Excellent Six-Figure Careers To Consider

It’s not surprising that many excellent six-figure careers are in the medical field but there are a few that aren’t. Of course, it is unlikely to start with a six-figure career in an entry-level job. So, in a time where most people face years of stagnant wages, it can leave you wondering what to do. Fortunately, there are some top-paying careers where you can earn six figures relatively rapidly but they usually require several extra years of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the top 10 Highest Paying careers are all in the medical field. Here are a few of them (not in any particular order).

Dentists

As we all know, dentists are responsible for helping patients with the health of their mouth, teeth, and gums. Between dealing with cavities to helping people whiten their smiles, these professionals usually make six figures a year and have work that is both in-demand and rewarding. It is difficult to get into school, but the long career awaiting you is worth your time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Dentists earn an average of $164,010 per year. About 5,000 openings for dentists are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

Other less lucrative (but also less education intensive) professions in the Dental field include Dental Assistants ($41,180 per year), and Dental Hygienists ($77,090 per year).

Physicians and Surgeons

There are a variety of different types of Physicians and Surgeons that generally earn well over six figures and even over $200,000 per year. Physicians and surgeons typically need a bachelor’s degree as well as a medical degree, which takes an additional 4 years to complete. Depending on their specialty, they also need 3 to 9 years in internship and residency programs. Subspecialization includes additional training in a fellowship of 1 to 3 years.

Dermatology is a growing field that many people don’t think about often enough. Your skin is your first protection against everything from bacteria to UV rays from the sun. It requires a great deal of care. Over the years, as we age, exposure to different types of things causes a great deal of wear and tear. From mole removal to having spots tested for cancer, a dermatologist is someone who helps maintain the health and wellbeing of the largest organ of our bodies, our skin.

Physician Assistants practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They typically need a master’s degree from an accredited educational program. All states require physician assistants to be licensed. The median annual wage for physician assistants was $115,390 in May 2020.

Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

It may surprise you to hear that Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners have six-figure careers. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and clinics, and earn an average of $117,670 per year. They must have at least a master’s degree in one of the APRN roles. They must also be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam. Overall employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 29,400 openings for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

The 11^th career on the BLS’ top paying career list is Chief Executives who earn an average of $185,950 per year but it may take your entire career to work your way up to this position. You need to become a top manager first. The median annual wage for general and operations managers was $103,650 in May 2020.

Another area that tends to pay well is the Information Technology (IT) field.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Organizations of all sizes and styles need information technology managers to oversee their hardware and digital infrastructure. IT managers are responsible for anything from company security technology to keeping their websites online and operating. The IT departments of many companies have multiple IT managers who are each responsible for various subspecialties that fall under the ever-growing IT umbrella of different needs.

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. Typically, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science and related work experience. Many computer and information systems managers also have a graduate degree. The median annual salary for computer and information systems managers is $151,150 per year.

Computer Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components and earn an average of $119,560/year.

Computer Network Architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets and earn an average of $116,780/year.

Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects and earn an average of $110,140/year.

Airline Pilots

These are the professionals that operate aircraft in both military and civilian applications. Depending on the kind of piloting they might fly cargo, head into hurricanes for weather studies, fly research missions for science, defend the nation, or haul passengers between cities. Airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree and experience as a commercial or military pilot. Commercial pilots typically need flight training. Both also must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $160,970/yr.

Other related occupations include Air Traffic Controllers. Air traffic controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, or route centers. Their work can be stressful because maximum concentration is required at all times. Night, weekend, and rotating shifts are common. There are several paths to becoming an air traffic controller. Candidates typically need an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program. Other applicants must have 3 years of progressively responsible work experience, have completed 4 years of college, or have a combination of both. One must also be a U.S. citizen, submit to medical and background checks, and take exams and courses at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The median annual wage for an air traffic controller is $130,420/ year.

Starting These Careers Takes Effort

These fields generally have one thing in common, you can’t start them at an entry-level position and then move up. You’ll need years of education before you can even hope to have the minimal credentials to apply. Still, once you do, you’ll earn high wages that make for a very comfortable life in the years that follow.

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