10 Boring Jobs That Secretly Pay Over $85,000 (and Are Desperate for Workers)

There are dozens of occupations out in the world, each of which offers hundreds of more specialized roles. And while some are more glamorous than others, there are millions of job openings in the United States, many of which offer extremely competitive compensation.

Sure, some of these roles may seem "boring," but it's these jobs that often pay the big bucks and provide steady demand. Some may even allow you to earn well while working from home.

Here are 10 jobs that fit this description. They pay over $85,000 and are expected to see ongoing growth.

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

Median annual salary: $86,620

Materials scientists study the structure and properties of materials to enhance their uses in specific applications. Most work in a lab, office, or manufacturing environment. If you have a background in chemistry, this could be a good fit for you.

Employment opportunities for this job are anticipated to grow faster than the average for all occupations at a projected growth rate of 5% over the next decade.

Median annual salary: $89,340

As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you operate ultrasound equipment to create images of the body's insides. You assist with the medical diagnosis process, working in health care settings, such as hospitals and physicians' offices.

Most of these technicians hold at least an associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate. Some require a license or certification. Job outlook is strong, with employment rates projected to grow by 13% from 2024 to 2034.

Median annual salary: $90,400

Financial examiners ensure compliance and provide guidance on laws governing institutions that handle monetary transactions. Most work for the finance and insurance industry, the federal government, or state governments.

Typically, a bachelor's degree with coursework in accounting is required. If you have this under your belt, you could land one of the anticipated 5,700 openings per year over the next decade, representing an impressive 19% growth rate.

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Median annual salary: $91,290

Do you enjoy solving complex problems using mathematics and logic? Then this could be a great fit for you. If you have a degree in a related field, such as business, mathematics, engineering, or computer science, you could benefit from the immense projected growth ahead. Over the next decade, employment for operations research analysts is expected to grow by 21%.

Median annual salary: $101,190

If you have an eye for efficiency and want to support the needs of organizations, this could be a match. You may need to travel often to meet with clients, and a bachelor's degree is typically preferred.

If your resume checks those boxes, you could take advantage of a projected growth rate of 9% for management analyst positions over the next decade and enjoy over $100,000 a year as a result.

Median annual salary: $101,910

Are you financially savvy or experienced with stocks and other investments? Have you operated successful businesses in the past? If so, you could earn over $100,000 a year guiding businesses.

You'll mainly work in an office setting, evaluating current and historical data. Around 29,900 positions should open each year over the next decade, as a significant number of financial analysts are expected to retire.

Median annual salary: $102,010

Do you have experience in the transportation sector? Are you comfortable with planning, organizing, and overseeing staff to ensure efficient operations? If so, why not explore management opportunities?

Employment for transportation managers is anticipated to grow at a rate of 6% over the next decade. A high school diploma is usually the minimum educational requirement.

Median annual salary: $103,790

Do you have a deep understanding of computer systems? Are you confident in your ability to design solutions that can increase efficiency? Then jumping into a computer systems analyst position may be for you.

A bachelor's degree is often needed, and many analysts have backgrounds in computer science or information systems. If you are a good fit, you could fill one of the anticipated 34,200 annual openings for computer systems analysts, on average, over the next decade.

Median annual salary: $109,660

Health and safety engineers often possess knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, psychology, and other disciplines to ensure greater worksite and product safety. Most positions work in a manufacturing setting, although you can also work in the government, construction industry, engineering services, or a related field.

Those who work in the government make a median annual salary of $114,650. These positions will need to be filled over the next decade as current health and safety engineers retire.

Median annual salary: $117,960

As a manager in this field, you'll work in health care facilities like nursing homes, hospitals, and group medical practices. You will plan, direct, and coordinate the business-related activities associated with these health providers.

When it comes to projected growth, this job is one to watch, as employment opportunities are anticipated to increase by 23%. That figure represents around 62,100 openings each year, on average, over the next decade.

While some may call the above jobs "boring," that term is subjective, especially when it comes to varying interests, professional experience, and personal career paths. What you find intriguing may differ from what the next person actively pursues. Regardless, these jobs demonstrate that there are numerous opportunities available to earn a good income and grow your wealth.

The demand is there, so why not take the leap? Whether you're looking for a career change or are seeking a higher income opportunity, explore the jobs that align with your education and experience, including options that pay $110,000+.