12 Six-Figure Jobs No One’s Lining Up For

12 Six-Figure Jobs No One’s Lining Up For

Plenty of jobs pay more than $100,000 a year, but not all of them have people fighting to get in.

Some careers offer amazing salaries yet struggle to find enough qualified workers.

Maybe the work seems boring, the training takes forever, or people just don’t know these opportunities exist.

Understanding which high-paying jobs are hiring right now could open doors you never knew were there.

1. Computer and Information Systems Manager

Running the tech side of a business might not sound glamorous, but it pays around $171,200 yearly.

These managers make sure computers, networks, and data stay safe while planning what technology the company needs next.

They supervise tech teams and solve big problems when systems crash or hackers try breaking in.

Companies desperately need these leaders because technology changes so fast.

The job will grow 15% by 2034, which means thousands of openings.

You’ll need several years of IT experience plus strong leadership skills.

Most days involve meetings, planning budgets, and making tough decisions about security.

It’s less about fixing computers yourself and more about guiding others who do.

2. Financial Manager

Money doesn’t manage itself, which is why companies pay financial managers about $161,700 annually.

These professionals create reports showing where money goes, decide how to invest company funds, and help bosses make smart money choices.

They also figure out what financial risks could hurt the business.

Despite the excellent pay, many positions stay open because the work requires serious number skills and years of experience.

Growth is expected at 15% through 2034.

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting, often a master’s too.

The pressure can be intense since mistakes cost companies millions.

But if you love working with numbers and influencing big decisions, this career offers both challenge and reward.

3. Actuary

Ever wonder who calculates insurance rates or figures out pension plans?

Actuaries do exactly that, earning around $125,770 yearly by using math and statistics to predict financial risks.

Insurance companies, banks, and big employers hire them to answer questions like how much to charge for policies or whether investments will pay off.

This field will explode by 22% through 2034, yet not enough people pursue it.

The job requires passing extremely difficult exams that take years to complete.

Most actuaries have math or statistics degrees and exceptional problem-solving abilities.

Your days involve analyzing data, building computer models, and presenting findings to executives.

It’s perfect for math lovers who want stability and excellent income.

4. Information Security Analyst

Hackers never sleep, which makes information security analysts incredibly valuable at roughly $124,910 per year.

These digital defenders protect companies from cyber attacks by installing security software, watching for suspicious activity, and responding when breaches happen.

Every organization with computers needs them, from hospitals to banks to government agencies.

Demand will skyrocket 29% by 2034 as cyber threats grow more dangerous.

Despite this, many positions go unfilled because the work is stressful and requires constant learning.

You’ll need a computer science degree and certifications proving your security knowledge.

Expect to work odd hours sometimes since hackers attack anytime.

The job combines detective work with technical skills, making it exciting for those who enjoy outsmarting criminals.

5. Computer Network Architect

Behind every email, video call, and file transfer sits a carefully designed network built by computer network architects earning about $130,390 annually.

They create the blueprints for how computers connect and communicate, whether across one building or around the world.

Their designs must handle tons of data while staying secure and reliable.

This career will grow 12% through 2034, offering steady opportunities.

Few people pursue it because the work demands deep technical knowledge and years of networking experience.

You’ll typically need a computer science degree plus expertise in various networking technologies.

Much of your time goes to planning, testing designs, and solving complex connectivity problems.

It’s ideal for people who think systematically and enjoy building invisible structures that keep businesses running.

6. Software Developer

Creating the apps and programs people use daily sounds cool, and it pays around $133,080 yearly.

Software developers write code that makes everything from business tools to video games work properly.

They figure out what users need, design solutions, fix bugs, and update programs as technology evolves.

Companies will add about 267,700 developer jobs by 2034, yet qualified candidates remain scarce.

The work requires strong logical thinking and patience since code rarely works perfectly the first time.

Most developers have computer science degrees, though some learn through coding bootcamps.

Your typical day involves writing code, testing software, attending team meetings, and troubleshooting problems.

It suits creative problem-solvers who don’t mind sitting at computers for hours.

7. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Some people push technology into completely new territory, and they’re called computer and information research scientists, earning approximately $140,910 per year.

These brainy professionals tackle the hardest computing challenges, like making computers think faster, creating better security methods, or inventing technologies nobody’s thought of yet.

Universities, tech companies, and government labs employ them to explore what’s possible.

Opportunities will jump 20% by 2034 as technology grows more complex.

The job requires advanced degrees, usually a doctorate, plus exceptional intelligence and creativity.

Not many people can handle the intense academic preparation needed.

You’ll spend time conducting experiments, analyzing results, writing research papers, and collaborating with other scientists.

It’s perfect for curious minds who want to shape technology’s future.

8. Advertising and Marketing Manager

Convincing people to buy products or services takes serious skill, which is why advertising and marketing managers earn around $159,660 annually.

They dream up campaigns, decide where to spend advertising money, track what works, and lead creative teams.

Every company selling something needs marketing leadership to reach customers effectively.

This field will grow 6% through 2034, offering steady openings.

Many positions stay unfilled because the job demands creativity, business sense, and leadership abilities all at once.

You’ll typically need a marketing degree plus years of experience proving you can deliver results.

Days are filled with brainstorming sessions, budget reviews, and analyzing campaign performance.

It’s ideal for creative thinkers who also love strategy and data.

9. Nurse Practitioner

Healthcare needs are exploding, making nurse practitioners incredibly valuable at about $129,210 yearly.

These advanced nurses can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide primary care almost like doctors do.

They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, often serving communities where doctors are scarce.

Demand will surge 40% by 2034, the fastest growth on this list.

Despite great pay and job security, becoming one requires years of education including a master’s degree and clinical training.

The work can be emotionally draining and physically exhausting too.

You’ll examine patients, order tests, explain treatment plans, and make life-or-death decisions sometimes.

It suits compassionate people who want to help others while earning excellent money and respect.

10. Petroleum Engineer

Extracting oil and gas from deep underground takes engineering genius, and petroleum engineers earn impressive six-figure salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

They design drilling methods, solve extraction problems, and figure out how to get every drop of fuel from wells.

Oil companies, energy firms, and consulting groups hire them to maximize production while staying safe.

Though demand fluctuates with oil prices, skilled engineers always find work.

Few people pursue this career because it often means living in remote locations and dealing with environmental concerns.

You’ll need an engineering degree specializing in petroleum plus comfort with complex physics and chemistry.

Expect to split time between offices and field sites, analyzing data and supervising operations.

It’s perfect for adventurous problem-solvers who don’t mind unconventional work settings.

11. Air Traffic Controller

Keeping airplanes from crashing into each other sounds stressful because it absolutely is, but air traffic controllers earn around $130,000 yearly for handling that pressure.

They guide pilots during takeoffs, landings, and flights, making split-second decisions that protect thousands of lives daily.

Airports and control centers need these professionals working around the clock.

Despite excellent pay and government benefits, many positions stay open because the training is brutal and the job incredibly demanding.

You’ll attend a specialized FAA academy, pass tough tests, and work irregular hours including nights and weekends.

Age limits apply too since controllers must start young.

Your entire shift involves intense concentration, quick thinking, and clear communication.

It suits calm people who thrive under pressure and take responsibility seriously.

12. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Did you know psychologists study workplaces too?

Industrial-organizational psychologists earn approximately $140,000 yearly by applying psychology to business problems.

They help companies hire better, improve employee happiness, design training programs, and boost productivity.

Corporations, consulting firms, and government agencies hire them to understand what makes workers tick.

This niche field offers great pay but attracts few people because most don’t know it exists.

You’ll need a master’s or doctorate in this specific psychology branch plus research skills.

The work combines science with business strategy in unique ways.

Days involve conducting surveys, analyzing workplace data, interviewing employees, and presenting recommendations to executives.

It’s ideal for people who love psychology but want to apply it in business settings rather than clinical ones.