Career Center

It's important that you choose a career that you're passionate about. Most people also want to choose a path that is going to provide them with lucrative opportunities in the future, not just now, but for years (or decades) to come. It is a smart decision to  select what jobs are always in demand.That means choosing a job that has a high salary now and is likely to remain so in the future. 

Over the next decade, there will be plenty of opportunities for growth in these 15 high-paying jobs. The list includes jobs that are considered to be high-paying by our definition, based on median pay in 2020 in the United States.

1. Actuary

Risk evaluation is the responsibility of actuaries, who work for insurance companies. Actuaries use math, data, and statistics to determine whether their employer should issue a policy to a potential customer—whether that's an individual or a business—and, if they choose an approach to be published, the premium that should be charged. In addition to retirement benefits and other investments, actuaries evaluate health, life, automobile, homeowners, medical malpractice, and workers' compensation insurance.

2. Industrial Engineer

Industry engineers are in the business of optimizing and maximizing efficiency. Math, statistics, science, and engineering principles are used to evaluate people, systems, and processes within a business, including supply chains, operations, finance, and machinery or equipment. In the process of creating a product or service, they try to find the most efficient way to integrate systems and processes. Businesses need them to keep costs low, productivity high, and reach organizational goals (such as shipping new products by a certain deadline or optimizing shipping and delivery operations).

Having a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field is crucial to success as an industrial engineer, and many industrial engineers go on to pursue advanced degrees.

3. Data Scientist

Data scientists create the frameworks that allow companies to collect, organize, and analyze data-and then use that data to make better decisions. The job can cover everything from running data experiments, implementing statistical models and algorithms, developing data products, and optimizing frameworks to increase efficiency and drive better business results.

Data science is a highly technical, data-intensive field, so it typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, statistics, math, engineering, or a related field

4. Information Systems (IS) Manager

Information systems managers (also known as IS managers) are responsible for designing and managing information systems within an organization. The information technology (IT) manager holds a senior position in the company's information technology department and is responsible for assessing the current state of technology. A high demand exists for such jobs, such as keeping up-to-date on available upgrades and best practices, and developing plans for information systems. Making recommendations on everything from hardware to software to security, and overseeing teams to implement their plans. 

In this case, an IT manager would weigh the costs and benefits of a new piece of software, pitch their recommendation to executives or other decision makers, get it installed efficiently across the organization, and oversee its maintenance and security.

5. Information Security Analyst

The role of an information security analyst is to ensure that an organization's information is safe and secure - a top priority for businesses in this digital age when a lot of sensitive data is shared and stored. Analysts in the field of information security are responsible for everything from researching security issues to testing solutions. They can also evaluate a company's digital security processes, identify and fix vulnerabilities, manage security threats and breaches, and develop and implement security solutions and technologies (such as overseeing the installation of firewalls and the deployment of encryption).

They must know everything there is to know about cybersecurity and usually have a bachelor's degree (or higher!) in a technology-related field, such as computer science.

6. Financial Manager

The financial manager is responsible for managing an organization's finances, as the title implies. As well as working for companies directly, financial managers can work for consulting firms, where they are responsible for managing the finances of their clients. A financial manager may handle a range of tasks relating to finance, depending on the needs of a company or client. Identifying financial vulnerabilities or risks, developing solutions to eliminate them, and conducting financial research are also part of their duties. A financial manager prepares financial projections and reports, prepares financial statements, sets financial goals, and offers suggestions to a company or client. The financial manager can help you achieve these financial goals; and suggest ways to reduce costs, increase profits, or expand your market.

7. Registered Nurse (RN)

Licensed nurses (also known as RNs) provide medical care and support to patients in a variety of settings (such as hospitals, doctor's offices, surgery centers, nursing homes, schools, or patient's homes) and across specialties . Nurses may perform a range of patient-related tasks depending on where they work, their area of specialization, and their patients' needs, from monitoring vital signs to administering medication to assisting in surgeries. Patients are also taught and communicated with, as well as medical histories are taken and records updated.

8. Physician Assistant (PA)

Physician assistants (also known as PAs) are licensed health care professionals. Medical doctors (MDs) are able to examine, diagnose, and treat patients, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. Physician assistants are similarly qualified. While doctors work independently, PAs require the supervision of a physician. Physician assistants may work in a variety of settings (including doctors' offices and hospitals) and in a range of specialties (from primary care to surgery).

9. Sales Engineer

Sales engineers hold a hybrid position in which they combine aspects of sales and engineering. Typically, sales engineers work for companies that sell technology products or services to clients. The sales engineer evaluates the client's systems and develops a solution tailored to meet their needs. A representative's responsibilities include pitching and selling to clients, closing and renewing deals, installing equipment and software, and providing support once the technology has been installed. Talking about what jobs are highly in demand, then Sales Engineer can be one of them. 

10. Technical Writer

Whether through journal articles, educational materials, videos, tutorials, instruction manuals, or FAQ pages, technical writers translate complicated technical information into easy-to-understand language. As a result, these writers must interact with the people who create the relevant products and equipment, for example, in order to know the ins and outs of what they're writing about and to determine what documentation is required. Depending on their audience, they might address colleagues within their own organization, clients, customers, or the general public.

A technical writer often holds a degree in English, communications, or a related field. As a technical writer, you must also have a deep understanding of computer science, engineering, medicine, or whichever specific technical field you are writing about (in some cases, that can come in the form of a degree or prior experience).

11. Software Developer

Talking about what jobs are in demand can list one more job of the Software Developer. The task of software developers is to design, code, test, and develop software, whether it is an enterprise solution serving a large corporation or a consumer-facing app used by individuals. Coding skills are the most important thing you'll need to succeed as a software developer.

12. Marketing Manager

An effective marketing manager spreads the word about a product, service, event, brand, etc.-and convinces customers that it's worthwhile buying, attending, following, etc. Marketers can be generalists or specialize in one type of marketing (content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, e-commerce, or search engine optimization and marketing) - and develop, implement, and optimize strategies, campaigns, and promotions to increase awareness, connect with customers, and drive sales.

The majority of marketing managers have a marketing degree or a related field. In a small company, you might be a generalist who handles several or all aspects of marketing while working on a small team or even alone. Many mid-sized and larger companies look for specialized marketers --so the more skills you acquire in a specific area of marketing, the greater the chance you'll land a high-paying position. 

13. Human Resources (HR) Manager

Managers of human resources (also known as HR managers) are responsible for organizing everything associated with employees within an organization.

HR managers may be responsible for a variety of employee-related tasks, such as recruiting, employee onboarding and training, and overseeing benefits administration. In addition to employee complaints, HR managers may be responsible for coordinating wellness programs and team building activities intended to improve the company culture.

14. Database Administrator

It is the responsibility of a database administrator to maintain a company's database systems and make sure the information they store is easily, quickly, and securely accessible. For databases, this can include optimizing data collection, storage, and organization; backing up systems; identifying problems or inconsistencies and developing solutions; creating new databases and transferring data into them; overseeing user permissions; and designing and implementing security measures.

It's essential for database administrators to have an understanding of databases, how they work, and how to manage and optimize them-which is why most database administrators have a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field.

15. Public Relations (PR) Manager

PR managers are responsible for shaping the public's perception of individuals, products, and companies, whether it's building buzz around a new product launch, getting press coverage for a new book, or building positive public opinion. PR managers achieve these objectives using a variety of strategies, such as maintaining relationships with the media, writing press releases, and conducting damage control to reduce negative media coverage. While most PR professionals have a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field, experience building interest and generating positive press can open doors for candidates without a degree as well.