We geeks are an interesting lot. We often have unique, technical, or eclectic interests that can make us prime candidates for some great careers. If you’ve been thinking about putting your geeky skills to good use, consider some of these fun (and lucrative) options and get on the path to a brighter future.
Female? Love the idea of working in nerdy industries? Become a librarian, forensic science technician, editor, or software developer. Get the scoop on educational requirements, annual pay, and projected job growth.
Are You a Female Geek? Learn Where You Can Make Bank.
Librarian
Average yearly pay: $58,520
If you adore books, you might find your dream job as a librarian. Employment options span well beyond public libraries, with schools, government agencies, non-profit organizations, museums, and corporations also employing them. Job description may include cataloging, classifying, acquiring, and maintaining books and other physical media. You might also help with research, work with databases, and interact with the public.
Job growth is expected to expand by nine percent within the next decade. Qualified librarians will have a master’s in library science, although some institutions might require more education.
Forensic Science Technician
Average yearly pay: $57,850
Do you love science, have an eye for detail, and enjoy seeing justice served? You might make a great forensic science technician. Some technicians specialize in collecting evidence during criminal investigations, and will have to travel to local crime scenes, while others specialize in analyzing that evidence in a laboratory. You may be required to work long or unusual hours.
This field is expected to grow 17 percent in the next decade, creating a lot of opportunity. You’ll only need a bachelor’s in chemistry, biology, or forensic science to start, and then you’ll be required to undergo some on-the-job training.
Editor
Average yearly pay: $58,770
If you’re a word nerd with a passion for grammar, consider working as an editor. Editors revise and proofread various forms of printed content for errors in syntax, spelling, and punctuation. They may also fact-check, develop content, oversee other editors, and organize formatting.
The job outlook isn’t great, with a -1 percent projected growth, and many editors work under strict and stressful deadlines. However, a bachelor’s in English and strong grammatical skills are all you need to begin, and some editors are even able to work from home.
Software Developer
Average yearly pay: $103,560
If you’re creative, enjoy being on the computer, and have a knack for code, you might have what it takes to be a software developer. Depending on what area you go into, you will help produce new apps for devices, develop software for networks, or create systems for new hardware.
With a projected 24 percent growth in this field by 2026, the demand for qualified software developers is only going to grow. If you have a bachelor’s in computer science and have a background in programming, you already have what you need to get started.
Regardless of your area of interest, the skills you’ve acquired as a geek may give you a competitive edge in the field of your choice. Most require at least some education – so seek out that diploma if you haven’t already. It could open the door to the career of a lifetime.
