The size of your paycheck is only one thing to consider when you're thinking about the right career for you. Some financially rewarding positions, such as surgeons and air traffic controllers, may need to sacrifice nights and weekends in exchange for being well-compensated.
Fortunately, if your personal time is important to you, there are plenty of high-paying Monday-Friday jobs that can boost your bank account. We'll look at 10 lucrative careers (with an hourly rate of more than $60) where you can usually take Saturdays and Sundays off.
Editor's note: All salary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) unless otherwise stated.
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Compensation and benefits manager
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Median hourly rate: $67.48
Compensation and benefits managers design and oversee an organization's pay structures, incentive programs, and employee benefits. Their responsibilities include analyzing market data to determine appropriate wages, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and selecting partners such as benefits vendors and investment firms.
Typically, compensation and benefits managers work a standard workweek in an office setting, with some crunch time potentially required during benefits enrollment periods. A degree in human resources, business, or finance is useful to become a compensation and benefits manager, as well as past experience in HR roles.
Computer and information research scientist
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Median hourly rate: $67.74
Computer and information research scientists design and develop new computing technologies, algorithms, and software to solve advanced problems in the field of computer science. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, presenting research findings in publications or conferences, and collaborating with other scientists and engineers.
The role of a computer and information research scientist is typically Monday through Friday in an office setting. To enter the field, an advanced degree in computer science or a related discipline (such as computer engineering or information technology) is a requirement.
Podiatrist
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Median hourly rate: $73.46
Podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating people with problems of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They diagnose conditions, perform medical and surgical procedures, prescribe medications, and advise patients on proper foot care.
Most podiatrists work full-time in a medical office or group practice; some may be on call during nights and weekends for emergencies. To become a podiatrist, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree is required, as well as a three-year residency and state licensure.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Architectural and engineering manager
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Median hourly rate: $80.64
Architectural and engineering managers lead teams of architects and engineers to design and oversee building and infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include staffing, forecasting budgets, directing team members' efforts, and coordinating with other departments.
Most architectural and engineering managers work a standard workweek in an office setting, although some overtime may be required when close to deadlines. Becoming an architectural and engineering manager typically requires a degree in architecture, business, or engineering, as well as previous industry experience.
Nuclear engineer
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Median hourly rate: $61.31
Nuclear engineers research, develop, and oversee systems and processes that use nuclear energy or generate nuclear waste. The responsibilities of a nuclear engineer include designing nuclear equipment and instruments, conducting experiments on nuclear material, and monitoring nuclear facilities for safety and compliance.
Most nuclear engineers work full-time, Monday to Friday, in an office setting. To become a nuclear engineer, a degree in nuclear engineering or a related field (such as physics or chemistry) is typically required.


Digital Checking
Judge
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Median hourly rate: $64.98
Judges are legal officials who preside over court proceedings, interpreting laws and evidence and making judgments in civil and criminal cases. Being a judge requires a commitment to impartiality, strong legal knowledge, and the ability to read and evaluate information from many different sources.
The role of a judge is usually full-time in an office and courtroom setting. Most judges work during the day, although some hear cases in the evenings and on the weekends. Becoming a judge requires an advanced law degree and courtroom experience; some judges are elected, while others are appointed.
Medical dosimetrist
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Median hourly rate: $66.40
Medical dosimetrists work with oncologists and medical physicists to develop treatment plans for patients with cancer, delivering doses of radiation during procedures such as chemotherapy. They use specialized software to calculate the precise dose of radiation to administer to patients, ensuring the treatment is safe and accurate.
Typically, medical dosimetrists work full-time on weekdays with a regular work schedule in an office or health care setting. The role typically requires a bachelor's degree as well as accreditation and certification in medical dosimetry.
Political scientist
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Median hourly rate: $67.01
Political scientists study the development and function of political systems, analyzing how governments and societies operate. The work of a political scientist may include conducting surveys, analyzing data, and advising public organizations or private businesses.
Most political scientists work 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, in an office setting. They generally have an advanced degree in political science or a related field, such as public administration or international relations.
Aerospace engineer
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Median hourly rate: $64.82
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missile systems to ensure their safety, performance, and efficiency. Their responsibilities include evaluating product designs, overseeing product manufacture and testing, and ensuring that project goals and standards are satisfied.
Most aerospace engineers work 40 hours per week in an office setting, with some travel required when meeting clients. A degree in aerospace engineering or a related field will be a requirement; some national defense positions will also need a security clearance.
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Physicist
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Median hourly rate: $79.95
Physicists are scientists who study matter, energy, and other fundamental principles of the universe. They may work for the government, universities, or private industry, conducting experiments and developing theories and models that they present via publications or lectures.
Most physicists work a standard full-time week in offices or research labs, although some travel may be required (e.g., to observatories or conferences). Entry-level physicist jobs will need a bachelor's in physics or a related field, while more advanced positions will require a graduate degree.
Bottom line
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Finding the right career is about balancing financial security with the life you want to live. These well-paid, weekday-only jobs show that you don't always have to trade your free time to stop living paycheck to paycheck.
By selecting the job that fits your skills and personality, you can build a career that supports both your bank account and your personal well-being.
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