Jobs that pay $100k a year offer financial security and open career paths across fields like tech, healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Six-figure salaries aren’t limited to doctors or executives, and they’re increasingly common in fields like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your career, this guide will walk you through the best jobs that pay $100k, what qualifications they require, and how to position yourself for one. From remote-friendly tech roles to hands-on trades and leadership positions, there’s a path for nearly every type of learner and worker.
Key Takeaways
- Many careers across tech, healthcare, finance, and trades will offer salaries of $100k or more per year.
- Some six-figure roles will require advanced degrees, but others can be reached with a mix of certifications, licenses, and experience.
- Industries like tech, healthcare, aerospace, and consulting are consistently employing the most amount of six-figure earners.
- Career paths vary, as some roles demand years of schooling, while others like sales or real estate rely more on performance and networking.
- Cost of living affects how far a $100k salary goes. For example, in smaller cities it can feel like a lot of money, while in large metros it may feel average or like not enough.
- Remote-friendly six-figure jobs are growing, especially in software engineering, product management, and digital marketing.
What Is a Good Hourly Wage?
A good hourly wage is often measured against the national average, with $100k per year equating to about $48 per hour. To earn $100k or more per year, you would need to earn roughly $48 per hour, assuming that you have a standard 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks of paid work in a year. Whether this is “good” depends heavily on where you live. In cities like New York or San Francisco, $100k may feel like you are living closer to the middle class because of the high housing costs, while in smaller cities or rural areas, $100k often supports a very comfortable lifestyle.
Earning $100k goes much further in some states than others. For example, a salary of $100k in Dallas, Texas may provide the same purchasing power as $160k in New York City, when accounting for housing, transportation, and taxes. Tools like the MIT Living Wage Calculator can help you see how far six-figure salaries stretch across U.S. cities.
Why Earning 100k Per Hour Is Important
Earning $100k a year signals that you have strong financial stability and recognition of advanced skills or leadership responsibilities. 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 you 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. National household income data shows that six-figure earners are above the U.S. median.1 Beyond take-home pay, reaching a six-figure salary often opens doors to improved credit offers, mortgage qualification, and larger investment opportunities.
What Types of Jobs Pay 100k Per Year
Many types of jobs pay $100k a year, ranging from healthcare and tech to business leadership and skilled trades. 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.
- Physician assistant (healthcare)2
- Nurse anesthetist (healthcare)3
- Petroleum engineer (energy)4
- Sales manager (business)5
- Marketing manager (business)6
- Cybersecurity analyst/manager (tech)7
- Industrial product manager (tech)8
- Airline pilot (transportation)9
- Construction manager (trades)10
These careers highlight the diversity of pathways into high-paying jobs, from advanced degrees in medicine to licensure in aviation or trades. Readers searching for careers that make over $100k often fall into one of these categories.
What Do You Need to Land a Job that Pays 100k a Year?
Landing a $100k job requires a mix of education, certifications, and proven professional experience. 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?
Companies across industries like technology, healthcare, finance, and defense regularly employ workers earning $100k or more. 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.
- Apple: Apple is a massive enterprise looking for software architects, network engineers, and iOS specialists for a high salary.
- Verizon: Similarly to Google, this tech giant is always looking for skilled coders and engineers to join its team.
- 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.
- Hospital Corporation of America: Gaining a medical license is a great way to achieve a high-paying job.
- Raytheon Technologies: If you are interested in creating complex technologies for the aerospace and defense industries, you might consider this company.
Instead of focusing only on brand names, it’s useful to think of industries that consistently offer $100k salaries:
- Technology: Big Tech firms (Google, Microsoft, Meta, Apple) as well as cloud providers and startups.
- Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare networks that employ physicians, nurse anesthetists, and specialized practitioners.
- Aerospace/Defense: Companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon pay six figures for engineering and systems roles.
- Finance/Consulting: Investment banks, private equity firms, and management consulting firms regularly start analysts and associates above $100k.
Jobs With the Highest Average Salary
The highest-paying jobs often require advanced education, with physicians, dentists, and Airline Pilot careers consistently earning well above $100k.
- Physician11
- Airline Pilot9
- Dentist12
Other top-paying medical jobs include nurse anesthetists, anesthesiologists, and pharmacists, all of which regularly earn more than $100k per year. These careers require additional licensure and training, but they represent some of the highest salaries in the U.S. labor market.3,13-14
Jobs With Highest Growth Potential
High-growth careers that pay $100k+ include data scientists, nurse practitioners, and environmental engineers.3,15-16
These fields combine strong employment outlooks with six-figure earning potential, offering both stability and income growth.
Jobs That Pay $100k a Year: An Overview
The following table highlights average salaries and job outlooks for common $100k careers.
| Job | Average Salary | Projected Growth Rate (BLS, next ~10 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Physician | $239,20011 | 3%11 |
| Airline Pilot | $198,1009 | 4%9 |
| Dentist | $179,21012 | 4%12 |
| Data Scientist | $112,59015 | 34%15 |
| Engineering Manager | $167,74023 | 4%23 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $132,050 | 35%3 |
| Information Security Analysts | $124,9107 | 29%7 |
| Petroleum Engineer | $141,2404 | 1%4 |
| Air Traffic Controller | $144,58018 | 1%18 |
| Hardware Engineer | $155,02024 | 7%24 |
Jobs That Pay 100k a Year: A Deep Dive
Many jobs paying $100k or more come with specialized responsibilities, advanced education, or high leadership demands.
Physician
Physicians remain among the highest-paid professionals, earning an average of $239,200 per year.11 While the projected growth rate is a modest 3 percent, the stability, prestige, and demand for medical services make this career path reliable.11 Becoming a physician requires years of medical school, residency, and licensure, but the payoff is consistent six-figure income and long-term career security.
Airline Pilot
Airline pilots earn about $198,100 annually with a projected growth rate of 4 percent.9 This role requires FAA certification, extensive flight training, and thousands of flight hours. Despite slower growth, the career offers strong pay and steady demand in both commercial and cargo aviation.
Dentist
Dentists make an average of $179,210 per year, with job growth projected at 4 percent.12 Demand for oral healthcare remains steady, and many dentists increase their earnings through private practice. The career requires dental school and licensure, but it provides both high income and professional independence.
Data Scientist
Data scientists are one of the fastest-growing six-figure careers, earning $112,590 annually with a 34 percent projected growth rate.15 They use machine learning, predictive modeling, and statistical analysis to solve business problems across industries. With demand soaring in healthcare, finance, and tech, data scientists combine high salaries with strong job security.
Engineering Manager
Engineering managers average $167,740 per year and have a projected growth rate of 4 percent.23 These professionals oversee teams, budgets, and large-scale projects, blending leadership with technical expertise. While growth is moderate, the responsibility and salary make it one of the top-paying managerial roles in STEM fields.
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse anesthetists earn about $132,050 on average and are projected to grow 35 percent over the next decade.3 This makes them one of the fastest-growing advanced practice nursing roles. Their work administering anesthesia in surgical and clinical settings is vital, and the high demand reflects the expanding need for specialized healthcare providers.
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts earn $124,910 per year with a projected 29 percent growth rate.7 Rising cyber threats across industries ensure that demand for these professionals will continue to expand. Their role involves safeguarding systems, preventing breaches, and ensuring data privacy, making it one of the most future-proof six-figure careers.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers average $141,240 in salary but face only 1 percent projected growth.4 While demand for oil and gas extraction remains, the global transition toward renewable energy dampens job expansion. Still, the role provides lucrative pay for those entering the energy industry, though it may carry cyclical risks tied to oil prices.
Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers earn a strong average salary of $144,580 but see just 1 percent projected growth.18 The career requires FAA training and rigorous exams, and while job openings are limited, those who qualify benefit from high pay and strong union protections. Automation in air traffic management is one factor slowing growth.
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Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers bring in about $155,020 annually with a projected growth rate of 7 percent.24 Their work designing and testing computer hardware is essential, though growth is slower compared to software roles. The field continues to offer steady six-figure salaries for professionals in computing and electronics development.
Online Jobs that Pay 100k a Year
Online and remote jobs can also reach six figures, though many roles fall below $100k without specialization or seniority. These jobs can include software developers, computer and information systems managers, and digital marketing directors.6-7,17 Remote jobs that truly pay $100k+ tend to be technical or leadership-oriented, aligning with the growing demand for fully remote professionals in tech, design, and digital marketing sectors.
Tech Jobs That Pay $100K a Year
Tech jobs paying $100k a year include data scientists, engineering managers, and hardware engineers.15,23-24In addition to the roles listed, computer and information system managers are among the fastest-growing six-figure tech jobs.7 Artificial intelligence and machine learning are fields that are trending up, often commanding salaries well above $100k.7
Jobs Paying Over $100K With Only 2 to 4 Years of College
Several careers paying over $100k require only two to four years of college, paired with training and certification.
Examples include roles like air traffic controllers, public relations managers, and art directors.18-20
Other careers that are accessible with two to four years of college include:
- Radiation therapists — typically require an associate degree plus certification, with salaries averaging above $100k in some states.21
- Nuclear technicians — require a two-year degree and specialized training, with salaries often exceeding $100k in energy sectors.22
Where to Find a Job That Pays 100k a Year
You can find $100k jobs through referrals, job boards, recruiters, and company websites.
Along with Indeed and Glassdoor, LinkedIn is one of the best places to discover six-figure opportunities, especially for tech and business roles. Specialized boards like Dice (for tech), Mediabistro (for creative), and eFinancialCareers (for finance) can also help. Executive recruiters and headhunters are another route to $100k+ positions, particularly in management and consulting.
Is It Easy to Find a Job that Pays 100k a Year?
Finding a job that pays $100k isn’t easy, but it’s achievable with the right education, skills, and persistence.
It’s also worth noting that $100k jobs are more accessible in metro areas with higher costs of living, where companies must raise pay to compete for talent. Fast-ramp industries include sales (where commissions push salaries into six figures), skilled trades (like elevator installers), and roles like real estate agents that offer commission-based earning potential.
Jobs that Pay 100k a Year FAQ
Common questions about $100k jobs include education requirements, experience needed, and the fastest ways to reach six figures.
Degrees in subjects like human resources management, 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.
Additional questions readers often ask:
- Can you make $100k without a degree? Yes, in fields like real estate, sales, or skilled trades with licensing.
- Which industries hire the most six-figure workers? Tech, healthcare, and finance consistently employ people that can earn six figure salaries.
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/petroleum-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291211.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/nuclear-technicians.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm
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