Looking to boost your bank account? Part-time jobs and side hustles can help fill in the gaps, but selecting the right high-paying career is a great way to improve your finances in the long run.
Below, we'll go over 11 jobs that pay at least $85,000 with strong future growth potential, so that you can set off on the right course to financial success.
Editor's note: All salary information is taken from Indeed unless otherwise noted.
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Customer success manager
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Median salary: $86,101
Customer success managers ensure that clients are satisfied with the products and services they receive from a company. They interface with customers after a sale, assisting with onboarding, training, troubleshooting issues, and more.
To be a customer success manager, a bachelor's degree in business, communications, or marketing will be helpful. The U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that customer success managers and other sales manager jobs will have a 6% increase by 2033.
Manufacturing engineer
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Median salary: $91,741
Manufacturing engineers design and refine manufacturing processes, making them more efficient and productive. They ensure that high-quality products are manufactured safely and cost-effectively.
To become a manufacturing engineer, a bachelor's degree in a field such as mechanical, industrial, or electrical engineering is required. The BLS projects that manufacturing engineer jobs and other industrial engineer opportunities will grow 12% by 2033.
Policy analyst
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Median salary: $85,486
Policy analysts perform research on public issues like education, health care, and the environment. They then make recommendations to their employers (such as government agencies, nonprofits, or private companies).
A master's degree in a field like economics, public administration, or sociology is required. The BLS estimates that policy analyst jobs and other political scientist positions will grow 3% by 2033.
Business analyst
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Median salary: $86,865
Business analysts identify ways that organizations can improve their workflows through data and technology. They document business processes, design and test solutions, and make recommendations to their clients.
A bachelor's degree in a field such as business, finance, computer science, or information technology is typically required to be a business analyst. The BLS estimates that management analyst jobs will increase by 11% over the next eight years.
Civil engineer
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Median salary: $94,424
Civil engineers plan, design, and build physical infrastructure projects such as roads, tunnels, bridges, and utilities. They work in both the public and private sectors, ensuring that projects comply with applicable codes and standards.
A bachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering will be a requirement for this role. The BLS estimates that civil engineer jobs will increase by 6% by 2033.
Intelligence specialist
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Median salary: $98,365
Intelligence specialists collect and interpret information in support of a particular cause (such as national security, law enforcement, or the military). They help identify threats and risks and formulate the appropriate response.
A degree in fields like political science, criminology, or cybersecurity will help get your foot in the door as an intelligence specialist. The BLS projects that similar roles in law enforcement and information security analysis will grow by 4% and 33%, respectively, by 2033.
Scientist
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Median salary: $98,952
Scientists conduct research and experiments about the natural world, helping expand human knowledge in a particular field and develop new technologies or products. Many disciplines fall under the term scientist, including biologists, chemists, physicists, and environmental scientists.
A bachelor's degree in the relevant scientific field is required, with a master's or doctorate often preferred. The BLS estimates that jobs for physicists, chemists, and biochemists will grow by 7%, 8%, and 9%, respectively, by 2033.
Superintendent
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Median salary: $100,970
Superintendents are responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations at a large project or facility. The title of "superintendent" applies to supervisory roles at construction sites, schools, factories, and more, giving you a great deal of choice in your career path.
Being a superintendent requires at least a high school diploma, with more advanced degrees often preferred. The BLS projects that school superintendents and other education administrator jobs will grow by 3% in the next eight years.
Front-end developer
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Median salary: $117,310
Front-end developers design and build the "front end" of websites and applications that users see and interact with directly. They are responsible for writing computer code to create attractive and user-friendly interfaces.
While some front-end developers are self-taught, many have bachelor's or master's degrees in computer science or software engineering. The BLS estimates that web developer jobs will grow by 8% over the next eight years.
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Controller
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Median salary: $117,965
Controllers are financial professionals who oversee a company's financial reporting and accounting operations. They ensure that the organization's financial statements are accurate and compliant with regulations.
A bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, finance, or business is a requirement, as well as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification. The BLS projects that controllers and other financial management jobs will increase by 17% over the next eight years.
Nurse practitioner
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Median salary: $131,691
Nurse practitioners provide primary, acute, and specialized care to patients. Unlike registered nurses, they are licensed to assess and diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans.
A graduate degree in nursing is required to become a nurse practitioner, as well as certification and licensing. The BLS estimates that nurse practitioner jobs will increase by 40% over the next eight years.
Bottom line
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According to the BLS, the U.S. labor market will add 6.7 million jobs by 2033, so it's an excellent time to retrain for a better-paying job with strong growth potential.
By selecting one of the high-paying jobs with a $85,000 salary above, you can take advantage of these future growth opportunities and move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.
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