It wasn't long ago that only doctors, lawyers and CEOs earned large salaries. However, there are more surprising occupations in the workforce that have huge paydays. Additionally, the majority of these jobs are perfect for service members and military spouses; a few are portable and have flexible hours.
Here's a list of the 10 most unconventional jobs -- according to Forbes.com -- that have surprisingly large incomes:
1. Air Traffic Controller
This job has a high level of stress (which many service members are used to) and requires all new employees to enter a challenging training program. Most of these positions pay close to $100,000.
2. Restaurant Manager
Higher-end restaurants will pay their managers $100,000 or more if they've got the experience.
3. Pressman
When magazines and newspapers need to be printed, the pressman pulls the lever. Also known as printing machine operators, pressmen make as much as $32 an hour in some areas, reports Forbes.com. Additionally, wages like this can lead to a six-figure income annually over time.
4. Court Reporter
It's not the first job you'd think to apply for, but if you can type at least 200 words a minute, this could be for you. In some states, court reporters make six figures or more.
5. Mine Manager
This unconventional profession has an annual median salary of $106,000. Most mine managers must have project management experience and enforce safety procedures. A college degree is not always necessary.
6. Professional Coach
This career has nothing to do with sports. This occupation deals more with helping people deal with their life problems. According to industry estimates, 20% of 10,000 coaches make six figures.
7. Salesperson
Salespeople are a unique, tough bunch. A salesperson must schmooze with the best of 'em and take rejection without missing a beat. If you can "sell salt to a slug," you stand to make big bucks.
8. Tech Writer
Tech writers usually cover high-tech related topics and can demand as much as $50 an hour.
9. Elementary School Principal
The national median is $76,000 a year, but school principals in higher-income areas with large enrollments break the six-figure barrier.
10. Truck Driver
Wages vary depending on location and seniority, but long-haul truckers willing to hit the road for weeks at a time can pull in $100,000 or more a year, plus benefits.
Finding the right job with the right pay is difficult, especially for service members with more work experience than college. But these high-paying, unconventional jobs can give service members the challenge and the income they need to be happy in their professions.
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