When you think of high-paying jobs, careers in healthcare may immediately come to mind. While many of the highest paying jobs are in the healthcare field, there are plenty of jobs in other areas that pay well. You may not want to work in the medical field, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up high earning potential. Some high-paying, non-healthcare jobs to consider:
Petroleum Engineers – $130,000*
Petroleum engineers design ways to extract oil and gas from underground. They work in offices, laboratories, and at drilling sites. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required for entry into the field and projected growth is 10% through 2024.*
Computer and Information Systems Managers – $127,640
Computer and information systems managers determine the IT needs of an organization and form plans to met those needs. They oversee technology-related projects, manage other IT employees, and direct the maintenance and installation of an organization’s hardware and software systems. Growth of 15% is projected through 2024. A bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience are generally required.
Marketing Managers – $123,450
Marketing managers create plans to attract interest to a company, brands, products, and/or services. They also oversee other marketing employees. A bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field is required, in addition to related experience. A growth rate of 9% is projected through 2024.
Actuaries – $96,700
Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to determine the likelihood that an event will occur. Their responsibility is to help organizations reduce the cost of risk. Most work for insurance companies. A bachelor’s degree in actuarial science or a related field is required. In addition, actuaries must pass a series of qualifying exams in order to become certified. A growth rate of 18% is projected through the next decade.
Computer Systems Analysts – $ 82,710
Computer systems analysts determine methods for creating efficient information systems and improving existing systems. Growth of 21% is projected through 2024. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is required for most jobs.
Financial Analysts – $78,620
Financial analysts assess the performance of investment products including stocks and bonds in order to help businesses and individuals make the best investment decisions. A bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field is required. A growth rate of 12% is projected.
Operations Research Analysts – $76,660
Operations research analysts help identify and solve problems using advanced mathematical and analytical methods. A bachelors degree in operations research, management, math, statistics, computer science or a related field is required. Due to the complex nature of the job, a master’s or doctoral degree can greatly improve job prospects. Growth of 30% is projected through 2024.
Personal Financial Advisors – $81,060
Personal financial advisors offer advice to individuals on a variety of financial matters including investments, retirement planning, and taxes. A bachelor’s degree is required for most positions and growth of 30% is projected over the next decade.
Software Developers – $97,990
Software developers create software systems and applications for computers or other devices. A degree in software engineering, computer science, or related field is required for most positions. A growth rate of 17% is projected through the next decade.
Statisticians – $79,990
Statisticians collect, analyze and interpret data to help further research and solve problems in a variety of fields. Many statisticians work for the federal government. A master’s degree in math or statistics is required and projected growth is 34% through 2024.
* 2014 median annual pay according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
** Growth projections (through 2024) from the Occupational Outlook Handbook