Jobs That Pay $100K+ a Year

What Counts as a $100K Job?

This guide examines US jobs where typical earnings reach or exceed $100,000 per year. We're not highlighting rare outliers or "top 1%" earners—we're focusing on roles where median or common pay sits near six figures, or where a significant share of workers realistically earn $100K+.

The jobs are grouped into categories: degree-required professional roles, no-degree trades and "new-collar" positions, and remote-friendly options. This lets you scan based on your background, interests, and constraints.

For context, the average salary in the US is around $60,000–$65,000. Earning $100K puts you well above the median—in roughly the top 15–20% of individual earners. If you're exploring high-income paths without a traditional degree, see our guide to high paying jobs without a degree.

$100K+ Jobs: Overview Table

Here's a snapshot of diverse six-figure careers across different categories and education requirements. Detailed breakdowns follow in subsequent sections.

These ranges represent typical or median figures—not guaranteed outcomes. Location, experience, specialization, and negotiation all affect actual pay.

Six-Figure Jobs That Typically Require a Degree

Many traditional $100K+ careers require bachelor's degrees or higher. These roles often involve specialized knowledge, professional licensing, or management responsibility.

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare offers numerous paths to six figures. Physicians and surgeons earn $200,000–$400,000+, but require 11+ years of training. More accessible paths include nurse practitioners ($115,000–$145,000+) and physician assistants ($115,000–$140,000+), which require graduate-level training but less than MD programs. Dentists ($160,000–$200,000+) and pharmacists ($120,000–$140,000) also commonly exceed $100K.

Technology and Engineering

Software engineers are among the most accessible $100K+ roles—median pay exceeds $120,000, with senior engineers earning $150,000–$200,000+. Data scientists earn similar ranges ($110,000–$150,000+). AI/ML engineers command premiums of $150,000–$250,000+ at top companies. Cybersecurity professionals reach six figures with experience ($100,000–$150,000+). Petroleum engineers, electrical engineers, and aerospace engineers also commonly exceed $100K.

Finance and Business

Investment bankers, financial managers, and actuaries regularly earn $100,000–$200,000+. These roles typically require bachelor's degrees in finance, economics, or related fields—plus professional certifications (CFA, FSA) for advancement. Corporate finance directors and CFOs can earn $150,000–$300,000+.

Management Roles

Management positions across industries often reach six figures once you're leading teams or departments. IT managers ($120,000–$160,000+), marketing managers ($100,000–$150,000+), sales managers ($100,000–$150,000+ base, often more with commission), and operations managers ($90,000–$130,000+) commonly exceed $100K with experience. Product managers in tech earn $120,000–$180,000+.

Legal Profession

Lawyers require a JD and bar passage, but compensation varies enormously. Big law associates start at $200,000+, while public interest lawyers may earn $60,000–$80,000. Corporate, IP, and litigation lawyers at mid-size to large firms commonly earn $120,000–$250,000+.

$100K Jobs Without a Bachelor's Degree

Six-figure earnings are absolutely achievable without a four-year degree. These paths typically require intensive training, certifications, apprenticeships, or government programs—but not traditional college.

Air Traffic Controllers

One of the highest-paying non-degree careers, air traffic controllers earn median pay around $130,000–$140,000. Entry requires passing FAA training and medical/security screenings, but no bachelor's degree. The work is high-stress and demanding, reflected in the compensation.

Elevator Installers and Repairers

Elevator installers consistently rank among the highest-paid trades, with median earnings around $95,000–$105,000 and top earners exceeding $120,000. A 4-year apprenticeship is the typical path—no college required.

Power Line Workers (Linemen)

Lineworkers install and maintain electrical power lines. The work is physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, but pay reflects that: median earnings around $85,000–$95,000, with overtime and storm restoration pushing many linemen above $100,000. Apprenticeship or utility training programs provide entry.

Senior Electricians and Specialized Trades

While average electrician pay is around $60,000, master electricians, industrial specialists, and those with overtime in high-demand markets can reach $80,000–$100,000+. Similar trajectories exist for experienced plumbers, HVAC technicians, and specialized welders—particularly those running their own businesses.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Reactor operators at nuclear power plants earn median pay around $100,000–$110,000. The role requires extensive on-the-job training and NRC licensing, but not a college degree. The work involves monitoring and controlling nuclear reactors—high responsibility, high pay.

Commercial Pilots (Non-Airline)

While airline pilots typically need degrees, many commercial pilot roles (cargo, charter, corporate) hire based on flight hours and certifications. Experienced commercial pilots earn $80,000–$130,000+, with airline captains earning significantly more.

Tech Without Degrees

Some tech workers reach $100K+ without degrees through demonstrated skills. Self-taught developers with strong portfolios, cybersecurity professionals with certifications, and cloud architects with hands-on experience can earn six figures—though it's more common with degrees or equivalent intensive learning.

For a comprehensive guide to high-paying non-degree paths, see high paying jobs without a degree.

Remote Jobs That Pay $100K+

Remote work has expanded access to six-figure salaries—you can now earn Bay Area pay from lower-cost locations. However, some companies adjust pay based on location.

Software Development

Senior software engineers and developers are among the most common remote $100K+ earners. Companies like GitLab, Zapier, and many startups are fully remote, paying $120,000–$180,000+ for experienced developers regardless of location.

Data Science and Analytics

Data scientists, ML engineers, and senior analysts frequently work remotely at six-figure salaries. The work is inherently digital, making it well-suited to remote arrangements.

Product Management

Product managers coordinate cross-functional teams—work that translates well to remote settings. Senior PMs at tech companies earn $130,000–$180,000+, often fully remote.

Cloud Architecture and DevOps

Cloud architects, DevOps engineers, and infrastructure specialists commonly earn $120,000–$160,000+ in remote roles. Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hands-on experience are the key qualifications.

Enterprise Sales

Many B2B sales roles are now remote, with account executives and enterprise reps earning $100,000–$200,000+ in base plus commission. Performance determines the upper end—top performers significantly exceed six figures.

Key to Remote Six Figures

Remote $100K+ roles typically require: senior-level experience (3–7+ years), demonstrated results and portfolio, strong communication skills for asynchronous work, and willingness to work across time zones. Entry-level remote roles at six figures are rare—build experience first.

Fastest-Growing $100K Jobs

The best six-figure careers combine high pay with strong job growth. These roles offer both current earning potential and long-term demand.

AI/ML Engineers

Artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists are in explosive demand, with salaries ranging from $130,000–$250,000+ and job postings growing rapidly. Skills in Python, deep learning frameworks, and cloud ML platforms are essential.

Cybersecurity Professionals

With cyber threats increasing, cybersecurity roles are projected to grow 30%+ over the decade. Security engineers, architects, and analysts earn $100,000–$160,000+, with CISOs reaching $200,000–$400,000.

Healthcare Providers

Aging populations drive demand for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other advanced practice providers. These roles combine six-figure pay with 40%+ projected job growth.

Data Scientists

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing fields, with companies across industries seeking professionals who can extract insights from data. Pay ranges from $100,000–$150,000+ with strong growth projections.

Renewable Energy Technicians

Wind turbine technicians and solar installers are among the fastest-growing occupations. While average pay is lower ($50,000–$65,000), senior technicians and those in supervisory roles can approach or exceed $100K, especially as the industry matures.

How to Move Into a $100K Career

Reaching six figures typically requires intentional planning, not luck. Here's a practical roadmap:

1. Assess Your Starting Point

Evaluate your current skills, experience, education, and interests. What $100K paths are realistic given where you're starting? A software engineer path looks different for a recent grad versus a 40-year-old career changer.

2. Pick 1–3 Target Roles

Don't chase every opportunity. Research specific roles where data shows $100K is typical or achievable (not just "top earners"). Verify using salary guides, BLS data, and industry surveys—not just job posting claims.

3. Map the Requirements

What education, certifications, training, or experience do your target roles require? Be honest about timelines. A nurse practitioner path takes 6–8 years from scratch. A coding bootcamp to junior developer takes months, but reaching $100K may take 3–5 more years of experience.

4. Execute a 1–3 Year Plan

Break your path into concrete steps: courses to complete, certifications to earn, projects to build, experience to gain. Track progress. Adjust as you learn more about the field.

5. Negotiate Your Worth

Once you're qualified for $100K+ roles, don't leave money on the table. Many people earn below market because they don't negotiate. Use our salary negotiation guide to maximize your offers.

Realistic Timelines

Reaching $100K typically takes: 2–5 years from a bachelor's degree in high-paying fields (CS, engineering, finance), 4–8 years through trade apprenticeships plus specialization, 5–10 years climbing from entry-level in most industries, and 1–3 years if you're already close and switch to a higher-paying company or role.

Risks, Trade-Offs, and Lifestyle Factors

Six-figure jobs often come with six-figure demands. Consider the trade-offs:

Time and Stress

Many $100K+ roles involve long hours, high pressure, and constant availability. Investment bankers work 80+ hour weeks. Surgeons have life-or-death responsibility. Tech workers face on-call rotations and deadline crunches. The money compensates for real sacrifices.

Physical Demands and Safety

High-paying trades often involve physical risk. Lineworkers face electrocution hazards. Elevator installers work at heights. Commercial pilots accept the statistical risks of aviation. These jobs pay well partly because not everyone is willing or able to do them.

Location Constraints

Some $100K careers require specific locations—air traffic controllers work at airports, nuclear operators at power plants, lineworkers where power lines exist. Remote $100K roles offer more flexibility but may pay less than on-site equivalents.

Education Investment

Degree-required paths often mean significant educational debt. Medical school, law school, and even bachelor's degrees can cost $100,000–$300,000+. Calculate ROI carefully—high salary doesn't help if debt payments consume it.

The Full Picture

When evaluating $100K paths, consider: hours required, stress levels, physical demands, location flexibility, educational costs and timeline, job security and growth outlook, and alignment with your interests and values. The highest-paying option isn't always the best choice for your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs pay $100K a year with no degree?

Air traffic controllers (~$130K median), elevator installers (~$100K), power line workers ($85K–$110K+), nuclear reactor operators (~$105K), and senior/specialized tradespeople can reach $100K without bachelor's degrees. Some tech professionals also achieve this through certifications and demonstrated skills. See our high paying jobs without a degree guide for details.

How long does it take to get to a $100K salary?

It varies widely: 2–5 years for high-paying fields like software engineering with a relevant degree, 4–8 years through trade apprenticeships plus specialization, 6–10 years for healthcare paths requiring graduate education, and 5–15 years climbing from entry-level in most industries. Intentional career planning accelerates the timeline.

Can you make $100K working remotely?

Yes. Senior software developers, data scientists, product managers, cloud architects, and enterprise sales professionals commonly earn $100K+ in fully remote roles. Most remote $100K positions require 3–7+ years of experience—entry-level remote roles at six figures are rare.

Which industries have the most $100K jobs?

Technology, healthcare, finance, and management roles across industries have the highest concentration of six-figure positions. Certain skilled trades (elevator work, power line work, specialized welding) also reach $100K for experienced workers.

Is $100K a good salary in the US in 2025?

Yes—$100K puts you in roughly the top 15–20% of individual earners nationally. However, purchasing power varies significantly by location. $100K provides an upper-middle-class lifestyle in most markets but feels more modest in high-cost cities like San Francisco, New York, or Boston where $100K is closer to median for professional workers.