Career Options for Six-Figure Jobs that Are In-Demand
Many careers offer salaries that are over $100,000 per year. In order to identify high-paying careers that are in demand, it's necessary to look at the expected job growth rate for that profession. Since the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS) expects the average job growth rate for all occupations will be 4% from 2019 to 2029, in-demand careers that pay over $100,000 per year will have job growth projections that are higher than the national average.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Outlook (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Physicists | $129,850 | 7% |
| Postsecondary Law Teachers | $116,430 | 7% |
| Human Resources Managers | $121,220 | 6% |
| Computer Network Architects | $116,780 | 5% |
| Anesthesiologists | $271,440 | 0% |
| Actuaries | $111,030 | 18% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for Six-Figure Jobs that Are In-Demand
Physicists
Physicists may be able to begin a career with a bachelor's degree, but a doctoral degree in physics is required for advancement or a career in research. Physicists are focused on the physical aspects of the world and universe, what they're comprised of, and how those things function. Their work involves research, assessing data and performing calculations, so strong math and analytical skills are important. The BLS reports that physicists enjoyed a median salary of $129,850 as of 2020 and the BLS anticipates a job growth rate of 7% for physicists from 2019 to 2029, which makes this a high-paying profession with a strong rate of demand.
Postsecondary Law Teachers
Postsecondary law teachers hold seminars and workshops for postsecondary law students. They specialize in exploring topics relevant to the legal field, and may teach students how to perform specific tasks such as preparing contracts or presenting an argument in court. A doctoral degree is typically required to be a postsecondary teacher. The BLS reports an expected job growth rate of 7% for these educators from 2019 to 2029, which makes this a six-figure job with a very high rate of demand.
Human Resources Managers
Human resources managers need a bachelor's or master's degree in a subject area such as human resources and related experience before they can assume a job as a human resources manager. Human resources managers oversee an organization's staff, recruit applicants for vacancies and deal with staffing issues. Their work can involve assessing employee benefit packages and drafting policy recommendations. A job growth rate of 6% through to 2029 is forecast by the BLS, which means this six-figure career option is experiencing strong job growth.
Computer Network Architects
Computer network architects manage and design computer network systems for companies. Their work can include determining what types of computers to use, what software best suits the company's needs, and how to configure new equipment or software when it's installed. They need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a comparable discipline, which makes this a six-figure career option that can be pursued after only four years of postsecondary study. The BLS reports computer network administrators should see a job growth rate of 5% from 2019 to 2029, which means that their growth rate is expected to exceed the national average.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are medical doctors with a medical degree who have completed internship and residency requirements in anesthesiology. They give people anesthesia prior to surgery, monitor the patient's condition during the surgical procedure, and treat other patients who are in pain. If a patient has a bad reaction to the anesthesia they may have to take corrective measures to stop the reaction. With the BLS projecting little to no change in job opportunities and a median annual salary of $271,440, this is not only one of the fastest-growing six-figure career options but also one of the most lucrative.
Actuaries
Actuaries use their skills to provide insight on potential financial risks and make recommendations to businesses about how to reduce risks. The tasks they perform include things like assessing employee benefit packages and determining how to ensure the company can afford to pay those benefits. They can start their career with a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a similar major. The BLS reports a median annual salary of over $113,000 and an expected job growth rate of 18% from 2019 to 2029, which makes this a six-figure career option currently experiencing a very high rate of demand.
