The myth that a college diploma automatically equates to a good paying job is quickly being erased from the American mentality (thank God).
I’ll readily admit that when I was in my closing years of my Marine Corps career, I was of that mindset. Decades later, I’m still kicking myself in the ass over all the time and effort I pissed away on a Cracker Jack prize that was my diploma.
If I had to do it all again, I would have gone to the local CC and have gotten my certificate in welding. Oh, well. To maintain a certain degree of sanity, I’ve stoically accepted the reality of it all.
But so others don’t make the same mistake that I did in believing a four-year degree was the Golden Ticket, here’s some info I’ll help make public.
According to the good folks over at Salary.com, here’s the breakdown for construction workers in Charleston, South Carolina;
- Entry level – $36,222
- Median – $41,963
- 90th percentile – $51,740
Now let’s try Middle-America. How about Wichita, Kansas?
- Entry level – $35,264
- Median – $40,854
- 90th percentile – $50,372
Time for the West Coast. Specifically, Bend, Oregon;
- Entry level – $37,561
- Median – $43,514
- 90th percentile – $53,652
Keep in mind, even at entry level, workers are bringing home $3,000 a month. That’s WITH the construction labor market flooded with illegals who are bringing wages down.
Granted, not everyone can swing a hammer, especially during sweltering heat of July or the freezing cold of January.
But in all fairness, I know people in their 50s and 60s who’re hard as nails. I also have the misfortune of knowing people in their 20s who can’t deal with the weather while checking the mail.
The bottom line is this… well-paying jobs are available here in the United States. The only real question is if the jobseeker is willing to deal with a certain amount of personal discomfort.