10 Jobs That (Surprisingly) Pay Over $80,000 a Year

There are plenty of jobs such as doctors and lawyers where you would expect to make a large salary. But if you don’t have advanced degrees, don’t worry, you may still be suited for a position that you never even realized makes over $80,000 a year.

See if you qualify — or are interested — in one of these jobs that pay well and might be able to help you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Median annual wage: $82,380

A gambling manager works in casinos to coordinate and direct operations. You usually start out as a games supervisor before working your way into a position managing games and employees.

Median annual wage: $85,420

Electrical power-line repairers have a specialized position that comes in handy when the power goes out. You usually only need a high school diploma to start work with on-the-job training to repair power lines and move up in the field.

Median annual wage: $100,890

A power plant operator manages the systems that generate and distribute electrical power to customers.

You usually only need a high school diploma and on-the-job training, making this position ideal for someone who doesn’t have a college degree.

Median annual wage: $102,420

Elevator installers and repairers take care of the installation, maintenance, and repair of elevators. You usually need at least a high school diploma and can receive on-the-job training.

Elevator installers and repairers can also get training to care for escalators, moving walkways, and other types of lifts, allowing them to be even more highly paid.

Median annual wage: $82,710

Track switch repairers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing switches for a train system. They may also be responsible for gate crossings, signal equipment, track switches, and other parts of the railroad system.

Median annual wage: $87,290

Whether there’s a ship coming into port with exported goods or a train loaded with cargo, transportation inspectors are the ones who check to make sure everything coming meets policies and regulations.

For entry-level roles, a high school diploma is usually required. On-the-job training or specific certifications may also be suggested to move on up the ladder in the industry.

Median annual wage: $83,770

Working with your hands outdoors can net you a surprisingly generous annual salary. You often only need a high school degree or related experience to get started on your farm-life career.

Median annual wage: $84,570

A retail sales supervisor oversees a specific retail store location and is responsible for managing and supervising employees, budgeting, and other store-related tasks.

For this position, you usually need previous experience in the retail field and an understanding of how to manage the business aspects of a store. Many start out as salespeople and work their way up to this position.

Median annual wage: $80,050

While you may not traditionally connect writers with higher salaries, technical writers can earn quite a healthy salary.

Technical writers are the ones who write things like how-to guides, instruction manuals, journal articles, and other pieces of content that help explain complex technical things in a more digestible way.

Median annual wage: $87,530

Dental hygienists provide preventative care for dental patients, such as cleanings, and review potential signs of oral diseases.

You usually work in a dentist’s office and need at least an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and a special license from your state to work in the field.

You may be surprised by the types of jobs you can get that can help you get ahead financially while also doing something you enjoy.

If you find a job to boost your salary, take a moment to review your budget. That extra income could be a great opportunity to tackle outstanding debts or increase your retirement savings.