A Job For Every Dad

What kind of dad are you? Find career options that fit your dad skills!

Dads have a unique set of skills. From carpool driver to coach to cook...the modern dad does it all. But how do these skills translate to the work force?Use our handy guide to match your dad-skill with a great career!

For the dad who can get the kids to eat vegetables...

Marketing specialists help determine a company's strategy to bring in business. Duties include: advertising, promoting, and targeting products to the right consumers.
Dad-friendly factors: Many large corporations that employ entire marketing departments offer flex time, on-site child care, and telecommuting options.
Gear up: A bachelor's degree in business or marketing will show clients you've got the knowledge and skills to help their business grow. Once you've gained some experience, you could work as a consultant or marketing manager.
Get paid: According to Jobs-Salary.com, marketing consultants earn an average of $57,851 annually. Dads who advance to the level of marketing manager have even more reason to celebrate: the average annual salary is $108,580, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

For the dad who bandages scraped knees...

Registered nurses (RNs) provide patient care, which includes everything from administering medication to checking vital signs. Job opportunities for RNs should be excellent, but will vary by location and employment setting, according to the Department of Labor.
Dad-friendly factors: Nurses are needed at all hours of the day and night, which means more scheduling options for you. Telephone triage nurses work from home via telephone or computer providing advice or managing cases.
Gear up: Complete a nursing degree or certificate program, then get licensed in your state.
Get paid: The average annual salary for registered nurses is $62,450.

For the dad who still has a spot for his laptop among the toys...

Medical coders assign codes to specific medical services and procedures, which helps insurance companies and health care providers bill for services.
Dad-friendly factors: According to the American Academy of Professional Coders, 39 percent of coders work from home at least part of the time, usually telecommuting for an employer such as a hospital or clinic.
Gear up: An associate's degree in medical billing and coding is the most common way to get started, but there are also one-year certificate and diploma programs.
Get paid: Coders who work for medical and surgical hospitals have an average annual salary of $32,600.

For the dad who can hook up a video game system...

Computer programmers develop, test, and design software and computer programs for everything from cell phones to mainframe computer systems to video game consoles.
Dad-friendly factors: Because computer programmers often work alone, it's the perfect job for telecommuting or even starting your own freelance business.
Gear up: A bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science or information systems will qualify you for most positions.
Get paid: $69,620 is the average annual salary for computer programmers.

For the dad who finger paints like a master...

Graphic designers conceive and create almost everything you see around you - from posters and web sites to the packaged goods you see on the supermarket shelf.
Dad-friendly factors: Many graphic designers work on a freelance basis from their home. Because you're not on a strict 9-to-5 schedule, you can coordinate your work with your family's routine.
Gear up: Get an associate's or bachelor's degree in graphic design.
Get paid: The average annual salary for graphic designers is $42,400.

For the dad who makes sure everyone plays fair...

Paralegals play a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, researching legal matters, putting together reports and other materials for attorneys, and assisting in the preparation of cases.
Dad-friendly factors: A lot of paralegal work involves research that can be done on any computer with an internet connection, which can make telecommuting a viable option. Web conferencing software allows you "attend" meetings while at home with the kids.
Gear up: Get started on your paralegal career with a certificate or associate's degree in paralegal studies.
Get paid: The average paralegal salary is $46,120.