by Jobs that make 100K a year are within reach for many professionals, especially those who are equipped with the right skills, experience, and determination. While the path to a six-figure salary can vary depending on the industry and location, there are numerous career options that offer substantial compensation.
This article will guide you through some of the most promising positions that can help you achieve a $100,000 annual salary. From technology and healthcare to finance and engineering, the possibilities are vast—and the potential rewards are significant.
Best jobs that make 100k a year
- Trade jobs that make 100k a year
1. Electricians
Salary Range: $55,000 - $120,000 per year
These specialists are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They ensure that wiring and circuits are functioning properly, interpreting blueprints, and troubleshooting various electrical issues.
Skilled professionals, particularly those involved in larger projects, can command higher pay.
2. Plumbers
Salary Range: $50,000 - $120,000 per year
Workers in this field install and fix systems that manage water, gas, and waste. Their duties involve assessing issues, setting up new piping, and ensuring the smooth operation of fixtures like sinks, toilets, and water heaters.
Craftspersons with specialized expertise or who own their own business often earn above six figures.
3. HVAC Technicians
Salary Range: $45,000 - $110,000 per year
Technicians install and service systems that regulate temperature, air quality, and humidity. Their job includes inspecting equipment, repairing faults, and optimizing system performance.
Those working with advanced commercial or energy-efficient models can see a substantial increase in income.
4. Construction Managers
Salary Range: $65,000 - $130,000 per year
These individuals oversee the development of building projects, managing budgets, schedules, and team members. They guarantee that each phase of the construction adheres to safety regulations and timelines.
Managers in charge of major infrastructure initiatives are typically compensated at the upper end of this salary range.
5. Elevator Installers and Repairers
Salary Range: $55,000 - $105,000 per year
Practitioners in this sector install vertical transportation systems, such as elevators and escalators. Their work involves inspecting, troubleshooting, and making necessary repairs to ensure safety and functionality.
Those who work with high-rise buildings or specialized tools can earn higher wages thanks to these hard skills.
6. Boilermakers
Salary Range: $60,000 - $110,000 per year
This job requires assembling and repairing large vessels that hold liquids and gases under pressure. Personnel use welding techniques to construct these containers, often in power plants or manufacturing facilities.
Highly experienced operators in specialized industries earn six-figure salaries due to the technical nature of the work.
7. Ironworkers
Salary Range: $55,000 - $110,000 per year
These professionals are responsible for assembling and reinforcing steel structures for various projects, including bridges and buildings. Their tasks involve welding and securing metal components.
Those engaged in large-scale or high-risk jobs typically receive a higher compensation.
8. Wind Turbine Technicians
Salary Range: $50,000 - $100,000 per year
Technicians within this specialty maintain wind turbines. Their mission is to inspect components, diagnose problems, and make repairs to keep turbines operating effectively.
Those excelling in larger installations or offshore turbines may earn salaries that exceed $100,000.
9. Crane Operators
Salary Range: $50,000 - $105,000 per year
These laborers operate large machinery to lift and move heavy materials on construction sites. They must ensure that inputs are placed accurately and safely.
With experience in complex work environments, operators can earn higher pay, especially when working with specialized cranes.
10. Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Salary Range: $50,000 - $110,000 per year
These contractors diagnose and repair large machinery used in industries like agriculture. They maintain and fix kit such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders.
Specializing in particular machinery types or working in remote areas often leads to higher salaries.
- Jobs that make 100k a year without college
1. Firefighters
Salary Range: $50,000 - $100,000 per year
Responding to fires and emergencies, these professionals provide rescue services and administer first aid. They are also responsible for maintaining apparatus and ensuring safety protocols are in place. Those advancing into leadership positions or taking on specialized roles often earn higher wages.
Promotions and certifications in specific areas of expertise can significantly multiply earnings.
2. Police Officers
Salary Range: $55,000 - $110,000 per year
This role involves upholding law and order, investigating crimes, and protecting the public. Specialized roles like SWAT or detectives, as well as long-term service, often lead to salary increases. Those promoted to senior positions tend to get careers that pay 100k.
Expertise in niche areas or seniority within the department can push income beyond $100,000.
3. Commercial Pilots
Salary Range: $70,000 - $120,000 per year
Pilots flying cargo, charter flights, or specialized services are required to have a license. Although a college degree isn't mandatory, extensive flying hours and experience in high-demand sectors can lead to 100k job.
Flying internationally or operating larger aircraft typically results in higher pay.
4. Police Detectives
Salary Range: $60,000 - $110,000 per year
Investigate crimes, gather evidence, and work to solve complex cases. Those with a background in law enforcement, along with additional specialized training, typically rise through the ranks to earn higher salaries.
Experienced detectives in specialized areas often achieve higher income brackets.
5. Construction Supervisors
Salary Range: $60,000 - $110,000 per year
These professionals check the daily operations of sites, ensuring initiatives run smoothly and on time. They oversee workers, manage resources, and handle project-related issues. Supervising large-scale initiatives results in 100k salary jobs.
Managing high-budget or complex builds can result in six-figure earnings.
6. Ship Engineers
Salary Range: $65,000 - $110,000 per year
Ship engineers are responsible for the maintenance and repair of mechanical systems aboard vessels. Their duties include monitoring equipment performance and performing necessary repairs. Offshore roles or those on large commercial ships tend to offer jobs over 100k.
Working in remote environments often leads to heightened compensation.
7. Executive Assistants
Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
Executive assistants manage schedules, coordinate communications, and handle logistics for top executives. They may also organize travel and manage confidential information. In high-demand industries or at senior levels, earnings can surpass $100,000 annually.
High-level assistants with increased responsibilities or working for prominent executives often earn six figures.
8. Elevator Inspectors
Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
Professionals in this field ensure that elevator systems comply with safety regulations. Their responsibilities include inspecting facilities, diagnosing faults, and making necessary repairs. Inspectors working in metropolitan areas with large buildings tend to earn more.
Specialized expertise and urban locations might cause six-figure salaries.
9. Massage Therapists (Specialized)
Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
Specialists in massage therapy focus on providing relief for injuries or managing chronic pain through physical therapy techniques. Therapists in specialized clinics or high-end spas, with a strong clientele, have the potential to get jobs that pay 100k.
Therapists catering to affluent clients or in niche fields often earn above $100,000.
- Medical jobs that make 100k a year
1. Physician Assistant
Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000 per year
These skilled professionals work closely with doctors to provide care, including diagnosing health conditions and prescribing treatments. Their work spans across various specialties like orthopedics or urgent care.
Years of expertise in a specific field can lead to careers that make 100k a year.
2. Nurse Practitioner
Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000 per year
These advanced practice providers take on roles in diagnosing, treating, and managing patient care. They often serve in spheres, such as pediatrics, oncology, or geriatrics, with some positions offering compensation above the median salary.
Practitioners working in underserved regions earn higher.
3. Physical Therapy Specialist
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year
These experts help patients recover from injuries or surgeries by creating and guiding rehabilitation plans. Professionals who centers on niche areas, like sports recovery or pediatric therapy, tend to receive 100k salary jobs.
Focused practice or involvement in private clinics can push earnings.
4. Pharmacist
Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000 per year
Working in settings like hospitals or research labs, these people manage medication dispensing and patient counseling.
Those in leadership roles such as clinical pharmacology often earn salaries at the higher end of the range.
5. Radiology Technician
Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
Perform diagnostic imaging using equipment like CT scans or MRIs. Specializing in complex techniques or working in large facilities can end in proposal of jobs paying 100k a year.
Background in metropolitan practice locations boosts salaries.
6. Rehabilitation Therapist
Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000 per year
These experts guide individuals in regaining their independence after a traumatic event or injury. Professionals with a focus on niche areas often earn more due to demand.
Managing private practices increases earning potential.
7. Dental Care Provider
Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
Providing preventive dental care, these professionals work to maintain patient oral hygiene. Those in periodontics or operating in affluent areas can get jobs that earn 100k a year.
Higher-paying practices or those located in upscale areas tend to provide greater compensation.
8. Medical Facility Manager
Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000 per year
Responsible for overseeing the operation of healthcare institutions, these managers ensure effective administration, budgeting, and patient care.
Working in larger facilities might yield 6 figure salary jobs.
9. Speech Therapy Specialist
Salary Range: $75,000 - $105,000 per year
Work with individuals facing communication or swallowing disorders. Those who focus on pediatric care or run their own practice tend to earn above-average wages.
Specialization in specific disorders often ends in jobs that pay 100k a year.
- Music jobs that make 100k a year
1. Music Producers
Salary Range: $50,000 - $120,000 per year
These professionals guide the creation and production of tracks, from concept to final recording. Experience, a strong portfolio, and collaborations with well-known artists contribute to jobs over 100k.
Working with top talent or successful projects leads to elevated earnings.
2. Composers
Salary Range: $60,000 - $150,000 per year
Creating original scores for films, TV, or video games, these individuals craft soundtracks that enhance visual content.
Composing for high-budget movies or leading series can result in larger paychecks.
3. Music Directors
Salary Range: $60,000 - $120,000 per year
Overseeing musical performances and rehearsals, these leaders ensure all elements come together cohesively. Prestigious venues and high-profile productions offer the chance for larger salaries.
Leading large performances or prestigious institutions often means careers that pay 100k.
4. Session Musicians
Salary Range: $50,000 - $100,000 per year
These musicians provide instrumental expertise for recordings and live performances. High demand for particular instruments can give rise to more lucrative opportunities.
Working in popular studios can bring 6 figure salary jobs.
5. Music Therapists
Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
Helping patients through sound, these experts assist in treating mental health and physical conditions.
Focusing on niche therapy areas or building a private practice often results in higher wages.
6. Audio Engineers
Salary Range: $50,000 - $120,000 per year
Handling sound quality and equipment for recordings or live shows, these professionals ensure optimal performance.
Those working with big names earn at the higher end of the spectrum.
7. Talent Managers
Salary Range: $75,000 - $150,000 per year
These individuals oversee everything from bookings to negotiations. Working with in-demand talent significantly increases potential earnings.
Handling successful clients typically results in careers that make 100k a year.
8. DJs (Disc Jockeys)
Salary Range: $50,000 - $150,000 per year
Performing at events, festivals, or clubs, these entertainers craft the music experience for their audience.
DJs who tour internationally can earn six figures.
- Online jobs that make 100k a year
1. Software Engineers
Salary Range: $70,000 - $150,000 per year
These experts develop and maintain applications, ensuring that they are functional and efficient across various platforms. Proficiency in coding and problem-solving enables them to work on diverse tech projects, with higher earnings.
Skills in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can boost salary potential.
2. Online Marketing Specialists
Salary Range: $60,000 - $120,000 per year
These professionals design and implement strategies to increase brand visibility and drive customer engagement through digital channels such as social media, email, and SEO.
Expertise in analytics and high-ROI tactics can lead to jobs that earn 100k a year.
3. Freelance Writers
Salary Range: $50,000 - $100,000 per year
Working on a variety of writing projects for clients, these individuals focus on producing content for blogs, websites, and marketing materials.
Writing for specialized industries or large organizations typically commands a premium.
4. Web Designers
Salary Range: $70,000 - $130,000 per year
Focusing on the visual aspects of websites, these professionals ensure a positive user experience by crafting appealing and functional designs.
Experience working with major tech companies or high-profile clients can result in jobs paying 100k a year.
5. Online Store Owners
Salary Range: $60,000 - $200,000 per year
Managing business involves overseeing product selection, customer relations, and marketing. Successful entrepreneurs, especially those with unique products, can see substantial profits.
Scaling an e-commerce venture or finding a profitable niche leads to 100k job.
6. Affiliate Advertisers
Salary Range: $50,000 - $150,000 per year
Promoting third-party products or services through blogs, social media, and websites, these marketers earn commissions on sales.
The potential for higher income is linked to the size of their audience and the types of products they endorse.
7. Online Course Developers
Salary Range: $60,000 - $150,000 per year
Designing and selling courses on platforms such as Teachable or Udemy, these instructors share expertise in various subjects.
Those who develop courses in high-demand fields or target large audiences tend to earn more.
8. Personal Development Coaches
Salary Range: $50,000 - $150,000 per year
Offering guidance in areas such as career growth, life improvement, or mental well-being, these coaches help clients reach personal goals.
Working with a loyal client base or offering niche services typically leads to jobs that pay 100k a year.
Jobs that make 100k a year - Conclusion
Reaching a six-figure salary is achievable across many industries, whether through trades, medical professions, online careers, or creative spheres.
By focusing on specialized skills, seizing opportunities, and staying committed to professional development, individuals can secure 100k jobs and build successful careers.
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