Real-Life Arkansas

The Lifestyle I Want

Job Description: Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs. Includes arrangers, composers, choral directors, and orchestrators.
Occupation Code: 27-2041
Method of Entry: Bachelor's-Master's Degree
Working Conditions: Music directors often work for religious organizations, frequently as choir directors. They also work in concert halls and recording studios. Music directors may spend a lot of time traveling to different performances. Composers can work in offices, recording studios, or their own homes. Rehearsals and recording sessions are commonly held during business hours, but performances take place most often on nights and weekends. Because music writing is done primarily independently, composers may be able to set their own schedules.
Labor Maret Information
- Annual Salary: $57,221
- Salary for Entry Level Jobs: $48,485
- Growth Rate: 00.00%

Job Description: Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Occupation Code: 27-3043
Method of Entry: College Degree
Working Conditions: Writers and authors work in an office, at home, or wherever else they have access to a computer. Some writers keep regular office hours, either to stay in contact with sources and editors or to set up a writing routine, but many writers set their own hours. Freelance writers are paid per assignment; therefore, they work any number of hours necessary to meet a deadline. As a result, writers must be willing to work nights and weekends to produce something acceptable to an editor or client. Although many freelance writers enjoy running their own businesses and the advantages of working flexible hours, most routinely face the pressures of juggling multiple projects or continually looking for new work.
Labor Market Information
- Annual Salary: $65,493
- Salary for Entry Level Jobs: $39,927
- Growth Rate: 00.00%

Job Description: Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Occupation Code: 15-1131
Method of Entry: Bachelor's Degree
Working Conditions: Computer programmers usually work in offices, most commonly in the computer systems design and related services industry and information service industry. Programmers normally work alone, but sometimes work with other computer specialists on large projects. Because writing codes can be done anywhere, many programmers telecommute. Most computer programmers work full time.
Labor Market Information
- Annual Salary: $68,121
- Salary for Entry Level Jobs: $50,415
- Growth Rate: 01.50%

Job Description: Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Occupation Code: 27-1021
Method of Entry: Bachelor's Degree
Working Conditions: Work spaces for industrial designers often include drafting tables for sketching designs, meeting rooms with whiteboards for brainstorming with colleagues, and computers and other office equipment for preparing designs and communicating with clients. Although industrial designers work primarily in offices, they may travel to testing facilities, design centers, client's exhibit sites, users' homes or workplaces, and places where the product is manufactured. Most industrial designers work full time, especially if they are employed by manufacturers, large corporations, or design firms. Many industrial designers are self-employed or work for firms that hire them out to other organizations that need industrial design services. In these cases, industrial designers frequently adjust their workday to meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends. In addition, they may spend some of their time looking for new projects or compet
Labor Market Information
- Annual Salary: $64,333
- Salary for Entry Level Jobs: $47,070
- Growth Rate: 00.00%