The 11 Best Jobs That Pay at Least $100,000 and Don’t Require a Medical Degree

You don’t have to be a doctor to make big bucks.

Sure, doctors can bring in big salaries, but other positions may better suit your interests and can help you boost your bank account.

Take a look at these jobs that make more than $100,000 a year but don’t require a medical degree.

As a political scientist, you research political subjects, develop political theories, and forecasts trends in the political field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for the profession is $132,350. It’s estimated that 200 jobs will be added to the field by 2033.

You usually need at least a master’s or Ph.D. in the field.

A computer network architect is responsible for building and designing networks for communication.

In the job, you may be responsible for planning a network, upgrading hardware, and developing ideas for network stability and security. The median annual salary is $129,840.

Computer network architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, computer engineering, or a related field. There will be an estimated 23,900 new positions in the field by 2033.

Software developers are responsible for creating computer programs or applications. You may also be part of teams that test these programs and applications for bugs or other issues.

Software developers often need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. The median annual salary for the profession is $130,160.

The BLS estimates that here will be an extra 327,900 jobs in the field by 2033.

Actuaries use math and statistics to determine risks, economic costs, and uncertainty for future events. You usually work for insurance companies and could also travel as consultants.

Actuaries make a median annual salary of $120,000, and 6,600 new jobs could be in the field by 2033.

To become an actuary, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, business, or an analytical field.

Sales managers oversee sales teams to promote products or services. You may analyze sales statistics, handle customer issues, or plan training for sales staff.

Sales managers make a median annual salary of $135,160, with 34,300 estimated positions created by 2033.

You may not need a college degree to get a position as a sales manager, but it helps to have previous sales experience.

Petroleum engineers develop and design ways to extract oil and gas reserves from the Earth. You may be responsible for designing equipment, developing drilling plans, or evaluating production.

The field is expected to grow, with 500 additional jobs by 2033. The profession’s median annual salary is $135,690, and it often requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

Lawyers represent businesses, individuals, or government agencies in legal matters. You may advise clients, create legal documents, or present facts on behalf of your client.

Lawyers earn a median annual income of $145,760, with an estimated increase of 44,200 positions by 2033.

Lawyers typically need a Juris Doctor degree to practice law. You’ll also have to pass a bar exam and obtain a license to practice law in the state you practice in.

Marketing managers are responsible for advertising and promoting products and services to generate interest. You might have to plan advertising campaigns, develop strategies for promotions, or negotiate advertising contracts.

Marketing managers often need a bachelor’s degree in advertising or communications to get a position in the field. They earn a median annual salary of $156,580, with an estimated 31,100 new positions by 2033.

As a financial manager, you may develop financial plans for a client, create financial statements, or analyze market trends.

You could earn a median annual salary of $156,100, and 138,300 positions are expected to be created in the field by 2033.

Financial managers usually need a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related field. You might also be required to have certification or licensing, depending on your area of focus.

IT managers plan and coordinate computer-related activities for an organization. You may have to create plans for your company’s computer needs, learn about new technology to implement, or negotiate with vendors for services.

The profession has a median annual salary of $169,510, and there is a predicted increase of 106,900 jobs in IT by 2033.

IT managers should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology as well as previous experience in the IT field.

Airline pilots fly and navigate aircraft to transport passengers and cargo.

You will need to understand how to fly and navigate various types of aircraft, communicate with air traffic control, and respond to changing conditions like weather or emergencies.

Airline pilots have a median annual salary of $171,210. An estimated 8,000 positions will be created by 2033.

A pilot usually needs a bachelor’s degree as well as flight training. You’ll also need to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.

There are many careers you can pursue other than the medical profession to earn a six-figure income. Remember to figure out what topics interest you the most and consider which career may best fit your talents.

Earning a high annual salary could enable you to save plenty of money for retirement — or even early retirement —as long as you don’t adopt an opulent lifestyle.