The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the highest paying jobs in consumer non-durables are computer and information research scientists and engineers, who earn an average of $120,070 per year. A little lower on the salary scale are aerospace engineers, who earn an average of $108,980 per year as of May 2015, according to BLS data. For more information on highest paying jobs in consumer non-durables, check out the list below. The data below are updated as of May 2015.
Research Analysts
Analysts evaluate and summarize complex information from a variety of sources. These professionals prepare reports, conduct research, assess outcomes, and make recommendations to their clients or employers. They collect and organize data from various teams within an organization, contact outside parties for more information, interview managers or executives about performance or issues regarding their department’s objectives, and synthesize all relevant information into a report or presentation.
Analysts can be found at a wide range of companies—financial firms, tech companies, consulting firms—and can earn salaries ranging from $41K – $111K based on industry and experience level.
Statistical Assistants
The top five highest paying jobs in consumer non-durables are all statistical assistants, according to BLS. These professionals earn an average salary of $68,720 per year and hold a heavy academic workload. Before they can officially call themselves a statistical assistant, these professionals must become proficient at using certain statistical software programs. Using their expertise, they compile information and provide it to company leadership.
They may also be tasked with training others on how to use and interpret data from different analytical tools, as well as evaluating data for errors before it is compiled and turned into reports for executives or clients. The top five highest paying jobs in consumer non-durables are all statistical assistants, according to BLS.
Market and Survey Researchers
As much as it might sound like a description of a spy, market and survey researchers are responsible for conducting primary research. They interview consumers and use statistical analysis to generate findings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that market research analysts earned an average of $80,100 in 2012, while market and survey researchers took home $86,000 on average.
The best paying jobs in consumer non-durables are basically just another way to say focus groups – kind of like what they do on Teen Mom – but only you get paid for your trouble!
Market Research Analysts
Analysts develop and maintain information about markets for businesses. The best paying jobs in consumer non-durables may be market research analysts, who make an average of $102,750 a year. This is a far cry from general business analysts, who make an average of $71,130 annually.
Analysts who specialize in consumer products and services can expect to earn even more—$114,900 on average per year—but they generally need a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many employers also prefer their employees to have previous experience working within their respective industries.
Demographers
Apparel, consumer electronics, appliances and other consumer non-durables require those products to be stocked on store shelves. As a merchandising manager, you will ensure that all inventory is kept up to date and properly displayed for sale. An associate’s degree may be enough for some entry level positions, but for others you will need a bachelor’s degree as well as two years of prior experience. Median salary: $85,260 annually.
Home Economists
While home economists aren’t nearly as common as dietitians, their median pay is quite a bit higher. In 2013, they earned an annual median salary of $56,320. So, it seems that becoming a home economist has its perks—from best paying jobs in consumer non-durables to lower stress levels and flexible hours.
But what does a home economist do? It may be helpful to know that many employers describe these professionals as nutritionists for private homes or businesses. Their duties include everything from meal planning to grocery shopping, cooking and more. But if you want to become one of these best paying jobs in consumer non-durables, you may need more than just culinary skills; most employers look for bachelor’s degrees with majors like food science or nutrition.
Merchandising Managers
People like Mark Niemczyk might be unfamiliar to some people. His job is a bit nebulous, so let’s just break it down. He’s responsible for making sure that grocery stores get their product delivered from wholesalers at maximum efficiency, which reduces costs and is a major consideration for these large corporations who want to keep expenses low.
These savings are then passed onto customers, as are any sales or special deals he can make with other vendors/manufacturers. At $129,000 per year (average income), Merchandising Managers would seem to have one of the best paying jobs in consumer non-durables—making sense when you consider how much money is at stake here.
