introduction
Many assume they must land executive positions to make over $100,000 annually. Perhaps surprisingly, many professional-level roles also pay well — especially if you're experienced.
This brief guide will explore ten jobs that pay over $100k in the U.S.
Some require post-secondary education, while others are accessible to anyone with a high school diploma, a little talent, and determination.
project administrator
No project is a one-person show. Collaboration with various project team members at every stage is essential to keeping projects on track and achieving goals on time. Other than the project manager, the person who enables things on an administrative level is the project administrator.
Project administrators manage documentation, meetings, budgets, and time to keep the team on track. Their goal is to make the job easier for the teams by ensuring they have what they need. Moreover, by working closely with project managers, they gain experience, which helps them progress into project managers themselves.
Given their critical role in assisting project managers in keeping projects moving forward, project administrators easily earn between $70,000 and $116,000 annually, making it one of the jobs that pay over $100K a year in the U.S.
business analyst
A business analyst’s role is one of the jobs that pays over $100k a year. In the U.S., you can earn $80,000 to $124,000 annually as a business analyst.
These IT professionals develop, administer, and test companies' servers, systems, hardware and software.
To become a business analyst, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree or some form of post-secondary education in IT, computer science, or a related field.
The prospects are good for new business analysts in the U.S., with ample job opportunities nationwide.
contracts manager
Contract managers are valuable professionals across a range of industries. Depending on experience and the complexity of the contracts they oversee, they typically earn annual salaries ranging from $75,000 to $110,000 or more, making it one of the jobs that pay over $100K a year.
Moreover, they play a crucial role in an organization’s efficiency by leading contract negotiation, development, and management. Contract managers ensure all contracts align with legal requirements and support the organization’s objectives.
Contract managers oversee contract lifecycles, monitor key dates, and maintain open communication between all parties involved. With their sharp attention to detail, legal expertise, and negotiation skills, they help organizations minimize risk, avoid disputes, and maximize contract value.
quality assurance specialist
A quality assurance specialist ensures that production standards are met. They evaluate processes and outcomes while guiding technicians and other staff.
Their primary roles are to prevent manufacturing errors, analyze data, report quality issues, communicate with external personnel, and maintain accurate records.
An excellent quality assurance specialist is often sharp-eyed and has solid experience in quality control.
While no specific degree is required, a graduate with experience in project management and certification in quality control (ISO 9000) is a strong advantage.
A quality assurance specialist significantly impacts a business's success and typically earns between $90,000 and $122,000 in mid- to senior-level roles, especially in high-demand industries like pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and technology.
accounting manager
Accounting managers serve as the backbone of financial operations within companies, assuming responsibilities such as overseeing financial reporting, preparing statements, monitoring budgetary allocations, maintaining balance sheets, and managing the overall financial health of their organizations.
These professionals frequently collaborate with high-level executives, including chief financial officers, and often hold advanced degrees or certifications in accounting or finance.
Starting salaries for accounting managers are often quite substantial, exceeding $100,000 per year in the U.S. Individuals with extensive experience in the accounting and finance sectors can earn annual incomes exceeding $160,000, making it one of the jobs that pay over $100k a year.
financial analyst
Financial analysts play a critical role in shaping an organization's financial strategy through extensive research and understanding.
They analyze data, create forecasts, monitor budgets, and provide insights to guide senior management in making informed decisions.
Financial analysts often work closely with finance teams and, at times, collaborate with executives like the CFO, especially as they advance in their careers.
Most hold degrees in finance, accounting, or business, with additional certifications like the CFA being highly valued.
This role falls into the category of jobs that pay over $100k a year. Entry-level financial analysts in the U.S. typically earn between $68,000 and $90,000 while those with experience can see their annual earnings reach $120,000 or more.
visual designer (ui/ux)
With ample products available on the internet, one aspect can set it apart—user-friendly digital products that are easy to navigate and simple to use. This is where UI/UX designers are highly sought after.
The role is fun and exciting. It offers chances for creativity, innovation, and continuous learning as designers work on various projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
A bachelor's degree in graphic design, interaction design, human-computer interaction, or related fields can provide a strong foundation for a UI/UX designer career.
UI/UX design roles provide flexible work options, such as remote and freelance opportunities, making it an attractive career choice. Moreover, it is one of the jobs that pay over $100K annually, with average salaries ranging from $75,000 to $113,000 annually.
back-end software engineer
There is no shortage of websites and apps in today's digital landscape. However, to ensure a seamless experience for end-users, back-end software engineers must ensure that apps and websites run smoothly behind the scenes.
They typically earn between $95,000 and $150,000 a year, depending on experience and the complexity of the systems they manage.
Their job involves building and maintaining the core parts of applications—like servers, databases, and APIs—that handle data and user requests. Back-end engineers focus on keeping things fast, secure, and scalable so everything works well even as apps grow.
With programming, database management, and problem-solving skills, these engineers are the backbone of reliable, high-performing software that supports the company’s needs and growth.
controller
Controllers are key figures in organizations' financial management wing. They are responsible for overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and maintaining the financial health of their company.
Their duties typically include:
- preparing financial statements
- managing budgets
- monitoring cash flow
- collaborating closely with top executives, including Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
Furthermore, controllers often hold advanced degrees or post-secondary certifications in accounting or finance and bring a wealth of expertise to their roles.
Starting salaries for controllers can be pretty substantial in the U.S., with annual salaries between $125,000 and $177,000 annually. With years of experience and a successful track record, seasoned controllers can earn annual incomes of 200k or more, making it one of the jobs that pay over $100k a year.
Their high compensation reflects their critical role in managing and optimizing a company's financial resources.
electronics engineer
Electronics engineers turn innovative ideas into working technology. They are the masterminds behind the gadgets and systems that power our modern world.
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. They're experts in electrical design, problem-solving, and ensuring devices are efficient and reliable.
Additionally, electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor's degree in engineering, related internships, and other add-on courses.
Given their vital role in making human lives easier, electronics engineers are among the jobs that pay over $100K a year. Depending on their experience and industry, they typically earn between $85,000 and $131,000 a year.
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