In this article, we will take a look at the 25 jobs that pay 100k a year.
There is often an inverse relationship between the level of compensation a job offers and its perceived “ease.” However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this is a generalization, and the concept of “easy” can vary significantly based on individual perspectives. Notably, there are physically demanding occupations that pay significantly less than office-based roles. Many of the highest-paying positions require a high degree of specialization and skill, allowing individuals to focus intensely on their areas of expertise.
Moreover, a substantial number of well-compensated jobs come with a considerable degree of social prestige. While a lofty salary itself carries its own prestige, highly skilled positions often bring additional social recognition. The notion of what constitutes an “easy” job is relative and subject to interpretation. Even many entry-level roles demand training, can be mentally and physically demanding, and offer opportunities for skill enhancement through experience. Most positions offering annual salaries of $100,000 or more typically involve a high level of specialization, demanding work, or an expectation of consistently exceeding a 40-hour workweek.
A lot of occupations offer the potential to earn a yearly income of $100,000 or more while remaining well within the bounds of the law. It’s important to note that the term “a lot” is a subjective one and varies depending on context. To illustrate, in 2013, Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ:ORCL), opted for a $1 annual salary, declined a $1.2 million cash bonus, yet still amassed a substantial $78.4 million in stock awards, which translates to an equivalent of $100,000 per month. Furthermore, his $78.4 million equity grant equates to an impressive monthly income exceeding $6.5 million.
Similarly, Jeff Immelt, the CEO of General Electric (NYSE:GE), received an annual salary of just under $3.5 million, with a total compensation package nearing $20 million. Beyond CEOs, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) often rank among the highest-paid professionals. In fact, within a Fortune 500 company, many senior staff members earn in excess of $100,000 per month. Notably, for many positions, the bulk of the compensation doesn’t come from base salary, but rather from components like bonuses and stock awards. However, it’s worth mentioning that this dynamic is evolving as base salaries are once again on the rise.
It’s unusual to find a job that pays 100k a year without any experience. For a broader range of high-earning roles, one can explore opportunities in investment banking, pursue a career as a top-tier lawyer, or venture into the field of consulting. While such positions are not widespread, they are not as common as everyday jobs. It’s important to avoid prematurely labeling individuals in these roles as 1 percenters. To provide a broader perspective, numerous blue chip companies compensate their CEOs generously, which makes being a CEO a job that pays 100k a month. Additionally, individuals who own multiple business locations, rather than just one, have the potential to earn annual incomes exceeding $1.2 million. For instance, while owning a single dry cleaning establishment might yield an income of $75,000 to $100,000 annually, ownership of 20 such businesses can substantially alter one’s financial landscape. However, it’s important to note that there are some jobs that pay 100k a year without a degree and there are also unusual jobs that pay over $100k on a monthly basis. You can take a look at our 25 Most Boring Jobs that Pay $100,000 or More, and 11 Weird Jobs that Make Over $ 100,000 a Year articles to explore additional career options that could steal your interest.
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Our Methodology
In creating our compilation of the 25 jobs that pay $100k a year, we drew upon data indicating the average annual salaries across various professions. This information was aggregated from six distinct sources. Our process began with an initial pool of approximately 50 jobs that pay over 200k a year. From this selection, we carefully curated the top 25 jobs with salaries falling within the range of $100,000 to just under $200,000 per year. It’s important to note that the salary figures provided are based on data available from various job listing websites at the time of our research. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors such as the hiring organization, an individual candidate’s experience, academic qualifications, and geographical location.
So without further ado, let us now discuss our list of the 25 jobs that pay 100k a year.
25 Jobs that Pay 100k a Year
25. Veterinarian
Average Annual Salary: $100,370
A veterinarian is a dedicated healthcare practitioner specializing in the well-being of animals, responsible for diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses in a wide range of creatures. Moreover, they may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work and stool samples to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment.
24. Data Scientist
Average Annual Salary: $100,910
Ranking 24th in our list of jobs that pay 100k a year is the role of a data scientist. Data scientists play a pivotal role in enhancing businesses’ decision-making capabilities, providing invaluable insights into their customer base, and streamlining their operational processes. Their roles and responsibilities involve tasks such as extracting data from diverse sources, utilizing machine learning tools to structure, process, cleanse, and validate data, scrutinizing data to unearth valuable insights and patterns, crafting predictive systems, and many more.
23. Biochemist
Average Annual Salary: $102,270
Biochemists strategize and execute intricate projects within the realms of both fundamental and practical research. They oversee laboratory teams and ensure the high quality of their research endeavors. Their tasks involve the isolation, examination, and synthesis of various molecules, including proteins, fats, DNA, and other biochemical compounds.
22. Industrial Psychologist
Average Annual Salary: $105,310
Ranking 22nd in our list of jobs that pay 100k a year is the role of an industrial psychologist. Industrial psychologists center their efforts on understanding employee behavior within the workplace. They employ psychological principles and research methodologies to enhance various aspects of the work environment, encompassing performance, communication, job satisfaction, and safety.
21. Actuary
Average Annual Salary: $105,900
Actuaries delve into the financial implications of risk and uncertainty, applying mathematical, statistical, and financial principles. Their role involves evaluating the probability of potential events and assisting businesses and clients in devising strategies and policies aimed at mitigating the financial impact of such risks.
20. Pharmacy Manager
Average Annual Salary: $112,546
The role of a pharmacy manager ranks 20th in our list of jobs that pay 100k a year. Pharmacy managers are responsible for the comprehensive supervision of all facets of pharmacy operations. Their duties encompass the management of pharmacy personnel, ensuring accurate medication dispensing, inventory level monitoring, and upholding compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
19. Risk Manager
Average Annual Salary: $116,000
Landing on the 19th spot in our list of the jobs that pay 100k a year is the role of a risk manager, A risk manager’s function involves the effective communication of risk policies and procedures throughout an organization. They actively participate in crafting risk models that encompass market, credit, and operational risks, ensuring the efficacy of control mechanisms, and delivering research and analytical assistance.
18. Equity Research Associate
Average Annual Salary: $119,500
An equity research associate evaluates the stocks of companies and offers investment guidance. Their standard responsibilities encompass the examination of businesses and their stock performance across diverse industries, ultimately furnishing investment advice. They also engage in the collection and organization of research data to support their recommendations.
17. Investment Banking Associate
Average Annual Salary: $120,000
Occupying the 17th spot in our list of the jobs that pay 100k a year is the role of an investment banking associate. Similar to analysts, investment banking associates handle a substantial portion of the initial numerical analysis and financial modeling work at the entry-level. However, unlike analysts, their role extends to more client interaction, including the formulation of deal proposals and the preparation of pitch books. It’s not uncommon for them to participate in client meetings alongside other members of the deal team, sometimes necessitating travel.
16. Nurse Practitioner
Average Annual Salary: $120,680
A nurse practitioner is responsible for devising and executing therapeutic regimens for patients, as well as their caregivers and families. They take the initiative in both initiating and accepting referrals from other healthcare providers. Furthermore, they are tasked with ordering and interpreting relevant diagnostic tests to aid in diagnosis and treatment, and they have the authority to prescribe the appropriate and essential medications as needed.
15. Software Developer
Average Annual Salary: $120,730
The role of a software developer ranks 15th in our list of jobs that pay 100k a year. A software developer is tasked with crafting computer programs that drive a wide array of platforms, including mobile devices, desktop computers, and even automotive systems. Their responsibilities encompass not only identifying user requirements but also innovating new applications tailored to specific markets, all while enhancing these programs based on user feedback.
14. Physician Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $121,530
A physician assistant plays a crucial role in healthcare by conducting various tasks, which include prescribing and interpreting diagnostic tests like x-rays and blood tests. They are proficient in diagnosing patients’ injuries or illnesses and are capable of administering treatments, such as setting fractures, suturing wounds, and administering immunizations. Additionally, they provide valuable patient education and guidance to both patients and their families on diverse topics, ranging from treatment options to self-care strategies, including asthma management.
13. Optometrist
Average Annual Salary: $124,300
Ranking 13th in our list of jobs that pay 100k a year is the role of an optometrist. Optometrists conduct comprehensive assessments to identify prevalent vision issues, such as astigmatism, and diagnose, oversee, and manage a spectrum of eye-related conditions and disorders within the human visual system. Their duties encompass thorough eye examinations and the prescription of corrective lenses when necessary.
12. Sales Manager
Average Annual Salary: $127,490
A sales manager assumes a leadership role within the sales team, offering guidance and inspiration to ensure the achievement of sales targets. They systematically review and evaluate sales and operational data, employing this information to forecast sales, assess profitability, set objectives, and pinpoint emerging market opportunities.
11. Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $127,990
The role of a lawyer ranks 11th in our list of jobs that pay 100k a year. A lawyer offers guidance and acts as a legal representative for a wide spectrum of clients, including businesses, individuals, and government entities, in various legal affairs and conflicts. The primary responsibilities of a lawyer encompass the preservation of the law while safeguarding the rights of their clients. They provide counsel, conduct research, gather evidence, draft legal documents like contracts, divorce settlements, or real estate agreements, and advocate in court, either in defense or prosecution.
10. Petroleum Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $130,850
Petroleum engineers play a pivotal role in locating and sourcing oil and gas to meet the energy demands of the nation. They are responsible for devising and refining techniques to extract oil and gas reserves from beneath the Earth’s surface. Additionally, petroleum engineers explore innovative methods to enhance oil and gas recovery from existing wells.
9. Financial Manager
Average Annual Salary: $131,710
Ranking 9th in our list of the jobs that pay 100k a year is the role of a financial manager. A Financial Manager holds a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial well-being of an organization. They are tasked with forecasting the financial requirements essential for sustaining positive cash flow, allocating resources to expand or introduce new products and services, and managing unforeseen events. This crucial information is then communicated to fellow business professionals.
8. Chief Information Officer
Average Annual Salary: $133,440
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) oversees technical responsibilities and determines the need for future systems based on an organization’s specific objectives and goals. The CIO is also responsible for strategic departmental planning and the overall management of daily operations.
7. Pilot
Average Annual Salary: $134,630
The role of a pilot secured the 7th spot in our list of jobs that pay 100k a year. A pilot’s duty encompasses crafting a meticulous flight plan that carefully considers factors such as aircraft performance, altitude, fuel, and weather conditions. A pilot must diligently perform all pre-flight inspections on engines, radar, navigation systems, and other vital components to guarantee the safety of the flight. Additionally, it is their responsibility to maintain open communication with air traffic control, whether it be to request clearance for takeoff and landing or to relay pertinent information related to the flight plan.
6. Chief Executive Officer
Average Annual Salary: $150,591
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are tasked with the management and guidance of the company, steering it toward its primary aims and objectives. They hold authority over executive-level hiring decisions within the organization. Additionally, they lead a team of top-level executives in deliberating critical determinations such as acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, or substantial expansion initiatives.
5. IT Manager
Average Annual Salary: $159,010
An IT manager regularly performs assessments of network and data security, proactively identifying opportunities for software and system improvement. They are also responsible for formulating and enacting the organization’s IT policy and best practice guidelines, as well as developing workshops and training programs for the staff.
Investments, Finance
4. Dentist
Average Annual Salary: $160,370
The role of a dentist landed on the 4th spot in our list of jobs that pay 100k a year. Dentists are responsible for diagnosing and addressing issues concerning patients’ teeth, gums, and other oral structures. They also offer guidance and instructions on maintaining dental and gum health, as well as making dietary recommendations that impact oral well-being.
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