When most of us think of six figures, we think of a CEO in a fancy suit, or maybe a surgeon in scrubs. And sure, even though these are valid examples of six-figure salary jobs, what might surprise you is that there are many more careers out there that can lead you into this six-figure territory.
And lucky for you, they don’t even require an Ivy League degree or decades and decades of climbing some soul-crushing corporate ladder. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re considering a career change, here are some solid careers that can offer a handsome salary—and retiring in comfort.
Software Developer
We live in the tech era, and it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down soon. Behind every single app you use and website you visit, there is a software developer behind it making the magic happen. And while a four-year degree in computer science can certainly help, it’s not the only route to get there.
These days, some people are learning to code everywhere—from self-learning to online certifications. Once you’ve got the skills, companies will pay, regardless of what your education is. They simply want to know that you can carry out what they’re looking to do. Six figures as a software developer isn’t just possible—it’s pretty common after a few years of experience under your belt.
Nurse Anesthetist
If you’re already working in a career in the healthcare industry, or considering getting into it, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is one of the most well-compensated roles that exist. That’s right—you don’t necessarily need to be a doctor to make big money in the medical field. A nurse anesthetist is the one who administers your anesthesia during surgeries and helps keep the patients stable and safe throughout the procedure.
It’s an extremely high-responsibility job, which is why the pay matches the pressure. They make well over $150,000 a year. However, it is important to know that you will require a master’s degree or even a doctorate. Yet, if you’re passionate about medicine and helping people, this is one of the most financially rewarding paths in healthcare.
Sales Manager
Smooth talkers—this job is for you. If you’ve ever worked in sales before, then you know one thing to be true: commissions can be extremely promising. Sales managers oversee their teams and help them hit revenue goals. They also require strong strategizing. Not only do they need solid sales skills, but they also need to have strong leadership abilities.
That’s why this is one of those jobs that, regardless of how much studying you do, often comes down to natural talent. It’s a high-energy, people-driven job, and it often comes with performance bonuses on top of base pay. So if you’re one of those people who has the natural gift of gab and you know how to motivate people, this career could be your golden ticket to six figures.
Construction Manager
You might be surprised, but construction managers—that is, the people who plan, coordinate, and supervise building projects from start to finish—make really good money. We’re talking six figures and more, especially if you’re working on commercial or government contracts. If you’re not someone who knows how to swing a hammer yourself, don’t worry. These aren’t the people who are usually out there doing the construction itself.
These are the people who know how a project works, how to lead a team, and how to stay on schedule. So if you’re one of those people who’s organized, calm under pressure, and enjoys seeing a physical project come to fruition, this could be a fantastic path for you.
