Everybody talks about traditional career paths in a competitive job market. But there is a whole world of high-paying jobs that I bet most people do not even realize exist. They range from tech to health care, energy and environmental science, with many boasting six-figure salaries. Here are 25 high-income jobs that you may not know about but can lead to a rewarding career – financially and otherwise.
Here is 25 Best-Known High-Paying Jobs you Might Not Know About
Ethical Hacker
Ethical hackers (also called “white hats”) are professionals who are often employed by companies to test their security systems and find weaknesses. Ethical hackers, however, use their skills legally and in a constructive manner to strengthen an organization’s cybersecurity. They simulate cyberattacks, identify where hackers can enter the system and collaborate with IT teams to repair them. An ethical hacker typically has or will hold certifications (CEH — Certified Ethical Hacker) then the Average Income is roughly $100,000. His role is becoming ever more crucial in light of the increasing rate of data breaches and threats to cybersecurity.
Air Traffic Controller
This job is one that takes a lot of focus and quick action because air traffic controllers are in charge to coordinate the safe movement of aircraft. Fortuitously, this high-paying job doesn’t require a college degree; however, candidates must undergo intensive training via the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Bulletin: It carries a lot of responsibility and requires great concentration to deal with daily air traffic but the average salary is over $130,000. They can even earn more—especially those in the great hubs where the traffic is thick and complex.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Nuclear reactor operators monitor and control the equipment and systems that produce energy from nuclear fission. They maintain rigorous safety standards, allowing reactors to work seamlessly. This position typically requires a high school diploma and extensive training on the job, along with licensing from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Nuclear reactor operators make anywhere from $80,000 to over $100k a year and are paid well for the rare skill set and responsibility that comes with their job.
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Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineering deals with the activities related to the production of hydrocarbons, which can be either crude oil or natural gas. They create tools for extraction, oversee how and where we extract resources, and expand well sites to increase yield while minimizing environmental waste. You need to have an engineering degree to do your work and you will be capable of working in remote places or offshore too. They back that paycheck, which starts at $100,000 and climbs over $150,000 into some serious technical know-how — or scary workplaces.
Cryptologic Linguist
The cryptologic linguists are working only in national defense and intelligence environments, translating foreign language materials that deals with codes and intercepted communications. Interested candidates should have a strong background in linguistics, along with the ability to speak one or more foreign languages. This top-secret clearance is needed to be in this position and most cryptologic linguists are employed through government personnel. Salary ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 depending on experience and demand of the language.
Voice-Over Artist
Good Voice-Over Artists are people who lend their voice to movie characters in animated movies, commercials, audiobooks and such. The single most important thing you possess in this line of work is a unique and flexible voice. The starting salaries are low but those who build a reputation or find niche markets can accelerate past the $80K mark. The very best voice actors can earn even more, particularly those completely recognizable voices associated with beloved characters or brands.
Court Stenographer
These court stenographers, also known as court reporters, are people who type everything that is said in a courtroom so there is an official record. Shorthand flashes through a flow of breath and voices, a word-process with low-latency lacking comprehension; usually the shorthand typists combatted duplicating from oral/aural to textual thought into shortcuts using specialized machines that may not have catered other orthography: exceptional speed and savvy move at their blitz-speed. Stenographers can also work in a private sector, such as closed captioning services, besides courtrooms. Depending on experience and demand, $60,000 is the average starting salary in this field, but pay can go as high as $100,000 or more per year – plus specialized certifications you may hold boost your future earning potential.
Elevator Mechanic
Elevator mechanics work on elevators, escalators and other mechanized walkways. Though they usually work in tight areas and have dangers involved with the job, union membership affords them benefits and a higher pay scale. For the elevator mechanics, you could earn between $80k to $120k per year. In urban areas where demand is high, overtime is nearly constant.
Space Medicine Doctor
Doctors specialized in space medicine are medical experts who work on the impacts that being in space has on mussy. NASA and ESA work closely with them; basically preparing astronauts for space, making sure they are healthy enough to go into space but also researching how things like weightlessness affect the human body. This unique field combining medicine with aerospace can run six figures plus (as in over $200,000)
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind Turbine Technicians — These workers install, maintain and repair wind turbines. That some of these technicians will be in high demand as renewable energy expands. Sometimes working out in the elements and at altitude, technicians inspect and maintain turbine parts. Annual pay ranges between $60,000 and $80,000, with top earners starting six-figures a year on their own; the demand for this job continues to grow as wind energy becomes increasingly important.
Hydrologist
Hydrologists observes how water is moving around, where are the sources of clean drinking water if and discover all the environmental consequences from floods or consumption of these resources to be prepared for natural disasters and save water. Aquatic Ecologists Most often working for government agencies or environmental consulting firms, using their expertise to help manage water sustainably. Hydrologist: Hydrologists work for Environmental Conservation and Disaster Management — $70,000 to $100,000 USD per year
Genetic Counselor
Genetic counselors identify individual or family risk for inherited conditions and diseases, then provide personalized information and counseling. Genetic counseling is a specialized role in genetics and biology requiring, on average, a master’s degree in genetic counseling. Genetic counselors, who earn between $80,000 and $100,000 in wages will be increasingly important as genetic testing becomes more available.
Orthotist and Prosthetist
Orthotists and prosthetists or braces, artificial limbs, and other devices for supporting people with physical impairments. They operate within hospital walls, private practice offices and rehabilitation centers, regularly raking in between $70,000 – and more. With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the demand for professionals in this field is increasing.
Scientist, Geospatial Information
Geography/Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists Geographic information systems (GIS) professionals may collect and analyze spatial data, which helps with urban planning, environmental science, disaster management and other fields. Most of them are employed by government agencies or private companies, earning $75,000 to $110,000. Skills in GIS are more than ever high in demand as cities seek to maximize resources and manage climate impacts.
Food Stylist
Food stylists prepare aesthetic, appetizing displays for food represented in media and advertising. It takes a lot of creativity, patience and an eye for aesthetics as they play around with food to make it look the best on camera. Food stylist salary: Freelance food stylists earn money per assignment, while established pros can make $60,000–90,000 annually or more.
Ethical AI Specialist
Ethical AI ethicists ensure that artificial intelligence systems are designed, trained and used ethically, with minimum ethical risks and biases. They work with AI developers to solve problems of fairness, transparency and privacy. Demand for responsible AI is growing, and professionals working in this field can earn over $120K.
Data Miner
Business insights from data miners are abstracted patterns from complex datasets that can be applied to general business strategy, marketing or product development. Data miners are skilled in data science and stats, earning $80k-$110k based on experience and industry. With the expansion of big data, there is also an increasing requirement for skilled data analysts.
Acoustical Engineer
Acoustical engineers do noise work, designing sound solutions for everything from repelling the clashing sirens of a modern city to keeping things sounding right in concert halls. They are employed at architecture firms or government agencies and make $70,000–$120,000 per year. Acoustics is a highly specialized surrounding field, which makes these engineers valuable on the market.
Toy Designer
Toy design is the conception, development and prototype of new toys in which creative and technical skills are combined to produce an idea. They collaborate with manufacturers to ensure the toys are safe, functional and appealing. A lot of toy designers have industrial design or a related degree. Average Salary: On the lower end around $60,000 – on the upper end earning as much as $90,000 depending on overall experience and connection to bigger brands. Seniors at established companies can even make six figures, all while helping to develop products that children around the world love.
Snow Scientist
Cryospheric scientists, or snow scientists help us understand the properties of snow and ice, as well as their effects on the environment. Water supply, climate change, and snowpack management research professionals are employed across agencies of government, research institutions, or universities. Many snow scientists are out in the real world, on snowy areas that may be remote, for data collection and experimental work. It would be a great career for an adventurous environmental science person with an average salary of $70,000–$90,000 per year.
Orthopedic Technologist
Orthopedic technologists work together with surgeons and other health care providers to treat musculoskeletal conditions … sometimes applying casts, braces or other orthopedic devices as part of the process to encourage healing. Fluid orthopedic teams (which may include dozens of people) especially during a surgical procedure or in emergency rooms rely a lot on them. Several orthopedic technologists receive specialized training programs. The entry-level salary for the profession starts around $50,000 but experienced techs can earn up to $80,000 a year. As orthopaedic demand grows with our aging population, demand for this role is expected to increase as well.
Waste Management Engineer
These waste management engineers design and manage systems for disposing of waste with minimal effect on human health and the environment. Most work for government departments, waste treatment companies or consultancy services. Waste management engineers are environmental or civil engineering graduates with annual salaries of $75,000 to $110,000. With sustainability being prioritized, it is also expected to increase the demand for skilled waste management professionals.
Submarine Cook
Although it may sound like a regular chef job, submarine cooks are amongst the highest earners in their profession thanks to the nature of the work and limited space away from home. Cooks who serve aboard military submarines submerged for long durations cook meals in tight quarters while postaboard submarinewhile also managing with limited resources. It offers $50,000 to $80,000 salaries per year and bonuses for time spent offshore. They are an important component of the crew because they help to preserve morale and health in so many high-stress situations.
Underwater Welder
Welding is one of the most physically precise and challenging specializations, being able to perform welding in a sub-ocean environment. Working with specialized equipment and techniques, these skilled workers repair and construct underwater structures such as pipelines and ship hulls. The high salary, which ranges between $80,000 and $150,000 per year is due to the associated risks of underwater welding. Highly skilled and certified professionals can earn even more, particularly for complex tasks in remote areas.
Tree Surgeon (Arborist)
Arborists — more commonly known as tree surgeons — deal specifically with the care andmaintenanceand removalof trees. They evaluate the health of trees, trim branches and manage diseases as well as work in urban and rural settings. As interest in green response and urban forestry grow, tree surgeons are needed for the two public and private ventures. If you’re in a high-demand area you can easily earn $60-80k per year if you have the right skills, and there’s plenty of room for bigger incomes in the cities where tree pruning is seen as an upscale service.
Conclusion
High-paying careers go way beyond the professions that immediately come to mind, such as medicine, law and finance. Each of these hidden gems serves a specific niche with the salaries, challenges and required skill sets to match. These hidden high-paying jobs are thrilling opportunities in new fields, specialized trades and niche industries for those willing to venture outside the beaten career path. With the job market ever-changing, there are many lucrative and interesting avenues to explore through these unique careers.
