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15 'Boring' Jobs That Secretly Pay $40+ an Hour (And Are Desperate for Workers)

These roles may offer rewarding opportunities for professionals seeking new challenges.

By Chris Adam

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Dec. 27, 2025

If your resolution for 2026 is to find a new job and lower your financial stress, you're not alone. According to a new report by Robert Half, 40% of American workers plan to look for a new job next year. You can start by securing a job that's in demand and pays well. It may be helpful to look at jobs some might consider "boring."

Perhaps one of these is in your field of interest and will keep you engaged during the workday. Take a look at these 15 so-called boring jobs that pay more than $40 an hour and have strong growth outlooks.

Editor's note: All salary information sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Financial examiner

Median hourly pay: $43.46

A financial examiner makes sure institutions handling money act in compliance with laws. These experts review balance sheets, evaluate the risk levels of loans, and assess bank management.

A financial examiner usually has a bachelor's degree with some knowledge of accounting. The need for this kind of job is expected to grow much faster than average (19%) over the next decade.

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Dental hygienist

Median hourly pay: $45.32

You may see a dental hygienist once or twice a year. They examine your mouth for signs of oral diseases, help clean your teeth, and offer education on oral hygiene.

The job outlook is strong for dental hygienists, with the job expected to grow much faster than average (7%) over the next 10 years. Dental hygienists typically need an associate's degree and a license.

Civil engineer

Median hourly pay: $47.88

Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure work. They often split time between an office and construction sites.

They typically have a bachelor's degree and often a state-issued license. The job outlook is strong for civil engineers. The occupation is expected to grow faster than average at 5% through 2034.

Data scientist

Median hourly pay: $54.13

Data scientists have strong math and computer skills. They use analytical tools and techniques to study data and create meaningful insights.

Typically, data scientists need a bachelor's degree to enter the field, but more advanced degrees are sometimes required as well. The need for data scientists is expected to 34% through 2034, which is much faster than average.

Actuary

Median hourly pay: $60.47

As an actuary, you would use your knowledge of math, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty. Actuaries generally have bachelor's degrees and pass exams to earn certification.

As for the job outlook, the employment of actuaries is expected to grow much faster than average (22%) through 2034.

Software quality assurance analyst

Median hourly pay: $63.20

In this role, you would analyze computer applications or programs to spot problems and report defects. You typically need a bachelor's degree to enter this field.

The job outlook is strong. The need for software quality assurance analysts is expected to grow much faster than average (15%) over the next decade.

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Computer and information research scientist

Median hourly pay: $67.74

Being a computer and information research scientist could involve designing innovative uses for computer technology. You may need a bachelor's degree or potentially more advanced degrees to enter this field.

The field is expected to grow much faster than average (20%) through 2034.

Management analyst

Median hourly pay: $48.65

Management analysts use business knowledge and leadership skills to serve others. In this position, you would recommend ways to improve an organization's efficiency.

Management analysts typically have bachelor's degrees and years of business experience. The need for management analysts is expected to be strong (9%) over the next decade.

Statistician

Median hourly pay: $50.17

Statisticians and mathematicians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve issues. Top employers for these professionals include the federal government and companies involved with scientific research and development goals.

This type of job typically requires a bachelor's degree. The need for statisticians and mathematicians is expected to grow much faster than average (8%) through 2034.

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Project management specialist

Median hourly pay: $48.44

Project management specialists help make sure that work stays on time and under budget across an organization. You may find a bachelor's degree and certification helpful in finding this type of job.

As for the job outlook, the need for project management specialists is expected to grow faster than average (6%) over the next decade.

Training and development manager

Median hourly pay: $61.10

Training and development managers can be found in most industries. They plan, coordinate, and direct programs involving skills and knowledge enhancement for other staff members.

These managers typically have bachelor's or master's degrees and related work experience. The need for training and development managers is expected to grow faster than average (6%) over the next decade.

Aerospace engineer

Median hourly pay: $64.82

You can work on aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and more as an aerospace engineer. You may need strong math, science, and analytical skills to find success.

You can develop those skills while getting a bachelor's degree. The need for these engineers is expected to be strong (6%) through 2034.

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Sales manager

Median hourly pay: $66.38

You typically find sales managers in retail or office settings. They plan and direct the delivery of a product or service to a customer.

Some sales managers have bachelor's degrees. The outlook for sales managers is predicted to be strong (5%) over the next decade.

Human resources manager

Median hourly pay: $67.32

Human resources managers are found in most industries. They plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization.

Many of these managers have bachelor's degrees. The outlook for human resources managers is expected to be strong (5%) through 2034.

Computer hardware engineer

Median hourly pay: $74.53

Computer hardware engineers can be found in research labs that build and test various types of computer models. They research and test computer systems and components.

These engineers usually have bachelor's degrees. The need for computer hardware engineers is expected to grow much faster than average (7%) over the next decade.

Bottom line

Securing a so-called boring job in 2026 could be your key to getting ahead financially. Many of these positions pay well and are in demand.

If you're having trouble finding this kind of job, perhaps start looking for part-time positions that could lead to full-time roles or volunteer for new opportunities with your current employer. You may find the road to a "boring" job is fulfilling in ways you never expected.

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