Latest news with #employers
Forbes
an hour ago
- Business
- Forbes
10 ‘New-Collar Careers' Paying Six-Figure Annual Salaries In 2025
A new category of hiring is gaining traction in the American workforce that leaves college degrees in the dust and gives more attention to skilled employees without a traditional four-year college degree. They're called 'new-collar careers'—not white- or blue-collar careers. According to the Harvard Business Review, this shift benefits many workers unable to advance because they don't have a bachelor's degree and are stuck in low-paying jobs. As more companies search for job candidates with skills, instead of college degrees, new-collar workers are gaining popularity in the job market and making big bucks. A report by Accenture argues that degree inflation—the rising demand for a four-year college degree for jobs that previously did not require one—is a substantive and widespread phenomenon, making the U.S. labor market more inefficient. The report found more than 60% of employers rejected otherwise qualified candidates in terms of skills or experience simply because they did not have a college diploma. Enter new-collar careers. These jobs are different from blue-collar careers in that they typically don't involve physical labor. They differ from white-collar careers because they emphasize skills training instead of a college degree requirement. The demand for new-collar careers is changing the tide of recruiting. And forward-thinking organizations are striking through the 'four-year-degree required' line in their job descriptions. Even factory jobs are making a comeback, some offering over $80K a year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2020 and 2030, 60% of new jobs—some yielding six figures—will be new-collar careers that won't require any type of college degree. As AI transforms work and talk of a recession lingers, people are questioning whether a degree is really worth it, discovering that new-collar workers fit the bill. 'These jobs are skills-driven, where learning happens on the job and adaptability matters just as much as credentials,' explains Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius. "New-collar roles challenge the idea that a degree is the only path to success. By showcasing practical skills, a portfolio of work or even strong referrals, people can build meaningful, well-paying careers without racking up more student debt or spending years in school.' Resume Genius released its 2025 New-Collar Jobs Report, to help job seekers identify ten of the most promising new-collar career options, offering six-figure salaries plus career growth opportunities. The team used five criteria to analyze the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and other labor market sources: Career experts at Resume Genius used these five future-proof qualities to select the top ten new-collar jobs, ranked from highest to lowest median annual salaries, followed by estimated job growth from 2023 to 2033 and AI job takeover risk. 1. Marketing manager ($159,660). Help companies find the right audience and grow their reach, managing budgets and teams. Growth: eight percent, AI Takeover Risk: 39%. 2. Human resources manager ($140,030). Shape company hiring, support employees and manage workplace policies and labor law compliance. Growth: six percent, AI Takeover Risk: 24% 3. Sales manager ($138,060). Lead teams that drive revenue for the company. Growth: six percent, AI Takeover Risk: 33% 4. Computer network architect ($130,090). Design and build networks that connect computers and allow companies to communicate and share data. Growth: 13%, AI Takeover Risk: 39% 5. General and operations manager ($129,330). Oversee multiple teams to keep businesses running smoothly. Growth: six percent, AI Takeover Risk: 36% 6. Information security analyst ($124,910). Protect the company's digital systems and data from computer misuse and cyberattacks. Growth: 33%, AI Takeover Risk: 49% 7. Sales engineer ($121,520). Sell complex products through with technical knowledge and explanations of how products work. Growth: six percent, AI Takeover Risk: 38% 8. Health services manager ($117,960). Handle the business side of healthcare, coordinating of various departmental schedules with changing regulations. Growth: 29%, AI Takeover Risk: 26% 9. Art director ($111,040). Set the visual tone of products and manage designers, guide concepts and ensure that work aligns with the client's vision. Growth: five percent, AI Takeover Risk: 34% 10. Construction manager ($106,980). Supervise building projects like timelines, budgets and work safety and efficiency. Growth: nine percent, AI Takeover Risk: 13% 'Many new-collar jobs reward people who are proactive and work well with others because that's often what the roles demand day-to-day,' observes Nathan Soto, another career expert at Resume Genius. 'Since these roles tend to evolve quickly, employers often look for candidates who are flexible, quick learners and comfortable using new tools or workflows. Showing that you're open to feedback and willing to grow on the job can make just as much of a difference as formal credentials.' 1. Earn certifications that match the job. Industry-recognized certifications demonstrate that you have gained relevant skills without formal work experience. Programs similar to the Google Cybersecurity Certificate or the Associate Professional in Human Resources are widely accepted and are available online. The certifications can be completed quicker than college degrees and at a lower cost. 2. Volunteer or freelance to gain hands-on experience. Practical, real-world experience is one of the best ways to build credibility and can make a big impact on your resume. You can offer your skills to local businesses, nonprofits or startups such as helping a nonprofit organize inventory in Google Sheets or setting up email campaigns for a small business. 3. Build a portfolio. A strong portfolio gives hiring managers a tangible sense of your abilities. If you're a marketing professional, you might include sample campaigns or content, or IT professionals can showcase troubleshooting case studies or network setups. 4. Conduct informational interviews. If you speak directly with professionals in your field, it can provide valuable insight into what employers are looking for in an ideal candidate. You can use these conversations to ask about daily responsibilities, career paths and tools of the trade. In some cases, these connections also can lead to future referrals or mentorship opportunities. The skills-first approach to 'new-collar careers' goes against the long-held traditional grain that the four-year college degree—a symbol of accomplishment, prestige and pride—is imperative for social acceptance and career success.
Health Line
an hour ago
- Business
- Health Line
Medicare and Private Insurance: Can You Have Both?
If you're covered under an employer-provided plan, COBRA, or TRICARE, you can have both Medicare and private insurance. If you have both, the guidelines determine which provider pays for your healthcare services first. Health insurance covers many medical expenses. Generally speaking, there are two basic types of health insurance: Private: These health insurance plans are offered by private companies. Many people get private health insurance through a group plan provided by their employers. Public: Public health insurance plans are government-funded. One example of a public health insurance program is Medicare. Others include Medicaid and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, 65.4% of Americans had some form of private health insurance in 2023. Only 36.3% had public health insurance, including 18.9% enrolled in Medicare. In certain instances, private health insurance and Medicare can be combined. How does private insurance work with Medicare? It is possible to have both private insurance and Medicare at the same time. When you have both, a process called 'coordination of benefits' determines which insurance provider pays first. This provider is called the primary payer. Once the payment order is determined, coverage works like this: The primary payer pays for any covered services until the coverage limit has been reached. The secondary payer pays for costs that the primary payer doesn't cover. However, it may not cover all costs. The provider who is the primary payer can depend on the type of private insurance you have and your individual situation. In some cases, Medicare may be the primary payer, while in others, it may be the secondary payer. Did you know? Private insurance companies manage some parts of Medicare, including: Medicare Advantage (Part C) Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) While these plans can be considered private insurance, companies that offer them must be approved by Medicare and agree to follow its rules. Because of this, they're still considered part of the Medicare program. What other types of coverage can you have with Medicare? There are several different situations when you may have private insurance and Medicare at the same time. This can happen if you have: Coverage through an employer: When you're eligible for Medicare, you may still have private insurance through your employer. Coverage under your spouse's private health insurance: You can have Medicare and also be covered on a group plan provided by your spouse's employer. COBRA: COBRA allows you to temporarily keep private insurance coverage after your employment ends. You'll also keep your coverage if you're on your spouse's private insurance and their employment ends. TRICARE: TRICARE provides coverage for active and retired members of the military and their dependents. You can have both TRICARE and Medicare if you: are age 65 or over and enrolled in Medicare Part B have a disability, end stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B have Medicare and are a dependent of an active duty service member with TRICARE Who pays first for your services and medications? Whether Medicare or your private insurance pays first depends on the specific circumstances. You have private insurance coverage through your employer or a spouse's employer When you're eligible for Medicare, you can still have private insurance coverage provided by an employer. Generally speaking, you're eligible for Medicare when you: are age 65 or older have a qualifying disability receive a diagnosis of ESRD or ALS How Medicare works with your group plan's coverage depends on your particular situation, such as: If you're 65 or older: In companies with 20 or more employees, your group health plan pays first. In companies with fewer than 20 employees, Medicare pays first. If you have a disability or ALS: In companies with 100 or more employees, your group health plan pays first. When a company has fewer than 100 employees, Medicare pays first. If you have ESRD: Your group health plan pays first during a 30-month coordination period. This is regardless of the company's number of employees or whether you're retired. Your company may offer you coverage under a group plan after you retire. This is called retiree coverage. In this case, Medicare pays first, and your retiree coverage pays second. Some health insurance plans, such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, require using in-network providers. If this is the case with your group health plan and it pays first, you may not be covered by Medicare if you choose to use an out-of-network provider. You have COBRA If you have both Medicare and COBRA, the provider that pays first depends on your specific situation, such as: You have TRICARE If you have TRICARE, the provider that pays first depends on whether or not you're on active duty: If you're on active duty: TRICARE pays first for any services covered by Medicare. TRICARE also covers Medicare deductibles, coinsurance costs, and any services covered by TRICARE but not Medicare. If you're not on active duty: Medicare pays first. TRICARE can pay second if you have TRICARE for Life coverage. What if I have additional questions about coverage? Working with both private insurance and Medicare can be a complicated process. If you have questions or concerns about what's covered and which provider pays first, you can reach out to several sources, including: Medicare: You can contact Medicare using its general contact information or by contacting its Benefits Coordination and Recovery Center directly at 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048). Social Security Administration (SSA): Contacting the SSA at 800-772-1213 can help you get more information on Medicare eligibility and enrollment. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): Each state has its own SHIP, which can help with any specific questions about Medicare. United States Department of Labor: If your employment has ended, you can contact the Department of Labor to learn more about COBRA coverage at 866-487-2365. TRICARE: Contacting TRICARE directly at 866-773-0404 may be beneficial when navigating coverage alongside Medicare. The takeaway In some situations, you can have both private insurance and Medicare, such as if you're covered under private insurance through an employer. When you have private insurance and Medicare, one provider will pay for healthcare services first, and the second may potentially cover the remaining costs. This depends on your situation and the type of private insurance you have. If you have questions about how Medicare works with private insurance, don't hesitate to contact Medicare, the SSA, or your local SHIP for assistance.
SBS Australia
5 hours ago
- Business
- SBS Australia
Minimum wage rise will deliver first above-inflation increase in years
Minimum wage rise will deliver first above-inflation increase in years Published 3 June 2025, 8:22 am Millions of Australian workers will pocket an above-inflation wage increase within weeks. The Fair Work decision is intended to correct a decline in real wages among the lowest paid, but employers are questioning whether it will be sustainable.
Irish Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
My first job: How much will I earn – and will I be taxed?
This summer, thousands of students across the State will be embarking upon a rite of passage – their first job . Although some might have earned money casually up to now – babysitting, cutting lawns, etc – the formality of becoming a registered employee brings a certain amount of bureaucracy to the process. Finding seasonal work can be tricky but, if you do succeed, you'll want to get the most from the experience. Taxes , working hours, getting paid – it is best to familiarise yourself with what's expected this summer, so you don't get any nasty shocks when it's time to get paid. So what do you need to be aware of? READ MORE What will I get paid? This will obviously depend on your employer, but it is worth noting your rights in this respect. Since January 1st of this year, the minimum wage is €13.50 per hour. So, based on a 39-hour working week, this would be €526.50 a week. However, special rates do apply depending on your age. For example, if you're under 18, employers can pay you just 70 per cent of the main rate, or €9.45 an hour. They don't have to but the decision is theirs. This would give weekly earnings of €368.55 a week, based on 39 hours. Once you turn 18, this increases to €10.80 an hour, and to €12.15 for 19-year-olds. Also bear in mind rules around Sunday and bank holiday pay. If you work Sundays, for example, you may be entitled to additional pay, of time and a half. [ I met my younger self for coffee – and this is the financial advice I gave Opens in new window ] Getting paid is, for most young people, the best part of the job, but make sure you have a bank account you can get paid into. You might already have a Revolut card but this may not work when it comes to getting your wages paid. This is because many under-18s will have a junior card through their parents' accounts. And this is more of a payment card than a current account. A spokesman for Revolut says the bank's under-18 accounts 'are not designed to receive payments from external sources like employers'. This might change, though not in time for this summer. Given the demand, he says the fintech is 'also exploring a more independent solution with greater functionality for older teens'. For now, it is best to open a bank account with one of the main clearing banks operating in the retail market. With AIB, for example, if you're under 18 you can open a student account which will give you a current account and a debit card (if you're under 16 you'll need parental consent to do this). If you're over 16, you can enhance this by adding Google or Apple Pay to your phone, allowing you to pay for transactions – drawn from your current account – with your phone. As a student, you will avoid all the normal transaction and maintenance charges associated with bank accounts – at least for the next few years. And AIB says it will pay the €30 annual Government stamp duty associated with your card on your behalf. If you're over 16, you can open such an account online through AIB's app. You will need to show proof of identity, typically your passport, and proof of address – bear in mind that banks will typically accept a utility bill addressed to a parent to show this, if you don't have such a bill in your name. The other banks will have similar arrangements. Once it's set up, you can then supply your employer with the Iban and Bic numbers associated with your account, so this is something you should get working on before you start work. Beware emergency tax It can be tough to have done the work and be looking forward to pay day only to find out that Revenue has claimed almost half of your earnings. This happens when either you haven't given your employer your PPS (personal public service) number, or your job isn't registered with Revenue. So how to avoid the disappointment? According to Laura Whelan, a tax director with PwC, the first step is to register your employment with Revenue. To do this, Revenue suggests you set up a MyAccount, which can take a couple of days to go live. 'Ideally do it in advance,' says Whelan. For this, you'll need your PPSN, your date of birth and contact details. [ How do you find a job and career that makes you happy? Opens in new window ] If you were born in Ireland, you will have been assigned a PPS number at birth. If you don't know it, check with your parents first. If they cannot dig it up, or if you were born outside the State, you will need to contact the Department of Social Protection to get your number or have one assigned to you. That could take about two working weeks so, again, it is worth sorting out in advance. When you have it, do remember to pass it on to your employer also. Once you have a MyAccount, you need to transfer your tax credits to your employer. You can do this by accessing the 'Add Job or Pension Details' link under the 'PAYE Services' tab. Revenue will then send a notification to your employer indicating your tax credits and rate bands. Your pay should then be taxed as normal. Will I have to pay tax? If you're just working for the summer and you're in a job paying about the minimum wage, you likely won't have a tax bill. But there are some important points to note to ensure that you don't. First is how your tax credits are allocated. The options are emergency, cumulative or Week 1 basis. And, as Whelan points out, each can have quite different outcomes for your pocket. If you're starting work for the first time this summer, 'you want to make sure tax credits are considered cumulative', advises Whelan. This means that you will benefit from credits unused in the first five months of the year, and will mean your chances of paying tax will be lower this summer. 'Really, for anyone earning €250-€450 a week, tax credits could cover them for that period over the summer,' says Whelan, 'but if they continue on working after that, they might end up paying tax'. Tax credits come to €4,000 per person, per year. 'So if you're just starting in June, you have essentially 5/12ths of that €4,000 built up unused,' says Whelan, or about €1,667. Thereafter, on a weekly basis you will have a tax credit of €77. You also need to consider what rate of tax might apply. For 2025, the standard rate of tax – 20 per cent – extends to the first €44,000 you earn. Above that, it's 40 per cent. For most casual summer workers, it is the 20 per cent rate that will apply – if any. [ A rite of passage: 'My first summer job means I won't be relying on my parents anymore' Opens in new window ] Let's consider someone earning €250 a week. As Whelan notes, this suggests a tax charge of €50 at 20 per cent. Given your weekly tax credit is €77, it would cover the tax owed, so none is due. Push these earnings up to €500, and the tax due would be €100. That's obviously above the €77 weekly credit. However, those cumulative credits built up over the early months of the year when you weren't working will then kick in, meaning that, again, you won't pay any tax. If you opted to be taxed on a Week 1 basis, only the credit of €77 would apply – so you would pay tax. However, if this happens, notify Revenue and you should get any tax you have paid back. If you don't get around to doing that, Whelan suggests doing a tax return at year end as another way of getting any tax you paid during the summer months in work back. You can check how your credits are allocated on your payslip and if it's not what you want, get in touch with Revenue and ask to change it. Of course, it's not just income tax you have to worry about – universal social charge (USC) and PRSI (pay-related social insurance) can also bring down your take-home pay. 'If you have income in a tax year of less than €13,000, you do not pay any USC,' says Whelan. So, it's not a deduction for most summer workers. However, Revenue won't know how much you might earn, and so USC might be charged. To avoid this, Whelan says get in touch with the tax office (via MyEnquiries on MyAccount) and let them know that you don't expect to earn more than €13,000 this year. If you don't notify Revenue and you pay USC, you can claim this back at year-end in a tax return. Once you earn more than €13,000, USC kicks in at a rate of 0.5 per cent on earnings of up to €12,012, and 2 per cent on the next €15,370. Finally, there is PRSI, or social insurance. 'If you're earning less than €350 a week, no PRSI is due,' says Whelan. If you earn between €352 and €424 you do pay PRSI at a rate of 4.1 per cent but credits apply. Once above the €424 a week earnings level, the full weight of PRSI applies and is not reclaimable. Claiming back tax If you do get caught short, and end up being hit with emergency tax on your first pay cheque, don't despair. It is possible to get it back. To do this, you will first need to ensure you take the above steps and that your employer has your tax details. They will then take you off emergency tax, so you will be paid the correct amount going forward. If you have overpaid tax, you should get this back in your next pay cheque. 'The following week in your pay, you'll get that tax back,' says Whelan. How much tax will I pay? If I earn €200 a week this summer Income tax: €0 USC: €0 PRSI: €0 If I earn €350 a week this summer Income tax: €0 USC: €0 PRSI: €0 If I earn €500 a week this summer Income tax: €0 USC: €0 PRSI: €20.50 Source: PwC, based on working three months of the year, annual earnings of €13,000 or less
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Top 10 High-Paying Apprenticeship Programs
Why apprenticeships are rising in popularity. In a world that increasingly prioritizes real-world skills over traditional college degrees, apprenticeships might be your ticket to the hidden job market - especially for Gen Z job seekers. While times are tough for recent college grads, the future looks bright for those with experience-building apprenticeships - especially in some trade roles where AI isn't a threat. For folks who want to earn while you learn, skip the mountains of student debt, and start building a solid career foundation, apprenticeships (not internships) might be your best move. An apprenticeship is a structured, paid training program that combines on-the-job learning with instruction, via direct mentoring, classroom training, or other types of guidance. Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor. Think of apprenticeships as a 'learn by doing' approach to a career, where your role is driven by an employer, with industry-recognized credentials driving your experience and propelling you towards a career. (For anyone who's experienced the dreaded uncertain internship, where you're wondering what you're supposed to do next while you're on a Starbucks run for the office staff, put down those lattes and consider your options). Unlike traditional academic paths, apprenticeships hire you as an employee and train you directly for a specific job. As college becomes more and more expensive every year, many Gen Z job applicants are wondering if it's worth the time and money. Apprenticeships can fast-launch your career, bypassing student loan debt and helping you to build your future. According to the website, there are over 800,000 apprenticeship program participants in the U.S. today. Programs improve productivity, and reduce turnover, as employers are investing in the future of work. Today, employees are challenged with massive trust issues as even highly-profitable companies like Microsoft announce layoffs. While there's no guarantees in life, 90% of apprentices continue employment after completing an apprenticeship. The advantages for employers are many, but they are built on a mutual investment in the apprentice's future. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics says that apprenticeships grew by 64% in the U.S. in the 10 years leading up to 2022. According to data from 2023, there are over 27,000 apprenticeship programs that are creating new opportunities for the future of work. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina (BCBSSC) began running its entry-level training program (ELTP) in the late 1990's. Today, 22% of the company's leadership staff were trained in the ELTP, and attrition rates for apprentices are 70% lower than for employees hired from other channels. Plus, the average tenure for the BCBSSC apprenticeship program is 10 years. Apprenticeships are perfect for: On average, the starting wage for an apprentice is $20/hour, with wages increasing over time. Over 92% of apprentices retain employment, earning an average salary of $80,000 in a few years. Apprenticeships have expanded well beyond construction and the trades. While those fields are still strong, new sectors are now offering high-quality programs for digital-native generations. Here are some career fields worth exploring for apprenticeships: Due to skills gaps, there is an expected shortage of 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs in the United States by 2030. Today, manufacturers are actively trying to attract Gen-Z workers to fill these roles, but manufacturers are filling only six out of 10 job openings, according to an analysis by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company. For Gen Z, moving from the 'anxious generation' to the 'toolbelt generation' might be a way to capitalize on market needs, if your skills match up. The apprenticeship programs below offer high-paying careers, according to sources from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) as well as individual websites, industry-specific apprenticeship networks, and job aggregators like Glassdoor and Indeed (as noted below): The value of a college education is a source of constant debate, and employers are encouraging upskilling and real-world experience in favor of advanced degrees. For job seekers today, creating the future of work might begin with exploring an apprenticeship — where you can earn while you learn.
