If one of your New Year’s resolutions is getting out of a dead-end job and into something that actually pays the bills–and then some–you’re in good company. A recent online discussion has people across the country talking about jobs that pay extremely well but don’t get much attention, and a lot of them might surprise you.
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For folks here in Lubbock and across West Texas, where skilled labor, technical know-how, and strong work ethic still matter, several of these careers could be more realistic than you’d think.
High-Paying Jobs Most People Overlook
Some of the biggest earners aren’t flashy or glamorous–but they are steady and in demand.
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Septic Tank Installation and Repair Not glamorous, but absolutely essential, especially in rural areas around Lubbock County. Skilled technicians can make serious money.
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Elevator Technicians These specialists often earn six figures, and while the job has its ups and downs (BA-Zing!), it’s highly technical and hard to replace.
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Electric Pole Climbers The crews restoring power after storms and outages can earn impressive pay, especially with overtime. West Texans know how critical these jobs are.
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Aircraft Mechanics With an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license–often earned through two years at a junior college–mechanics can land high-paying, stable careers.
Specialized Skills, Big Paychecks
Some lesser-known careers pay well simply because few people have the patience or training to do them.
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Fiber Optic Cable Splicing It’s detailed work that requires focus, but demand is growing fast as infrastructure expands.
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Certified Wastewater Treatment Operators Cities can’t function without them, and salaries reflect that responsibility.
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Land Surveying Not questionnaires–actual land surveying. Construction, development, and infrastructure projects rely on these professionals.
Unexpected High Earners
A few jobs surprised even longtime internet users:
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Casino Dealers, where tips can push income into six figures. (You’d have to move to Ruidoso though)
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Tennis Coaches, especially those working with wealthy clients
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Lighting Designers for major events and broadcast sports
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Airport Wildlife Control, including bird management, which one worker said pays around $160,000 a year. (Yes, $160K to shoot birds!)
And yes–someone even pointed out that the richest guy on their block was a retired plumber.
What This Means for Lubbock
For Lubbock residents looking for a career change in 2026, the takeaway is simple: high pay doesn’t always come from high-profile jobs. Skilled trades, certifications, and specialized roles can quietly build long-term financial security without leaving West Texas…