man in suit with high salary job
Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
August 7, 2024 ·  7 min read

30 People Who Make Over $200,000 a Year Reveal What They Do For a Living

Earning $200k or more annually places individuals in a different economic bracket, often enabling lifestyles and career paths that many find fascinating. Here’s a glimpse into what 30 different people do for a living and how they navigate their high-salary jobs.

1. Michelin Starred High Salary Private Chef

man in suit
Image Credits: Unsplash

A Michelin-starred private chef left the bustling restaurant industry to work for a single-family in the Bay Area. This family runs a cybersecurity company, and the chef enjoys a workweek that ranges from 25-40 hours, as recounted on BoredPanda. The position not only offers financial stability but also a more balanced lifestyle compared to the demanding restaurant scene.

2. Electrical Engineer

group of men in suit
Image Credits: Unsplash

An electrical engineer emphasizes the importance of changing companies to advance in one’s career. Sticking with one employer can often lead to stagnant wages. This professional advocates for career mobility to keep pace with inflation and achieve financial growth.

3. Voice Director for Cartoons

group of people over a laptop
Image Credits: Unsplash

A voice director for cartoons manages the recording sessions for voice actors but doesn’t have a background in acting. This role highlights the importance of unique skills and the competitive nature of the entertainment industry, where passion and niche expertise can lead to substantial earnings.

4. Airline Pilot

group of men
Image Credits: Unsplash

An airline pilot with a lifelong passion for flying finds immense joy in their career. Starting as an aircraft mechanic and working up to flying warbirds for museums, this pilot underscores the fulfillment that comes from turning a hobby into a lucrative profession.

5. Crane Operator

crane
Image Credits: Unsplash

A crane operator’s income fluctuates between $180k and $220k annually. Despite the perception of being a straightforward job, it offers high pay due to the skill and precision required. It’s a career that draws interest for its unique responsibilities and financial rewards.

6. Software Engineer at a FAANG Company

Man in suit
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A software engineer at a FAANG company feels fortunate to be in a high-paying role despite feeling underqualified. They plan to stay until they are let go, highlighting the lucrative nature of tech jobs at major companies, even for those who doubt their own qualifications.

7. UX Content Strategist Gets You a High Salary

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A UX content strategist earns over $200k by focusing on the problems companies need to solve and demonstrating the financial benefits of their solutions. Their success story illustrates the power of strategic thinking and effective communication in securing high salaries in the tech industry.

8. Cancer Research Scientist

Research scientist at work
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Working in biotech and pharma for over a decade, a cancer research scientist makes significant contributions to medical advancements. Their work is both rewarding and financially lucrative, showcasing the intersection of passion and profit in scientific research.

9. Divorce Lawyer

Group of women
Image Credits: Unsplash

A divorce lawyer describes their job as a daily soap opera, dealing with the emotional and legal complexities of marital separations. Despite the high income, the job’s stress and emotional toll are significant, reflecting the trade-offs in high-paying legal careers.

10. Photolithography High Salary Researcher

Prototype chip technology
Image Credits: Unsplash

A photolithography researcher at Intel, with extensive education in electrical and computer engineering, and semiconductor physics, earns nearly $300k. This role exemplifies how specialized knowledge and strategic career positioning can lead to substantial financial rewards.

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11. Corporate Lawyer Gets High Salary

Man in suit
Image Credits: Unsplash

A corporate lawyer earns well over $200k but describes the job as miserable. The demanding nature of the work, of defending large corporations, often overshadows the financial benefits, highlighting the mental and emotional challenges in high-stakes legal professions.

12. Anesthesiologist

Surgery
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An anesthesiologist enjoys a high salary but faces significant pressures and high malpractice insurance costs. The role demands precision and perfection, reflecting the high stakes and substantial rewards in the medical field.

13. Commercial High Salary Photographer

Photographer
Image Credits: Unsplash

A commercial photographer working in advertising and fashion earns over $200k, with income fluctuating yearly. The creative yet competitive industry offers financial rewards, but longevity in the field depends on staying relevant and innovative.

14. Ranch and Horse Rehabilitation Center Owner

Horse and calf
Image Credits: Unsplash

The owner of a ranch and horse rehabilitation center finds fulfillment in working with animals. This unique career combines a love for animals with a profitable business, demonstrating how passion projects can turn into lucrative ventures.

15. Cyber Security and Compliance High Salary Manager

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A cybersecurity and compliance manager for a company with 2500 employees earns a substantial income by protecting the company’s digital assets and ensuring regulatory compliance. This role is crucial in today’s tech-driven world, offering both financial and job security.

16. Emergency Department Physician

Emergency rush
Image Credits: Unsplash

An ED physician, who is married to someone sharing their $200k income story, faces burnout due to the high-stress environment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the financial benefits, the job’s demands push them to save for early retirement and a more relaxed lifestyle.

17. Printing Press Operator at the Mint

Printing Press
Image Credits: Unsplash

Operating a printing press at the mint provides a stable and well-paying job. This career highlights the less-known but essential roles that contribute to the economy and offer substantial earnings.

18. Paintless Dent Repair Technician

Worker
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Specializing in fixing door dings and hail damage on cars, a paintless dent repair technician earns over $200k. This job requires a unique skill set and offers high financial rewards for precision and expertise.

19. Data Analyst Gets High Salary

Laptop and chair
Image Credits: Unsplash

A data analyst, who creates compelling presentations and excels in Excel, earns a significant income by translating complex data into actionable insights. This role underscores the value of analytical skills and effective communication in the tech industry.

20. Construction Manager

Construction site
Image Credits: Unsplash

A senior-level construction manager’s income can exceed $200k, depending on bonuses. This role involves overseeing large projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget, and highlights the financial rewards in the construction industry.

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21. Trim Carpentry Business Owner

Office
Image Credits: Unsplash

Owning a trim carpentry business that handles various projects, from basic installations to high-end custom work, provides substantial income. The business’s success, combined with investments in real estate and other ventures, enables early retirement plans for the owner and their spouse.

22. Art for Video Games

Office
Image Credits: Unsplash

Creating art for video games is a dream job for many, combining creativity with technology. This career offers substantial financial rewards, reflecting the growing demand for skilled artists in the gaming industry.

23. Electrical High Salary Contractor

Electrician
Image Credits: Unsplash

An electrical contractor, who also has a background as an electrician, enjoys a high income by taking on various electrical projects. This career path highlights the financial benefits of trade skills and entrepreneurial ventures in the construction industry.

24. Private Jet Pilot

Pilots
Image Credits: Unsplash

Flying private jets for wealthy clients provides a lucrative income and an exciting lifestyle. This career combines a passion for aviation with financial stability, offering unique travel experiences and high earnings.

25. Export Ship Overseer

Cargo Ship
Image Credits: Unsplash

If you are up for a lot of travelling, you can get this job for comparatively low qualifications. Your job will involve going around with bulk export ships, making sure the unloading is done properly. Basically, ensuring there is no fraudulence anywhere. The pay is in the range of $250-300k per year.

26. Landman In Oil & Gas Industry

Oil field
Image Credits: Unsplash

The job basically involves researching the history of a piece of property. Then, the person will have to generate a report that details everything that happened with it. The job is admittedly fun, however, the demands of the companies are quite high and stressful at times.

27. Software Engineer

Workers
Image Credits: Unsplash

A software engineer at a major tech company enjoys a high salary and job security. Despite feelings of imposter syndrome, the role offers financial stability and opportunities for career growth in the ever-evolving tech industry.

28. C-Level High Salary Executive

Workers
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A C-level executive at a Fortune 500 company earns a substantial income through a combination of base salary, stock options, and bonuses. This role demonstrates the financial rewards of reaching the highest levels of corporate leadership.

29. Medical Translator

Medical researcher
Image Credits: Unsplash

A part-time medical translator earns a significant income, highlighting the value of specialized language skills in the medical field. This career combines linguistic expertise with the growing demand for medical services.

30. Construction Business Owner

Construction site
Image Credits: Unsplash

Owning a construction business that focuses on trim carpentry and other high-end finishes provides a substantial income. This career path demonstrates the financial benefits of entrepreneurship and skilled trades.

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