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Why is China’s meritocratic model of governance superior to western democracy?Because Western democracy is not meritocratic. Any fool can become a national leader, regardless of talent, education, experience or character.For two thousand years Chinese politicians have followed career paths like US Navy admirals, who devote their lives to preparing for responsibility, study relentlessly, spend years away from home, are paid a fraction of their civilian worth, take orders from people they dislike, perform missions they find distasteful, sleep odd hours, observe a restrictive moral code, are assessed against a host of metrics, constantly watched for dishonesty and tried in special courts if they err. The idea that they would join a faction or publicly campaign for promotion is laughable. Instead, Human Resources experts in the Bureau of Naval Personnel recommend them to elected officials who confirm them.Since before the birth of Christ, China has required aspiring politicians to devote their lives to preparing for responsibility, to studying continuously, spending years away from home, receiving a fraction of their civilian worth, taking orders from people they dislike, being evaluated against a host of metrics, observing a restrictive moral code and being constantly monitored and tried in special courts if they err.In 1000 AD, with just one scholar-official for every eight thousand citizens, China was harmonious, advanced and prosperous. Emperors and dynasties came and went while loyal, disciplined–often courageous–civil servants served, far from family and friends, in remote regions, under sometimes terrible conditions. Their integrity, efficiency and entrepreneurial energy made the country the most advanced civilization on earth. It was for these reasons that John Stewart Mill⁠[1] observed, “The Chinese are remarkable in the excellence of their apparatus for..seeing to it that those who have acquired the most wisdom occupy the positions of honor and power.”Though fleet command is an awesome responsibility, national leadership is an order of magnitude more complex, yet our Roman tradition encourages amateurs to join political factions, to solicit campaign funds and make unfulfillable promises in pursuit of power. In the absence of a meritocratic filter, says Martha Stout[4], “Politicians are more likely than people in the general population to be sociopaths...That a small minority of human beings literally have no conscience was and is a bitter pill for our society to swallow–but it does explain a great many things, shamelessly deceitful political behavior being one.”Confucius[⁠]2’ moral meritocracy and the rigors of the job combined to discourage sociopaths. The tradition of selfless service by an elite is echoed in Singapore’s Constitution⁠3: “The concept of government by honorable men who have a duty to do right for the people and who have their trust and respect fits us better than the Western idea that government power should be as limited as possible.”The Chinese find amateur, promise-driven, personality-based governance unappealing, even ludicrous. Their politicians have always been experienced, scholarly, altruistic problem-solvers, chosen on merit, after decades of testing. They would no more permit amateur leaders than amateur brain surgeons. To them charm, good looks, quick wits and rhetorical skill signify shallowness, instability and glibness and political dynasties like America’s Bushes, Japan’s Abes and South Korea’s Parks they find unthinkable⁠5.Just as experts in the Bureau of Naval Personnel recommend admirals, experts in the Organization Department recommend officials. Their task is to identify and promote competent, unselfish public servants. Richard McGregor⁠6 humorously likens the Department to a single government agency, “Overseeing the appointment of the entire US Cabinet, state governors and their deputies, the mayors of major cities, the heads of all federal regulatory agencies, the chief executives of GE, Exxon-Mobil, Walmart and about fifty of the largest US companies, the Supreme Court justices, the editors of the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, the bosses of the TV networks and cable stations, the presidents of Yale and Harvard and other big universities and the heads of think-tanks like the Brookings Institution and the Heritage Foundation.”This is the result:1 On Liberty, John Stewart Mill. 1859.2 The Doctrine of the Mean3 Quoted in Confucius: And the World He Created. By Michael Schuman4 The Sociopath Next Door, by Martha Stout Ph.D.5 No Party leader has ever placed close relatives in a cabinet–or even provincial–position.6 The Party: The Secret World of China's Communist Rulers. by Richard McGregor. 2010.

This post:1. Associate degree cost (public school and online), average earning2. Trade school degree cost, average earning3. Top 10 earning associate degree fields (2016–2017)4. Top 25 earning associate degree fields5. Top 20 high paying vocations6. Top 23 high paying tradesAverage tuition for public two-year colleges costs $2,963. Online associate degrees can cost between $25,000 and $30,000. (Kaplan University charges $353 per credit hour for most associate degrees, so a 90-hour associate degree will cost $31,770). Community college graduate median annual earnings of $39,000.The average trade school degree costs $33,000. Trade school jobs have median annual earnings of $35,720.___________________________________________________University, Community College, or Trade School: Which Makes the Most Economic Sense?___________________________________________________Best Associate Degrees by Salary | PayScale.com (2016–2017)A 4-year degree isn't a requirement for a successful career — many associate degrees can help set you up for high-paying roles with solid job meaning. Just choose your major wisely. Here are the best associate degrees ranked by earning potential to get you inspired:1. Computer Engineering (CE)Early Career Median Pay: $41,000Mid-Career Median Pay: $77,300Percent High Job Meaning: 41%If you want to work as a Computer Network Technician or Computer Network Support Specialist, an associate degree in Computer Engineering is a way to get there. This degree is also the highest paying on our list by mid-career, when the median annual salary tops $77,000.2. EconomicsEarly Career Median Pay: $36,500Mid-Career Median Pay: $76,500Percent High Job Meaning: 41%Surprised to see a major from the usually lower-paid social science family on this list of high-paying associate degrees? Economics majors study the fundamentals of business and learn invaluable critical-thinking skills that make them a good fit for management roles, even if they don't have a four-year degree. It is important to note that this is a population where pay comes with experience — early career salaries for workers with an AA in Economics is only $36,500.3. Management Information Systems (MIS)Early Career Median Pay: $43,600Mid-Career Median Pay: $76,400Percent High Job Meaning: 41%We all know that management is a fast track to the corner office, so it isn't exactly surprising that studying Management Information Systems has serious salary potential. Workers who study Management Information Systems learn how to build and manage teams effectively, and these skills pay off big time in a business environment.4. Construction ManagementEarly Career Median Pay: $44,500Mid-Career Median Pay: $73,400Percent High Job Meaning: 64%Getting an associate degree in Construction Management can pay off big-time (literally, the median mid-career salary for workers with this degree is $73,400) because it sets you apart from other potential hires in an industry where college degrees are less common.5. Electrical EngineeringEarly Career Median Pay: $42,200Mid-Career Median Pay: $70,800Percent High Job Meaning: 56%Electrical Engineering Technicians assist engineers in designing electronics devices and equipment, and earn good money doing it—over $70,000 by mid-career. An associate degree in Electrical Engineering will get you started.6. Electronics & Communications EngineeringEarly Career Median Pay: $43,100Mid-Career Median Pay: $70,700Percent High Job Meaning: 60%In today's economy, the ability to communicate easily and instantly with anybody anywhere is vital to the success of almost any business. So is it any surprise that Electronics and Communications Engineering is one of the best associate degrees you can earn in terms of salary potential? Median mid-career salaries for graduates with this degree reach $70,700.7. EngineeringEarly Career Median Pay: $37,800Mid-Career Median Pay: $70,500Percent High Job Meaning: 62%Engineering Technicians don’t necessarily need a bachelor's degree; an associate degree will qualify you for a job that pays a median annual salary of $37,800 to start and over $70,000 by mid-career.Photo credit: UFV / Flickr8. Dental HygieneEarly Career Median Pay: $62,100Mid-Career Median Pay: $69,100Percent High Job Meaning: 79%Not only do more than three-quarters of workers with an associate degree in Dental Hygiene say that their work makes the world a better place, they also clean up financially. Salaries for workers who study Dental Hygiene at a career college or community college earn a median salary of more than $69,100 by mid-career.9. Computer ProgrammingEarly Career Median Pay: $42,900Mid-Career Median Pay: $68,800Percent High Job Meaning: 48%Everybody knows that Software Developers are in hot demand. But did you know that you don't necessarily need a four-year degree to get hired as a Programmer? Workers with an associate degree in Computer Programming pull upward of $42,000 a year to start, and those with 10 or more years of experience report a median salary of $68,800.10. Occupational Health and SafetyEarly Career Median Pay: $52,700Mid-Career Median Pay: $68,700Percent High Job Meaning: 71%Did you volunteer to be a hall monitor in elementary school? Then maybe studying Occupational Health and Safety is a smart move. It certainly pays off—the median mid-career salary for workers who hold an associate degree in this subject is over $68,000, and they have the second-highest sense of job meaning on this list of top associate degrees by earning potential.25 Top High Paying Jobs with an Associate’s Degree - CollegeQuest.comContrary to popular belief, you do not have to spend many years in school to qualify for a high paying job. By pursuing an associate’s degree instead of attending a four-year college, you could spend as little as two years in school and get a great job after graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average weekly salary for all workers in the US was $827 in 2013, which amounts to an annual income of $43,004. Below we have listed 25 high-paying jobs that require only an associate’s degree. Each of the featured jobs garnered a median annual income above the 2013 national average.1. Air Traffic ControllersJob Summary- Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that aircraft remain a safe distance apart and to minimize delays. They issue take-off and landing instructions, monitor and direct the movement of aircraft, and so much more.Median Annual Wage- The median annual wage for air traffic controllers was $121,280 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of air traffic controllers is expected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022.2. Radiation TherapistsJob Summary- Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other diseases. They operate machines called linear accelerators, which are used to deliver radiation therapy.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for radiation therapists was $79,140 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of radiation therapists is expected to grow at a much faster than average rate of 24% from 2012 to 2022.3. Nuclear TechniciansJob Summary- Nuclear technicians work in nuclear power production or assist engineers, physicists, and other professionals in research. Their role is to monitor the performance of equipment used in power generation or nuclear experiments.Median Annual Wage– The median annual wage of nuclear technicians was $72,610 in May 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Projected Growth– The employment of nuclear technicians is projected to grow 15% from 2012 to 2022.4. Nuclear Medicine TechnologistsJob Summary- Nuclear medicine technologists create images of various parts of a patient’s body using a scanner. They also prepare and administer radioactive drugs for patients who undergo the scans so that the abnormal areas of the body can be differentiated from the normal areas.Median Annual Wage– The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $71,120 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of nuclear medicine technologists is projected to grow 20% from 2012 to 2022, which is a rate that is faster than average.5. Dental HygienistsJob Summary- Dental hygienists clean patients’ teeth and examine their teeth and gums to check for signs of disease. Dental hygienists also provide preventive dental care and teach patients good dental hygiene habits.Median Annual Wage- The median annual wage of dental hygienists was $71,110 in May 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Projected Growth– The employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow 33% from 2012 to 2022, which is a much faster than average rate.6. Funeral Service ManagersJob Summary- Funeral service managers organize and manage all of the details of funerals. Their duties may include preparing remains, providing emotional support to the bereaved, and filing death certificates.Median Annual Wage- The median annual wage of funeral service managers was $68,420 in May 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Projected Growth- The employment of funeral service managers is expected to grow 12% from 2012 to 2022.7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and TechniciansJob Summary- Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests. These images and test results help doctors assess and diagnose medical conditions.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2013 was $66,410. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians earned $53,210.Projected Growth- The BLS reports that the employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow 46% from 2012 to 2022, which is much faster than average, while the employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians should grow 30%.8. Registered NursesJob Summary- Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care. They also educate patients, their families, and the general public about health conditions, as well as provide emotional support and advice.Median Annual Wage- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for registered nurses was $66,220 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of registered nurses is expected to grow at a faster than average rate of 19% from 2012 to 2022.9. Web DevelopersJob Summary- Web developers design and build websites and web applications. They are responsible for determining the technical features, as well as the look and feel of websites and web apps.Median Annual Wage- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for web developers was $63,160 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of web developers is expected to grow 20% from 2012 to 2022, which is a rate that is faster than average.10. Aerospace Engineering and Operations TechniciansJob Summary- Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used to develop, test, and produce new aircraft and spacecraft. They often use computer-based modeling and simulation tools in their work.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technicians was $62,680 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of aerospace engineering and operations technicians is projected to show little to no change from 2012 to 2022.11. Computer Network Support SpecialistsJob Summary- Computer network support specialists support IT employees within their organization in the use of computer software or equipment. They may test and evaluate network systems, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot network problems.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $60,180 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of computer network specialists is projected to grow 7% from 2012 to 2022.12. Electrical and Electronics Engineering TechniciansJob Summary- Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, navigational equipment, communications equipment, and other electronic equipment. They evaluate and test products with diagnostic and measuring devices.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electrical and electronics engineering technicians was $58,540 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of electrical and electronics engineering technicians is expected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022.13. Respiratory TherapistsJob Summary- Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing. They use tests to evaluate patients, perform chest physiotherapy to remove mucus from the lungs, connect patients to ventilators, and more.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of respiratory therapists was $56,290 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 19% from 2012 to 2022, which is a rate that is faster than average.14. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and TechniciansJob Summary- Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They may also perform inspections required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for avionics technicians was $55,990 in 2013. Aircraft mechanics and service techniciansearned $55,980.Projected Growth- The employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022.15. Radiologic and MRI TechnologistsJob Summary- Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging exams, such as X-rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $55,200 in May 2013. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists earned $66,050.Projected Growth- The employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 21% from 2012 to 2022, which is a rate that is faster than average for all occupations.16. Geological and Petroleum TechniciansJob Summary- Geological and petroleum technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources, such as gas, oil, and minerals. They analyze samples of soil and minerals with the goal of finding these valuable resources.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for geological and petroleum technicians was $53,410 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of geological and petroleum technicians is projected to grow 15% from 2012 to 2022.17. Mechanical Engineering TechniciansJob Summary- Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including engines, tools, and machines. Their duties may include making sketches and layouts, analyzing data, and making calculations and estimates.Median Annual Wage- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for mechanical engineering technicians was $52,390 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of mechanical engineering technicians is expected to grow 5% from 2012 to 2022.18. Electro-mechanical TechniciansJob Summary- Electro-mechanical technicians work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers. They install, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems.Median Annual Wage- The median annual wage for electro-mechanical technicians was $51,330 in May 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Projected Growth- The employment of electro-mechanical technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2012 to 2022.19. Industrial Engineering TechniciansJob Summary- Industrial engineering technicians work with industrial engineers, helping them implement designs to effectively use personnel, materials, and machines in various settings, such as healthcare organizations, factories, and stores. Industrial engineering technicians prepare diagrams showing how machines are used and materials are handled.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for industrial engineering technicians was $52,020 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of industrial engineering technicians is projected to decline 3% from 2012 to 2022.20. DraftersJob Summary- Drafters use software to convert the designs of architects and engineers into plans and drawings. Drafters may specialize in electrical, mechanical, civil or architectural drafting.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for drafters was $49,630 in May 2012.Projected Growth- The employment of drafters is expected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022.21. Civil Engineering TechniciansJob Summary- Civil engineering technicians assist civil engineers in planning and designing the construction of utilities, bridges, highways, and other major infrastructure projects. They also assist with commercial, residential, and land development.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for civil engineering technicians was $47,780 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of civil engineering technicians is expected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022.22. Paralegals and Legal AssistantsJob Summary- Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, such as maintaining and organizing files, drafting documents, and conducting research. They help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and meetings.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $47,570 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 17% from 2012 to 2022.23. Environmental Engineering TechniciansJob Summary- Environmental engineering technicians are responsible for carrying out the plans that environmental engineers develop. Their responsibilities may include collecting samples for testing; mitigating sources of environmental pollution; and testing, operating, and modifying equipment used to prevent and clean up pollution.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for environmental engineering technicians was $46,160 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of environmental engineering technicians is expected to grow 18% from 2012 to 2022.24. Medical Equipment RepairersJob Summary- Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair equipment used for patient care. They may replace and repair parts, test and calibrate parts and equipment, and perform preventive maintenance, among other tasks.Median Annual Wage- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of medical equipment repairers was $44,180 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of medical equipment repairers is projected to grow 30% from 2012 to 2022, which is a much faster than average rate compared to all occupations.25. Chemical TechniciansJob Summary- Chemical technicians use special lab equipment and techniques to help chemical engineers and chemists research, develop, and produce chemical products and processes. Their duties may include preparing chemical solutions, setting up and maintaining lab instruments and equipment, and compiling and interpreting test results.Median Annual Wage- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for chemical technicians was $43,310 in May 2013.Projected Growth- The employment of chemical technicians is expected to grow 9% from 2012 to 2022.Start Pursing Your Associate’s DegreeEarning a college degree is not a decision to take lightly. It requires years of time and effort and can be expensive. Skyrocketing tuition and high unemployment rates have led many families to rethink their plans of sending their kids to four-year colleges and universities. As the above list demonstrates, earning a bachelor’s degree is not the only way to get a high-paying job. Oftentimes, it is possible to achieve a higher return-on-investment by pursuing a two-year degree and entering the workforce sooner. An associate’s degree in the right field can open doors to a number of well-paid job opportunities. Now that you know more about the available jobs with an associate’s degree, consider pursuing an associate’s degree to start on the path to a fulfilling and lucrative career.Related Articles:How to Become a Software Engineer Software engineering is a fast-growing occupation with a high salary potential. From computer operating systems to...What Do Graphic Designers Do? Through hand drawings or computer software, graphic designers convey concepts visually with strategic use of images,...Does Education Pay? 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics Research: Unemployment and Salary As a potential student, you may be...How to Become a Business Analyst Business analysts, also known as management analysts, analyze an organization and propose ways to improve its...20 Additional High-Paying Vocations in AmericaSome people consider a trade to be any occupation that requires a very specific set of mid- to high-level skills. So by broadening the definition beyond areas like construction, mechanical repair, and industrial work, it quickly becomes apparent that many of the highest paid trade jobs can be found in other sectors such as technology and health care. Plus, like the occupations listed above, the following examples also tend to involve a lot of deeply engaging (and often hands-on) tasks.1. Computer Network ArchitectAverage hourly pay—$49.57Top-end hourly pay—over $74.64Main tasks—Designing efficient and secure networks for data communications and putting them into action2. Applications Software DeveloperAverage hourly pay—$49.12Top-end hourly pay—over $73.90Main tasks—Overseeing the creation of new computer programs or mobile apps (or modifications to existing ones)3. Logistics ManagerAverage hourly pay—$45.74Top-end hourly pay—over $72.00Main tasks—Coordinating activities related to the storage, transportation, and distribution of physical goods4. Computer ProgrammerAverage hourly pay—$40.56Top-end hourly pay—over $62.89Main tasks—Generating, testing, or changing the code that makes software work the way it's intended to5. Database AdministratorAverage hourly pay—$40.51Top-end hourly pay—over $61.09Main tasks—Managing and implementing changes to information systems that store, organize, and provide select access to data6. Funeral Service ManagerAverage hourly pay—$40.61Top-end hourly pay—over $68.63Main tasks—Coordinating the resources and activities of facilities that provide funeral and memorial services for the families and friends of recently deceased individuals7. Film or Video EditorAverage hourly pay—$38.61Top-end hourly pay—over $74.92Main tasks—Choosing and arranging sequences of film or video clips for movies, TV shows, or similar projects8. Fashion DesignerAverage hourly pay—$35.18Top-end hourly pay—over $60.23Main tasks—Creating original clothing designs and fashion accessories9. Dental HygienistAverage hourly pay—$34.96Top-end hourly pay—over $47.33Main tasks—Examining and cleaning the teeth of dental patients while educating them about good oral hygiene and looking for signs of problems that a dentist may need to address10. Multimedia Artist or AnimatorAverage hourly pay—$33.80Top-end hourly pay—over $54.62Main tasks—Creating animations, special effects, or visual enhancements for projects like movies, video games, television shows, or advertisements11. Web DeveloperAverage hourly pay—$33.97Top-end hourly pay—over $56.07Main tasks—Creating or modifying functional and user-friendly websites using the most appropriate programming languages and graphics, multimedia, or database tools12. Diagnostic Medical SonographerAverage hourly pay—$34.08Top-end hourly pay—over $46.82Main tasks—Using ultrasound technology to capture images of what's occurring inside a patient's body13. Engineering TechnicianAverage hourly pay—$30.20Top-end hourly pay—over $45.24Main tasks—Assisting engineers with the development and testing of design solutions to various real-word problems14. Electrical or Electronics DrafterAverage hourly pay—$30.24Top-end hourly pay—over $45.84Main tasks—Producing drawings and diagrams of wiring or circuit board layouts15. Sound Engineering TechnicianAverage hourly pay—$30.45Top-end hourly pay—over $56.99Main tasks—Recording or mixing sound in settings like live music venues, theaters, sports arenas, recording studios, or film sets16. Respiratory TherapistAverage hourly pay—$28.67Top-end hourly pay—over $38.67Main tasks—Evaluating and providing therapeutic treatments for patients who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to breathe17. Radiologic TechnologistAverage hourly pay—$28.13Top-end hourly pay—over $39.26Main tasks—Using X-ray technology to obtain diagnostic images of a patient's internal anatomy18. Cardiovascular TechnologistAverage hourly pay—$26.97Top-end hourly pay—over $41.91Main tasks—Using special equipment such as electrocardiogram (EKG) machines to test the heart and lung functions of medical patients19. Physical Therapist AssistantAverage hourly pay—$26.56Top-end hourly pay—over $36.99Main tasks—Carrying out treatments, as directed by a physical therapist, that help people regain or improve their strength and range of motion after injury, surgery, or other physical impairment20. Occupational Therapy AssistantAverage hourly pay—$28.05Top-end hourly pay—over $37.54Main tasks—Helping people improve their ability to lead normal day-to-day lives in spite of limitations caused by illness, injury, or disability.23 Trade School Jobs Among the Highest Paying TradesHere's why it can pay to attend a trade school: Jobs that provide good incomes are often more easily obtained after training at one. The simple fact is that many of the highest paying trades in America are filled with people who began their careers with a short skills-based education from a vocational or technical college.And the potential benefits don't stop there. Beyond just being among the highest paying, trade jobs are also frequently some of the most satisfying. After all, they often involve a lot of physical, hands-on work while still being very mentally engaging. Just think back to the joy you felt as a kid when you got to help build, create, or fix something tangible. It probably gave you a real sense of pride, achievement, and confidence.So by pursuing this type of path, you give yourself an opportunity to gain more financial prosperity, as well as true enjoyment while earning it. Plus, many of the best trade school jobs offer something else: a genuine chance at career security and advancement.The following trade school jobs list features many occupations for which training programs are often easy to find. However, it doesn't include some of the jobs for which it may be more common to begin training as an apprentice directly with an employer.An example would be a trade such as electrical power line repair since many energy utilities provide their own in-house programs. Other high-paying examples might include areas like elevator repair, structural ironwork, rail car repair, or telecommunications repair. Even so, many people pursuing those types of careers still find it beneficial to get a pre-apprenticeship education from a trade school before approaching potential employers.So here are some of America's highest paying trade school jobs. (The cited wages are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2015 estimates.**)1. Construction ManagerAverage hourly pay—$46.88Top-end hourly pay—over $74.61Main tasks—Planning, overseeing, and handling the coordination of construction or maintenance activities (including budgeting and scheduling) related to specific building projects2. Rotary Drill Operator for the Oil and Gas IndustryAverage hourly pay—$29.03Top-end hourly pay—over $44.65Main tasks—Extracting oil or natural gas (or core samples) from underground sources by setting up and using large drilling equipment3. BoilermakerAverage hourly pay—$29.16Top-end hourly pay—over $41.49Main tasks—Assembling, installing, or fixing very large containers or vessels designed for holding liquids or gases (such as closed vats, steam boilers, and boiler furnaces)4. Aircraft MechanicAverage hourly pay—$28.92Top-end hourly pay—over $42.81Main tasks—Inspecting, repairing, adjusting, or overhauling airplane or helicopter engines and other important systems5. Avionics TechnicianAverage hourly pay—$28.94Top-end hourly pay—over $42.10Main tasks—Installing, testing, and fixing high-tech equipment used in space vehicles or aircraft for purposes like navigation, radar detection, weather tracking, radio communications, and weapons control6. Pile-Driver OperatorAverage hourly pay—$26.51Top-end hourly pay—over $44.58Main tasks—Using large pile-driving machines that are mounted on barges, cranes, or skids to hammer long beams of steel, wood, or concrete into the ground as part of a big construction project7. Plumber, Pipefitter, or SteamfitterAverage hourly pay—$26.49Top-end hourly pay—over $43.13Main tasks—Putting together and installing, adjusting, or repairing pipes and related equipment used for liquid or gas distribution8. ElectricianAverage hourly pay—$26.73Top-end hourly pay—over $42.37Main tasks—Wiring buildings for electrical power, lighting, or communications systems (and maintaining or repairing those systems)9. Crane OperatorAverage hourly pay—$26.23Top-end hourly pay—over $39.79Main tasks—Lifting and moving construction materials, manufactured products, or machinery using mechanical beam and cable equipment10. Wind Turbine TechnicianAverage hourly pay—$25.50Top-end hourly pay—over $34.53Main tasks—Installing, inspecting, fixing, and maintaining large wind turbines used for generating electricity11. MillwrightAverage hourly pay—$25.31Top-end hourly pay—over $36.71Main tasks—Assembling industrial machines, performing maintenance or repairs on them, and dismantling them when necessary12. Brick MasonAverage hourly pay—$24.88Top-end hourly pay—over $38.85Main tasks—Constructing or fixing walls or other structures by placing and binding bricks, cinder blocks, structural tiles, or other similar materials13. Commercial DiverAverage hourly pay—$26.27Top-end hourly pay—over $42.53Main tasks—Using various construction tools and scuba diving gear to help build, assemble, inspect, or fix components of large structures under water14. Industrial Machinery MechanicAverage hourly pay—$24.75Top-end hourly pay—over $36.22Main tasks—Fixing, maintaining, or putting together machines used for industrial processes like manufacturing or oil, gas, or chemical refining and distribution15. CNC Machine Tool ProgrammerAverage hourly pay—$24.82Top-end hourly pay—over $36.43Main tasks—Giving instructions to computer numerically controlled machinery for making objects like tools, molds, and dies16. Mobile Heavy Equipment MechanicAverage hourly pay—$24.08Top-end hourly pay—over $34.41Main tasks—Troubleshooting, adjusting, and fixing large mobile equipment used for construction or natural resource excavation (such as bulldozers, road graders, cranes, and conveyor systems)17. Construction Equipment OperatorAverage hourly pay—$23.61Top-end hourly pay—over $37.25Main tasks—Controlling various kinds of heavy construction machines like front-end loaders, tractors, bulldozers, graders, and derricks18. HVAC TechnicianAverage hourly pay—$22.78Top-end hourly pay—over $34.47Main tasks—Repairing or installing systems for the heating, cooling, and ventilation of buildings19. CarpenterAverage hourly pay—$22.49Top-end hourly pay—over $36.90Main tasks—Constructing or fixing the wooden frameworks or foundation forms for buildings and related structures20. Diesel MechanicAverage hourly pay—$22.17Top-end hourly pay—over $32.18Main tasks—Troubleshooting and repairing larger vehicles with diesel engines such as trucks, buses, and, in some cases, marine vessels21. Auto Body RepairerAverage hourly pay—$21.44Top-end hourly pay—over $33.42Main tasks—Refinishing or repairing the bodies and structural frames of cars and trucks22. WelderAverage hourly pay—$19.70Top-end hourly pay—over $28.85Main tasks—Joining metal pieces together using handheld welding torches or related equipment23. Automotive MechanicAverage hourly pay—$19.58Top-end hourly pay—over $30.45Main tasks—Inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing motor vehicle engines and other important systems and componentsBig Demand for Many of America's Highest Paid TradesOver recent years, several employer surveys have found that skilled trade jobs are some of the hardest to fill. And in many regions throughout the U.S., a shortage of qualified tradespeople is becoming the new norm, especially as a lot of older workers from the Baby Boomer generation begin retiring.In fact, in 2015, half of all American tradespeople in the repair and maintenance sector were above the age of 42.5. In the construction sector, half were over the age of 42.7. In the manufacturing sector, half were above the age of 44.4. And in the utilities sector, half were over the age of 46.1.*As a result, employers in many growing industries are actively recruiting the next generation of tradesmen and women. High-tech manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas extraction companies are just a few examples.And you can probably imagine what would happen if America didn't have qualified people in the trades. Everything that we rely on for our way of life would begin to crumble. From roads and bridges to pipes and electricity, almost our entire modern infrastructure is built, maintained, and repaired by skilled tradespersons. It's the type of work that cannot simply be outsourced overseas. It must be done locally.That's why a lot of the highest paying trade school careers also have bright outlooks going forward. The market for people with these skills is expected to be very large for decades to come.

For two thousand years the Chinese have chosen politicians just as the US Navy chooses admirals.Naval officers devote their lives to preparing for responsibility, study relentlessly, spend years away from home, are paid a fraction of their civilian worth, take orders from people they dislike, perform missions they find distasteful, eat restricted diets, sleep odd hours, observe a restrictive moral code, are assessed against a host of metrics, constantly watched for dishonesty and tried in special courts if they err. The idea that aspiring admirals would join a faction or publicly campaign for election is laughable. Instead, Human Resources experts in the Bureau of Naval Personnel recommend promotions to elected officials, who must confirm them.For two thousand years China has required aspiring politicians to devote their lives to preparing for responsibility, study continuously, spend years away from home, be paid a fraction of their civilian worth, take orders from people they dislike, eat restricted diets, sleep odd hours, observe a restrictive moral code, be evaluated against a host of metrics, be constantly monitored for immorality and tried in special courts if they err. The idea that aspiring politicians would join a faction, or publicly campaign for election, is laughable. Instead, The Organization Department, the government’s HR experts, recommend promotions and elected officials must confirm them.Though commanding a fleet is an awesome responsibility, governing a country is an order of magnitude more difficult, yet we permit ambitious amateurs to join political factions, solicit campaign funds and make unfulfillable promises to reach the pinnacle of power. The process that has nothing to do with democracy: it’s simply how the Romans did it. Britain, a former Roman colony, copied them and the US, a former British colony, copied them. In the absence of a moral filter, says Martha Stout⁠1, “Politicians are more likely than people in the general population to be sociopaths...That a small minority of human beings literally have no conscience was and is a bitter pill for our society to swallow–but it does explain a great many things, shamelessly deceitful political behavior being one.”The Chinese find our amateur, promise-driven, personality-based governance unappealing. They would no more vote for amateur political leaders than for amateur brain surgeons. To them charm, good looks, quick wits and rhetorical skill signify shallowness, instability and glibness. Their political stars have always been experienced, scholarly, altruistic problem-solvers chosen on merit after decades of testing. Political dynasties like America’s Bushes, Japan’s Abes, South Korea’s Parks and Britain’s hereditary heads of State are unthinkable. No Party leader has ever placed close relatives in provincial or cabinet positions.Altruistic politicians have been fundamental to Chinese governance for two millennia. In 1000 AD, during our Dark Ages, with just one scholar-official for every eight thousand citizens, China was harmonious, technologically advanced and prosperous. Emperors and dynasties came and went while loyal, disciplined–often courageous–civil servants lived far from family, serving in remote regions under terrible conditions. Confucius⁠2’ moral meritocracy and the rigors of the job discouraged sociopaths and officials integrity, efficiency and entrepreneurial energy made China the most advanced civilization on earth. The tradition is remembered in Singapore’s Constitution as a White Paper affirms, “The concept of government by honorable men who have a duty to do right for the people and who have their trust and respect fits us better than the Western idea that government power should be as limited as possible.”The process of choosing the President and General Secretary is the same at all levels, but the criteria become more stringent as cadres rise in rank. Here’s provincial official Zhao Bing Bing [⁠1] describing the process at her level:I was promoted in 2004 through my department’s internal competition (30 percent on written exam results, 30 percent on interviews and public speaking, 30 percent on public opinion of my work and 10 percent on education, seniority, and my current position) and became the youngest deputy division chief. In 2009, Liaoning Province (pop. 44 million), announced in the national media an open selection of officials. Sixty candidates met the qualifications, the top five of whom were invited for further interviews. Based on their test scores (40 percent) and interview results (60 percent), the top three were then appraised. The Liaoning Province organizational department sent four appraisers who spent a whole day checking my previous records. Eighty of my colleagues were asked to vote–more than thirty of whom were asked to talk with the appraisers about my merits and shortcomings–and they submitted the appraisal result to the provincial Standing Committee of the CCP for review.In principle, the person who scored the highest and whose appraisals were not problematic would be promoted. However, because my university major, work experience and previous performance were the best fit for the position, I was finally appointed department chief of the Liaoning Provincial Foreign Affairs Office even though my overall score was second best [the government also discriminates positively in promoting women–ed]. Before the official appointment there was a seven-day public notice period during which anybody could report to the organization department concerns about my promotion. I didn’t spend any money during my three promotions; all I did was study and work hard and do my best to be a good person.In 2013, thanks to an exchange program, I worked temporarily in the CCP International Department. The system of temporary exchanges offers opportunities to learn about different issues in different regions and areas like government sectors and SOEs. In a famous quote Chairman Mao said, “Once the political lines have been clearly defined the decisive factor will be the cadres [trained specialists].” So the CCP highly values organizational construction and the selection and appointment of specialists. There is a special department managing this work, The Organization Department, established in 1924 and Mao was its first leader..The department is mainly responsible for the macro management of the leaders and the staff (team building), including the management system, regulations and laws, human resource system reforms—planning, research and direction, as well as proposing suggestions on the leadership change and the (re)appointment of cadres. In addition, it has the responsibilities of training and supervising cadres. The cadre selection criteria are: a person must have ‘both ability and moral integrity and the latter should be prioritized’. The evaluation of moral integrity focuses mostly on loyalty to the Party, service to the people, self-discipline and integrity. Based on different levels and positions, the emphases of evaluation are also different. For intermediate and senior officials, emphasis is on their persistence in faith and ideals, political stance and coordination with the central Party. High-level cadres are measured against great politicians and, among them, experience in multiple positions is very important.The track records of a thousand top politicians, available online⁠ [2], are impressive. Most, like Xi Jinping, started their political careers as manual laborers in dirt-poor villages in the late sixties and doubled the incomes of the people they governed, got PhDs and ran huge provinces, Fortune 500 corporations, universities or space programs. As they advanced they spent sabbaticals on the leafy, lake-studded campus of The Academy of Governance where they met the world’s leading thinkers and critiqued policies with senior policymakers.When the time comes, as it does every five years, to choose new leaders or reappoint them, the Party and the Organization Department will recommend the top dozen candidates to Congress. Then they’ll start voting candidates out, one by one, until the least unpopular, smartest candidate becomes the Prime Minister and least unpopular most honest candidate becomes the President.1 The Sociopath Next Door, by Martha Stout Ph.D.2 The Doctrine of the Mean[1] Daniel Bell and Zhao Bing Bing, The China Model.[2] The Committee - MacroPolo