10 Jobs Employers Can’t Fill Fast Enough That Pay Over $90,000

Did you know that nearly three in five Americans are behind on their retirement savings? More than one-third of working Americans expect to need $1 million or more to live comfortably in retirement. However, only 50% think they'll reach their retirement savings goal, according to a study by Bankrate. While there are several possible strategies to build wealth, making more income helps maximize them.

Ready to take control of your finances, starting with your annual pay? While a mid-career change can be a stressful thought, know that there are high-demand jobs paying over $90,000. With the right education or skill set, you can secure a position that helps set you up for a successful retirement, starting with these 10 options.

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

Financial examiner

Median annual salary: $90,400

Financial examiners ensure compliance, review balance sheets, assess loan risks, and prepare reports. While many financial examiners hold a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, entry-level examiners can enter the workforce and obtain training from senior examiners.

What's even more attractive is that the demand is high. Employment of financial examiners is projected to grow 19% from 2024 to 2034. The financial industry, in particular, will continue hiring to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Operations research analyst

Median annual salary: $91,290

Can you envision yourself identifying issues in fields such as business, logistics, or health care, and then proposing solutions? If you have strong analytical, communication, critical-thinking, math, and problem-solving skills, becoming an operations research analyst may be a good fit for you.

From 2024 to 2034, around 24,100 openings are projected, representing a 21% growth in employment. With the advancement of technology, companies and government agencies will seek cost savings and efficiency, driving demand for operations research analysis.

Speech-language pathologist

Median annual salary: $95,410

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders that influence speech sound and fluency issues. You could work in schools, hospitals, or private practices.

If you already have a bachelor's in linguistics, psychology, English, education, or a related field, you can then earn your master's degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders (CSD). This additional education would be worth it, as employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade or so.

Personal financial advisor

Median annual salary: $102,140

Do you have a background in finance, accounting, or economics? Then why not take the additional steps to become a licensed financial advisor? Internships and on-the-job training are both possible avenues when first starting out. However, you can also work toward self-employment.

Considering there will be around 31,200 openings from 2024 to 2034, representing 10% growth, the odds of finding a job after any necessary certification are high.

Computer systems analyst

Median annual salary: $103,790

Are you interested in computer systems and capable of designing ways to improve them? If so, you could make a good living helping organizations operate more efficiently.

Although many current computer system analysts hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology, that is not always a requirement. You can acquire both technical and soft skills through certification programs and alternative educational opportunities. There are numerous entry-level roles and apprenticeships available, which support a strong job outlook.

Statistician

Median annual salary: $104,350

Another opportunity for problem solvers who enjoy analyzing data, statisticians apply mathematical theories and techniques to create solutions in various fields, including business and engineering.

While obtaining a master's isn't uncommon, positions are available to those with a bachelor's degree. Key skills include mathematical knowledge, computer and IT skills, analytical skills, and effective communication. If that sounds like a good fit for you, overall employment is projected to grow 8% by 2034.

Data scientist

Median annual salary: $112,590

Are you confident in your ability to use analytical tools to extract insights from data, or are you interested in taking the steps to learn how? If you're someone who has a bachelor's degree or experience in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field, you may find it easy to enter this occupation.

Based on projected employment growth of 34%, demand is expected to remain high for the next decade and possibly longer. As the volume of data increases across organizations, so will the need to hire data scientists.

Information security analyst

Median annual salary: $124,910

Are you interested in planning and implementing security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems? Do you have experience developing disaster recovery plans, or are you interested in the latest trends in IT security?

Becoming an information security analyst could be your ticket to a high-demand, high-income job. This position may not even require a degree, as a strong combination of relevant certifications and practical skills could get you hired for ongoing on-the-job experience. Considering employment is projected to grow by 29% from 2024 to 2034, there will be numerous positions to fill.

Actuary

Median annual salary: $125,770

Think you have what it takes to analyze the financial costs of risks and uncertainty? Would you enjoy helping businesses develop policies that would reduce the cost of those risks? If yes, then the ability to earn over $125,000 a year is an added bonus.

For those with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, the next step is to pass the necessary exams and gain practical experience. Secure an entry-level position, gain on-the-job training, and continuously advance your career.

Employment is anticipated to grow 22% for those seeking a career as an actuary, offering plenty of opportunities to land an entry-level job and quickly work your way up.

Computer network architect

Median annual salary: $130,390

Does the thought of designing and implementing data communication networks, like Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs), excite you? If you already have a bachelor's degree or background in information technology or computer science, becoming a computer network architect could be enjoyable and lucrative.

With an average of 11,200 projected openings for computer network architects each year until 2034, why not take the leap?

Bottom line

These jobs are some of the options available to you if you want to get ahead financially. Employment growth is expected to continue across various fields and industries, often driven by technological advancements and economic expansion. Certain skills will remain critical moving forward, with two-fifths of existing workers' skill sets becoming outdated over the 2025 to 2030 period, according to the World Economic Forum.

If you are planning to transition to a new career, it is essential to research hiring trends, focusing on the skills and positions that are in high demand. As you earn more money, make it work for you so that you can retire comfortably with $1 million.