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14 ‘Boring’ Jobs That Secretly Pay $55+ an Hour (And Are Desperate for Workers)

Fields like computer science and business are looking great for professionals.

By Chris Adam

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Feb. 4, 2026

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Securing a job that pays well and is in-demand could help you get ahead financially. Sometimes the work that others consider "boring" may bring you fulfillment.

Here's a look at some of those jobs that pay at least $55 an hour and are expected to grow faster than average over the next several years.

Editor's note: All salary information sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Actuary

Median hourly pay: $60.47

The work of actuaries is essential to the insurance industry. These professionals analyze the financial cost of risk and uncertainty.

You typically need a bachelor's degree and certification to become an actuary. In terms of career prospects, actuary employment is projected to grow well above the average rate, increasing by 22% through 2034.

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Medical manager

Median hourly pay: $56.71

Medical and health services managers plan and direct the business activities of health care providers. You may find them in hospitals and nursing homes.

These professionals usually have bachelor's degrees. The field is expected to grow 23% through 2034, which is much faster than average.

Software quality assurance analyst

Median hourly pay: $63.20

Your work as a software quality assurance analyst could help in the design of programs to meet the needs of users. A bachelor's degree is generally required to enter this field.

Demand for software quality assurance analysts is projected to grow significantly faster than average, increasing by 15% over the next decade.

Computer network architect

Median hourly pay: $62.69

Being a computer network architect means designing and implementing data communication networks. Many of these professionals have bachelor's degrees in computer-related fields.

Speaking of fields, this is one that's slated to grow by 12% through 2034.

Public relations manager

Median hourly pay: $63.88

You may enjoy being a public relations manager if you like working with people. You could help direct the creation of materials that enhance the public image of their employer or client.

A bachelor's degree and work experience are helpful for finding work in this field, which is expected to grow faster than average (5%) through 2034.

Computer and information research scientist

Median hourly pay: $67.74

Here's a scientist job that's in-demand and pays well. Being a computer and information research scientist could involve designing innovative uses for computer technology.

You may need a bachelor's degree or potentially more advanced degrees to enter this field. The need for these professionals is expected to grow 20%, which is much faster than average, through 2034.

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Training and development manager

Median hourly pay: $61.10

You could think of the work of a training and development manager as similar to that of a teacher. In this case, however, you'll likely work in an industry and oversee training program, staff, and budgets for other workers.

Many of these managers have bachelor's and master's degrees, along with related experience in industry. Demand for these roles is expected to grow faster than average, increasing by 6% over the next decade.

Aerospace engineer

Median hourly pay: $64.82

If you had a dream as a child of becoming an astronaut, perhaps working as an aerospace engineer could satisfy that desire. These engineers design, develop, and test aircraft and other equipment.

A bachelor's degree could open up lots of opportunities as an aerospace engineer. Demand for these engineers is projected to remain strong, with employment growth of 6% through 2034.

Sales manager

Median hourly pay: $66.38

Sales managers plan, direct, or coordinate the delivery of a product or service to the customer. They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs.

Sales managers often have bachelor's degrees and experience in the field. The job outlook for sales managers is expected to remain strong, with projected growth of 5% over the next decade.

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Human resources manager

Median hourly pay: $67.32

If you're interested in acting as a bridge between an organization's leadership and its workforce, a career as a human resources manager may appeal to you. In this role, you would plan, coordinate, and oversee the organization's administrative and personnel functions.

Many human resources managers hold bachelor's degrees and advance into leadership positions through experience. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 5% through 2034, indicating a strong job outlook.

Computer hardware engineer

Median hourly pay: $74.53

You may have an interest in working on new devices that have internet-ready computer systems built into them. Many hardware engineers design such devices used in manufactured goods.

These engineers usually have bachelor's degrees. Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to increase by 7% over the next decade.

Sales engineer

Median hourly pay: $58.42

Sales engineers combine technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills. They sell business products or services that require technical expertise.

These engineers typically hold bachelor's degrees, and employment in this field is projected to grow faster than average by 5% over the next decade.

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Financial manager

Median hourly pay: $77.74

Careers in finance often offer strong earning potential. Financial managers prepare financial reports, oversee investment activities, and develop strategies to support an organization's long-term financial health.

You could find work in banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and other businesses. The field is expected to grow 15% over the next decade.

Marketing manager

Median hourly pay: $76.76

Working as a marketing manager may require creative and business skills. They plan programs to generate interest in products or services.

A bachelor's degree may help in securing work in this role, which is expected to grow faster than average (6%) over the next decade.

Bottom line

Now may be the year to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. You could do that by securing a "boring" in-demand job that pays well.

In terms of the fastest-growing jobs, many of them are in the health care, computer, and business fields. These might be good places to start looking.

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