Jobs to Earn a Six-Figure Salary in 2025

To earn a six-figure salary, searching for a career in engineering, tech, or finance may be a great path to take in 2025. While many other jobs offer a six-figure income, especially in healthcare, you may be able to earn a high-paying salary in these sectors of the job market.

Six-figure salary jobs may be your mark of success—otherwise, why would you be reading this? While formal education is often necessary to earn a six-figure salary, coding bootcamps, trade schools, and other alternative education programs can train people for high-earning positions.

In this article, we’ll feature some of the top jobs offering six-figure gross incomes, whether you’re a four-year college degree holder or not. Read on and see if any of these over-$100,000-a-year positions sound interesting to you.

Key Takeaways

• Higher-salary jobs in 2025 span various industries, including aviation, engineering, and tech.
• Many of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree, while some accept coding bootcamp training or an associate’s degree.
• Examples of high-paying six-figure jobs include airline and commercial pilot, marketing manager, petroleum engineer, and air traffic controller.
• Consideration should be given to factors like work-life balance, job stress, and industry trends when choosing a six-figure career path.

Six-Figure Jobs in 2025: At a Glance

Please note, these salaries were taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website in August 2025. All information, including salary data, is subject to change.

Six-Figure Jobs in 2025: A Closer Look

Airline and Commercial Pilots

• Median Salary: $198,100
• Job Growth: 5%

Commercial pilots earn impressive paychecks. You get to fly massive commercial airliners and travel frequently. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on how much time you are willing to be away from home. If you want a chance to see the world and perform important work, consider becoming an airline pilot.

How to Become an Airline or Commercial Pilot

Airline pilots need a bachelor’s degree in any field and experience as military or commercial pilots. Commercial pilots do not always need a degree, but they must have flight training and a commercial pilot license. Both airline and commercial pilots are required to have certificates and ratings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

• Median Salary: $159,660
• Job Growth: 8%

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers work with teams of art directors, sales agents, and financial staff members and plan programs to generate interest in services and products. Other duties include organizing advertising campaigns, negotiating contracts, developing strategies, and helping clients meet their marketing needs.

How to Become an Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Manager 

You should have a bachelor’s degree and work experience in advertising, marketing, promotions, or sales to become an advertising, promotions, or marketing manager. Bachelor’s degrees should be in a related field to your role. For example, advertising managers might require a degree in advertising or journalism. Marketing managers typically need a marketing or communications degree.

Petroleum Engineers

• Median Salary: $141,280
• Job Growth: 2%

Working with oil companies can earn you a high-paying salary. Keep in mind, however, that oil fieldwork requires long hours and tends to be dangerous.

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum engineers are required to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Although the common choice of major is petroleum engineering, degrees in mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering are also accepted. Employers often prefer candidates who have obtained an accredited degree from an association like ABET.

Air Traffic Controllers

• Median Salary: $144,580
• Job Growth: 3%

Air traffic controllers have an enormously important job, and their salary reflects it. These professionals monitor flight paths, ensuring that airplanes don’t collide and can land and take off safely. This makes the role one of the most stressful jobs in the world.¹² If you can keep cool under pressure, then this career might be a good pick for you.

How to Become an Air Traffic Controller

This six-figure job is highly competitive, and becoming an air traffic controller can be a challenge. You’ll need to earn either a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree from an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program.

Before signing up, make sure that the program you choose is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved. After completing the program, you’ll then be required to take the Air Traffic Selection and Training Exam. All air traffic controllers must also secure an Air Traffic Control Tower Operator Certificate.

Computer Hardware Engineers

• Median Salary: $155,020
• Job Growth: 7%

Computer hardware engineers design, develop, and test computer systems. They work across a variety of industries, from tech to medicine to finance, and often work closely with software engineers as they must ensure that hardware components work with the latest software updates.

How to Become a Computer Hardware Engineer

While a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from an accredited institute is preferred, a degree in a related field, such as IT or computer science, will suffice. Students preparing for a career in hardware engineering will need a strong background in math and science. Those looking to become computer hardware engineers may be able to do so without a four-year degree by completing a cyber security bootcamp.

Sales Managers

• Median Salary: $138,060
• Job Growth: 6%

Sales managers look after a company’s sales team. While responsibilities depend on the size of a company, six-figure jobs in sales management will require the distribution of goods and services, setting up goals, and hiring and training the sales team. Sales managers also use software to analyze sales statistics and project future outcomes.

How to Become a Sales Manager

Six-figure salary sales manager jobs require a bachelor’s degree and experience. However, it is possible to work as part of a sales team with a high school diploma and build up enough experience to apply for sales management roles. It is recommended that sales managers have between one and five years of sales experience.

Computer Network Architects

• Median Salary: $130,390
• Job Growth: 13%

Computer network architects, or network engineers, design and build secure data networks tailored to an organization’s needs. They install and configure hardware, test for performance issues, and document systems for future maintenance. Many also manage and monitor networks after launch, ensuring smooth data flow and planning upgrades as needs evolve.

How to Become a Network Architect

Hands-on skills and knowledge of in-demand technologies are key for network architects. While you can earn a four-year degree in network architecture or a field like computer science, employers do not necessarily require that level of education. Those interested in network architecture can opt to learn the required in-demand technical skills at a coding bootcamp.

Software Engineer

• Median Salary: $131,450
• Job Growth: 17%

Software engineers are in charge of the design and development of software solutions. They spend their days diagnosing hardware and software systems for bugs and errors and resolving these accordingly.

These six-figure jobs are in high demand because of companies’ increasing need for new, innovative, and custom-built software. The software engineering field branches out to other, more specialized disciplines, such as gaming, security, blockchain, and mobile engineering.

How to Become a Software Engineer

You can take the traditional college route and earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Or you could opt for the much faster and more affordable yet just-as-effective route of coding bootcamps.

Web development bootcamps offer immersive programs in software engineering that last less than a year. These bootcamps also offer an array of financing options to help you save money.

Actuaries

• Median Salary: $125,770
• Job Growth: 22%

Actuaries have an incredible growth rate of 22 percent, making these high-paying jobs incredibly in-demand in 2025. Actuaries are responsible for analyzing financial costs and risks. As an actuary, you need advanced math, statistics, and financial theory skills. Actuary jobs with six-figure salaries are common in the insurance industry due to their importance.

How to Become an Actuary

You will need a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, statistics, math, or an analytical field. Furthermore, you must have a strong background in specific subjects related to the job, like economics, math, statistics, business, and corporate finance. Actuaries have a variety of tracks to choose from, such as life, health, pension, and casualty, so internships are an ideal way to find the best path.

Data Scientists

• Median Salary: $112,590
• Job Growth: 36%

Data scientists use techniques and analytical software to turn raw data into meaningful and useful information. They use various programming languages and visualization software to do this. Data scientists can work across various industries such as business, science, and medicine. Furthermore, these jobs are in high demand and have strong job security.

How to become a data scientist

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Find Your Bootcamp Match

You can become a data scientist by either pursuing a degree in data science or a related field or attending a data science bootcamps. The former usually takes four years to complete, while the latter will take you less than a year. Data science research roles may require a master’s degree or even a PhD.

Computer Systems Analysts

• Median Salary: $103,790
• Job Growth: 11%

Computer systems analysts, also known as systems architects, improve computer systems tech firms and other organizations. They design ways to improve these systems to help an organization operate more efficiently. This can save a company a lot of money, so it’s no wonder that experts in these jobs with six-figure salaries are highly sought after.

How to Become a Systems Analyst

Systems analysts don’t necessarily need a tech degree. For example, if you have a business degree or a liberal arts degree, you can transition into this field. While a traditional degree may be more attractive on your resume, it is not a required qualification. You can learn essential systems analyst skills at coding bootcamps. Bootcamps are cheaper than four-year colleges and ensure you are job-ready in a matter of months.

Top Skills for Higher Salaries

The top skills required for higher-paying roles are typically transferable skills, such as time management and leadership. The skills that earn you six figures can be hard skills or soft skills. You can learn and practice these skills from professional experience, education, and general everyday life.

Time Management

Having good management skills is essential for every job, but is especially important for six-figure salary jobs. These higher-paying roles typically have a lot of responsibilities—whether they’re directing air traffic or leading teams and departments. Acquiring and practicing efficient time management will help you hit deadlines and save your company money.

For example, as a sales manager, you will need to use time management to deliver projects on time and prioritize tasks. Time management will help you focus on the most important tasks at hand to help avoid exceeding budgets or delaying the completion of an important project.

Leadership

Most six-figure jobs are upper-level, management roles, and will require employees to have advanced leadership skills. Leadership is not just about giving instructions. You must be able to successfully motivate your team to get the best out of them.

As a sales manager, you must use leadership to build relationships with your team, set goals, and delegate tasks. As you work your way up the ranks toward a high-paying job, you should learn from those in positions above you and take note of any leadership techniques and skills you feel will help you.

Communication

Communication covers multiple tasks, such as active listening, presentation, constructive feedback, and written communication. It is not simply being able to talk with your colleagues. In fact, listening is the most important aspect of communication.

Poor communication can lead to costly errors. For example, if a marketing manager poorly communicates with a client, they will end up sending deliverables to a client that don’t match what was initially requested. Furthermore, air traffic controllers must have exceptional communication skills to avoid any fatal errors.

Coding

If you are interested in a career in tech, you must have at least a foundational understanding of coding. As technology advances, coding is used across a variety of industries, such as finance and healthcare. There are plenty of free coding bootcamps and online resources that will help you learn the fundamentals of programming.

If you plan on working as a web developer, a software developer, a data scientist, or UX/UI designer, to name a few, you will need advanced coding skills. JavaScript, HTML, SQL, and Python are among the most popular programming languages among developers. A coding enthusiast or professional should be efficient in all four of these languages.

Project Management 

You can work as a project manager across a wide variety of industries, such as tech, construction, finance, and law. Project management involves leading teams, effective communication, risk management, and critical thinking.

If you are a project manager at a tech firm, you will need to use these skills to satisfy client and customer needs. Dealing with conflict will also be vital, as you try to balance the input from your own team against shareholders, budget restrictions, and client input.

How to Earn a Six-Figure Income in Tech: Step by Step

If you are wondering how to earn a high-paying job, there are various educational pathways you can take. Attending a coding bootcamp can be a great way to break into tech, especially if you have no prior experience in the industry.

Learners may prefer to choose the traditional route and enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in computer science. You can use this bachelor’s degree to earn a master’s degree, such as an MBA.

Let’s identify some helpful strategies and steps you can take to achieve a six-figure median household income and achieve financial stability.

Identify your Skills

The first thing you need to do is identify your skills. What are you good at? Making a list of your technical skills and soft skills is the best way to start your journey. Remember, transferable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving are ideal for those switching careers.

Educational Pathway

Once you know what skills you have and what skills you may lack, you can decide which educational pathway is most suitable for you. If you want to break into tech, a coding bootcamp may be the best option. It’s important to note that some high-paying jobs, such as petroleum engineering, will require you to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Build a Professional Resume

A professional resume is vital if you want a high-level job that pays six figures. When you are applying for jobs, you must read the job requirements carefully and tailor your resume to suit the job. You should avoid a bulky resume with information that isn’t relevant. Make sure you pair your resume with a strong cover letter, too.

Gain Experience

Experience is vital when it comes to making a six-figure income. Most jobs at this level will require years of experience. You can use internships and apprenticeship programs to build up experience. Some coding bootcamps and universities include internships as part of their curricula.

Look for Opportunities

It is difficult to walk straight into a six-figure salary job. Most people will apply for entry-level or mid-level jobs, which have a lower median income when they are starting their careers. Therefore, if you look out for opportunities, such as further learning or promotions, you can work toward a six-figure income. For example, opportunities may include free management training programs or help with payment for master’s or PhD degrees.

Can Coding Bootcamps Help Me Earn a Six-Figure Salary?

Coding bootcamps are a great way for learners to earn a six-figure salary. This is especially true for those who want to break into tech. Furthermore, bootcamp programs are ideal for careers in other industries such as finance, education, and engineering.

For example, data scientists or cyber security experts can learn job-ready skills in a bootcamp. Not only are these jobs in high demand, with a projected 33% job growth through 2033 for cyber security analysts alone, but they can also find work across multiple industries as companies become more reliant on cloud networking and data protection.¹³

Professionals who have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree can also benefit from bootcamp programs. Bootcamps teach in-demand and up-to-date skills, which are essential for those looking to upskill, earn promotions, and make a six-figure income.

Sources:

1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm

2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#:~:text=The%20median%20annual%20wage%20for,was%20%24161%2C030%20in%20May%202024.

3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm

4 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm

5 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm

6 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm

7 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm

8 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm

9 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm

10 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm

11 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm

12 https://www.aeroclass.org/air-traffic-controller-stress/

13 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm