet or snow or frozen ground, when the temps warm up, the construction crews get busy! A construction manager will schedule that workload for his or her crew, and ensure the work is being done correctly and on time. A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college is typically needed for this career. The average entry (beginning) hourly wage is $27 per hour, or about $57,000 per year. Top wage earners will get about $52 per hour, or closer to $108,000 per year.
These 3- to 5-year-old brains are soaking up all kinds of new experiences: colors, numbers, letters, shapes – and personal hygiene and social skills. Children grow and develop so much during these few short years! Earn between $14 to $25 per hour, or between $29-51k each year. Go to a two-year community college to earn an associate’s degree in early childhood education.
Labor & Delivery Nurse (or Registered Nurse)
What better way to celebrate the season of new birth than to actually help someone give birth? In addition to assessing your patient and updating their records, you will also administer their care, helping them through this difficult – but exciting – experience! Bachelor’s degrees from a four-year college or university are typically required for a registered nurse, but a two-year community college can also set you up to take the registered nurse exam. Nurses are in great demand, and pay ranges from $28-39 per hour, or $59,000-$89,000 per year.
As snow forecasts dissipate, stress levels decrease for these drivers whose daily grind depends on transporting their load from one place to another. Get on the road by driving a tractor-trailer combination or a truck that can carry at least 26,000 pounds! Get your CDL at a two-year community college in only 6-8 weeks and earn between $18 to $32 per hour, or $37,000 to $66,000 each year.
Help others experience a financial rebirth by helping them get out of debt, get their dollars invested in hopes of earning more, and plan their retirement funding. Earn between $23 and $60 per hour, or $48-125k each year. This job requires a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Goodbye snow and freezing temps! Hello tulips, chirping birds, storing away that winter coat – and prospects of an inspiring career possibility!
By Kristin Agedon