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7 'Boring' Jobs That Secretly Pay $67+ an Hour (And Are Desperate for Workers)

High-paying careers built on stability, compliance, and expertise.

By Andy Lindquist , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated April 15, 2026

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Some of the best-paying jobs aren't exactly the most stimulating, exciting, or interesting positions. But what they lack in excitement, they more than make up for in high pay, which is great for getting ahead financially.

In today's economy, many workers are willing to make that trade-off. In fact, 68% of Gen Z employees said they'd accept a job they don't like in exchange for a higher salary, according to Dcdx research.

From behind-the-scenes roles in management to administrative and research positions, here are 10 "boring" jobs that pay $67 an hour or more on average.

Editor's note: All salary data comes from Indeed, unless otherwise stated.

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Software engineering manager

Average hourly wage: $71.57

Despite the high-tech title, this role is less about writing groundbreaking code and more about the administration of people and processes behind the code. Most days involve overseeing company software development projects, sitting in meetings, reviewing technical documentation, and navigating the administrative hurdles of project timelines.

It's a desk-bound management role where success is measured by the absence of system failures, so your role is sometimes more about empowering others. According to Zippia, employment is projected to grow 21% through 2028.

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Corporate lawyer

Average hourly wage: $80.53

Many corporate lawyers spend their days reviewing and negotiating contracts, advising companies on compliance, and drafting the legal documents that keep business operations running smoothly, not always dealing with courtroom drama.

Office-bound work built on precision and risk analysis is how the typical day may unfold. While corporate lawyers may occasionally represent clients in legal proceedings, even court proceedings rarely have the fireworks you see on television. Employment is projected to grow 4% through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Enterprise architect

Average hourly wage: $83.01

Enterprise architects spend their time mapping out the massive, complex IT infrastructures of large corporations, ensuring they are implemented correctly. The work is highly methodical, involving endless diagrams of legacy systems and the creation of standardized technical protocols.

It is a strategic role built on deep research and assessment of a business's current IT systems. Demand is booming as companies scramble to modernize their internal frameworks without disrupting operations. The BLS predicts a 12% growth rate over the next decade.

Technical program manager

Average hourly wage: $67.19

In this role, you'll act as the administrative bridge between engineering teams and business goals to manage the development and release of a company's technical products. You'll spend your day tracking milestones, coordinating cross-team schedules, and documenting risks.

It involves planning, status updates, and keeping multiple teams aligned, making it a process-heavy role that leans on organization over creativity. The projected job growth rate for this field is 16%.

Actuary

Average hourly wage: $75.10

Actuaries use advanced mathematics to predict the financial impact of uncertainty and risk. The typical day consists of running complex statistical models, advising on risk decisions, and reviewing mountains of data to ensure insurance policies and pension plans remain solvent.

It is precision-driven work that rarely makes headlines but is vital for financial stability. Zippia reports that this profession is expected to grow by a massive 21% by 2028.

Mortgage broker

Average hourly wage: $73.08

Most of your time in this job will be spent reviewing financial disclosures, helping clients find mortgage loans, drafting loan applications, and staying in compliance with ever-changing lending regulations. While it involves a sales component, the core of the work involves analyzing credit reports, income records, and loan terms while staying compliant with evolving lending regulations.

It is a stable, desk-bound profession that provides an essential service for homeownership. Employment is projected to grow steadily (4%) as the housing market cycles.

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Senior computer scientist

Average hourly wage: $67.58

These scientists develop algorithms, design computing systems, and build AI and machine learning applications, though most days could be spent on methodical testing, analysis, and documentation rather than breakthroughs.

Don't be surprised by some slower days as you search for an elusive edge or an uncovered area of research. Employment is projected to grow 20% through 2034, according to the BLS, which is much faster than the national average.

Bottom line

High pay doesn't always come from glamorous work. Many of the strongest six-figure career paths revolve around compliance, operations, research, and management, all roles that keep organizations running smoothly behind the scenes. If you're comfortable with spreadsheets, policies, and long-term projects, these careers offer strong earnings and steady demand.

Pivoting to one of these roles can provide a massive level of job security, too, as overall employment in management occupations is projected to grow faster than average over the next few years until 2034. According to the BLS, this growth, combined with the need to replace departing workers, will result in about 1.1 million job openings each year on average. That way, you can focus on growing your wealth instead of worrying about job security.

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