By Hey there, career enthusiasts and curious minds! Welcome back to thegreateconomy.com, where we dive into the financial side of the working world. I’m Bright T., and today we’re answering a question that’s on everyone’s mind: how much do people in different jobs really earn? From Pilates instructors to cruise ship workers, and even the President of the USA, I’ve got the scoop on salaries in 2025. Whether you’re wondering how much does a doctor earn an hour or how to calculate retained earnings, this article has you covered. Let’s break it down, profession by profession, and see what these careers are paying this year!
- How Much Do Pilates Instructors Earn?
- How Much Do Plumbers Earn ?
- How Much Does a Doctor Earn an Hour?
- How Much Does a Cruise Ship Worker Earn?
- How Much Does a Tattooist Earn?
- How to Calulate Retained Earnings?
- How Much Does a News Anchor Earn?
- How Much Does a Vet Earn in a Year?
How Much Do Pilates Instructors Earn?
Let’s kick things off with Pilates instructors, a role that’s gained popularity as more people prioritize fitness. If you’re thinking about becoming a Pilates instructor, you’re likely wondering about the earning potential. Based on industry insights, Pilates instructors in the USA typically earn between $25 to $50 per hour as of 2024, with some experienced instructors in major cities or with specialized skills pulling in over $70 per hour for private sessions. For group classes, starting rates can be lower—around $20 to $45 per class, depending on the studio and class size. For example, an instructor with a full class of six reformer beds might earn $45 for an hour-long session if the rate increases by $5 per bed.
If we assume an instructor teaches 20 hours a week at an average of $40 per hour, that’s $800 weekly, or roughly $41,600 annually. Instructors who offer workshops or mentor others can boost their income significantly—some charge $85 per hour for mentoring or $125 per person for themed workshops like “Pilates for Desk Workers.” Location matters too; you’ll likely earn more in cities like New York or LA compared to smaller towns. It’s a career with growth potential, but it often starts modestly, especially after the cost of certifications.
How Much Do Plumbers Earn?
Next up, plumbers—a trade that’s always in demand. Plumbers’ salaries vary depending on experience, location, and whether they’re union or non-union. In 2024, the average annual salary for apprentice plumbers in the USA was around $43,900, or about $20 per hour, while union plumbers earned an average of $63,215 per year, or $30 per hour. Starting plumbers often begin at $21 per hour, but as you gain experience and certifications, hourly rates can range from $25 to over $50, especially for complex jobs.
For a full-time plumber working 40 hours a week at $30 per hour, that’s $1,200 weekly, or $62,400 annually. Larger cities offer more opportunities and higher pay, but you’ll need to complete trade school or an apprenticeship to get there. Plumbers on cruise ships, for instance, handle specialized systems and might earn similar wages, though their contracts include benefits like free room and board. It’s a solid career with steady demand, but the early years can be tough as you build skills.
How Much Does a Doctor Earn an Hour?
Doctors are often seen as high earners, but how much do they make per hour? It depends on their specialty, experience, and location. On average, a general physician in the USA might earn between $100 to $200 per hour in 2025, based on annual salary estimates of $200,000 to $400,000 for a 40-hour workweek. Specialists like surgeons or cardiologists can earn significantly more—sometimes $300 to $500 per hour—due to the complexity of their work.
Cruise ship doctors, for example, earn between $7,500 and $12,000 per month, which breaks down to roughly $90 to $150 per hour for a 10-hour workday. Chief doctors on larger ships might hit the higher end. However, these figures don’t account for the long hours, on-call duties, or years of medical school debt. While doctors earn well, the hourly rate reflects the high stakes and training required. If you’re considering this path, weigh the financial rewards against the demanding lifestyle.
How Much Does a Cruise Ship Worker Earn?
Working on a cruise ship sounds glamorous, but what’s the pay like? How much does a cruise ship worker earn varies widely by role, experience, and cruise line. Entry-level positions like housekeepers, bar staff, or buffet servers typically earn $600 to $1,200 per month, though long hours (10-14 hours daily) and tips can boost this. Bartenders, for instance, might make $1,000 to $2,800 monthly, plus shared tips, while senior roles like cruise directors or officers can earn $3,000 to $6,000 monthly.
Let’s break it down: a bartender earning $2,000 per month, working 12-hour days for 30 days, makes about $5.50 per hour before tips. Tips can double or triple their income, especially on luxury lines. Benefits like free room, board, and meals help workers save, but the base wage is often low—sometimes just $400-$700 per month for entry-level roles. It’s a trade-off: you travel the world, but the hours are grueling, and you’re away from home for months.
How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Earn?
Since the question how much do cruise ship workers earn is similar, let’s zoom in on a specific role: the captain. Cruise ship captains are among the highest earners, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on the cruise line and route. Captains on luxury lines or complex routes (e.g., exotic destinations) can earn over $200,000 per year. For a captain earning $150,000 annually, that’s roughly $12,500 per month, or $125 per hour for a 10-hour workday.
Other roles, like entertainers, work fewer hours but earn less—around $1,500 to $3,000 monthly. The disparity is stark: while captains and chief engineers make six figures, many crew members rely on tips to make a livable wage. The cruise industry offers unique perks, but the pay structure highlights a reliance on gratuities for lower-tier workers.
How Much Does a Tattooist Earn?
Tattoo artists’ earnings depend on their clientele, location, and reputation. In 2025, a tattooist in the USA might earn $50 to $150 per hour, with top artists in cities like Miami or LA charging $200 or more for custom work. Assuming an average of $100 per hour and 25 hours of tattooing per week, that’s $2,500 weekly, or $130,000 annually. However, tattooists often work as independent contractors, so they need to cover expenses like studio rent, supplies, and taxes, which can cut into their take-home pay.
Entry-level tattooists might start at $30 per hour while building a portfolio, and tips can add 10-20% to their income. It’s a career where skill and marketing (think Instagram portfolios) directly impact earnings. If you’re artistic and love ink, tattooing can be lucrative, but it takes time to build a client base.
How Much Does the President of the USA Earn?
The President of the USA has a fixed salary, set by law. As of 2025, the president earns $400,000 per year, a figure that’s been unchanged since 2001. That breaks down to about $33,333 per month, or roughly $192 per hour for a 40-hour workweek—though let’s be real, the president’s job is 24/7. They also receive a $50,000 expense allowance, free housing in the White House, and other perks like Air Force One travel.
While $400,000 sounds substantial, it’s modest compared to other high-profile roles, like top CEOs who earn millions. The president’s salary hasn’t kept pace with inflation, and some argue it should be higher given the role’s demands. Still, the position comes with immense prestige and benefits that go beyond the paycheck.
How to Calulate Retained Earnings?
Switching gears, let’s talk finance: how to calculate retained earnings. This is a key metric for businesses, showing the profits kept after dividends are paid. The formula is simple:
Retained Earnings = Beginning Retained Earnings + Net Income (or Loss) – Dividends Paid
Here’s an example: If a company starts the year with $50,000 in retained earnings, earns a net income of $30,000, and pays $10,000 in dividends, the calculation is:
$50,000 + $30,000 – $10,000 = $70,000.
That’s the new retained earnings balance. This figure helps businesses decide how much to reinvest or save, and it’s crucial for investors analyzing a company’s financial health. If you’re running a business or investing, understanding retained earnings can guide your decisions—especially in uncertain markets like 2025.
How Much Does a News Anchor Earn?
News anchors’ salaries vary widely based on market size, network, and fame. In 2025, a local news anchor in a small market might earn $40,000 to $80,000 per year, or about $20 to $40 per hour for a 40-hour week. Anchors in major markets like New York or LA, or those at national networks like CNN or Fox News, can earn $1 million to $5 million annually—sometimes more for top names like Anderson Cooper.
For a mid-level anchor earning $150,000 per year, that’s roughly $72 per hour. The job often requires odd hours, public scrutiny, and constant preparation, so the pay reflects the pressure. If you’re aiming for this career, start in smaller markets and work your way up—fame can skyrocket your earnings.
How Much Does a Vet Earn in a Year?
Veterinarians care for our furry friends, but what’s their paycheck like? In 2025, the average vet in the USA earns between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and specialization. A starting vet might make $80,000 annually, or about $38 per hour for a 40-hour week, while a specialist (e.g., in surgery) could earn $150,000 or more.
Vets in urban areas or private practices tend to earn more than those in rural settings or shelters. The job requires a veterinary degree, which can mean significant student debt, so the salary has to balance that cost. If you love animals, it’s a rewarding career, but the financial payoff grows with experience.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Dream Job Worth?
From Pilates instructors earning $25-$70 per hour to cruise ship workers relying on tips to make ends meet, salaries in 2025 vary wildly. Doctors might pull in $100-$500 hourly, while the President of the USA earns a steady $400,000 a year. Whether you’re calculating retained earnings for your business or dreaming of being a news anchor, understanding earnings can guide your career choices. At thegreateconomy.com, we’re here to help you navigate these financial waters. I’m Bright T., and I’d love to hear: what’s your dream job, and how much do you think it pays? Drop a comment below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
