Make Money Jobs & Careers

10 High-Paying Jobs in Rural Areas

Plus, most offer on-the-job training and don’t require college degrees.

By Chris Adam

Edited by Laura Ratliff

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

If you live in a rural area or are considering moving to one, you may be curious about the higher-paying jobs in that community.

Depending on location and many other factors, you may be surprised by some of the jobs available and the pay that comes with them — allowing you to stop living paycheck to paycheck.

Here’s a look at 10 high-paying jobs that could be available in your rural area, along with the average annual salaries. As a bonus, most of the opportunities on this list offer on-the-job training and don’t require a college degree.

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Doctor

Doctors are needed in communities of all sizes, including rural areas, home to families and young children. Doctors in these rural towns may set up their own practices or join healthcare organizations serving these areas.

While pay for doctors in rural areas may be lower than in more urban cities, they can still expect to make around $150,000 or more each year. In addition, there may be less competition in rural areas.

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Lawyer

Here’s another high-paying job available in rural areas. Along with remote work providing more opportunities for lawyers living in rural communities, there is also a need for in-person law offices.

A lawyer can set up shop in a rural community and serve those who cannot access big-city resources. Even in more rural areas, a lawyer can make well over $100,000 each year.

Factory worker

Some of America’s largest factories are located in rural areas. They may need hundreds of workers to help meet demand.

While these jobs can be difficult and require long hours, they provide good pay for singles and families. The median annual wage for these workers is about $43,000.

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Welder

You may be able to specialize in a field such as welding. If you live in a rural area, like an urban community, you may work for a shop or be an independent contractor.

You may be able to find steady work and good pay. The national average annual salary for a welder is about $58,000.

Craftsman

If you’re good with your hands, perhaps consider becoming a craftsman in a rural community. You’ll be a skilled trade worker turning raw materials into goods. You may be able to produce furniture or decorative items.

Perhaps you could specialize in a material such as wood or textiles. You could sell your products at a location in your community and have an online presence. The national average salary for a craftsman is about $50,000.

Truck driver

You may see quite a few ads by companies looking for truck drivers. If you live in a rural area, you could be a local driver who’s home at night or become a long-haul truck driver and be away for extended periods.

The median annual wage for a truck driver is around $54,000.

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Electrical line worker

You’ve probably seen electrical line workers on the job when you’ve driven through rural areas of the country. They install or repair cables or wires used in power and distribution systems.

These jobs can be dangerous and physically demanding. The median annual wage for this type of worker is around $85,000

Wildlife specialist

This may be a great job if you love the outdoors. A wildlife specialist helps agencies secure the permits they need to comply with environmental regulations. You may work for agencies that want to build dams or roadways that could impact wildlife in the area.

As a wildlife specialist, you would conduct surveys, soil tests, and other work to determine how construction would impact the environment. The national average annual salary for this job is around $44,000.

Farm hand

You may think of farms in rural areas of the country. They employ farm hands to care for animals and ensure everything keeps running.

You may also care for crops and operate heavy machinery as a farmhand. The national average annual salary for a farm hand is around $48,000.

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Mechanic

If you’re looking to start your own business in a rural area, perhaps having a background as a mechanic can help. Or, you may wish to be a mechanic and work for someone else.

Since drivers in rural areas must keep their cars operating, you may find secure work as a mechanic. The national average annual salary for a mechanic is around $48,000.

Bottom line

Some fantastic high-paying job opportunities are available in some of the less densely populated parts of the country. You may find many choices to help build wealth, from doctors to factory workers to farm hands.

In addition, a job in a rural area may provide you with social opportunities you won’t find elsewhere. Some of your coworkers may become close friends, and your employer may offer picnics, holiday parties, and other social events.

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