Though six figures is not what it used to be, jobs earning over $100,000 per year still qualify as high-paying careers.
Perhaps you are considering going back to school, revamping your skill set, or plotting to escape a low-paying, dead-end job and change course altogether in order to score higher pay.
Regardless, pivoting is possible.
Whether you are passionate about work or simply eager to make more money, learning about alternative career paths might unearth other interests.
Below are some in-demand, high-paying careers amid an ever-expanding list of lucrative jobs that offer the potential for high earnings and, perhaps, financial freedom.
Technology and IT
For those looking to break into the technology and IT fields, there are many opportunities for high-paying careers in these industries.
With a high demand for workers skilled in programming languages, network security, web development, database administration and more, these industries offer positions with competitive salaries and robust benefit packages.
Businesses are increasingly investing heavily in technology-based solutions; meaning, professionals with the right skills can have highly successful careers.
Whether someone is a computer scientist or an experienced IT technician, there’s certainly plenty of potential to make great money within the technology and IT sector.
Software Engineer
A software engineer is a professional who applies the principles of software engineering to develop computer programs and systems. They create and design software, maintain and test existing programs, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Software engineers are very tech-savvy, have excellent problem solving skills, and have a great understanding of coding languages such as Java, Python, C++, etc.
This versatile profession lends itself to a wide range of diverse job roles in the technology sector, from developing apps to working on projects related to virtual reality or artificial intelligence.
Additionally, being a software engineer is just as much an analytical endeavor as it is a creative one. They use logical thinking but also possess a unique sense of innovation that allows them to see potential new problems and ways of conquering them through code.
Computer Scientist
A computer scientist is a specialist in the field of computer science. They analyze how computing systems are created and how they can be used to solve problems.
They design software and hardware for computers, develop databases for information storage, and create algorithms that power today’s Internet applications.
Computer scientists also work on a variety of project teams improving current systems or designing new ones, such as artificial intelligence programs or robotics. The ever-changing technological landscape has led to an increasing need for computer scientists with up-to-date skills and knowledge.
With the right qualifications, a career in this exciting field offers a wealth of opportunities to explore new technologies and apply creative problem solving techniques.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers are IT professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and developing local and wide area network systems. They work to ensure the performance and security of these networks and help their organization stay connected.
A major part of a Network Engineer’s job is troubleshooting any issues that occur with their organization’s networks while understanding various protocols both in hardware and software.
Advanced knowledge of LAN/WAN technologies like firewall design, virtual private networks (VPNs), and VLAN as well as familiarity with network management software are all integral components of a Network Engineer’s skill set.
With strong communication skills, they must also be able to bridge the gap between technical language and terms that non-IT personnel can understand.
Ever-advancing technology means the job of a Network Engineer is always changing, demanding an informed mind that can adapt quickly.
Finance
Working in financial industries such as banking, insurance, or stock trading can be highly lucrative. Finance-related jobs often come with a high salary and the chance to experience rapid professional growth.
With years of industry experience and advanced education, some of these positions offer impressive six-figure salaries that allow employees to achieve financial stability and build wealth. This is especially true for certain roles such as portfolio managers, financial analysts, and risk managers who actively work on financial planning, analyze data, and monitor investments.
With proper training and dedication to success, anyone can potentially make a lot of money in the world of finance.
Investment Banker
Investment banking is a lucrative and highly sought-after career path, requiring superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
Qualified professionals in this field assist corporate clients with financial services that include issuing stocks and bonds, advising on mergers and acquisitions, and devising strategies for ensuring long-term profitability.
In addition to this technical aspect of the job, these individuals must possess strong communication abilities in order to successfully support their clients. Investment bankers must also be familiar with legal regulations relating to the securities markets and possess an understanding of economic trends that could influence their clients’ investments.
Aspiring investment bankers should expect to gain extensive financial knowledge from pursuing certifications or degrees in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. Those with applicable experience may have the edge when vying for desired positions inside one of the world’s leading banks.
Financial Manager
Being a financial manager within an organization requires careful analysis of budget, financial report generation and forecasting, implementation of investment strategies, maintenance of fund liquidity, and compliance with government regulations and requirements.
Financial managers must have strong numerical, analytical, and communication skills in order to effectively liaise with other departments within the organization. They should be familiar with investment policies and maintain knowledge about the current financial markets.
For those looking to make an impact in business through skillful management of finances and investments, this challenging profession offers good rewards for hard work.
Tax Attorney
Tax attorneys help individuals and businesses understand and file their taxes. A tax attorney will assess financial data for businesses to determine the best way to limit their taxable income.
Similarly, tax attorneys aid individuals in the review of their financial circumstances and guide them in finding ways to reduce their taxes. They also assist those that have made a mistake on a tax return by providing representation in court.
In addition, they can provide advice on changing business structures in order to minimize taxes and renegotiate repayment programs with the IRS if needed.
With so many options offered by a tax attorney, it is important to turn to this type of professional when needing guidance when it comes to filing both personal and business taxes.
Healthcare and Medicine
Working in the healthcare and medicine fields can be incredibly rewarding, with many of these roles often being high-paying careers, rightfully so.
For those looking to pursue a highly lucrative career that also gives them an opportunity to get personally involved with people’s lives, healthcare and medicine offer plenty of opportunities to do just that.
Professionals such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and pharmacists all typically earn very healthy salaries due to their specialized expertise and knowledge base, while doctor and dentist offices are usually flush with funds for competitive employee salary packages.
Many who choose to go down this path also benefit from educational funding or support, making it slightly more accessible for those wanting to follow their passion by pursuing jobs in healthcare and medicine.
Physician
Physicians are trained professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and diseases. They use their expertise in medicine to give patients assistance on how best to improve their health.
A physician typically completes four years of medical school training followed by residency or fellowship programs so they can specialize in a particular area of healthcare including pediatrics, obstetrics, family practice, general surgery, orthopedics, and other areas.
Furthermore, physicians also spend valuable time researching current medical treatments and conditions to stay updated on the latest advancements in healthcare.
A physician’s job is demanding but highly rewarding as they help people overcome sickness and live healthy lives.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are an invaluable part of the healthcare system. They provide medical care and support to meet a range of needs, while putting the patient first.
With advanced degrees, nurse practitioners can diagnose illnesses, order tests and treatments, help make decisions about health care issues, and even write prescriptions.
Their involvement in patient care ensures that high-quality services are provided resulting in improved outcomes for those seeking healthcare solutions. Nurse practitioners’ expertise allow them to focus more on individualized interactions with their patients and develop comprehensive plans to ensure holistic wellbeing.
Pharmacist
Filling the important role of pharmacists, these individuals are educated and knowledgeable about medications, doses, side effects, and interactions. A pharmacist will also provide advice for off-label uses and discuss potential risks related to drug use.
With a primary focus on patient safety and care, pharmacists are especially familiar with identifying any complications that can arise with specific prescriptions. They oversee the accuracy of prescription orders and help ensure safe delivery methods.
Playing an integral role within the healthcare system, pharmacists have long supplied invaluable expertise to the medical profession.
Business and Management
Job opportunities in business and management provide a wide range of career choices for those seeking advancement and flexibility. With more businesses popping up all over the world, plenty of jobs are available that suit a variety of interests and education requirements.
A degree in a business or management field is often helpful but not always necessary, as experience may take precedence over academic qualifications.
Management careers typically involve overseeing employees and departments in an organization, setting goals for the company or department, working with budgets and financials, and creating strategies to maximize customer satisfaction and profits.
Business-related careers may range from marketing to finance professionals to accountants. Each provides its own unique set of job duties and challenges.
Although knowledge and experience in a particular area can help when looking for work in this field, enthusiasm, creativity, problem solving skills, organizational ability, and communication competency are also essential components for success.
Business Executive
Business executives are those individuals who oversee the operations of a business. They manage personnel, develop strategies for growth, and make decisions that impact the finances and effectiveness of their company.
It is no wonder that these professionals are highly sought after, as they are able to maneuver through a bustling business climate with relative ease and employ innovative tactics to propel their organizations to success.
Business executives take responsibility for strategic planning, implement policies, and direct operational activities in order to maximize successes.
Therefore, excellent communication skills, strong analytical abilities, and uncompromising commitment to performance excellence are all essential qualities prized in today’s business executive.
Marketing Manager
Managing an effective marketing campaign can be an extremely rewarding but challenging experience, and few excel at the role of a marketing manager.
Marketing managers are responsible for guiding their organization’s marketing strategy, promotion activities, branding efforts and more.
Additionally, they also have to handle budgets, set objectives and timelines, oversee advertising campaigns and analyze results to ensure that marketing efforts are producing desired outcomes.
A successful marketing manager will have excellent strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop strong campaigns that produce measurable improvements in visibility, market share, and overall performance.
When it comes to crafting a great customer experience and driving success in today’s competitive marketplace, a talented marketing manager can make all the difference.
Human Resources Director
A human resources director is an integral part of a company’s structure. From recruitment to employee retention, this person is responsible for creating and managing the people-related functions in the organization.
Additionally, they are also responsible for designing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. They handle employee benefits, salaries, training programs, and job descriptions.
A great human resources director can help build an efficient team while also improving morale and overall success.
Creative
Creative careers such as copywriting and graphic design offer the potential to earn salaries of well over $100,000.
Creative professionals must maintain a high level of productivity through networking, self-promotion, portfolio maintenance, and professional branding outside of their career.
If you are willing to put in the hard work to develop your craft, the potential for a high-paying salary awaits.
Art Director
Working in the world of art and design, a talented art director can be a valuable asset to any creative team. At its core, the job means acting as the creative vision for projects, ranging from films and TV shows to websites and magazines.
They have responsibility for the overall look of a project, helping ensure it meets established goals within budgetary and time constraints.
Not only will they manage any type of artistic contribution needed–from typography and photography selection to video or audio–but they’ll also collaborate with other departments like marketing and editing while keeping a close eye on trends in the industry.
Ultimately, an art director should be passionate about creating beautiful visuals that tell stories while at the same time using their creativity to push boundaries in their field, making them truly indispensable on any creative team.
Creative Director
Being a creative director can be a highly lucrative career, but it can also be quite competitive.
It requires a rare mix of creative and technical skills, combined with the ability to think strategically about how best to present an idea or product to an audience. As a creative director, you will be responsible for leading and managing your team in executing projects, as well as coming up with ideas that would generate sales or brand awareness.
Additionally, you may need to use digital marketing tools successfully and analyze data in order to devise effective campaigns.
In order to be successful in this role you must be able to think outside the box and identify innovative ways of achieving goals while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Film/Television Producer
Becoming a successful film and television producer requires a combination of aptitude, ambition, and networking. Producers are responsible for the creative decisions and financial aspects of a production, from its conception to completion.
They need to be able to identify projects with big potential, negotiate deals, plan services, and ensure that all crew members are in place during the shoot.
In addition to these essential skills, excellent communication is also key. Producers must be able to collaborate closely with others while keeping an eye on the budget.
Ultimately, it is producers who shape our stories into ways that delight viewers across the world.
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