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If you're the kind of person who doesn't mind doing the same thing every day when it comes to work, perhaps securing a so-called "boring" job in 2026 will help lower your financial stress. There are plenty of industries looking to hire experienced professionals, offering good pay and stability.
Here's a look at some jobs that pay well over $61 per hour, are in demand, and may offer more than just financial satisfaction.
Editor's note: All salary information sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Computer network architect
Median hourly pay: $62.69
Here's a job in the computer field that can be interesting to those who like solving problems. Computer network architects create plans and layouts for data communication networks. They also present designs to management and customers.
Many of these computer architects have bachelor's degrees in computer-related fields. It's a field that's expected to grow much faster than average (12%) through 2034.
Marketing manager
Median hourly pay: $76.76
Perhaps the idea of working as a manager in the field of marketing seems boring to some people, given the tedious tasks evolving leading a team. However, the job of a marketing manager is one where you can use your creative and business skills to drum up interest in products or services.
This position can earn you around $150,000 yearly, and you'll likely need a bachelor's degree to become a marketing leader. The field is expected to grow faster than average (6%) over the next decade.
Optometrist
Median hourly pay: $64.82
While most optometrists perform the same exam repeatedly, their work can change lives. They diagnose and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Optometrists usually have a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree and a license. The profession is expected to grow much faster than average (8%) through 2034.
Computer and information research scientist
Median hourly pay: $67.74
Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, and other fields.
The boring part is to sit at a desk all day, really. But these professionals typically earn over $140,000 a year and likely need at least a master's degree. The need for these scientists is expected to grow a whopping 20% faster than average over the next 10 years.
Financial managers
Median hourly pay: $77.74
Financial managers create financial reports and develop long-term financial plans for organizations. They often work in banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and other businesses. Financial managers usually hold bachelor's degrees and have field experience. Upside is, this field is expected to grow much faster than average, at a 15% rate, over the next decade.
Software developer
Median hourly pay: $63.20
Software developers create computer applications to allow users to do specific tasks, and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. Developers create diagrams that help programmers write computer code.
It may seem boring, but it's a valuable skill to have, and professionals earn around $130,000 a year without the hassle of moving into management. You may need a bachelor's degree and possibly a master's degree to become a software developer. The need for these developers is expected to grow 15% faster than average over the next 10 years.
Physician assistant
Median hourly pay: $64.07
You may have seen a physician assistant in your doctor's office or at a hospital. Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. It gets boring with the amount of paperwork and charting these professionals are responsible for, but it pays well.
The need for these professionals is expected to grow 20% through 2034, which is much faster than average. These medical experts usually have a master's degree and a license.
Software quality assurance analyst
Median hourly pay: $63.20
Software quality assurance analysts create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for software. They identify project risks and recommend steps to reduce them. It's a methodical job that requires hours of focus in front of the computer.
You typically need a bachelor's degree to become this type of analyst. The need for software quality assurance analysts is expected to grow much faster than average (15%) over the next decade.
Human resources manager
Median hourly pay: $67.32
Put your business and people skills to work as a human resources manager. You may help lead the organization's administrative functions. The endless rules and compliance requirements may make this a bit of a boring job, but the average yearly compensation is close to $150,000.
These managers usually have bachelor's degrees and work their way up to leadership roles. The outlook for them is expected to be strong (5%) through 2034.
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Software tester
Median hourly pay: $63.20
Software testers implement testing, using manual or automated programs, and evaluate results. They document and report defects or issues with software. It may require some patience, spending all day testing programs, but it pays well.
A bachelor's degree and experience may be needed to become this type of tester. The need for software testers is expected to grow much faster than average (15%) over the next 10 years.
Sales manager
Median hourly pay: $66.38
Sales managers project sales and assess the profitability of products and services. They create plans to get new customers. The job can get tedious when it comes to managing the team and resources, but landing new clients can be thrilling.
Sales managers often have bachelor's degrees. The outlook for sales managers is expected to be strong, with a 5% faster than average increase over the next decade.
Bottom line
A so-called "boring" job, whether in tech, finance, or another field, may be the answer to getting ahead financially in 2026. After all, many of these jobs pay more than $61 an hour and are in-demand.
If you're a more experienced worker, remember that many organizations are looking for your expertise to help them find success. Point out any related experience you have while doing applications and interviews for your next job.
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