21 Jobs That Pay $100K a Year or More
Earning $100,000 a year can provide greater financial flexibility, but six-figure careers often require advanced education, specialized skills or several years of experience.
The following salary figures are U.S. median annual wages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Most figures reflect May 2024 data. Median pay means half of workers earned more and half earned less.
1. Physician or surgeon
Median salary: At least $239,200 per year for several medical specialties
Physicians diagnose illnesses, create treatment plans and provide medical care. Surgeons perform operations to treat injuries, diseases and physical conditions.
These careers require a bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training and state licensure. Some specialties require additional fellowship training.
2. Airline pilot
Median salary: About $226,600 per year
Airline pilots transport passengers and cargo, review flight plans and operate aircraft safely. They work with copilots, dispatchers and air traffic controllers.
Pilots typically need flight training, extensive flying experience and Federal Aviation Administration certifications. Airlines may also prefer a bachelor’s degree.
3. Nurse anesthetist
Median salary: $223,210 per year
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patients and support recovery before, during and after medical procedures.
Candidates must become registered nurses, complete graduate-level nurse anesthesia education, pass a certification examination and meet state licensing requirements.
4. Chief executive
Median salary: $206,420 per year
Chief executives establish organizational goals, approve strategies and coordinate senior leaders. They may also communicate with investors, boards, employees and business partners.
Most chief executives have extensive management experience. Education requirements vary, although bachelor’s and graduate business degrees are common.
5. General dentist
Median salary: Approximately $172,790 per year
Dentists examine teeth and gums, diagnose oral health problems and provide treatments. They may perform fillings, extractions and preventive procedures.
A dentist must complete dental school and obtain a state license. Specialists such as orthodontists and oral surgeons need additional training.
6. Computer and information systems manager
Median salary: $171,200 per year
Computer and information systems managers plan technology projects, supervise IT teams and protect organizational systems. Common titles include IT director, information systems manager and chief technology officer.
Candidates usually need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology plus related professional experience.
7. Architectural and engineering manager
Median salary: Approximately $167,740 per year
Architectural and engineering managers coordinate technical projects, manage budgets and supervise engineering or design teams.
Most begin their careers as engineers or architects. Employers typically expect a relevant bachelor’s degree and several years of technical experience.
8. Financial manager
Median salary: $161,700 per year
Financial managers prepare reports, monitor investments and help organizations make long-term financial decisions. They may work as controllers, treasurers, finance directors or risk managers.
A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business is common. Management roles generally require related experience.
9. Natural sciences manager
Median salary: $161,180 per year
Natural sciences managers oversee research, laboratory work and scientific teams. They may coordinate product development, testing or environmental research.
Most enter the occupation after working as scientists. Graduate education may be useful for research-intensive positions.
10. Marketing manager
Median salary: $161,030 per year
Marketing managers study customer demand, create campaigns and guide product positioning. They work with sales, design, research and executive teams.
A bachelor’s degree is common, but employers also value campaign experience, analytical skills and a record of delivering business results.
11. Computer hardware engineer
Median salary: $155,020 per year
Computer hardware engineers design and test processors, circuit boards, memory systems and other computer components. They may work in technology, manufacturing, research or semiconductor companies.
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field.
12. Lawyer
Median salary: Approximately $151,160 per year
Lawyers advise clients, interpret laws, prepare legal documents and represent individuals or organizations. They may specialize in corporate, criminal, employment, tax or intellectual property law.
Becoming a lawyer usually requires a bachelor’s degree, a law degree and admission to a state bar.
13. Compensation and benefits manager
Median salary: $140,360 per year
Compensation and benefits managers design salary structures, bonuses, health plans and retirement programs. They study labor-market data and ensure that programs comply with regulations.
Employers commonly seek candidates with HR, finance or business experience.
14. Purchasing manager
Median salary: $139,510 per year
Purchasing managers oversee the acquisition of products, materials and services. They select suppliers, negotiate agreements and monitor costs and quality.
A bachelor’s degree and experience as a buyer or purchasing agent are typical requirements.
15. Sales manager
Median salary: Approximately $138,060 per year
Sales managers set revenue goals, analyze performance and guide sales representatives. They may also establish territories, develop pricing strategies and coordinate with marketing teams.
Many sales managers advance after demonstrating strong individual sales and leadership results.
16. Pharmacist
Median salary: Approximately $137,480 per year
Pharmacists dispense medications, review prescriptions and advise patients about safe use. They may work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics or research organizations.
Pharmacists need a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a state license.
17. Physician assistant
Median salary: Approximately $133,260 per year
Physician assistants examine patients, diagnose conditions and provide treatment under a physician’s supervision or collaboration, depending on state law.
Candidates generally need a master’s degree from an accredited program, national certification and state licensure.
18. Software developer
Median salary: $133,080 per year
Software developers design applications, systems and digital services. They translate user needs into technical requirements, write or review code and maintain software after release.
Many developers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, although practical skills and a strong project portfolio can also influence hiring.
19. Nurse practitioner
Median salary: $129,210 per year
Nurse practitioners provide primary or specialty care. They examine patients, order tests, diagnose conditions and prescribe treatment where permitted.
The career requires registered nursing experience, graduate education, certification and state licensure.
20. Actuary
Median salary: $125,770 per year
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to estimate risk. They often work in insurance, consulting, investments or corporate risk management.
A bachelor’s degree is common, and candidates must pass a series of professional actuarial examinations.
21. Information security analyst
Median salary: $124,910 per year
Information security analysts monitor networks, investigate security incidents and protect organizational data. They may conduct risk assessments, test controls and develop response plans.
Employers often prefer candidates with a technology degree, relevant experience and security certifications.
Other careers that can pay more than $100,000
A six-figure salary is also possible in occupations such as:
- Data scientist
- Medical and health services manager
- Construction manager
- Management analyst
- Project management specialist
- Mechanical engineer
- Personal financial advisor
- Database administrator
- Sales engineer
- Industrial production manager
Median pay is only one way to evaluate an occupation. Some jobs have high earning potential but limited openings, variable bonuses or demanding education requirements.
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A $100,000 salary is not guaranteed simply because an occupation has a six-figure median. Your starting salary may be lower, while experienced workers in competitive locations or senior positions may earn significantly more.
Frequently asked questions
What jobs pay $100,000 without medical school?
Technology managers, software developers, information security analysts, financial managers, actuaries, purchasing managers and marketing managers can earn six-figure median salaries without attending medical school.
Can you earn $100K without a graduate degree?
Yes. Several six-figure careers typically require a bachelor’s degree, including software development, computer hardware engineering and information security. However, relevant experience and technical ability remain important.
Are these starting salaries?
No. The figures are median salaries across workers at different experience levels. Entry-level employees often earn less than the occupational median.
Which six-figure careers are growing quickly?
Information security, data science, software development, advanced nursing and medical administration are among the fields with strong projected growth. Local demand may differ.
Does location affect six-figure salaries?
Yes. Salaries may be higher in major cities and regions with high living costs. Employers also adjust compensation based on local demand, industry and available talent.