11 ‘Boring’ Jobs That Secretly Pay $105,000+ (And Are Desperate for Workers)

Crowds of job seekers jockey for high-profile positions at well-known companies as a way to show off their financial success. However, behind the scenes, there are unglamorous careers that offer exceptional pay with less competition.

Instead of fighting for limited spots in trendy industries, these vital roles provide a direct route to six-figure earnings. Most people overlook these careers.

The following 11 positions might not impress at dinner parties, but they pay over $105,000 and offer exceptional job security.

Editor's note: All salary data was pulled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Median annual salary: $106,580

The last time you rode on an elevator, did you think about who keeps it running smoothly?

Millions of people rely on elevators and escalators without thinking of the mechanics behind the scenes. Installers and repairers make sure they function and are safe.

This in-demand job is growing at about 5% a year. It requires physical strength and technical knowledge, and you have to be able to troubleshoot problems.

Median annual salary: $106,880

Little kids dream of being firefighters or ballerinas, not coordinating maintenance schedules and overseeing janitorial contracts. However, it's surprisingly well paid.

Administrative services and facilities managers are the force behind clean and safe workspaces. They do everything from negotiating leases to managing emergency repairs.

You need a bachelor's degree and experience in the field, but it's a promising career opportunity given that the demand for this occupation is expected to grow faster than average.

Median annual salary: $125,770

Most people would see actuarial work as mind-numbingly dull. For people who love complex mathematical puzzles, this can be a six-figure career.

Actuaries use statistics, mathematics, and financial theory to calculate risk and uncertainty for insurance companies, pension funds, and government agencies.

This high-demand job is expected to grow at a 22% rate through 2034. Plus, you can work remotely.

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Median annual salary: $167,740

While engineers design cutting-edge technology or tools and see their creations come to life, architectural and engineering managers coordinate schedules and review budgets.

They are the ones who make sure projects stay on track and budget. The job involves many project meetings, since they oversee teams of architects and engineers.

Fortunately, there is no end to the need for infrastructure and tech, so it's a stable and growing career path.

Median annual salary: $171,200

How does reviewing security protocols, sitting through budget meetings, maintaining compliance, and coordinating off-hours system upgrades sound to you?

Computer and information systems managers may not do glamorous work, but they are vital to keeping organizations' technology infrastructure up and running.

The position requires a computer science or related degree and hands-on experience, but with a 15% growth rate, it's in high demand.

Median annual salary: $123,100

If you think of the excitement of filing, inventory, and other back-office work, and apply that to technology, you get database administration.

Database administrators create and maintain the digital filing systems that store everything from customer records to financial transactions. They manage backups and troubleshoot performance issues.

With the explosion of data across industries, it's a growing field, though you do need a bachelor's degree and technical problem-solving skills.

Median annual salary: $161,180

The nitty-gritty facts of science are boring to most people.

However, those who enjoy science and are comfortable managing teams can capitalize on this position's 4% projected growth through 2034. You do need at least a bachelor's degree and several years of research experience.

Natural sciences managers oversee scientific research projects and laboratory operations. They coordinate research activities, supervise scientists, and handle administrative tasks.

Median annual salary: $144,580

Working as an air traffic controller means staying focused on a radar screen in a control tower, with periods of high stress and high responsibility when the airport is busy.

Pilots may get the glory, but air traffic controllers quietly and efficiently coordinate the movement of aircraft using precise radio communications. They follow strict protocols.

You need an associate's degree and specialized training from the Federal Aviation Administration Academy.

Median annual salary: $106,980

While you may think of construction as engaging, physical labor, important work happens behind the scenes.

Construction managers spend their days in trailers wrestling with spreadsheets, schedules, and permit paperwork. They coordinate budgets, manage timelines, and make sure projects comply with regulations.

They typically need a bachelor's degree and learn management skills on the job. With a projected 9% growth rate, the industry needs qualified managers.

Median annual salary: $106,950

Building artificial hearts and robotic limbs sounds exciting, right? It is, until you realize biomedical engineers actually run calculations, write technical reports, and conduct tediously repetitive laboratory tests.

This position is at the intersection of engineering and biology and involves extensive documentation and regulatory compliance.

At a 5% projected growth rate, this job is a solid opportunity for engineers with a bachelor's degree who are comfortable with methodical, behind-the-scenes work.

Median annual salary: $121,520

When you think of sales, you may picture an outgoing and friendly person shaking hands or presenting a pitch.

Sales engineers are technical people who help customers troubleshoot issues and understand complex products. They create detailed proposals and answer technical questions.

You'll need a bachelor's degree in engineering and strong communication skills. However, with a 5% projected growth rate, it's a stable career for engineers who enjoy customer interaction.

These overlooked careers prove that unsexy work can come with an impressive paycheck to help build wealth. Even better, these "boring" jobs are often recession-resistant because they maintain critical infrastructure and business operations. When economic downturns hit, companies still need their elevators repaired and databases maintained.

In a world obsessed with building personal brands and chasing viral careers, the real wealth might belong to those willing to do the work nobody talks about.