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There are plenty of jobs out there that pay well and aren't ridiculously complex and convoluted. Landing a high-paying role in a booming industry is the best way to get ahead financially as you'll have positive cash flow while being in an industry that's unlikely to lay you off.
Here are 12 jobs that are relatively straightforward that pay at least $90,000 a year on average and are growing.
Editor's note: Salary and growth information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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Medical managers
Median annual salary: $117,960
Projected growth rate: 23%
Also known as a healthcare administrator, this role involves directing the business activities of a healthcare provider. That means focusing on improving efficiency, ensuring compliance with laws, and managing finances rather than providing clinical care.
To enter this field, one generally needs at least a bachelor's degree in health administration, health management, or business. However, master's degrees and prior administrative experience in healthcare settings are increasingly common for senior roles.
Personal financial advisors
Median annual salary: $102,140
Projected growth rate: 10%
In this job, professionals provide guidance on investments, taxes, and retirement planning to help people manage their financial future. The role relies heavily on building trust and clear communication.
A bachelor's degree is typically required to get started. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification is also needed to improve job prospects and credibility, particularly for those transitioning into the field.
Information security analyst
Median annual salary: $124,910
Projected growth rate: 29%
Security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from cyberattacks. It's a critical role that involves constant monitoring and updating of defensive protocols. Given the growing need for cybersecurity, this is one of the fastest-growing jobs on this list.
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. However, relevant experience combined with industry-standard certifications, such as the CISSP, can sometimes substitute for formal education or help experienced IT professionals pivot into this specialty.
Management analyst
Median annual salary: $101,190
Projected growth rate: 9%
Management analysts evaluate an organization's current procedures and recommend ways to improve efficiency and profitability. It is a problem-solving role that leverages industry expertise to fix operational issues.
A bachelor's degree is the typical entry requirement. However, many successful analysts transition into this role after years of working in management or operations, as deep industry knowledge is often as valuable to clients as formal education.
Nurse practitioner
Median annual salary: $132,050
Projected growth rate: 35%
Nurse practitioners serve as a primary and specialty care provider who diagnoses illnesses, treats conditions, and prescribes medications.
To become one, you must already be a registered nurse (RN) and then complete a master's or doctoral degree program. Additionally, you must pass a national certification exam and obtain state licensure, making it a significant but rewarding commitment for existing healthcare workers.
With the massive boom in healthcare jobs, this could be a stable and lucrative career path despite all the additional schooling.
Computer and information systems manager
Median annual salary: $171,200
Projected growth rate: 15%
Also known as an IT manager, this role requires planning and directing the computer-related activities of an organization. IT managers analyze technology needs and oversee the implementation of new systems.
This is a high-level role that typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer or information science and several years of experience in a related technical job.
Financial manager
Median annual salary: $161,700
Projected growth rate: 15%
Financial managers are often responsible for the overall financial health of an organization. That means producing financial reports, directing investment activities, and developing strategies for long-term financial goals.
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration is standard. Employers heavily value experience, typically requiring five or more years in another financial occupation.
Construction manager
Median annual salary: $106,980
Projected growth rate: 9%
This role typically means overseeing projects from start to finish, including scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating subcontractors, and ensuring that builds are completed on time and according to code.
Most large employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in construction science or civil engineering. However, extensive hands-on experience in the construction trades is highly valued and can sometimes substitute for formal education.
Physician assistant
Median annual salary: $133,260
Projected growth rate: 20%
A physician assistant (PA) practices medicine on teams with physicians and surgeons. They examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatments. It is a direct patient-care role that requires a master's degree from an accredited PA program.
Admission to these programs is competitive and often requires prior healthcare experience. After graduating, aspiring PA's must pass the PANCE certification exam and obtain a license to practice.
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Software developer
Median annual salary: $131,450
Projected growth rate: 15%
Developers design and build computer applications and systems that solve user problems. The work involves analyzing needs, designing software, and testing it for efficiency. A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is the most common path.
However, this industry is increasingly skill-based; many developers enter the field by learning to code through intensive bootcamps or self-study, provided they can demonstrate their abilities in a portfolio.
Data scientist
Median annual salary: $112,590
Projected growth rate: 34%
In this role, analysts leverage analytical tools and algorithms to uncover insights from large volumes of unstructured data, identifying key trends and patterns.
A bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or computer science is typically required, though the rapidly evolving field often prompts analysts to pursue additional certifications or bootcamps to master specific programming languages and data visualization tools.
Operations research analyst
Median annual salary: $91,290
Projected growth rate: 21%
In this job, advanced mathematical and analytical methods are used to help organizations operate more efficiently. That means investigating complex issues, identifying problems in logistics or business processes, and proposing data-backed solutions.
The entry requirement is typically a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as operations research, mathematics, or industrial engineering.
Bottom line
Focusing on essential, high-demand roles in healthcare, finance, and technology offers the most efficient path to a six-figure income and long-term career stability, which can help lower your financial stress.
In addition to this growth trend, millions of roles will need replacements as the Baby Boomers age out of the workforce. The BLS estimates that about 19.5 million job openings annually over the next decade will come from workers permanently leaving their occupations, compared with roughly 5 million openings from net employment growth.
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