10 High-Demand Jobs That Pay Over $80K a Year

Whether you’re looking for a new job, switching careers, or just beginning your employment journey, scoring a position that’s expected to continue growing can make a big impact on your life.

But building wealth and ensuring financial stability requires more than just job security. It also requires a job with a substantial paycheck. Here are 10 jobs that will grow substantially over the next 10 years and pay more than $80,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Median annual salary: $82,510

In this position, you’ll oversee the production of films, television shows, or other multimedia content. These roles typically require a bachelor's degree, and you’ll need a few years under your belt working on production sets in the media industry.

The profession is expected to grow 8% through 2033, which is faster than the national average. Given the demand for entertainment content, you can expect to have your hands full with productions, especially as you move up the ranks.

Median annual salary: $81,390

Epidemiologists dig deep into public health data and make informed reports about infectious diseases. As an epidemiologist, you analyze troves of data to investigate the causes and patterns of disease.

A background in public health and adept computer skills is usually required, but this is a booming profession. The BLS projects this profession to grow by 19% over the next decade.

Median annual salary: $92,750

A web developer helps create and maintain websites, working with digital designers to construct the best-looking pages possible. They’re responsible for building the underlying website code, layout, and application interface. In addition, they ensure site performance and responsiveness are within acceptable ranges.

You’ll need some formal education in programming, but many developers are self-taught, so long as you have a portfolio of projects to show potential employers. This job is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade, which is faster than average.

Median annual salary: $120,000

This is a math-heavy role where you’ll be analyzing financial risk and uncertainty. The main goal is to help a business or client develop policies to minimize financial risk and potential losses.

A strong foundation in mathematics is a must, and you must pass several exams to become a certified actuary. The profession is expected to grow 22% over the next 10 years as the need for risk modeling increases.

Median annual salary: $157,620

Marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in a company’s products or services. You’ll likely work with art directors, sales agents, or financial staff members to create marketing strategies to boost presence and revenue.

Typically, you’ll need a sales, marketing, or advertising background to get into a management role. The BLS projects this job will grow by 8% through 2033, so this could be a stable option if you’re working in a similar position now.

Median annual salary: $138,080

As a hardware engineer building computer components, you'll work in research labs. Expect to lead the design, research, and testing of computer hardware like routers, network devices, processors, and circuit boards.

Typically, computer hardware engineers need a bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer engineering. The BLS projects that this profession will grow by an average of 7% over the next decade.

Median annual salary: $98,300

A radiation therapist administers radiation to patients with cancer or other diseases. That means you’ll be operating advanced machines to deliver concentrated radiation therapy to the region of a patient’s tumor.

Most states require therapists to have a relevant certification or license and a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. The position is expected to grow by 3% over the next decade, which is about the national average.

Median annual salary: $113,080

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting paid to take to the skies in a plane, then becoming a commercial pilot might be for you. You’ll be responsible for safely operating the aircraft and following all safety protocols.

Prospective pilots must obtain a commercial pilot's license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which involves training and passing written and practical exams. The demand for this job is expected to increase by 5% over the next ten years.

Median annual salary: $87,530

As a dental hygienist, deep cleaning of gums, teeth, and the mouth will take up most of your time. You’ll also be performing routine oral inspections to look for signs of gum disease or other mouth infections.

To become one, you must have an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program and then pass a state-administered licensure exam to practice in your state. This position is expected to grow 9% over the next decade.

Median annual salary: $104,900

As a construction manager, you oversee construction projects from start to finish. This means ensuring that your team stays within its budget, completes its projects on time, and meets quality standards.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, though construction experience can also be helpful. This role is expected to grow 9% through 2033.

Getting a higher-paying job is one of the best ways to lower your financial stress and improve your quality of life. Finding a lucrative job that doesn’t require extensive training or retooling your skillset is an easy way to break into a new industry, too.

Your future self will thank you for shooting for a job with better compensation. There are plenty of positions out there that will be in demand for years to come if you look hard enough.