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Ditch the Glam: These “Boring” Jobs Quietly Pay Six Figures
For years, we’ve been told that the path to a high-paying job is paved with flashy titles, grueling hours, or endless graduate school. But a surprising trend is emerging: a growing number of six-figure roles are flying under the radar precisely because they don’t sound exciting. These “boring” jobs rarely go viral, yet many quietly command salaries of at least $116,000 annually, and employers are struggling to find enough qualified people to fill them.
For workers ready to trade the hype for consistency, these 10 jobs offer strong pay, providing a solid foundation to move beyond the paycheck-to-paycheck grind. (Editor’s note: Salary information is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.)
1. Industrial Production Managers
Median annual salary: $121,440
Industrial production managers are the unseen architects of efficiency, overseeing manufacturing operations from staffing and scheduling to critical quality control. The high pay reflects the expensive consequences of efficiency mistakes.
While most positions require a bachelor’s degree and years of experience, rural areas may offer opportunities with less formal education and more on-the-job experience. The BLS anticipates steady demand as automation advances and a wave of retiring managers opens doors in U.S. factories.
2. Sales Engineers
Median annual salary: $121,520
Don’t let the “sales” in the title fool you. Sales engineers are more problem-solvers than pitch artists, explaining complex products and how they work.
Common in software, manufacturing, and industrial equipment sectors, this role expertly blends technical know-how with crucial people skills. A bachelor’s degree is typically required, and demand remains robust.
Job growth is projected to be faster than average as companies continue to develop and sell increasingly advanced, customized products.
3. Actuaries
Median annual salary: $125,770
Actuaries are the financial risk whisperers, using advanced math and statistics to measure financial risk, primarily in the insurance and finance industries. This highly specialized field requires passing a series of challenging exams, a barrier that helps keep salaries high and competition low.
While the work may not be flashy, actuaries enjoy low unemployment, strong job security, and excellent long-term earning potential. The BLS projects faster-than-average growth, driven by an increasing need for risk modeling in healthcare, climate science, and financial planning.
4. Compensation and Benefits Managers
Median annual salary: $140,360
A career in human resources might seem unglamorous, but compensation and benefits managers are truly earning a good living. They are responsible for designing pay structures, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits packages.
Their work directly impacts a company’s ability to hire and retain top talent, which is why organizations pay a premium for their expertise. A bachelor’s degree is usually required, coupled with HR or finance experience.
While it may sound like paperwork, in today’s tight labor markets, this role has become increasingly strategic, maintaining steady demand.
5. Purchasing Managers
Median annual salary: $136,380
Purchasing managers are the unsung heroes of the supply chain, negotiating contracts, managing suppliers, and controlling spending. Recent supply chain disruptions have elevated this once-overlooked role, as strong negotiation skills and cost control can save companies millions – thus, the six-figure pay.
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. While overall growth is limited, the BLS notes strong demand for experienced managers who can effectively reduce costs and mitigate risk.
6. Architectural and Engineering Managers
Median annual salary: $167,740
These managers lead teams of engineers and architects on projects ranging from infrastructure and construction to product design. The role demands a blend of technical expertise, budgeting prowess, and strong leadership.
It’s often overlooked due to its management-heavy nature, but a wave of retiring workers and large-scale projects are driving significant demand. A bachelor’s degree and years of experience are required, with steady growth projected due to ongoing infrastructure investments and the need to replace an aging workforce.
7. Natural Sciences Managers
Median annual salary: $161,180
Natural sciences managers oversee scientists in labs, research facilities, and manufacturing environments, ensuring projects stay on budget and adhere to crucial regulations. Advanced degrees are common, which limits the talent pool.
While the job title sounds academic, the impressive pay reflects the critical importance of these roles in sectors like pharmaceuticals, energy, and biotechnology. The BLS anticipates strong demand, particularly from pharmaceutical production, environmental regulation, and biotechnology research.
8. Computer and Information Systems Managers
Median annual salary: $171,200
In our ever-evolving technological world, information security managers are absolutely essential. They are the frontline defenders, protecting organizations from cyber threats and devastating data breaches.
While cybersecurity itself can sound exciting, management roles focus more on strategic planning, policy development, and compliance. Demand for these qualified leaders is soaring as cyberattacks increase and skilled talent remains scarce.
A bachelor’s degree and IT experience are standard requirements, with pay well into six figures.
9. Facilities Managers
Median annual salary: $102,340 * (75th percentile/top earners exceed $133,990)
Facilities managers are the silent guardians of our buildings, overseeing operations, maintenance, safety, and long-term planning. Their work is often invisible until something goes awry, which is precisely why experienced managers are so well compensated.
A bachelor’s degree and relevant certifications can significantly boost earning potential. Large hospitals, university campuses, and corporate offices frequently offer six-figure salaries.
There is steady job demand as buildings age and sustainability standards expand.
10. Financial Managers
Median annual salary: $161,700
Financial managers are the strategic minds behind an organization’s fiscal health, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. The job commands high pay because their decisions directly impact profitability and risk.
A bachelor’s degree is required, and substantial experience is essential. The BLS projects faster-than-average growth as companies increasingly rely on sophisticated financial analysis to guide their strategic decisions.
The Bottom Line
High-paying jobs don’t always come with flashy titles or exciting day-to-day work. Many of the roles on this list pay well over $116,000 because they are essential, difficult to automate, and rely on experience most workers haven’t yet acquired. A six-figure job could be the key you need to get ahead financially.
One often-overlooked detail: several of these professions have aging workforces, meaning retirements are opening doors faster than new talent is entering the field. For job seekers willing to prioritize stability and long-term earning power over prestige, these “boring” roles can offer a clearer, more direct path to higher salaries than many trendier careers.