27/07/2024

18 Careers That Pay Much More Than You’d Think

When we think of high-paying jobs, roles like doctors, lawyers, and tech executives usually come to mind. While they all pay well, there are many lesser-known professions where people quietly earn impressive salaries. People would rarely think of these jobs when it comes to earning an outstanding salary, but it proves there’s plenty of money in various careers.

Elevator Mechanics

Elevator mechanics are essential in our vertical world, ensuring that elevators are safe and operational. This role requires technical knowledge and precision, and it pays handsomely. Elevator installers and repairers can earn a median annual salary of over $80,000, with the top earners making well over six figures. Considering how many elevators there are in the world, there’s a need for many people in this role.

Court Reporters

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Court reporters are the silent observers in the courtroom, capturing every word spoken during trials. Their work is crucial for legal proceedings so that everything can be fact-checked, and their specialized skills are in high demand. Experienced court reporters can earn upwards of $100,000 per year, especially those working in major cities or freelancers, but typing quickly is difficult.

Radiation Therapists

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Radiation therapists play a critical role in cancer treatment, operating machines like linear accelerators to deliver targeted radiation therapy to those in need. It’s a job that requires both compassion and technical expertise. The median salary for radiation therapists is around $85,000, potentially earning more with experience and additional certifications.

Dental Hygienists

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Dental hygienists do much more than just clean teeth; they are vital to preventive oral health care. With a strong job outlook and a median salary of approximately $77,000, dental hygienists enjoy both job security and financial stability. Top earners can make over $100,000 annually, especially in metropolitan areas.

Air Traffic Controllers

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Air traffic controllers have one of the most stressful jobs: managing the safe take-off, landing, and routing of planes. Due to the risks involved, the role must be executed perfectly every single time, and the FAA provides rigorous training. In return for that pressure, controllers are well compensated. The median annual wage for air traffic controllers is about $124,000, potentially earning over $175,000 in high-traffic areas.

Funeral Service Managers

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Funeral service managers might not be the first job that comes to mind when considering high salaries, but they oversee the operations of funeral homes, ensuring services are conducted smoothly. Experienced managers can earn between $75,000 and $100,000 a year, with some in large urban areas making even more.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

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Operating a nuclear power plant requires specialized training and high responsibility. These operators manage the systems that generate nuclear energy. The median annual salary for nuclear power reactor operators is around $100,000, with opportunities for higher earnings as one gains experience and additional qualifications.

Genetic Counselors

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Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for various inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and congenital disabilities. Their specialized knowledge is highly valued in medical settings, with salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000.

Wind Turbine Technicians

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With the rise of renewable energy, wind turbine technicians are in high demand. These professionals, who maintain and repair wind turbines, can earn between $50,000 and $80,000, with the potential for higher earnings as the industry grows.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

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Sonographers use imaging equipment to conduct tests that help diagnose medical conditions. This is an important role that must be done right. The median salary is around $75,000, with the potential for higher earnings in specialized fields or high-demand locations.

Geophysicists

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Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth to locate resources like oil and minerals. These can then be used in the long term to help the general population, which is why it’s such an important role. Their expertise is essential in the energy sector, earning them salaries typically ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000.

Occupational Therapists

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Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working, allowing them to advance in their own lives. This role can earn practitioners a median salary of around $85,000, with opportunities to earn more in specialized or high-demand areas.

Orthotists and Prosthetists

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These professionals design and fit medical supportive devices and prosthetics. Their specialized skills can command salaries between $60,000 and $90,000, with experienced professionals earning even more. This crucial role can provide life-changing results for many people.

Hydrologists

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Hydrologists study water movement, distribution, and quality, a niche role requiring significant knowledge on the subject. They play a crucial role in environmental protection and resource management, and their salaries range from $60,000 to $90,000.

Voice-Over Artists

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Voice-over artists provide their voices for commercials, animations, and other media, such as video games. Successful voice-over artists can earn from $50,000 to well over $100,000, especially if they work on high-profile projects or develop a unique niche. Bringing different roles to life is challenging, and voice-over artists often cover a wide range of genres and ages with their roles, highlighting their versatility.

Commercial Divers

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Commercial divers perform underwater work such as inspection, repair, and construction. Their challenging and sometimes dangerous work pays well, as it should, given the associated risks. Salaries can range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on experience and job complexity.

MRI Technologists

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MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. Due to the importance of MRI results, this role is crucial within the medical field, and that’s why it typically offers a median salary of around $75,000. There’s also potential for higher earnings in specialized fields or high-demand regions.

Software Quality Assurance Engineers

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These engineers ensure that software products meet quality standards before they are released. Their critical role in software development can earn them salaries ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience and the complexity of the projects they handle, showcasing how highly their skills are treated.