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11 Premium Jobs With Salaries Over $100K (No Medical Degree Needed)

There are plenty of six-figure jobs out there that don't require you to become a medical doctor.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Nov. 21, 2025

You don't have to be a doctor to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. Sure, doctors can bring in big salaries, but other positions may better suit your interests and can help you boost your bank account, setting you up for retirement.

Take a look at these jobs that make more than $100,000 a year but don't require a medical degree.

Editor's note: All salary figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), unless otherwise stated.

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Political scientist

As a political scientist, you research political subjects, develop political theories, and forecast trends in the political field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for the profession is $139,380. It's estimated that 500 jobs will be added to the field by 2034.

You usually need at least a master's or Ph.D. in the field.

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Computer network architect

A computer network architect is responsible for building and designing networks for communication.

In the job, you may be responsible for planning a network, upgrading hardware, and developing ideas for network stability and security. The median annual salary is $130,390.

Computer network architects typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology, computer engineering, or a related field. There will be an estimated 11,200 new positions in the field by 2034.

Software developer

Software developers are responsible for creating computer programs or applications. You may also be part of teams that test these programs and applications for bugs or other issues.

Software developers often need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. The median annual salary for the profession is $131,450.

The BLS estimates that there will be an extra 129,200 jobs in the field by 2034.

Actuary

Actuaries use math and statistics to determine risks, economic costs, and uncertainty for future events. You usually work for insurance companies and could also travel as consultants.

Actuaries make a median annual salary of $125,770 , and 2,400 new jobs could be in the field by 2034.

To become an actuary, you typically need a bachelor's degree in mathematics, business, or an analytical field.

Sales manager

Sales managers oversee sales teams to promote products or services. You may analyze sales statistics, handle customer issues, or plan training for sales staff.

Sales managers make a median annual salary of $138,060, with 49,000 estimated positions created by 2034.

You may not need a college degree to get a position as a sales manager, but it helps to have previous sales experience.

Petroleum engineer

Petroleum engineers develop and design ways to extract oil and gas reserves from the Earth. You may be responsible for designing equipment, developing drilling plans, or evaluating production.

The field is expected to grow, with 1,200 additional jobs by 2034. The profession's median annual salary is $141,280, and it often requires a bachelor's degree in engineering.

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Lawyer

Lawyers represent businesses, individuals, or government agencies in legal matters. You may advise clients, create legal documents, or present facts on behalf of your client.

Lawyers earn a median annual income of $151,160, with an estimated increase of 31,500 positions by 2034.

Lawyers typically need a Juris Doctor degree to practice law. You'll also have to pass a bar exam and obtain a license to practice law in the state you're in.

Marketing manager

Marketing managers are responsible for advertising and promoting products and services to generate interest. You might have to plan advertising campaigns, develop strategies for promotions, or negotiate advertising contracts.

Marketing managers often need a bachelor's degree in advertising or communications to get a position in the field. They earn a median annual salary of $159,660, with an estimated 36,400 new positions by 2034.

Financial manager

As a financial manager, you may develop financial plans for a client, create financial statements, or analyze market trends.

You could earn a median annual salary of $161,700, and 74,600 positions are expected to be created in the field by 2034.

Financial managers usually need a bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field. You might also be required to have certification or licensing, depending on your area of focus.

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IT manager

IT managers plan and coordinate computer-related activities for an organization. You may have to create plans for your company's computer needs, learn about new technology to implement, or negotiate with vendors for services.

The profession has a median annual salary of $171,200, and there is a predicted increase of 55,600 jobs in IT by 2034.

IT managers should have a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology as well as previous experience in the IT field.

Airline pilot

Airline pilots fly and navigate aircraft to transport passengers and cargo.

You will need to understand how to fly and navigate various types of aircraft, communicate with air traffic control, and respond to changing conditions like weather or emergencies.

Airline pilots have a median annual salary of $198,100. An estimated 18,200 positions will be created by 2034.

A pilot usually needs a bachelor's degree as well as flight training. You'll also need to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Bottom line

There are many careers you can pursue other than the medical profession to earn a six-figure income. Remember to figure out what topics interest you the most and consider which career may best fit your talents.

Earning a high annual salary could enable you to save plenty of money for retirement, or even early retirement, as long as you don't adopt an opulent lifestyle.

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