Looking for a high-paying job that’s actually hiring? You’re not alone. Plenty of people want careers with big paychecks—but they also want jobs that won’t disappear in five years.
Here’s the good news: some of the highest-paying jobs right now are in huge demand. And they’re not just in medicine or law. Tech, finance, and even sales roles are seeing big salaries with employers actively recruiting.
Using data from Glassdoor’s “50 Best Jobs in America,” we’ve found roles that combine high salaries, strong job openings, and promising growth.
How These Jobs Were Selected
We focused on three things:
- Median base salary: What you can expect without counting bonuses or stocks.
- Job satisfaction rating: Based on feedback from people doing the job.
- Number of job openings: Do companies want to hire for this right now?
This mix helps target not just well-paid jobs, but jobs that people actually enjoy and that are hiring.
1. Software Engineering Manager
Median base salary: $145,000
Open roles: 1,100+
Job score: 4.6 out of 5
This role pays big because you’re leading teams that create core products or services. You oversee developers and ensure that software projects hit deadlines. This job often requires at least five years of experience—and sometimes management background.
If you’ve worked as a software engineer and enjoy mentoring others, this can be a smart step up. Companies across tech, banking, and e-commerce are hiring.
2. Data Scientist
Median base salary: $120,000
Open roles: 6,500+
Job score: 4.5 out of 5
These professionals take raw data and turn it into meaning. They’re hired to forecast trends, influence strategy, and spot problems early.
You’ll need skills in Python, R, and statistics. If you love numbers, math, and machine learning, this is a leading role with big potential.
3. Product Manager
Median base salary: $115,000
Open roles: 14,000+
Job score: 4.5 out of 5
Product managers guide what gets built and why. You aren’t coding, but you’re making big decisions based on user feedback, resources, and deadlines.
It’s like being the mini-CEO of a feature or a full product. You work closely with designers, marketing, sales, and engineers.
This role calls for communication, organization, and some tech knowledge. Demand is high across tech, health care, and finance.
4. Enterprise Architect
Median base salary: $133,000
Open roles: 1,000+
Job score: 4.4 out of 5
Enterprise architects make sure a company’s tech systems align with its business goals. They’re often tasked with cutting costs, improving performance, and making operations smoother.
You’ll need lots of IT experience, and deep knowledge of systems design. Some companies also want certifications like TOGAF or AWS.
5. Corporate Recruiter
Median base salary: $63,000
Open roles: 6,700+
Job score: 4.4 out of 5
This job isn’t only about scanning résumés. Recruiters help shape how companies grow. They handle everything from writing job descriptions to negotiating offers.
Strong people skills are key. So is time management. While base pay is lower than others on this list, many recruiters earn strong bonuses or commission on top of base salary.
Entry-level roles are widely available, making this a good choice if you’re shifting into a new field.
6. Full Stack Engineer
Median base salary: $112,000
Open roles: 4,000+
Job score: 4.4 out of 5
Full stack engineers know both frontend and backend coding. They’re flexible and often work with small to midsize teams needing developers who wear many hats.
This is one of the hottest roles in software right now—skilled developers can get hired with or without a formal degree. If you’ve built apps or websites from scratch, you’re in a strong position.
7. Machine Learning Engineer
Median base salary: $125,000
Open roles: 1,800+
Job score: 4.4 out of 5
Machine learning engineers build systems that learn without being directly programmed. Think of everything from Netflix recommendations to fraud detection.
Python, TensorFlow, and data modeling are key skills. This is a future-forward role with growing demand, especially in AI-heavy sectors.
8. Cloud Engineer
Median base salary: $121,000
Open roles: 2,500+
Job score: 4.4 out of 5
With more companies moving to the cloud, these engineers are in demand. Cloud engineers handle setup, deployment, and scaling of virtual platforms.
You’ll often need experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Companies in finance, retail, and health care are leading the hiring push.
9. Dentist
Median base salary: $113,000
Open roles: 2,200+
Job score: 4.3 out of 5
While dentists need a professional degree and license, demand for this role stays strong with steady salaries, especially in areas with few providers.
New dentists often work in larger dental groups early in their careers, but many move toward opening their own practices later. Work-life balance ranks high here too.
10. Marketing Manager
Median base salary: $90,000
Open roles: 8,000+
Job score: 4.3 out of 5
If you’re skilled at telling a story and growing customer bases, marketing offers many paths. Digital ads, content, and product marketing are key areas where employers are hiring right now.
Marketing managers often lead teams and report on growth targets. Experience in analytics, customer research, or ad platforms helps.
11. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Median base salary: $108,000
Open roles: 2,500+
Job score: 4.3 out of 5
These specialized nurses handle diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Often, they can prescribe medication and offer therapy support.
As access gaps in mental health care grow, so does demand. You’ll need an advanced degree and certification, but earnings and job stability both rank high.
12. DevOps Engineer
Median base salary: $110,000
Open roles: 4,200+
Job score: 4.3 out of 5
These engineers sit between software development and operations. They automate deployment, fix issues, and make sure systems run without hiccups.
If you enjoy both coding and infrastructure, this hybrid role is a strong path with upward mobility. It suits logical thinkers and constant learners.
13. HR Business Partner
Median base salary: $84,000
Open roles: 1,400+
Job score: 4.3 out of 5
HR business partners support company growth by advising leadership on performance, hiring, and morale. They’re different from recruiters—these professionals work strategically within departments.
This role blends people skills with business results. Experience in HR is helpful, but some enter the field from project management or operations backgrounds.
14. UX Designer
Median base salary: $98,000
Open roles: 2,700+
Job score: 4.3 out of 5
User experience designers make digital products easier and more pleasant to use. They conduct research, organize layouts, and work closely with developers and product leads.
Portfolios matter more than degrees in this space. If you’ve redesigned apps or user flows—even as a freelancer—it’s worth applying.
15. Financial Analyst
Median base salary: $72,000
Open roles: 5,200+
Job score: 4.3 out of 5
This is an ideal role if you enjoy working with spreadsheets, trends, and reports. Analysts support company decisions around spending, risk, and earnings. They may work in financial services, real estate, or startups.
The position often requires a degree in finance, accounting, or economics—but entry-level hires do happen, especially for motivated candidates with Excel skills.
Is One of These Roles Right for You?
Here are some questions worth asking:
- Do I want a job that’s in demand now—and five years from now?
- Do I prefer working with people, systems, or ideas?
- Do I have the skills—or can I learn them in 12 months?
You don’t need a different personality or background. You do need clarity and a plan.
Which of these roles interests you most? Start doing five job searches a week. Save listings. Notice patterns. Reach out to people doing the jobs you want.
Dive deeper into upskilling or certifications if you’re serious. Today’s job market rewards those who make clear moves—especially toward growing fields with high salaries, real openings, and solid satisfaction scores.
