Over the past two decades, I’ve sat on both sides of the table recruiting top talent for Fortune 500s and coaching executives to breakthrough six-figure offers they never thought possible. I’ve seen every corner of the market, from traditional hubs like New York and London to emerging hotspots you’ve probably never visited.
Here’s the truth I want you to walk away with today: in every industry, in every region, it’s possible to hit that six-figure mark—you just need the right strategy, timing, and mindset. If you haven’t yet, make sure to explore our reverse recruiting approach, where we go out and sell you to the market instead of the other way around
Unlock six-figure careers in any market with Steven Mostyn’s insider tips and reverse recruiting strategies—no decade-long grind required.
1. Traditional High-Paying Careers
Let’s start with the traditional, time-tested, big-money careers.
Medical Professionals (Doctors, Dentists, Surgeons)
If you want six figures, medicine still dominates. Has for decades, will for the foreseeable future. You can argue about burnout, insurance headaches, malpractice costs, all of it—but the money? It’s there. In some cases, a lot of it.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median physician salary is $229,300, but that’s barely the floor in some specialties. Doximity’s 2023 Physician Compensation Report shows neurosurgeons averaging $788,000, with many pulling seven figures.
- Four years undergrad.
- Four years of medical school.
- Seven-year residency.
- Maybe a fellowship (one to two years).
- Licensing, board exams, certification.
- 15 to 17 years. Minimum.
You’re nearly 40 by the time you’re making real money. If you can stomach that, neurosurgery is top of the food chain. Close behind:
- Thoracic surgery — $684,663
- Orthopedic surgery — $633,620
- Plastic surgery — $556,698
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery — $545,471
And where you work matters. According to Doximity, Charlotte, NC, leads with average physician pay of $430,890, followed closely by St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Buffalo.
At the lower end? Baltimore, Providence, and Washington, D.C., with average salaries in the $330K–$350K range.
Bottom of the list? Baltimore, Providence, Washington, D.C. Barely clearing $330K. Still a solid living, but compared to their peers? Feels like a pay cut.
Dentists
Dentists earn well, and the educational path is shorter. According to BLS data, the mean salary for general dentists is $172,290, with specialists (like orthodontists and oral surgeons) often earning $230K–$250K.
2. Legal Professionals (Lawyers, Judges)
Not all lawyers are rolling in cash, but many are. The BLS lists the median annual salary for lawyers at $145,760, though that varies widely by specialization and location.
The median salary sits at $151,160, per the BLS, but that number tells half the story. Patent attorneys are pulling $143,492. Corporate law? $137,364. Tax attorneys? $134,322. Family law sits lower at $128,809, but big law firms in major cities? First-year associates are landing $215,000 starting salaries. Partners at top firms? Seven figures, easily.
Where you work matters. Lawyers in D.C. make the most—$226,510 on average. Then comes California ($201,530), Massachusetts ($196,230), and New York ($188,900). The lowest? Montana ($93,220), Mississippi ($93,380), and Arkansas ($94,800). Nearly half the salary of a D.C. lawyer for the same degree, same bar exam.
This is how you get to become a lawyer:
- Four years undergrad.
- Three years of law school.
- Pass the bar.
- Get a job.
Total: Seven years minimum. Then you either go into a firm, government work, public defense, or start clawing your way up the judicial ladder. Maybe you will make partner in 10-15 years. Maybe you jump in-house at a big corporation. Maybe you stay in the trenches handling divorce cases for $300 an hour.
For those specializing further—immigration law, contracts, and employment law, salaries shift. Contract lawyers can make $132,852. Employment lawyers pull in around $110,730.
Public defenders, despite heavy caseloads, average $138,434. But immigration lawyers? Just $80,632. Lower than many expect.
Judges: The Long Road
Judges are usually former lawyers. After years of legal experience and either election or appointment, they earn a median of $153,700. Federal judges earn substantial pay based on their level of appointment:
- District Judges: $247,400
- Circuit Judges: $262,300
- Associate Justices (U.S. Supreme Court): $303,600
- Chief Justice: $317,500
3.Engineering (Software, Petroleum, AI/ML)
Engineering has always been a safe bet for six figures, but now? It’s one of the most lucrative career paths out there, especially in software, petroleum, and AI/ML. These aren’t just well-paying jobs—they’re booming industries, and salaries are climbing fast.
Software Engineering: The Gold Rush of Tech
Software engineers are making bank. The average salary in the U.S. sits at around $127,260 according to the BLS, but industry reports show that in top tech companies, total compensation can hit:
- Entry-level (0-1 year): $132,000
- Junior (1-3 years): $150,000
- Intermediate (4-6 years): $171,000
- Senior (7-9 years): $190,000
And the market’s growing. The BLS projects 17% job growth in software development from 2022 to 2032.
Petroleum Engineering: Still a Power Player
Petroleum engineering isn’t as hyped as software or AI, but don’t let that fool you—the money’s there. The BLS reports a median salary of $141,280 as of 2024. Pay varies by state:
- Texas: $166,000
- Alaska: $153,000
- California: $142,000
Most petroleum jobs are still concentrated in Texas and the Gulf region. Despite fluctuations in oil prices, energy demand keeps this field strong.
AI/ML Engineering: The Future is Expensive
AI and Machine Learning specialists are among the highest-paid professionals in tech. According to industry reports, average total compensation for AI engineers in San Francisco is around $245,000. In New York, $226,000+. Even secondary markets like Baltimore and Seattle often exceed $180,000.
Path to AI/ML careers:
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
- Master’s optional for advanced roles
- Continuous learning: tech changes fast
Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter also report rapidly growing salaries.
Engineering isn’t just a solid career; it’s a six-figure guarantee if you’re in the right specialty. Software engineers are making $150K+ early in their careers, petroleum engineers continue to earn steadily, and AI/ML?
That’s next-level compensation. If you’re choosing between these fields, think long-term—AI salaries are skyrocketing, software roles are everywhere, and petroleum is stable and profitable.
4.Finance (Investment Bankers, Actuaries, Financial Managers)
Finance is where the big money is—if you’re willing to put in the time. Nobody coasts into a six-figure finance career. You grind, you network, you live in spreadsheets, and in some cases, you barely sleep. But if you survive? The paychecks are very real.
Financial Managers & Actuaries: The High-Paying Safe Bets
For a high-paying finance career without the brutal 100-hour workweeks, financial management and actuarial science are solid bets.
Financial managers are pulling in a median salary of $156,100 as of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They typically oversee the financial health of organizations, manage investment activities, and develop long-term strategies for fiscal growth.
Actuaries, who specialize in risk assessment for insurance companies, pension plans, and financial firms, earn a median salary of about $120,000 annually. Their role involves using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to study uncertain future events—particularly those related to insurance and pensions.
Both roles require a four-year degree in finance, economics, mathematics, or a related field. Many financial managers pursue an MBA for advancement, while actuaries must pass a series of challenging professional certification exams administered by organizations such as the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).
The upside? Once you’re established in either field, you’re making six figures with a more sustainable work-life balance than high-pressure paths like investment banking.
Investment Banking: Where the Money is Insane (If You Can Survive)
Investment banking is a different animal. The money is massive. The hours are, too.
Entry-level analysts start at $70,000–$80,000—but that’s just the base salary. Bonuses can easily double that.
- Mid-level (5–10 years): $150,000–$200,000
- Senior-level and executives: $200,000–$500,000+, often before bonuses
Bonuses in investment banking aren’t just extra cash—they can be bigger than the base salary itself. Top performers can end up making two to three times their listed salary.
But here’s the catch:
- Expect 80–100 hour weeks, especially as an analyst.
- You will miss holidays, weekends, birthdays, and sleep.
Some people burn out after two years and never look back. Others stick with it, climb the ranks, and retire at 45 with enough money to never work again.
For all of these finance careers, the education path looks similar:
- Get a degree—finance, economics, or something close (4 years).
- Earn certifications—this depends on your career choice:
- Investment Banking → FINRA Series 7, 63, 66, 79
- Actuarial Science → SOA or CAS exams
- Financial Management → A CFA or CPA can help
- Network aggressively—this is not optional. The best-paying finance jobs aren’t advertised. The right connections can land you a six-figure job before it even opens to the public.
Finance isn’t just stable—it’s growing. The BLS projects a 17% job growth for financial managers between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average.
Translation? If you’ve got the right skills, the demand is there. The money is there. The question is, how much are you willing to sacrifice?
Six-Figure Jobs with Minimal Schooling
- Real Estate Agents & Brokers
Not every real estate agent is making six figures, but the top ones? Absolutely. The median pay for brokers sits at $63,060, but that’s not the whole story. If you’re in a high-value market, commissions can get you well into six-figure territory—sometimes far beyond.
- Commercial Pilots
Pilots don’t necessarily need a four-year degree, and they definitely don’t need eight years of med school. But they do make serious money. Airline pilots have a median salary of $219,140. Commercial pilots? $113,080.
- Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
Entrepreneurship is a wild card. You could make $0. You could make millions. The U.S. Census Bureau put the average business owner income at $71,813 back in 2019, but that number means nothing for the top performers. The ones who make it big? They’re clearing six, seven, eight figures.
- Skilled Trades (Electricians, Plumbers)
People overlook skilled trades, but the reality? Plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs—especially those who own their own businesses—can make well over six figures. Median wages sit in the $60K range, but for top pros? That’s just a starting point.
Six-Figure Jobs in Tech & Remote Work
- Software Developers & Engineers
One of the best-paying, most in-demand fields, and you don’t necessarily need a degree if you can code. Median salary: $127,260.
- Cybersecurity Analysts
As security threats keep growing, so do cybersecurity salaries. Median pay is $112,000, but experienced professionals are making well over six figures.
- Cloud Engineers & DevOps Specialists
Cloud computing is booming. While exact BLS numbers aren’t available, industry reports suggest seasoned pros in cloud engineering and DevOps routinely clear $100,000.
- Data Scientists
If you’re good at math, coding, and making sense of large datasets, data science pays extremely well. The median salary sits at $103,500, but the high end? Way more.
- Freelance Consultants & Coaches
If you’ve got expertise in IT, management, or finance, you can make six figures consulting. The earnings range is huge, but the right niche and client base? Easily $100K+.
High-Paying Jobs Without a Degree
- Air Traffic Controllers
No college required. Just FAA training. Median salary? $132,250.
- Digital Marketers & SEO Experts
No formal degree necessary. Just skills. If you can drive traffic and convert, you can make six figures.
- YouTubers & Content Creators
Most content creators make nothing. A small percentage make a little. And a tiny percentage? They make millions.
- E-commerce Business Owners
Shopify, Amazon FBA, dropshipping—it’s all about execution. Some make six figures. Some lose money. Some become millionaires.
- Stock Traders & Crypto Investors
If you really know what you’re doing, trading can be lucrative. But it’s high risk, high reward. Some traders make six figures. Others lose their shirts.
Six-Figure Jobs from Home
- Remote Software Developers
Already covered software developers, but worth repeating: You can do this from home, and the money’s good.
- Affiliate Marketers & Bloggers
If you’ve got an audience and know how to monetize, you can clear six figures in affiliate marketing or blogging. Big if, though.
- Virtual Assistants (Highly Specialized)
Most virtual assistants don’t make six figures. But the specialized ones—legal, executive, medical? They can.
- Online Course Creators
Teach a skill, sell a course. Some creators make six figures, some make nothing. Execution is everything.
- Freelance Writers & Copywriters
Most freelance writers don’t hit six figures. The ones who specialize in technical, legal, or high-end commercial copy? They do.
Six-Figure Jobs Without Experience
- Technical Sales Representatives
Sales reps in high-ticket industries (software, medical devices) can make six figures with no prior experience—just results.
- Commission-Based Sales (Real Estate, Insurance)
You eat what you kill in commission-based sales. The best performers? Six figures, easy.
- High-Ticket Closer Roles
Selling expensive products/services over the phone or Zoom? The top closers clear $100K+.
- Social Media Managers
If you can build engagement and drive revenue, companies will pay. Top social media managers break six figures.
- UX/UI Designers (Self-Taught)
You can learn UX/UI on your own. Median salary is $83,730, but top earners make six figures.
- Customer Success Managers
Especially in SaaS. Not entry-level, but not a traditional degree-required job either.
- Cryptocurrency & NFT Traders
High risk. High reward. No guarantees. Some make six figures. Many don’t.
The Bottom Line
Six-figure jobs aren’t just for doctors and lawyers anymore. Tech, remote work, skilled trades, and even content creation offer massive earning potential. The catch? Not all of them are easy to break into. Some require experience, some require hustle, and some require pure luck. But if you’re looking for six figures in 2025, you’ve got options. Plenty of them.
