Business and Financial Occupations
| OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION  |
2012 MEDIAN PAY |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Accountants and Auditors |
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. They ensure that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently. |
Bachelor’s degree | $63,550 |
|
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate |
Appraisers and assessors of real estate estimate the value of land and the buildings on the land usually before it is sold, mortgaged, taxed, insured, or developed. |
Bachelor’s degree | $49,540 |
|
Budget Analysts |
Budget analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances. They prepare budget reports and monitor institutional spending. |
Bachelor’s degree | $69,280 |
|
Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators |
Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims. They decide whether an insurance company must pay a claim, and if so, how much. |
See How to Become One | $59,850 |
|
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists |
Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists help conduct an organization’s compensation and benefits programs. They also evaluate job positions to determine details such as classification and salary. |
Bachelor’s degree | $59,090 |
|
Cost Estimators |
Cost estimators collect and analyze data in order to estimate the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. They generally specialize in a particular industry or type of product. |
Bachelor’s degree | $58,860 |
|
Financial Analysts |
Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments. |
Bachelor’s degree | $76,950 |
|
Financial Examiners |
Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws governing financial institutions and transactions. They review balance sheets, evaluate the risk level of loans, and assess bank management. |
Bachelor’s degree | $75,800 |
|
Fundraisers |
Fundraisers organize events and campaigns to raise money and other donations for an organization. They may design promotional materials and increase awareness of an organization’s work, goals, and financial needs. |
Bachelor’s degree | $50,680 |
|
Human Resources Specialists and Labor Relations Specialists |
Human resources specialists recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They often handle other human resources work, such as those related to employee relations, payroll and benefits, and training. Labor relations specialists interpret and administer labor contracts regarding issues such as wages and salaries, employee welfare, healthcare, pensions, and union and management practices. |
Bachelor’s degree | $55,640 |
|
Insurance Underwriters |
Insurance underwriters decide whether to provide insurance and under what terms. They evaluate insurance applications and determine coverage amounts and premiums. |
Bachelor’s degree | $62,870 |
|
Loan Officers |
Loan officers evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications for people and businesses. |
Bachelor’s degree | $59,820 |
|
Logisticians |
Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain—the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, distributed, allocated, and delivered. |
Bachelor’s degree | $72,780 |
|
Management Analysts |
Management analysts, often called management consultants, propose ways to improve an organization's efficiency. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues. |
Bachelor’s degree | $78,600 |
|
Market Research Analysts |
Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. |
Bachelor’s degree | $60,300 |
|
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners |
Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events. They choose meeting locations, arrange transportation, and coordinate other details. |
Bachelor’s degree | $45,810 |
|
Personal Financial Advisors |
Personal financial advisors give financial advice to people. They help with investments, taxes, and insurance decisions. |
Bachelor’s degree | $67,520 |
|
Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents |
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents buy products for organizations to use or resell. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review product quality. |
See How to Become One | $60,550 |
|
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents |
Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents ensure that federal, state, and local governments get their tax money from businesses and citizens. They review tax returns, conduct audits, identify taxes owed, and collect overdue tax payments. |
Bachelor’s degree | $50,440 |
|
Training and Development Specialists |
Training and development specialists help plan, conduct, and administer programs that train employees and improve their skills and knowledge. |
Bachelor’s degree | $55,930 |
Publish Date: Wednesday, January 8, 2014
