We know doctors and lawyers often make six-figure salaries, but did you know that a special agent or physician assistant or reservoir engineer can also make more than $100,000? Here are 11 jobs with six-figure salaries that you may not be as familiar with, according to Glassdoor.
Related: The 6 Fastest-Growing Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
1. Special Agent
Want to work with law enforcement on official busts or capture high-profile criminals? If so, this job is for you. Special agents also may examine trends in criminal activity or explore ways to fight financial fraud.
What you need to get hired: A law enforcement background or military experience and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Median base salary: $121,000
Median total pay (including bonuses and commissions): $125,000
2. Airline Pilot
Get paid to travel! Not every pilot will fly around the world on jumbo jets, though, so keep your expectations in check.
What you need to get hired: An Airline Transport Pilot License. It’s also good to have a bachelor’s degree in aviation, physics or related fields, including military experience.
Median base salary: $120,000
Median total pay: $134,000
Related: Best Cities for Jobs in 2016
3. Reservoir Engineer
Reservoir engineers figure out how best to extract energy from underground oil and gas reserves.
What you need to get hired: A degree in chemical engineering plus relevant experience.
Median base salary: $125,000
Median total pay: $143,000
4. Drilling Engineer
These engineers oversee oil and gas drilling operations. They work with geologists and geoscientists to monitor progress, ensure safety and environmental protection.
What you need to get hired: A bachelor’s degree in petroleum or mechanical engineering
Median base salary: $107,000
Median total pay: $117,000
5. Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the earth, either by using computer models or by exploring specific locations to find oil, iron, copper and other minerals.
What you need to get hired: A master’s degree in geology, and the ability to evaluate sites, conduct experiments and report conclusions.
Median base salary: $110,000
Median total pay: $119,000
Related: The 12 College Majors That Earn the Most -- and the Least
6. Physician Assistant
Physician assistants practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They are able to prescribe medication.
What you need to get hired: A master’s degree in physician assistant studies, along with a state license and national certification.
Median base salary: $100,000
Median total pay: $100,400
7. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have additional education and training in a specialty. Nurse practitioners are able to prescribe medication.
What you need to get hired: A master’s degree in nursing, along with a license and applicable certifications.
Median base salary: $100,000
Median total pay: $102,000
8. Dentist
They’re not always loved, but they are essential.
What you need to get hired: A four-year undergraduate degree in pre-dentistry or another scientific field and a doctoral degree in dental surgery or dental medicine as well as a state license.
Median base salary: $125,000
Median total pay: $130,000
Related: 50 Top-Paying Careers in Health Care
9. Equity Research Associate
These junior stock analysts report on financial trends and contribute to other financial analysts’ research and reports.
What you need to get hired: A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or a related field.
Median base salary: $85,000
Median total pay: $100,000
10. Software Architect
The role of a software architect has been the subject of much tech industry discussions, and the line between a developer and an architect may at times be fuzzy. Bottom line: a software architect needs the technical chops and leadership abilities to make design choices and address technical standards as well as oversee development.
What you need to get hired: A bachelor’s degree in math, software or engineering, though some obtain the necessary skills through non-traditional education.
Median base salary: $130,000
Median total pay: $139,000
11. Regional Sales Executive
Just what it sounds like.
What you need to get hired: According to Glassdoor, regional sales executives need to be “stellar communicators with a knack for spotting opportunities.” Depending on the industry, a college degree may be required.
Median base salary: $65,000
Median total pay: $104,000
