How to Make 6 Figures: 35 Jobs Where You Can Earn It
Did you know that approximately 18% of Americans earn six figures (or more)? Very few people would say no to a high income. It offers stability and security and, if we manage the income well, it can take care of us during retirement, too. But which jobs or career paths should we pursue if we wanted to earn a six-figure income?
High-Paying Jobs in the Technology Sector
1. Software Engineer
Average annual salary: $105,605
Software engineers combine the principles of engineering with software development and computer programming skills to create software for end-users or large corporations.
A college degree isn’t essential since many software engineers follow certificate courses, but a degree can definitely help with career advancement.
The demand for software engineers is ever-increasing due to the constant need for new software tools in the market.
2. Data Scientist
Average annual salary: $124,693
Data science is a field that’s experiencing rapid growth due to the implementation of modern data mining services and the development of AI systems.
It forms part of the greater IT industry, but data scientists don’t always need IT-related qualifications, with science, engineering, and mathematics being more important.
Their job is to analyze large amounts of data to create concise, useful insights for their clients. Most data scientists work for large organizations, especially in the fields of marketing, science, government, and the web.
3. Cybersecurity Analyst
Average annual salary: $132,576
Cybersecurity analysts monitor and respond to cybersecurity threats. They put systems in place to consistently monitor for security weaknesses, then take action to block them to avoid a breach.
If a security breach occurs in any data system, they have to employ counter-measures to mitigate risks and stop it from re-occurring.
Data breaches are constantly on the rise, and so is the need for cybersecurity professionals.
Many colleges now offer cybersecurity as a specialist field, but the best way to start a career in the field is to study IT and find an entry-level job in the industry.
4. IT Manager
Average annual salary: $103,861
Many get the idea that Information Technology professionals earn huge salaries, but that’s not always the case. As with any field, there are entry-level careers and advancement opportunities.
One of the more high-paying roles in the industry is that of the IT Manager.
These professionals ensure that a company’s computer systems all operate at maximum efficiency.
They collaborate with other IT specialists to allocate resources, obtain new hardware and software systems, test new implementations, and maintain existing platforms. Some have college degrees, but most complete IT-related certifications and prove their management skills in the workplace.
5. Petroleum Engineer
Average annual salary: $124,158
The roles of petroleum engineers are wide and varied. In general, they focus on the extraction of oil or gas from underground wells, but there are many responsibilities within that framework that they can fill.
Some specialize in finding new wells or improving efficiency in existing wells. Others are responsible for designing new extraction equipment or maintaining current machinery, while some devise new and improved extraction methods.
They have specialized engineering degrees, often accompanied by additional diplomas.
6. Aerospace Engineer
Average annual salary: $103,247
An aerospace engineer designs and tests components for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and satellites. They create blueprints, set design criteria, evaluate proposals, and collaborate through processes from design to manufacturing.
Their expertise guides the manufacturing, construction, and maintenance of flight-capable machinery, including both commercial and military aircraft.
It is a high-end career that offers many opportunities, such as a degree in aeronautical engineering, but it requires considerable skill and advanced qualifications.
7. Airline Pilot
Average annual salary: $104,029
Airline pilots are well-trained, certified, and experienced pilots who fly aircraft for commercial reasons.
They have to ensure the safe navigation of the aircraft, with all relevant staff, passengers, and cargo, from one location to another. It often involves flying through adverse weather conditions and other risk factors.
It can be a high-risk career, but also has the potential to be very rewarding.
There are no college qualifications and most commercial pilots start in the air force or by completing commercial pilot’s licenses.
8. Nuclear Engineer
Average annual salary: $130,417
Nuclear engineers work with radioactive elements, mainly in the field of energy. They are responsible for developing and maintaining nuclear equipment and devices.
This is a highly specialized field, so nuclear engineers need fully accredited bachelor’s degrees in nuclear engineering.
9. Construction Manager
Average annual salary: Up to $144,000
Construction managers plan, execute, and coordinate the construction of new buildings. They collaborate with engineers, builders, and architects to ensure that all the correct building laws and protocols are followed.
Construction managers usually have a degree in civil engineering, but they often start by working for existing building contracting companies.
Lucrative Careers in the Healthcare Industry
10. Anesthesiologist
Average annual salary: $327,107
Anesthesiologists work in a complex field that could have severe repercussions in case of mistakes or oversights.
They are medical specialists who completed medical school and then went on to specialize in anesthesiology. They are the ones who administer anesthetics to numb patients before surgery.
Anesthesiology requires complex calculations based on patients’ size, weight, health conditions, and various other factors.
Any miscalculation could lead to a patient waking up during surgery, experiencing pain, or adverse health conditions.
Anesthesiologists often struggle to maintain a good work-life balance. While other jobs can be done remotely or involve time alone in an office, an anesthesiologist’s day is nearly 100% contact time with patients. However, some people flourish in such environments!
11. Surgeon
Average annual salary: $298,173
Surgeons are the ones who perform surgical operations on patients.
There are various subcategories, with some surgeons choosing to specialize in working on certain parts of the human body such as eyes (optical surgeons), the neurological system (neurosurgeons), or the heart (cardiothoracic surgeons).
Becoming a surgeon requires years of medical school and the same training as a physician, before choosing surgery as a specialist field.
Working in an operating theater can be an intense and stressful experience, so they have to be very clear-minded individuals. But it can also be a highly rewarding career since you can relieve someone’s pain, ease their suffering, and even save lives.
12. Pharmacist
Average annual salary: $126,588
Pharmacists are individuals who have been through medical school and have an understanding of human physiology and anatomy, but they have a deep understanding of chemistry and science.
They fill patients’ subscriptions but are usually unable to make a diagnosis. However, they can make recommendations for over-the-counter medications.
They are also responsible for ensuring that the pharmacy’s stock is kept up to date, maintaining patient files, and helping patients understand different medications and dosages.
The role of the pharmacist is gradually expanding, with some pharmacists taking over several roles that were previously reserved for doctors. In some regions, clinical pharmacists are allowed to prescribe certain medications and administer some vaccines without consulting a physician, and many parts of the world are opening up to giving pharmacists more responsibility.
13. Dentist
Average annual salary: $214,569
Dentists probably need no introduction since 36% of people have an intense fear of them.
But dentists are highly trained medical professionals who choose to focus on dental hygiene and taking care of people’s teeth (as well as general oral health).
They examine people’s teeth, diagnose diseases, perform certain procedures (like removing teeth), and prescribe medicine.
14. Veterinarian
Average annual salary: $126,298
Veterinarians, or vets, are medical specialists that specialize in animals. They usually have to study medicine in the same field as other doctors, and then specialize in the various categories within veterinary medicine. This makes them highly skilled and specialized professionals.
Most veterinarians work in some form of private practice, often in partnership with other vets. Some specialize in livestock, catering to the farming market, while others are focused on treating horses or household pets.
15. Psychiatrist
Average annual salary: $268,846
Psychiatrists are there to treat people’s mental health problems or disorders. They evaluate a patient’s symptoms, diagnose conditions, and prescribe varied and highly personalized treatment plans that will work best for that individual.
Unlike psychologists, a psychiatrist can also prescribe medications to help treat conditions.
They usually monitor the effects of treatments and therapy while referring patients to other therapists (such as psychologists) for different types of treatments.
16. Optometrist
Average annual salary: $151,093
Optometrists are medical experts who specialize in eye care. It’s easy to think of them as the people who give us glasses and contact lenses, but optometrists can also diagnose and treat a wide range of other eye diseases and illnesses.
To become an optometrist, candidates should study a four-year undergraduate degree in science, followed by a four-year graduate degree in optometry.
17. Physical Therapist
Average annual salary: $124,800
Physical therapists often help injured or sick people restore physical functioning in their limbs and muscles.
In some cases, they treat patients to relieve pain or prevent disability. They do this by prescribing careful exercises and fitness routines to reduce the need for medicine.
Those who are interested in the field should complete a doctorate in physical therapy, attend residency to gain experience and obtain a license. Since it is part of the medical field, it is regulated very strictly.
High-Income Jobs in Finance and Business
18. Investment Banker
Average annual salary: $104,044
Investment bankers work for government institutions and large organizations where they advise on raising money, mergers, and acquisitions. Their goal is to help businesses become more lucrative through wise investment decisions.
A bachelor’s degree in finance or business management is essential, but a master’s degree is preferable.
Candidates can then enter an apprenticeship, become an analyst (which could easily mean an 80-hour work week) and apply for licensing.
19. Management Consultant
Average annual salary: $101,271
A management consultant advises a business management team on ways to improve the business’ performance.
These professionals meet with clients to discuss current issues, and then research different potential solutions. They often specialize in certain fields such as finance, marketing, or sales.
They should preferably have a degree in business management and some specialized qualifications in any areas they would like to specialize in.
20. Real Estate Developer
Average annual salary: $121,572
Real estate developers usually work for large organizations and other investors.
They evaluate a piece of land or a property, and then develop it in such a way that it can earn optimal income. This could mean buying a piece of land, building on it, then selling or renting it out.
Real estate developers should ideally have a bachelor’s degree, but they have to earn a real estate license.
It’s usually beneficial to start working for an existing developer to build networks and learn to identify potential problems.
21. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Average annual salary: $148,754
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) usually work for large organizations where they form part of the executive board.
Under the leadership of the CEO, a CFO will oversee financial policies, procedures, and transactions. They are intimately involved with the financial requirements and budgets of a business.
These individuals are often chartered accountants who also completed business management degrees. They have significant responsibilities, often dealing with corporate budgets of millions (or even billions) of dollars.
22. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Average annual salary: $135,129
The roles of Chief Executive Officers, or CEOs, are wide and varied and depend largely on the industry and type of organization they operate in.
These professionals are usually the ones “in charge” of their companies, tasked with navigating the business toward greater growth and profitability.
They should have a keen understanding of all facets of business and their industry, including business management and financial skills.
However, they collaborate with the other members of the executive team to ensure that each part of the company operates optimally and is heading toward the same goal.
23. Marketing Manager
Average annual salary: $119,492
Marketing managers are responsible for overseeing the marketing efforts of a business or organization. All branding, brochures, and electronic media must pass the scrutiny of this professional.
They can work for big corporations, but many marketing managers have their own firms that consult smaller businesses on their marketing efforts.
A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement, especially in the fields of marketing, communications, or business. However, a master’s degree is preferable.
24. Marketing Director
Average annual salary: $186,642
Marketing directors are top-level executives who oversee a business’ marketing efforts. Like marketing managers, they are well-versed in branding and business communication.
They communicate with the other executives about the company’s direction, then set long-term marketing goals, communicating these to the marketing departments.
A master’s degree is preferred for a marketing director, especially if it specializes in marketing, business management, or communication.
25. Sales Director
Average annual salary: $202,827
Sales directors are the executives in charge of companies’ sales departments. They set sales goals and targets, determine the profitability of products, and develop plans to enable sales staff to reach their targets.
Since they are top management, an advanced degree in business is beneficial, but a sales director excels at communication, business, and math skills. They are dynamic individuals that can motivate others to achieve their goals.
26. Financial Manager
Average annual salary: $166,050
Financial managers work under financial directors in large organizations or as the heads of the finance departments of smaller businesses.
They are responsible for managing finances and budgets, developing financial policies, and investigating new financial strategies or investment opportunities.
They usually have bachelor’s degrees in accounting, finance, or business administration, and they have excellent computer skills since their work largely relies on software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
27. Senior Project Manager
Average annual salary: $115,570
Also known as Project Directors, these professionals are responsible for overseeing projects from inception to completion. They work to set budgets, hire teams, source suppliers, and plan the release and roll-out of the project.
Senior project managers are usually employed by large corporations and government institutions.
They usually have bachelor’s degrees or higher, but they also have excellent administrative and communication skills. They are proficient in writing, research, planning, and problem-solving.
28. Human Resources Director
Average annual salary: $114,723
Human Resources directors (or HR directors) manage the activities of a company’s workforce.
They oversee the employment of new skilled individuals and stimulate the engagement of existing employees through various activities, training, and team-building experiences.
Since this is an upper management position, a bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement, though there’s some leniency in fields of expertise. However, they are excellent communicators, skilled negotiators, and proficient at conflict resolution.
High-Paying Creative and Artistic Careers
29. Professional Athlete
Average annual salary: $109,415
Professional athletes practice sports for a living.
They are usually highly trained in their chosen sport and can compete at the highest national and international levels.
They don’t need any qualifications, but it is advisable since most athletes retire in their thirties. They need something to fall back on, which is why most athletes have diplomas or bachelor’s degrees.
Most professional athletes start practicing their sport when they’re still at school, either by participating at the school level or through private clubs, where they can be spotted by club managers.
30. Film Director
Average annual salary: It varies greatly but between $40,000 and $110,000
Film directors are the ones responsible for making movies and TV shows. They have strong leadership skills and can bring the cast and crew together in unique ways to create a film worth watching.
Not all film directors earn big money, but even young, aspiring film directors can work their way up to earning six figures.
Qualifications aren’t absolutely essential, but it’s a good idea to go to film school. However, the most important skills can be gained by watching movies with a technical eye and then practicing the techniques you see.
31. Fashion Designer
Average annual salary: Approximately $100,000
Fashion designers have an interest in current trends and fashions, a keen eye for what would look appealing, and the ability to create their ideas on paper or a computer screen.
They are also quite good at building a brand for themselves, like Coco Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and Christian Dior.
They usually complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Design, but they get most of their experience from working for existing fashion designers. Once they are able to build their brand and find a market, they can establish themselves as fashion designers.
Lucrative Jobs in the Legal Field
32. Corporate Lawyer
Average annual salary: $139,880
Corporate lawyers are legal specialists that usually don’t operate in private practice. Instead, they work for large organizations and corporations to provide legal counsel and oversee transactions from a legal perspective.
They are qualified and certified lawyers who have passed their bar exams, but they often complete other courses in business management, too.
Work-life balance can be a challenge. They usually have fixed office hours, but it’s not unusual for them to work overtime or take work home, especially when there are current legal matters that demand urgent attention.
However, many corporate lawyers believe that corporate law offers the best work-life balance of all law-based careers.
33. Patent Attorney
Average annual salary: $155,690
Patent attorneys are legal experts who specialize in all forms of intellectual property including patents, trademarks, copyrighted materials, and design rights.
They are fully-qualified attorneys that have passed their bar exams.
Some patent attorneys work directly with private individuals who want to register intellectual property or persecute infringements, while others are employed by massive organizations and corporations to protect their trademarks and copyrighted materials.
34. Trial Lawyer
Average annual salary: $108,900
Trial lawyers are attorneys who have completed their law degrees and bar exams, and then proceed to represent people or organizations in criminal or civil lawsuits.
They spend considerable time talking to their clients to assess the situation and prepare their case, after which they have to represent the case before a judge.
There are various specialization fields within this career, so not all trial lawyers will represent every case. Most of them work in private practice, though there are companies that employ them.
It’s a demanding job that can be hard to balance. Trial lawyers often see some of the worst things that people can do, and they may have to defend the people who did those things.
This can cause emotional trauma over and above the stresses of an already stressful job. Anyone who wants to become a trial lawyer should learn healthy self-care skills.
35. Actuary
Average annual salary: $105,258
Actuaries operate somewhere between the financial and legal industries.
Their purpose is to assess risk factors for businesses and their clients to determine which investments and business decisions would be the safest options, while also comparing those risks with the potential rewards.
Actuaries work for government institutions, private businesses, insurance agencies, investors, and banks to help protect them from potential financial losses or unsafe business decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are All Six-Figure Jobs High-Stress?
It is common for those who hold six-figure jobs to have more responsibility, which could lead to higher stress, but that doesn’t necessarily make them all highly stressful. The stress levels differ between different jobs and industries.
Can I Achieve a Six-Figure Income Without a College Degree?
Some six-figure jobs don’t require a degree. For example, certifications are becoming more and more prevalent in the IT sector as they are often more up-to-date than college degrees, which suits an industry with such rapid growth.
How Can I Transition Into a High-Paying Career From My Current Job?
That will depend on your current job. It’s easier if you’re already working in a field with excellent promotion opportunities. Whichever career you choose, start by completing studies that will move you in that direction, then network with the people who can open doors for your transition.
What Are the Key Factors That Determine Earning Potential in a Job?
Apart from your skills and education, factors that affect earning potential in a job include the risks involved, the amount of responsibility that will be placed in your hands, the hours you will have to work, and potential bonuses such as commissions or profit shares.
Is It Possible To Make a Six-Figure Income Working Remotely?
Though it isn’t very common, it isn’t impossible. Many people earn six figures through their own businesses and practices, which they can do from home. Others work for companies that have flexible policies, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. It is more difficult for management jobs, though.
What Are Some Alternative Paths To Earning a Six-Figure Income?
Starting your own business, becoming a freelancer, or getting a second source of income are all popular and proven ways to earn a six-figure income that don’t necessarily require you to leave your current job or go back to college.
How Long Does It Take to Reach a Six-Figure Income in a Certain Field?
A general rule of thumb is that you can break six figures after working in a particular field for about four years. This varies greatly between different industries and careers and depending on your experience and qualifications.
Conclusion
As we can see, most of the highest-paying six-figure jobs are in the fields of medicine and business. You can’t go wrong by choosing a career in those industries. However, it’s important to choose something that you will be comfortable doing since it could take several years to reach such a high income, and we have to be aware of the risks and responsibilities involved.
When we keep in mind that the average salaries indicated don’t indicate the highest possible income in that job, we can see that it’s possible to earn far more if we are willing to put in the effort. Whichever you choose, these 35 six-figure jobs all come with plenty of responsibility, but the rewards are well worth it.
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