Top 25 Best Jobs That Pay $100k a Year

Looking for jobs that pay $100k a year or more? Whether you're planning a career change, heading to college, or just curious about high-paying roles, this list breaks down some of the best options across various industries.

You don’t have to be a doctor or a lawyer to make six figures. From tech to healthcare to skilled trades, plenty of career paths can lead to a $100K salary, with or without a degree in some cases.

Let’s dive in.

1. Software Engineer

Average Salary: $120,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field

Software engineers build and maintain computer programs and applications. They work in nearly every industry, from finance to entertainment. As demand for software continues to rise, so do the salaries, especially for engineers with experience in AI, cybersecurity, or cloud technologies.

2. Physician Assistant

Average Salary: $127,000
Education Required: Master’s Degree + certification

Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians, conducting exams, diagnosing illnesses, and prescribing medications. It's one of the fastest-growing healthcare roles due to its flexibility and high compensation.

3. Data Scientist

Average Salary: $125,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s or Master’s in data science, statistics, or computer science

Data scientists analyze large sets of structured and unstructured data to help companies make informed decisions. This field combines programming, mathematics, and business insight—and it's in high demand across tech, finance, healthcare, and retail.

4. Marketing Manager

Average Salary: $110,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in marketing, communications, or business

Marketing managers lead campaigns, manage teams, and develop brand strategies. They often work in advertising agencies or directly for corporations. Success in this role depends on experience, leadership, and results-driven performance.

5. Corporate Lawyer

Average Salary: $130,000–$200,000+
Education Required: Law Degree + State Bar

Corporate lawyers specialize in legal issues related to business, including mergers, contracts, intellectual property, and compliance. It's a demanding career, but the pay reflects the high level of expertise required.

6. IT Manager

Average Salary: $115,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in IT or related field

IT managers oversee an organization's technology infrastructure and staff. They ensure systems run smoothly, manage budgets, and stay on top of security. With tech embedded in every industry, these roles are both essential and well-compensated.

7. Airline Pilot

Average Salary: $105,000+
Education Required: Commercial pilot license and flight hours

Airline pilots operate aircraft for passenger and cargo transport. They must complete flight training and meet federal licensing requirements. In addition to high salaries, pilots often receive excellent travel benefits.

8. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Average Salary: $180,000+
Education Required: Master’s Degree + Certification

CRNAs provide anesthesia care before, during, and after surgical procedures. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and pain management clinics. It’s a highly skilled role that commands top-tier salaries in nursing.

9. Financial Manager

Average Salary: $125,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in finance or accounting

Financial managers oversee the financial health of an organization. They create reports, direct investment activities, and develop long-term strategies. Experience and certifications like the CFA can boost earning potential.

10. Sales Director

Average Salary: $100,000–$200,000 (including commissions)
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (optional in some industries)

Sales directors lead teams, build client relationships, and drive revenue. In high-ticket industries like tech, real estate, or enterprise software, commissions can make up a large portion of their income.

11. Pharmacist

Average Salary: $120,000+
Education Required: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Pharmacists dispense prescriptions and offer medical advice on drug interactions. Many work in retail or hospital settings. While the field is competitive, it remains one of the highest-paying roles in healthcare.

12. Construction Manager

Average Salary: $105,000
Education Required: Associate’s or Bachelor’s in construction management

Construction managers plan, coordinate, and supervise building projects. From budgeting to hiring subcontractors, they handle it all. Experience and certifications like the PMP or OSHA can increase pay.

13. Actuary

Average Salary: $125,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in math, statistics, or actuarial science

Actuaries analyze financial risk using mathematics and statistics, primarily in the insurance and finance sectors. Becoming an actuary requires passing several exams, but the financial rewards are strong.

14. Product Manager (Tech)

Average Salary: $115,000–$150,000
Education Required: Varies (background in business or tech preferred)

Product managers coordinate teams across development, marketing, and sales to build software or tech products. Strong communication and strategic planning skills are essential.

15. Real Estate Broker

Average Salary: $100,000+ (commission-based)
Education Required: Real estate license

Brokers facilitate real estate transactions and often manage agents. In high-value markets, brokers can earn substantial commissions by closing large deals.

16. Optometrist

Average Salary: $120,000+
Education Required: Doctor of Optometry (OD)

Optometrists examine vision, diagnose eye conditions, and prescribe lenses. It’s a specialized field with good work-life balance and earnings.

17. Solutions Architect

Average Salary: $150,000+
Education Required: Bachelor’s in computer science or engineering

Solutions architects design complex IT systems to meet business needs. This role requires both deep technical expertise and the ability to communicate solutions to non-technical stakeholders.

18. Dentist

Average Salary: $200,000
Education Required: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Dental Medicine (DMD)

Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues. Many own their practices, which allows for even greater income potential and schedule control.

19. Engineering Manager

Average Salary: $145,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in engineering

Engineering managers lead teams, oversee projects, and coordinate with other departments. With experience, this leadership role can be extremely lucrative.

20. Judge

Average Salary: $135,000
Education Required: Law Degree + years of legal experience

Judges preside over legal proceedings, ensuring justice is served. While this role typically follows a successful legal career, it’s a prestigious and well-compensated path.

21. Web Developer (Freelance or Senior)

Average Salary: $100,000+
Education Required: Varies—often self-taught or bootcamp

Senior or freelance developers can command high rates, especially with expertise in niche platforms or e-commerce. Portfolios matter more than degrees in this field.

22. Petroleum Engineer

Average Salary: $130,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in petroleum or mechanical engineering

These engineers develop methods for extracting oil and gas. The work is demanding and may require travel, but the compensation reflects the stakes.

23. Aerospace Engineer

Average Salary: $115,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in aerospace engineering

Aerospace engineers design aircraft, satellites, and missiles. Working with NASA or defense contractors can bring high pay and cutting-edge projects.

24. Information Security Analyst

Average Salary: $105,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s in cybersecurity, IT, or computer science

These analysts protect systems from cyber threats. Demand is skyrocketing as organizations prioritize data security.

25. Technical Writer

Average Salary: $100,000+ (with experience)
Education Required: Bachelor’s in English, communications, or tech

Technical writers create manuals, documentation, and help guides. With experience in complex industries like software or biotech, pay can exceed six figures.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of jobs that pay $100k a year, you just need the right skill set, training, or experience. Some roles require advanced degrees, while others are accessible through certifications or hands-on experience.

The key is to identify your strengths, research the field, and build the right qualifications to get there.

FAQs: Jobs That Pay $100k a Year

1. What jobs pay $100k a year without a degree?

Real estate brokers, freelance web developers, and sales directors can earn six figures without a traditional four-year degree.

2. How long does it take to get a job that pays $100k?

It depends on the field. Some roles take years of experience, while others (like tech or sales) can reach $100K faster with the right skills.

3. What certifications can lead to $100k jobs?

Certifications like AWS (cloud), PMP (project management), and CISSP (cybersecurity) can open doors to high-paying roles.

4. Are there remote jobs that pay $100k a year?

Yes, roles like software engineer, product manager, and data scientist often allow remote work with six-figure salaries.

5. What industries offer the most $100k jobs?

Tech, healthcare, finance, and engineering tend to have the highest concentration of six-figure roles.