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9 'Boring' Jobs That Secretly Pay $45+ an Hour (And Are Desperate for Workers)

You could find good-paying positions in business, finance, and more.

By Chris Adam

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Dec. 2, 2025

Not many job seekers are searching for work that will leave them bored and unengaged. You can probably immediately come up with a few job titles that may fit that bill. However, there are lots of in-demand jobs that may have "boring" titles but actually involve some cool responsibilities.

Here's a look at some of those jobs with good pay to help you get ahead financially.

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

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Civil engineers

Median hourly pay: $47.88

If you only want to spend part of your time in an office, becoming a civil engineer may be a smart choice. Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure work. Their time is often split between an office and construction sites.

The job outlook is strong for civil engineers. The occupation is expected to grow faster than average at 5% through 2034.

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Data scientists

Median hourly pay: $54.13

If you have strong math and computer skills, you could put them to work as a data scientist. These experts 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 grow 34% through 2034, which is much faster than average.

Actuaries

Median hourly pay: $60.47

Actuaries use math, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty. They typically work for insurance companies. Your time as an actuary may involve being in an office and perhaps traveling to meet with clients. 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.

Financial managers

Median hourly pay: $77.74

It may come as no surprise that financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long-term financial success of organizations. You may find yourself spending a great deal of time behind a desk as a financial manager. You could find work in banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and other businesses.

The field is expected to grow 15% over the next decade.

Software quality assurance analysts

Median hourly pay: $63.20

You may be able to help make sure computer systems work correctly for users as a software quality assurance analyst. 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.

Computer and information research scientists

Median hourly pay: $67.74

You may combine your love for computers with your creative side in work as a computer and information research scientist. You could design innovative uses for computer technology. You may need a bachelor's degree or more to enter this field.

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

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Management analysts

Median hourly pay: $48.65

Your business knowledge and leadership skills may serve you well as a management analyst. In this position, you would recommend ways to improve an organization's efficiency. With a degree and/or years of business experience, you may travel often to meet with clients in this kind of work.

The need for management analysts is expected to be strong (9%) over the next decade.

Statisticians

Median hourly pay: $50.17

Statisticians and mathematicians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve issues. Some of the 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.

Project management specialists

Median hourly pay: $48.44

Project management specialists help make sure that work stays on time and on budget across an organization. In this type of role, you may coordinate the budget, schedule, and other details of a project. 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.

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Bottom line

If you're ready to boost your bank account, it may be time to look at some "boring" jobs that actually pay well and involve some interesting duties. These positions may involve computer, financial, or business skills.

If you're interested in a particular job that has a title that is uninteresting to you, one way to check it out is to talk to friends or neighbors who do this type of work. You could also try to connect with professionals on social media.

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