15 High-Demand Jobs That Pay Over $65,000 a Year

In today’s economy, job security isn’t exactly promised. Some career paths, though, offer more security than others.

If you’re considering switching careers but still want to lower your financial stress, check out the following high-demand jobs. They all pay over $65,000 a year and are projected to continue growing for years to come.

Median annual salary: $66,750

A public relations specialist creates and maintains the public image for their clients, often working with for-profit and non-profit organizations. The 10-year expected job outlook for this field is positive, with 6% growth, which is faster than normal.

Median annual salary: $68,540

Working as a surveyor enables you to spend time outdoors as you take precise measurements to determine property boundaries. Those who work in this field may need a bachelor’s degree and be expected to complete an internship.

Surveyors do both fieldwork and office work, and with some areas seeing a boom in construction, their demand is on the rise. This job is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.

Median annual salary: $68,370

If you dream of seeing the world and want to get paid to do so, becoming a flight attendant could be an excellent way to do it. The career is growing at a rate of 10%, which is much faster than average.

Flight attendants provide routine support and services to airline passengers. Their work also includes responding to emergencies to keep everyone safe.

Median annual salary: $69,680

Though some background in medical science is necessary, becoming a dietician or nutritionist could be another way to increase your income if you already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

These workers plan programs and services around food to promote a healthy lifestyle. Job demand in this field is expected to increase by 7%.

Median annual salary: $70,280

If you’ve always been good at a sport, now may be the time to make a go of it. Working as an athlete or sports competitor certainly takes a great deal of work, but you do not need any formal education credentials to qualify.

The average growth rate for professional athletes is 11% through 2033, which is much faster than average.

Median annual salary: $76,400

Working as an agricultural or food scientist could help you explore new ways to support the local community. If the thought of improving agricultural establishments or products is inspiring to you, and you have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, consider this career change.

This job is growing faster than average. Employment in the field is projected to increase by 8% over the next 10 years.

Median annual salary: $77,030

For those who are good with people and talented at coordinating events, working as a social and community service manager could be the best route for you. This is a field growing at a rate of 8%.

Managers work for non-profit and for-profit organizations and government agencies to connect people with the support they need. They also supervise and coordinate services for the organization.

Median annual salary: $77,580

If you’re a science- and research-minded individual, working as an occupational health and safety technician may be meaningful to you. Those who work in this field collect data, analyze it, and then design improvements to procedures and work environments to enhance safety.

It’s a critical job and one that’s growing at a rate of 14%. Most have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology or health care.

Median annual salary: $77,180

Purchasing agents, buyers, and managers help organizations obtain necessary products and services. Managers typically oversee a group of buyers and purchasing agencies. The field is projected to grow by 7% — higher than the average.

This can be an excellent career change for those with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as finance or supply management, who enjoy working with numbers.

Median annual salary: $77,960

Respiratory therapy could require some additional training, but an associate’s degree is enough to work in this field. The demand for this job will grow by 13%.

As a respiratory therapist, you’ll help people struggling with breathing by giving them the treatment and support they need. Some work in hospitals, while others may work in doctor’s offices.

Median annual salary: $84,300

As a financial examiner, you’ll be tasked with ensuring compliance with laws related to organizations that handle money. You’ll need good analytic skills.

This job requires a bachelor’s degree and long-term on-the-job training and is projected to grow by 21% through 2033.

Median annual salary: $87,530

A dental hygienist works one-on-one with patients in a dental office, providing oral disease examinations and care. To work in this field, you will need to have an associate’s degree.

With a job growth rate of 9%, there’s a significant opportunity to find positions here. However, keep in mind that programs can take several years to complete, and licensing may be required in some states.

Median annual salary: $93,310

Architects are responsible for planning and designing various structures. Some on-the-job training is required, and you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience.

A good median annual salary is also matched by an 8% growth rate over the next decade.

Median annual salary: $95,890

Civil engineers spend their time planning, designing, and supervising the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects. You may need to have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related experience, and some states require licenses.

If you meet the qualifications, this job is growing at a rate of 6%, which is faster than average.

Median annual salary: $99,580

Do you have a background in insurance or finance or a related bachelor’s degree? You may be able to work as a personal financial advisor to help people manage their money and plan for their financial future.

Some in this industry are self-employed, while others work for investment firms. The projected job growth rate over the next decade is 17%.

If you’re not as qualified as you like for a career in one of these areas, consider part-time education or an internship on the site so you can build experience that will help you land the job.

If you’re willing to stretch your skills to tap into a new source of income, these bigger career moves may offer the stability and salary you need to put your mind (and wallet) at ease.