Hidden High-Paying Jobs That People Don't Know About
When it comes to high-paying careers, software developers and investment bankers often take center stage, with median salaries of $194,220 and $144,633, respectively. However, most people are familiar with white-collar jobs such as accountants, bankers, marketing, and human resources. But what about the lesser-known professions that offer six-figure salaries? These careers are often niche or highly specialized, flying under the radar for most job seekers.
One of these hidden gems is petroleum geoscientists, who earn $150,000–$300,000 annually. To become a petroleum geoscientist, you need an advanced degree in a narrow field, which can limit visibility compared to more broadly understood careers like software engineering. Air traffic controllers and nuclear reactor operators also work in controlled environments, reducing public exposure despite their critical roles.
Another high-paying job that is often overlooked is ethical hacking. With the rise of tech advancements, this field has surged in demand, but its technical nature keeps it somewhat obscure. Quants, who develop complex algorithms for hedge funds and investment banks to optimize trading strategies, also earn a six-figure salary range of $150,000–$500,000 annually.
Voiceover Artists: Behind the Scenes
Do you know that voiceover artists can earn anywhere from $80,000–$400,000 annually? This role involves lending your voice to commercials, audiobooks, video games, and animated films, often working freelance or through studios. Elite artists command premium rates for national campaigns or recurring roles in major franchises.
Union contracts such as SAG-AFTRA ensure high residuals, but the industry's glamour focuses on on-screen actors, overshadowing voice work, which requires vocal training and niche networking. Petroleum geoscientists analyze geological data to locate oil and gas deposits, guiding extraction for energy companies.
Petroleum Geoscientists: The Energy Sector's Hidden Gem
The salary range for petroleum geoscientists is around $150,000–$300,000 annually. The global demand for energy, coupled with the specialized skills required such as geophysics, data modeling, drives high salaries.
Only 30,000 geoscientists work in the U.S., making talent scarce. This role is niche, tied to the energy sector, and requires a master's degree in geoscience. For those who don't live near oil and gas refineries, they may be unaware of the jobs available in this space.
Quants: The Masters of Algorithmic Trading
Quants develop complex algorithms for hedge funds and investment banks to optimize trading strategies, leveraging math and programming. Their overall compensation range can go from $150,000–$500,000 annually, including bonuses that could dwarf their total compensations.
Their models drive billions in profits, and the role demands Phd level math or physics expertise. Firms like Citadel or Jane Street offer some of the highest pay, with entry-level quants earning $300,000. The field's technical jargon and recent emergence as a distinct role have limited public awareness.
CCOs: Corporate Executives in Highly Regulated Industries
CCOs are executives in organizations, particularly in highly regulated industries such as finance, Wall Street, healthcare, and technology. They ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies.
For example, CCOs oversee financial institutions on Wall Street. They make sure that the company adheres to regulations, overseeing regulatory and compliance programs and mitigating legal risks. Salary ranges go from $144,172–$250,000 plus annually. The pay can be significantly higher depending upon factors such as the size of the organization, complexities, and risks.
CCOs: Corporate Executives in Highly Regulated Industries
CCOs work for companies in a wide array of sectors. They also have an MBA or legal background, including a legal degree, which commands premiums.
The role's corporate, behind-the-scenes focus obscure its high pay. However, this is exactly what makes CCOs valuable to their organizations. Here are a few more hidden gems:
Other Hidden High-Paying Jobs
- Ethical Hackers: $140,000–$300,000 annually
- Cybersecurity Consultants: $140,000–$300,000 annually
- Business Development Managers: $100,000–$200,000 annually
- Risk Management Specialists: $90,000–$180,000 annually
These careers are often overlooked, but they offer high pay and opportunities for advancement. By exploring these hidden gems, you may find your next career opportunity.