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10 ‘Boring’ Jobs That Secretly Pay Over $75,000 (and Are Desperate for Workers)

These "dull" careers offer big paychecks and stability.

By Krista Hillis

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated Nov. 11, 2025

Have you ever talked to someone about their job and thought it sounded boring? That is, until you found out how much they make. What one person finds dull might be another person's dream career, especially when it pays well.

If you're ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck, these options, which some may consider a little snoozy, are paying out over $75,000 a year.

Editor's note: Salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Aircraft mechanic

Median annual pay: $78,680

Many people think mechanical jobs are boring, but for others, working on machines is what they live for. If you have always enjoyed fixing things, have your high school diploma, and are interested in aviation, why not become an aircraft mechanic?

You can kickstart this lucrative, in-demand career by attending a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved aviation maintenance technician school or by gaining experience through an apprenticeship. To help you land a job, complete all FAA certification exams.

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Postsecondary teacher

Median annual pay: $83,980

As a postsecondary teacher, you'll instruct students beyond the high school level at public and private colleges and universities. While employment for all postsecondary teachers is above average, with a 7% growth rate expected from 2024 to 2034, some fields, like health care, are driving even higher demand.

For example, employment opportunities for nursing instructors and other health specialties will increase by 17% through to 2034. Educational requirements will vary depending on location, what you teach, and the institution.

Dental hygienist

Median annual pay: $94,260

Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and they require an associate's degree to enter this career. Job opportunities are anticipated to increase due to an aging population, the link between oral and overall health, and an emphasis on preventative care.

You can bank on around 15,300 new openings each year through 2034, representing a 7% job-growth rate.

Elevator and escalator installer and repairer

Median annual pay: $106,580

While some may think working on elevators and escalators is boring, others find it rewarding work, and at over $106,000 per year, it makes that work even sweeter. As long as you have a high school diploma or its equivalent, you just need to finish an apprenticeship program.

With job openings growing faster than the average for all occupations, companies are actively hiring.

Construction manager

Median annual pay: $106,980

Have you worked in the construction industry and have some managerial experience or a degree in a construction-related field? Then you may be an ideal candidate for a construction management position.

Employment of construction managers is expected to grow 9% through to 2034, yielding around 46,800 openings a year. This growth is due to a booming construction market, infrastructure investments, the complexity of these projects, and the large number of anticipated retirements.

Transportation, storage, and distribution manager

Median annual pay: $102,010

If you have a high school diploma and some prior work experience in a related occupation, you can begin pursuing a managerial position focused on transportation, storage, and distribution.

The job outlook for such positions is good, with about 18,500 openings expected per year through to 2034. This growth is driven by the e-commerce boom and the need for timely, cost-effective logistics. However, wholesale trade and manufacturing companies are also hiring.

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Art director

Median annual pay: $111,040

To one person, the idea of working with images and visual styles doesn't sound overly enjoyable. However, to those who love the thought of organizing, directing, and motivating artists to articulate creative visions, this opportunity may be very exciting.

From 2024 to 2034, there will be an average of 12,300 openings each year. If you have experience in an art or design-related field, start building a portfolio, attend industry events, and seek any relevant education.

Industrial production manager

Median annual pay: $121,440

Do you have experience as a supervisor or lower-level manager? Have you worked in transportation equipment, fabricated metal, chemical, food, or machinery manufacturing? If so, there will be about 17,100 industrial production manager positions opening each year through to 2034.

To get a head start, look into internships and complete any relevant training, including Six Sigma certification.

Sales engineer

Median annual pay: $121,520

For many, sales is boring, but for others, selling products they're interested in is enjoyable. Sales engineers offer products and services, such as software or support, that require technical expertise.

The job-growth rate for sales engineers is 5%, which is faster than average, mainly due to the increasing complexity and rapid advancement of technology.

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Software developer

Median annual pay: $131,450

While some may find the concept of software development boring, others love the problem-solving and continuous learning opportunities it offers. If you have technical expertise and are interested in designing computer applications or programs, this high-demand job is for you.

Employment opportunities for software developers are expected to grow by 15%. That rate represents an average of over 129,000 openings per year until 2034.

Bottom line

If you want to get ahead financially, it doesn't always mean taking big risks or working in high-stress fields. Many steady, overlooked jobs offer solid pay, security, and long-term growth. By looking beyond what seems "exciting," you may find a rewarding career that lets you earn more and worry less — a combination that works for just about everyone.

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