12 High-Demand Jobs That Pay More Than $75,000 a Year

It's hard to stay optimistic in today's job market when headline after headline reports on widespread layoffs and economic uncertainty. But your outlook may change when you learn that many high-demand jobs pay over $75,000 a year.

Whether starting your career or looking to change, here are 12 jobs that could boost you toward greater financial freedom. All salary and job growth projections come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Median annual salary: $75,660

Funeral service managers handle the behind-the-scenes business and legal tasks like staffing, marketing, sales, and filing documents. They also support families through counseling and funeral preparation. This profession is projected to grow by 5%.

Becoming a funeral service manager requires an associate's degree in funeral service or mortuary science. Once you get a job, you'll continue your training with a one- to three-year internship and must pass a state and/or national board exam.

Median annual salary: $78,680

Aircraft mechanics repair aircraft parts like engines, wings, brakes, and electrical systems. You can work in various industries, such as scheduled air transportation, aerospace, or couriers and express delivery services. This job is expected to grow by 5% over the next decade.

The fastest path to becoming a professional aircraft mechanic is to complete a maintenance training program at an FAA-approved school. Add on-site job training, and you'll earn a $75,000 salary with the potential to grow.

Median annual salary: $80,880

Logisticians manage the purchasing, transportation, inventory, and warehousing of goods. You can work in just about any industry, from manufacturing and packaging to transportation and farming, in this high-demand job with expected growth of 19% over the next decade.

In most situations, you'll need a bachelor's degree to become a logistician.

Median annual salary: $83,170

Criminal investigators prevent and solve crimes related to federal, state, or local law violations. Their day-to-day work could include conducting interviews and examining records, but it may also entail participating in raids and arrests. Although dealing with homicide and fraud may be a high-stress and high-risk role, it's also in high demand, with 5% projected growth for the next decade.

A high school diploma is necessary to become a detective or criminal investigator. Subsequent requirements vary by employing agency, including needing a bachelor's degree and related work experience. For example, most police detectives must serve at least two years as police officers. If you want to work as a private detective or investigator, many states have specific requirements, such as a license.

Median annual salary: $92,120

Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat patients with ear problems related to hearing and balance. Thanks to an aging baby boomer population and increased survival rates for trauma patients and stroke survivors, this health care profession is in high demand at an 11% projected growth. Plus, it's known to be low-stress.

To become an audiologist, you'll need a bachelor's degree, a doctoral degree in audiology, a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A), and a license to practice in your state. Many choose to specialize in a specific population, like geriatrics, or an area, like hearing aids.

Median annual salary: $93,600

Registered nurses (RNs) are vital frontline health care providers. They advocate for, promote, and coordinate patient care across various needs and settings, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and offering emotional support and education. Given our aging population, the demand for this career path is expected to grow by 6% through 2033.

To be an RN, you must have a license, which can be obtained through a bachelor's, associate's, or diploma in nursing from an approved nursing program.

Median annual salary: $95,380

Web developers and digital designers are experts in websites. A developer creates and maintains a site, and the designer ensures its usability (think layout, functions, and navigation).

Overall employment of web developers and digital designers is rising at a rate of 8%. While some employers are satisfied with a high school diploma, others require you to have a bachelor's degree.

Median annual wage: $101,350

Financial analysts advise businesses and individuals on investments, budgeting, and financial planning. They aim to help their clients maximize their assets and grow their profits.

Based on a 9% growth rate over the next decade, there's an especially high demand for financial analysts, outpacing the national average. To start a career as one, you'll need a bachelor's degree. Other professional designations may be useful in increasing your competitiveness, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certifications.

Median annual wage: $102,420

Elevator technicians work at the intersection of electronics and hydraulics. This high-demand position, growing at 12%, keeps elevators, escalators, moving walkways, chairlifts, and other lifts running smoothly. To earn more, consider specializing in maintenance and repair.

A high school diploma is the minimum requirement for elevator technicians. Some states also require a four-year apprenticeship program and a license.

Median annual salary: $106,980

Construction managers plan, design, and execute a project, monitoring the budget and timeline to ensure completion. This job role also requires you to staff and supervise specialized trades like electricians, plumbers, and general laborers.

The expected growth for this high-demand position is 9% over the next decade. You'll need a bachelor's degree and on-site training to start. If you prefer working for a large construction firm, a bachelor's degree in a construction-related field and prior construction experience may be required.

Median annual salary: $101,190

Management analysts advise organizations on ways to improve their overall effectiveness. Whether enhancing productivity or reducing costs, they act as an extension of the team to identify gaps and areas of opportunity across operations, human resources, financial management, and other functions.

Growing at a projected 11%, management analysts are in high demand from consulting firms to government agencies. A bachelor's degree is typically required to begin a career as one. Some employers require a master's degree, like a Master of Business Administration (MBA), as well as experience in other analysis roles or similar industries.

Median annual salary: $124,910

Information security analysts protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They prioritize proactively designing and implementing security measures that safeguard sensitive data and minimize vulnerabilities to hacking, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

As digitization accelerates, information security analysts are in high demand, at 33% projected growth. A bachelor's degree in a computer science field and related work experience are required. In addition, some employers may prefer to hire analysts with professional certifications.

Feeling inspired to pivot into a high-demand career? With these jobs, you won't only have the potential to earn $75,000 a year, but you'll set yourself on a pathway for building wealth that can last your entire career.

Being bilingual can also open doors to higher salaries and new job opportunities, especially if you speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic. Be sure to brush up on your language skills and highlight this skill in your applications to get a leg up.