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A crane operator is responsible for the safe and precise transportation of large loads at building sites. Crane operators play a crucial part in the dynamic world of heavy machinery and construction, and the need for people in this role is growing along with the demand for infrastructure projects.

For those interested in this profession, the income potential is a key consideration. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a crane and tower operator in May 2022 (the latest data available) was $65,220 per year, or $31.36 per hour. Depending on experience, industry, and location, some crane operators can make considerably more.

Read on to learn more about how much a crane operator can make, typical salary ranges, where to find the top-paying jobs, and the training and experience required to get a job as a crane operator.

What Are Crane Operators?

Crane operators handle all aspects of operating a crane — a machine that is used to lift and move heavy loads, machines, materials, and goods for a variety of purposes. A trade job that is often in high demand, crane operators are vital to many industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and construction.

Individuals in this role are responsible for more than just operating controls. To guarantee the safe and effective transportation of objects, crane operators also need to have a thorough awareness of load capabilities, safety procedures, and other site-specific factors.

Crane operators may use a variety of different cranes, including tower cranes, mobile cranes, and boom trucks, to perform their jobs. Though crane operators work solo, it’s not necessarily a good job for people with social anxiety, as they must be able to effectively communicate with other members of the construction team on the ground.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Crane Operators Make a Year?

The starting salary for crane operators varies depending on industry, region, prior training, and certifications, but pay for an entry-level position averages around $35,000 per year, according to Zippia.

The earning potential of crane operators tends to improve as they gain more certificates and experience. The first few years lay the groundwork for skill development, and operators who put in the time and effort can move up the pay scale. Working overtime and overnight shifts can also boost crane operators’ salaries.

Recommended: 11 Work-From-Home Jobs for Retirees

What is the Average Salary for a Crane Operator?

According to the BLS’s most recent data, the average salary for a crane and tower operator in 2022 was $65,220. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $37,680 that year, while the highest-paid 10% percent earned more than $93,410.

How much a crane operator makes, however, will depend on the operator’s level of expertise, industry specialization, and geographic location.

Crane operators working for construction and mining companies typically earn more than those who work in warehousing, storage, and manufacturing.

The highest-paying cities for crane operators are Vancouver, WA; New York, NY; and San Diego, CA.

How Much Money Does a Crane Operator Make by State?

As mentioned above, how much money a crane operator makes can vary by location. What follows is a breakdown of how much a crane operator makes per year, on average, by state.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Crane Operator Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

To become a crane operator, you first need a high school diploma or an equivalent. While not required, many crane operators attend trade school to learn practical construction skills and how to operate heavy machinery, including cranes. This is typically a one- or two-year course.

After graduating from a high school or trade school, many crane operators enroll in a general crane operator training program. These programs, which last between three weeks and three months, help prepare aspiring crane operators for the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) examination.

It’s necessary for crane operators to hold the certification relevant to the types of cranes they operate. Some states and cities also require crane operators to hold a local license.

Once you have a job as a crane operator, you can not only earn competitive pay but also benefits. Many companies supplement the base pay with perks like paid time off, health insurance, and retirement programs.

When thinking about a career as a crane operator, it’s important to take into account the whole range of compensation and benefits that come with the job.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of a Crane Operator Salary

As with any profession, working as a crane operator comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the pros and cons of this role will help you determine if you’re well-suited for this career path.

Pros of Becoming a Crane Operator

•   Competitive salary: While you may not earn a $100,000 a year salary as a crane operator, this is generally a well-paid position.

•   Opportunities for overtime: Since construction projects often take longer than originally anticipated, crane operators frequently have the opportunity to make extra money by working overtime.

•   Industry need: The need for construction projects is ongoing, which helps to maintain a solid job market for crane operators and a constant flow of employment prospects.

•   Opportunities for advancement: As crane operators gain knowledge and specialized skills, they may be able to negotiate higher wages.

Recommended: The Pros and Cons of Salary vs Hourly Pay

Cons of Becoming a Crane Operator

•   Physically demanding: Operating a crane can be physically taxing since it involves standing or sitting for extended periods of time.

•   Safety concerns: Working with heavy machinery at significant heights is a necessary part of the profession, which has inherent safety concerns. Strict adherence to safety procedures is essential to avoiding accidents.

•   Variable working conditions: Crane operators are often exposed to a range of weather conditions and terrain. Work conditions can be challenging.

•   Training and certification requirements: You can’t just get a job as a crane operator right out of high school. Training and certification is necessary, which means you may need to invest some time and money into the career before you can start making a good salary.

The Takeaway

Crane operator jobs are one of the most coveted positions in the construction business thanks to the competitive pay. On average, crane operators earn $65,220, but certain jobs in competitive areas can pay considerably. Crane operators often have the opportunity to work overtime and typically get benefits on top of their base pay.

Whatever type of job you pursue, you’ll want to make sure your earnings can cover your everyday living expenses. To ensure your monthly outflows don’t exceed your monthly inflows, you may want to set up a budget and check out financial tools that can help track your income and spending.

With SoFi, you can keep tabs on how your money comes and goes.

FAQ

Can you make $100k a year as a crane operator?

The average annual salary for a crane operator is $65,220. However, a highly skilled and experienced crane operator may be able to make a six-figure salary, especially those employed in high-demand industries or areas.

Do people like being a crane operator?

Many people find a job as a crane operator rewarding due to its competitive pay, diverse work environments, and opportunities for skill development and advancement. For some, however, the physical demands and safety risks lower overall job satisfaction.

Is it hard to get hired as a crane operator?

Working as a crane operator can provide ample job opportunities for people who are qualified to work with these machines safely. To get a good job as a crane operator, you typically need to take trade school courses, complete general operator training, and gain apprenticeship experience.

Photo credit: iStock/ewg3D

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Lawyers are highly educated and command high salaries to match. How much a lawyer earns a year depends on what type of law they practice, what school they attended, as well as their competence and experience.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a lawyer in May 2022 (the latest data available) was $135,740 per year, or $65.26 per hour.

Corporate lawyers who work in the private sector tend to earn more than those in the public sector (such as district attorneys or public defenders), and sole practitioners typically earn less money than lawyers at large firms.

Read on to learn more about how much a lawyer makes, where you can find top-paying jobs for lawyers, and the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a lawyer.

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions. They typically conduct in-depth research into law, regulations, and past rulings. They also prepare legal documents, including lawsuits, wills, and contracts.

Not an ideal job for people with social anxiety, lawyers will often appear in court in support of their clients and present evidence in hearings and trials, including arbitration and plea bargaining. Lawyers also counsel their clients in legal matters and suggest courses of action.

A lawyer’s exact duties will vary depending on the type of law they practice. For example, criminal defense attorneys advocate on behalf of those accused of criminal activity; family lawyers handle family-related legal issues like divorce, adoption, and child welfare; and corporate lawyers handle legal matters for businesses.
Some lawyers work for the government or in the public’s interest, and are known as public interest lawyers. Public defense attorneys, for example, represent criminal defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Public interest lawyers also work for nonprofit organizations to support civil rights and social justice causes.

Other types of lawyers include:

•   Environmental lawyers

•   Bankruptcy lawyers

•   Immigration lawyers

•   Intellectual property lawyers

•   Entertainment lawyers

•   Tax lawyers

•   Personal injury lawyers

•   Estate planning lawyers


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

How Much Do Starting Lawyers Make a Year?

Lawyers tend to be well paid even at the entry level because they are highly educated. And, the more experience a lawyer gains, generally the more they will earn. According to ZipRecruiter, entry-level lawyers make $100,626 a year, on average, with a range from $47,000 to $138,000.

Those who choose to invest the time, money, and work into becoming a lawyer can feel relatively confident about being able to get a job when they graduate: The BLS projects an increase of 62,400 attorney jobs between 2022 and 2032, representing an 8% growth (which is faster than the average for other occupations).

Recommended: What Trade Job Makes the Most Money?

How Much Money Does a Lawyer Make a Year on Average?

According to the BLS’s most recent data, the average salary for a lawyer in 2022 was $135,740. The best-paid 25% made $208,980 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $94,440.

A lawyer working for a law firm or as in-house counsel will typically be paid with an annual salary versus an hourly wage, but the average hourly pay for a lawyer works out to be $65.26 an hour.

How much a lawyer makes, however, can vary widely depending on their experience, specialty, and location.

The highest paying legal specialties include:

•   Patent attorney

•   Intellectual property attorney

•   Trial lawyer

•   Tax attorney

•   Corporate lawyer

The cities that pay the highest lawyer salaries are:

•   San Jose, California ($267,840)

•   San Francisco, California ($239,330)

•   Washington, District of Columbia ($211,850)

•   Bridgeport, Connecticut ($209,770)

•   Oxnard, California ($207,970)

Recommended: 11 Work-From-Home Jobs Great for Retirees

How Much Money Does a Lawyer Make by State?

As mentioned above, how much money a lawyer makes can vary by location. What follows is a breakdown of how much a lawyer makes per year, on average, by state.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Lawyer Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

To get a job as a lawyer, you must complete a four-year undergraduate degree and then attend law school to earn a juris Doctor degree, or J.D. This can mean four years pursuing a bachelor’s degree, followed by three years of law school (or four years if you go to law school part time).

After graduating from law school, you’ll need to pass the multi-day bar exam for the state in which you want to practice. In addition, most states also require lawyers to keep up to date with law and take training courses throughout their career.

The hard work and financial investment can pay off, however. In addition to competitive pay, lawyers who work full time for a specific company or organization typically get a wide variety of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and more. They may also get bonuses for cases won, costs of bar association fees covered, and training and development opportunities.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of a Lawyer’s Salary

Becoming a lawyer can be a clear path to making more than $100,000 but, as with any profession, working as a lawyer comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the pros and cons of this role will help you determine if you’re well-suited for this career path.

Pros of Becoming a Lawyer

•   Multiple job opportunities: As a lawyer, you have a variety of career paths, giving you the opportunity to work in an area you feel passionate about, whether that is corporate law, family law, real estate law, criminal law, or immigration law.

•   Option to start your own practice: With a law degree and significant experience, you may be able to start your own business and determine the types of clients you want to represent and how many cases you want to take on at any one given time.

•   Earn a high salary: Lawyers have the potential to earn well over six figures a year. Though you may not earn this salary right out of the gate, there is ample opportunity for career advancement and salary increases over time.

•   Stimulating and challenging work: As a lawyer, your daily duties will likely be intellectually challenging. Lawyers typically need to understand complex legal theories, form a hypothesis and create a legal strategy to benefit their clients, and argue and debate in a courtroom.

Cons of Becoming a Lawyer

•   Work can be stressful: Lawyers must meet deadlines as well as the demands of their clients. You may also come across stressful and emotionally difficult cases, which can take a psychological toll.

•   Long hours: This professional is notorious for its long hours, particular for those who are just starting out in a prestigious law practice. It’s not unusual for an associate lawyer to put in 60 to 90 hours a week each week, depending on the demands of the case they’re working on.

•   High level of student debt: In addition to a bachelor’s degree, lawyers need to pay for law school, which often comes with a high price tag. Generally, the more prestigious the school, the higher the price. Even with a high salary, new lawyers may not be able to pay off their debt for many years.

•   Today’s clients have more options: The opportunity to get clients has gotten more competitive with the rise of self-help legal websites, legal document technicians, and virtual law offices. If a client seeks legal advice or counsel, they don’t always have to go to a lawyer for help.

The Takeaway

A law degree is a valuable credential that takes around seven years of study to achieve (including a bachelor’s degree). Lawyers can choose where they want to work and what type of law they would like to specialize in, whether it be criminal law, corporate law, environmental law, or immigration law.

The amount a lawyer makes will vary depending on the school they attended, experience, type of law they practice, and where in the country they practice. According to the BLS, the highest paid lawyers earn over $230,000, and the lowest paid lawyers earn around $66,500.

Whatever type of job you pursue, you’ll want to make sure your earnings can cover your everyday living expenses. To help ensure your monthly outflows don’t exceed your monthly inflows, you may want to set up a basic budget and check out financial tools that can help track your income and spending.

FAQ

Can you make $100k a year as a lawyer?

Yes. Most lawyers earn over $100k a year. The average salary for a lawyer, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $135,740 per year. The best-paid lawyers, however, can earn more than $200,000 a year.

Do people like being a lawyer?

Being a lawyer can be a great career choice if you enjoy working in a fast-paced and challenging environment and have an interest in upholding laws and defending an individual’s rights. According to a recent survey by Law360 Pulse, 83% of surveyed attorneys report they are stressed at least some of the time, nonetheless 68% percent say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their overall job.

Is it hard to get hired as a lawyer?

It’s generally not hard to find a job as a lawyer after you pass the bar exam, especially if you attended a top-rated law school, graduated in the top third of your class, and/or had strong internships and clerkships. Jobs for lawyers are expected to grow 8% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average for other occupations (3%).

Photo credit: iStock/shapecharge

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Nutritionists advise others on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal, such as losing weight or reducing blood pressure. Some nutritionists work directly with clients and patients in clinical settings, while others work in community settings like schools or health centers developing food plans and strategies for certain groups or demographics.

How much a nutritionist makes will depend on their qualifications, experience, and where they work, but the average nutritionist’s salary in the U.S. is $54,137 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.

Read on to learn more about how much a nutritionist can make a year and an hour, which cities and states pay the highest salaries, and other compensation and occupational benefits nutritionists enjoy.

What Are Nutritionists?

A nutritionist is an expert in using food to improve health and to prevent and manage disease. Nutritionists often advise people on what to eat to address a particular medical issue, such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity. They may also be called upon to come up with a plan of action in situations where a treatment protocol, such as chemotherapy, impacts an individual’s overall diet or creates particular food sensitivities. Their exact role will depend on their specialization.

Being a nutritionist is not an ideal job for antisocial people, since you generally don’t work alone. Nutritionists can work in a variety of work settings, including:

•   Hospitals and doctors’ offices

•   Nursing homes

•   Gyms and recreation centers

•   Foodservice organizations

•   Food and beverage companies

•   Pharmaceutical companies

•   Government organizations

While the terms “nutritionist” and “dietician” are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions between them. A registered dietitian (R.D.) is qualified to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions. Nutritionists, on the other hand, tend to focus on general nutritional aims and behaviors.

Dietitians also tend to have more education and credentials, though that’s not always the case. Depending on the state they practice in, a nutritionist may be required to have specific qualifications, certifications, or a license. However, in some states, there are no such mandates — meaning anyone can use the title if they want to.

While every dietitian can be called a nutritionist, not every nutritionist is a dietitian.

How Much Do Starting Nutritionists Make a Year?

While the average nutritionist’s salary is $54,137 a year, someone just starting out in the field may not be able to earn that figure as an entry-level salary. That said, a nutritionist coming into the profession with an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctorate, and a license or other credentials, may be able to command a higher-than-average salary even when they are just starting out.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

What is the Average Salary for a Nutritionist?

While salaries for a nutritionist can range anywhere from $32,500 to $90,000, the average annual pay for a nutritionist in the U.S. is $54,137 a year, according to February 2024 data from ZipRecruiter.

Nutritionist’s typically get paid an annual salary but some may make money by the hour, which can range from $15.62 to $43.27.

How much a nutritionist makes, however, can vary significantly by education, credentials, experience, industry, and location. Advanced education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, can generally help you qualify for a higher-than-average nutritionist’s salary.

Certain metropolitan areas also pay more than others. The top paying cities for nutritionists include: Berkeley, CA,; Renton, WA; Newark, CA; Woburn, MA; and Santa Monica, CA.

Recommended: Is a $100,000 Salary Good?

The Average Nutritionist Salary by State for 2024

As mentioned above, how much money a nutritionist makes can vary by location. What follows is a breakdown of how much a dietician makes per year, on average, by state (listed from highest to lowest).

Source: ZipRecruiter

Nutritionist Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

To get a job as a nutritionist or dietician, you may need:

•   A bachelor’s degree, ideally in dietetics, nutrition, food service systems management, clinical nutrition, or a related area.

•   Advanced degree (such as a master’s or doctoral degree)

•   Supervised training through an internship

•   A license (many, though not all, states require licenses for dietitians and nutritionists to practice)

•   Certification (many dietitians earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential, which requires a bachelor’s degree and completed a dietetic internship program).

Nutritionists who work on staff typically receive not only competitive pay but also a suite of benefits, which may include:

•   401(k)

•   Dental insurance

•   Disability insurance

•   Employee assistance program

•   Flexible spending account

•   Health insurance

•   Life insurance

•   Paid time off

•   Retirement plan

•   Vision insurance


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Nutritionist?

As with any profession, becoming a nutritionist comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a closer look at the job’s pros and cons.

Pros of Becoming a Nutritionist

•   Opportunity to help people: Nutritionists help people by guiding them in their food choices and assisting them in reaching their health and nutritional goals, which can be highly rewarding.

•   Varied tasks and responsibilities: A nutritionist can enjoy meeting a variety of people in different contexts. No client or situation will be the same, and each will bring new challenges.

•   Can work in a variety of settings: Nutritionists can choose where they want to work, such as a hospital, nursing home, school, or gym. With extensive experience, a registered dietitian might open a private consulting practice and offer specialized services to their patients.

•   Strong job outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of dietitians and nutritionists to grow 7% between 2022 and 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Cons of Becoming a Nutritionist?

•   May need an advanced degree and certification: Depending on where you want to work, you may need to obtain a master’s and/or certain certifications (on top of a bachelor’s degree).

•   Can be emotionally draining: Though generally a low-stress job, nutritionists may need to have frequent interactions with seriously ill patients, which can be emotionally challenging.

•   You constantly have to stay up to date: Nutrition is an evolving science, which means you’ll need to stay current on the latest nutritional guidelines, regulations, and research, and adjust your practice based on new developments.

•   Competition for top-paying jobs: While the job outlook is strong for nutritionists, jobs with competitive pay may receive a lot of applicants. Obtaining more than the minimum education and training required by the state, however, can set you apart from other job competitors.

Recommended: How Much Does a Nurse Make a Year?

The Takeaway

Working as a nutritionist can be a rewarding career for people who want to help others improve their health and lifestyle. Nutritionists can choose where they want to work and who they want to work with. A nutritionist’s salary can range from $32,500 to $90,000 or more depending on their certification, experience, and employer.

Whatever type of job you pursue, you’ll want to make sure your earnings can cover your everyday living expenses. To help ensure your monthly outflows don’t exceed your monthly inflows, you may want to set up a basic budget and check out financial tools that can help track your income and spending.

FAQ

Can you make $100k a year as a nutritionist?

Earning $100K as a nutritionist is possible but isn’t typical. Nutritionist salaries range anywhere from $32,500 to $90,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter. That said, getting an advanced degree and extra certifications and/or starting your own private practice could lead to a six figure income.

Do people like being a nutritionist?

People who want to help others and who have an interest in the science of food will enjoy being a nutritionist. There are plenty of opportunities for nutritionists in a variety of contexts.

Is it hard to get hired as a nutritionist?

Nutritionists and dieticians are currently in demand and job opportunities are expected to grow 7% between 2022 and 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Photo credit: iStock/Candle Photo

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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If you’re wondering, “Can you write a check from a savings account?” the short answer is no. You can’t write checks from a savings account; instead, you can do so from a checking account, which is designed to provide that specific financial service. Savings accounts are primarily for earning interest on your deposits and transferring money occasionally.

Checks might seem like an old-fashioned payment method, but they are vital in specific transactions. For instance, you might need to pay the deposit for an apartment rental by check. In addition, personal checks are more secure for mailing payments than cash.

While you may want to draw funds from a savings account, that’s really not its purpose. Here, you’ll learn the details on this situation and also a possible work-around or two.

Why You Can’t Write Checks from a Savings Account?

You can’t write checks from a savings account because these accounts are for earning interest on cash you leave alone. Federal law, in fact, prohibits check-writing from such accounts and may restrict how often you can transfer money out of a savings account, too.

Part of the way a bank makes money is to lend out your funds on deposit in a savings account for other purposes. You earn an annual percentage yield, or APY, on your deposit for giving the bank the privilege of using your money that’s in a savings account. In other words, your financial institution is depending on some savings-account money staying put, not being regularly transferred out via checks.

Checking accounts, however, are designed to allow customers to write checks and make purchases. They may not make much or any interest, but you can move your money out of these accounts via checks and electronic transfers. You can even write a check to yourself to access your money.

What Accounts Can You Write a Check From?

One of the ways that checking accounts vs. savings accounts differ is that you can’t write checks from a savings account. However, both checking accounts and money market accounts can let you move funds out via checks. You can choose from the following types:

•   Standard checking. This account typically provides a checkbook and debit card to make purchases. You might earn meager or no interest, but you can access your cash quickly. And, as with most kinds of checking accounts, you’ll be able to get cashier’s checks and certified checks if needed.

•   Premium checking. This is a checking account on steroids, with better interest rates, rewards programs, and customer perks. In addition, these accounts might have monthly fees or steep minimum balance requirements in order to get those enhanced benefits, so check your customer agreement carefully.

•   Rewards checking. Think of rewards checking as akin to a premium checking account but focuses on providing cash back for debit card usage. Again, it’s crucial to read the fine print for these accounts, as they usually require specific spending habits to be worthwhile.

•   High-interest checking. This kind of account, also known as high-yield checking, blends saving and checking together by providing higher interest rates while allowing you to write checks and use your debit card.

While this account attempts to provide the best of both worlds, you’ll likely receive a lower interest rate than a savings account. You also might have to fulfill strict requirements (such as a monthly high account balance or transaction count).

•   Student checking. High school and college students can access banking through these accounts. Student checking accounts typically provide leniency for overdrafts and promotional rewards for new customers. However, your account will change to a standard checking account when you lose student status, meaning you may lose the advantages of a student account.

•   Second chance checking. Customers with less than perfect banking histories can struggle to find a bank that will provide them with an account. Unpaid bank fees and repeated overdrafts can cast a shadow over your banking record, making financial institutions hesitant to work with you. Fortunately, numerous institutions offer second chance checking to give customers another shot at banking. These accounts might restrict spending or charge monthly fees to cover their risk but can help you get back on your feet.

•   Money market account. Many money market accounts also combine some of the features of savings and checking accounts. For example, money market accounts can earn higher interest than typical checking accounts (making them more like savings accounts) but allow you to write checks, as with a checking account.

Recommended: How to Sign Over a Check to Someone Else

What You Can Do With a Savings Account

While you can’t write checks with a savings account, the different types of savings accounts offer these functions and benefits:

•   Security. You can safely save for the future, whether that means building an emergency fund or saving for a down payment on a house. If you bank at a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)- or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)-insured institution, you will have up to $250,000 per depositor or shareholder, per insured institution for each account category.

•   Interest. As noted above, you’ll earn interest. The annual percentage yield (APY) will help your money grow.

•   Convenience. You can also use mobile banking with a savings account. This feature allows you to access your account from your phone to deposit checks, transfer money, and view monthly statements.

•   Perks. You may be able to snag some perks by opening a savings account, such as some banking fees being waived or a one-time cash bonus.

•   Automated savings. You can set up automatic transfers from your checking account to savings to help increase your savings in an effortless way.

•   Account linking. You can link your savings account as a backup to your checking to help avoid overdrafting.

Quick Money Tip: If you’re saving for a short-term goal — whether it’s a vacation, a wedding, or the down payment on a house — consider opening a high-yield savings account. The higher APY that you’ll earn will help your money grow faster, but the funds stay liquid, so they are easy to access when you reach your goal.

Tips for Using a Savings Account to Make Payments

If your goal is to make payments from a savings account, you can’t use a check, as you’ve learned above. Plus, saving accounts may often have monthly transaction limits, meaning you can’t move money from the account for every monthly expense and random bill that may pop up. Generally, you can transfer money from a savings account six times a month.

You can, however, set up a small number of automatic transfers out of your savings account. Follow these tips:

•   Have your account details handy. Double-check your account and routing numbers to make sure you are transferring funds out of the right account.

•   Limit the bills you pay with your savings account. The less information is out there, the less likely it is to fall into a thief’s hands.

•   Don’t attempt more than your account’s transaction limit. Usually, plan on paying no more than six monthly bills with your savings account. Check with your financial institution, however, to find out your exact transaction limits.

•   Maintain an adequate balance. Transferring money from your checking account and depositing cash or paychecks into your savings account will help ensure you don’t overdraft the account.

Banking With SoFi

Savings accounts are excellent tools for earning interest and working towards your financial goals. However, they are less suitable for making payments because you can’t write checks from a savings account. Although you can make payments from savings accounts in a pinch, it’s better to use checking accounts for these transactions. After all, it’s what checking accounts are designed for.

If you’re looking for a banking partner who can provide the best of both checking and savings accounts, see what SoFi offers. When you open an online bank account, you’ll have the convenience of spending and saving in one place. Plus, with our Checking and Savings, you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay no account fees, two features that can help your money grow faster. Plus, you’ll receive both paper checks and a debit card to help you make payments.

FAQ

Why do checks come from checking accounts?

Checks come from checking accounts because banks intend payments to flow frequently from these accounts. In addition, checking accounts are the most convenient way to deposit and withdraw money from a bank because you can withdraw money an unlimited amount of times per month.

Why can I not write checks with a savings account?

You can’t write checks with a savings account because the account is for saving money and earning interest payments. Banks don’t provide checks for a savings account because the intention is for you to save money and leave at least a chunk of it untouched in the account. On the other hand, checking accounts allow you to write checks.

Can I write any check from a savings account?

You can’t write a check from a savings account because that is not how they operate according to federal guidelines. You can save money and earn interest with a savings account, while a checking account allows you to write checks.

Photo credit: iStock/AndreyPopov

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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