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15 Jobs That Pay $100,000 or More in 2024

Try a new career or upgrade your current job to increase your income.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Michael Kurko

Updated Sept. 24, 2024

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Wages are increasing in the U.S., which could be good news for workers who want a position that pays more than $100,000 a year.

Some jobs even make that much money with only a college degree; in some cases, that could be an option, depending on your interests.

Check out these popular jobs that can help you get ahead financially or pay off your debts when you make more than $100,000 a year, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

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Data scientist

Median annual wage: $108,020

Data scientists are responsible for using analytical tools to extract information from data. You can find the best data for projects, analyze and sort data, or create visualizations to help you convey your findings to others based on your data analysis.

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Nurse practitioner

Median annual wage: $129,480

Nurse practitioners coordinate care for patients with doctors in a variety of medical fields. You might perform physical exams, diagnose health problems, develop a patient care plan, or do other jobs for patients in the healthcare field.

Actuary

Median annual wage: $120,000

Actuaries assess different sources of data to determine the particular risks of certain events or activities. You usually need a background in math and statistics, and most actuaries work for insurance companies.

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Pharmacist

Median annual wage: $136,030

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medication to patients and advising them on types of prescription medication and potential interactions.

Pharmacists usually need a bachelor’s degree, and you’ll also need to be licensed by your state to do the job.

Commercial pilot

Median annual wage: $171,210

A commercial pilot flies planes, helicopters, and other types of aircraft, and you might be responsible for transporting passengers or goods from place to place.

Commercial pilots usually need a bachelor’s degree and flight training, and they must meet requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Veterinarian

Median annual wage: $119,100

Veterinarians treat the health of animals and can work in an office with pets and other animals or in the field at places like zoos or farms. Veterinarians usually need a license issued by their state to practice veterinary medicine.

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Advertising manager

Median annual wage: $131,870

Advertising managers work with clients to create programs that will generate interest in a particular product or service.

You might plan advertising campaigns, develop strategies to attract and retain customers, or meet with clients to discuss marketing ideas.

Human resources manager

Median annual wage: $136,350

A human resources manager coordinates the needs of a company or organization's workforce. You might oversee employee benefits programs, handle staff issues, or work with managers to hire and train new workers.

Sociologist

Median annual wage: $101,770

A sociologist studies society and social trends related to healthcare, crime, education, and more. You might be responsible for developing research projects, analyzing data about social issues, or presenting your findings to others.

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Public relations manager

Median annual wage: $130,480

A public relations manager develops materials that improve a company or client's public image. To be a manager, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree and previous experience in the field is helpful.

Software developer

Median annual wage: $132,270

Software developers are responsible for designing computer applications and programs. You might design programs for clients, review potential software upgrades, or analyze the needs of computer users to find the best software solution.

Construction manager

Median annual wage: $104,900

A construction manager oversees the construction process on various projects. They might be responsible for planning a project, coordinating material and personnel, or creating a budget.

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Biochemist

Median annual wage: $107,460

A biochemist studies the chemical compositions of different living things by conducting research, preparing technical reports, or presenting findings based on research. You usually need a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree for entry-level positions in the field.

Financial manager

Median annual wage: $156,100

A financial manager works for a company or organization to help them develop financial reports or oversee the planning of future financial goals.

You usually need a bachelor’s degree and previous experience in a position in the financial field.

Computer network architect

Median annual wage: $129,840

A computer network architect is responsible for designing and overseeing data communications networks.

You may have to create plans for data networks, upgrade hardware, or troubleshoot issues with data networks to find better options.

Bottom line

There are jobs where you can make at least $100,000 a year, so it’s a good idea to sit down with your budget and factor in how these additional costs can affect your bottom line.

Take a look at areas where you might need to spend more money, such as paying off debt, or where you want to boost your savings.

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