10 Jobs Offering Over $85,000 a Year That Employers Desperately Need Filled

Finding a stable, well-paying job is a priority for many Americans. As the labor market shifts, certain positions are seeing a massive surge in demand. These roles not only offer salaries well above the national average but also provide the long-term stability that comes with growth projections that outpace the rest of the economy. That’s a great way to get ahead financially and reduce your overall stress levels, knowing that your career is on the upswing.

Here are 10 jobs that offer more than $85,000 a year on average and are desperately looking to hire.

Editor’s note: All salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Financial examiner

Median salary: $90,400

Financial examiners ensure that banks and other financial institutions follow the law and maintain stability. It’s an intense but important role as the global financial system continues to grow. To become one, you need a bachelor’s degree that includes coursework in accounting. If you have a background in law, accounting, or business, you can often transition into this role by taking on-the-job training programs offered by state and federal regulatory agencies.

The 10-year growth rate is much faster than average at 19%.

Medical and health services manager

Median salary: $117,960


These professionals manage the business side of health care, overseeing clinics, departments, or entire medical practices. To become one, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in business or health administration. For career-changers, previous management experience often allows you to transition by adding a specialized healthcare certificate or a master’s degree in health administration (MHA).

The 10-year growth rate for this profession is much faster than average at 23%.

Registered nurse

Median salary: $93,600

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate the public about various health conditions. To become an RN, you must earn a nursing degree (either an associate’s or a bachelor’s) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Many career-changers opt for accelerated BSN programs, which allow those with a degree in another field to become nurses in 12 to 18 months.

The 10-year growth rate is faster than average at 5%.

Management analyst

Median salary: $101,190

This is a consulting-based role in which you help organizations become more efficient and profitable. To enter this role, you need a bachelor’s degree and a proven track record of solving business problems. Many people successfully transition by leveraging their industry-specific expertise and obtaining a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation to signal their skills to new clients.

The 10-year growth rate is much faster than average at 9%.

Financial manager

Median salary: $161,700

In this role, you would direct the investment activities and long-term financial goals of an organization. To become a financial manager, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting and five years or more of experience in a related role. If you have a background in banking or insurance, you can often pivot into this role by earning a professional certification like a certified financial analyst (CFA).

The 10-year growth rate is much faster than average at 15%.

Personal financial advisor

Median salary: $102,140

In this client-facing role, you would provide advice on investments, taxes, and insurance to help individuals manage their finances. To start this career, you need a bachelor’s degree. However, your primary task is building trust with clients. Most professionals make the transition by taking the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 exams. Many firms offer paid career-changer programs that provide the training and licensing sponsorship you need to get started.

The 10-year growth rate is much faster than average at 10%.

Training and development manager

Median salary: $127,090

These managers oversee the programs that help employees learn new skills and stay competitive in an ever-changing job world. To become one, you need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in a leadership or teaching role. Many professionals pivot here by taking a certification in instructional design or human resources to bridge the gap between their general leadership experience and specific training techniques.

The 10-year growth rate is faster than average at 6%.

Human resources manager

Median salary: $140,030

A good human resources (HR) manager is more vital than ever in an increasingly competitive job market where companies are pulling out all the stops to get top talent. They oversee recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff. This role is ideal for those who excel at conflict resolution and navigating interpersonal dynamics. Most employers value a steady hand and professional maturity in this sensitive leadership position. However, previous HR experience goes a long way.

The 10-year growth rate is faster than average at 5%.

Public relations and fundraising manager

Median salary: $132,870

These managers create and maintain a favorable public image for their clients or raise money for nonprofit organizations. To become one, you need a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related fields. If you have a background in sales, marketing, or community organizing, you can transition by building a portfolio of successful campaigns or by taking a course in fundraising management. Demonstrating writing and campaign skills through a portfolio can be very helpful.

The 10-year growth rate is faster than average at 5%.

Project manager

Median salary: $100,750

Project managers (PMs) coordinate the budget, schedule, and staffing for specific projects to ensure they are completed efficiently. Rarely does the process play out smoothly, but it’s an essential role for many companies, both small and large.

To become one, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field. This is a top choice for career-changers because you can pivot by earning a certification, which validates the leadership and organizational skills you have already developed.

The 10-year growth rate is faster than average at 6%.

Bottom line

Jobs that pay $85,000 or above aren’t just about income. They’re also about demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average growth rate for all U.S. occupations is about 3.1% over the next decade, meaning jobs projected to grow faster than that are expanding at an above-average pace and creating more openings overall.

All of the roles on this list are growing faster than the average, reducing the risk of layoffs and increasing long-term job security. That means not only boosting your bank account with a lucrative job but also sleeping easily at night knowing that your job is in demand.