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Some of the highest-paying and most in-demand jobs right now are not exactly the most exciting and riveting work. These roles are more about creating the infrastructure behind the scenes that makes companies run.
While they're not the most glamorous positions, these jobs will pay well above the national average, and they have substantial growth rates, which could help you get ahead financially.
Here are 10 jobs that pay $96,000 a year or more and have above-average projected growth rates.
Editor's note: Salary and growth information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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Project manager
Median salary: $100,750
Projected growth rate: 6% (Faster than average)
As a project manager, you'll be in charge of managing business projects for your company. That means tracking progress, managing budgets and workers, and keeping your teams on track to hit their goals on time. It's a backend role that helps orchestrate the entire operation, and these unsung heroes are vital to the success of any project.
A bachelor's degree is typically required, and many employers prefer candidates with industry experience or certification from the Project Management Institute.
Statistician
Median salary: $104,350
Projected growth rate: 8% (Much faster than average)
In this job, you'll develop methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information across fields like biostatistics, business statistics, and economic statistics for your company. As more and more businesses use statistics to inform decision-making, the demand for this type of role is expected to increase much faster than average.
Data scientist
Median salary: $112,590
Projected growth rate: 34% (Much faster than average)
In this role, you'll use methods like statistical analysis, machine learning, and other analytical tools to organize and analyze data, helping businesses derive actionable insights. As big data becomes big business for companies to inform their internal and external processes, this type of job is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade.
Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in math, statistics, computer science, or a related field, though many employers prefer advanced degrees.
Software developer
Median salary: $131,450
Projected growth rate: 15% (Much faster than average)
As a developer, you'll create software products for your company, leading the process from iteration to launch. You'll be the one in charge of designing, developing, and maintaining the computer programs and applications for the company.
With more digital products coming onto the market, there is a lot of demand for this role. As software demand increases alongside the digitization of the job market, this role is projected to grow substantially.
Actuary
Median salary: $125,770
Projected growth rate: 22% (Much faster than average)
In this job, you'll analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the likelihood of events and help businesses develop policies that minimize risk. This is a crucial role for companies in the insurance, finance, and consulting industries, so demand is expected to increase over time.
To enter this field, passing a series of challenging actuarial exams is required, along with a background in mathematics and risk management.
Information security analyst
Median salary: $124,910
Projected growth rate: 29% (Much faster than average)
As a security analyst, you'll plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from cyberattacks. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent, companies across all sectors are investing heavily in security talent, making this one of the hottest fields in tech.
A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity is typically required.
Management analyst
Median salary: $101,190
Projected growth rate: 9% (Much faster than average)
In this job, you'll recommend ways to improve an organization's efficiency by analyzing business problems and proposing solutions.
Many analysts work as independent consultants or internal advisors, helping companies streamline operations and increase profitability. As more companies seek a competitive edge, this role is projected to grow much faster than the average job.
Financial analyst
Median salary: $101,910
Projected growth rate: 6% (Faster than average)
In this role, you'll guide businesses and individuals in investment decisions by assessing the performance of stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. That means you'll analyze financial data, prepare reports, and make recommendations based on economic trends and company performance.
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business is required, and many employers prefer advanced degrees or professional certifications.
Distribution manager
Median salary: $102,010
Projected growth rate: 6% (Faster than average)
As part of the operations team at a distribution center, you'll plan, direct, and coordinate the movement of people and goods, overseeing warehouses, shipping operations, and supply chains to ensure products move efficiently from supplier to consumer.
A bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, or business is typically preferred, though many managers advance from hands-on operational roles.
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Medical and health services manager
Median salary: $117,960
Projected growth rate: 23% (Much faster than average)
In this job, you'll plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services, managing entire facilities, specific clinical areas, or medical practices. You'll be in charge of making sure health care organizations run smoothly while remaining compliant with regulations and adapting to changes in technology.
A bachelor's degree is typically required, though many employers prefer candidates with a master's in health administration or business administration, along with relevant work experience.
Bottom line
While flashier careers grab headlines, these roles quietly offer around six-figure salaries, strong job security, and growth rates well above the national average. That makes it much easier to grow your wealth over the long term and develop an in-demand skill set in an industry that will continue to expand.
Per the BLS, the U.S. economy is projected to add about 6.7 million jobs between 2023 and 2033, even as some industries slow, making tech, business, and financial roles particularly strong growth anchors. So, it's better for your economic stability to get a job in one of those industries, as you'll sleep easily at night knowing that your job is safe.
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