People Are Sharing How Much They Get Paid For Their Jobs And, Wow, There Is So Much To Unpack

Anyone who is employed likely has a lot to say about whether their income is reasonable given the nature of their work. And when employees are transparent about pay and job satisfaction, it's both refreshing and insightful for others to hear.

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I recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to share what their occupation is, how much they get paid, and if they think the job is worthwhile overall. Here are some of the eye-opening comments I got in response.

1."Dental assistant, 17 years in the field. I make $28,000 a year. I love the field, but there are issues with getting paid fairly. I love working with private offices versus the corporate office. The issue is dental is expensive, and dental insurance doesn't cover jack. And a lot of people, which I understand because I'm the same, cannot afford the procedure."

"I was a single momma for the first 15 years of my babe's life, and I never had enough to further my career in this field – my only regret." —exnxl13

2."Self-employed hairstylist. I bring home between $70K–$90K a year as of now. It has its drawbacks: long hours, never-ending workload, exhaustion — both mental and physical, no provided health insurance, no PTO, taxes, etc., but the pros outweigh the cons."

3."I am a leasing agent for one of the country’s largest rental manager companies. I truly care for the residents in my complex but my management does not. I bear the brunt of resident issues and complaints. I have been screamed at and cussed out over minor issues, and for things I have no control over, like people paying their rent late. I am also in charge of sensitive information for residents and applicants. Last year I made about $45,000, which includes about $9,000 in commission."

"The standard income requirement for getting an apartment is three times the monthly rent. As an employee of the company, I would not qualify for the cheapest apartment in my area based on my income. And these are not luxury apartments! I get the benefit of rent discount, but the increases in rent are more than the cost of living raises. I can barely afford my rent with the discount, and I am stuck until I find something that will pay more to cover the rent without the discount." —izrakel2

4."I’m a doctor of physical therapy — seven years in the field. I’ll make about $120K this year, only because I work PRN or part-time status for multiple companies as a supervising PT at nursing homes and treating in outpatient. You have to grind to make above $80K in most areas, so unless you love it, it’s not worth the student loans."

5."I’m a veterinary technician. I make around $40,000 a year. I work long hours (12-hour shifts). I do everything! I am a nurse, anesthesiologist, an X-ray technician, a maid, a surgery assistant, a teacher, a mortician, a midwife, a dental hygienist, phlebotomist, a pharmacy technician, and an advocate for those who can’t speak. I deal with emotional people on a daily basis. I get yelled at when an owner can’t pay for a service and am told I don’t love animals. I can go from sitting in a room crying with a client that just lost their beloved pet to laughing with a new pet owner in the next room. I love what I do, but the pay is not worth it some days. The veterinary medicine field has some of the highest suicide rates. Be kind."

—sarahsears1994

6."I’m a marriage and family therapist. At this point in my life, after MANY years, I make six figures. But it’s a low-paying career. Before I make what I make now, it was $50,000, and I lived at home with family because it’s California. You have to keep switching jobs to get a higher salary. Only get into this profession if it’s a passion. Otherwise, it’s gonna suck."

7."NHS nurse. My salary is £33,000, but this year I earned £60,000 and the year before £70,000. The reason being I do just bank shifts and earn more depending on how desperate the hospital is. I really enjoy my job and am always learning things, the most recent being 'hot potato voice.' I get a lot of good feedback and often have matrons fighting over me to staff their areas, as I have critical care skills."

8."I’m a nurse in the UK and earn £27,000 a year, before tax. I work in the ICU and adore my job, but it’s exhausting and progression is slow. The NHS is struggling, and staff shortages are worsening. Nearly everybody I went to school with is earning more than me and seems happier."

—emmab97

9."I’m an elementary teacher. I make $67,000 and am on year four. Pay seems good, but where I work homes start at $700K … Sometimes the money doesn’t seem worth it. I’m disrespected, abused, exhausted, and worst of all NO support! This is why there’s a teacher shortage."

10."I make about $48,000 a year as a nanny, not counting bonuses. If you make a career of it and find good families, you can support yourself decently well. The downside is there is no HR or anyone higher up, so you really have to advocate for yourself, and sometimes the parents can be a pain. It’s amazing and rewarding to raise little humans, though, and to feel like you’re making a positive difference in a kid’s life."

11."I’m a four-time James Beard-nominated chef and co-own a restaurant with my pastry chef wife. We make $47K each."

12."Medical science liaison, essentially an expert within a therapeutic area for a pharmaceutical company. It’s a non-commercial role on the medical/research team. A doctorate degree is required for the role (M.D., PharmD or PA/NP with a doctorate). I make ~$250,000 a year. I love it!"