Here are several 6-figure jobs available to inspire your career path.
Though money isn't everything, making six figures is important to many. Fortunately, there are several 6-figure jobs available across a variety of skill sets and industries.
If you're interested in a 6-figure career, knowing the jobs available will help you identify the type of training and education required to meet that goal. This post covers the top 6-figure jobs available, with the average annual salary, job growth, and primary responsibilities for each.
What is a 6-figure salary?
A 6-figure salary defines a base salary that's above the range of five figures – from $10,000 to $99,999 – and below the range of seven figures, or $1,000,000. In other words, a 6-figure job pays anywhere from $100,000 to $999,999 annually.
In many instances, a person has to work their way up to earning six figures. For instance, an HR Advisor might start their career at $60,000 and get promoted into higher-level positions to eventually reach the $100,000 mark.
There are also several careers, however, where the starting average salary is set at six figures, many of which are outlined below. We break our list of 6-figure jobs down by ones that:
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Requires a bachelor's degree
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Requires an advanced degree
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Pay over $200,000
Jobs that make 6 figures with a bachelor's degree
1. Mathematician and Statistician
National average salary - Statistician: $104,860 per year
National average salary - Mathematician: $116,440 per year
Job growth: 30%
Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in mathematics or statistics
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Mathematicians and Statisticians collect, organize, and analyze quantifiable data by applying or developing mathematical or statistical theories. A Statistician can specialize in one of many areas, including agricultural statistics, biostatistics, economic statistics, and business statistics.
These roles are most commonly employed by scientific research and development organizations and the Federal government. They are often a part of a team of specialists, like scientists or engineers.
2. Computer and Information Systems Manager
National average salary: $169,510 per year
Job growth: 15%
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer or information science
Primary responsibilities and work environment: A Computer or Information Systems Manager oversees, coordinates, assesses, directs, and plans activities related to technology and computers for an organization. They typically work full-time and can be found across virtually any industry.
3. Actuary
National average salary: $120,000 per year
Job growth: 23%
Education: Bachelor's degree and certification
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Actuaries apply financial theory, statistics, and mathematics to analyze uncertainty and risk from an economic perspective. They typically work for one of the various types of insurance companies, like health, vehicle, and home insurance companies. Actuaries can also work as consultants and help determine if claims are valid and should be paid. If they should be paid, they also assess at what level. These roles are often found in an office setting, with travel often required.
4. Financial Managers
National average salary: $156,100 per year
Job growth: 16%
Education: Bachelor's degree in finance or related
Primary responsibilities and work environment: You'll find Financial Manager positions across several industries, including insurance, investment, banking, engineering, and marketing. Their role includes designing and analyzing financial plans, developing financial reports, and directing investment activities. They consult with leadership to strategize ways to meet long-term financial goals. Financial Managers typically work full-time and in office settings.
5. Software Developers and Quality Assurance Analysts
National average salary: Software Developer: $132,270 per year
National average salary: Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: $101,800 per year
Job growth: 25%
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer or information systems or related field
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Software Developers work for organizations to develop computer software and programs. They often work closely with Software Engineers to build applications based on client or business needs. Software Quality Assurance Analysts review and analyze software and applications to identify defects and problems that need to be addressed.
These roles can be found in manufacturing, computer systems design, software publishing, and other fields requiring related tech services. Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts generally work in office settings as part of a team.
6. Data Scientist
National average salary: $108,020 per year
Job growth: 35%
Education: Bachelor's degree in statistics, computer science, mathematics, or related field
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Data Scientists review data to extract meaningful insights through the use of data analytics tools and techniques. They develop or apply required data models and algorithms and review, clean, validate, and identify patterns in raw data. Most work full-time and can be found in office settings for any type of organization that requires data analysis.
7. Petroleum engineer
National average salary: $135,690 per year
Job growth: 2%
Education: Bachelor's degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Petroleum Engineers develop methods to improve and support oil and gas production and extraction. They may devise ways to extract oil or gas from new depositions below the earth's surface or from already existing wells. Some in this role may work with or oversee extraction equipment maintenance.
You can primarily find Petroleum Engineers working as employers or consultants for oil and gas companies or engineering firms. They can work at drilling sites, well sites, production plants, and in an office environment.
8. Industrial Production Manager
National average salary: $116,970 per year
Job growth: 2%
Education: Bachelor's degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Industrial Production Managers typically work full-time for manufacturing plants. Their role is to oversee operations to ensure things run smoothly and production remains on schedule. They also work closely with employees, suppliers, and consumers and determine how to best use the organization's equipment and workers to meet business goals and remain within budget.
9. Financial Analyst
National average salary: $99,890 per year
Job growth: 8%
Education: Bachelor's degree in finance or related field
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Financial Analysts advise individuals and businesses on their finances, with an emphasis on increasing money and profits. They also educate individuals on how to maximize financial stability.
Financial Analysts typically work full-time in office settings for corporations or private firms. Several Financial Analysts travel to meet with clients in their homes or at their place of business.
10. Sales Manager
National average salary: $135,160 per year
Job growth: 4%
Education: Bachelor's degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Sales Managers oversee an organization's sales, including managing members of the sales team. They need to be able to analyze data, motivate their teams, and connect with consumers.
Sales Managers typically work full-time and can be found in various industries. Any company that sells a product or service generally has a Sales Manager to oversee the sales department. The people in these roles are often required to travel and work evenings and weekends.
11. Construction Manager
National average salary: $104,900 per year
Job growth: 5%
Education: Bachelor's degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Construction Managers oversee the coordination, budgeting, and planning of construction projects from the initial planning stages to completion. They also supervise those who are working on the project.
Construction Managers can work for an organization or independently if properly licensed. They spend much of their time in a field office or onsite, though they typically have a main office, as well. Schedules vary for Construction Managers based on a project's needs.
Most Construction Managers learn through on-the-job training and need a bachelor's degree to land a job. Larger companies might also require candidates to have construction experience in a construction-related field in addition to a bachelor's degree.
12. Advertising and Marketing Manager
National average salary: Marketing Manager $157,620 per year
National average salary: Advertising Manager $131,870 per year
Job growth: 6%
Education: Bachelor's degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Advertising and Marketing Managers oversee efforts to increase brand awareness and interest in an organization's products or services.
Advertising and Marketing Managers tend to work full-time, though some are required to travel to meet with media representatives or clients. They can work for an advertising or marketing agency or within an organization across various industries.
13. Computer Network Architect
National average salary: $129,840 per year
Job growth: 4%
Education: Bachelor's degree in computer-related field
Primary responsibilities and work environment: A Computer Network Architect oversees the implementation and design of an organization's various data communication networks. These include wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and company intranets.
Computer Network Architect jobs typically require you to work in an office setting and can be found across a variety of industries. These positions are generally classified as full-time and require experience in a related field in addition to a bachelor's degree.
Jobs that make 6 figures with an advanced degree
14. Optometrist
National average salary: $131,860 per year
Job growth: 9%
Education: Doctoral degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: An Optometrist diagnoses and treats eye and visual system diseases and conditions. They also prescribe corrective lenses, including contact lenses and glasses, as needed.
Optometrists can work in a private practice or optical goods store. Though most Optometrists work full-time, many also choose to work part-time.
15. Dentist
National average salary: $170,910 per year
Job growth: 4%
Education: Doctoral degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Dentists treat issues of the mouth and teeth, including gum disease and cavities. Many work for a private dental practice or in partnership with other dentists, while some Dentists have their own practice.
16. Podiatrist
National average salary: $141,650 per year
Job growth: 1%
Education: Doctorate degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Podiatrists treat individuals with lower leg, ankle, and foot issues. They examine, conduct X-rays, prescribe treatments and medications, and perform surgeries on patients.
Podiatrists typically work full-time and may need to be on call for emergencies. They work in hospitals, podiatry offices, and other medical and healthcare settings.
17. Pharmacist
National average salary: $136,030 per year
Job growth: 3%
Education: Doctorate degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Pharmacists work at pharmacies to fill prescriptions for patients. They also educate patients on the drugs they're prescribed, including side effects and how to properly use them. Pharmacists frequently make recommendations regarding over-the-counter medications for consumers, as well.
Pharmacists work in drug stores, grocery stores, and general merchandise stores. Some clinics and hospitals have in-house pharmacies that employ Pharmacists. Pharmacists also work in 24-hour healthcare facilities. They tend to work full-time and sometimes work on weekends, holidays, and at night.
18. Veterinarian
National average salary: $119,100 per year
Job growth: 20%
Education: Doctorate degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Veterinarians work with and care for animals to support their health and protect the health of the public. They work with pet owners and agencies to diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses, perform surgery, and administer medications as needed.
You'll typically find Veterinarians working in a private animal hospital or clinic. Some, however, work in zoos, classrooms, or laboratories, while others work on farms.
19. Physician Assistant
National average salary: $130,020 per year
Job growth: 27%
Education: Master's degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Physician Assistants work closely with Physicians to examine, treat, and diagnose patients. They generally work full-time under the supervision of a Physician and can be found in any type of medical-related setting, like hospitals, physician offices, outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, nursing homes, and quick-care walk-in clinics.
20. Nurse Practitioner
National average salary: $129,480 per year
Job growth: 38%
Education: Master's degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Similar to Physicians, Nurse Practitioners examine, diagnose, and treat patients. They can work independently in over half of the U.S. states without the supervision of a Physician. Many Nurse Practitioners make more than the average annual salary by specializing in a particular field, like psychiatric or neonatal medicine.
These positions can be found in a variety of primary and specialty healthcare settings, including clinics, hospitals, walk-in clinics, and substance abuse facilities.
21. Lawyer
National average salary: $145,760 per year
Job growth: 8%
Education: Doctorate degree and state licensure
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Lawyers, also referred to as Attorneys, provide legal counsel and represent clients in legal transactions and proceedings. They typically specialize in a particular area of law, like divorce, criminal, corporate, international, civil, bankruptcy, and environmental.
Lawyers work for all types of organizations. Many work for a private law firm or independently in their own law firm. You might also find lawyers working for local, state, or federal governments. It's not uncommon for lawyers to work well over 40 hours per week.
Highest paying 6-figure jobs
It might come as no surprise that the highest-paying 6-figure jobs fall under the Physician, Surgeon, and Chief Executive Officer categories. Below are 6-figure jobs that are paid $200,000 or higher on average.
22. Orthodontist
National average salary: $243,620 per year
Job growth: N/A
Education: Doctoral degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Orthodontists specialize in treating dental anomalies and malocclusions by providing treatments to help realign jaws and teeth. Common orthodontic treatments include removable retainers and braces. Similar to Dentists, Orthodontists may work for a private practice or in partnership with other Orthodontists and Dentists, while some choose to work independently.
23. Physicians and Surgeons
National average salary: $239,200 per year
Job growth: 3%
Education: Doctoral degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Physicians and Surgeons work with individuals and the community to address health concerns and treat and diagnose illnesses and injuries. They can work in a variety of healthcare settings, from clinical settings, like hospitals and physician offices, to nonclinical settings, like government agencies and insurance companies.
Though some Physicians, like a Podiatrist mentioned above, make under $200,000 on average, many make over $200,000. Here are some of the highest paid Physician and Surgeon specialties:
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Cardiologist: $423,250 per year
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General Internal Medicine Physicians: $245,450 per year
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Dermatologist: $342,860 per year
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Neurologist: $271,470 per year
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Psychiatrist: $256,930 per year
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Surgeons: $343,990 per year
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Anesthesiologist: $339, 470 per year
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General Pediatricians: $205,860 per year
24. Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
National average salary: $206,680 per year
Job growth: 3%
Education: Bachelor's degree
Primary responsibilities and work environment: Chief Executive Officers devise policies and strategies to support an organization's growth and regularly meet business goals. CEOs are found in virtually all industries and work for organizations of varying sizes. They typically work in an office setting, and travel is often required.
Though it's possible to become a CEO with only a bachelor's degree, and in rare instances, without any degree, most CEOs must have considerable work experience to be considered.
Aspire to land a 6-figure job!
If making six figures early in your career and for most of your career is a driving factor for you, then the above list is a great place to start exploring your possibilities. Get clear on your career preferences and interests, and from there, begin the training and education path required for your 6-figure job choice!
Is your resume written so that you're confident you'll land an interview for the 6-figure job you're seeking? If you're not sure, consider submitting it for a free resume review to find out where to improve and increase your chances of landing that interview!