For parents returning to work - top 20 jobs

Research by Money Magazine and Salary.com: You traded working lunches for PTA meetings and PB&Js. Now you want a challenging job that can bend to make room for family life.

By Carolyn Bigda, Jennifer Merritt and Donna Rosato

3 of 20

A top 5 pick

Sales Representative

5 tips for parents returning to work
Full report at Salary.com

Many sales jobs offer the ultimate in flexibility, from work at home to sales calls clustered over a limited number of days. You don't even need to leave home to sell products like Pampered Chef or clothing line Etcetera. You might work on commission, but a base pay is common.

	Salary	Total compensation (includes bonus)
Median Pay: $62,500
Most people make: 90% in this job make more than:	$38,500	$41,700
Top earners: 10% in this job make more than:	$71,800	$90,700

10-year Job Growth: 14%
Growth in Jobs	57,053
Total openings	161,407

Career Description

Develops new prospects and interacts with existing customers to increase sales of an organization's products and/or services. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Education/Experience

Requires a minimum of an associate's degree or its equivalent with 1-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Executive Recruiter NonProfit Manager Sales Representative Marketing Analyst Accountant Bookkeeper Claims Examiner Community Organizer Financial Analyst Marketing Manager Marketing Specialist Meeting/Event Planner New Products Project Manager Office Manager Recruiter III Recruiting Manager Staff Nurse - RN - Phone Triage Training Manager Training Specialist Volunteer Services Director

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