ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A FINANCIALLY REWARDING CAREER? THEN CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF 10 JOBS THAT PAY $100K A YEAR OR MORE AND REQUIRE A BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR LESS.
It's not always necessary to attend an expensive college or university for eight years in order to land a job that pays $100,000 a year. Many financially rewarding careers require four years or less of post-secondary training. This is great news, as you can get a high-paying job without accruing thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
Here are 10 jobs in various trades that are currently paying $100k a year or more.
INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST
An information security analyst develops security measures that keep computer systems and networks protected from breaches. They also:
- Develop strategic plans for protecting computer systems
- Investigate security breaches when they occur
- Create recovery plans that will restore computer and data systems
Most information security analysts have a bachelor's degree in a computer science or technology field. Some potential employers also like applicants to have related work experience. The average salary of an information security analyst is $102,600 per year.
CHEMICAL ENGINEER
Another job that pays $100k a year or more is a chemical engineer. These individuals use mathematical and scientific principles to produce and manufacture fuels, pharmaceuticals, food, and other related products. They also develop health and safety procedures for those who work with these substances.
This position requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. The current average yearly salary is $105,500.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Air traffic controllers have an extremely important job, as they supervise air traffic movement, directing planes as they arrive and depart from airports. The main focus of their job is to keep airplanes at a safe distance from each other.
This specialized position requires either a two- or four-year degree in aviation and makes an average of $129,750 per year.
SALES ENGINEER
Sales engineers are also one of the many jobs that pay $100k a year or more. These sales representatives typically market scientific and technological products to a variety of businesses and organizations. To perform well at their jobs, sales engineers need a wide range of skills, such as:
- Great sales skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Customer service skills
A sales engineer may require a bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent training and experience, along with amazing sales skills. The average annual salary of a sales engineer is $103,710.
FINANCIAL MANAGER
A financial manager is responsible for the economic well-being of an organization or company. They perform a variety of tasks that include:
- Creating financial reports
- Directing investment activities
- Developing plans for long-term financial goals
- Advising in various financial situations
- Overseeing and maintaining budgets
A financial manager requires a bachelor's degree in any financial area. Many employers also like their financial managers to have experience in a related occupation, such as accounting, auditing, or financial analysis. This position pays, on average, $131,710 per year.
PLUMBER
Many highly skilled trades, like plumbers, don't usually require a secondary education degree. An individual can become a plumber by attending a vocational school or apprenticeship program. Plumbers perform several tasks, such as:
- Installing plumbing in new homes and commercial buildings
- Repairing leaky pipes, broken appliances, and damaged plumbing systems
- Working with pipelines and pipe systems that carry water, steam, liquids, or gases
A plumber can begin making $100,000 per year upon completion of their apprenticeship or after they earn a vocational school certificate.
ACTUARY
An actuary is an individual who works for insurance companies or other related companies. They use statistical data to estimate the financial costs of life-altering events such as car accidents and other catastrophic incidents. By creating strategies based on their findings, an actuary reduces the financial risk of life-altering events and improves profitability for these companies. An actuary position requires a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a similar field. The average annual salary is $105,900.
COMPUTER NETWORK ARCHITECT
A computer network architect develops communication networks that meet both the current and future needs of commercial businesses and organizations. Also called network engineers, these individuals design and build:
- Data communication networks
- Local area networks (LANs)
- Wide area networks (WANs)
- Intranets
This position requires a computer-related bachelor's degree and some employers also prefer information technology experience. The average salary for a computer network architect is $120,520.
ART DIRECTOR
An art director is a creative professional that oversees the visual style of various media outlets, including printed publications, product packaging, movies, and television. They work alongside many other creative talents, such as artists, writers, and photographers. This position often requires a bachelor's degree in an art-related field and can make, on average, $100,890 per year.
MEDICAL OR HEALTH SERVICES MANAGER
Another role that often pays $100k a year or more is a medical or health services manager. This important job supervises any type of medical office, such as hospital departments, private medical practices, or long-term care facilities. A medical manager conducts a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Coordinating staff schedules
- Maintaining budgets
- Creating efficient record-keeping methods
- Providing efficient services that result in timely and compassionate patient care
A medical or health services manager should have a bachelor's degree in health care management. Their typical annual salary is $101,340.
As you can see, it is possible to earn $100,000 or more per year with a four-year degree or less. If you're currently looking for a well-paying job, take advantage of our job search tools by creating a profile on CareerBuilder today.