If you turn on the TV, you’re probably going to see a character who has one of the following jobs: lawyer, doctor, criminal investigator or generic business professional who must wear a suit.

Not that we don’t love those jobs (and those shows), but the media in general seem to forget about the millions of workers who are in other fields. To give some coverage to other occupations, we decided to highlight 40 jobs that are in one of these industries: construction, maintenance, operations, production and material handling. These careers are typically considered blue-collar jobs and are some of the top-earning in each field.

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and CBSalary.com, here are 40 top-paying blue-collar jobs and their mean annual salaries:

1. Aircraft mechanics: $54,506
2. Aircraft service technicians: $41,604
3. Boilermakers: $50,091
4. Brickmasons: $48,439
5. Carpet installers: $42,682
6. Chemical plant and system operators: $51,464
7. Construction and building inspectors: $51,815
8. Electricians: $55,188
9. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation and equipment: $44,450
10. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment: $49,260
11. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse substation and relay: $60,700
12. Elevator installers and repairers: $66,642
13. First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers: $61,280
14. First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers and repairers: $59,160
15. First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators: $53,960
16. Gas plant operators: $64,608
17. Line installers and repairers: $54,300
18. Locomotive engineers: $70,116
19. Machinists: $49,626
20. Millwrights: $54,969
21. Mining machine operators: $45,570
22. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines: $44,300
23. Model maker, metal and plastic: $44,700
24. Nuclear power reactor operators: $73,510
25. Numerical tool and process control programmers: $46,360
26. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators and gaugers: $54,950
27. Power distributors and dispatchers: $58,401
28. Power plant operators: $74,061
29. Plumbers: $49,169
30. Radio and telecommunications equipment installers and repairers: $52,650
31. Rail car repairers: $44,981
32. Railroad brake, signal and switch operators: $49,400
33. Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators: $44,870
34. Ship and boat captains and operators: $67,730
35. Ship engineers: $50,754
36. Stationary engineers and boiler operators: $50,098
37. Structural iron and steel workers: $47,170
38. Subway and streetcar operators: $55,318
39. Tool and die makers: $48,180
40. Transportation inspectors: $46,984

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

With some companies beginning to emerge from the recession and pursue growth plans again, moving up the corporate ladder could be on your mind. Taking on a higher-level position — and, ideally, the corresponding bump in pay — could be especially appealing if you’ve assumed added responsibilities or put in longer hours during the downturn. What can you do to ensure you’re on the short list of candidates for a promotion? Here are some tips:

1. Talk to your manager.
Your supervisor has a large say in your chances of earning a promotion. Don’t assume he or she is aware of your desire to grow your career. Speak to your boss about your long-term plans. Your manager may know of opportunities within the department, or elsewhere in the company, and be able to help you evaluate and prepare for the opportunities. Your boss also has a more objective view of your professional strengths and weaknesses than you do and can provide an honest assessment of what steps you may need to take to assume a new role.

By involving your boss in your quest for a promotion, you can discuss with him or her any questions or challenges you face. For example, if you are an administrative assistant in the marketing department and are interested in a position as an account executive, your supervisor’s feedback could help you determine if such a transition would be right for you.

2. Upgrade your skills.
There’s a good chance you may lack some of the necessary skills or qualifications for a higher-level role. The supervisory position you’re eyeing, for instance, may require knowledge of budgeting procedures or recruiting techniques. In some cases, you may even have to earn a new certification, license or degree.

You also need to consider if you have the necessary soft skills. A promotion may require you to do less hands-on, technical work and instead manage people, oversee projects, help various groups reach consensus or negotiate with vendors. If you lack experience in these areas, work with your manager to identify the appropriate training opportunities. Also, volunteer for projects that allow you to build skills in essential areas.

3. Expand your network. Being connected at work has multiple benefits. Most obviously, you could learn of opportunities you might not have otherwise been aware of. You also may meet someone who can provide insight into the job or type of position you seek. A manager, for example, could outline the steps he took to move up from a staff-level role and warn you about any stumbling blocks he faced.

Perhaps most importantly, networking with others allows you to boost your visibility within the company, increasing the likelihood that someone considers you when a position becomes available.

4. Gauge your interest. The most crucial part of preparing for a promotion is determining if you truly want it. While it’s safe to assume that you want any additional compensation or perks the job offers, do you also want the additional responsibilities? After you’ve learned more about a role you’re interested in assuming, ask yourself if you can do everything the position requires. Take into account not only your skill set and qualifications but also your life outside of work. If you have young children, for example, will your work/life balance suffer? Will a higher-level position require you to play office politics? Are you comfortable transitioning from peer to manager if you take a supervisory role?

A promotion is a great way to advance your career, but remember that it isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. You’re unlikely to jump multiple rungs on the corporate ladder in a single move. So keep your eye on the position you want to assume eventually and focus on the steps, even if they seem small, that will allow you to get there.

Robert Half International is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit http://www.roberthalf.com/.

Everyone has a different idea of what’s a good or bad salary. Some people are happy just to make ends meet. Others won’t settle for less than six figures. A lot of factors go into what makes a salary seem reasonable.

Therefore you can’t really classify any single salary as high or low without bringing in your own bias. That said, sometimes salaries just don’t seem large enough. We put together a list of 10 jobs that have salaries we thought would be bigger. Don’t mistake these jobs for having salaries that are impossible to live on; instead, these are salaries that seem too low for the amount of work, time or risk they involve.

Here are 10 jobs we thought would pay more:

1. Court reporters transcribe arguments during trials, mediations and other legal proceedings.
What they earn: $48,968/year
Why it’s surprising: Legal matters are important, and having an accurate record of what occurs is vital to almost any proceeding. Court reporters have to be attentive, speedy and accurate. That’s not easy.

2. Dry cleaners get those stubborn stains out of our clothing when at-home scrubbing just won’t do. Plus, they press our work clothes and formal attire so we look presentable in public and not like we’re wearing wrinkled tissue paper.
What they earn: $22,641/year
Why it’s surprising: Have you seen how much laundry your average dry cleaner is dealing with? Not to mention the fact that most people take their garments at the last minute, so the turnaround is usually very quick.

3. Maids and housekeeping cleaners are responsible for cleaning up the messes we make at hotels and homes. They empty the trash, replace the linens and do other chores that make homes and workplaces livable.
What they earn: $23,922/year
Why it’s surprising: It’s common knowledge that maids and housekeepers don’t earn as much as other occupations, but we’d probably expect someone whose job involves so much labor to be paid more.

4. Middle school teachers instruct children in grades six through eight. They sometimes specialize in one course, but often teach several.
Salary: $50,963/year
Why it’s surprising: Have you spent any time with an adolescent or teenager lately? Could you handle being trapped in a room with dozens of them, much less trying to keep them focused so you can teach them? A Nobel Peace Prize should be included in their compensation. Not to mention the amount of education most teachers are required to have, and they are usually required to take development courses every few years.

5. Paramedics respond to emergencies and provide medical care on-site. They also transport patients to health-care facilities if necessary.
What they earn: $46,184/year
Why it’s surprising: Although putting a price on saving a life seems impossible, you would expect a paramedic’s salary to be a bit higher.

6. Police officers protect citizens from criminals and help enforce laws that keep us safe.
What they earn: $53,428/year
Why it’s surprising: Their lives are on the line and they never know what they’re getting into. It’s hard to imagine many jobs that deserve better pay.

7. Rehabilitation counselors work with patients to treat disabilities, which can range from social to physical ailments. They work closely with the patients’ other health-care specialists to ensure they’re making progress.
What they earn: $27,617/year
Why it’s surprising: Rehabilitation workers are dealing with important issues that affect patients’ lives in a significant way and often have irregular work hours.

8. Security guards keep watch over businesses, merchandise and buildings. They make sure no one steals items or breaks into closed offices.
What they earn: $33,195/year
Why it’s surprising: Security guards have to be on the lookout at all times, and may be standing for their shifts. Their jobs involve little relaxation.

9. Teacher assistants do just what their title says — they help teachers. They often help students with some basic tasks or grade papers and prepare materials so teachers can focus on more demanding issues.
What they earn: $24,448/year
Why it’s surprising: Although these are assistants and not teachers, and therefore their education and experience requirements are less demanding, they are still highly involved in educating students and not paid as competitively as expected.

10. Veterinary assistants help veterinarians with caring for a variety of animals, which includes helping with examinations and treatments.
What they earn: $32,584/year
Why it’s surprising: Animals aren’t the easiest patients to deal with. They’re finicky, often dangerous and definitely not something just anyone can handle.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

With the national unemployment rate in double digits, people lucky enough to be employed are focusing on how to keep their jobs. For some, that means spending longer hours at the office, volunteering for new assignments, or enrolling in continuing education programs to gain additional skills that can add value in their current position.

For others, this is a time of deep, personal reflection about their job choice and career path. Many people are re-evaluating their careers, and they are looking at how they can make a greater impact on the lives of others.

As the director of career services for Walden University, I have been privileged to hear the success stories of hundreds of working professionals who found ways to make a greater difference in their communities. Here are three important lessons they taught me:

1. Expand your current role
The answer to making work more rewarding may be right in front of you. Before switching jobs and companies, first look inside your organization for opportunities to make an impact. With many organizations short-staffed right now, it might be possible to gain experience in a new field and shift careers with your current employer.

One of our public health doctoral students did just that. Julie*, who works in public health for a federal agency, sought projects to lead, and she became involved in two research initiatives outside her usual job description.

She updated her résumé to reflect her newly acquired skills, experiences and education, proving to her supervisor that she was qualified for a higher-level position. As a result of her resourcefulness, Julie received a promotion and a raise.

2. Spearhead a new initiative
Sometimes finding more meaningful work comes from exploring novel ways to use what you already know to make a difference in a new arena.

Maria* was completing a practicum in nursing at a local college. In conversations with the college’s dean, she learned that the curriculum had not yet been developed for the college’s new community health nursing course.

Capitalizing on her 20 years of experience in home health care, Maria offered to develop a syllabus and lesson plan for the course, and she was given the opportunity to do so. Her initiative paid off — the associate dean offered her a faculty position as the community health nurse educator.

3. Share your expertise with colleagues
When I talk to students who are successful in their jobs and their lives, I learn that they often go the extra mile in their professional roles, especially in their interactions with others.

There are plenty of opportunities to make a difference for individuals within your organization. Newer staff members need more experienced advisers to help them navigate difficult work scenarios or simply to grab lunch with them once in awhile.

Co-workers in other departments may be looking to better understand the work you do — and these connections will help strengthen ties between individuals and work groups within your company.

Check with your human resources department to see if you can sign up for a mentoring program, or simply invite a junior employee to lunch. Sometimes there is no greater reward than helping someone else succeed.

Now is a vital time to find ways to make current jobs more fulfilling, while also building skills for future achievement.

*Last names have been withheld for privacy purposes.

Lisa Cook is the director of career services for Walden University, an online university with a curriculum tailored to meet the needs of working professionals who strive for greater social impact. For more information, go to www.WaldenU.edu.

Everyone wants to earn a hefty salary in their careers, and it’s no secret that some of the highest-paid people are doctors, dentists and lawyers. It’s even less of a secret that those careers aren’t easy to come by. They require years of schooling — something that not everyone can (or wants to) handle.

But don’t despair. If you want to earn a lot of money, but don’t necessarily want to earn and advanced degree, check out these 20 careers. Although you won’t start out earning six figures, with your bachelor’s degree in tow, you can easily work your way up.

Here are 20 high-paying jobs that require only a bachelor’s degree:

1. Chief executives
Salary: $160,440
Education: Many top executives have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, liberal arts or a more specialized discipline.

2. Natural sciences managers
Salary: $123,140
Education: Natural sciences managers usually move up to management positions after starting out as scientists. They may have a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.

3. Engineering managers
Salary: $120,580
Education: Engineering managers usually move up to management positions after starting out as engineers. Nearly all engineering managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in some specialty of engineering.

4. Petroleum engineers
Salary: $119,140
Education: Engineers usually earn a bachelor’s degree in an engineering specialty.

5. Computer and information systems managers
Salary: $118,710
Education: A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field such as computer science, information science or management information systems is usually required for management positions.

6. Marketing managers
Salary: $118,160
Education: Employers often prefer a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing, or in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.

7. Financial managers
Salary: $110,640
Education: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration is the minimum academic preparation for financial managers, but many employers now seek graduates with a master’s degree.

8. Sales managers
Salary: $110,390
Education: A wide range of educational backgrounds is suitable for entry into sales manager jobs, but many employers prefer college graduates with experience in related occupations. Most sales managers start out as sales representatives with a bachelor’s degree in business.

9. General and operations managers
Salary: $107,970
Education: Just like their responsibilities, the formal education and experience required by general and operations managers vary. Most of these workers have at least a bachelor’s degree and considerable experience.

10. Human resources managers
Salary: $103,920
Education: A bachelor’s degree is typical to break into the human resources field. It should be noted, however, that many colleges and universities don’t offer degree programs in personnel administration, human resources or labor relations until the graduate degree level. This particular salary applies to human resources managers other than payroll and timekeeping, labor relations managers and training managers.

11. Public relations managers
Salary: $101,220
Education: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in public relations or journalism is preferable for public relations management positions.

12. Judges, magistrate judges and magistrates
Salary: $100,450
Education: A bachelor’s degree and work experience are usually the minimum requirements for judges and magistrates. Many have law degrees and some are elected.

13. Computer hardware engineers
Salary: $100,180
Education: Engineers usually earn a bachelor’s degree in an engineering specialty.

14. Political scientists
Salary: $99,320
Education: Political scientists with a bachelor’s degree usually qualify for entry-level positions as a market analyst, research assistant, writer or policy analyst.

15. Actuaries
Salary: $95,980
Education: A bachelor’s degree and a strong background in mathematics, statistics and general business are needed to be an actuary. They’re also required to pass a series of exams in order to become certified professionals.

16. Advertising and promotions managers
Salary: $94,720
Education: Employers often prefer a bachelor’s degree in advertising or journalism, along with related courses.

17. Computer software engineers, systems software
Salary: $94,520
Education: A bachelor’s degree is normally required for software engineering jobs, although a master’s degree is preferred for some positions.

18. Purchasing managers
Salary: $94,300
Education: Most employers hire applicants who have a college degree and who are familiar with the merchandise they sell and with wholesaling and retailing practices. Workers may begin as trainees, purchasing clerks, junior buyers or assistant buyers.

19. Personal financial advisers
Salary: $92,970
Education: Personal financial advisers must have a bachelor’s degree. Many go on to earn a master’s degree in finance or business administration or get professional designations.

20. Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents
Salary: $92,050
Education: Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting or economics. An MBA or professional certification is helpful for advancement.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

10 Jobs with better hourly pay

President Barack Obama gets a nice little salary. Certainly some CEOs, entrepreneurs and movie stars are earning millions (and in some cases billions) of dollars, so he’s by no means the richest person on the planet with his $400,000 annual salary. And he gets some pretty sweet perks — a fancy plane, an amazing chef and one of the most famous addresses in the world.

But if you stop to think about all his job entails, he’s never really off the clock. Although he takes vacations, he can’t completely clock out as long as he is in office. Regardless of where he is, the Secret Service is monitoring his every move and he must respond to any crisis that arises. The only other job that requires you to be on call 24 hours a day without fail is that of a parent, and no one’s paying you to do that, unfortunately.

We took Obama’s salary (not including his perks) and divided it by the 8,765 hours in a year, to figure that he earns $45.63 per hour. Again, not too shabby, but considering what a president has to put up with — constant danger, huge responsibilities, graying hair, people throwing shoes — it’s a tough gig.

Here are 10 jobs that, while important and demanding, probably don’t have the same pressure as that of Obama’s, and they pay more than he gets:

1. Computer and information systems managers are involved in technology administration for a company or organization. They work with leaders to ensure the company is meeting all goals and standards they have set for technology.
Hourly pay: $49.90

2. Dentists perform routine maintenance on your teeth and gums, ranging from preventive treatment to certain types of procedures. In other words, they allow you to smile with confidence.
Hourly pay: $66.54

3. General internists care for and treat adult patients for diseases or ailments relating to internal organs, such as heart or gastrointestinal issues.
Hourly pay: $55.61

4. Judges and magistrates preside over various legal and civil proceedings in order to assign awards or punishment based on the law.
Hourly pay: $59.95

5. Lawyers perform a wide range of legal duties, ranging from acting as counsel in a trial or working on behalf of organizations and corporations to ensure they are abiding by the law.
Hourly pay: $54.35

6. Marketing managers coordinate the promotion and marketing of a product or service for a company. They are involved in all marketing aspects for the company, from the initial brainstorming to the execution of the plan.
Hourly pay: $51.26

7. Post-secondary business teachers teach business courses in college and universities. Their students are typically working toward an MBA, although they might be studying any number of fields.
Hourly pay: $60.92

8. Post-secondary physics teachers teach post-secondary physics courses at universities and institutions and often perform research, as well.
Hourly pay: $57.76

9. Psychiatrists work with patients to diagnose and treat mental and behavioral disorders or conditions.
Hourly pay: $71.93

10. Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents sell stocks or bonds to investors in exchange for a commission. They are in constant contact with customers to see what stocks or bonds might interest them and find out how they want to proceed.
Hourly pay: $53.54

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

Every so often, you meet someone with a job title that makes you go, “Huh?” Either it’s too technical to understand, too hard to describe or in some cases, people just may not have heard of it. But, why would someone not have heard about a job’s existence?

Simple: All the changes that have come about in the past 10 years, from environmental policy to emerging technologies to the recession, have contributed to the creation of careers that never could have existed before.

Dom Sagolla, co-creator of Twitter, for example, recently made the switch from working in research and development at Adobe to creating iPhone applications with his company, DollarApp. Sagolla is also authoring a book, “140 Characters,” which demonstrates the effect of hypertext on literature by redefining the concept of “the book” using Twitter and iPhone to start, he says. Could he have done this 10 years ago? Doubtful.

“I’ve noticed that the best-of-breed iPhone apps incorporate Twitter and social networks, and the best Twitter apps seem to be on iPhone,” Sagolla says. “That is no coincidence: The two came to prominence at roughly the same time. I’ve worked hard to position myself at intersection of those two industries, which form a vortex of attention and zeal that is unmatched.”

Here is a little information about 10 careers that didn’t exist a decade ago:

1. Bloggers
What they do: Bloggers research and write blog posts in a conversational style to engage readers online. They work for themselves or for corporations, but their goal is the same: to develop and maintain blogs to promote a brand, mission or objective. Jimmy Moore, owner of “Livin La Vida Low-Carb,” started his blog in April 2005 after losing 180 pounds. He wrote about it while still employed in a customer service position. He began blogging full time in October 2006.

“My annual income increased from about $25,000 a year to nearly $60,000 now. I get to work out of my home, I’ve written two books, host my twice-weekly health podcast show on iTunes, do YouTube videos and so much more. This is literally my dream job,” he says. “[It] didn’t even exist a decade ago.”

2. Community managers or content managers
What they do: Community or content managers are an extension of a typical marketing role, but on a more personal level. They serve as a liaison between the company and the public, managing a Web site that allows them to engage with community members and spread the word about the company.

Erin Bury has been the community manager at Sprouter, a Toronto company that enables collaboration and networking among entrepreneurs, for almost one year. She says, “A community manager is a nontraditional role, so it requires some unique traits: the ability to adapt quickly, the ability to juggle a multitude of tasks while still keeping a smile on their face, and an innate passion for what they do. This isn’t a 9-to-5 job; it’s one that involves being an extension of the brand almost 24/7, which is why loving the company and the job is a prerequisite.”

3. Green funeral directors
What they do: Green funeral directors incorporate environmentally friendly options to meet the needs of families who want a green service.

“A green funeral may include any or all of the following basic options: no embalming or embalming with formaldehyde-free products; the use of sustainable biodegradable clothing, shroud or casket; using recycled paper products, locally grown organic flowers, organic food; car pooling; arranging a small memorial gathering in a natural setting; [or a] natural or green burial,” says Elizabeth Fournier, a funeral home owner who works as a green mortician. “It’s a fabulous opening for an individual who is green-minded in all aspects of their work.”

4. Interior redesigners
What they do: Instead of spending $500 on a new couch, why not use that money to hire an interior redesigner who will find new ways to decorate with items you already own? Interior redesigners remodel your home using the things you already have, either repurposing them for other uses or putting them in other rooms, etc.

Jennifer Schweikert, owner of Just My Style by JMS, says, “In a time of ‘less is more,’ people streamlining possessions, baby boomers and seniors downsizing, and the green movement of reduce, reuse and recycle, interior redesign is an up-and-coming field of work that addresses these needs in today’s lifestyle and economy.”

5. Patient advocates
What they do: There are several types of patient advocates, and although their services vary, all of them want to make sure that the patient and family are informed and to make things easier on everyone. Advocates can go with patients to appointments; ensure they’re visiting with the right specialists and taking the right medicines; sort through medical bills and negotiate fees with health-care providers and insurance companies; they can even educate family members on proper care for their sick loved one.

6. Senior move management
What they do: Senior move management companies help older adults and families with the physical and emotional demands of downsizing, relocating or modifying their homes.

7. Social media strategists
What they do: Social media strategists use social media tools to help companies interact with customers, increase brand awareness, create buzz, increase traffic and provide information.

8. User experience analyst
What they do: User experience analysts look for ways to make using a Web site easier, more pleasant and more engaging for consumers. They want to figure out how to keep you on their site and how to make your experience while you’re there memorable and useful.

9. Video journalists
What they do: In the 1960s, reporters had to shoot and edit their own stories because of lack of manpower and resources. Now, almost 50 years later, this role is back, but now it’s called video journalism. To save money, large-market news groups hire small-market reporters as video journalists at a fraction of the cost. They are usually assigned stories to produce for the station Web site, finding content to drive Web traffic.

10. Virtual business service providers
What they do: Many people are forming their own companies by way of telecommuting, offering such virtual services as customer service, concierge services or even public relations from their homes.

“Thanks to the birth of the Internet and the rise of new industries because of it, my company was born. The rise of virtual companies like ours has provided jobs for lots of people,” says Deborah Sittig, owner of Green Room Public Relations.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

The past can teach us many things. We can see how unjust our society was to some people before major Supreme Court cases were decided. We can imagine how simple some aspects of life were before cell phones tethered us to work.

It’s also fun to look back and see just how much further a dollar seemed to go back then. Undoubtedly you’ve heard some relative reminiscing about the days when a nickel would buy you four movie tickets and you’d still have some change left.

For fun, we thought we’d see what some of today’s salaries would translate to in 1958 dollars. We’re not saying you would’ve made that exact amount 50 years ago, because many professions were quite different then and not all salaries increased at the same rate. Also, salary surveys weren’t conducted as extensively as they are now, so you can’t find some financial data from more than a few decades ago. And keep in mind that many of today’s jobs didn’t exist 50 years ago. Social media consultants and IT administrators weren’t job titles anyone had.

Measuring Worth is a Web site that compiles historical salary data from various sources and allows users to calculate different monetary figures such as inflation or purchasing power for specified periods of time. We found today’s average salaries and then used Measuring Worth to calculate the monetary equivalent in 1958 based on Consumer Price Index data, which include figures from 1774 to 2008.

Here are 25 contemporary jobs and their current salaries* compared with their monetary equivalent 50 years ago**:

Accountants
2008: $54,440
1958: $7,313

Administrative assistants
2008: $44,471
1958: $5,973

Automotive mechanics
2008: $34,565
1958: $4,643

Chefs
2008: $54,143
1958: $7,273

Construction workers
2008: $36,214
1958: $4,864

Dry cleaners
2008: $22,429
1958: $3,013

Elementary school teachers
2008: $53,020
1958: $7,122

Emergency medical technicians
2008: $35,609
1958: $4,783

Fast-food workers
2008: $19,833
1958: $2,664

Firefighters
2008: $52,293
1958: $7,024

Flight attendants
2008: $63,913
1958: $8,585

Grocery store managers
2008: $55,629
1958: $7,472

Commercial painters
2008: $41,120
1958: $5,523

Hospice workers
2008: $46,191
1958: $6,204

Janitors
2008: $25,725
1958: $3,455

Newspaper journalists
2008: $21,963
1958: $2,950

Personal trainers
2008: $46,049
1958: $6,185

Pianists
2008: $64,348
1958: $8,643

Plumbers
2008: $48,591
1958: $6,527

Police officers
2008: $52,801
1958: $7,092

Public relations representative
2008: $72,575
1958: $9,748

Registered nurses
2008: $66,427
1958: $8,923

Sales clerks
2008: $26,844
1958: $3,606

Surgeons
2008: $322,281
1958: $43,289

Veterinarians
2008: $93,685
1958: $12,584

*Salary figures based on data from CBsalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com
**Past salary figures based on data from Marketing Worth’s calculator for relative value of the U.S. dollar.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.

(Hint: It’s not the economy)

If the economic climate did anything in 2009, it served as a scapegoat for everyone’s problems. While most of the people who are unemployed, never got a raise or who went bankrupt last year legitimately suffered because of the economy, there are also plenty of people using it as an excuse.

Now, at the beginning of 2010, employees face performance reviews and talks of prospective raises and promotions. When your boss tells you that it’s just not going to happen this year, you may feel inclined to shrug and tell yourself it’s because of the economy — but that might not be the case.

Here are 10 reasons you might not receive a promotion any time soon — and they’re not because of the economy.

Reason No. 1: You are unprepared — and clueless

Just because your boss or other decision-makers in the promotion process may know you, it doesn’t mean that you don’t still have to prove yourself to them. Highlight your skills, knowledge and strengths, and show how you can improve the company’s bottom line. Convince them that you have new ideas and that those ideas will help the company achieve and surpass its goals.

Reason No. 2: You’re a slacker

So what if you’re always late to work and you’re the first one to leave? And, like anyone has noticed that you call in sick on Mondays and Fridays. And it’s not your fault you’ve missed a few deadlines or turned down a few projects. You had things to do like (insert most recent excuse here).

Reason No. 3: You don’t go above and beyond

No one can say you’re a slacker. You show up on time, you leave when you’re supposed to and you meet your goals. But that’s the problem — just meeting goals or doing work that is “adequate” or “OK” will probably allow you to keep your job, but it’s not enough to get you promoted. Arrive early, stay late, offer innovative ideas, beat deadlines and do excellent work. If you don’t go the extra mile for your employer, don’t be surprised if your employer doesn’t go the extra mile for you.

Reason No. 4: You haven’t shown leadership

You can’t follow others and do a good job; you need to lead others and be the example. Do what you can to get noticed by the people who have the power to promote you. Take on a project that is outside of your job duties; volunteer to lead committees or organize group outings; or head up your department’s holiday gift-giving program. All of these things will throw your name into the mix of people who always step up and increase your chances of a promotion.

Reason No. 5: You think you’re entitled

Think you’re above making coffee, stapling reports, writing bylines or making presentations? Well, you’re not. Many employees think that doing such tasks is “beneath them” and that if they could start doing more meaningful work, they would care a little more about their jobs. We’ve got news for you: You aren’t going to get that chance if you don’t pay your dues first. Show your employer you’re willing to do whatever is asked of you, and you’ll be much more likely to be given more responsibility.

Reason No. 6: You don’t dress the part

Do you come to work dressed sloppily or inappropriately? Does “casual Friday” mean shorts and flip-flops or jeans and a sweatshirt? If so, it’s no wonder you aren’t being seen as management material. Take a cue from those working in the position that you want to be promoted to and dress similarly. If you look the part, it will be a lot easier for decision-makers to see you in that role.

Reason No. 7: Your boss doesn’t want to lose you

You know you’re great at your job — and so does your boss. If you’re the best associate your boss has ever had, is it any wonder he doesn’t want you to go anywhere? Make sure your boss knows that you want to move up in the company. Offer to help him find an equally great employee so that you both get what you want.

Reason No. 8: You have a bad attitude

No one likes a poor sport — especially in management. If you don’t have a positive attitude at all times, even when times are tough, it will be hard for decision-makers to support you. Also, do you have any enemies at work? Anyone who doesn’t like you can make it more difficult for you to get ahead; especially if those people have the ear of the person who can promote you. Make nice with the right people and your chances of getting that promotion are greatly increased.

Reason No. 9: Your co-workers are superstars

The reality is that some industries are more competitive than others, and a promotion is going to be harder, no matter what. In such a field, you are going to have to do a phenomenal job instead of just a good one. Do more of the things we’ve mentioned, work to separate yourself and show that you’re management material, too.

Reason No. 10: It’s all about you

Your supervisors want to know what you can do for them, not the other way around. So, in a discussion about a promotion, don’t overuse the terms “my career” or continually talk about taking your career to the next level. Instead, talk about how you are committed to doing everything you can to help the company grow and succeed.

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

A strict schedule where you clock in at 9 a.m. and clock out at 5 p.m. is ideal for some professionals. You can schedule events easily when you know that you’re busy for only those eight hours.

Not everyone can do that or even wants to. Routine doesn’t sit well with some people who like a little variety in their lives. For other people, that particular eight-hour block of time conflicts with other plans. School, family obligations and part-time jobs often mean working 9 to 5 is impossible. Of course, just because these jobs have different hours than most others, don’t think they’re easy jobs.

If you’d prefer to have a schedule that offers different hours, here are 10 jobs to consider:

1. Chefs and bakers
You might not eat lunch until noon, but someone had to start preparing it long before you sat down. Chefs get up early to get the freshest ingredients from local markets and to start chopping vegetables and marinating dishes so they’ll be ready for you. Bakers also need time to make all those delicious baked goods you scarf down in a few seconds. While you were still snoozing, a baker was making those pastries you picked up on the way to work. The next time you pass by a restaurant or bakery that is closed in the middle of the day, realize that they were working long before you were.

2. Construction workers
Construction work is tough for many reasons, one being the weather. Imagine wearing protective gear while building a skyscraper on a hot summer afternoon. To avoid spending their entire day in dangerous heat, construction crews often start working before the sun rises so they can be done early. It’s safer for them and means they’re heading home before most 9-to-5 workers call it a day.

3. Emergency room nurses
You can’t schedule an emergency, so we’re glad ERs are open around the clock all year long. Naturally, no single nurse can cover every shift alone — and they’re often long shifts — so someone needs to be there during the day, late at night and in the morning.

4. Firefighters
Fires don’t just occur during normal business hours. Firefighters need to be available 24 hours a day, so they have different shifts to ensure someone is ready to help out when a call comes. Certain departments have schedules that require firefighters to work for a certain set of days but then be off for the following three days. You’re still working a lot of hours but you’re not sticking to a standard workday.

5. Hair stylists
Hair stylists need to be available to clients when it’s convenient for them, and not everyone can sneak away for an hour or two during the day to get a haircut. And you probably don’t want a groggy stylist holding a pair of scissors at 6 a.m. just so you can get an appointment before work. That’s why many salons don’t open until late morning but then stay open until late evening. As a result, they’re working when many other people aren’t, so you can make an appointment.

6. News reporters
The news might last only 30 minutes, but a lot of work goes into those stories. The reporters you see on morning shows get up at absurdly early hours just to be able to give you a story while you get ready for work. The reporters on the evening news when you get home were gathering information all day while you were at work.

7. Pilots
Try to imagine how difficult traveling would be if you could fly only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Not only are pilots flying planes at various hours, they’re also crossing time zones and datelines on flights that can go well beyond eight hours.

8. Professors
Some professors teach only day courses, so their workday might not look that different from yours. But others teach in the evenings as well, so they might have a six-hour gap between their morning class for undergraduates and their evening class for grad students. Plus, grading papers and holding office hours mean work well beyond the hours they spend in a classroom.

9. Retail sales clerks
When you buy clothes, groceries or even a car, you probably don’t do it during the middle of a workday. Retail salespeople work evenings and weekends so you can buy what you need without having to leave the office.

10. Security guards
When everyone leaves their 9-to-5 jobs, someone has to make sure the office is secure all night. Security guards patrol the grounds to ensure that no one gets in the building and they alert the police if something goes wrong. Of course, you can find security guards at banks and stores that are open only during standard business hours, too.

Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.