11 ‘Boring’ Jobs That Secretly Pay $90,000+ (And Are Desperate for Workers)

When you hear "high-paying job," you might picture a corner office or a tech startup coder. But some of the most lucrative, stable careers actually fly under the radar. These so-called "boring" jobs often pay $90,000 or more, offer strong job security, and are in high demand.

In many cases, companies struggle to find qualified people for these unglamorous but critical positions. If you're ready to boost your income and stop living paycheck to paycheck, these 11 careers could be just what you're looking for.

Editor's note: Salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Median annual salary: $144,580

The role of an air traffic controller can be one of the most high-stakes, high-stress jobs out there. However, most of the time it involves working in a dark room and staring at screens as you coordinate aircraft movements.

In other words, lots of watching blips on a map. The pay can make up for the long stretches of boredom, though.

Median annual salary: $125,770

Statistics and other complex mathematical concepts can be perceived as a recipe for boredom, but actuaries utilize these tools to predict the likelihood of future events. Employed primarily in the insurance industry, businesses of all types might hire an actuary for their ability to forecast future outcomes.

In fact, many companies are looking for actuaries, as hiring is projected to grow by 22% through 2033.

Median annual salary: $121,440

How does everything keep running so smoothly in a busy factory? It's all thanks to industrial production managers. They oversee the daily operations of manufacturing plants, ensuring production goals are met with efficiency.

Although this job will keep you at your desk, it's one of the most important roles at the plant.

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Median annual salary: $117,960

Behind every successful hospital or clinic is a medical and health services manager handling the business side of things. Also known as health care administrators, these professionals manage the finances, staffing, and daily operations of a health care facility.

While rarely in the spotlight, health service managers are in high demand; hiring is projected to grow by 29%.

Median annual salary: $106,980

While a number of tradespeople are visible on a job site, the construction manager typically works in an office in a nondescript trailer. They spend more time on the phone and working with spreadsheets than swinging a hammer.

While it's not a glamorous role, these managers keep construction projects on point and receive good compensation for doing so.

Median annual salary: $106,580

You probably only think about them when they're broken, but the people who install and repair elevators and escalators rise to the occasion when called upon. The job requires a fair amount of technical expertise, and you spend a lot of time working in tight spaces.

However, you don't need a four-year degree to qualify, making this a well-compensated skilled trade.

Median annual salary: $103,600

Power plant operators manage and maintain the equipment that generates electricity. Unsurprisingly, keeping the lights on for millions of people is a huge responsibility that comes with a hefty paycheck.

While the work can be routine — monitoring gauges and systems in highly regulated environments — it requires intense focus and expertise in all aspects of electrical work.

Median annual salary: $101,990

While doctors and nurses receive most of the attention in the medical field, radiation therapists play a crucial role in treating cancer patients. They provide potentially life-saving patient care with complex machinery.

Radiation therapists can have either an associate's or a bachelor's degree, so this is one medical job that offers a salary near six figures without the decade-plus of schooling required for a doctor.

Median annual salary: $99,240

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of our planet to aid in various endeavors, including the discovery of natural resources and the planning of construction projects. It's kind of like archaeology, but instead of looking for lost artifacts, geoscientists collect rocks and soil to gain a better understanding of our planet.

While that may sound boring to some, geoscientists are well-paid for their expertise.

Median annual salary: $91,290

You can think of operations research analysts as efficiency experts on steroids. They use advanced math and analytics to help companies of all types optimize their operations.

For example, they might dive into the data to identify and address gaps in the supply chain or optimize production scheduling. It may sound dry, but hiring for these analysts is set to grow by a healthy 23%.

Median annual salary: $90,400

Regulatory compliance may make most people's eyes glaze over, but somebody's got to do it. Financial examiners spend their days reviewing records and writing reports to ensure that banks and other financial institutions comply with the law.

Although many people would be bored with the work, financial institutions need these examiners — hiring is expected to increase by 21% over the next several years.

The path to a great salary isn't always the one you'd expect. As these 11 so-called "boring" jobs prove, some of the best opportunities are far from glamorous. These roles may not come with flashy titles, but they're essential, stable, and often overlooked.

For their expertise and dedication, workers in these fields earn excellent compensation and long-term security — providing the chance not just to get ahead financially, but also to build wealth for the future.