Careers Employment


Find career and job search resources from national, state, and local sources. Find articles, reports, publications about employment trends.

How to Look For Part-Time Jobs

Looking for part-time jobs is becoming a national past time. With the rising cost of living, full-time wage earners are looking elsewhere to earn extra dough to pay the bills. Here's how to find the jobs that will fit into your schedule and your expertise.

Can't Pay the Bills?

Even with a two-income family, finances can be tough, especially with little children. Professionals with college degrees are no longer averse to looking for part-time jobs to pay the bills. There's the mortgage hanging over your head, credit card bills that are long overdue, and food to put on the table everyday.

A part-time job is the only way out of the pickle, especially if you've got no money to put up a little business. For an extra $500 a month, you can work 8 hours a week, depending on the type of job you have found. Sometimes those jobs on the side can give you more money if you work extra hours.

Job Search

Landing a part time job may take awhile. For online searches, try CareerBuilders.com or MonsterJobs.com. You can narrow down the search to location and type of part-time job. The available jobs are from various industries like hospitality, pharmaceutical and medical, construction, maintenance, insurance, research, retail, science, and accounting. A job search in the neighborhood can begin with a casual conversation with your local grocery store or pharmacy. Or, if you find a help wanted sign in a bar, restaurant, or bakery, check if you are fit for the job.

The newspaper is another good source for 'help wanted' ads. Don't give up hope scanning the classifieds daily. There is always bound to be something that will catch your interest.

The grapevine or the network is always a reliable and faster route to find part-time jobs. Talk to friends about your job search. There is always someone who knows someone who needs an extra pair of hands for a shop. Always make sure your business card holder is filled with extra business cards just in case.

Always apply in person if you find a help wanted sign. Dress appropriately for the interview and be ready with your resume and cover letter. It pays to have a little background information on the business establishment that is hiring. This will help you ace the job interview. However, not all jobs will require a resume, but the employers will always do a quick background check on all job applicants.

Extra Jobs and Family

You should discuss the implications of working more hours away from home with your partner. You can always talk things over your partner to balance the household chores and bank account. If the extra compensation can pay the bills and a babysitter, that would be ideal.

The children should be prepped for a change in daily routine. You will have to adjust to the changes too, and as a couple, you'll take on additional responsibilities to make the home atmosphere as normal as you can. For the sake of the children, couples should work in shifts. One can get weekend jobs, while the significant other can take on a weekday job.

Looking for part-time jobs should not be a daunting task. When extra money is needed, you have to be persistent when looking for that additional source of income. Nowadays, people have to work double time to live decently.

Get on the Employment Career Networking Bandwagon

Networking for your job advancement in your career development path offers big benefits and outstanding career employment advancement opportunities that in most cases would never come your way otherwise.

Why network? Networking in the employment and career field offers the number one source of finding employment and job advancement. It is often stated that the vast majority – estimated as high as 80 – 90 % of jobs are filled inside organizations rather than outside. Generally in life people do not like risk and change. Better to deal with someone you know, can judge and trust. As well someone who recommends a future employee to an organization should have a vested interest in recommending a person who will be of good benefit to that organization. As well it should be noted that the person who does the recommendation has their own self interest to consider in case things do not work out well with the prospective hire.

In fact many employers will pay an employee who recommends a future hire a “finder’s fee” or other reward. Better to reward someone in your organization for growth than to reward an outsider such as a commercial “head hunter”.

It may be said that sometimes a firm will look outside of the norm to hire someone – especially management to shake the organization to be a “whipping boy”. This does occur. However these are not situations where you would place yourself for serious career advancement.

Networking is in actuality the process of developing relationships with people who can assist you with job search strategies and in finding strong job leads. Often people you seriously network with (including those you ask as valued references on your job resumes or applications) will become your best proponents. It should be noted that networking should be distinguished from simple hobnobbing and name dropping. Networking in its true sense is a sincere, two ways relationship not a shallow one way activity. The distinction can not be stressed enough. If you are unable to comprehend the difference between the two - then this activity of career networking is not currently the right path for you.

The benefits of networking are great. Networking will focus your job choice and career direction. You will be tapping into jobs that you would most likely not have access to otherwise. You should be in a position to gain information and perspective about your chosen industry and firms or organizations that you would not be privy to or be able to comprehend or appreciate the significance otherwise. Specialized information such as industry and geographical trends, job search structure and protocols and hiring processes in your chosen fields will avail itself to you in your employment search.

It is a wonderful trait in interviews to be confident with industry perspectives as well as privileged information about the going ons of firms that you are making job applications for. The biggest percentage of most job interviews is based on preparation before the interview, not during it. Networking will be your best tool for successful pre interview preparation and planning.

As well networking affords self promotion in a socially acceptable manner without bragging rights to those people in the hiring stream who ultimately matter the most to you in your employment search. In effect you are practicing your communication and interviewing skills as you successfully navigate the network streams.

Remember that for all the serious work you do in your job search in the end you never know who can be of the most help to you. Be sincere and appreciative in all that you do.

Medical Billing Careers

Since time immemorial, a career in medicine has been looked upon with prestige, and people consider it humanitarian and noble. A career in medicine calls for a lot of responsibility and the ability to update one’s knowledge on the evolving medical technology. With the passage of time and innovation in the field of science, the medical profession is becoming very challenging. There are a number of fields within the medical career, such as Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Management, Medical Insurance Billing, Medical Office Billing and several others.

Basic Requirements For Medical Billing

The job of medical billing involves a lot of hard work and vast knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, coding and proper completion of forms. In addition, you need to have basic computer knowledge and a typing speed of at least 35 words per minute. A good temperament is another important characteristic that the person needs to possess, since he is required to deal with a number of patients, their attendants, doctors, medical representatives and other office personnel.

Job Outlook And Employment Opportunities

Medical billing is one of the fastest growing careers in healthcare. The importance of medical billing personnel is on the rise, since several insurance companies and the government are continuously spending substantial time and money to nix fraud and abusive practices. Due to this demand, various companies and practices are constantly on the lookout for trained and experienced medical billers. Personnel could find positions with doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, insurance companies, legal offices, rehabilitation centers, legal offices and consulting firms or they could also work independently.

They could set up an electronic billing system through their personal computers. Independent medical billers can also work as insurance specialists and consultants. The job is lucrative and revolves around helping patients and medical professionals calculate their insurance bills.

Some of the other job opportunities that are included within medical billing are as follows:

• Billing Specialist
• Coding Specialist
• Medical Collector
• Patient Account Representative
• Claims Analyst
• Claims Processor
• Reimbursement Specialist Claims Reviewer
• Electronic Claims Processor
• Billing Coordinator
• Claims Assistant Professional

Work Culture

The work culture of medical billers is usually part of an office setup. More often than not, the personnel do not work in close proximity to where patients are diagnosed. They generally have billing offices and services in large corporate buildings, in small suburban offices and in the offices of doctors. They usually work during the day, from Monday to Friday, forty hours a week. However, there are times when, in insurance companies, they are required to work late at night. They are paid well for working overtime and their services are much appreciated by the medical establishment and patients alike.

Switching To A New Career

Whatever the reason that you want to switch careers, the fact is that you are going through a change, and you are not the only one. Studies show that the average person changes his or her career several times before things settle down. There are certain steps that you can take to make switching careers just a bit less stressful.

1. It's all about likes and dislikes: Being happy with your career is all about your personal choices. It is easy to identify what you dislike but it is that much more difficult to identify what you like doing. While identifying your likes think of all the things you would like to if money was not an issue. Delve deeper and you will know what it is you really like. Most people's likes revolve around teaching, healing and creating. If you can't identify your likes, then you should get online and take an online personality test that will help you figure it out.

2. Research: After you have identified your likes and dislikes and what you like doing, what you are passionate about, the next step is to spend some time researching. It is a part of the process to feel intimidated and unsure of yourself, but there is no need to back out or change your plans because of this. Just do your homework and you will be fine.

3. Skills: There are some skills that can be used irrespective of your career choice. Skills such as communication, leadership, planning and motivation are just a few of them. These can be used in your career switching process.

4. Education: If you are changing your career, you need to make sure that your education and training are adequate. You could enroll in a night class or online courses and acquire the education and training that you will need in your new career.

5. Network: The world now functions on the basis of networking. Make sure you have a good network of people you can use during your career change. With the right amount of networking you can get job leads, advice and useful information.

6. Experience: Since you will be starting a new career altogether, you may not going to be credited with lots of experience in the new company. If this is the case, consider taking a part-time job or doing some volunteer work that is relevant to your field to gain experience.

7. Mentors: Getting a mentor is the best thing you can do for yourself. Your mentor will help you get though those difficult times. You and your mentor together can work towards building your network that will help your career changing process.

8. Basics: If you haven't been job-hunting for a long time, then you need to get all your basics in place. Make sure that you have your resume updated. Know about interview skills. Research the companies. These are all things that will ensure smooth sailing during your job search.

9. Flexibility: Flexibility is of utmost importance while switching careers. There needs to be flexibility about everything...from employment status to salary and benefits.

Switching careers mid-life may be stressful - but by following the tips above, you can make sure that it doesn't become overwhelming.

Psychic Jobs - Word of Mouth is Best Strategy

One who truly has a gift for clairvoyance is a valuable asset in the market of phone psychic jobs, which is very competitive. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to establish yourself in the field of phone psychic jobs, which also includes psychic chat online as well. These jobs can be quite difficult to obtain.

For psychic employment individuals must have the gift of clairvoyance and an uplifting, concerned demeanor. Legitimate phone psychic providers evaluate possible hires closely for psychic jobs, both during initial steps for hiring and during a probationary period when customer feedback is used to demonstrate the presence of the necessary skills.

The strengths of each psychic with regards to different types of readings are evaluated by psychic supervisors and managers. Some psychics excel at guiding people through love and relationships, while others are best at interpreting dreams or reading Tarot cards. Applicants for phone psychic jobs are asked to take a test to determine what they are most adept at.

To ensure that a prospective psychic is not faking their way through a reading or using memorized material, the test is extensive, lasting as much as an hour, and requiring a great level of detail. Those who apply for phone jobs will have their references checked thoroughly. Prospective psychics are often referred by their colleagues, and most prefer to work with reputable employers.

There are several tests to pass before you are allowed to go "live" with customers. The first is a simple examination. Once through that, you may be asked to try a reading or two with management. Such testing guarantees that callers will be led down a path filled with approved information. Should you enter the profession, you may join a group uniting telephone soothsayers. Your most important skill is to come across as trustworthy and truthful.

For those that are interested in phone psychic jobs, there are several organizations that they may wish to join: American Association of Psychics, American Association of Professional Psychics, Association of Certified Psychics, and the Association of Spiritualists and Healers. The only non-profit association is the Parapsychology Association, which includes several of the phone psychic reading methods, but not all of them.

Atlanta Dental Jobs

Dentistry is a dynamic and rewarding profession offering a variety of career options. The dental industry has undergone many changes recently. It has created a lot of job opportunities for dental professionals. Atlanta dental jobs play a vital role in the state. Anyone who has passed the D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree can apply for the post of dentist in any one of the Atlanta dental clinics.

Plenty of exciting dental job opportunities exist in Atlanta for individuals seeking employment or a change in careers. There are several websites that list a variety of career opportunities offered in the field of dentistry. These websites list dental jobs in every specialty. They provide salary information, too, which help job seekers find a better a job. These websites list dental jobs by area so that job seekers can search for jobs in a particular area. Also, there are several employment agencies and job banks that offer Atlanta dental job opportunities. These agencies help applicants save money and time hunting for a job. Atlanta dental jobs include an orthodontist, associate dentist, dental assistant, dental assistant trainee, dental hygienists, and more.

Orthodontists have several openings in Atlanta, as the beauty industry is flourishing there. Many people seek the services of orthodontists to treat the misalignment of teeth and for facial development with braces, headgear, retainers, and other methods. Openings for dental assistants are also on the rise as orthodontists always need the help of a dental assistant for cleaning and sterilizing dental instruments and educating patients on the various aspects of good dental health. Dental hygienists are required to clean teeth, examine oral parts for signs of oral disease, educate patients on oral hygiene, and take X-rays.

Photography Schools Pave The Way To Picture-Perfect Careers

Picture this: You're fresh out of school, and you already have a packed portfolio and plenty of freelance opportunities. Sound too good to be true? That can be your real-life career image with training from top-notch photography schools like Brooks Institute of Photography. Peruse these picture-perfect photography careers.

Do you have a keen imagination and your own original style? Consider a career as a commercial, industrial, or scientific photographer. These on-location photography careers allow you to take pictures of subjects such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes. The photographs are then used in media such as books, reports, ads, and catalogs. Industrial photographers take pictures of equipment, machinery, products, workers, and company officials for the purpose of project analysis, publicity, or equipment records. Using knowledge of scientific procedures, scientific photographers take pictures to illustrate or record scientific or medical data or phenomena. When you major in commercial, advertising, or industrial/scientific photography at photography schools like Brooks, you'll be fully prepared for this in-demand career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), growth of Internet versions of magazines, journals, and newspapers will require increasing numbers of commercial photographers to provide digital images.

If you prefer to photograph moving subjects in a fast-paced atmosphere, you could be cut out for news photography careers. Photojournalists take pictures of newsworthy people and places as well as sporting, political, and community events for newspapers, journals, magazines, and TV. Beyond camera expertise, news photographers need a solid understanding of current events so that their pictures match the story. With the proper training from photography schools, such as Brooks Institute's visual journalism program, you'll acquire an eye for quality photo opportunities along with the ability to capture them all with artistic precision.

Bismarck Employment Services

Employment Services in Bismarck have grown rapidly due to its huge potential in human resources. The agencies in Bismarck allow the job seekers to hunt through thousands of currently available jobs and apply online. This offers the job seekers a quick and simple way to get their vital statistics in front of thousands of companies that the agencies serve. The online version of a newsletter provided by some of the agencies help their associates get the most out of their careers.

The city of Bismarck has been conducting job hunts, loaded with powerful tips and tricks that are very helpful for job seekers. The staffing agencies provide information to the candidates regarding education and skills and training that are needed to achieve maximum success. The emerging staffing agencies in Bismarck are built on a policy of helping quality individuals achieve their employment goals. The agencies help the job seekers in everything from temporary projects to direct hire (permanent placement) positions.

Most of the agencies in Bismarck have separate divisions for recruiting professionals in Finance & Accounting, temporary, full-time, administrative, IT, full-time staffing of attorneys, paralegals, legal support personnel, creative, web design and marketing. The city has also some local and low salaried jobs. These jobs are served by people having no degrees. KoreOne has built a reputation as a respected source on career, staffing and management trends. Organizations turn to KoreOne for advice on hiring and employment, while candidates have come to rely on us for tips on navigating the rapidly changing job market.

Careers With Animals

So, you want to work with animals, do you? How is your education? You need at least a high school diploma to get into most programs. If you don't have a diploma, but have your GED, you can still do most veterinary work. Even animal grooming needs a certification - and many of these careers need licensing as well. For veterinary college you will need the high school diploma and college - lots of college!

Everyone, no matter what program they pursue, needs to know the business of running a practice. Whether that's a veteinary practice or as a pet groomer, you need to be able to reconcile your checking accounts, make appointments and deal with customers. In most places, a little selling is desirable - up-sell to the next size food or adding on an in-between grooming treatment, for instance. If you can master bookkeeping, so much the better. Perhaps running the office will be in your future.

Different careers with animals include certified trainers, veterinary assistants or technicians, holistic animal practitioners and veterinarians. There are also groomers, petsitters and others who work with animals in various capacities. Did you know that many employees of your local animal shelter need to be certified veterinary technicians?

What about veterinarian itself? What does a veterinarian make? How much education is needed and how hard is it? I heard it's easier to become a human doctor than a veterinarian, is that possible?

How much does the education cost for these careers? Is there anything you can do without going to an expensive school? How much will you make when you complete the program and finally get to go to work? What is the outlook for these careers? Will there still be a position for you in 5 years? What about 10 years? All this and more is covered in this lengthy piece, Careers with Animals.

Morgen Marshall, a cat lover and trainer, invites you into her world of cats. She created a website dedicated to making the relationship between cats and people harmonious and healthy. For the Love of Cats is a place for people facing difficulties in their relationships with cats to come and find the answers they need from someone they can trust.

Naturopathic Careers Today

Find Naturopathic Careers in the United States and Canada. Individuals who enter naturopathic careers have a promising professional outlook as today’s patients have begun to seek noninvasive and natural health treatments in lieu of traditional medicine.

To work in naturopathic careers, prospective candidates should investigate the field prior to pursuing the profession. It is essential that appropriate education is met before attempting to practice as a naturopathic doctor. Today, students desiring naturopathic careers must first apply and participate in a naturopathic degree and/or diploma program offered through various naturopathic colleges and alternative healing schools.

For example, in Canada, naturopathic careers require a certain level of training and education through an accredited naturopathic school. Prerequisites include a basic education that often includes a bachelor’s degree comprised of coursework in biology, chemistry, psychology and humanities. These prerequisites generally mirror many of the requirements set forth in U.S. schools.

In addition, naturopathic careers require up to seven years of training and education. Typical curriculums involve basic science studies in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, preventive medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic history and philosophy, nutrition, hydrotherapy, Oriental medicine, homeopathy and pharmacology – to list a few.

Furthermore, candidates who attain naturopathic careers discover that while this is an integrative medicine practice, many naturopathic doctors (NDs) act as primary care physicians in clinics, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. In addition to noninvasive therapies, naturopathic practitioners provide natural healing alternatives to traditional medicine including holistic modalities like mind-body-spirit therapies (e.g., massage therapy, energy healing, holistic nutrition, etc.).

According to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, licensed practitioners in naturopathic careers report a 71% satisfaction in income. And with the growing trend of acceptance in the alternative medicine community, the likelihood for growth in naturopathic careers is positive. As with any professional aspiration, it is important that potential students carefully review licensure regulations in the state or province in which they reside. (States and provinces vary in licensing requirements.)

Travel and Tourism Jobs - What You Should Know Before Seeking Employment in Travel and Tourism

Employment in Travel and Tourism is a wise choice to be involved in during this prime time of growth. In my professional opinion, it is a great time to get started, if you haven't already. You have many options to choose from, but before I go into those, I would like to tell you a little about what is currently happening in this $7 trillion gold mine industry.

The statistics are in and they speak for themselves when it comes to choosing a job in a hot industry with potential to grow. In 2007, Travel and Tourism is expected to post US$7 trillion of economic growth activity (total demand), with expectations to grow to US$13 trillion by the 2017. Not only is this a true reflection of how strong this industry already is, but how much opportunity it holds for it's future. As far as employment goes, 1 in every 12 jobs held in the World is within Travel and Tourism alone. With high demands from tourists everywhere, the chances of encompassing your very own successful niche within the business to serve them, is very great.

There are many careers out there to choose from, and you've obviously chosen travel for a reason. Maybe you have a strong desire to travel yourself. It's possible you just enjoy serving others in satisfying their interests. Either way, there are unlimited possibilities to choose from. You could work as a travel agent, a tour guide, a person who sales tours or local activities, you could even work for an airline or in a large luxury hotel or resort. What I have learned is that, although all of these jobs or careers are great, they don't ultimately bring you very much money. Plus your still playing the infamous game of trading your valuable time for money, which most often leaves you feeling unsatisfied with either your income or your lack of free time. There are many ways to generate a substantial amount of money by simply applying your creative efforts with technology... aka working independently online.

Careers in Acupuncture - Scope of Practice

Explore Careers in Acupuncture in the United States and Canada. Don't let needles scare you away from rewarding careers in acupuncture. According to the American Association of Oriental Medicine, professional acupuncturists typically earn $40-$70 per session; but the monetary benefit is not the only reason why students might want to pursue careers in acupuncture...

Based on a unique system of healing and energy healing, acupuncture and Oriental medicine address the body holistically; treating the whole person and not just the symptoms. Though careers in acupuncture do involve specific needling techniques, the method of this system is not nearly as scary as it may sound. Using thin, hair-like needles, licensed acupuncturists insert these precision, healing instruments lightly beneath the skin along the meridians of the body. (*Meridian pathways are "energy channels.") The philosophy of acupuncture is that when these meridians are stimulated, the flow of "Chi" or "life force" is allowed to flow freely; removing blockages from the meridians (that may be affecting correlating organ systems).

But careers in acupuncture aren't just about acupuncture...a matter of fact, almost all acupuncture programs teach future practitioners about various therapies that are facilitated as complementary medicine; in addition to acupuncture. Graduates of Oriental medicine programs, who have achieved careers in acupuncture provide complementary treatments like Chinese herbal medicine, acupressure/Shiatsu, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), and nutritional consulting to help in healing.

For students new to the field of alternative medicine, successful careers in acupuncture can be achieved through comprehensive training at one of several acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools and colleges throughout America. Core curricula is comprised of about 3,000 credit hours, and involves training and education in the history and philosophy of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Chinese herbal medicine, biosciences, anatomy, Tai Chi, Qigong, and clinical internship, among other subject matter. Upon successful completion of all prescribed courses, graduates must attain licensure to practice and to enter careers in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Employment: Unfair Dismissal – Award – Polkey Reduction

FM Fabrications appealed this decision to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) and claimed that the Employment Tribunal had erred in law by not considering a Polkey reduction. If a decision is held to be procedurally unfair, the Employment Tribunal will ask itself whether this failure would have ultimately made a difference in the outcome. If not, then compensation will be limited to the period it would have taken for a proper procedure to take place before a fair dismissal could have occurred. This is commonly known as a Polkey reduction.

The EAT ruled that:

▪ The ET had not considered whether a Polkey reduction should be made;

▪ The ET must address a two stage question when calculating compensation for unfair dismissal:

1) Would an offer of employment have resulted had the proper procedure been followed?; and

2) If so, what would that employment have been and what wages would have been paid?

▪ The appeal was allowed and remitted to the Employment Tribunal for a new judgment.

Comment: Please contact us if you have any questions about assessing compensation for an unfair dismissal.

Career Watch 2007: Assisting Careers Are Hot

The results are in: Assisting careers are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2014. Rather than wrestling with resolutions you'll never keep, why not spend the new year completing your vocational education and launching an in-demand career?

Read on for an overview of the hottest fields you can break into this year via short-term study, complete with salary and employment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Work some magic with medical assisting careers. In this critical field, you'll record vital signs, collect lab specimens, administer medications, and much more. Though short-term study is all that's required, you can increase your marketability by earning the Certified Medical Assistant credential through the American Association of Medical Assistants, or the Registered Medical Assistant credential through American Medical Technologists. Medical assistants held about 387,000 jobs in 2004, with median annual earnings of $24,610, and the highest 10 percent earning over $34,650.

Perhaps you'd rather get fit with physical therapist assisting careers. This occupation encompasses the prevention and treatment of conditions associated with loss of mobility. With targeted vocational education, you'll learn how to teach patients exercises for mobility, strength, and coordination; you'll also learn the art of massage. Physical therapist assistants held about 59,000 jobs in 2004, with median annual earnings of $37,890, and the highest 10 percent earning over $52,110.

Why not sink your teeth into dental assisting careers? With vocational education, you'll acquire the skills needed to take dental X-rays, remove sutures, make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, make temporary crowns, and more. Dental assistants held about 267,000 jobs in 2004, with median hourly earnings of $13.62, and the highest 10 percent earning over $19.97. Plus, according to the American Dental Association, nine out of 10 dental assistants receive dental coverage.

Consider improving others' quality of life through occupational therapist assisting careers. Through vocational education, you can learn skills to help people achieve independence in all facets of life. You'll work with patients to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, and compensate for permanent loss of function. Occupational therapist assistants held about 21,000 jobs in 2004, with median annual earnings of $38,430, and the highest 10 percent earning over $52,700.

Not content to sit on the sidelines? Be part of the drama with legal assisting careers. Short-term study will prepare you to investigate and analyze cases, and prepare reports to help attorneys determine how to handle each case. And, if you want to up your career ante, consider earning the Certified Legal Assistant designation from the National Association of Legal Assistants. Legal assistants held about 224,000 jobs in 2004, with median annual earnings of $39,130, and the top 10 percent earning over $61,390.