Brian K. Smith was astounded that surveys show Utah's top-paying occupation, at an average $191,180 a year, is working as an anesthesiologist. And he is one. "I was pretty sure some other (medical) specialties pay more. They do nationally," he said.

Jen Galloway labors at Utah's lowest-paying occupation — counter help at food concession stands or cafeterias — which pays an average $14,970 a year. "I'm not surprised it's the lowest," she said. "Most people who do this are between 16 and 18, and do it while they go to school because the schedules are very flexible."

Of course, Smith and fellow anesthesiologists had to attend four years of college, four years of medical school and four years of residency for their jobs at the top of the Utah pay scale. Galloway and her co-workers required just a few minutes or hours of on-the-job training, and no degree, to start at the bottom.

It helps show that education pays, at least usually. Any additional training or education tends to bring higher wages, according to a Deseret News analysis of most-recent-available state surveys (conducted in 2006) on pay for 612 different occupations, and the education required for them.

"When you look at everyone in total, the higher the education, the higher the earnings," said Lecia Langston, an economist for the Utah Department of Workforce Services, echoing counsel often given by parents and career advisers during high school graduation season.

But data also show that exceptions exist. Some jobs that require relatively little post-high school training actually pay more than do many that require college degrees or even advanced degrees. That may give hope to those who seek to upgrade employment without four or more years of college.

For example, some of the highest-paying Utah professions that do not require college degrees include: underground mining machine operators, $72,320; real estate brokers, $70,510; locomotive engineers, $68,020; and technical/scientific sales representatives, $66,840.

In comparison, the lowest-paying jobs requiring a bachelor's degree are: survey researchers, $18,860; recreation workers, $21,670; and preschool teachers, $25,170.

And compare those to some of the lowest-paying professions that require a doctorate or professional degree, including: professional clergy, $43,250; podiatrists, $58,550; and orthodontists, $63,070.

Life at the top

Smith says he is glad he went through the 12 years of post-high school education needed to become an anesthesiologist but adds, "Nobody does this for the money. ... We do it because we have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference."

Smith, president of the Utah Society of Anesthesiologists, notes that medical school costs are enormous, and many students go into debt up to $60,000 a year for it. "Many consider it similar to another mortgage," he said. Smith said that if people are looking just to make money, other options are probably smarter.