Find a Job You Really Want In
Summary. High-paying jobs that offer annual salaries of $50,000 or more encompass roles such as pharmacist, surgeon, and air traffic controller. Entry-level positions include federal investigator, plumber, and police officer. Remote job opportunities also exist, such as graphic designer, writer, and sales representative.
In the U.S., the average household income currently stands at approximately $75,000.
If your aim is to secure a job that pays $50,000 a year or more, you’re in luck. Achieving this goal is entirely feasible, with numerous jobs offering salaries above this threshold. Some of these positions require at least an associate degree, while others necessitate a bachelor’s degree.
Additionally, many jobs that pay over $50,000 annually are accessible at the entry level and do not require a college degree; a high school diploma or its equivalent may suffice. These positions are often found in the trades.
Positions with salaries exceeding $50,000 that require a degree are frequently found in STEM fields, including architecture, engineering, and information technology. Some roles may also demand further academic credentials, such as doctorate degrees.
Key Takeaways:
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Numerous rewarding careers pay over $50,000, including registered nurse, data scientist, and construction manager.
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Promising entry-level jobs that offer salaries above $50,000 include electrician and social worker.
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While beneficial, a higher education degree is not always necessary to land a job paying over $50,000.
The 12 Best Jobs That Pay Over 50K
When searching for a job that pays over $50,000, consider factors such as:
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Required academic qualifications
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Experience level needed to start earning a salary of $50,000
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Possibility to work remotely
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Flexibility in work hours
Based on these criteria, you can determine which options work best for you.
Below are lucrative jobs averaging an annual salary of $50,000 or more:
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Petroleum Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $109,000For those interested in the energy sector, petroleum engineering involves designing and developing methods for oil and gas extraction from beneath the earth’s surface.
This role requires a bachelor’s degree in petroleum, chemical, mechanical, or civil engineering. The average salary is $106,000 per year.
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Pharmacist
Average Annual Salary: $119,000As a pharmacist, you dispense medications and advise patients on appropriate dosages. Your role also includes participating in screenings, assisting with immunization drives, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
A Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a license are required. The average salary is $119,000 per year.
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Surgeon
Average Annual Salary: $328,000Surgeons perform operations to diagnose and treat diseases, remove tumors, and correct deformities.
Becoming a surgeon requires a bachelor’s degree, medical degree, and additional training as an intern and resident in a specialty. The average salary is $314,000 per year.
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Registered Nurse
Average Annual Salary: $67,000Registered nurses (RNs) are licensed medical professionals who assist doctors in providing care and during surgeries.
RNs work in various healthcare settings, educating the public and patients on health issues while providing emotional support.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing or associate degree in nursing is required. The average salary is $67,000 per year.
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Air Traffic Controller
Average Annual Salary: $64,000Air traffic controllers are responsible for monitoring and directing aircraft movement on the ground and in the air.
This high-pressure role requires strong focus and meeting background, medical, and citizenship checks.
The average salary is $53,000 per year, and an associate degree is required.
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Fire Inspector
Average Annual Salary: $74,000Fire inspectors ensure that buildings comply with fire codes.
A degree in chemistry, fire science, or engineering is helpful, and completing an EMT program may facilitate entry into this field.
The average salary for this position is $74,000 per year.
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Data Scientist
Average Annual Salary: $105,000Data scientists use data to solve complex problems, employing skills from computer science, statistics, and mathematics. This field includes roles in information research.
A master’s degree may be necessary to enter this field, but the average salary of $105,000 is promising.
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Commercial Pilot
Average Annual Salary: $97,000Commercial pilots fly various aircraft for different organizations and may also partake in rescue operations.
To qualify, you need a high school diploma, at least 500 flight hours, and an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
The average salary for commercial pilots is $97,000 per year.
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Sonographer
Average Annual Salary: $70,000Sonographers utilize ultrasonic devices to obtain body images, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
To enter this field, relevant associate degrees are required, with an average salary of $70,000 per year.
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Chief Executive Officer
Average Annual Salary: $191,000As a CEO, you make significant corporate decisions, oversee daily operations, and manage resources. CEOs are the final decision-makers within an organization.
The average salary is $191,000 per year. A relevant bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience are typically required.
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Loan Officer
Average Annual Salary: $65,000Loan officers assess the creditworthiness of borrowers and guide them through the loan process within financial institutions.
The average salary for top-earning loan officers is $65,000 per year, requiring a bachelor’s degree and on-the-job training.
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Construction Manager
Average Annual Salary: $89,000Construction managers oversee worksite activities and ensure projects are completed safely and on time.
A bachelor’s degree in a related construction field is required, and on-the-job training is beneficial. The average pay for construction managers is $89,000 per year.
7 Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Over 50K
Several positions require minimal work experience, providing a stepping stone to other career paths while still offering salaries of $50,000 or more. These include:
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Federal Investigator
Average Annual Salary: $56,500As a federal investigator, you gather evidence, conduct interviews, and perform surveillance to resolve cases. A high school diploma and critical thinking skills are essential.
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Mechanical Engineering Technologist
Average Annual Salary: $59,000Mechanical engineering technicians assist engineers in developing and maintaining mechanical devices.
The highest earners make $65,000 per year, typically requiring an associate degree.
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Electrician
Average Annual Salary: $59,000Electricians install and maintain electrical systems, including circuit breakers and transformers.
This role requires at least a high school diploma, with top earners making $59,000 per year.
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Police Officer
Average Annual Salary: $52,000Police officers protect and serve the community, maintaining law and order. This role typically requires a high school diploma and police academy training.
The average salary for police officers is $52,000 per year.
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Property Claims Adjuster
Average Annual Salary: $61,000Property claims adjusters evaluate insurance claims to determine validity and liability.
This role typically requires a high school diploma and strong critical thinking skills.
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Plumber
Average Annual Salary: $78,000Plumbers work with systems that transport water, gas, and waste. The highest earners can make up to $78,000 per year.
A high school diploma, apprenticeship training, and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
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Social Worker
Average Annual Salary: $55,000Social workers protect vulnerable populations, provide support to families, and advocate for community resources. A bachelor’s degree is necessary for entry-level positions.
The average salary for social workers is $55,000 per year.
7 Work-From-Home Jobs That Pay Over 50K
For individuals who prefer working from home, numerous opportunities offer flexibility and the potential to earn over $50,000 annually. Here are some options:
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Graphic Designer
Average Annual Salary: $64,000Graphic designers create visual content that communicates messages effectively. A bachelor’s degree is recommended, and top earners can make $64,000 per year.
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Writer
Average Annual Salary: $57,000Writers produce various content, including blogs, technical manuals, and more. The average pay for writers is $53,000 per year, with a bachelor’s degree and writing skills being beneficial.
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Sales Representative
Average Annual Salary: $56,000Sales representatives work remotely in various industries, with top earners making as much as $128,000 per year. A high school diploma is usually required.
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Agriculture Manager
Average Annual Salary: $61,000Agriculture managers oversee farming operations, involving planting, harvesting, and managing crops and livestock.
The average salary is $57,000 per year, requiring only a high school diploma, though experience is advantageous.
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Software Developer
Average Annual Salary: $84,000Software developers design and test software systems for various applications.
A relevant bachelor’s degree is important, with an average salary of $84,000 per year.
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Editor
Average Annual Salary: $51,000Editors work remotely to refine and polish written content or video footage.
Top-earning editors can make around $75,000 per year. A bachelor’s degree and critical thinking skills are advantageous.
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Interpreter and Translator
Average Annual Salary: $62,000Interpreters and translators convert spoken or written content from one language to another. A relevant bachelor’s degree may be necessary for non-native speakers.
The highest-earning professionals in this field make an average of $62,000 per year.
Can I Get a Job That Pays Over $50,000 a Year If I Don’t Have a Degree?
Yes, securing a job that pays over $50,000 annually is possible without a degree. As this list illustrates, numerous opportunities exist for meaningful work with competitive pay, especially in trades. Other sectors require training and certification but not necessarily a degree.
To increase your chances of landing a job that pays over $50,000 without formal education, consider the following tips:
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Join a trade. Many of the highest-paying roles available without a degree are in the trades. These positions provide excellent opportunities outside traditional office settings. Consider attending a trade school, followed by an apprenticeship, and joining a union for better prospects.
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Learn valuable skills. To become a sought-after employee, focus on acquiring relevant skills that can often be learned outside degree programs, especially online. Skills in programming or graphic design are particularly valued.
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Build a portfolio. A portfolio showcases your work, which can sometimes weigh more heavily than educational credentials, especially in creative fields like web design and photography. Demonstrating prior successful work can strengthen your candidacy.
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Get certified. Certifications serve as proof of your skills. Many industries offer certification programs that can enhance your job prospects significantly.
These strategies can help you secure a high-paying job without a degree. Remember, proving your value is key to accessing job opportunities.
Jobs that Pay Over 50K FAQ
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Can you make 50K a year without a degree?
Yes, you can earn 50K a year or more without a degree. Joining a trade is an effective path to achieving this income level, though most trade jobs may require an apprenticeship or technical training. Becoming a union member can also boost your opportunities.
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Can you make 50K a year at an entry-level position?
Yes, there are entry-level jobs that offer salaries of 50K or more. Positions like federal investigator, electrician, and police officer can provide such salaries, with varying requirements based on the field.
Final Thoughts
Consider your career aspirations, desired work-life balance, and schedule flexibility as you explore job options. With the right skill set, a wealth of job opportunities await you, offering salaries of $50,000 or more annually.
References
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Pharmacists Occupational Outlook
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Police and Detectives Occupational Outlook
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
