When it comes to choosing a career, not everybody heads for college. Contrary to popular belief, there are many vocational occupations that can generate top salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, the following are the top earners among vocational careers, in order of revenue.

1- Real Estate Broker and Sales Agents

Job Duties

Besides arranging the buying, selling, and renting of properties, real estate brokers also manage the advertising, meet with clients, offer virtual or real-life tours, and arrange all pertinent paperwork. Sales agents usually work as independent contractors for a licensed real estate broker and share any earned commission with them. Some brokers also sell homeowners insurance. Most of them (60%) are self-employed.

Income

The median average salary for a real estate brokers (commission included) is $50,330. In peak cities and exclusive locales, earnings can reach $145,600. Commissions on sales constitute the largest part of the earnings.

Training

To become a real estate broker, a minimum of a high school diploma is required. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require a license, which can be obtained after 60 and 90 hours of classroom instruction and formal training followed by an examination. Licenses must be renewed every two years, usually through a written test. Many large firms organize their own training programs, catered to the needs of a specific community. The National Association of Realtors offers a series of courses, covering legal issues, mortgage financing, accounting, business practices, etc.

2- Construction and Building Inspectors

Job Duties

Building inspectors ensure the compliance of codes/ordinances and zoning regulations during the construction or repair process of everything from buildings to bridges, highways, and sewer and water systems. After the assessment is done, building inspectors are in charge of completing an inspection report. The International Code Council (ICC) issues a national standardized building code by which the inspectors must monitor compliance.

There are different specializations available, including:

Building plans examiners (in charge of making sure the plans for a construction meet all needed requirements)

Elevator inspectors (also check escalators, ski lifts, service stairs, and amusement rides)

Electrical inspectors

Heating inspectors (ensures proper working condition of hot water boilers, gas and oil furnaces, vent systems, chimneys, and electric heating systems)

Mechanical inspectors (check for safety of mechanical components of industrial equipment, gas-fired appliances, and central air-conditioning systems)

Plumbing inspectors

Public Works inspectors (work under the supervision of federal or local departments to ensure up-to-date specifications of highways, water and sewer systems, bridges, etc.)

Roofing inspectors

Structure inspectors (check condition of foundations, roof/ceiling, and walls structures, and ensure fire safety regulations)

Home inspectors

Income

Median annual earnings of a building inspector are $41,620, with the top ten percent earning as much as $59,794.Those working with local government and architectural services make the highest salaries.

Training

While there are a series of college degrees related to home inspection and construction technology available, most building inspectors start their careers as supervisors in the construction industry, electricians, plumbers, and craftworkers. Many receive on-the-job training. There is a state certification required in most areas, which basically consists of a 30-hour course followed by a multiple-choice test. Certifications are offered in specific branches, such as the Certified Building Official (CBO) designation. Continuing-education courses include drafting, reinforced concrete management, blueprint reading, etc.

3- Lighting Technician

Job Duties

While the term "lighting technician" brings to mind images of Hollywood crews, the truth is that most technicians work at TV and cable stations, and private film production companies. They create lightning moods, work with crew photographers, and are in charge of electrical equipment, generators, extension lugs, etc.

Income

The union wage minimum for a lightning technician is $39,520, although salaries vary widely depending on production schedule, locale, type of work (TV or movie making), etc.

Training

Training is usually done on-the-job, although basic knowledge of electricity is an asset. A color blindness test (administered by the Contract Services Administration and Trust Fund) is required of all wished to enter the field.

4- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

Job Duties

Community property managers work as financial managers, to ensure profits or to preserve resale prices of different properties. These include commercial buildings, residences, planned communities, cooperatives, and condominiums. They are in charge of collecting rent, employee payroll, onsite managing of apartment buildings, and purchasing supplies for the property. They also act as intermediaries, resolving complaints that may ensue among tenants or against janitorial or trash removal services. Depending on the location and area, they can also be in charge of checking occupancy rates, deal with lease expirations, comply with local fair housing laws, and up-to-date records.

Income

A median average salary for a community property manager is $36,880, with the top ten percent earning over $85,000. Local government offices and real estate agents employ the majority of property managers. Because of the real estate expansion and the constant development of new structures, this career is expected to grow much faster than the average.

Training

There is no specific degree related to property managing. People on the top earning percentage may have a bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration, but most of them are self-taught professionals with an affinity for finances. Most start working under an experienced manager as apprentices, handling the more basic stuff such as collecting overdue rent payments. Many property managers eventually open their own administration firms.

5- Truck Driver

Job Duties

Trucks drivers are classified under two major categories:

• Long-distance truckers provide transportation among distant areas, sometimes crossing international borders. This is also known as long-haul or interstate trucking, and it usually requires overnight or week-long trips.
• Local truckers work making local deliveries, usually inside a single city or area. This would be the case of garbage collection or delivery trucks. This is usually done during the day, as a regular salaried job with fixed hours.

While most local truckers work regular 40-hour weeks, long distance trucking requires a much longer investment of time. The U.S. Department of Transportation has, however, a set of rules limiting long-distance driving to no more than 60 hours in any 7-day period.

In addition to the driving itself, employees are also responsible for inspecting and monitoring basic equipment safety of their trucks, securing cargo, and filing U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reports.

Income

Long-distance truckers are usually paid on a rate-per-mile system, although some companies do pay by the hour. Average salary comes to about $15.97 an hour. Local truckers make much less (average of $9.92), as they are usually salaried employees with fixed hours.

Training

A 20/40 vision and adequate hearing capacity is required in order to obtain a truck driver's license. Drivers of heavy trucks, (over 26,000 pounds) must pass a written and practical test, have a clean driving/criminal record, and able to show they do not suffer from insulin-controlled diabetes or epilepsy in order to need a CDL (commercial driver's license). Good English-language skills are also required.

Random alcohol and drug testing is compulsory.

The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PDTI) offers formal training programs in safety standards and Federal Highway Administration guidelines.