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8 Jobs Employers Can't Fill Fast Enough That Pay Over $95,000

Employers are desperate for talent in these high-paying fields.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Jessica Gibson

Updated Dec. 20, 2025

If you're tired of needing side hustles that work with a full-time job to boost your bank account, it may be time for a career switch . A mid-career change can be daunting, so it's important to choose a path in demand: one that won't leave you overqualified, underpaid, and regretting your degree.

Several fields are projected to grow through 2034, and these offer the highest-paying opportunities.

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

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Data scientist

Median salary: $112,590

If you love sorting through data and using analytical tools to extract insights, a data scientist position might be the right fit for you. A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level roles, and the field is projected to grow by 34% over the coming years.

Experience and education in mathematics, statistics, or computer science are helpful.

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Medical and health services manager

Median salary: $117,960

It's no secret that there's a severe shortage of healthcare workers, which is expected to continue unless major changes occur. Education requirements for an administrative role can vary, but you'll likely need at least a bachelor's degree and experience in a hospital or healthcare facility.

With job growth of 23% expected within the next 10 years, this field looks to add 142,900 jobs by 2034.

Information security analyst

Median salary: $124,910

Computer system and network security are only increasing in importance as society continues to embrace technology, and a growth of 29% is expected to continue until at least 2034. That translates to about 52,100 job openings by 2034.

Typical requirements for this position include a bachelor's degree in computer science and professional certifications.

Veterinarian

Median salary: $125,510

As a society, we have more non-working pets than ever before in history, which means higher demand for veterinary care. Employment rates for veterinarians are expected to grow 10% through 2034.

If you love animals and want to keep them healthy, you'll need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a state license.

Actuary

Median salary: $125,770

Actuaries analyze economic costs, including risks and uncertainty, by using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. Typically, actuaries work for insurance companies. If you have a strong background in mathematics and business, it may be worth pursuing the required certifications to make the career switch.

This involves a series of exams, but once complete, you'll be eligible to enter a field projected to grow 22% through 2034.

Nurse practitioner

Median salary: $132,050

Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners have been consistently in high demand since the pandemic, and that demand is projected to continue at a 35% rate through 2034. Without new candidates in the field, there could be critical shortages as soon as 2028.

One reason for the shortages is a high barrier to entry: a rigorous academic path to earn a master's degree in an APRN role, followed by a series of required licensure and certifications.

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Physician assistant

Median salary: $133,260

In 2024, there were 162,700 jobs for physician assistants and that's expected to grow 20% through 2034. The position requires a master's degree and state licensure; without changes to make education more accessible, the field could continue the healthcare trend of being perpetually understaffed.

Computer and information research scientist

Median salary: $140,910

If you love pushing tech to its limits and turning breakthroughs into real-world innovations, consider a career in computer and information research science. Most roles require a master's in computer science, though the federal government now allows a bachelor's for some positions.

The field is expected to grow at a rate of 20% through 2034; however, that may be overly optimistic for a field largely focused on forcing generative AI into everything.

Bottom line

The high demand for these $95,000+ jobs isn't because they're undesirable; it's because education and living costs put many qualified candidates out of reach.

Making it easier to access training and degrees could help fill these roles faster and give more people a chance at lucrative careers.

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