Who doesn’t dream of having a lucrative career that pays six figures? Such an incredible amount would allow you to create your own dreamland, with a massive mansion and luxury cars awaiting you. Not to mention all those island getaways and fancy restaurant outings with loved ones. Ah yes, the life of the rich and famous.
While most of us think that being a sought-after physician or a high-caliber lawyer can give us a top-paying job, there are plenty of professions across the globe that pay people over $100,000 annually. Believe it or not, some of these jobs are easier than you might imagine. We rounded up a list of six-figure jobs that normal people can do. Read on to learn which career(s) will best pad your wallet and what it takes to get them.
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers join the ranks of the best-paid employees mainly because they are responsible for the difference between an awesome commercial flight and an all-out national tragedy. This profitable career involves tracking weather changes, keeping an eye on flight schedules, and maintaining clear and consistent communication with pilots. Moreover, this profession requires focus and attentiveness throughout every shift.
You will need to be an American citizen and pass meticulous background and medical tests to join the US air traffic control department. You are also required to have an aviation degree or complete the FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program. While it’s not mandatory, many companies prefer to employ people with prior military experience.
Makeup Artists: Theatrical And Performance (Top 10%: $120,050)
Individuals with a strong interest in makeup have a practically limitless bounty of chances these days. Anybody can begin a YouTube channel and become wealthy and popular. Though we must warn you – to have an independent business as a theatrical and performance makeup artist, you must be at the top of your game.
Some cosmetics specialists focus on developing extreme precision, while others center around doing such showstopping work that people can’t help but share it on online media. In any case, to become a permanent makeup artist, you'll need to get the necessary license. Since the competition is tough, we wish you all the best!
Virtual Assistants (Top 10%: $120,000)
With online jobs on the rise, the work of a virtual assistant has been consistently in demand as the web opened up opportunities for pretty much anybody. You can find individuals in the Philippines offering their service for as low as $2 per hour. But note that the most proficient virtual assistants frequently charge as much as $100 per hour.
You need not bother with any special qualifications to join this field (though they do help). Indeed, you can just make an Upwork profile to begin. In order to secure the most lucrative positions in this industry, you need to have extraordinary advertising skills and an incredible resume of admin positions. Tip: Numerous organizations will want to pay as much as possible if you're really amazing and have a range of qualifications.
Technical Writers (Top 10%: $102,250)
Needless to say, technical writers are exceptionally thorough and get paid to compose precise and detailed reports. Many businesses need them, yet discovering talented and devoted technical writers is not as easy as pie. If you're truly adept at composing and imparting knowledge and have an amazingly exact capacity to focus on detail, this six-figure role may be ideal for you.
This profession requires a Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications. Being an incredible writer with an impressive portfolio will give you a great advantage when attempting to get this work. In some cases, being bilingual can also help immensely.
Technical Lead (Top 10%: $209,000)
Envision being the quarterback of a triumphant NFL group, add a great deal of geekiness, and you've got a sense of what it is to be a technical lead. These individuals are pioneers in different tech fields and essentially spearhead programming groups in the development of innovative ideas. This is an amazingly complex work, and it requires exceptional leadership and programming skills. This uncommon mix is the reason why technical leads get to earn six-figure incomes.
Despite not being the founders of a company, technical leads are frequently given stocks and shares. This is why many of them become multi-millionaires (and even billionaires). A master’s degree is often required for this high-paying work, but you might still get by without one if you can wow your company and clients with your skills.
Escalator Installers and Repairers (Top 10%: $105,750)
In the United States alone, there are an estimated 1,000,000 escalators which likewise implies that there are numerous lift issues that businesses need to be addressed. If you're not claustrophobic, wouldn't mind slithering around in restricted spaces, and are incredible at repairing electrical systems, this may be the ideal line of work for you.
FYI, many escalators installers and repairers work as freelancers and get compensated with a monthly retainer fee for their services. To get hired for this line of work, you need to have the mechanical know-how, which means a GED or an engineering degree will work to your advantage.
Veterinarian Researcher (Top 10%: $117,150)
Many children, especially those who grew up with pets, dream about working as veterinarians someday. It’s only when they get older that they learn about the other related fields they could work in, like veterinarian research. This is a job for people who are passionate about taking care of animals yet prefer to research and test new meds and interventions as opposed to being the ones managing them.
It's an ideal profession for innovative and scientific types, and it allows you to help animals without having to deal with the more difficult aspects of dealing with sick and injured creatures directly. While many kids dream about becoming a veterinarian, this job takes genuine toughness and emotional endurance.
Broadcast News Analysts (Top 10%: $159,530)
It appears that nearly everybody views themselves as another intellectual or investigator nowadays, with YouTube giving everyone a platform on which to share their opinions. While you may be able to win some attention online, you’ll have a bigger platform and less competition if you become a broadcast news analyst with a major network.
To be considered for the position, you'll need a bachelor's degree in journalism or something similar. Note that impressive public speaking skills and a winning personality will assist you in securing the job. Tip: The cameras are always rolling, which means whatever you say can be used against you in the court of social media.
Loan Officers (Top 10%: $115,450)
Credit officials are entrusted with gathering significant data and dissecting it to reach a determination on whether someone is eligible for a loan. They also set the terms, the time period, and many other factors involved in the line of credit offered. It's a tough job, but if you are passionate about finance and have a knack for reading people, this may be an ideal vocation for you.
Note that a degree in business, finance, or anything related is a requirement in your job application. You'll also need prior experience and certifications to secure one of the best-paying positions. Moreover, you will need toughness and an ability to reject unqualified individuals, regardless of how likable or persuasive they happen to be.
Software Architect (Top 10%: $175,563)
Software architects differ from developers in the same way building architects differ from builders. Remember that your occupation as the architect of a lucrative SAAS (Software as a Service) organization is to continually give close consideration to both your developers and your clients. You'll need to utilize that information to help coordinate a superior product for both.
Software architects are the high-level individuals who help make the restrictions and frameworks behind different famous software. In spite of the fact that they don't, as a rule, do the coding themselves, most of them are well versed in the field. Having an undergraduate degree in systems engineering, computer science or software engineering will help you fill this position. You can then enjoy a nice boost to your savings account.
Education Administrators, Elementary And Secondary (Top 10%: $128,660)
Becoming an administrator in a grade school or university is a seriously worthwhile goal that will pay off fantastically well if you achieve it. If you want to be one of the "cool" staff members on campus, make it clear that you really care about the students under your guidance.
Being an education administrator is significantly harder than many of the other positions on this list. It's a job that is normally held for a long time, so it’s best reserved for people who are willing to commit to one career path. You'll require an impressive background in education and equally impressive administrative experience. Remember that as an administrator, you're essentially the leader who makes difficult but vital choices.
Freelance Writer (Top 10%: $106,005)
Becoming a freelance writer means keeping your choices open and working for the best customers you can get your hands on. There is an endless amount of opportunities with regards to work, and you can even create your own specialty in the event that you can make it productive. Essentially, having great writing skills will open numerous doors for you and promises you to earn a lot of money.
Most freelance writers are not required to have any specific degree as clients tend to go by their resume and existing portfolio. You can be a copywriter for businesses or a content writer for websites that cover topics you're interested in.
Detectives And Criminal Investigators (Top 10%: $119,320)
It's unimaginable that people watch crime shows and make themselves believe that they can become criminal investigators and detectives right away. If only wishful thinking could turn into reality that quickly! While this job doesn't come with the same responsibilities or authority as other roles in the police department, it gives you the right to investigate high-level crimes, which is what many people dream of doing.
Be ready to see a great deal of humankind's more obscure side. In other words, you’d better have the stomach for some disturbing scenes. To become an investigator for hire or a detective, you'll need a degree in criminal justice and a GED. Relevant past experience in law enforcement will also help you secure this profession. Keep in mind that binge-watching Law and Order doesn’t count as past experience.
Environment, Health, and Safety Engineering Manager (Top 10%: $136,324)
You'll be astounded by how rewarding being an environment, health, and safety engineering manager can be. Since governments set up different guidelines on organizations, they are compelled to employ these security checkers to ensure everything is operating as it should be. This means that you’ll never be out of work, and you'll be compensated handsomely for your efforts.
There are a ton of legislative issues involved in this work, so you must have a strong moral compass and the ability to stick to the rules, no matter what. You'll also have to have a ton of education and the essential certificates issued by the government. However, the time spent on composing notes and making assessments is unquestionably worth the six-figure paycheck you’ll get to take home.
Speech Writer (Top 10%: $185,613)
One of the coolest jobs in the world is being a speech writer. It's a mind-blowing privilege when you think that some of the most accomplished people in the world could be reading the speeches you composed for them. Can you imagine the US President delivering a heartfelt speech you researched and constructed?
In order to become an effective speech writer, you need to have a strong background in politics, business, and human psychology. You’ll also need to be able to communicate with clarity and accuracy, expressing complex ideas in concise sentences. In short, it’s public speaking in the form of writing.
Registered Nurse (Top 10%: $116,000)
Registered nurses are passionate about helping people and saving lives in a calm and professional way. If you don’t mind sacrificing a good night’s sleep (and discreetly watching physicians take credit for your hard work), you might be eligible to become a registered nurse.
To land the position, you’ll need to have a license provided by the state you’re in and be a master’s degree holder in nursing or a related field. The broader your experience in the medical field, the easier it will be to get employed as a registered nurse and start growing your savings with a six-figure paycheck.
Library Services Director (Top 10%: $139,523)
Nowadays, people don't acknowledge libraries enough. Indeed, visitor numbers have been sadly declining in libraries in many parts of the world. These esteemed houses of information boast a large part of the world's literature and are an amazing spot to plunk down and work unobtrusively. Being the manager of a library is an ideal profession for those who love books and tranquility. Of course, you will have the obligation of recruiting, instructing, and overseeing library staff.
You'll spend the vast majority of your time at the library if you take on this role. Depending on your personality, this will either be the best utilization of your time or a total bore-fest. To get one of the top-paying roles, you’ll need demonstrated experience in a similar line of work. Being customer-centered and a fabulous director will help as well.
Geophysicist (Top 10%: $183,703)
Geophysicists work in a similar field to Ross Geller from the hit sitcom Friends, just without the dinosaur bones. They are deeply involved in contemplating and investigating the patterns of the Earth, utilizing their tremendous information and capacities to make disclosures and forecasts. If you have an affection for Mother Earth and a logical brain, this profession is exceptionally energizing and will give you a fat bank account. Indeed, you can rely on six figures every year, which is a win in our books!
For entry-level roles in the area, you'll need to be a holder of a bachelor’s degree, and to advance to more lucrative levels in the field, having a master’s degree helps a lot. Remember those elementary years when you randomly brought leaves and dirt home from school? If that sounds like you, perhaps it was an early indication that you were destined to become a geophysicist.
Film And Video Editors (Top 10%: $126,250)
If you love making videos with your friends and are always the one to volunteer to edit them, you need to know that this could be a lucrative career for you. Video is everywhere today, and sites like YouTube continue to grow. Obviously, the test is to get a new line of work at a top of the line association rather than a beginner one, but this is made possible with a combination of skills, perseverance, and the right connections.
Most businesses and studios would expect you to have a relevant degree along with an impressive demo-reel (though the latter can all be personal projects and videos made for friends or organizations you volunteer with). You'll additionally have to learn how to operate a number of Adobe programs, including After Effects, Premier, and Auditions.
Captain/Pilot in Command (Top 10%: $230,573)
By launching a career as a captain or pilot, you're entrusted with guaranteeing that flights arrive at their destinations securely and without any incidents. This is a role with the most extreme degree of responsibility, which is the reason you'll need to have either a minimum of 15 years of aviation experience or a total of 5,000 hours of commercial flight time to your name.
Other basic requirements to secure the position include an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and a valid passport. You’ll also have to pass a series of thorough physical and mental tests. This is not an overnight career change, so you’ll also want to have a good store of tenacity, intelligence, and confidence in your abilities.
Gaming Manager (Top 10%: $116,840)
Casinos hire gaming managers to draw in players, urge them to bet to the max, and guarantee that no one is cheating. This is a genuine calling that might actually make you a lot of cash. However, you should have a strong set of skills to nail it. The main things you need for this profession are incredible multitasking prowess and charisma.
Regardless of how incredible you are at pulling in likely card sharks, in the event that you can't focus on the whole table, your club may lose cash. If you dream of having an entertaining job that earns you a lot of money, this profession may just be the perfect fit for you.
Authors and Writers (Top 10%: $115,740)
We have good news for all the writers out there! The world has unlimited writing jobs, from SEO experts (who help organizations rank high on Google) to content writers like us! One alternative is to get a steady writing gig that compensates you based on how much work you do. Another option is to go independent and have full authority over your pay.
Being recruited for a writing role has more to do with your experience and talent than having a specific degree. Bear in mind that you’ll need to be able to demonstrate your skills to potential clients with an impressive portfolio. Help yourself out by creating a relaxing working space and then composing some relevant work samples.
Art Directors (Top 10%: $166,620)
Thanks to the incredible workmanship of art directors, vague ideas are made real. They may be responsible for running artistic departments, planning things like computer games, and ensuring creative projects are able to be genuinely profitable. This implies that you need to have a specific set of skills such as an inventive brain and reliable administrative abilities.
Steve Jobs was an extraordinary example of such a blend. You'll need to have a BA and relevant work experience in a managerial role. Note that this is a complex profession as art directors are regularly criticized if projects come up short in any capacity whatsoever. You will be answerable for both the aesthetic and business side of things, meaning a whole lot of pressure is involved.
Insurance Sales Agents (Top 10%: $115,300)
Depending on your state, becoming an insurance sales agent could be as simple as taking a course, breezing through some assessments, and getting your license. Once you’re qualified, there’s an endless stream of commissions to be tapped into. Many insurance agents even get paid a healthy retainer for providing ongoing assistance to existing customers.
If you're incredible at persuading people to see things your way, this may be the work for you. Being extraordinary at conversing with individuals is clearly a prerequisite for the work. You're additionally going to need to figure out how to do some cold pitching, just to get familiar with this type of exchange. What's sure is that in this vocation, no one but you can secure your fortune.
Public Relations Manager (Top 10%: $128,101)
Have you watched the comedy-drama Thank You For Smoking? If yes, then you definitely understand that working in public relations comes with as many positives as negatives. Being a manager in this field requires great communication skills and a capacity to put a positive twist on any set of circumstances.
The position involves ensuring that everybody thinks well about the business you work for. To get into the field, you usually need a bachelor's degree in communications along with some relevant experience. This lucrative line of work demands that you be able to juggle multiple tasks at once and keep everything running smoothly, so being an energetic type will work in your favor.
Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Managers (Top 10%: $112,150)
Though you will definitely face a myriad of difficulties, agriculture is still a rewarding field in the rural market, with the potential to earn you a six-figure income. If you're into challenging physical work, large equipment, and working in harmony with the forces of nature, this may be an extraordinary occupation for you.
Any farming experience you may have will help you greatly in securing work in the field of agriculture. Don’t be frustrated if you lack experience because this industry is in constant need of great individuals, especially those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty (while earning a lot simultaneously).
Arbitrators, Mediators, And Conciliators
If you have a relevant background in law and a talent for settling conflicts, one fascinating profession that may interest you is that of an arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator. Organizations and associations often get into complex arguments, and they need somebody who's unprejudiced, capable, and profoundly experienced to assist them with addressing their differences.
When you're working with high ranking people, you can, in some cases, charge a specific percentage of the business deal you’re helping to facilitate. This is an extremely rewarding field. However, you'll have to be an effective leader and great at managing people’s behavior and expectations. If this sounds like your ideal working environment, it’s time to review your psychology and management textbooks!
Captains, Mates, Pilots Of Water Vessels (Top 10%: $119,280)
If you’re a sea lover, you can earn enough money to support yourself financially and reach your dreams by becoming the captain or pilot of a water vessel. It's easier to get into this field than you might suspect as you needn't bother with a degree. You will, however, need to secure certifications and go through a lot of training. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) will get you started.
Also, make sure that you don’t get nauseous easily and you don’t mind being near or in anything sandy or grimy – this is what sea life is all about, after all. Did we mention that you’ll get to enjoy visual treats such as watching gigantic whales while you’re on duty?
Astronomers (Top 10%: $155,480)
Do you have an adoration for the stars but lack the specific combination of skills needed to become an astronaut? Being an astronomer might be an ideal job for you. This work can bring in up to $150,000 to your bank account every year! However, becoming a part of this lucrative industry will mean obtaining a doctoral degree and a master’s degree.
Having a portfolio of published articles in relevant journals will help you greatly in this career, but it might take a long time to achieve this. Still, if you persevere, this line of work will open many exciting doors for you. Indeed, it might actually prompt you to compose a phenomenal science fiction book that winds up as a Hollywood movie.
HR Managers (Top 10%: $169,310)
While workplaces are designed to promote productivity, they can be a challenging environment as well. Disputes between colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders can arise at any time in the workday. Add to this the many administrative duties you’ll be responsible for, and you have yourself a fascinating role if you decide to become a human resources manager.
The job consolidates numerous aptitudes, yet it is generally about keeping individuals happy and engaged at work. You'll need a relevant degree and some experience managing the numerous features of a business. If you have some insight and can help intercede between individuals, this may very well be the most rewarding and high-paying occupation you can get.
Transportation Inspectors
Transportation inspectors are the managers of our streets, roads, and walkways. They are typically recruited by both the government and big construction firms to ensure that safety and security requirements are met. This physically-demanding work in a real sense saves lives, which is the reason it requires a couple of key capabilities.
To secure the position, you'll be required to have some mechanical or potentially a few years of construction experience. Also note that specific training and various certifications are additionally required, depending on your state. Furthermore, being educated in the relevant guidelines, rules, and methods will help you do your work to the highest possible standard.
Database Administrators (Top 10%: $108,500)
Looking for an incredibly cool job? Being a freelance database administrator is one of the most rewarding and lucrative ones on the market. Aside from working in the comfort of your home, you also get to help secure private information for various companies and organizations. It's essential to have a high degree of technical proficiency with regards to PCs, the web, and databases.
If you’re a tech genius who enjoys fixing non-functional PCs while the CEOs/owners are freaking out, then this will be a productive (and profitable) adventure for you. Having a degree helps, yet it's not an absolute requirement. What matters is whether you can consistently and effectively keep system dramas at bay. Being incredible at critical thinking is clearly important as you're the gatekeeper of valuable information for these organizations.
Multimedia Artists and Animators
The field of digital artistry has gotten some criticism as of late, regularly being referred to as work that requires gigantic hours for next to no compensation. This may be true if you're working for visual effects and computer game designers. However, the remuneration can be generous if you find the right company to work for.
As a multimedia artist and animator, you get to experience amazingly flexible hours thanks to your ability to have a work from home setup. It’s important that you work for a company that has a mission and values you can get behind. Since this is an exceptionally imaginative line of work, you'll clearly have to have an incredible visual sense. It's additionally imperative to be a master of Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, and other digital art software.
Funeral Service Managers (Top 10%: $140,740)
While we get no delight from saying this, working in the memorial service industry can be lucrative. Coffins go for a large amount of money, and memorial services are often extravagant sights to behold. If you’re okay being encircled by death and going through your days comforting grieving families, you could be making exceptionally enormous amounts of cash in this industry.
Funeral managers are responsible for the whole thing, from finding the correct coffin to recording the vital administrative work and overseeing the burial. It's fundamentally similar to being a wedding director, just significantly more solemn. To land the position, you'll need a degree in memorial service or any related field. Finishing the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) program is also a requirement.