Depending on where you are in your career, finding a compelling job that pays well can feel daunting. But you don’t need to be an engineer at a FAANG company or an MIT-trained data scientist to secure a six-figure salary in an in-demand field.
According to a Glassdoor jobs analysis, a range of roles across technology, healthcare, and finance offer high pay while still actively recruiting candidates. Many of these positions combine strong compensation with relatively accessible hiring demand compared with the hyper-competitive openings at the largest tech giants.
Where attainable high-paying jobs exist
Most job seekers have heard stories of openings receiving thousands—or tens of thousands—of resumes. That volume can discourage people from pursuing new training or shifting into other fields. Yet while top-tier companies can feel overwhelmingly competitive, there are numerous well-paid roles with healthy numbers of open positions relative to applicants. Glassdoor’s analysis defines low competition as at least one job opening per applicant for a given title, which creates a realistic path for many professionals considering a change.
Qualifications still matter
Keep in mind that many of these roles require specific education, credentials, or technical skills. Those requirements naturally narrow the candidate pool, which is part of why competition is lower for qualified applicants. If you plan ahead—choosing the right degree, certifications, or hands-on experience—you’ll improve your odds of landing one of these positions.
For students planning careers and professionals evaluating next steps, this list highlights attainable, well-compensated options worth considering.
How the list was created
Glassdoor’s list was based on search volume and active job openings for each title. To qualify, a role had to receive at least 1,000 searches and have at least 1,000 active openings within a 30-day window (measured as of June 13, 2017). Each job title also required at least 25 salary submissions from U.S.-based employees over a two-year period (ending May 31, 2017). The median total compensation used as a benchmark was $100,000, and many titles listed exceed that amount.
Below are notable high-paying roles included in the study, with median base salary and the approximate number of open positions at the time of the report. Review these to see if any match your interests, skills, or potential career path.
Investment Banking Associate
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Median Base Salary: $132,500
Number of Open Jobs: 107,818
Investment banking associates build and analyze financial models, prepare pitch decks and presentations, and support transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and corporate financing. Strong Excel, financial modeling, and communication skills are essential.
Psychiatrist
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Median Base Salary: $200,000
Number of Open Jobs: 44,453
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, and psychosis. This specialty requires a medical degree and residency in psychiatry.
Software Development Engineer
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Median Base Salary: $120,000
Number of Open Jobs: 308,950
This broad category includes roles focused on designing, building, and maintaining software systems. Job responsibilities vary by seniority and specialization, from frontend and backend work to full-stack and platform engineering.
Physician Hospitalist
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Median Base Salary: $210,000
Number of Open Jobs: 36,557
Hospitalists provide comprehensive medical care to admitted patients, coordinating treatments, managing transitions, and collaborating with specialists and nursing teams.
Pediatrician
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Median Base Salary: $160,000
Number of Open Jobs: 43,411
Pediatricians specialize in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, covering routine care, immunizations, developmental assessments, and treatment of illnesses.
Physician Assistant
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Median Base Salary: $100,000
Number of Open Jobs: 174,279
Physician assistants diagnose and treat conditions, perform exams, and—depending on state regulations—prescribe medications. PA programs typically require a master’s degree and clinical training.
Medical Manager
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Median Base Salary: $200,000
Number of Open Jobs: 217,216
Medical managers oversee clinical operations at facilities such as clinics and specialty centers. They combine clinical expertise with administrative responsibilities to ensure efficient, high-quality care.
Systems Manager
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Median Base Salary: $103,000
Number of Open Jobs: 390,843
Systems managers coordinate IT teams, oversee infrastructure and operations, and ensure systems run smoothly while meeting organizational needs for reliability and performance.
Information Security Engineer
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Median Base Salary: $100,000
Number of Open Jobs: 84,248
Security engineers protect networks, systems, and applications from cyber threats by designing and implementing security controls, monitoring for incidents, and responding to breaches.
Technical Architect
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Median Base Salary: $115,000
Number of Open Jobs: 49,477
Technical architects design scalable, maintainable system architectures and guide engineering teams on technology choices, integration strategies, and long-term technical direction.
Physician
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Median Base Salary: $200,000
Number of Open Jobs: 259,128
Becoming a physician requires a bachelor’s degree, medical school, and residency training. Once credentialed, physicians are in demand across many specialties and clinical settings.
Security Engineer
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Median Base Salary: $102,200
Number of Open Jobs: 125,479
Security engineers focus on implementing defenses and responding to active threats. These roles require technical knowledge of networks, systems, and common attack vectors.
Radiologist
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Median Base Salary: $365,000
Number of Open Jobs: 45,691
Radiologists interpret medical imaging—such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs—to help diagnose illness and guide treatment plans. This specialty typically commands high compensation due to extensive training and specialized expertise.
Pharmacy Manager
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Median Base Salary: $131,000
Number of Open Jobs: 69,484
Pharmacy managers are licensed pharmacists who take on leadership roles within retail, hospital, or clinic pharmacies, combining clinical knowledge with operational and staff management.
Security Architect
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Median Base Salary: $128,000
Number of Open Jobs: 38,945
Security architects focus on long-term strategies to protect systems and data. They plan security frameworks and policies designed to prevent future attacks and ensure resilience.
Optometrist
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Median Base Salary: $112,000
Number of Open Jobs: 4,348
Optometrists perform eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, and diagnose common eye disorders. They are distinct from ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors specializing in surgical eye care.
Front End Engineer
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Median Base Salary: $105,000
Number of Open Jobs: 40,673
Front end engineers build the user-facing parts of websites and apps using HTML, CSS, and client-side scripting languages. They focus on usability, performance, and cross-browser compatibility.
Technical Program Manager
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Median Base Salary: $129,500
Number of Open Jobs: 183,254
Technical program managers coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives, balancing technical understanding with strong organizational and interpersonal skills to keep projects on schedule and aligned with business goals.
Engagement Manager
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Median Base Salary: $116,500
Number of Open Jobs: 277,860
Engagement managers work closely with clients to ensure successful outcomes, grow strategic accounts, and serve as the customer’s advocate within their organization. Strong relationship management and problem-solving abilities are key.
These roles illustrate that well-compensated careers exist across multiple sectors, not just within a few elite firms. Evaluate your skills, identify any credential gaps, and consider targeted training or certifications that can make you a competitive candidate for these in-demand positions.