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10 'Boring' Jobs That Secretly Pay $95,000+ (and Are Desperate for Workers)

Sometimes the smartest move is to pick a stable job that pays off in the long run.

construction manager on laptop
Updated Oct. 1, 2025
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Not every job can be exciting, glamorous, and fast-paced all the time. But sometimes, that's not the point. What really matters is finding work that pays well, offers stability, and gives you the chance to finally stop living paycheck to paycheck.

The truth is, some of the so-called "boring" jobs are the ones that come with surprisingly high salaries and steady demand. Choosing the right career path can mean less financial stress and more flexibility to plan for your future.

Below, we'll take a look at 10 "boring" jobs that pay more than $95,000 and are projected to keep growing.

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

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Project management specialist

Gorodenkoff/Adobe project manager makes a presentation

Median salary: $100,750

Project management specialists oversee the planning and execution of business projects, including their schedule, budget, and staffing. Their responsibilities include coordinating teams and employees, managing business resources, assigning duties, monitoring progress, and communicating with clients and stakeholders.

To become a project management specialist, a bachelor's degree is often required in a field such as business, along with previous experience leading projects. The BLS estimates that job growth for project management specialists will be 6% through 2034, faster than the average.

Management analyst

Studio Romantic/Adobe accountant writing down information

Median salary: $101,190

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, help organizations enhance their efficiency and profitability by analyzing business practices, identifying problems, and providing solutions. They work with businesses to collect and interpret data, examine organizational structures, and suggest ideas for reducing costs or improving business processes — and these skills are in high demand, as job growth for this role is projected to be 9% through 2034.

The job of a management analyst typically requires a bachelor's degree, often in a field such as business or finance; an advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), is often helpful.

Financial analyst

romanets_v/Adobe male analyst reviewing financial data on dual monitors

Median salary: $101,910

Financial analysts evaluate financial data and trends, helping individuals and businesses make smarter choices about how to invest their money. They create financial models and provide recommendations on budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.

Becoming a financial analyst typically requires a degree in finance, economics, or a related field; some employers may also require certifications, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Job growth for financial analysts is estimated to be 6% through 2034.

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Transportation manager

tongpatong/Adobe worker loads cardboard boxes into a delivery truck

Median salary: $102,010

Transportation managers plan and coordinate the transportation of people, goods, and vehicles, ensuring that they are moved efficiently and safely. They typically work within an organization or government to manage logistics, budgets, staff, and compliance with transportation regulations.

The BLS estimates that job growth for transportation managers through 2034 will be 6%. A degree in business, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field is helpful in becoming a transportation manager, as well as previous experience in transportation operations.

Software quality assurance analyst

sofia/Adobe Financial data analysis on multiple screens

Median salary: $102,610

Software quality assurance analysts perform quality assurance (QA) on software programs, ensuring they function correctly, pass requirements, and are free of defects. They design and execute test plans, working closely with software developers to resolve any bugs or quality issues they identify.

To become a software QA analyst, a degree in computer science, software engineering, or information technology is usually helpful. Job growth for software developers and QA analysts is projected to be 15% through 2034.

Computer systems analyst

kiki__/Adobe Analyst Overseeing Financial Data on Multiple Screens

Median salary: $103,790

Computer systems analysts, also known as systems architects, work with an organization's computer systems and offer insights for how to improve their efficiency. They research different technologies, examine the costs and benefits of IT systems, and work with IT staff to implement new hardware and software upgrades. With such a tech-centered role, it makes sense that computer systems analyst jobs will grow by 9%.

A bachelor's degree, often in computer science or information technology, is typically required to be a computer systems analyst.

Construction manager

boonchok/Adobe two engineers work on the construction site

Median salary: $106,980

Construction managers plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish, ensuring that projects are completed on time, under budget, and in compliance with health and safety standards. They manage workers, materials, and schedules, often working both in the office and on-site.

A bachelor's degree is typically required for construction managers, often in fields such as management or civil engineering; on-the-job training is also helpful. According to the BLS, construction manager jobs are projected to grow by 9%.

Materials engineer

DC Studio/Adobe Team of engineers using CAD app

Median salary: $108,310

Materials engineers develop, test, and improve materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics for use in various products and structures. They work in industries such as aerospace, construction, and electronics to solve engineering problems and discover materials that are stronger, lighter, or more durable.

To become a materials engineer, a bachelor's or graduate degree in materials science or engineering (or a related field) is typically required. Job growth for materials engineers is expected to hover around 6% through 2034.

Data scientist

Andrey Popov/Adobe data analyst african woman using spreadsheet

Median salary: $112,590

Data scientists analyze large amounts of information to uncover patterns, build predictive models, and help businesses make smarter decisions. Their responsibilities include collecting and cleansing data, utilizing machine learning to classify this data and make predictions, and creating data visualizations for use by their colleagues — a role that is expected to grow by 34% over the next decade.

A degree in a technical discipline such as computer science, mathematics, or statistics is helpful to become a data scientist.

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Sales engineer

ChasingMagic/peopleimages.com/Adobe analytics or marketing at workplace

Median salary: $121,520

Sales engineers combine their technical expertise with sales skills to help businesses adopt and utilize technical products and services, such as hardware and software. The responsibilities of a sales engineer include demonstrating the product's capabilities, speaking with potential customers, customizing solutions to client needs, and serving as a bridge between sales and technical teams.

Sales engineers often have a technical background in engineering or a related field, as well as soft skills in communication and problem-solving. Job growth for sales engineers through 2034 is projected to be 5%.

Bottom line

Freedomz/Adobe greeting new colleagues with handshake

While these 10 occupations may be considered "boring" by some, they offer an excellent way to achieve high salaries and job stability — and that's exactly the kind of foundation you need if you want to build wealth over time.

Another big plus? These roles are projected to grow in the coming years, which means less competition and more opportunities for those willing to step into them. Sometimes the smartest move isn't chasing flashy titles but choosing a career path that quietly sets you up for long-term success.


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