Jobs that pay $100k a year are available in various fields. You may often need some kind of advanced degree, whether it be a college degree or doctoral degree, to engage in a six-figure career path. However, that’s not always the case if you have a track record of solid employment experience, team leadership abilities, and positive relationships with clients.
Jobs that make 100k a year might be a bit hard to find, but this guide will give you ideas on where to start. You might be surprised because it’s not just software architects, real estate brokers, operations managers, and senior account managers who work jobs that make over 100k. Other professionals have undergone formal education and achieved high-paying jobs.
What Is a Good Hourly Wage?
According to Trading Economics, the average hourly wage for most Americans is $26.40. This hourly rate totals an average salary of around $54,912 a year. Being said, jobs that make over 100k a year earn an excellent wage, especially for those with extensive experience in their field and who have spent time climbing up their career ladder.
Why Earning 100k Per Hour Is Important
Earning 100k a year is important because it gives legitimacy to the effort and skills you’re giving and rendering to the company, especially heading departments or leading teams. Jobs that pay $100k a year can give you a strong sense of financial well-being. With this wage, you’ll know that you exceeded your job requirements and are paid appropriately.
Furthermore, a job that lets your earn 100k a year gives you a status of what you’ve accomplished so far because the company is willing to pay you this much. People who have jobs that earn over 100k a year are able to save up, invest, and carry on living their daily life much more comfortably.
What Types of Jobs Pay 100k Per Year
To understand the types of jobs that make 100k a year, it’s important to look across a range of fields. Different career options would allow you to earn 100k per year. Various fields like medicine, technology, healthcare, and finance can be sources of jobs that pay $100k a year. Below are some of the highest-paying jobs available to apply for if you want a high annual salary.
- Human resources manager
- Data scientist
- Senior accounts manager
- Hardware engineer
- Network architect
What Do You Need to Land a Job that Pays 100k a Year?
Knowing how to get a 100k job involves accurately sharing the relevant experience and education you have that qualifies you for the position. For example, share how you’ve led teams of employees to success before if you’re applying to an executive position. Prepare your resume in advance to include all your professional experience correctly and keep your documentation up to date.
Think about your career track and strive to reach the education requirements. If you’re still a student, you should align your passions and what you’re good at and thrive in that field. In that way, you’ll be able to land an excellent job in the future and work your way up to jobs that pay $100k a year. You will likely need to finish at least a four-year degree to earn a six-figure salary.
What Companies Pay 100k a Year?
The companies that pay a 100k salary are listed below and can serve as a reference for where you can apply. These companies are generous in offering jobs that pay $100k a year, especially to professionals who are key performers in their field:
- Amazon: This company is an online retailer that offers a variety of products. The company provides personalized shopping services and web-based credit card payment and addresses complex challenges like homeland security, defense, and intelligence.
- Apple: Apple is a massive enterprise looking for software architects, network engineers, and iOS specialists for a high salary. Even without an advanced tech degree, you can gain relevant experience and apply for these high-paying jobs.
- Verizon: Similarly to Google, this tech giant is always looking for skilled coders and engineers to join its team. For this type of job, you’ll need plenty of experience with project management, innovation, and teamwork to be an effective employee earning a substantial salary.
- Infosys: Infosys is an information technology company that gives global business consulting and information technology services.
- Microsoft: This tech giant develops applications and software systems. If you are looking to become a software developer, getting a job at Microsoft is a strong option.
- Meta: Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is a technology conglomerate with offices all over the world. You can earn an impressive salary as a developer or as a data analyst.
- Hospital Corporation of America: Gaining a medical license is a great way to achieve a high-paying job. Advanced medical providers that work in hospitals all over the country earn impressive salaries.
- Raytheon Technologies: If you are interested in creating complex technologies for the aerospace and defense industries, you might consider this company. Senior system engineers are known to earn impressive wages.
Jobs With the Highest Average Salary
The best jobs that pay $100k a year or more vary in their responsibilities and educational requirements. Physicians and dentists require intensive schooling to become qualified for their line of work.
Pilots, on the other hand, do not require as much formal education, though they are required to complete a number of flying hours depending on the licensing requirements for the type of aircraft they wish to fly. These are the best jobs that pay $100k a year or more:
- Physician
- Airline Pilot
- Dentist
Jobs With Highest Growth Potential
When entering a field with a career in mind, it’s important to consider the growth potential of the career within the industry and in the job market as a whole. The job outlook for a career will determine whether there are opportunities for advancement in the field or if the field is growing, with its professionals in high demand.
The jobs that pay $100k a year with the highest growth potential are experiencing growth of 22 percent to 29 percent in their respective fields. This means demand is high for professionals working in this sector, or people with these skills. These jobs are:
- Film and video editor
- Data scientist
- Translator
Jobs That Pay $100k a Year: An Overview
Jobs That Pay 100k a Year: A Deep Dive
Physician
Physicians, also called doctors, work in the field of medicine in a variety of healthcare settings, from private clinics to universities to hospitals. Doctors conduct assessments and examinations for a range of physical issues or ailments relating to the human body. This career is one of the most well-known jobs that make over $100k per year due to its importance in society.
Airline Pilot
As a commercial pilot, you will be the one flying airplanes both for local and international flights. As a pilot, it is also your responsibility to conduct various pre-flight checks. You must effectively create and adjust flight plans to ensure that takeoffs and landings are successful.
Dentist
Dentist is a job that pays $100k a year. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating people’s teeth. Dentists perform check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, and oral procedures that help to maintain the oral health of their clients. Typically, dentists run their own private practice, which means people in this career can earn more than $100k per year.
Senior Accounts Manager
As a senior accounts manager, you’re the one managing portfolios and accounts to maintain and build strong client relationships. You work and collaborate with internal teams to meet the clients’ needs. You’re also expected to create and implement strategic plans to grow accounts. Lastly, you should maintain excellent knowledge of competitors and the industry.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
With a strong job outlook through 2030, landing a job as a computer and information research scientist promises a solid career. As a computer and information research scientist, you’ll be working as part of a team to gather data to develop and improve computing systems.
Determining research methods and utilizing data collection techniques and analysis methods are also important responsibilities. These scientists plan and perform surveys and experiments and interpret data to make conclusions and inferences.
Sales Manager
A sales manager helps a company achieve its desired revenue. They are the ones who set specific goals and milestones for the sales team while strategizing future projects and training programs. For these jobs that make 100k a year, you must have strong communication skills to lead teams and mentor colleagues in the best sales practices.
Marketing Manager
As a marketing manager, you successfully oversee plans to promote businesses, products, brands, and services. You know the latest trends, and you know how to analyze them. Part of your job is also to assess and optimize marketing strategies. You’ll also think of ways to generate business leads. You’ll also oversee advertising campaigns.
Human Resources Manager
This expert supervises the company’s daily operations like recruitment, employee relations, and payroll. You must communicate with executives and improve employee engagement. You’ll also ensure that policies effectively translate to employees and the company includes fair regulations for both management and staff. You will professionally handle disciplinary and termination procedures.
UX Writer
A UX writer is responsible for creating copy that helps a user navigate a product or webpage. As a UX writer, you should be able to identify the needs of the customer or end-user. You’ll also be conducting competitive analyses of other websites to perform customer analysis in this writing job that pays over $100k. You will coordinate with the UI design team to solve any errors or mistakes that you find.
Construction Manager
A construction job that pays over 100k includes the role of construction manager. This job is responsible for overseeing construction projects from beginning to completion. You’ll be directing construction activities and reviewing the progress.
In addition, you’ll have to make sure that all deliverables are on time and that your team is not exceeding the budget. You’re the one negotiating terms of agreements and getting licenses and permits.
Online Jobs that Pay 100k a Year
Technical Writer
If you’re looking for remote writing jobs that pay over $100k, working as a technical writer is a good choice for you. A technical writer collaborates with experts like product managers to write about technical topics in ways most people can understand.
Technical writers also create integration guides, user guides, and API developer guides. They can also be assigned to write articles that represent the company’s tone and brand. Furthermore, they think of innovations that would improve the current content.
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Remote Copywriter
A remote copywriter is one of the most common writing jobs that pay over $100k. Copywriters work closely with marketing or advertising departments. They brainstorm content and write text both for informational and promotional reasons.
Oftentimes, copywriters need to research the topic given to them and find data to support their subject. They also may work on different social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This is an entry-level position with high earning potential.
Virtual Recruiter
One of the most popular remote jobs paying over $100k is that of a virtual recruiter. As a virtual recruiter, your main job is to find the right candidates for an open role at a company.
Virtual recruiters work with recruiting managers and department heads to learn the requirements and qualifications of the positions for which they’re recruiting candidates to interview for. You’ll utilize platforms like Indeed to get as many resumes as possible. From there, you’ll have to screen applicants and select the ones that show great potential.
Film Video Editor
If you’re wondering how to make $100k a year from home by working a remote job, and you have video editing skills, you can work as a film video editor. A film video editor is someone who turns uncut footage into a finished film.
Part of the duties of a remote film video editor is to know about the theme, the script, and scene development and to identify which camera angles should be used. They collaborate with the directors and editors to generate ideas and get direction. The pay for this job can vary greatly, but many editors make well over 100k a year.
Translator
As a translator, you’ll be reviewing texts and working with written legal, technical, scientific, and business materials. These materials can be articles, reports, letters, and books. Part of your tasks are to read documents, edit, write copy, and use relevant software. There are translators that focus on a specific industry like the medical industry.
Tech Jobs That Pay $100K a Year
Data Scientist
- Average hourly salary: $74
- Average yearly salary: $154,848
- Job growth: 22%
A data scientist is one of the most popular tech jobs that pay $100k a year. These experts work with stakeholders to determine opportunities and business solutions for a company.
Data scientists are also responsible for mining and analyzing data from company databases to optimize and improve product development. You may use predictive modeling to improve customer experience. From time to time, you have to develop A/B testing framework.
Engineering Manager
An engineering manager is in charge of the direction and coordination of employees on an engineering team. They develop engineering projects by assessing the cost or budget, assigning engineers and team members to the project, and ensuring it is completed on time and within budget. They also constantly evaluate and refine the methods the engineering team uses.
Hardware Engineer
Of the jobs that make 100k a year, a hardware engineer is an important profession in many industries. As a hardware engineer, you will design, develop, and test computer hardware components for electrical systems. You must also analyze test data, remove errors, and create electrical device hardware. You’ll also perform performance tests on the final product.
Network Architect
As a network architect, you have hands-on experience when it comes to working with switches, routers, cabling, and other network hardware. You’ll be evaluating business and application requirements. You must also have knowledge on viral defense systems and version control. As a network architect, you’re expected to give recommendations for network installations.
Computer Programmer
As a computer programmer, you’ll be taking care of systems support and providing tech support when necessary. Computer programmers must have knowledge of one or more programming languages to fulfill the duties of their role.
You’ll need to update and review current programs and determine how to improve them. Part of your role is to develop in-house software, diminish potential risk, troubleshoot system errors, edit source code, analyze algorithms, and manage databases.
Jobs Paying Over $100K With Only 2 to 4 Years of College
Petroleum Engineer
A bachelor’s degree is all that’s needed to work as a petroleum engineer. These engineers work in the oil and gas sector and are responsible for designing and developing methods to extract these resources from the Earth.
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe movement of planes and other aircraft in the sky. They typically work at airports to ensure the organized timing of aircraft take-off and landing on the airstrips.
A combination of education in the form of an associate degree and long-term, on-the-job training are required for this role. This is one of the highest-paying jobs that make $100k a year with a 2-year degree.
Public Relations Manager
A public relations manager works to build a positive relationship between the company they represent and the greater public. They do this by submitting content on behalf of the company that expresses its values or shares news with the goal of enhancing the company’s public image. A four-year bachelor’s degree is required for this job that makes 100k a year.
Actuaries
An actuary typically works in the finance or accounting departments of companies and acts as a risk assessor. They employ mathematics and statistics to help companies assess various risks relating to their business strategies. Actuaries are also vital professions in the insurance sector. To become an actuary, you must earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Math, Actuarial Science, or Statistics.
Art Director
For creative types looking for jobs that make $100k a year with a 4-year degree, working as an art director is a great option. Art directors work in a range of industries, contributing to the visual components of various types of media.
For example, an art director working for a magazine would be in charge of the images and design used throughout each publication. A four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Art or Design is needed to excel in this role.
Where to Find a Job That Pays 100k a Year
It might seem challenging to find 100k salary jobs. A good first step is getting a four-year college education to meet any educational requirements that these companies require of applicants. Select a degree program that will provide you with the skills for your dream job. Your degree qualifications and extensive experience can help you stand out from the competition.
Referrals
Referrals give you a significant advantage because someone directly within the company has chosen you as a suitable candidate. This helps give off an excellent first impression and can ensure the hiring committee will pay special attention to your application. Executive positions or managerial positions on your resume can show you are ready for the job.
Company Websites
If you already know what company you want to work for, you can go ahead on their career page and see which positions are open. You might be surprised that some positions are not posted on other platforms.
Online Job Boards
Many popular online job boards allow you to sort through employment opportunities by salary. This is a good option if you aren’t sure exactly what field you want to work in, but are curious to see what opportunities are available.
Is It Easy to Find a Job that Pays 100k a Year?
No, it’s not easy to find a job that pays $100k a year, mainly because they often require you to have an advanced degree or graduate degree. The positions usually require you to have an advanced skillset in your field, but achieving a high-paying salary job is absolutely achievable with some patience and determination.
If you’re looking for the easiest jobs that pay $100k, you might consider one that requires the least amount of education. These jobs typically provide on-the-job training, which may be an easier learning method than studying for a degree. Entry-level jobs that pay $100k a year with no college degree include sales consultants or real estate agents.
Jobs that Pay 100k a Year FAQ
Degrees in subjects like human resources management, psychology, software engineering, information technology, and business administration make a great educational background to prepare you for fields that pay a high average wage.
Yes, most of the positions available at this salary are managerial positions, and companies are looking for someone who’s already gained experience.
One of the fastest ways to land a 100k job is to gain essential technical skills, as jobs in this field tend to pay well. You can gain in-demand tech skills quickly by enrolling in a coding bootcamp. However, you have to take note that one of the best things you can do is to finish college, take extra courses, and then gain a lot of experience.
The best job that pays $100k is a sales consultant or sales manager. This role does not require any formal education, and professionals in these roles can begin earning high salaries right away if they have strong sales skills and soft skills. Because these roles are typically commission-based, the earning potential can be even higher than $100k per year.
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