Newsweek reveals a rundown of deceptively challenging jobs requiring a level of education (and impressive skillsets) that some may find surprising.
The job salaries listed are average starting salaries according to PayScale, while those working at a more senior level earn more.
Cartographer
$57,221/year
Despite map-making being a very old profession, modern-day cartographers deal with highly scientific, technological and artistic matters.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists consequently require a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics or surveying.
In addition, some U.S. states require these professionals to be licensed as surveyors and others have specific licenses especially for photogrammetrists.
Embalmer
$26k - $60k/year
An embalmer is responsible for embalming and preparing the bodies of the deceased in a funeral home for services such as burials and cremations.
Some may be surprised to learn an embalmer is a highly trained professional with a specialized skill set.
Embalmers must consequently earn a mortuary science degree from an accredited mortuary science school.
And while many of these programs result in associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degree programs can also be available.
Packaging engineer
$70,460/year
Creating quality packaging is a deceptively simple task, with engineers needed to plan, design, develop and produce all the containers in use today.
When developing a package, an engineer must first determine the purpose of the packaging and identify the end-users’ needs.
Those serious about progressing their career often take a foundation degree, a higher national diploma or a degree in packaging or packaging design.
Other relevant subjects include materials science, food technology, nutrition—and even physics or chemistry.
Anesthesiologist assistant
$146,485/year
Anesthesiologist assistants practice medicine under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists to assist with the perioperative care of patients.
However, despite being a “mere” assistant, this is a role requiring highly skilled and educational professionals.
Anesthesiologist assistants must complete a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree and certification, meaning they may require schooling for more than six years.
Internal auditor
$59,590/year
Although auditing may lack an exciting appeal, this job can be anything but dull.
Internal auditors can provide vital insight into an organization’s culture, policies, procedures and management.
An internal auditor must therefore possess a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, while others employers prefer candidates with a relevant master’s degree in accounting or an MBA.
Technical writer
$61,075/year
Technical writers create paper-based and digital operating instructions, how-to manuals, assembly instructions and frequently asked questions pages.
These are designed to assist technical support staff, consumers and other users within a company or an industry.
This arguably overlooked role means a college degree is usually required to land a position as a technical writer.
In addition, experience with a technical subject, such as computer science, Web design, or engineering, is a considerable advantage.
Quality assurance tester
$53,598/year
A quality assurance tester is tasked with reviewing and analysing new or changed software applications, mobile devices and numerous other products.
This can involve QA testers searching for defects or issues for these to be resolved before a software change delivery is released for use by the general public.
This means a demonstrable aptitude in systems testing is needed with a degree related to computer science or engineering, plus a minimum of one year’s work experience.
