Are you looking for the best jobs that pay $100,000 a year?
Many people dream of making a six-figure salary and making more money. A job that pays $100,000 or more can help you reach your financial goals. It can let you save for the future, pay off debts, or enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Jobs that pay $100,000 or more many times need a college degree. But some high-paying jobs only need training.
Best Jobs That Pay $100,000 a Year
Below are the best jobs that pay $100,000 a year.
Recommended reading: 26 High Paying Jobs With No Experience Required
1. Software developer
Software developers are in high demand. They create computer programs and apps that we use every day. This job many times pays over $100,000 a year.
You don’t always need a college degree to become a software developer. Many learn through coding boot camps or teach themselves. The most important thing is having strong programming skills.
This job lets you be creative and solve problems, and you’ll usually work with a team of other developers. Many companies may allow you to work from home (I know a few software developers and they all work from home), and sometimes you may even have flexible hours.
2. Pharmacist
Pharmacists give out medicines and help patients understand how to use them safely. They also check for drug interactions and answer questions about medications.
To become a pharmacist, you’ll need to go to school, and you’ll need a degree called a doctor of pharmacy. It usually takes about 5 to 6 years after high school.
The hard work pays off, though, as pharmacists make over $100,000.
You can work in different places as a pharmacist. Many work in drugstores or grocery stores, and others work in hospitals or clinics.
3. Airline pilot
Many pilots earn over $100,000 a year, especially those who work for major airlines.
As a commercial pilot, you’ll fly passengers and cargo to destinations around the world. You’ll need special training and licenses to do this job. It takes hard work, but the pay can be great!
New pilots usually start at smaller airlines and they may earn less money at first. But as you gain experience, you can move up to bigger airlines that pay more. Some experienced pilots at major airlines can make $200,000 or even $300,000 or more a year!
The job comes with other perks too. You might get free or cheap flights for you and your family. Plus, you’ll get to travel and see new places as part of your work.
4. Blogger
Blogging is what I do, and I make well over $100,000 per year. There have even been many months where I have earned over $100,000 in a single month.
As a blogger, you can write about topics you’re passionate about, whether it’s personal finance, travel, cooking, lifestyle, or something else, while also helping others by sharing useful information.
Making a six-figure income as a blogger typically involves multiple income streams, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, ad revenue, and selling digital products or courses (I do all of these to make money on my blog). It takes time and effort to build an audience and establish trust with readers, but once your blog grows, the opportunities are pretty much endless.
The best part is that you don’t need any specific degree to get started – just a willingness to learn, a knack for writing, and a strong work ethic.
You’ll also enjoy flexibility in your schedule and the potential to work from anywhere. Many successful bloggers, including myself, have turned their blogs into full-time, money-making careers.
You can learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course and join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog? In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
5. Nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioners are in high demand and earn great salaries. You can make over $100,000 a year in this role.
To become a nurse practitioner, you’ll need extra schooling after becoming a registered nurse. You’ll need a master’s degree or doctoral nursing degree, as well as pass an exam.
This career lets you care for patients and work in different settings. You might work in hospitals, clinics, or private offices. Some nurse practitioners even run their own practices (many states allow for this).
6. Marketing manager
Marketing managers are in high demand because they help companies (such as in tech, retail, travel, and more) promote products and services to customers. This job can pay $100,000 or more per year.
As a marketing manager, you’d create plans (such as a marketing campaign) to reach target audiences. You might use social media, ads, and other ways to spread the word about a company.
They work with teams to come up with new ideas, and this could include making videos, writing content, or planning events. They also look at data to see what’s working and what’s not.
7. Art director
Art directors can make good money while pursuing their love of art. They get to shape the look of projects. This could be for ads, magazines, movies, or TV shows, and they make big decisions about colors, styles, and layouts.
The pay for art directors is great and many earn over $100,000 a year.
To become an art director, you need a mix of skills. You should be good at art and design. But you also need leadership abilities, as art directors guide teams of artists and designers.
Most art directors have a bachelor’s degree in art or design and many start in lower-level creative jobs first. They work their way up to director roles.
8. Physicians and surgeons
Physicians are among the highest-paid professionals in the medical field. They diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other health problems.
To become a physician, you need to complete medical school and a residency program, and this takes many years of study and hard work.
The average salary for physicians is well over $100,000 per year. Some specialists can earn much more, even over $500,000 or higher.
As a physician, you can choose from many different specialties. These include family medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and more.
Physicians usually work long hours, many times including nights and weekends. But many find the job very rewarding because they help people every day.
Recommended reading: 30 Best Jobs That Help People
9. Copywriter
Are you good with words? Do you love writing? A copywriter job might be perfect for you! Copywriters create content for websites, ads, and more.
Copywriters can make $100,000 or more per year. I personally know many copywriters who make a great income.
Many companies need copywriters. You could work for big businesses, small shops, or even yourself. There are lots of options.
To be a great copywriter, you need to be creative and you also need to understand what makes people want to buy things.
You don’t always need a college degree to be a copywriter. But you do need to be a really good writer.
10. Real estate agent
Real estate agents can make $100,000 a year or more. This job lets you help people buy and sell homes.
You need a license to become an agent. Getting one takes some study and passing a test. Once you have it, you can start working with clients.
Your pay depends on how many homes you sell. Most agents earn a percentage of each sale, so the more expensive the house, the more money you can make.
11. Health services manager
Health services managers play a key role in running healthcare facilities. They oversee daily operations, manage budgets, create work schedules, make sure patients get good care, and more.
To become a health services manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and many employers prefer a master’s degree in health administration or a related field.
This job is in high demand. As the population ages, more healthcare services are needed. This means more jobs for health services managers.
12. Business operations manager
Business operations managers are in charge of how a company works day-to-day. They make sure everything runs smoothly and this includes things like managing people, money, and resources.
You’d need to be good at solving problems and making decisions. Being organized is also very important.
13. Economist
Economists study how people and businesses use resources. They look at things like money, goods, and services, and they try to understand and predict economic trends.
Economists use math and statistics a lot and need strong problem-solving skills. They might work for the government, banks, or big companies.
To become an economist, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. Many jobs ask for a master’s degree or even a Ph.D.
14. Mathematician
Mathematicians use numbers and formulas to solve complex problems. They work in many fields like science, engineering, and finance.
Many mathematicians work in research roles at universities or government labs. Some find jobs in private industries like tech or insurance companies.
To become a mathematician, you usually need at least a master’s degree in math. Some jobs might require a Ph.D.
15. Architect
Architects design buildings and spaces that shape our world. They might create homes, offices, schools, or even entire cities. It’s a job that mixes art and science.
As an architect, you’ll use your creativity to draw plans and make models. You’ll work with clients to understand their needs and turn their ideas into reality. Math and physics skills are important too, as you need to make sure buildings are safe and strong.
16. Real estate entrepreneur
Real estate entrepreneurs buy, sell, and manage properties to make money. They look for good deals on houses, apartments, commercial buildings, or land.
You can start small with just one property. As you learn, you can grow your business and own more places.
Real estate investors sometimes even fix up old buildings. They make them look nice so they can sell them for more money (this is called flipping).
Some entrepreneurs rent out their properties. They become landlords and collect money from tenants each month.
Recommended reading: 23 Best Real Estate Side Hustles To Make Extra Money
17. Chiropractor
Chiropractors can make a great salary while helping people feel better.
They focus on treating problems with bones, muscles, and joints, and use their hands to adjust patients’ spines and other parts of their bodies.
To become a chiropractor, you need to go to school for several years after college. You’ll learn about the human body and how to treat different issues without surgery or medicine.
Many people visit chiropractors for back pain, neck pain, or headaches. You’d work with patients of all ages, from kids to older adults.
18. Sales manager
Sales managers lead teams of salespeople to meet company goals. You might enjoy this job if you like working with others and hitting targets.
As a sales manager, you’ll set sales goals, train new staff, and track performance. You’ll also work with other departments to create sales plans.
Also, you don’t need to be a sales manager to make over $100,000 each year – there are many sales jobs where you can make good money and not have to manage anyone.
19. Construction manager
Construction managers are in high demand (because construction is booming all over!), and they oversee building construction projects from start to finish. This job can pay over $100,000 a year for top earners.
This job needs good leadership skills as they are in charge of workers, budgets, and schedules. Their job is to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Most construction managers have a bachelor’s degree. You might study construction science, engineering, or business. Some people work their way up from other construction jobs too.
20. IT manager
IT (information technology) managers play an important role in companies, especially nowadays, with nearly all companies using a computer in some way. IT managers oversee computer systems and IT teams. This job typically pays over $100,000 a year.
You’ll need strong tech skills and leadership abilities. IT managers plan projects, set budgets, and manage staff. They also make sure systems run smoothly and stay secure.
To become an IT manager, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Some companies may prefer a master’s degree. Work experience in IT is also very important.
21. Dentist
As a dentist, you can earn well over $100,000 a year by helping people take care of their teeth.
Dentists do many things, such as clean teeth, fill cavities, and fix broken teeth.
To become a dentist, you need to go to dental school after college. It takes about 8 years of school in total – 4 years of undergraduate school and 4 years of dental school.
22. Veterinarian
Vets take care of sick and injured animals, giving them medicine and performing surgeries.
Becoming a vet takes a lot of school (a minimum of 8 years of schooling – 4 years in undergraduate, 4 in veterinary school, and time spent in clinical training), but it can pay off. Many vets earn over $100,000 a year.
Vets don’t just work in animal clinics. They can find jobs in zoos, farms, or research labs.
23. Sell printables
Want to make $100,000 a year? Try selling printables!
Printables are digital designs that people can buy and print at home. You can create all sorts of printables, such as planners, wall art, gift tags, cards, or even party decorations.
The best part? You only need to make each design once. Then you can sell it over and over again.
You can learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
24. Occupational therapist
If you’re looking for a rewarding career that can pay well, becoming an occupational therapist might be a great choice. This job helps people overcome physical and mental challenges to live better lives.
Occupational therapists work with kids, adults, or older people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities.
To become an occupational therapist, you’ll need a master’s degree and you’ll also have to get a license to practice.
25. Lawyer
You can earn a good living as a lawyer and this is typically one of the highest-paying jobs in the workforce. Many lawyers make $100,000 or more per year. The highest-paid lawyers can even make well over $200,000 annually.
Lawyers give legal advice, represent clients, and work on different types of cases. These could include criminal law, family law, or business law.
To become a lawyer, you need to go to law school after college, as well as pass the bar exam.
26. HR manager
Human resources managers play a very important role in companies. They handle hiring, employee relations, and workplace policies. Many HR manager jobs pay $100,000 or more per year.
To become an HR manager, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field. Some jobs may ask for a master’s degree. Experience in HR is also important.
27. Speech-language pathologist
Speech-language pathology might be perfect for you if you are looking for a job that pays well and also helps people. This career lets you work with people of all ages who have trouble speaking or swallowing.
This job is in high demand and you can find work in schools, hospitals, or private clinics. Some speech-language pathologists even work for themselves.
To become one, you’ll need to go to college and get a master’s degree. You’ll also need a license to work.
28. Personal financial advisor
Personal financial advisors help people manage their money and plan for the future. They can make around $100,000 or more a year.
As an advisor, you’d work with clients to set financial goals. You might help them save for retirement, buy a house, or pay for their kids’ college. You might also give advice on investments, insurance, and taxes.
29. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers keep track of financial records for businesses, record income and expenses, manage payroll, and create financial reports.
To become a bookkeeper, you usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers might prefer a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
I have a few friends who provide monthly bookkeeping services to small businesses, and they all really like what they do. Plus, you don’t need a college degree to get started (only one of them has an accounting degree – most do not!) – so this is something you can learn.
You can learn more at Online Bookkeeping Jobs: Learn How To Get Started Today.
This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
30. Professor
Teaching professors can earn $100,000 or more per year. This job combines a love for education with the chance to make good money.
You’ll need advanced degrees to become a teaching professor as most schools want you to have a Ph.D. in your field. Some might accept a master’s degree for certain subjects.
Your main job is to teach college students. You’ll create lesson plans, give lectures, and grade assignments.
Many teaching professors work at universities. But you can also find jobs at community colleges or online schools. Some professors teach both in-person and online classes.
31. Chief executive officer
As a CEO, you can earn over $100,000 a year and some earn millions of dollars each year.
CEOs lead companies and make important decisions. They set goals, manage teams, and work with other executives. It’s a fast-paced role that requires strong leadership skills.
To become a CEO, you’ll need lots of experience. Most start in lower roles and work their way up. A business degree can help, but it’s not always required.
32. Engineer
Engineers are some of the highest-paid professionals in the job market today. Many engineering jobs pay salaries well over $100,000 per year, so this makes it an attractive career path for those seeking financial stability.
There are many different types of engineers, such as:
- Civil engineer – They design and supervise the construction of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and buildings.
- Mechanical engineer – They work on designing, developing, and maintaining mechanical systems, from engines to manufacturing equipment.
- Electrical engineer – They focus on electrical systems, including power generation, wiring, and electronics.
- Software engineer – They create and maintain software applications and systems for computers and other devices.
- Aerospace engineer – They design aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites, working on systems for flight and space exploration.
- Chemical engineer – They apply chemistry to solve problems in manufacturing, healthcare, and energy, usually working with chemicals, fuels, and drugs.
- Environmental engineer – They develop solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control and waste management.
To become an engineer, you’ll need a strong background in math and science. Most engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about the best jobs that pay $100,000 a year.
Is earning $100,000 every year considered to be a good salary?
Yes, $100,000 is a good salary for most people. It’s more than double the average U.S. income. This amount can give you a comfortable life in many places. Of course, in some areas, $100,000 may not seem like enough. So, a lot depends on where you live.
What jobs pay around $100K a year?
Many jobs can pay $100K or more. Some top choices are software developer, pharmacist, airline pilot, and nurse practitioner. These jobs need special training or a degree but they can lead to high pay and good job security.
What is the easiest job that pays $100K a year?
There’s no truly “easy” job that pays $100K. All high-paying jobs need hard work and skills. But some may feel easier if you enjoy them. For example, if you love writing, being a successful blogger could be a good fit.
What are the best jobs that pay $100,000 a year without a degree?
You can earn $100K without a college degree in some jobs such as real estate agent, sales manager, blogger, and pilot. These jobs usually need special training, apprenticeships, or certifications instead of a degree. There are also jobs that I didn’t talk about in the list above that can make over $100,000 a year without a degree such as working as a firefighter, in law enforcement, as a plumber, and more.
What are $100K jobs that no one wants?
Some high-paying jobs are less popular due to stress or tough conditions. Examples include underwater welder, oil rig worker, and coal miner. These jobs can pay well but may have health risks or unpleasant working conditions.
What are some jobs that pay over $200K a year?
Jobs that can pay over $200K many times need lots of education and experience. Some examples are surgeon, investment banker, CEO, and lawyer. These jobs usually need many years of school and work to reach top pay levels.
What are some jobs that pay $100K a month?
Jobs that pay $100K per month ($1.2 million per year) are more rare. They might include top athletes, famous actors or musicians, successful business owners, and high-level executives at big companies. These jobs are hard to get and often involve fame or running large businesses.
Best Jobs That Pay $100,000 a Year – Summary
I hope you enjoyed my article on the best jobs that pay $100K a year.
Finding a job that pays $100,000 or more can open doors to financial security and a better quality of life. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, technology, or even entrepreneurship, there are many options for jobs that pay a high salary.
Some of these careers require advanced degrees, while others only need specialized training or a willingness to learn new skills.
I hope you are able to find the job and career path that you are looking for!
What do you think are the best jobs that pay $100,000 or more each year?
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