Glassdoor makes it possible for workers to anonymously report their yearly income online. It's a great resource for job-hunting and when negotiating a raise (critical to knowing your job's market value), but the data can also reveal some fascinating facts.
In its most recent study, the website looked at 11 jobs with surprising salaries. Sometimes, it's way less than you'd think — and sometimes, way more. For example, who do you think gets paid better, a food scientist or a railroad conductor? Do actors get bigger paydays, or school principals? Oh, and do you know what Obama's take-home pay is?
Click through to see 11 unexpected salaries for different jobs. Is yours on the list?
Median Base Salary: $36,000
Not all jobs in medicine pay well. These first responders to emergencies make a quarter of what doctors do, though no medical degree (or even a college degree) is required for the job.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Base Salary: $294,81 1
Of course, some doctors make way more than others. Anesthesiologists earn close to $300,000 a year, way more than the median base salary of $175,929 for all doctors.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Monthly Pay: $5,275 (for a yearly salary of $68,576)
Don't feel bad if you're making less than an intern is — after all, the average American worker earned $48,320 last year. So why are some interns making $20,000 more than that? Supply and demand. The need for qualified software engineers is so great, the workforce can't keep up, so companies are doing everything they can to woo the new generation of workers, including paying them quite well.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Base Salary: $35,310
If you primarily hear about actor's salaries via reports of A-listers' pay, this number might surprise you. Then again, if you've watched the struggles of Titus Andromedon on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, you may already be familiar with the less-glamorous side of the industry. Glassdoor notes these working actors are making a living "thanks to local theater, commercials, and/or supporting gigs."
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Base Salary: $34,746
Yup, it's tough out there for a reporter — they're making 28% less than the average worker. And there's more bad news for aspiring cubs: Glassdoor notes the number of "news reporter jobs are expected to decrease by 9% through 2024."
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Base Salary: $177,800
Like actors' salaries, the CEO salaries we hear about are often huge. Sure, $177,800 is nothing to sniff at, but it's nothing compared to the outliers at Fortune 500 companies. That's because the average CEOs (nearly 90% of CEOs, in fact) are helming companies of fewer than 20 people.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Base Salary: $66,238
Railroad conductors can make a relatively high median salary of $66,238 even without a college degree, though some speciality training is required. But Glassdoor also notes that jobs are getting more scarce, with a projected decrease of 3% in jobs over the next eight years.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Base Salary: $58,085
Food scientists can make a solid salary — though a Master's degree is typically required. Still, if you're passionate about food, you could do worse, considering these folks are paid better, on average, than chefs.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Base Salary: $46,967
While how much teachers are paid is often a topic of national debate, the actual amount may be lower than you realized. Some career teachers in specific school districts can make more than $46,967, but the national median remains lower than the average salary for all Americans.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Median Base Salary: $100,438
Of course, not all educators stay in the classroom — and the pay may have something to do with it. School principals have a median base pay that's already six figures, though a Masters' degree is typically required.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Base Sa lary: $400,000
Here's one job that doesn't require a Glassdoor report: The President's salary is a matter of public record (like those of all government gigs). And while $400,000 is nearly 10 times the average American's salary, it's far lower than what CEOs of major companies make. No wonder former presidents are so eager to ink a book deal and land lucrative speaking engagements after they're out of office.
The job has other perks, too (besides use of Air Force One). There's a $50,000 annual expense account, $100,000 travel account (nontaxable), and $19,000 budget for entertainment.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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