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10 'Boring' Jobs That Secretly Pay $116,000 (And Are Desperate for Workers)

These overlooked roles pay big and face major hiring gaps.

By Summer Nevins

Edited by Esther Carlstone

Updated Jan. 26, 2026

For years, we've been told that high-paying jobs come with flashy titles, long hours, or years of graduate school. But a growing number of six-figure roles fly under the radar precisely because they don't sound exciting. These "boring" jobs rarely go viral, yet many quietly pay at least $116,000 a year, and employers are struggling to find enough qualified people to fill them.

For workers willing to trade hype for consistency, these 10 jobs can offer strong pay, allowing you to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.

Editor's note: Salary information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Industrial production managers

Median annual salary: $121,440

Industrial production managers oversee manufacturing operations, including staffing, scheduling, and quality control. The role pays well because efficiency mistakes are expensive. Most positions require a bachelor's degree and years of experience, but in rural markets, you may need less education and more work experience.

The BLS projects steady demand as manufacturers adopt automation and replace retiring managers across U.S. factories.

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Sales engineers

Median annual salary: $121,520

Sales engineers sell complex products by explaining how they work. Common in software, manufacturing, and industrial equipment, the job blends technical know-how with people skills. A bachelor's degree is typical. It may sound like "sales," but it's more problem-solving than pitching, and demand remains strong.

Job growth is projected to be faster than average as companies continue selling more advanced, customized products.

Actuaries

Median annual salary: $125,770

Actuaries use math and statistics to measure financial risk, mainly in insurance and finance. The job requires passing a series of tough exams, which helps keep pay high and competition low. While the work isn't flashy, actuaries enjoy low unemployment, strong job security, and excellent long-term earning potential.

The BLS projects faster-than-average growth driven by demand for risk modeling in healthcare, climate, and financial planning.

Compensation and benefits managers

Median annual salary: $140,360

A career in human resources may seem unglamorous, but comp and benefits managers can really earn a good living. They design pay structures, bonuses, and benefits packages. Their work directly affects hiring and retention, which is why companies pay a premium.

A bachelor's degree is usually required, along with HR or finance experience. It may sound like paperwork, but in tight labor markets, this role has become increasingly strategic, and the market for these roles has remained steady.

Purchasing managers

Median annual salary: $136,380

Purchasing managers negotiate contracts, manage suppliers, and control spending. Supply chain disruptions have made this once-overlooked job far more valuable — strong negotiation skills and cost control can save companies millions, hence the six-figure pay. Most roles require a bachelor's degree and experience.

While overall growth is limited, the BLS notes strong demand for experienced managers who can reduce costs and risk.

Architectural and engineering managers

Median annual salary: $167,740

These managers lead engineers and architects working on infrastructure, construction, and product design. The role combines technical expertise with budgeting and leadership. It's often overlooked because it's management-heavy, but retiring workers and large-scale projects are driving demand.

A bachelor's degree and years of experience are required, and steady growth is projected due to infrastructure investment and the need to replace retiring managers.

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Natural sciences managers

Median annual salary: $161,180

Natural sciences managers oversee scientists in labs, research facilities, and manufacturing environments. They ensure projects stay on budget and meet regulations. Advanced degrees are common, which limits the talent pool. While the job title sounds academic, the pay reflects how critical these roles are in pharma, energy, and biotech.

The BLS expects demand for these jobs, specifically from pharmaceutical production, environmental regulation, and biotechnology research

Computer and information security managers

Median annual salary: $171,200

We are in an ever evolving technological world, meaning information security managers are absolutely essential. They protect organizations from cyber threats and data breaches. While cybersecurity sounds exciting, management roles focus more on strategy, policy, and compliance.

Demand is soaring as attacks increase, and qualified leaders are scarce. A bachelor's degree and IT experience are standard, with pay well into six figures.

Facilities managers

Median annual salary: $102,340
* 75th percentile/top earners exceed $133,990

Facilities managers oversee building operations, maintenance, safety, and long-term planning. Their work is invisible until something goes wrong, which is exactly why experienced managers are paid so well. A bachelor's degree and certifications help boost pay. Large hospitals, campuses, and corporate offices often pay six figures.

There is steady job demand as buildings age and sustainability standards expand.

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Financial managers

Median annual salary: $161,700

Financial managers oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for organizations. The job pays well because its decisions directly affect profitability and risk. A bachelor's degree is required, and experience is essential.

BLS projects faster-than-average growth as companies rely more heavily on financial analysis to guide strategic decisions.

Bottom line

High-paying jobs don't always come with flashy titles or exciting day-to-day work. Many of the roles on this list pay more than $116,000 because they're essential, hard to automate, and rely on experience most workers don't have yet. And a six-figure job may be what you need to get ahead financially.

One overlooked detail: several of these jobs have aging workforces, meaning retirements are opening doors faster than new talent is entering the field. For job seekers willing to prioritize stability and long-term earning power over prestige, these "boring" roles can offer a clearer path to higher salaries than trendier careers.

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