If you're looking for a career with a big salary, chances are someone at some point has suggested you become a doctor or a lawyer. Typically, the left-brained, science-y people get pointed down the med-school route, and the more right-brained of us (hi!) get steered toward law school.
But just because you've ruled out medicine and law doesn't mean you've eliminated the chance for a big job — and a paycheck to match. Glassdoor has rounded up a list of 11 jobs with a median pay of at least $100,00 a year — and often with a base pay already exceeding that.
The list comes from employees' anonymous salary reporting over the past two years, and the jobs range from the common (dentist) to the not-so-common (ever considered becoming a special agent?). Oh, and all the positions are currently hiring.
Ahead, 11 not-so-expected jobs that pay well — really well. Are you surprised by what made the list?
Special Agent
Total median pay: $125,000
Median base salary: $121,000
Skills needed: A background in law enforcement and/or a degree in criminal justice, able to work non-standard hours.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Regional Sales Executive
Total median pay: $103,500
Median base salary: $65,000
Skills needed: Good communications skills, willingness to aggressively expand business and client base.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Reservoir Engineer
Total median pay: $143,000
Median base salary: $125,000
Skills needed: Degree in chemical engineering and related work experience.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Nurse Practitioner
Total median pay: $101,600
Median base salary: $100,000
Skills needed: Master's degree in nursing, plus additional certifications in some states.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Dentist
Total median pay: $129,968
Median base salary: $125,000
Skills needed: Doctoral degree in dental medicine or surgery, good business sense if you choose to open your own practice.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Geophysicist
Total median pay: $119,380
Median base salary: $109,864
Skills needed: Bachelor's or master's in geology, detail-oriented.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Drilling Engineer
Total median pay: $116,500
Median base salary: $106,680
Skills needed: Bachelor's in petroleum or mechanical engineering, good management skills.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Equity Research Associate
Total median pay: $100,000
Median base salary: $85,000
Skills needed: Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, or similar.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Airline Pilot
Total median pay: $134,000
Median base salary: $120,000
Skills Required: Certified with an Airline Transport Pilot's License, willingness to work a non-standard schedule.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Physician Assistant
Total median pay: $100,392
Median base salary: $100,000
Skills needed: A degree from a physician assistant program, certifying you to work in collaboration with doctors.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.
Software Architect
Total median pay: $139,000
Median base salary: $130,000
Skills needed: Bachelor's in math, software engineering, or similar training or work experience; willingness to work long hours.
See job openings on Glassdoor.
Illustrated by Paola Delucca.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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