News & Trending Jobs & Career News

10 High-Demand Jobs That Pay Over $85K a Year

These 10 high-growth, high-paying careers can offer long-term job security and help you build serious financial stability.

Physical therapist helping a senior patient stretch with a stretch band
Updated May 7, 2025
Fact checked

While the job market might seem gloomy these days, there are still high-paying jobs available that are in demand and have growth potential. And while earning $85,000 or more a year to get ahead financially might seem out of reach, it's very possible in these professions with high growth rates.

Here are 10 jobs that pay over $85,000 a year on average and are expected to be in high demand over the next 10 years. All income data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Earn money online by taking surveys

$55,000 might sound crazy … but with a company called Survey Junkie, it’s possible to get your share of it every day by taking their surveys in your extra time.

Follow these simple steps to start earning:

  1. Sign up for an account with Survey Junkie here.
  2. Take surveys.
  3. Repeat daily and get paid for sharing your opinion!

P.S.: You can cash out with as little as $5 through PayPal or bank transfer, or transfer to gift cards from a number of stores.

Get your share of $55,000 daily by signing up here

Financial examiner

NINENII/Adobe businessman doing finances

Median annual salary: $90,400

In this job, you will examine detailed financial records to ensure that various organizations comply with all laws regarding financial institutions and transactions. This means reviewing balance sheets, income statements, loan documents, and other financial data.

A background in finance is a good starting point, and this profession is expected to explode over the next decade by a massive 21%, so organizations are looking for people who can be trained and step into the role.

Operations research analyst

PR Image Factory/Adobe stock analysts researches

Median annual salary: $91,290

In this role, you will use advanced analytical, statistical, and mathematical methods to help your organization solve operational problems and make better decisions. That means optimizing processes, developing mathematical models, and advising decision-makers on the best steps.

A background in math or analytics is a good starting point, and you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. The projected growth rate over the next 10 years is 23%, so this profession is booming.

Personal financial advisor

Goran/Adobe shaking hands with a financial advisor

Median annual salary: $94,170

As a personal financial advisor, you'll be your clients' go-to expert for financial decisions. That means advising on estate planning, tax liability, and investment strategies.

You may also need a background in finance and a professional certification, such as a Certified Financial Planner, to do this job. However, many employment opportunities exist, as the projected growth rate is 17% over the next decade.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Web developer

Arsenii/Adobe developer writing software

Median annual salary: $95,380

Your main focus will be creating and maintaining all aspects of a website, from the front-end look to the back-end code running the page. You'll ensure that the site is functional and satisfies your user base.

A bachelor's degree in computer science is a good place to start, though you can teach yourself many of the fundamentals independently. This profession is expected to grow by 8% by 2033.

Occupational therapist

auremar/Adobe occupational therapist helping patient to walk

Median annual salary: $98,340

As an occupational therapist, you'll work with a broad client base, helping people with injuries, disabilities, and illnesses get back on their feet and live functioning lives. This high-impact job will see you managing care and rehabilitation for dozens of people.

A master's degree in occupational therapy is required, but it's possible to shift careers and get into an OT school if that's not your background. This job is expected to grow by 11% over the next 10 years.

Physical therapist

LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe physical therapist assisting man training

Median annual salary: $101,020

You'll help patients recover from injuries and surgeries by giving them therapeutic exercises and other physical interventions, such as light massage. This is another hands-on profession that will see you developing comprehensive rehab plans to get people out of pain and back to living life.

You will need a specialized degree from a nationally accredited organization, but this is a great role that you can move into from a different profession. Given the country's aging population, the demand for physical therapists will grow by 14% by 2033.

Management analyst

Witoon/Adobe financial analyst documents include charts

Median annual salary: $101,190

As a management analyst, you'll help organizations improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost profitability by analyzing business operations and recommending solutions. You'll need a degree in finance or a related field and relevant work experience in business, operations, or project management. This role is expected to grow by 11% over the next decade.

Investment analyst

Premreuthai/Adobe financial analyst

Median annual salary: $101,910

Your main focus in this role will be helping private equity firms, hedge funds, banks, or other financial institutions make smart investment decisions. That means researching and crafting detailed analyses of financial markets and overlooked investment opportunities.

You'll need a background in finance and a bachelor's degree to break into this field, which is projected to grow by 9% over the next decade.

Naval architect

Adrian Grosu/Adobe naval engineer

Median annual salary: $105,670

As a marine engineer, you will help develop, design, and evaluate naval vessels and ship machinery. Given the complex nature of the job, you will need a bachelor's degree in engineering, if not a specialization in marine or naval engineering.

With the ever-increasing levels of globalization and global shipping, this profession is expected to grow 8% by 2033.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Information security analyst

peopleimages.com/Adobe woman with tablet working on database programming code

Median annual salary: $124,910

You'll be responsible for planning and executing security for an organization's computer infrastructure. That means constantly updating and checking your company's systems to prevent a possible cyberattack.

A computer science and network security background is helpful, though you can gain much knowledge through self-study. Given how the digital world is expanding, this field is expected to grow 33% over the next decade.

Bottom line

Rene L/peopleimages.com/Adobe person reading resume

Getting a high-demand job that pays over $85,000 a year is a great way to boost your bank account and give yourself peace of mind. These roles provide long-term job security due to their rapid growth and ongoing need across industries.

Pivoting to a career with high growth potential can also drastically improve your financial stability in a shifting economy where some roles face automation or decline. That means you can increase your earning potential and reduce your risk of unemployment, better preparing for future financial goals like homeownership or retirement.