What jobs pay 100K a year?

Jobs that pay more than $100,000 year often need a bachelor's degree or above in order to qualify for the position. For instance, the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program reports that the average annual salary for physicians, surgeons, chief executives, lawyers, pharmacists, and dentists in the United States is more than $100,000. All of these professionals also earn more than the national median wage. The same may be said about some branches of engineering and the scientific community, such as astronomers and physicists.

What should you do, though, if your goal is to earn $100,000 annually without spending more than four years in college?

When it comes to some high-paying professions, you may only need two years or fewer of training after secondary school to put yourself on the road to earning more than $100,000 per year. It has been reported by the U.S. According to the Census Bureau, in 2018, around 9.8 percent of adults in the United States earned more than $100,000. That is equivalent to roughly 26 million individuals. You may be one of them with just a little bit of training.

Jobs That Pay $100,000 a Year That Don't Require a College Degree (Based on Top Earners)

It is possible for well-known artists, singers, actresses, dancers, choreographers, and other types of entertainers to build careers that pay $100,000 or more year despite the fact that they have just a little education. There are quite a few different choices available, and the majority of the time, these choices provide superior prospects for achieving one's financial objectives. In point of fact, the first item on the list below is a skilled craft, and it does not need a more advanced degree.

You may be able to get started in a job that has the potential to pay well with only an associate's degree in the area or a certificate in it, depending on your interests. And the training for it often lasts for no more than a year at most. Then, after you have gained sufficient experience, you will hopefully be qualified for the employment paying six figures that you have set your sights on.

The salaries shown below are representative of the national averages for the highest earners in each occupation's top 10 percent.

Jobs that pay $100,000 annually and need just one year of training

1. Commercial Pilots

To operate an aircraft for reasons such as aerial firefighting, search and rescue, aerial photography, or charter flights does not need a degree from an accredited university. You only need to complete flight training in order to get a commercial pilot's license, an instrument rating, and any other certifications that are needed by companies or the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) for certain sorts of employment. Take note of the fact that the high earning potential is far larger than one hundred thousand dollars a year.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty percentile, is $93,300.

Potential earnings that are high (in the 90th percentile): $200,920

Potential for Low Entry-Level Earnings (tenth percentile): $47,570

2. Web developers as well as designers of digital user interfaces

Strong portfolios and solid recommendations based on previous work are often the strongest advertising tools for experts who develop or change websites, making it easier for them to attract customers or employers willing to pay high rates of pay. Training in web design and development may help you reach excellent income more quickly, even if you don't have a degree in the sector you're working in (which isn't required to earn high earnings).

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty percentile, is $77,200.

Potential earnings that are high (in the 90th percentile): $146,430

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $40,750.

3. Programmer of computer systems

It is very rare for individuals to start flourishing in this industry after attending shorter computer programming courses, despite the fact that the majority of programmers have degrees from colleges and universities. This is due to the fact that companies often place the greatest importance on the abilities you can exhibit in certain programming languages. In addition, many programmers are self-employed, which gives them the freedom to choose their own customers, rates of compensation, and projects.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty percentile, is $89,190.

Potential earnings that are high (in the 90th percentile): $146,050

Earning Potential for Beginners or Those With Little Experience: $51,440

4. Animator or Multimedia Artist

Although there are many excellent degree programs available, several animators and digital artists have achieved success after finishing just a brief diploma or certificate animation school. This is despite the fact that this creative industry offers a wide variety of degree options. In the film, gaming, and visual effects industries, a high-quality portfolio or demo reel is often regarded as the single most critical piece of marketing material to have while searching for high-paying employment prospects.

Payscale Details:

$65,800 (this represents the 50th percentile)

$116,350 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Entry-Level Position with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $27,860

5. Detective or Private Investigator of the Criminal Case

In most cases, a degree is not required in order to investigate crimes using methods such as observation, the collecting of evidence, the interviewing of witnesses, and other processes. There are institutions that provide training for criminal investigators; nevertheless, the majority of the time, training to become a criminal investigator takes place at a police academy. However, before applying to a police academy, it is recommended that you first complete a few college-level courses in either criminal justice or law enforcement. This will help you stand out from other applicants.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the 50th percentile, is $89,440.

Potential earnings of $146,000 in the 90th percentile of the income scale

Entry-Level Position with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $46,020

6. Author or Revisionist

Even in this day of digital technology, the written word is still the most common means for people to share knowledge and experiences with one another. However, not everyone is good at doing it. As a consequence of this, a lot of companies are willing to spend top bucks for high-quality writers and editors. Additionally, a well-paid writing profession may be established in a variety of different ways (regardless of whether your interest lies in creative, technical, informational, or marketing-oriented writing). In addition, the educational backgrounds of effective writers and editors might vary widely from field to field. Writing tools available online are portable and may be used almost anywhere.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $67,730.

Potential for a high income (in the 90th percentile): 125 880 dollars

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $36,380.

7. Technician in the Sound Engineering Profession

Recordings of musical performances aren't the only things that need the expertise of professionals in the field of sound engineering. You may also find people who work in this industry contributing significantly to the creation of movies and television shows, video games, live athletic events and theatrical plays, as well as concerts that are performed in person. Because of this, some of them are able to enjoy a salary of one hundred thousand dollars while they are at the pinnacle of their professions. Education and training in sound engineering are easily accessible.

Payscale Details:

The median value, or the 50th percentile, is $53,520.

$119,720 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Potential for Low Entry-Level Earnings (tenth percentile): $27,650

8. Sales Representative

The skill of selling a product or service is one that is distinct and may be acquired via a variety of various means. However, if you want to make excellent money via sales professions that provide large commissions, acquiring a degree in business is a fantastic approach to raise your chances for success and increase your earning potential.

Payscale Details:

$58,770 (the value at the 50th percentile)

Potential for a high income (in the 90th percentile): 128,820 dollars

$29,110 is the median annual salary for those in the 10th percentile of earners.

9. Real Estate Agent

It's possible to make a lot of money by advising clients through the buying and selling of residential or commercial real estate. The majority of a real estate agent's income comes from the commissions earned from the sale of properties, such as land, houses, and office buildings, which may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars.

Payscale Details:

$49,040 is the median value (the 50th percentile)

$112,410 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $25,100.

10. Certified Expert in Computer and Network Support

The vast majority of companies and organizations are significantly reliant on computer systems, connection to the Internet, and internal digital information networks. Whether or not they have a degree in computer networking, skilled network support experts who are able to investigate issues that arise with such systems and find answers in a timely manner often get generous pay packages.

Payscale Details:

The 50th percentile, or the median, is $65,450.

$110,450 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Potential for Low Entry-Level Earnings (the 10th percentile): $40,620

11. Managing Director of Computer and Information Systems

A bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology may put you on the route to management-level responsibilities that control an organization's computer systems and the activities that are connected to them (IT).

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $151,150.

Information not available above the 90th percentile about earnings potential.

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $94,430

12. Marketing Manager

It may be of tremendous value to a firm to have employees who are able to recognize potential new markets, accurately forecast consumer demand, and devise price strategies that are both competitive and profitable. After all, they have the potential to deliver benefits such as increased profitability and market share, as well as improved satisfaction among customers and clients. Because of this, some marketing managers earn very high salaries. There are several opportunities to get a degree in marketing either on campus or online.

Payscale Details:

The median value, or the 50th percentile, is $142,170.

Information not available above the 90th percentile about earnings potential.

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $74,620.

13. Sales Manager

You may pursue sales management roles that entail coordinating and establishing objectives for whole sales teams if you have a bachelor's degree in business as well as experience selling products or services in the real world.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the value at the 50th percentile, is $132,290.

Information not available above the 90th percentile about earnings potential.

10th percentile potential earnings for entry level work are $63,170.

14. Manager of Human Resources (HR)

Jobs That Pay $100,000 Large and medium-sized businesses often have a human resources department staffed with employees who are responsible for coordinating recruiting and hiring efforts. Jobs That Pay $100,000 Additionally, they are often in charge of employee perks, disciplinary procedures, and communications between executives and personnel. The managers who are in charge of supervising all of these activities often receive higher compensation as a result. They often have a bachelor's degree or higher in business administration or human resources from an accredited institution.

Payscale Details:

$121,220 (the value at the 50th percentile) is the median

Information not available above the 90th percentile about earnings potential.

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $71,180.

15. Purchasing Manager

A great number of businesses employ specialized groups of experts to take care of the task of purchasing the goods that they provide for sale to end users or make use of internally. This is due to the fact that determining possible suppliers, analyzing the quality of their goods, and negotiating contracts are all necessary activities that might have an effect on a company's bottom line. It is feasible to get a management-level position in this industry that pays six figures by obtaining an education in an area connected to business and gaining some experience working as a buyer or buying agent.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the 50th percentile, is 125,940 dollars.

$197,630 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Entry-Level Position with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $74,570

16. The Controller of Air Traffic

One of the most important tasks in today's society consists of ensuring that airplanes are kept at a safe distance from one another when they are in the air. Because of this, those who are responsible for coordinating air traffic get highly generous compensation for their hard work. A considerable number of people who want to work as air traffic controllers have degrees in aviation that are either two or four years long. These degrees prepare them to take the Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (AT-SAT). If they are successful, then there is a possibility that they will be approved for training at the FAA Academy.

Payscale Details:

$130,420 is the median (the value at the 50th percentile)

Potential income that is high (in the 90th percentile): $184,780

Entry-Level Position with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $72,760

17. Manager of Medical or Health-Related Services

Every kind of healthcare facility, from hospital departments to group medical practices, requires administrative professionals to coordinate and direct staff, schedules, budgets, record keeping, and other aspects related to effectively and promptly providing services to patients. These administrative professionals are known as administrative coordinators and administrators. Earning a degree in health care administration may be beneficial to your advancement in this field.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the value at the 50th percentile, is $104,280.

Potential income that is high (in the 90th percentile): $195,630

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $59,580

18. The architect of computer networks

You may qualify for employment in this sector of the information technology industry that pay more than one hundred thousand dollars if you have a degree in computer networking technology and sufficient experience working in tasks related to the administration of networks or databases.

Payscale Details:

The median value, or the 50th percentile, is $116,780.

Potential income that is high (in the 90th percentile): $175,570

10th percentile starting salary (entry level), or low earning potential: $67,190

19. Deputy Art Director

This sort of senior creative expert has the exciting opportunity to supervise the creation of designs, layouts, style guidelines, and other visual aspects of publications, film productions, product packaging, or other enjoyable projects. In this position, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with other creative professionals, such as outstanding artists, authors, designers, and photographers, while also earning a fair salary. And the majority of art directors got their start in the creative industry in a discipline such as graphic design, which gave them the opportunity to build their portfolios, advance their careers, and earn greater salaries more rapidly.

Payscale Details:

$97,270 is the median (the value at the 50th percentile)

$199,250 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Entry-Level Position with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $54,530

20. Film or Video Editor

Have you ever considered working together with other people who share your passion for the film industry to produce movies, television series, documentaries, or music videos? The ability to take the raw material provided by a director and organize it into a sequence that satisfies the filmmaker's vision is one that is often rewarded with high compensation.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $67,250.

Potential earnings that are above average (above the 90th percentile): $152,720

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $34,870.

21. Directors of Administrative Services and Managers of Facilities

A great number of major companies have positions open for staff members who are competent to supervise the various support services that are essential to the organization's efficient operation. An education that focuses on the management and administration of businesses may give excellent training for positions that pay well.

Payscale Details:

$98,890 (the value at the 50th percentile) is the median.

Potential income that is high (in the 90th percentile): $169,930

Entry-Level Position with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $56,080

22. Manager of Construction Work

For the majority of construction projects, it is necessary to hire specialists who are competent in creating budgets, arranging schedules, working together with tradesmen, engineers, and architects, and overseeing all other parts from the very beginning to the very end. If you want to be successful in this line of work, getting an education beyond high school in construction management is a good idea.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $97,180.

Potential income that is high (in the 90th percentile): $169,070

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): 56,880 dollars

23. Programmer who creates software

Before computer programmers can start developing code, they require instructions that are based on precise blueprints for the functionality of the programs they are building and what they are expected to do. You may earn a good living as a software developer by building computer programs or mobile applications and supervising the processes of testing and development of these products. In particular, those who work in the field of mobile app development are known to report high levels of job satisfaction. The position of software developer was rated highly by CNN Money as one of the greatest careers in the United States. The most frequent level of education for software developers is a bachelor's degree. Nevertheless, there are additional programs leading to an associate's degree.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $105,310.

Potential earnings that are high (in the 90th percentile): $167,460

The entry level or low earning potential is $59,060 (10th percentile).

24. Funeral Home Manager

As long as there are grieving families, there will always be a need for someone to fill the role of assisting those families in paying tribute to and mourning recently departed loved ones. A dependable path to a high income may be found in the management of personnel, financial resources, numerous marketing endeavors, and other operations associated with a morgue or funeral home.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $74,200.

Potential earnings that are high (in the 90th percentile): $156,940

Entry-Level Position with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $42,990

25. A Specialist in Information Security

As more and more cybercriminals attack the networks and information systems of businesses, government agencies, and other organizations, the need of maintaining adequate computer security measures is growing. As a direct consequence of this, IT professionals that specialize in this particular field are in high demand. They stand to earn a significant amount of money by assisting in the defense of such systems against cyberattacks and other dangers.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $103,590.

Potential earnings of up to 163,300 dollars at the 90th percentile

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $60,060 annually

26. Designer of fashion garments

Visionary designers that are able to predict what will appeal to customers and producers of clothes, footwear, and accessories continue to develop new styles and fashion trends. These designers are responsible for the continual creation of new styles and fashion trends.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $75,810

Potential earnings of $146,300 (at the 90th percentile) are considered to be high.

The 10th percentile of earnings, sometimes known as the entry level, is $38,570.

27. Administrator of the Network

Installing and managing the day-to-day demands of an organization's computer networks is a crucial task, particularly in the event that issues emerge. If you have the ability to make networks run more quickly or more consistently, you may potentially earn a salary in the six-figure range.

Payscale Details:

The median value, or the 50th percentile, is $84,810

$134,970 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): 52,830 dollars

28. Manager of Real Estate

The majority of residential and commercial property owners rent out their properties so that they may get a satisfactory return on their investments in such assets. However, they often do not have the time or capacity to take after the day-to-day demands of their real estate assets. This includes factors such as finding tenants, collecting rent, and making arrangements for upkeep. Property managers are typically in a position to earn exceptional income because they are able to maintain the resale value of their customers' or employers' properties, which in turn helps them keep those values stable.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $59,660.

$134,570 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Earning Potential for Beginners or Those with Little Experience: $31,330

29. Accountant

Accurate financial records are something that need to be kept by any organization. In addition, a large number of people need assistance with activities such as completing their tax returns. Accountants, however, may contribute to the success of individuals, corporations, and institutions in a variety of different ways; this is one reason why accountants often earn significant salaries. After receiving a degree in accounting, you will have the opportunity to gain further certificates, compete for a wide variety of employment, and much more.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-fifth percentile, is $73,560.

Potential earnings that are high (in the 90th percentile): $128,680

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $45,220.

30. Analyst of Market Research Position

Jobs That Pay a Hundred Thousand DollarsMany businesses are willing to pay high salaries to marketing professionals who are able to accurately forecast what specific demographics of consumers will buy and how much they will pay for particular products or services. These professionals can earn up to one hundred thousand dollars per year.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $65,810

$127,410 is the amount that represents the 90th percentile of possible earnings.

Entry-Level Position with Low Earning Potential (tenth percentile): $35,380

31. Professional in Public Relations (PR)

The way in which members of the public see an organization is one factor that may influence an organization's level of success. The same may be said for a great number of artists and independent business owners. As a consequence of this, communications professionals who assist their customers or employers in fostering increased awareness and a favorable public opinion may usually earn significant wages.

Payscale Details:

$62,810 (the amount representing the 50th percentile)

Potential earnings that are high (in the 90th percentile): $118,210

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $35,350.

32. Manager of Social or Community Service Organizations

People in need, including impoverished youngsters, battered women, the homeless, the elderly, veterans, and persons with physical or mental impairments or diseases, get assistance on a daily basis from a wide variety of community service groups throughout the United States of America. In addition, all of these organizations need managers and administrators who are well-versed in the social sciences in order to effectively direct their employees and volunteers, as well as to coordinate and monitor their varied activities.

Payscale Details:

The median, or the fifty-first percentile, is $69,600.

Potential earnings of up to $115,800 per year (at the 90th percentile)

Entry-Level Positions with Low Earning Potential (10th Percentile): $42,230.