Are you looking for a career change or a new challenge? Do you want to earn a six-figure salary while doing something you enjoy? If so, you might be interested in exploring some of the high-demand jobs in America that pay at least $100,000.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for all occupations in 2021 was $41,950. However, there are many jobs that pay well above that amount, and also have a positive outlook for the future. These jobs span across various industries and fields, such as health care, technology, engineering, and business.
In this article, we will look at 15 of these high-paying and high-demand jobs, based on the latest data from the BLS. We will also provide some information on the education, skills, and responsibilities required for each job, as well as some tips on how to land one of these coveted positions.
1. Nurse Practitioner
- Median salary in 2021: $120,680
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 45.7% (much faster than average)
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide primary and specialty health care services to patients. They can diagnose and treat various conditions, prescribe medications, order tests, and educate patients on health promotion and disease prevention. Nurse practitioners can work independently or in collaboration with physicians and other health care professionals.
To become a nurse practitioner, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a registered nurse (RN) license, and a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing. You also need to obtain a national certification in your area of specialty, such as family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, or psychiatry.
2. Software Engineer
- Median salary in 2021: $110,140
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 21.5% (much faster than average)
Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems. They use various programming languages, tools, and methodologies to create software that meets the needs and specifications of clients and users. Software engineers can work in various domains, such as web development, mobile development, gaming, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
To become a software engineer, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. You also need to have strong technical skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills. Additionally, you may need to have some experience or knowledge of the specific industry or domain you want to work in.
3. Project Manager
- Median salary in 2021: $105,240
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 8.6% (faster than average)
Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects from start to finish. They define the scope, goals, budget, and timeline of the project, and coordinate the tasks and resources needed to complete it. Project managers also monitor the progress and performance of the project, and communicate with stakeholders and team members throughout the project lifecycle. Project managers can work in various industries and sectors, such as construction, IT, manufacturing, and marketing.
To become a project manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business, engineering, or management. You also need to have strong leadership, organizational, and analytical skills, as well as experience in managing projects. Additionally, you may need to have a professional certification, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) or the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
4. Clinical Psychologist
- Median salary in 2021: $103,590
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 14.5% (much faster than average)
Clinical psychologists are mental health professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders and problems. They use various methods and techniques, such as psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychometric testing, to help clients cope with their issues and improve their well-being. Clinical psychologists can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices.
To become a clinical psychologist, you need to have a doctoral degree in psychology, either a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). You also need to have a state license to practice psychology, and complete a supervised internship or residency. Additionally, you may need to have a board certification in your area of specialty, such as clinical neuropsychology, clinical health psychology, or clinical child psychology.
5. Systems Engineer
- Median salary in 2021: $101,790
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 6.4% (faster than average)
Systems engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and integrating complex systems that consist of multiple components and subsystems. They use systems engineering principles and processes to ensure that the system meets the requirements and specifications of the client and the user. Systems engineers can work in various domains, such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and transportation.
To become a systems engineer, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, or a related field, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer engineering. You also need to have strong technical skills, systems thinking skills, and communication skills. Additionally, you may need to have some experience or knowledge of the specific domain or industry you want to work in.
6. Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Median salary in 2021: $100,690
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 12.3% (much faster than average)
Licensed clinical social workers are social workers who provide mental health services to individuals, groups, and communities. They help clients cope with various issues, such as trauma, addiction, depression, and anxiety, and provide them with resources and support. Licensed clinical social workers can work in various settings, such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and social service agencies.
To become a licensed clinical social worker, you need to have a master’s degree in social work (MSW), and complete at least two years of supervised clinical experience. You also need to obtain a state license to practice clinical social work, and pass a national exam. Additionally, you may need to have a certification in your area of specialty, such as substance abuse, gerontology, or family therapy.
7. Dentist
- Median salary in 2021: $164,010
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 2.6% (faster than average)
Dentists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat various oral health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. They perform various procedures, such as fillings, root canals, extractions, and implants, and provide preventive care and education to patients. Dentists can work in private practices, dental clinics, or hospitals.
To become a dentist, you need to have a doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery, either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). You also need to have a state license to practice dentistry, and pass a national exam. Additionally, you may need to have a specialty certification, such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral and maxillofacial surgery.
8. Data Scientist
- Median salary in 2021: $98,230
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 30.9% (much faster than average)
Data scientists are experts who use various methods and techniques, such as statistics, machine learning, and data visualization, to analyze and interpret large and complex data sets. They use data to discover patterns, trends, and insights that can help solve problems and make decisions. Data scientists can work in various domains, such as business, health care, education, and government.
To become a data scientist, you typically need to have a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in data science, or a related field, such as computer science, mathematics, or statistics. You also need to have strong technical skills, such as programming, data mining, and data modeling, as well as analytical skills, communication skills, and domain knowledge.
9. Physician Assistant
- Median salary in 2021: $115,390
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 31.3% (much faster than average)
Physician assistants are health care professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of physicians. They provide various services to patients, such as taking medical histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting tests, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and educating patients on health care. Physician assistants can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices.
To become a physician assistant, you need to have a master’s degree in physician assistant studies, or a related field, from an accredited program. You also need to obtain a national certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and a state license to practice medicine. Additionally, you may need to have a specialty certification, such as emergency medicine, surgery, or dermat
10. Financial Manager
- Median salary in 2021: $134,180
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 15.5% (much faster than average)
Financial managers are responsible for overseeing the financial activities and operations of an organization. They prepare and analyze financial reports, budgets, and forecasts, and advise senior management on financial decisions and strategies. Financial managers can work in various sectors, such as banking, insurance, manufacturing, and government.
To become a financial manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. You also need to have strong analytical, mathematical, and communication skills, as well as experience in financial management. Additionally, you may need to have a professional certification, such as the Certified Financial Manager (CFM) or the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
11. Pharmacist
- Median salary in 2021: $128,710
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: -3.1% (decline)
Pharmacists are health care professionals who dispense and manage medications for patients. They review prescriptions, check for drug interactions and allergies, and counsel patients on how to use and store their medications. Pharmacists also provide information and advice on various health topics, such as immunizations, wellness, and disease prevention. Pharmacists can work in various settings, such as pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and drugstores.
To become a pharmacist, you need to have a doctoral degree in pharmacy, either a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) or a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.). You also need to have a state license to practice pharmacy, and pass a national exam. Additionally, you may need to have a specialty certification, such as oncology, ambulatory care, or geriatric pharmacy.
12. Marketing Manager
- Median salary in 2021: $141,490
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 10.1% (faster than average)
Marketing managers are responsible for planning and implementing marketing strategies and campaigns for an organization or a product. They conduct market research, analyze consumer behavior and trends, and develop marketing objectives and budgets. Marketing managers also oversee the creation and distribution of marketing materials, such as advertisements, brochures, and websites. Marketing managers can work in various industries and sectors, such as retail, entertainment, education, and technology.
To become a marketing manager, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field. You also need to have strong creative, analytical, and communication skills, as well as experience in marketing. Additionally, you may need to have a professional certification, such as the Certified Marketing Manager (CMM) or the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM).
13. Physical Therapist
- Median salary in 2021: $91,010
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 18.3% (much faster than average)
Physical therapists are health care professionals who help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries that affect their movement and function. They evaluate the patient’s condition, create a treatment plan, and provide exercises, manual therapy, and education to improve the patient’s mobility, strength, and balance. Physical therapists can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools.
To become a physical therapist, you need to have a doctoral degree in physical therapy, either a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT). You also need to have a state license to practice physical therapy, and pass a national exam. Additionally, you may need to have a specialty certification, such as orthopedics, sports, or geriatrics.
14. Information Security Analyst
- Median salary in 2021: $103,590
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 31.2% (much faster than average)
Information security analysts are responsible for protecting the information and network systems of an organization from cyberattacks and unauthorized access. They monitor and analyze the security status of the systems, identify and respond to security incidents, and implement security policies and measures. Information security analysts can work in various sectors, such as finance, health care, government, and education.
To become an information security analyst, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. You also need to have strong technical skills, such as programming, cryptography, and network security, as well as analytical skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, you may need to have a professional certification, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the CompTIA Security+.
15. Lawyer
- Median salary in 2021: $126,930
- Projected growth rate between 2021 and 2031: 4.4% (as fast as average)
Lawyers are legal professionals who represent and advise clients on various legal matters, such as contracts, disputes, crimes, and rights. They research and interpret the law, prepare and file legal documents, and argue cases in court or before other authorities. Lawyers can work in various fields and specialties, such as corporate, criminal, family, or environmental law.
To become a lawyer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in any field, and a juris doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. You also need to pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice law, and obtain a state license. Additionally, you may need to have a certification in your area of specialty, such as tax, immigration, or intellectual property law.
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