16 Highest-Paying Non-Medical Jobs (That Pay Over $100k)

If you’re looking for a high-paying non-medical job, you’ve come to the right place. Don’t sweat it – there are plenty of options available!

This article will go over 16 of the highest-paying non-medical jobs that pay over $100k. The list outlines a wide range of roles, so you’ll be sure to find something intriguing, no matter what your interests are.

1. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Accountant

Average Annual Salary: $200,613

This role is for those interested in providing accounting and auditing services to the important agencies responsible for regulating financial markets and protecting investors.

SEC accountants ensure that all regulatory filings of public companies are accurate and timely. They also help conduct financial audits on this information.

To become an SEC accountant, a person must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. They must also obtain licensure from the state board of accountancy.

2. Securities Compliance Examiner

Average Annual Salary: $199,911

Securities compliance examiners are responsible for ensuring that companies follow regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

They make sure that business practices align with SEC rules and regulations. This includes making sure companies report accurate financial information, as well as making sure that executives aren’t engaging in any illegal activities like insider trading or fraud.

The job requires strong analytical and critical thinking skills as well as an understanding of complex accounting principles. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration is often required, though some employers may accept candidates who have worked their way up from an entry-level position at another company.

3. General Counsel

Average Annual Salary: $169,450

The general counsel (GC) is the senior-most member of any company’s legal department and reports directly to the CEO or board of directors. The GC oversees all legal affairs and provides advice and counsel on all relevant legal matters, including contracts, intellectual property issues, and labor laws. 

The day-to-day responsibilities of a general counsel include carrying out the legal functions of the business. General counselors are responsible for protecting their organization’s assets and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, contracts, as well as internal policies and procedures.

General counsels usually have an advanced degree in law (LLB or JD) and several years of experience practicing law before becoming one.

4. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Average Annual Salary: $156,116

CEOs are responsible for directing and leading a company or organization by overseeing general operations. This includes making business decisions, shaping company culture, and leading employees.

In addition to working long hours, CEOs must learn how to work efficiently to keep up with their demanding schedules.

To become a CEO, you will likely need to work your way up through the ranks of a company. This role generally requires years of experience working in management positions with the company, or other companies or organizations, before landing this role. 

Most CEOs have completed graduate courses related to business administration or hold an MBA degree to better understand complex financial strategies and business models when running their businesses.

5. Patent Attorney

Average Annual Salary: $144,377

Patent attorneys are among the highest-paid legal professionals in the country. Hired by tech companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other inventors, patent attorneys help inventors and companies protect their intellectual property by filing patent applications and defending them in court.

Patent attorneys draft documents such as patents and other applications for intellectual property protection as well as litigation services if necessary. Patent attorneys may also consult with clients regarding their own intellectual property needs and help them apply for patents for their inventions or discoveries.

The job requires an understanding of both patent law specifically, and the law in general. It also requires an understanding of scientific research and technology development, which is why many patent attorneys have advanced degrees — usually a doctorate degree or a master’s degree — in science or engineering.

6. Senior Data Scientist

Average Annual Salary: $127,452

Data scientists are responsible for collecting and analyzing data about a company’s products, customers, markets, or competitors. In this role, you’ll help make key decisions about what technologies to invest in and where to focus innovation efforts.

Senior data scientists are usually well versed in all aspects of their field, including software engineering and software development. They’re often responsible for managing large teams of analysts and often have projects they oversee.

Senior data scientists have typically been in the field for several years and have proven their value through their work and contributions. The most common degree held by senior data scientists is an MBA or master’s degree in computer science or engineering.

7. Compensation and Benefits Manager

Average Annual Salary: $127,276

A compensation and benefits manager is a business professional who oversees an organization’s pay structure and employee benefits programs. Among other responsibilities, they develop strategies to attract workers and retain top talent. They also may manage legal risks related to compensation matters.

They work directly with human resources, or they may work with other departments within an organization to ensure that these plans are in line with their goals. Because of this, compensation and benefits managers are often required to have a strong understanding of business practices.

If you want to become a compensation and benefits manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or HR. You will also need several years of experience in human resources, as well as a strong background in statistical analysis and finance.

8. Senior Actuary

Average Annual Salary: $123,625

A senior actuary is a professional who has gained advanced knowledge of the mathematical and statistical tools used in actuarial science.  These professionals play an important role in businesses that require expert financial advice, such as insurance companies, banks, hedge funds, and investment firms. 

The senior actuary is responsible for analyzing complex financial data and making recommendations based on that analysis. They work closely with other members of the team, including management and other actuaries, as well as outside counsel and auditors.

Senior actuaries typically need a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics and at least three years of experience working as a junior actuary. Becoming an actuary requires passing a series of rigorous exams, which may also require additional courses and training.

9. Network Architect

Average Annual Salary: $122,110

Network architects create and maintain computer networks. They design and configure networks, as well as monitor their performance. Network architects will often work with teams of other IT professionals to ensure that their organization’s network is functioning properly.

In addition to designing and managing networks, network architects may also be responsible for assisting with the implementation of new technology within an organization.

Network architects typically need at least five years of experience before they can be considered for this job. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology is usually required as well.

Becoming a network architect is one of the highest-paying non-medical jobs for those who are interested in the world of technology.

10. Economist

Average Annual Salary: $121,305

Economists work with numbers and statistics to help businesses and organizations make decisions about what products to sell, how much to charge for them and where to store them.

They also advise governments on economic policy. In addition, economists may teach at colleges or universities or conduct research for the federal government or private companies.

Economists usually have a Ph.D. in economics or business administration. However, some positions may require an advanced degree in mathematics or statistics instead of an economics degree.

11. Senior Risk Manager

Average Annual Salary: $119,839

Senior risk managers are often found in the financial services industry, insurance companies, and government agencies. Their job is to manage all aspects of risk management within a company’s operations.

Senior risk managers are responsible for making sure that their company does not get sued or get into trouble with regulators because of the actions of their employees or other factors outside of their control. They also make sure that their company complies with all laws and regulations related to health care, environmental protection, and other areas where compliance is required.

To become a senior risk manager, you will need a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field such as finance or accounting. You will also need experience working in finance or auditing, as well as knowledge of risk management techniques like quantitative analysis, fraud detection, and loss prevention strategies.

12. Engineering Manager

Average Annual Salary: $118,900

Engineering managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of engineering projects. They are responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget and that they meet the requirements of the client.

Engineering managers also typically have to be able to work well with people from a variety of disciplines, including software developers, hardware engineers, and others. Engineering managers generally have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or another relevant field.

To become an engineering manager, you must have a minimum of 5 years of experience as an engineer or related position. You will also need excellent communication skills and be able to lead people through difficult situations or problems.

13. Corporate Lawyer

Average Annual Salary: $116,899

A corporate lawyer represents companies in various business matters such as mergers and acquisitions, purchasing and selling businesses, and handling shareholder disputes. 

As a corporate lawyer, you will draft legal documents such as contracts, leases, and agreements on behalf of your client(s). You may also be responsible for negotiating deals with other companies or individuals as well as defending your clients against lawsuits brought against them by other parties.

They also advise clients on how to navigate laws and regulations that affect their business operations. A bachelor’s degree is usually required for this position, along with a law degree from an accredited institution.

14. Airline Pilot

Average Annual Salary: $112,521

While this is a high paying non-medical job, being a pilot is considered high stress, similar to many medical jobs. It also requires highly-developed skills because it involves a lot of responsibility. You’re responsible for the lives of hundreds of people on board a plane, as well as their families and friends who are waiting at home.

It also requires excellent coordination skills because pilots must work closely with flight attendants and other crew members to ensure that everything goes smoothly during each flight.

Airline pilots must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They must pass certain tests that evaluate their knowledge about aviation regulations, equipment and procedures.

They also must have at least 1,500 hours of flying time before they can be hired by an airline company or any other type of aviation business that operates commercial flights such as private jets or helicopters. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of being an airline pilot to determine whether it’s right for you.

15. Strategy Manager

Average Annual Salary: $105,037

Strategy managers are responsible for developing and implementing a company’s strategic plan. They typically work in the C-suite or upper management and oversee all aspects of the business, including operations, marketing, and finance.

Strategy managers work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, health care, and finance. They may be responsible for creating marketing plans, managing budgets, and devising ways to improve efficiency and profitability within their organizations.

To become a strategy manager, you need experience working in marketing, finance, or operations management, and most have an MBA or similar advanced degree.

16. Corporate Controller

Average Annual Salary: $103,659

A corporate controller requires a broad knowledge of finance and accounting, as well as an understanding of how to use those skills to keep a company’s books in good order.

They oversee the accounting department and make sure that all financial procedures are performed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). They also manage their budgets, which can be quite substantial.

A controller usually has an MBA, but many come from other backgrounds such as law or engineering.

Conclusion

The best part about this list of the highest-paying non-medical jobs is that the demand for these jobs will continue to grow with time. You might need lots of years of training and education to get these jobs, but they are well worth it if you have the dedication, drive, and ambition to reach them. 

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