Hit The Jackpot With These 10 Jobs That Will Make You Rich
Updated: October 23, 2024
Published: August 7, 2019
There are all kinds of degrees to earn these days, but not all of them guarantee a high-paying job in the end. The sole purpose for earning a degree doesn’t have to be to get rich, but if you happen to love what you’re learning and you can earn a great paycheck, then it looks like you hit the jackpot! These are the top 10 jobs that make you rich.
Top 10 Jobs That Make You Rich
There are certain career paths that tend to create wealth more so than most. Sure, there are celebrities that are beyond rich, but those aren’t the kind of careers we’re talking about here. These are actual jobs that are available for pretty much anyone to achieve with the right mindset. The following are jobs that will have you cashing in big time.
1. Doctor
Doctors diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses of the physical body, working out of private offices, clinics, or hospitals. As the healthcare industry is constantly expanding, particularly with an aging baby boomer generation, there is an ever growing demand for doctors, hence the high growth outlook for this profession.
2. Surgeon
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Beyond a physician’s role of diagnosing and treating the body, surgeons operate. It’s a highly skilled and meticulous job. Just how the demand for doctors is strong, so is the need for surgeons.
3. Investment Banker
Investment bankers help companies raise capital. They review a company’s financial health, capital needs and goals, and recommend the best strategy needed to achieve them.
4. Corporate Executive
In general, senior-level executives come up with strategies and policies to ensure that a company meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations. While the outlook for this profession is considered average, competition is high among job seekers.
5. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods to extract oil and gas from deposits below the earth’s surface. These types of engineers are mostly in an office or research laboratory, but they also spend time at drill sites, sometimes for extended periods. As you can see, the career outlook is really high, way above average.
6. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and prevent mental health and emotional problems, working out of private practice, hospitals, courts and prisons, nursing homes, government and military settings, or schools, among other possible places. The career outlook for for psychiatrists is high considering the growing attention to mental health among corporations and government agencies. Also, addiction problems are sadly becoming more prevalent, making this profession even further in demand.
7. Data Scientist
A data scientist makes value out of data by taking information from various sources and analyzing it for better understanding about how the business performs. They use this information to create data-driven solutions to difficult business challenges. The growth outlook for data scientists is above average as demand for new technologies increases.
8. Research & Development Manager
Research and development managers have all kinds of roles that depend on the employer, from improving product design and leading new partnerships to overseeing staff. They research, plan, and implement new programs and protocols into the company or organization.
9. Lawyer
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A lawyer represents clients in criminal, civil, and many other legal proceedings. They draw up legal documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions. Lawyers can specialize in a single area or may practice in many areas of law. The demand for legal work is expected to continue steadily as individuals and businesses will always require legal services.
10. Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat problems related to the teeth, gums and mouth. They are specialized doctors that also give instruction and advice on general oral health. As long as humans have teeth, dentists will always be needed!
Degrees That Lead to High-Paying Jobs
Now that we went over some of the most high-paying jobs ever, let’s go over the pre-career phase that involves the studying and preparing for the job itself. The following degrees are considered the most promising in terms of salaries.
1. Engineering
Engineering is a broad term that covers a range of applications and industries. Engineering combines mathematics, science and technology to produce creative solutions to real-world problems. As vague as that is, the result is there being many different types of engineering degrees available.
Originally, engineering was divided into four major branches: Mechanical, Chemical, Civil and Electrical, with sub-branches in each discipline. But today, the number of engineering degrees available have increased. There are now six major branches of engineering: Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Management, and Geotechnical. And when it comes to sub branches, there are literally hundreds under each branch.
Engineering degrees are typically 4 years in length at an undergraduate level and then a year to two years at a postgraduate level.
Career Opportunities: possible engineering careers include Aerospace Engineer, Software Engineer, Computer Engineer, Mining Engineer, Agricultural Engineer, Drafting and Design Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Geological Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Marine Engineer, and Petroleum Engineer
Entry-Level Salaries:
- Computer Engineers: $68,632
- Civil Engineers: $57,591
- Mining Engineers: $60,023
- Electrical Engineers: $66,500
2. Math
A typical mathematics degree involves a combination of pure (theory and abstract) mathematics and applied (practical application to the world) mathematics. Some universities will offer pure and applied mathematics as separate degrees, so you can focus on just one. Mathematics is also usually offered as a joint-honors degree, being paired with subjects like business management, computer science, economics, history, finance, physics, sports science and others.
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Mathematics at the undergraduate level usually involves a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics. Most undergraduate mathematics degrees are three or four years when studying full-time.
Career Opportunities: a mathematics degree can typically lead to jobs such as Actuarial Analyst, Actuary, Chartered Accountant, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Investment Analyst, Mathematician, Research Scientist, High School Teacher, Software Engineer, and Statistician.
Entry-Level Salaries:
- Mathematician: $66,556
- Chartered Accountant: $74,186
- Data Scientist: $109,727
- Statistician: $63,778
3. Accounting
Accounting degrees involve learning how to measure, process, analyze and communicate financial information about a company or an organization to investors, creditors, management, regulators and the general public. There are many different types of accounting degrees, with undergraduate-level studies such as Bachelor of Accountancy or Bachelors in Accounting.
Accounting degrees can also be offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting, or as a Bachelor of Science (BSc).
It’s common to also find accounting offered alongside other subjects, like finance, economics or business management in a joint-degree format. Generally, accounting degrees last four years.
Career Opportunities: Accountant, Accounting Assistant, Accounting Clerk, Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable Clerk, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Bookkeeper, Budget Analyst, Certified Internal Auditor, Chief Financial Officer – CFO, Comptroller/Controller, CPA, Forensic Accounting, Government Accounting, Payroll Clerk, Staff Accountant, and Tax Accountant.
Entry-Level Salaries:
- Accounting Manager: $60,165
- Budget Analyst: $59,296
- Chief Financial Officer: $130,266
- Tax Accountant: $53,651
4. Computer Science
Computer science degrees involve the theoretical foundations of information and computation, using a scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. Computer science is considered to be a foundational science, meaning it makes other knowledge and achievements possible. The study of computer science involves methodical processes (like algorithms) in order to aid the acquisition, representation, processing, storage, communication of, and access to information.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science usually takes four years to complete, but a master’s degree will take an extra year or two years. Curious to know more about computer science? See what it’s all about here.
Career Opportunities: Software Developer, Database Administrator, Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer System Analyst, Computer Network Architect, Web Developer, Information Security Analyst, Computer and Information Research Scientist, and IT Project Manager.
Entry-Level Salaries:
- Software Developer: $55,000
- IT Project Manager: $69,779
- Information Security Analyst: $90,361
- Computer Systems Analyst: $58,764
5. MBA
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a degree designed to develop the skills required for careers in business and management. An MBA can be useful for more than just the business world, including managerial careers in the public sector, government, private industry, and other areas. Most MBA programs include “core” curriculum subjects, like accounting, economics, marketing, and operations.
While the traditional two-year MBA program is still widely common, there are also one-year programs that have become increasingly popular. If you’re debating whether or not to earn an MBA, here’s everything you need to know.
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Career Opportunities: Chief Technology Officer, Financial Manager, Health Services Manager, Investment Banker, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur, Data Analyst, Product Manager, Consultant, Brand Marketing Manager, and more.
- Health Services Manager: $56,000
- Financial Manager: $65,000
- Chief Technology Officer: $99,880
- Product Manager: $81,205
While traditional universities are definitely an option for all the degrees mentioned above, online degree programs are more available today than ever before. University of the People offers Computer Science degrees at both the Associate and Bachelor levels. There is also a one-year MBA program. Both these degrees (as well as others) are fully online and tuition-free. See how earning a degree from UoPeople can change your life!