A boring job can be draining, no matter how well it might pay. Suddenly, all the days blur into each other, and you're left wishing for something more exciting to spend your working hours doing.
If you're ready to find a career that challenges you, and helps you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, you're in luck. There are plenty of high-paying jobs that offer plenty of stimulation and excitement, so you don't feel like a drone tied to your desk all day.
Here are 10 exciting jobs that pay an average of $90,000 or more per year.
Editor's note: All data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) unless otherwise noted.
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Elevator and escalator installer and repairer
Median annual salary: $106,580
If you're a hands-on person who loves solving puzzles, this is a great job for you. Escalators and elevators are two finicky pieces of machinery that people rely on daily. There are so many mechanical parts that need to be replaced, so you'll never have a dull moment or be out of work.
You'll start as an apprentice as you learn the ropes, but you can advance to an expert level in just a few years. This job is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade, so there's plenty of stability there.
Information security analyst (cybersecurity)
Median annual salary: $124,910
As the world of artificial intelligence and computer connectivity booms, more and more threats to critical systems emerge. Hackers are using the latest technology to break into secured systems, so becoming a cybersecurity analyst would put you on the front lines of this new technological battle.
There are plenty of accredited certificate programs you can take to get up to speed with IT and cybersecurity. There's a pressing need for professionals, as the industry is projected to grow by a whopping 29% over the next decade.
Construction manager
Median annual salary: $106,980
Managing the ins and outs of big construction projects will keep you constantly on your toes. Given the vast amounts of undeveloped land across the country, there's a growing need for more managers to help with construction projects.
If you have prior management experience in a different field, you can transfer it into this new role. The profession is expected to grow by 9% over the next 10 years, so you'll have plenty of projects to work on.
Speech-language pathologist
Median annual salary: $95,410
If you enjoy helping people recover from brain injuries and helping children speak better, this could be a great job. An SLP helps individuals with speech and swallowing issues, and the population can range from kids to the elderly.
You'll need a master's degree and a state licensure, but there's a lot of growth potential in the industry. SLPs are expected to grow by 15% over the next decade, making it a great position for a mid-career shift.
Occupational therapist
Median annual salary: $98,340
In this role, you'll work with people recovering or adjusting to life after a significant injury. The main goal is to help restore basic functioning and get them back to meaningful daily life, whether that's returning to work or living at home without assistance.
This is a high-impact role that's expected to grow by 14% over the next decade. You'll need to obtain a master's degree and state licensure, but given the growth potential and the hands-on nature of the job, it's definitely worth the extra schooling.
Nurse practitioner
Median annual salary: $132,050
As a nurse practitioner or NP, you'll help coordinate care for your patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals to rehab centers to homes. This is an impactful and important job, especially in larger metro areas and areas with an aging population.
You'll need to complete nursing school and pass the state licensure exam, but if you already have a healthcare background, it can be a pretty smooth transition. There's significant demand and growth opportunities in this profession as the BLS projects 35% growth over the next decade.
Physical therapist
Median annual salary: $101,020
Physical therapists help patients recover from injury and surgery to regain mobility, strength, and function. This is another impactful job where you get to work hands-on with patients and guide them through their health journey.
A master's degree is required, but this profession is expected to grow by 11% over the next decade, far above the national average.
Marketing manager
Median annual salary: $159,660
This is one of the more creative roles on the list, and for good reason. As a marketer, you'll dig into the fine details of your ad and promotional campaigns as you create content that will drive interest and increase sales.
If you already have a background in promotion or marketing, making the switch to management isn't too much of a reach. The profession has an expected growth rate of 6%, which is faster than the national average, so there will be plenty of opportunities for you if you decide to get into the industry.
Airline pilot
Median annual salary: $198,100
Few jobs will give you the level of excitement as being a commercial pilot. There's a significant barrier to entry in terms of getting your pilot's license, but after that, you've got a world of possibilities that open up.
As air travel continues to grow, there is a growing need for pilots, so the BLS projects the profession will increase by 4% by 2034.
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Power line technician
Median annual salary: $92,560
If you're not afraid of heights and you love the outdoors, becoming a power line worker is a great career shift. You'll repair and install various types of power equipment, and there's a growing need for new workers as older ones retire.
The projected growth rate is 7%, so there's strong demand for new technicians.
Bottom line
While some high-paying jobs can leave you counting the hours until quitting time, these roles keep you mentally and physically engaged, whether you're helping patients heal, leading major projects, or keeping vital systems running. Many of these paths offer both financial security and a sense of purpose, helping you lower your financial stress while building a more fulfilling career.
According to the BLS, total employment in the U.S. is projected to increase by 5.2 million jobs from 2025 to 2034. However, those openings will not be evenly distributed across the entire job market, so it's important to land a job in a sector with high growth potential.
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