9 Jobs Employers Can’t Fill Fast Enough That Pay Over $82,000

Getting promoted is a great way to improve your finances and lower your financial stress, but most jobs have a salary limit that even top performers may struggle to exceed. If you're looking to increase your wages significantly, it may be smarter to switch paths to a higher-paying career.

In this article, we'll look at nine in-demand jobs that pay above $82,000 with strong growth potential, so that you can make the right choice for future career success.

Editor's note: All data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) unless otherwise noted.

Median salary: $83,980

Postsecondary teachers, such as professors and lecturers, instruct students beyond the high school level in colleges, universities, and technical schools. They are responsible for preparing lectures, developing lesson plans, grading assignments, and sometimes doing research or performing administrative tasks.

A master's degree is necessary to become a postsecondary teacher, with a Ph.D. often a requirement. The estimated job growth for postsecondary teachers is 7% through 2034.

Median salary: $86,620

Chemists study the composition and properties of chemical substances to develop new materials or products. They often work for the government, academia, or private corporations to conduct research, analyze data, and apply their findings in fields such as pharmaceuticals or energy.

A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field is necessary to become a chemist, and a graduate degree is often required. Through 2034, the estimated job growth for chemists is 5%.

Median salary: $89,340

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound imaging to create images of organs and tissues inside the body, helping physicians diagnose medical conditions. They work closely with patients in cases such as monitoring pregnancies and examining the heart and other organs.

Becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer typically requires coursework in anatomy, physiology, and health, including an associate's or bachelor's degree. Licensing may also be required depending on the state. Job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers through 2034 is estimated to be 13%, much faster than the average.

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Median annual salary: $92,120

Audiologists help patients diagnose and manage hearing and balance disorders. Their responsibilities include conducting hearing tests, prescribing hearing aids, and providing rehabilitation and counseling to patients.

Becoming an audiologist will require a doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D.), as well as licensing in the state where you practice. According to projections, audiologist jobs will grow by 9% through 2034.

Median annual salary: $94,260

Dental hygienists provide preventative oral care, including cleaning teeth and examining patients for signs of dental conditions. They usually work in a dentist's office to remove plaque, take dental X-rays, and apply treatments such as sealants and fluoride.

To work as a dental hygienist, you'll need at least an associate's degree in dental hygiene, as well as state licensing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job growth for dental hygienists through 2034 will be 7%.

Median annual salary: $94,310

Psychologists study thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to help people address mental health challenges. They may work in environments such as schools, hospitals, businesses, or private practice to provide therapy or conduct research.

To become a psychologist, an advanced degree such as a master's or doctorate in psychology is necessary; licensing requirements vary by state. Job growth for psychologists is estimated to be 6% through 2034.

Median annual salary: $95,380

Web developers design and build websites, ensuring that they are functional, user-friendly, and attractive. They may specialize in front-end development using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or back-end development using languages such as JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or Java.

To become a web developer, a solid knowledge of programming languages and web development practices is necessary; a degree in computer science is helpful but may not be required, depending on the employer. Through 2034, the projected job growth for web developers is 7%.

Median annual salary: $98,910

Genetic counselors assess the risk of an individual or family for inherited conditions and diseases, helping patients make informed health decisions. They review medical histories and interpret test results in a clinical setting such as a hospital, laboratory, or physician's office.

The job of a genetic counselor typically requires a master's degree in genetic counseling, which includes coursework in biology, chemistry, and psychology; state licensure is usually necessary as well. According to the BLS, genetic counselor jobs will grow by 9% through 2034.

Median annual salary: $99,590

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain large-scale infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, buildings, and water systems. They analyze survey reports, plan and oversee construction, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Becoming a civil engineer typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, as well as state licensing if providing services to the public. The BLS projects that job growth for civil engineers will be 5% through 2034.

Jobs in medicine, engineering, and technology are some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid careers available today.

These in-demand roles not only offer salaries above $82,000 but also provide stability and room for growth. If you're ready to make a change, exploring these opportunities could help you stop living paycheck to paycheck and build a more secure, rewarding future.