Here's a look at some of the well-paid jobs for which the federal government has thousands of openings. Think BROADLY when applying to the federal government. Your law degree may be applicable for all kinds of openings***
Program manager ($75,497)
Government agencies assign projects via contracts--and then people have to manage those contracts to make sure they stay on budget. The Department of Homeland Security--one of the agencies hiring the most right now--needs 1,850 program managers. Once you're in as a program manager, you can easily go from project to project within various government agencies for the rest of your career, says Heather Krasna, the author of "Jobs That Matter: Find a Stable, Fulfilling Career in Public Service."
Logistics manager ($62,782)
The Departments of the Army and Navy need about 2,000 of these experts to help them move goods and personnel efficiently and cost-effectively, both at home and overseas. Prior military experience is a strong plus here, says Janet Ruck, a coauthor of "Guide to America's Federal Jobs."
Attorney ($80,009)
The Department of Justice alone needs 2,700 attorneys, out of more than 5,500 projected attorney hires across all agencies. Qualified attorneys can pick their area of interest--for example, transportation, treasury, environment, or communications.
Paralegal ($45,761)
The Department of Justice also has a big need for paralegals and anticipates hiring 870 by 2012. Also known as legal assistants, paralegals help lawyers prepare cases and may draft contracts, take depositions, or write briefs. Many get started with a certificate program or by earning a two-year college degree.
Intelligence analyst ($60,158)
In a world of homegrown terrorists and threats that seem to come from nowhere, intelligence analysts are in demand. Analysts research and study data to come up with policy recommendations, says Ruck.
Government agencies assign projects via contracts--and then people have to manage those contracts to make sure they stay on budget. The Department of Homeland Security--one of the agencies hiring the most right now--needs 1,850 program managers. Once you're in as a program manager, you can easily go from project to project within various government agencies for the rest of your career, says Heather Krasna, the author of "Jobs That Matter: Find a Stable, Fulfilling Career in Public Service."
Logistics manager ($62,782)
The Departments of the Army and Navy need about 2,000 of these experts to help them move goods and personnel efficiently and cost-effectively, both at home and overseas. Prior military experience is a strong plus here, says Janet Ruck, a coauthor of "Guide to America's Federal Jobs."
Attorney ($80,009)
The Department of Justice alone needs 2,700 attorneys, out of more than 5,500 projected attorney hires across all agencies. Qualified attorneys can pick their area of interest--for example, transportation, treasury, environment, or communications.
Paralegal ($45,761)
The Department of Justice also has a big need for paralegals and anticipates hiring 870 by 2012. Also known as legal assistants, paralegals help lawyers prepare cases and may draft contracts, take depositions, or write briefs. Many get started with a certificate program or by earning a two-year college degree.
Intelligence analyst ($60,158)
In a world of homegrown terrorists and threats that seem to come from nowhere, intelligence analysts are in demand. Analysts research and study data to come up with policy recommendations, says Ruck.
***Salary figures for these jobs are provided by online salary database PayScale.com. Projected hiring figures are from Where the Jobs Are, a nonprofit, nonpartisan website that promotes government-service jobs.
