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18 Types of Jobs With 6-Figure Salaries (Top-Paying Careers)

Last Updated on August 3, 2026 by Status.net Editorial Team

Table of Contents

Many job seekers aim for that magic $100,000+ income level to achieve financial stability and career satisfaction. This article breaks down jobs that pay six figures across different industries, helping you identify potential career paths that match your skills and interests. Exploring these lucrative career options can open new possibilities for your professional journey.

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Part 1What Is a Six-Figure Salary?

A six-figure salary means earning $100,000 or more per year before taxes. This amount falls between $100,000 and $999,999 annually.

Many people consider six-figure salaries a sign of financial success. These income levels often allow for more comfortable living, better savings opportunities, and greater financial freedom.

When comparing job offers with six-figure potential, you might want to consider the total compensation package, including benefits, retirement plans, and work-life balance.

Six-figure salaries span a wide range, and where your pay lands within that range changes what the number actually buys you day to day.

  • Low six figures: $100,000 to $300,000 a year. Most six-figure jobs, including many nurse practitioner, engineering, and mid-level management roles, fall in this band.
  • Mid six figures: $300,000 to $600,000 a year. This range is common among physicians, senior attorneys, and experienced finance executives.
  • High six figures: $600,000 to $999,999 a year. Surgeons, top investment bankers, and senior corporate executives often land here.

Breaking $100,000 down by pay period helps put the number in more familiar terms:

  • Monthly: about $8,333
  • Weekly: about $1,923
  • Hourly (based on a standard 40-hour workweek): about $48

If you are trying to place a six-figure income in context against other income brackets, seeing the full sequence side by side helps:

  • Four figures: $1,000 to $9,999, often a monthly paycheck rather than an annual one
  • Five figures: $10,000 to $99,999, typical for entry-level, part-time, or early-career work
  • Six figures: $100,000 to $999,999, the range covered throughout this article
  • Seven figures: $1,000,000 to $9,999,999, common among senior executives, established business owners, and top-tier specialists
  • Eight figures: $10,000,000 to $99,999,999, generally reserved for company founders, top athletes, and major equity holders

A six-digit salary and a six-figure salary describe the same thing. Both refer to a number written with six digits before the decimal point, anywhere from 100,000 through 999,999.

Jobs With 6-Figure Salaries

Part 2Healthcare and Medical Professions

1. Physician and Surgeon Roles

Physicians diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatments for patients. They work in hospitals, private practices, or specialized clinics.

A typical day involves examining patients, ordering tests, reviewing results, and creating treatment plans.

Surgeons perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. Their workday includes pre-operative assessments, surgical procedures, and post-operative care.

Both roles require completing medical school (4 years) after undergraduate education, followed by residency (3-7 years). Some specialize further through fellowships.

Income varies by specialty:

  • Neurosurgeons: $615,000-$750,000
  • Orthopedic surgeons: $500,000-$650,000
  • Cardiologists: $430,000-$550,000
  • Family physicians: $230,000-$270,000

These professionals must maintain licenses through continuing education and board certifications.

2. Dentistry Opportunities

Dentists maintain oral health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of teeth and gum conditions. They examine patients, fill cavities, extract teeth, and fit dental appliances.

A typical day includes seeing multiple patients for cleanings, fillings, and consultations. Many dentists own their practices, adding business management to their responsibilities.

  • General dentists earn between $160,000-$210,000 annually. Specialists command higher salaries:
  • Orthodontists straighten teeth using braces and aligners, earning $250,000-$300,000.
  • Oral surgeons perform complex procedures including wisdom teeth removal and jaw surgery, earning $300,000-$400,000.
  • Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy and typically earn $250,000-$330,000.

3. Pharmacy Careers

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide guidance on proper usage. They check for dangerous drug interactions, counsel patients, and ensure proper dosing.

Their daily work involves filling prescriptions, consulting with patients and physicians, and managing inventory.

The path to becoming a pharmacist includes:

  1. Pre-pharmacy education (2-3 years)
  2. Doctor of Pharmacy degree (4 years)
  3. State licensing exams
  • Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals, collaborating with medical teams on complex medication regimens. They earn $120,000-$150,000.
  • Retail pharmacists manage community drugstores, earning $125,000-$145,000.
  • Pharmaceutical industry roles can pay $150,000-$200,000 for pharmacists working in research, development, or as medical science liaisons.

The field offers good work-life balance compared to many medical professions, making it attractive despite requiring 6-8 years of education.

4. Specialized Nursing and Medical Fields

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia during surgical procedures. Their daily work involves patient assessment, anesthesia planning, and monitoring.

CRNAs earn $175,000-$215,000 after completing a master’s or doctorate program and specialized certification.

  • Nurse Practitioners diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. They typically earn $110,000-$145,000. The role requires a master’s degree and certification.
  • Physician Assistants perform many physician duties under supervision. Their workday includes examining patients, ordering tests, and developing treatment plans. PAs earn $110,000-$130,000 after completing a master’s program (2-3 years).
  • Medical Directors oversee clinical operations in hospitals or healthcare organizations. They earn $250,000-$350,000 but must have significant clinical experience plus administrative skills.

Speech pathologists can reach six figures in specialized settings after earning a master’s degree and certification.

Part 3Technology, Data, and Engineering Jobs

5. Data Science and Machine Learning

Data Scientist positions blend statistics, programming, and business knowledge. These professionals analyze complex datasets to find patterns and help companies make better decisions.

Daily tasks include cleaning data, building predictive models, and presenting findings to stakeholders. You might spend mornings coding in Python or R and afternoons in meetings explaining your insights.

Most data scientists earn between $110,000-$160,000 annually, with higher salaries in finance and tech hubs like San Francisco.

To become one, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics. Many employers prefer master’s degrees. The learning path typically takes 2-4 years of education plus 1-2 years gaining experience.

Machine Learning Engineers focus on building AI systems. They create algorithms that improve automatically through experience.

Their work involves developing and testing models, fine-tuning parameters, and implementing solutions. Salaries range from $115,000-$175,000.

6. Software Engineering and Development

Software Engineers design and build computer programs and applications. They solve complex problems through code.

A typical day involves writing code, testing solutions, and collaborating with team members. Senior engineers also mentor junior staff and make architecture decisions.

Salaries start around $100,000 and can exceed $200,000 at major tech companies. Experience and location significantly impact pay.

The path to this career usually requires a computer science degree and continuous learning of new programming languages and frameworks. Many engineers also build personal projects to demonstrate skills.

DevOps Engineers bridge development and operations teams. They automate processes and ensure smooth deployment of software.

These professionals earn $115,000-$140,000 on average. The role requires understanding both software development and system administration.

Full-Stack Developers work on both front-end (what users see) and back-end (how it works) elements of applications.

Their versatility commands salaries of $100,000-$135,000.

7. Information Security and IT Management

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems from threats. They monitor networks, investigate breaches, and develop security plans.

Daily responsibilities include reviewing security logs, testing for vulnerabilities, and updating protection systems. You might spend time researching new threats and solutions.

With cybersecurity concerns growing, these professionals earn $105,000-$150,000, with top specialists making more.

Becoming one typically requires a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or computer science plus certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+. The journey takes about 3-5 years.

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IT Directors manage technology departments and strategies. They lead teams, budget resources, and plan future technology needs.

With significant responsibility, these roles pay $125,000-$190,000. The position usually requires 8-10 years of progressive IT experience and strong leadership skills.

Cloud Architects design and implement cloud computing strategies.

As more companies move to the cloud, demand has increased, pushing salaries to $120,000-$160,000.

Part 4Business, Finance, and Legal Careers

8. Executive and Leadership Positions

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – The highest-ranking executive who makes major corporate decisions and manages overall operations.

CEOs earn between $60,000 and $20 million annually, depending on company size, industry, and performance. (The median pay nationally sits around $190,000 and specifically for S&P 500 CEOs the median pay is around $15.7 million).

A CEO’s day involves strategic meetings, reviewing performance metrics, and communicating with stakeholders. They’re responsible for company performance and long-term strategy.

To become a CEO, you need a bachelor’s degree in business or related field, with many having MBAs. Most CEOs work 10-15+ years in progressively responsible positions before reaching this level.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Oversees all financial operations including reporting, investments, and risk management.

CFOs typically earn $150,000-$500,000 annually.

CFOs spend their days analyzing financial data, working on forecasts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The path requires a finance or accounting degree, often with CPA certification, and 8-12 years of experience.

9. Finance, Investment, and Analysis Roles

Investment Banker – Helps companies and governments raise capital through issuing securities.

Entry-level associates earn $100,000-$150,000, while managing directors can make $500,000+.

Investment bankers analyze markets, prepare financial models, and advise clients on transactions. Their days are filled with client meetings, financial analysis, and deal structuring.

You might need a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or mathematics, with top performers often holding MBAs from prestigious schools. The path typically requires 3-5 years of intense work.

Financial Manager – Directs investment activities and develops strategies for long-term financial goals.

These professionals earn $120,000-$200,000 depending on industry and location.

Daily tasks include preparing financial statements, forecasting, and supervising finance staff. This role requires a finance or accounting degree plus 5+ years of experience.

Professional certifications can accelerate a finance career considerably. Credentials such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), and ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) signal advanced expertise and often open the door to senior analyst, portfolio management, or controller roles that pay well into six figures. Commerce graduates who add one of these credentials to a finance or accounting degree tend to reach six-figure pay faster than those relying on a degree alone.

10. Lawyers and Legal Advisors

Corporate Attorney – Handles legal matters for businesses including contracts, compliance, and litigation.

Corporate lawyers earn $120,000-$250,000 at mid-career.

These professionals review legal documents, negotiate deals, and advise on regulations. A typical day involves client meetings, document drafting, and research.

The path requires a bachelor’s degree, law school (3 years), and passing the bar exam. Specialization in business law is common.

Patent Attorney – Specializes in intellectual property law and patent applications.

These specialized lawyers earn $150,000-$300,000 annually.

Patent attorneys typically have technical backgrounds plus law degrees. Their work includes patent searches, application drafting, and representing clients in disputes. Attorneys who combine a life sciences background with a law degree, such as those handling biotech patent work, often command salaries at the higher end of this range because of how rare that combination of technical and legal expertise is.

Part 5STEM and Architecture Fields

11. Architectural and Engineering Roles

  • Architect – Professionals who design buildings and structures while considering aesthetics, safety, and functionality. An architect’s day involves creating drawings, consulting with clients, and visiting construction sites. Most earn $100,000-$150,000 annually, with experienced principals making $200,000+.
  • Structural Engineer – These specialists ensure buildings can withstand environmental forces. They spend time calculating load requirements, designing support systems, and reviewing plans. Typical income ranges from $110,000-$160,000 in metropolitan areas.
  • Petroleum Engineer – These engineers develop methods for extracting oil and gas. Daily work includes analyzing reservoir data and optimizing drilling procedures. With a bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years of experience, many earn $130,000-$200,000.

The path to these careers typically requires a bachelor’s degree, professional licensure, and 4-6 years of training.

12. Research Scientists

  • Biotechnology Researcher – Scientists who develop new medical treatments, pharmaceuticals, or agricultural innovations. They conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and publish findings. Senior researchers at pharmaceutical companies can earn $120,000-$180,000.
  • Data Scientist – These experts analyze complex datasets to identify patterns and develop solutions. Their workday involves programming, statistical analysis, and presenting findings to stakeholders. With a master’s degree, data scientists commonly earn $110,000-$170,000.
  • Quantum Computing Researcher – Specialists developing next-generation computing technologies. Daily tasks include conducting experiments, creating algorithms, and building prototypes. Those with PhDs working at major tech companies can earn $150,000-$250,000.

Most research positions require at least a master’s degree, with leading roles demanding PhDs and specialized knowledge in rapidly evolving fields.

Part 6Skilled Trades and Specialized Professions

13. Aviation and Airline Pilots

Airline pilots operate aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. They perform pre-flight inspections, navigate planes during takeoff and landing, and monitor systems throughout flights.

A typical workday involves checking weather reports, filing flight plans, and communicating with air traffic control. Pilots might spend 75-80 hours a month flying, with additional time for preparation and paperwork.

Commercial airline captains earn $121,000-$220,000 annually, with senior captains at major airlines making over $300,000.

To become a pilot, you need:

  • Commercial pilot’s license
  • Airline Transport Pilot certification
  • FAA medical certificate
  • 1,500 flight hours minimum

Training typically takes 2-5 years and costs $80,000-$150,000, though military training offers an alternative path.

14. Construction Management

Construction managers oversee building projects from planning to completion. They coordinate workers, manage budgets, and ensure projects meet code requirements and deadlines.

Daily activities include reviewing blueprints, meeting with clients, scheduling subcontractors, and solving on-site problems. Managers often split time between offices and construction sites.

Experienced construction managers earn $100,000-$170,000 yearly, with top professionals in commercial or industrial projects making over $200,000.

The path to this career includes:

  • Bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering (though some succeed with just experience)
  • 3-5 years of construction experience
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification

Many successful construction managers start as carpenters, electricians, or other trades workers before advancing to management positions.

Part 7Real Estate and Community-Focused Careers

15. Real Estate Agents, Brokers, and Developers

Real estate professionals help clients buy, sell, lease, and develop property. Agents work directly with buyers and sellers, brokers manage agents and larger transactions, and developers plan and finance new construction or renovation projects.

A typical day for an agent includes showing properties, negotiating offers, and coordinating with lenders, inspectors, and attorneys to close deals.

  • Real estate agents earn primarily through commission, and annual income varies enormously by market and sales volume. Agents who close several transactions a month in higher-priced markets can reach six figures within a few years of building a client base.
  • Real estate brokers, who hold additional licensing and often manage a team of agents, commonly earn $100,000-$200,000 once their brokerage is established.
  • Real estate developers oversee land acquisition, financing, and construction of new projects. Successful developers, particularly those who retain an ownership stake in completed properties, can earn well beyond six figures, though the role carries significant financial risk.

Most states require only a pre-licensing course and a passing exam to become an agent, not a college degree. Income at this level depends heavily on local market conditions, personal sales skill, and the strength of a professional network, which makes real estate one of the more variable paths to a six-figure income.

16. Public Health and Pediatric Care Careers

Public health professionals work to prevent disease and improve health outcomes across entire populations, and careers focused on children combine clinical, educational, and administrative work.

  • Public health directors and consultants plan and evaluate health programs for government agencies, hospital systems, or nonprofits. Senior directors, particularly those overseeing large county or state programs, often earn $100,000-$160,000.
  • Epidemiologists track disease patterns and outbreaks. Senior epidemiologists in government or pharmaceutical settings can reach six figures with a master’s degree and several years of experience.
  • Occupational therapists help patients, including children with developmental delays, build or regain the skills needed for daily living. Experienced occupational therapists, particularly those in specialized pediatric or hospital settings, can earn close to or above $100,000.
  • Pediatric specialists, including pediatric nurse practitioners and child psychologists in private practice, can also reach six figures, though typically after several years of building a caseload or client base.
  • School district administrators, such as principals and superintendents who work directly with children’s education, regularly earn six figures, with superintendents in larger districts often earning well above $150,000.
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Most of these roles require at least a master’s degree, and the pediatric and school-based paths often involve additional state certification.

Part 8Environmental, Life Science, and Forensic Careers

17. Environmental and Agricultural Science Jobs

These careers apply biology, chemistry, and earth science to real-world problems in land use, food production, and conservation.

  • Wildlife biologists study animal populations and habitats. Entry-level pay is modest, but senior biologists leading federal or state conservation programs, or those working in environmental consulting for energy and infrastructure projects, can reach six figures.
  • Agronomists advise farms and agribusinesses on crop production, soil health, and yield optimization. Agronomists working for large agricultural companies or in technical sales roles for seed and equipment manufacturers can reach six figures.
  • Environmental scientists and consultants who specialize in regulatory compliance for energy, construction, or manufacturing companies often earn well into six figures at the senior level.
  • Exercise scientists and kinesiologists who move into hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation leadership, professional sports performance roles, or corporate wellness program management can also reach six figures, though many entry-level kinesiology roles pay considerably less until additional certification or a graduate degree is added.
  • Neuroscience researchers with a PhD who move into pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, or academic leadership roles frequently earn six figures, particularly outside of early-career postdoctoral positions.

Bioinformatics specialists, who combine biology with data analysis to interpret genetic and clinical data, represent an increasingly well-paid life science path and often reach six figures with a master’s degree and strong programming skills.

18. Forensic Pathology and Diagnostic Medicine

Forensic pathologists, sometimes called medical examiners, determine the cause and manner of death through autopsy and laboratory analysis. They work for medical examiner’s offices, coroner systems, and hospitals.

Forensic pathologists complete medical school, a residency in anatomic pathology, and a forensic pathology fellowship. Salaries commonly range from $150,000 to over $300,000 depending on jurisdiction and caseload.

  • Medical examiners in government roles often earn $150,000-$250,000, with variation based on the size and budget of the jurisdiction they serve.
  • Dosimetrists calculate and plan radiation doses for cancer treatment in partnership with radiation oncologists. The role typically requires a certificate or master’s degree after a science background, and experienced dosimetrists often earn $120,000-$170,000.

Both paths involve close attention to detail and high-stakes decision-making, which helps explain the strong compensation relative to the length of required training compared to other physician specialties.

Part 9Education and Degree Requirements for Six-Figure Positions

Bachelor’s Degree Careers

Several six-figure careers require only a bachelor’s degree as the entry-level credential. These include:

  • Software Engineering – Computer science or related degree can lead to $105,000-$150,000 salaries
  • Sales Engineering – Technical degree plus people skills can earn $110,000-$160,000
  • Digital Marketing Manager – Marketing degree with technical skills can reach $100,000-$130,000
  • Financial Advisor – Finance degree can grow to $100,000+ with experience and client portfolio

Some companies value experience over education. For example, skilled web developers without formal degrees might earn six figures if they demonstrate exceptional coding abilities and maintain a strong portfolio.

A handful of majors that are not obviously connected to high pay can still lead to six figures with the right specialization:

  • Economics graduates often move into actuarial work, financial analysis, or management consulting, where senior roles regularly clear $100,000.
  • Political science graduates who move into policy analysis, government relations, or lobbying can reach six figures at the senior level, particularly in Washington, D.C. and state capitals.
  • Criminal justice graduates who advance into federal law enforcement, corrections administration, or compliance investigation roles can also reach six figures after several years of experience and additional certification.

Advanced Degree Pathways

Higher-paying positions often demand graduate-level education:

  • Medical Doctor – Requires MD and residency, earning $200,000-$400,000+
  • Attorney – JD plus bar passage leads to $120,000-$200,000 at established firms
  • Pharmacist – PharmD qualification yields $120,000-$150,000
  • Data Scientist – Master’s or PhD can command $120,000-$170,000

Careers Without a Four-Year Degree

Not every six-figure career requires a bachelor’s degree. Some of the highest-paying options for people without a four-year degree combine a license, an apprenticeship, or a highly specific technical certification instead.

  • Real estate agents and brokers typically need only a state license and a passed licensing exam, not a college degree, and top producers regularly clear six figures through commission.
  • Dental hygienists generally complete a two-year associate degree and can earn well into the high five figures or low six figures in high-demand markets.
  • Radiologic and MRI technologists often enter the field with an associate degree and can reach six figures with enough overtime, certifications, or supervisory responsibility.
  • Elevator installers and repairers complete a paid apprenticeship rather than a degree and are among the highest-paid trades, often reaching six figures once fully licensed.
  • Air traffic controllers train through the FAA Academy rather than a traditional four-year program and can earn six figures within a few years of certification.
  • Oil rig and offshore energy workers in specialized roles, such as derrickhands or rig operators, can also reach six figures, particularly with hazard pay and overtime, though the work is physically demanding and often involves extended time away from home.

Information technology offers a similar path. IT specialists who stack vendor certifications, such as CompTIA, Cisco’s CCNA, or cloud provider credentials, can reach six figures in systems administration or network engineering roles without a four-year degree, particularly once they take on senior or specialist titles.

Part 10Job Market Demand for High Earners

The demand for high-paying jobs continues to grow across multiple industries.

  • Technology remains a leading field for high earners. Software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists are particularly sought after, with companies competing for top talent.
  • Healthcare professionals also command significant salaries. Physicians, specialized nurse practitioners, and hospital administrators typically earn well above $100,000 annually.
  • Finance presents numerous opportunities for substantial compensation. Investment bankers, financial managers, and fund analysts enjoy strong demand, especially in major financial centers.

The shift to remote work has expanded geographic opportunities. Many high-paying roles no longer require living in expensive metropolitan areas, allowing professionals to maximize their earnings.

Industries experiencing the fastest growth in six-figure positions include:

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Renewable energy development
  • Healthcare technology integration
  • Specialized legal services
  • Executive-level management

Companies increasingly offer additional benefits beyond base salary. Stock options, performance bonuses, and comprehensive healthcare packages often accompany these high-paying positions.

Small and mid-sized companies now compete with larger corporations for specialized talent, driving salaries higher across most professional fields.

Where you work changes what a six-figure salary buys, and it also changes how many six-figure jobs exist in the first place.

  • States with large energy, tech, or finance sectors, such as Texas, California, and New York, tend to post a higher concentration of six-figure openings, though the cost of living in those markets often rises to match.
  • Countries with a lower cost of living can offer six-figure-equivalent purchasing power at a lower stated salary, which is part of why “highest paying jobs” lists look different depending on which country is being compared.
  • Large technology companies, management consulting firms, and investment banks tend to employ a higher share of six-figure earners than the average employer, largely because of the specialized skills and long hours those roles demand.
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Part 11Strategies for Landing a Six-Figure Job

Reaching six figures often has less to do with luck and more to do with deliberate positioning over several years.

  • Target industries known for paying more for the same underlying skill set. A marketing role at a software company, for example, often pays more than the same title at a retailer.
  • Stack a professional certification on top of your degree. Credentials like CFA, PMP, CISSP, or a cloud certification often move salary bands up without requiring a second degree.
  • Negotiate at the offer stage rather than after accepting. Employers generally expect a counteroffer, and the first number they present is rarely their final one.
  • Consider relocation or a remote role tied to a higher-paying regional or national salary band, particularly if your current market has a lower cost of living and correspondingly lower pay scales.
  • Build a visible portfolio or track record, whether through client results, published work, or measurable business outcomes, since six-figure offers usually go to candidates who can prove impact, not just describe it.

Making a Lateral Move Into Higher Pay

A lateral move means shifting to a role at a similar level, rather than a promotion, often in a different department, company, or industry. Done strategically, a lateral move can raise your pay considerably, even without a title change, because you are trading a lower-paying context for a higher-paying one while keeping your existing skill set.

This is a common path for people who feel capped in their current company or industry. Moving from a nonprofit to a corporate role, from a smaller regional employer to a national one, or from a slower-growing sector to a faster-growing one can each unlock six-figure pay for work that looks very similar on paper.

Do Easy Six-Figure Jobs Exist?

There is no truly effortless six-figure job. Every role on this list requires years of training, credentialing, sales skill, or high-stakes responsibility, even when the daily tasks are not physically demanding.

That said, some roles offer a better pay-to-stress ratio than others once you are established. Real estate brokers with a mature client base, actuaries, elevator technicians, air traffic controllers, and specialized commission-based sales roles are often mentioned as relatively low-stress six-figure paths. Even these still typically require a demanding licensing process, years of building expertise, or high-pressure moments that offset the calmer day-to-day pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a six-figure salary?

Any annual salary from $100,000 to $999,999 counts as six figures. Most people use the term to describe pay in the $100,000 to $300,000 range, since that is where the bulk of six-figure jobs actually fall.

How much is six figures a month?

A $100,000 annual salary works out to roughly $8,333 a month before taxes. Higher six-figure salaries scale up from there; for example, $300,000 a year is about $25,000 a month.

How much is six figures an hour?

Based on a standard 40-hour workweek, $100,000 a year comes out to around $48 an hour before taxes. Salaried six-figure roles rarely track pay by the hour, but this figure is useful for comparing against hourly-paid work.

What’s the difference between five figures, six figures, and seven figures?

Five figures covers $10,000 to $99,999, six figures covers $100,000 to $999,999, and seven figures covers $1,000,000 to $9,999,999. The jump from five to six figures usually reflects a move from entry-level or part-time pay to established professional pay, while seven figures is typically reserved for senior executives, successful business owners, or top-tier specialists.

What are the highest-paying jobs without a college degree?

Real estate agents and brokers, elevator installers and repairers, air traffic controllers, radiologic technologists, and specialized trades such as oil rig operators can all reach six figures without a four-year degree. Most of these paths substitute a license, apprenticeship, or technical certification for a traditional degree.

What are the highest-paying jobs in the world?

Specialized physicians and surgeons, senior corporate executives, top investment bankers, and successful business owners tend to top most global pay rankings. Exact rankings shift depending on industry, company performance, and country, so it helps to compare within your own field and region rather than relying on a single global list.

Do six-figure salaries vary from state to state or country to country?

Yes. States with strong energy, tech, or finance sectors, such as Texas and California, tend to have more six-figure openings, though living costs in those markets are often higher too. Internationally, a six-figure salary in US dollars carries different purchasing power depending on the local cost of living, which is why comparing highest-paying jobs across countries, including places like the Philippines or Canada, requires adjusting for that difference rather than comparing raw numbers.

How much do company presidents and CEOs make?

In the United States, the head of state’s salary is set by law at $400,000 a year. Corporate presidents and CEOs vary far more widely: median CEO pay across all companies is roughly $190,000, while CEOs of the largest publicly traded companies often earn into the millions once bonuses, stock awards, and other incentives are included.

What’s a lateral move, and can it help me reach six figures?

A lateral move is a job change to a role at a similar level rather than a promotion, often across departments, companies, or industries. It can help you reach six figures when it moves you from a lower-paying context into a higher-paying one, even though your title and responsibilities stay roughly the same.

Are there any truly easy six-figure jobs?

Not really. Every six-figure career on this list involves meaningful training, licensing, sales pressure, or responsibility. Some roles simply offer a better balance of pay to daily stress once you are established, such as real estate brokerage, actuarial work, or skilled trades like elevator repair.

What are the highest-paying jobs for economics majors?

Economics graduates commonly move into actuarial science, financial analysis, management consulting, or investment banking, all of which can reach six figures at the mid-career level. Adding a certification such as the CFA often accelerates that timeline.

What can I do with a criminal justice degree?

A criminal justice degree can lead into federal law enforcement, corrections administration, compliance investigation, or private security management. Six-figure pay in this field usually comes after several years of experience or a move into a supervisory or federal-level role, rather than at entry level.

Is kinesiology a good degree for a high salary?

Entry-level kinesiology roles, such as personal training or entry-level athletic training, typically pay well under six figures. Kinesiology graduates who add certification or a graduate degree and move into hospital-based cardiac rehab leadership, professional sports performance, or corporate wellness program management have a realistic path toward six figures over time.

What career paths after a biology-focused education lead to six-figure jobs?

Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, and biotechnology research are the most direct six-figure paths for students with a strong biology background. Each requires additional graduate or professional-level training beyond an undergraduate biology degree.

What are good high-paying career options for commerce students?

Commerce graduates often pursue accounting certifications like CPA or ACCA, chartered financial analyst (CFA) credentials, investment banking, or corporate financial management, all of which offer a realistic path to six figures with several years of experience.

Do paramedics earn six figures?

Base pay for most paramedics falls well below $100,000. Veteran paramedics in high cost-of-living cities, those in supervisory or field training roles, or those who log substantial overtime can approach or occasionally exceed six figures, though this is not the norm for the profession.

What company employs the most six-figure earners?

Large technology companies, top management consulting firms, and major investment banks tend to have the highest concentration of six-figure earners because of the specialized skills, competitive hiring, and long hours those roles demand. Specific rankings shift from year to year as companies grow, restructure, or adjust compensation strategy.

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