7 Top Jobs to Make 100K a Year and How to Get Them

Quick Overview

1. Software Developer

Hiring for this position gives you a competitive wage for creating code as well as developing computer applications. The demand for Software Developer roles is very high and there are numerous growth opportunities within this occupation.

2. Sales Manager

Sales Managers oversee a staff of sales representatives and oversee their selling of products/services; they are also responsible for increasing a Business’ Revenue. The more successful a Sales Manager is in managing sales, typically the higher the pay.

3. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

The role of a CRNA is one of the most skilled Healthcare roles available. Nurse Anaesthetists make a significantly high salary and have good job stability.

4. Construction Manager

Construction Mangers help with the planning and execution of Building Projects. Construction Managers have a secure and profitable future.

5. Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors assist with people’s financial management and provide a path to saving for the future. Financial Advisors earn high salaries throughout their careers.

6. Data Scientist

Data Scientists take data from different industries and produce Analytics for those organizations through this rapidly growing market.

7. Commercial Pilot

Commercial Pilots are well-compensated for their work, have many different kinds of flying jobs, and are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They have a fantastic lifestyle.

1. Software Developers Create a Path to Financial Stability

Becoming a software developer and earning over six figures is not only a possibility, but it is also a reality for those who write code well. Becoming a software developer is more than how one makes a living; it gives someone access to an entire industry, where there are no restrictions on earnings and there is the opportunity to continue to grow within the profession.

How Software Developers Gain Access to Six Figures

The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that by the year 2024, software developers will earn an average annual income of approximately $133,080. With the opportunity to earn high salaries, the top 10% of earners among software developers will be able to earn over $211,450 annually. Therefore, software developers can anticipate a good return on their investment of programming skills (coding).

Education and Skill Acquisition for a Career in Software Development

To begin a career as a software developer, you will generally need to possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or other technical-related degree. The University of Phoenix states that successful software developers will have extensive knowledge of: (1) Network security; (2) Information privacy; (3) Software design; (4) Complex operations management.

The Rising Need for Programmers

The future looks bright for computer programmers: as tech becomes more complex and in demand due to the rise in technology use in our daily lives, so do job prospects. As predicted, over the next ten years from 2024 to 2034, there is an expected 16 percent increase in the number of jobs available for computer programmers and this number significantly exceeds the average growth of many other job categories across the United States.

How If we want to be one of the developers who earn a six-figure salary in ten years, we should prepare now by doing the following:

1. Focus on the languages that are most often utilized today, such as Python, JavaScript, and Java
2. Create a well-designed portfolio of projects that highlight your ability to program;
3. Sign up for programming boot camps, contribute to open-source software projects, and develop networking opportunities with other professionals in technology

2. Sales Manager: The Venture Capitalist of Companies

A Sales Manager is like a venture capitalist for the company. He helps to create strategies for success and motivates his team to reach their potential while also achieving financial goals.

The Power of Sales Management

The salary for a sales manager is around $138,060 per year in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The higher salary potential that comes with working as a sale’s manager will come with greater profits generated by having multiple sales reps working for you. As a result, it is predicted that there will continue to be a growing demand for Sales Management through 2034, with growth projected at 5% each year through the next ten years.

Industries That Pay Highest for Sales Managers

The current industries employing the most sales managers are: Manufacturing, Construction, Technology, Finance and Healthcare. Each one of these sectors recognize that having great sales managers results in better revenues and greater business success.

Qualifications and Career Progression

A college degree is recommended for individuals aspiring to a career as a business sales representative; however, based on Coursera, employers place a higher priority on practical experience than they do on an academic credential. Businesses generally prefer candidates who have at least five (5) years of experience (typically) working in the capacity of a salesperson, as well as evidence of leadership abilities.

As your career continues to advance, you will acquire the following proficiencies:

• Establish effective communication and working relationships with customers and colleagues,
• Develop strategic thinking and planning,
• Recognize the importance of performance tracking, and
• Motivate others.

3. Nurse Anesthetist: A Lucrative Career Option

Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals that provide anesthesia for patients undergoing surgical procedures, or other procedures that require anesthesia. Nurse Anesthetists are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, meaning that as an Advanced Practice Nurse, they provide nursing care that meets the needs of patients.

High Earning Potential

CRNA’s have numerous benefits, including a high earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, the average annual salary for a CRNA was $195,610. However, this amount may vary based on many factors including geographic location, level of education, and any additional certifications held by the CRNA.

Education and Career Development

To be certified as a CRNA, the nurse must take an organized and dedicated approach to their nursing career. The following qualifications must be completed in order for a person to become a CRNA:

1. Complete an education program designed specifically for nursing.
2. Gain a minimum of one year of experience in a critical care setting.
3. Complete a Nurse Anesthetist Training Program that is accredited.
4. Successfully complete the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists.

Future Employment Potential

Job outlook for nurse anesthetists is expected to be robust with projections showing that by 2034, there will be a 14% increase in nurse anesthetist job openings via job creation over the next ten years.

As you look towards becoming successful as a CRNA, here are five areas in which to develop your skills:

• Strong advanced clinical skills
• Superior critical thinking skills
• Excellent emphasis on patient safety
• Exceptional emotional resilience
• Ongoing education and training in medical practice.

As stated above, the nurse anesthetist career path provides numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. If you are forward-thinking, passionate about healthcare and are committed to developing as a professional, then becoming a CRNA may provide you with a great deal of personal fulfillment and financial security.

4. Construction Management: A Viable Career with Great Pay

Not only do construction managers receive an excellent salary, often earning over $100,000 per year, but they also contribute to the development and construction of the homes, workplaces, and other types of structures where people live, work, and travel.

Combining leadership and technical skills to create buildings and spaces from blueprints, this career allows individuals to have a lasting effect on their communities through their work.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction managers earned an average salary of approximately $101,480 per year as of May 2024, with an estimated growth rate of 8% for construction manager career opportunities over the next several years. For these reasons, construction management will remain a stable career field with excellent long-term potential for growth and promotion.

How to Begin a Career in Construction Management

To become a successful construction manager, you will likely need to develop both formal education and hands-on construction job experience, typically through a combination of the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Architecture, Engineering or Related Field - (to become a successful construction manager you are likely to have completed an accredited college’s program related to construction management); and
• Work Experience in the Construction Trade (generally through employment with a contractor who employed you as a laborer or carpenter in order to learn about every aspect of the industry).

What are the Skills Necessary to be Successful as a Construction Manager?

Strong construction managers possess the following:

• Time management
• The ability to make effective decisions
• An ability to lead others
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Why is Certification Important?

Becoming a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) provides individuals with advantages when seeking employment. There are many competing candidates in the job market; to differentiate themselves from their peers, certified individuals can demonstrate that they possess the professional expertise to do the job and are dedicated to their careers.

How to Build a Career in Construction Management:

In order to build a successful career in construction management, it is essential to: communicate well with teams and clients; establish professional relationships with your peers in the industry; learn about new technology and construction methods; use modern project management software; and have an understanding of the safety regulations and building codes associated with the construction industry.

Construction Management includes more than just Buildings

Construction management goes beyond just a building’s physical structure. Construction management includes: leadership, planning and creating welfare structures that affect our daily lives.

5. Financial Advisor: Helping You Reach Financial Success

Imagine a career where numbers buzz, and investment markets light up with activity every second of the day. A career at the confluence of real-world events (human) and mathematics (numbers). Financial advisors are here to prove that "foresight" will pay your bills, and "clear vision" will be your cash flow. You do not spend every waking moment watching your charts; rather, you use your talent and skills to build a future through each corrected projection and new scenario.

How Do You Measure A Financial Advisor’s Investment Career?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Financial Advisors received an average salary of $94,170 per year, as of May 2024. That is a healthy salary! A 5% increase in employment opportunities for Financial Advisors between 2024 and 2034 suggests a stable career path that is neither too slow moving nor too fast moving, offering Financial Advisors excellent opportunities for further growth.

What do Financial Advisors Actually Do?

Day to day, this role is not monotonous; one moment you are developing an investment strategy; the next, you’re creating an estate plan, or a retirement savings plan, a death benefits plan, an education funding plan, as well as recommendations for taxes, mortgages, and insurance. It is a broad subject area, making it a very diverse and exciting career path.

Differences Between Average and Trusted Technical Advisors

The mathematical analysis of an application is just a starting point; the advisor has to communicate clearly about that analysis. The advisor’s ethical judgment is equally important as their technical knowledge and their ability to maintain good relationships with clients. The advisor must have comprehensive product knowledge and create long-term relationships with clients. Today, advisors must use screens, mobile applications and planning software in their daily activities.

The Future of Financial Advisors

Some of the best financial advisors will move well beyond the spreadsheet. These advisors will serve as a stabilizing influence during turbulent financial times, provide guidance when assessing risk and filter out the background noise associated with market volatility. Clients no longer want market forecasts. They want financial advisors who serve as an anchor, offering stability and direction when the market numbers conflict with each other.

6. The Career of a Data Scientist

The future of data will ultimately be shaped by the way we interpret it. As humans, our natural instincts tell us to combine all of the noise generated by data and produce clear signals from that noise. The definition of data science encompasses all three elements of math/technology and business instinct, where insight is derived from the combination and intersection of these three elements.

Economics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (US-BLS) estimates that computer and information research scientists earn a median annual salary of $136,620 in May 2024. Couple this with projected growth of employment within the industry projected to grow by 15% between 2024 and 2034 and the future is bright for anyone interested in becoming a data scientist.

Foundational Level of Education

Most data scientists will have the foundational knowledge of both theoretical and practical applications of data science. This is a gradual build-up of knowledge and skills; therefore, it is very seldom through happenstance.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science
• Solid foundation of mathematics
• Statistical analysis training
• High level programming skills
• Possibility of an advanced (Master’s or PhD.) degree

The Role of The Data Scientist

Beyond analysis and evaluation of numbers, the role of a Data Scientist typically involves:

• Evaluate complex datasets (how to do that is addressed in the sections to follow).
• Create models that predict the future based on trends found in the data, because history does repeat itself!
• Translate your findings (and recommendations) into actionable information for the business.
• Identify, define, and troubleshoot issues with technology.

As a Data Scientist, you will play a key role in helping your company’s success (financially and otherwise) by providing information and insight into your company’s digital marketing strategies and initiatives.

7. Commercial Pilot - An Income of Six Figures in the Sky

Imagine the throttle advancing forward, and the runway shrinking below you, and having less and less control over the Earth’s surface below you. These are the best features of commercial aviation, where love for flying becomes a source of income.

The Economics of a Commercial Pilot Career:

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024 the average salary for commercial pilots nationally was $99,640. This is an amazing average salary. And given that there is an expected 6% increase in employment of commercial pilots between 2024 and 2034, it is expected to be viable, fulfilling, and fun.

Numerous Career Choices on the Flight Path

Airlines constitute just one segment of the aviation sector. Commercial pilots may have careers ranging far and wide, and on occasion, often straight into the unknown. Examples of commercial pilot employment include:

• Air charter companies
• Air search and rescue operations
• Fire suppression flights
• Aerial photography services
• Crop inspection and agricultural services
• Air ambulance companies
• Corporate flight operations

Extensive Pilot Certification

The Federal Aviation Administration maintains an exceptionally high level of excellence in the training of commercial pilots. Pilot training to achieve pilot status is comprehensive. The FAA has a strict set of commercial pilot standards. The minimum requirements to qualify to be a commercial pilot include:

• A minimum of at least 250 total hours of flight experience
• Hold a valid Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Completion of type-specific aircraft training
• Passing of the FAA’s required medical exams
• Meeting the age and education minimums required to be employed as a commercial pilot

Required Professional Skills to be Successful

When you are a paid pilot, you need more than just confidence at the controls. You must be able to stay calm under pressure and be aware of everything all around you (situational awareness). For your career as an aviator to grow successfully, you should execute your job duties consistently as well as be highly disciplined. Consistency = Positive Momentum = Career Advancement!

• Keeping your credential(s) for professional flying up to date
• Continually building your pilot skill set by accumulating plenty of flight hours
• Continuing to create relationships within the aviation community
• Staying fit physically and mentally
• Staying up-to-date with technological advancements in aviation
• Working towards adding additional certifications that align with the area of aviation you concentrate on

Remember that as a commercial aviator, not only do you “move” cargo and people through the skies but you do so with the highest degree of accuracy, reliability, and trust; you safely navigate throughout the World using your skills to exercise good judgement based not only on how many hours you have flown but on the collective judgement you have gained while flying.

The following is a brief overview of the major topics discussed in this article, including a summary of the requirements and the many lucrative career opportunities available.

Career Path

Key Points and Qualifications

End Result

Software Developer

You need a four-year degree in computer science, experience with Python and Java, and a portfolio of previous projects, as well as networking skills.

Software Developers enjoy good pay; average salary of $133,080.

Sales Manager

You need a four-year degree and five years of experience managing businesses, primarily through data analysis. You must also be able to coach employees and develop the skill of making business decisions based on analytics.

They earn an average salary of $138,060 annually; Sales Managers make a significant impact in growing the company.

Nurse Anesthetist

You must earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, complete at least 2 years of critical care medicine, pass both written and practical tests for licensure, and continue to develop yourself as a nurse anesthetist through formal education and practice.

A certified Nurse Anesthetist has a lot of responsibility in the medical profession and will earn an average annual salary of $195,610.

Construction Manager

You must hold a degree in Construction Science/Engineering; the Construction C.C.M. (Construction Certification Manager) Certification is required.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary is $101,480.

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors often seek advanced education, multiple certifications, and superior communication skills necessary. You need to maintain a strong understanding of the financial marketplace to help their clients make appropriate financial choices.

Assistance to clients to improve their financial situations with a median yearly salary of $94,170.

Data Scientist

Data Scientists usually have a bachelor’s degree in either Computer Science or Mathematics. You will carry out extensive statistical analyses to transform quantitative and qualitative data into actionable business intelligence and to develop strategic plans.

Assistance to management by providing business insight with a median yearly salary of $136,620.

Commercial Pilot

A Commercial Pilot must have accumulated at least 250 flying hours before obtaining their pilot’s license. You also need a reasonable degree of navigational skill in order to fly safely.

Opportunities to teach multiple industries with a median yearly salary of $99,640.

Your Path to a 100K Career Starts Here

“$100K a Year: The 7 most In-Demand & Highest-Paid Jobs and How to Qualify for Them” summarizes the challenges of entering these highly paid occupations, including Software Development, Nurse Anesthetists, Financial Advisors, etc.; it requires lots of things to become successful in these fields from acquiring/highly technical skills to certifications and substantial experience. It can be quite an overwhelming task because of all of the requirements involved in securing a six-figure salary.

At My Career Shop, we understand that you face many obstacles in achieving your professional goals. We want to help you achieve your goals by providing you with a plethora of resources that will allow you to create a quality resume, prepare for the next job interview and confidently go through the promotion process. In order to convert your dreams into tangible results, you need to utilize the practical tools available at My Career Shop to build your career so that you can attain a six (or more) figure salary.

Are you ready to take charge of your career path? Do you want to be among the highest paid? Go to My Career Shop and view the entire array of career resources available to you in order to help you reach your $100K goal. Don’t wait any longer; your future awaits! Take the first step towards your six-figure income by employing our proven methods today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best jobs for making $100,000 a year?

One of the many great professions listed below is a Software Developer, a Sales Manager, a Nurse Anesthetist, a Construction Manager, a Financial Advisor, a Data Scientist, and a Commercial Pilot. Each of those professions has different responsibilities and opportunities for advancement depending on the industry you choose to work in.

What type of education will be necessary for you to achieve a $100,000 salary?

Most of the above-mentioned careers require at least a Bachelor’s Degree in an area related to the position; many also require additional training/certification or education levels, such as the need to obtain your Nursing Degree and work in Critical Care, in order to pursue a career as a Nurse Anesthetist.

How can I increase my chances of landing a job with a six-figure salary?

The best way to maximize your potential for a high-paying job is to build a strong professional network, acquire relevant skills and gain practical experience. Be proactive in gaining experience through internships or other projects, which will further enhance your résumé and establish your presence within the job market.

What skills do I need to become a successful Finance Advisor?

There are many skills that contribute to a successful Finance Advisor career. Skills that are critical to Finance Advisors include analytical skills (advanced analysis of data) and interpersonal communication (the ability to communicate with clients).

How long does it take to become a Commercial Pilot?

To become a Commercial Pilot, you typically need at least 250 hours of flying experience along with the successful completion of required training (which may take a number of months up to several years, based on how quickly you are able to receive the necessary training).

How do you expect to see job opportunities grow for these six-figure jobs?

A number of jobs in the future are expected to grow at a rapid pace over the next several years, particularly in the areas of software development and data science. It is important for all potential employees to stay on top of changes happening in the job market and continually grow their skills for the best potential employment opportunities.