The Highest-Paying Jobs That Pay Over $100 an Hour

The average hourly wage in the United States is $23.88, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means that the average worker makes about $10.75 an hour if they work 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year. So what are high-paying jobs that pay over $100 an hour?

Exceptional workers can get paid more than that for their time and skill but it takes a lot of research and networking to find those opportunities. Luckily, there are some jobs that pay very well even if you’re just starting out. In fact, some of these high-paying jobs pay over $100 an hour and don’t require a college degree or years of experience to get started.

Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers design and build aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Their work includes designing the wings, fuselage, and propulsion system of aircraft, conducting research on propulsion systems and materials, and testing aircraft.

They also may be involved in the production of aircraft, such as the procurement and installation of equipment, the fabrication of parts, or the inspection and testing of completed aircraft.

• Median annual salary: $103,800
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

These engineers are in short supply and are paid accordingly. People who build the aircraft of tomorrow today need the best technology available.

Computer Network Architects

Computer network architects design and implement computer networks, including the hardware, software, and protocols that allow computers to communicate with each other. Some architects focus on one aspect of the network design process, such as selecting and installing the hardware or designing the selection of computer software. Others focus on the entire design process from start to finish.

They might also design and implement wide area networks (WANs), which are networks that link computer networks in different geographic locations, or design and implement intranet networks, which are networks that link computer systems within one company. They also might devise network security policies, which are procedures for protecting computer networks from attack.

• Median annual salary: $103,200
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

Data Scientists

Data scientists use computers and statistics to analyze data and find insights. They typically are employed by businesses, government agencies, and universities. They may work in a specific area, such as marketing or sales, or they may work across an organization, helping all departments use data to improve their operations.

Data scientists typically must have a graduate degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in an analytic field also might suffice, depending on the employer.

• Median annual salary: $103,100
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

Computer scientists analyze data and discover insights using computers. They may specialize in a specific area, such as artificial intelligence or computer networks, or work across an organization, helping all departments use data to improve their operations.

Dental Hygienists And Dentists

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients’ mouths for signs of oral diseases such as gum disease, and educate patients about proper dental care. They also may take X-rays, apply fluoride, apply sealants, and give other types of prevention dental care.

Dentists examine patients’ mouths for signs of oral diseases such as gum disease and other conditions that can lead to tooth loss. They also remove teeth and perform other dental procedures, such as applying sealants or fluoride.

• Median annual salary: $103,000
• Education: Associate’s degree

These are well-paying careers that require only an associate’s degree. Both professions also have good job security and plenty of room for advancement.

Finance Professionals (Equity Traders, etc.)

Equity traders and other financial specialists, such as investment analysts, earn high salaries. Traders buy and sell stocks and other securities on the stock exchange. They earn their living by predicting the movement of stocks and other securities. When they’re right, they earn money; when they’re wrong, they lose money for their clients.

• Median annual salary: $102,900
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

People in finance, from equity traders to insurance actuaries to investment analysts, earn high salaries. Some of these professions are very competitive, however, as data scientists. They require advanced degrees and years of experience to get the best jobs.

Graphic Designers

Graphic designers use creativity, art, and design to communicate ideas or products in visual ways, such as through images or logos, on advertisements, products, websites, and other materials. They might create logos or other visual images, select color schemes, and use layout or typography (the way words are presented on a page) to enhance the message of an advertisement or product.

Graphic designers often specialize in a specific field, such as marketing, advertising, product packaging, or web design. They also might work as generalists, creating visual images for a variety of purposes.

• Median annual salary: $102,800
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

Graphic designers are creative problem-solvers who enjoy working in teams with other creative people. They need a good understanding of marketing, branding, and visual communication to do their jobs well.

Lawyers

The best-paying jobs for lawyers are in corporate law, but many of the other law jobs also pay well. Legal specialties include health law, intellectual property law (for example, trademarks, copyrights, and patents), real estate law, tax law, and regulatory law.

Legal support workers, such as paralegals, help lawyers. They do research, write briefs, and advise lawyers on how state and federal laws affect a case. They also may help clients understand their legal rights and responsibilities.

Legal assistants usually do work that requires less skill and training than work done by paralegals. They often conduct research, write briefs, and help with other administrative tasks.

• Median annual salary: $102,800
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Marketing specialists and other market research analysts help companies decide which products to develop and how to market them. They also may help companies decide which products to drop, how to price their products, and where to sell them.

Market research analysts use surveys, focus groups, and other methods to collect and analyze information about customers, competitors, and the marketplace. They then use the findings to develop strategies for companies to improve their products or services, expand into new markets, or increase sales.

Marketing specialists, such as advertising specialists and public relations specialists, develop marketing campaigns and promote products and services.

• Median annual salary: $102,800
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

Actuaries

Actuaries use their understanding of math and statistics to help insurance companies calculate risk and set premium rates. They examine data to identify areas of risk, such as the chance of death or disability, and provide recommendations to reduce risk. They also may design new products or recommend modifications to existing policies.

• Median annual salary: $102,700
• Education: Bachelor’s degree

These are the 10 best-paying jobs that pay over $100 per hour. To find these high-paying jobs, you need to do research and network with people in the field. Some require a bachelor’s degree, but most will accept workers with an associate’s degree. The best way to find these high-paying jobs is to start researching now and reach out to people in the field.