America’s Most Surprising Six Figure Careers

America’s Most Surprising Six Figure Careers

America’s Most Surprising Six Figure Careers

Thanks to Forbes we get an examined update on what the most surprising six figure jobs are out there and every year, we get more surprised…

And maybe a little more motivated to make that career change?!

Make note that if you are thinking about moving jobs, know that this year’s list does NOT involve a corner office!

Forbes examines data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to find some of the country’s most surprising six-figure jobs, using data from the “Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates released annually for more than 800 occupations, refined by geography and industry.”

Some of these jobs are self explanatory while others are just not… familiar? BLS provided us with a descriptions too…

Get ready to be SURPRISED (and not so surprised)….

Elevator Installers and Repairers

BLS Job Description: Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $109,450
• Mean annual income: $76,490
• Total employed: 20,590
• Top-paying state: Oregon

Home Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

BLS Job Description: Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $114,150
• Mean annual income: $68,030
• Total employed: 3,620
• Top-paying state: Michigan

Transportation Inspectors

BLS Job Description: Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors; rail inspectors; and other inspectors of transportation vehicles, not elsewhere classified.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $114,360
• Mean annual income: $70,820
• Total employed: 24,350
• Top-paying state: Washington, D.C.

Writers and Authors

BLS Job Description: Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $114,820
• Mean annual income: $67,870
• Total employed: 43,500
• Top-paying state: Washington, D.C.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

BLS Job Description: Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $115,030
• Mean annual income: $60,830
• Total employed: 2,610
• Top-paying state: New York

Hydrologists

BLS Job Description: Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $117,190
• Mean annual income: $81,930
• Total employed: 6,580
• Top-paying state: California

Gaming Managers

BLS Job Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate gaming operations in a casino. May formulate house rules.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $119,950
• Mean annual income: $75,590
• Total employed: 3,870
• Top-paying state: Nevada

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

BLS Job Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $121,690
• Mean annual income: $72,570
• Total employed: 4,300
• Top-paying state: California

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

BLS Job Description: Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of Federal, State, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $127,400
• Mean annual income: $80,540
• Total employed: 108,720
• Top-paying state: Washington, D.C.

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

BLS Job Description: Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $128,330
• Mean annual income: $79,180
• Total employed: 30,690
• Top-paying state: Texas

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

BLS Job Description: Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $128,330
• Mean annual income: $75,350
• Total employed: 97,500
• Top-paying state: New York

Funeral Service Managers

BLS Job Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the services or resources of funeral homes. Includes activities such as determining prices for services or merchandise and managing the facilities of funeral homes.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $137,410
• Mean annual income: $81,080
• Total employed: 8,330
• Top-paying state: New York

Mathematicians

BLS Job Description: Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $157,090
• Mean annual income: $104,350
• Total employed: 3,130
• Top-paying state: New Jersey

Astronomers

BLS Job Description: Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $162,630
• Mean annual income: $107,140
• Total employed: 1,660
• Top-paying state: California

Broadcast News Analysts

BLS Job Description: Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.

• Top 10% annual income, on average: $182,470
• Mean annual income: $84,380
• Total employed: 4,310
• Top-paying state: Oklahoma