In a world that often steers young people towards four-year degrees as the sole path to financial success, it’s easy to overlook a wealth of career opportunities that offer substantial incomes without the crushing weight of student debt. There’s a narrative that suggests only traditional corporate or professional roles can lead to a six-figure salary, often carrying a “significant stigma” around vocational careers. However, the reality, as revealed by various perspectives, paints a much broader and more interesting picture.
Many roles that fall outside the typical nine-to-five, the traditional office setting, or even the need for a college degree, are not only well-paying but can also be incredibly fulfilling or offer unique lifestyle benefits. These are the jobs that might not immediately come to mind when thinking about high earners, often requiring specific skills, tolerances, or simply a willingness to work in less glamorous environments. They challenge the conventional wisdom about what constitutes a “good job” based solely on perceived prestige or clean hands.
This exploration delves into some of these less-hyped, yet highly lucrative career paths. We’ll look at jobs that offer impressive salaries, sometimes reaching well into the six figures, and examine the particular demands or unique aspects that come with the territory. If you’re seeking financial comfort and are open to work that’s a little different from the norm, these insights might just open your eyes to unexpected possibilities.
1. **Plumber**:
Becoming a plumber is a path often underestimated in terms of earning potential compared to jobs requiring a college degree. Yet, as shared by someone in the trade, plumbers can make “more money than a lot of my friends who went to college.” This highlights a significant financial upside that vocational training can offer, often without the accompanying student loan debt that many college graduates face.
Beyond the financial aspect, the work itself can be deeply satisfying. Plumbing often involves dealing with urgent issues, and resolving someone’s problem, especially in an emergency, provides a sense of fulfillment. It’s described as a “good feeling” to be able to help people directly and effectively in times of need, making it a rewarding career choice on a personal level, not just financially.
However, the job isn’t without its less pleasant realities. The directness and clarity of the work solving tangible problems is a plus, but it also means encountering unpleasant situations. While the financial and personal rewards are high, a plumber has to be prepared to handle the less glamorous side of the job, specifically needing to “stay away from s**t pipes” where possible, a reminder that the work can indeed be dirty.
2. **Garbage Collector (Driver)**:
While not typically perceived as a glamorous profession, being a garbage collector, particularly a driver, stands out as a career path offering stability, benefits, and substantial pay. In places like NYC, this job is surprisingly “coveted as f**k,” with a waiting list to get hired, indicating its desirability among those in the know.
The financial rewards for drivers are particularly noteworthy. These positions are often union jobs, providing great pay and benefits. The hours can be early, but are generally not excessively long. The context includes a mention of someone leaving a high-paying Wall Street job for sanitation work and a UPS driver (related field) bringing in six figures in the 00s, strongly implying that garbage truck drivers, especially in certain areas, can also achieve six-figure incomes.
Furthermore, the job offers the benefit of being mostly outdoors, which can be a significant advantage for those who prefer not to be confined to an office environment. Despite the lack of glamour, the combination of stable income, good benefits, reasonable hours (for drivers), being outside, and high pay makes this an unexpectedly lucrative and sought-after role for many.
3. **Power Line Fixer**:
Repairing power lines, particularly after storms, is a career that offers incredibly high earning potential, driven by generous overtime rates. The base pay can be significant, around “$60/hr base pay,” but the real financial draw comes from the overtime structure: “double time once you pass 40hrs, triple once you’re working sat/sunday on the end of an 80+ hour week, then it’s 4x when there’s hazard pay from storms.
This structure means that during critical times like winter storms, weekly gross income can skyrocket dramatically. An example provided calculates a potential “$11,760 gross in a week if you’re doing a week of 12hr shifts repairing lines after a winter storm.” Annually, this level of earning potential puts power line fixers firmly in the six-figure category, often reaching very high amounts, especially for those willing to work extensive overtime during emergencies.
However, this lavish salary comes with a significant and demanding catch: the apprenticeship period requires immense sacrifice. Apprentices are essentially required to “sell your soul to the union,” taking “every shift you’re told to” to finish their apprenticeship over the first four years. This often means being “on the road 360+ days their first 4 years,” making it exceedingly difficult for individuals with a family. While experienced fixers can “pick and choose your jobs” and even “take months off,” the initial commitment is incredibly tough.
4. **UPS/USPS Driver**:
Driving for major delivery services like UPS or USPS can be another route to a substantial income, including six figures. The text mentions a former UPS driver whose family “had a nice house and a lot of nice things,” and that he believed he “brought in 6 figures” in the 00s. This suggests that, especially with experience and potentially in higher-cost-of-living areas or through specific routes, these driving jobs can indeed be very well paid.
The job provides notable benefits, such as great health insurance, as mentioned in the context regarding a driver who later went on disability. The income allows for a comfortable lifestyle, enabling employees to acquire significant assets like a nice home. The stability of working for a large, established company like UPS is also a significant draw for many.
Nevertheless, the physical demands and time commitment are considerable downsides. The job can “wreck your body,” with issues like hip and back problems leading to disability in some cases. Furthermore, the role often requires being away from home for extended periods, particularly during busy seasons like between Thanksgiving and Christmas, as one driver was “like never home” during that time. This intensive schedule can be a major challenge for work-life balance.
5. **MRI Technologist**:
Becoming an MRI technologist presents a compelling opportunity for a high-paying career in healthcare that doesn’t require a medical doctor’s degree. In a major metropolitan area, an MRI technologist can confidently “clear 6 figures.” This places the role among the lucrative professions accessible with less extensive schooling compared to physicians.
The job is also highlighted as being part of a rapidly growing area of healthcare, making it a secure career choice. From an administrative perspective, it’s seen as a “money printing department,” which likely contributes to its stability and the value placed on these professionals. It’s a technical role, but unlike some tech jobs, it’s hands-on enough to provide a degree of protection against being replaced by AI.
A significant perk mentioned is the potential for a good work-life balance. One technologist reports working “3 days a week and going home leaving my work, at work,” which is a highly desirable schedule. The schooling is challenging enough to keep the skill marketable, and the working conditions are suggested to be positive, noted by older colleagues choosing to continue working PRN (as needed) even in their late 60s or early 70s.
6. **Lawn Mowing Business Owner**:
Owning and running a landscaping and lawn care business, particularly on a larger scale, can lead to “ridiculous money.” While it involves physical labor (or managing those who perform it), the earning potential, especially for the business owner, can be incredibly high. One entrepreneur’s story illustrates this, starting as a teenager with a side hustle that now generates “more than $1 million in revenue.
The reason people pay so much for lawn maintenance isn’t just to avoid physical work, but critically, to “save time.” Time is framed as “the most precious thing we have,” and people are willing to “pay a lot to own their time” rather than spend a full day on weekends doing yard work and recovering afterward. This demand creates a lucrative market for efficient and reliable landscaping services.
This career path stands out because it demonstrates that a six-figure income, or even becoming a “1% income earner,” is achievable through entrepreneurship in a trade, even without a university degree. As noted by one successful owner, they “just didn’t see the ROI in going to university” when a “straight path to a six-figure job” or even millionaire status exists by picking up tools and building a business.
7. **Actuary**:
For those with a knack for math and a desire for a high-paying job in finance without the typical extreme hours associated with some Wall Street roles, becoming an actuary is often suggested. It involves working on interesting problems related to the “mathy side of finance,” and the context implies this is a “high-paying job,” which aligns with the six-figure theme. The appeal is partly that you “don’t want to work 90 hours a week as a glorified PowerPoint jockey.”
However, the path to becoming an actuary is notoriously demanding in terms of study. The text notes that it “involves hundreds to potentially thousands of hours of intense studying just to become an Excel Jockey.” This perspective, shared by someone familiar with the profession, highlights the significant academic rigor required to pass the necessary exams, which can be a major barrier for many.
The humorous yet telling description of actuaries as “Excelency” or an “Excel Jockey” reflects the reality that, despite the complex mathematical problems they solve and the high pay they command, a significant portion of the job involves extensive work with spreadsheets. While it offers intellectual challenges and better hours than some finance careers, the intensive study and reliance on tools like Excel are key aspects to consider for anyone contemplating this path.
Picking up where we left off, the landscape of six-figure earning opportunities is far broader and more unconventional than many might assume. Beyond the well-trodden paths or even the trades we’ve already explored, there are roles that remain decidedly under the radar, yet offer impressive financial rewards for those willing to step into less conventional work environments or embrace unique job descriptions. These positions further underscore the idea that financial success isn’t a one-size-fits-all equation tied strictly to specific degrees or traditional corporate ladders. Let’s continue our journey into the world of these unexpected, yet highly lucrative careers.
8. **Cemetery Plot Sales Rep**:
Here’s a job that’s truly off the beaten path and, perhaps unsurprisingly, “totally under-hyped.” Yet, for those with the right temperament, the financial incentives are significant; the pay is described in terms that suggest it’s quite literally “to die for.” It stands out not just for its earning potential but also for its uniquely tranquil atmosphere.
The work environment in this profession is noted for being exceptionally quiet, to the extent that you’ll “never hear a complaint” from the clientele. The daily routine involves selling “eternal real estate,” which means assisting individuals or families with planning for the future in a very specific and permanent way. It’s a sales role unlike most others, operating in a market where the long-term nature of the product is paramount.
This particular career path offers a distinct perspective on sales and customer interaction. The phrase “selling eternal real estate to folks who can’t argue back” humorously points to the unique dynamic of the job, highlighting a level of finality and perhaps less contentious negotiation than in other sales fields. It’s a niche, high-paying role proving that opportunities exist in unexpected corners of the economy.
9. **Repairing Slot Machines**:
Shifting gears entirely, consider the technicians who keep the machines humming in the world of gaming. Repairing slot machines is a role that offers a solid hourly wage, specifically mentioned at “$32/h,” coupled with what’s described as an “incredible benefits package and vacation time.” This combination of good pay and substantial benefits makes it a very attractive prospect, particularly for those with a technical background.
The job offers a degree of flexibility and variability that might appeal to many. While some days are undoubtedly busy, there are moments when the pace allows for personal activities, such as being able to “read a few books on shift,” as one individual shared. Although the requirement for being on call until the early hours for certain events like “lotto stuff and progressive slot wins” was removed post-COVID, the role remains interesting and engaging due to the nature of the work itself.
Furthermore, the position often involves considerable travel, covering a specific geographic “region” that might encompass multiple casinos and numerous other gaming sites like VLTs and lottery sales locations. For those transitioning from physically demanding trades, like the person who moved from being an electrician after getting “tired of construction,” this role offers a different kind of challenge and environment.
10. **Self-employed Delivery Driver**:
In an era of flexible work and app-based opportunities, being a self-employed delivery driver has emerged as a career path that someone finds to be genuinely enjoyable and financially viable. Using platforms, such as an “Amazon app,” allows these drivers a significant degree of autonomy over their work schedule and routes, enabling them to pick their “own hours” and select from “predetermined routes for pre-set payments.”
This model contrasts with traditional employed driving roles by offering a higher level of control and independence. The ability to dictate one’s own schedule and choose preferred routes based on payment potential contributes significantly to job satisfaction. The personal account shared indicates a positive experience, noting that they’ve “Never seen him stressed or skint honestly,” suggesting both a low-stress work life and financial stability.
The success in this role highlights how leveraging technology and embracing a self-employed model can lead to a prosperous and flexible career. It demonstrates that it’s possible to earn a good living on one’s own terms, managing workflow through an app and prioritizing personal well-being, proving that ‘different’ can also mean ‘financially comfortable’ and ‘not stressed’.
11. **Fire Inspector in Big Cities**:
Ensuring public safety is a critical role, and becoming a fire inspector, particularly in large metropolitan areas, is a job that can lead to a six-figure income. These professionals play a vital role in preventing tragedies by focusing on the safety of structures and environments. Their work involves inspecting buildings and sites to identify potential fire and safety hazards, ensuring they comply with established regulations.
A core part of the job involves enforcing “local and state fire ordinances.” This requires a thorough understanding of safety codes and the ability to apply them diligently in various settings. While the salary range can vary depending on location and experience, the context places this role within the realm of six-figure possibilities, especially when working in larger, more complex urban environments that necessitate stringent safety oversight.
The path to becoming a fire inspector often involves specialized training, sometimes including a bachelor’s degree in a related field like fire science or investigation. It’s a career for those passionate about community well-being and detail-oriented work, offering the chance to make a tangible positive impact while earning a substantial income that reflects the importance and responsibility of the role.
12. **Vending Machine Route Driver**:
Here’s another driving role that proves to be surprisingly lucrative and offers a great work-life balance: being a route driver for a vending machine company. This job involves driving a truck to various businesses to fill and service vending machines. While it might sound simple, the financial outcome can be significant, with one individual reporting making “double the median income for my state” in a year.
The pay structure is often based on commission, which can be highly advantageous. Earning “$30-$35 an hour” is a solid rate, but the key benefit mentioned is the flexibility it offers: working approximately “7-8 hours a day” but having the freedom to “go home early, I go home early” without it negatively impacting pay, thanks to the commission model. This flexibility is a major draw, allowing for greater control over one’s time.
Beyond the financial and time benefits, the job is described as having a “low stress” environment and involving “good bosses.” This combination of financial security, flexible hours, and positive working conditions leads to high job satisfaction, with the person sharing their experience stating they have “no complaints about my job!” It’s presented as a genuinely positive and worthwhile career path to explore.
13. **Management Consultant (The Listener)**:
Delving into a more white-collar, yet equally unconventional, six-figure role, we find the management consultant, or at least a particular facet of the job, described in a rather pointed way: earning a “six-figures” salary while the “only real task is to listen to my boss whine.” This paints a picture of a highly paid position where the primary duty appears to be absorbing the complaints and frustrations of leadership.
Adding to this perspective, someone with experience in the field shared that they often found themselves advising clients to cease their services because they felt they were a “waste of their money.” This was frequently because the clients would not implement the advice given, despite hiring a consultant for solutions. Instead, they would “basically just whine” about their problems.
This peculiar dynamic highlights a potential reality in some consulting roles: clients may seek validation or a sounding board rather than actionable strategies. Despite being hired to address issues because their “status quo was verifiably not working,” they would stick to their old ways. It’s a high-paying job, certainly, but one that suggests the core skill might sometimes be patience and a willingness to listen, even when advice goes unheeded.
14. **Auto Body / Genuine Car Garage Worker**:
For those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, working in auto body repair or a genuine car garage can offer both good pay and reasonable hours. It’s a trade that requires physical effort, involving work where you “have to work, sweat, and get dirty,” but the financial compensation makes it worthwhile.
The key distinction highlighted is working in a “genuine car garage” that operates ethically and values its employees, meaning one that “pays well and treats everyone right.” This suggests that the environment and management quality are crucial factors in making this a desirable and financially rewarding career path, separating it from potentially less reputable establishments.
This field is described as being “definitely under hyped,” suggesting it doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves for its earning potential and the skilled work involved. It’s a practical, hands-on career for individuals who find satisfaction in working with vehicles and aren’t deterred by the physical demands, offering a solid livelihood outside of traditional office settings.
15. **Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)**:
Stepping into the realm of public health, the role of a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), sometimes known by older terms like registered sanitarian, is presented as a wide-ranging and high-demand career path offering significant opportunities. This field is a “sister branch of public health,” focusing on understanding and mitigating the environmental factors that influence health conditions, rather than dealing solely with individual cases of illness.
The breadth of this profession is remarkable, encompassing “26 disciplines.” These include the most recognized role of retail food inspection (what many call a “health inspector”), but extend far beyond to areas like regulating pools and spas, solid and medical waste management, tattoo establishments, onsite wastewater systems (septic), vector control, and overseeing hospitality and childcare facilities. They also touch upon radiation, noise, light pollution, air and water quality, and wastewater treatment. This diversity means if you “Get tired of one thing? Move to a different discipline.”
The demand for REHS professionals is currently high, largely due to a “quickly aging and retiring workforce,” with fewer people entering the field to replace those leaving. While most positions are in government, private sector roles exist, such as overseeing corporate food programs or working for scientific companies. A science background, like a bachelor’s in biology, is typically required, but not necessarily a specific environmental health degree, making it accessible to a broader range of science graduates looking for a stable, impactful, and well-compensated career.
These examples barely scratch the surface of the multitude of roles out there that offer substantial incomes without conforming to the conventional narrative of career success. They highlight the value of skilled trades, technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and even unique tolerances or preferences for certain work environments. If you’re rethinking your career path or just starting, looking beyond the most publicized professions might just reveal a hidden gem that offers not only financial comfort but also fulfillment and a different, perhaps better, way of life.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(711x326:713x328)/joanna-carson-johnny-carson-080425-ef84ab9a5fe74660a30098f00c611f2b.jpg "Beyond the Monologue: Reflecting on the Extraordinary Life of Joanna Carson, Johnny Carson’s Iconic Ex-Wife, Dead at 93")