10 'Boring' Jobs That Secretly Pay $86,000+ (And Are Desperate for Workers)

While we're often encouraged to chase a "dream" job that's thrilling, creative, and deeply fulfilling, the truth is that a huge part of the economy is built on roles that aren't that flashy. These are the behind-the-scenes jobs that primarily involve spreadsheets, coding, compliance, and logistics, not exactly the most riveting or heart-pounding work.

Still, these roles offer stability, high demand, and generous salaries, which are ideal for people looking to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.

Here are 10 jobs that pay more than $86,000 a year on average and need workers fast.

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

Data scientist

Median annual salary: $112,590

Projected growth rate: 34%

This role involves spending extensive time cleaning messy datasets and debugging code, which can be tedious for some. However, for those who love finding patterns in chaos, it is thrilling and fulfilling.

You typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or math, though a master's is often preferred. With big data now big business for tech companies, this profession is constantly growing.

Information security analyst

Median annual salary: $124,910

Projected growth rate: 29%

As a security analyst, you'll monitor security logs, install firewalls, and write compliance reports, all of which can feel repetitive and bureaucratic. Your daily routine will also include checking for vulnerabilities and documenting breaches.

Despite the repetition, the lack of excitement is actually a good thing, as it means you're doing your job, since this kind of work is critical to protecting organizations. A bachelor's degree and certifications like CISSP are standard to get started. As cyberattacks become more commonplace, this profession is expected to keep growing.

Medical and health services manager

Median annual salary: $117,960

Projected growth rate: 23%

This job focuses on the administrative side of healthcare rather than patient care, which involves navigating complex regulations, managing finances, and scheduling. It is perfect for those who love organization but dislike the extreme and stressful parts of medicine.

You generally need a bachelor's degree in health administration and some experience as an administrator.

Software developer

Median annual salary: $131,450

Projected growth rate: 15%

While big tech companies often romanticize this role, the reality is usually hours of staring at screens, hunting for missing semicolons, and reading dense documentation. It requires intense focus and patience, and you will spend most of your time figuring out issues well beyond regular business hours.

A bachelor's degree in computer science is the standard entry requirement, along with a portfolio of code you've created. Daily life involves writing code, testing functionality, and sitting in meetings.

Actuary

Median annual salary: $125,770

Projected growth rate: 22%

Actuaries live in a world of risk tables, insurance premiums, and mortality statistics, not exactly the most riveting or exciting area for most. However, if you enjoy using math to predict the future, it is a fascinating and fulfilling job.

A bachelor's degree and passing rigorous professional exams are required to become an actuary. A typical day involves compiling statistical data, projecting risk, and designing insurance policies.

Computer research scientist

Median annual salary: $140,910

Projected growth rate: 20%

This is the theoretical side of computer programming, which involves inventing new technology rather than just using it. That means reading academic papers, writing algorithms, conducting slow-moving experiments, and spending a lot of time writing research grants.

A master's degree is typically required. Given the massive demand for new digital technologies, this industry is booming and in need of new employees.

IT manager

Median annual salary: $171,200

Projected growth rate: 15%

As an IT manager, you'll leave the coding behind to handle budgets, personnel, and strategic planning. The work is heavy on meetings and paperwork, so it's not always the most stimulating. Your day involves approving hardware upgrades and negotiating with vendors.

A bachelor's degree and several years of experience in IT or management are required.

Financial manager

Median annual salary: $161,700

Projected growth rate: 15%

This role involves preparing financial statements, overseeing regulatory compliance, and analyzing market trends, tasks that can feel repetitive and report-heavy. However, it is the economic lifeblood of any organization, so you can take solace in the massive impact you'll have on the company.

You typically need a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting, with a master's degree often preferred. A typical day involves reviewing budget reports and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Operations research analyst

Median annual salary: $91,290

Projected growth rate: 21%

As an operations analyst, you'll use advanced mathematical methods to help organizations operate more efficiently. The work is data-heavy and involves constant modeling and optimization, which can be monotonous. Most of your workday will be spent modeling how the company can improve efficiency and reduce overall costs.

You generally need a bachelor's or master's degree in math or business.

Financial examiner

Median annual salary: $90,400

Projected growth rate: 19%

As a financial examiner, you'll work in the background to ensure that banks and other institutions comply with laws and regulations. The work involves reviewing balance sheets and loan documentation, which is highly repetitive. While not the most exciting work, it is essential for the greater economy.

A typical day involves auditing records and writing reports. A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is required.

Bottom line

Jobs like these tend to offer a rare combination of high pay, stability, and leverage: they sit at the intersection of regulation, data, and infrastructure that companies can't operate without. If you're willing to trade daily excitement for consistency and long-term earning power, these roles can help you lower your financial stress while quietly pushing you well past the national median income.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 19 million job openings each year on average from 2024 through 2034, driven mainly by the need to replace workers who retire, change occupations, or exit the workforce, rather than by new job growth.

This means even well-paid, mid-career jobs in fields like analytics, IT, finance, medicine, and operations will continue to have openings because workers leave and must be replaced regularly.