In this article, we will look at the 20 easiest jobs that pay $100K. If you want to skip our in-depth analysis, head straight to the 5 Easiest Jobs that Pay $100K.
We live in a world where hard work is often associated with long hours and countless sacrifices, and hence, the notion of securing a six-figure income while enjoying a comfortable work-life balance may sound like a dream. However, it's not just a fantasy. There are indeed jobs out there that offer a desirable paycheck without subjecting you to the relentless grind of a 70-hour workweek. However, before exploring such jobs, we will look at some common trends in employment around the world that have made many jobs easier despite being high-paying.
How Freelancing and Remote Work Are Making High Paying Jobs Easier?
While we know that the employment landscape has undergone a profound transformation in recent years especially after Covid-19, ushering in two key trends that have revolutionized how people approach work: the rise of freelancing and the prevalence of remote work. Moreover, platforms like Upwork Inc (NASDAQ:UPWK) and Gitlab Inc (NASDAQ:GTLB) have truly facilitated and made these trends a new normal on a global scale.
According to Upwork Inc (NASDAQ:UPWK), world's leading work marketplace, the rise in freelancing activities in 2022 contributed $1.35 trillion to the US economy in annual earnings. Moreover, Upwork Inc (NASDAQ:UPWK) reports that 39% of the US workforce, or approximately 60 million Americans, engaged in freelance work in the past year — a record high. This showcases a fundamental change in the labor landscape, as skilled professionals seek the flexibility and autonomy that freelancing offers, while companies increasingly turn to independent talent to fill critical skills gaps.
It is worth noting that the demand for freelancers on Upwork Inc (NASDAQ:UPWK) is soaring, with certain skills experiencing unbeatable year-over-year growth.
Remote work has firmly established itself as a transformative trend in the world of employment. According to Forbes, as of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees have embraced remote work, while an even more substantial 28.2% have opted for a hybrid work model. Moreover, there are projections that by 2025, approximately 22% of the American workforce, equivalent to 32.6 million individuals, will be working remotely. Moreover, 98% express a desire to work remotely at least part of the time. To read more about remote work, check our article about the best work-from-home jobs for 2023.
Owing to the popularity of remote work, GitLab Inc (NASDAQ:GTLB)’s remote-only approach has yielded impressive results. The company's fiscal Q2 report for July 2023 revealed a revenue of $139.6 million which surpassed consensus estimates by 7.6%. Total RPO (Revenue Performance Obligation) increased by 37% YoY to reach $496 million.
Moreover, GitLab Inc (NASDAQ:GTLB)'s gross margin stood at 91% and marked a year-over-year improvement of 200 basis points. Moreover, the company generated a robust cash flow from operations, totaling $27.1 million.
It is worth highlighting that GitLab Inc (NASDAQ:GTLB)’s success extends beyond financial metrics. In terms of customer growth, GitLab Inc (NASDAQ:GTLB) added 409 new base customers with annual recurring revenue (ARR) of at least $5,000 in fiscal Q2. The total number of base customers reached 7,815 with a 33% year-over-year increase.
What's worth noting is that remote work and freelancing have together made many high-paying jobs easier. The hours are flexible, there are less chances for burnout, the work-life balance is good for such jobs and the overall job satisfaction is also higher. In our coverage of 30 High-Paying Remote Jobs, there are many jobs that pay exceptionally well in a freelancing setting. For example, Digital Marketers are highly employable as freelancers and earn an average base salary of $62,522, while web designers can an average base salary of $57,233.
Further, there are many stats that show that remote workers, on average, earn higher than their in-office counterparts. For instance, according to a 2022 report by Hired, remote workers in the tech industry earn more than their in-office counterparts in 15-17% of the global tech markets. Remote workers are also twice as likely to earn higher than in-office workers in the same industry above the local median salary. This was noted by Gusto. Lastly, a study conducted by Ringover in 2023 found that remote-working Americans earn 9.7% more than in-office working Americans.
We understand that ease of a job often depends on various factors, but we have tried to define easy jobs with some common patterns. We have included jobs with limited physical demands, lower stress levels, and predictable routines and equated them with being easy. Hence, jobs with a combination of these factors have been shortlisted. Most of these jobs either do not require a strict educational background but in case they do, it's not more than a bachelor’s degree. Some jobs may, however, require specialized certifications or years of experience. Thus, to rank the easiest jobs that pay $100K, we have relied on average salaries. We have obtained data for average salaries from our database, in case of non-availability, we have relied on average salary data from Glassdoor.com.
Here is a list of the easiest jobs that pay $100K
20. Equity Research Associate
Average Salary: $100,946
Equity Research Associates are often highly paid in the US owing to the crucial role they play in providing valuable financial analysis and recommendations to investors. Companies like Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS) hire them. It is one of the easiest jobs that pay $100K.
19. Professional Sleeper
Average Salary: $101,159
Professional sleepers are sought by companies, such as mattress manufacturers like Tempur Sealy International Inc (NYSE:TPX), to rigorously test products. Their job involves quality assurance in the competitive mattress industry. It is also one of the dream jobs you didnt know existed.
18. SEO Director
Average Salary: $102,102
SEO Directors are usually well-compensated because they boost online visibility and revenue for businesses. Big companies like Amazon.com, inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) hire them for strategic SEO management. A bachelor's degree in marketing is an ideal qualification for this role. However, experience in SEO specialization is the key to reaching this position.
17. Private Island Caretaker
Average Salary: $102,585
Big businesses hire private island caretakers to maintain exclusive retreats and provide elite experiences for high-paying clientele. It is one of the unusual jobs that pay over $100K. To read more about such jobs, check out our article about cool jobs you have never heard of.
16. HR manager
Average Salary: $103,685
HR Managers oversee crucial functions like hiring and employee well-being. While technology streamlines their tasks which often makes their jobs easy, their strategic role in shaping company culture, maintaining compliance, and attracting talent makes them indispensable to large businesses. Hence, it is one of the easiest jobs in the world that pays well. It is also one of the highest-paying social sciences jobs that are high in demand.
15. Senior Editor
Average Salary: $104,135
Senior editors are highly important for maintaining content quality, consistency, and brand voice. They ensure accuracy and reader engagement and hence, uphold a company's reputation and credibility in the competitive world of publishing and communication. It is one of theeasiest but highest-paid jobs.
14. Fire Chief
Average Salary: $104,523
Fire Chiefs are highly paid for their critical role in managing emergency services and safeguarding lives and property. While their job may seem routine, the responsibility of public safety justifies their compensation. From becoming an entry-level firefighter to a fire chief, one would require years of experience and certifications along the way to climb the ranks in the business
13. Scrum Master
Average Salary: $106,213
Scrum Masters facilitate efficient teamwork in software development. Their expertise ensures smooth project execution which enhances productivity and delivers quality software, making their role indispensable. It is one of the easiest jobs that pay $100K. To read more about similar jobs and industries, check out our article about the highest-paying countries for project managers.
12. Software Tester
Average Salary: $110,935
Software testers often command competitive salaries because of their pivotal role in ensuring software quality and minimizing defects. Their meticulous testing guarantees reliable products which has the potential to safeguard a company's reputation and customer satisfaction. To become a software tester, a minimum of bachelor’s degree is required.
11. Dispatcher
Average Salary: $111,529
Dispatchers manage communication between emergency services, such as police, fire, and medical responders, and those in need. They receive and prioritize calls, dispatch the appropriate units, and provide critical information to responders. It is also one of the highest paying jobs for 18 year olds.
10. Voice Over Artist
Average Salary: $111,531
Voice-over artists essentially bring scripts to life. Their distinct voices convey messages effectively in different media which are highly sought after in advertising and entertainment industries. It is one of thehigh paying remote jobs without a degree or experience.
9. Procurement Manager
Average Salary: $124,900
Companies like Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN), Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT), and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) hire them as they help companies reduce costs, improve supplier relationships and maintain product quality which contributes to enhanced profitability and competitiveness.
8. Physician Assistant
Average Salary: $126,319
Physician Assistants in the US are addressing the growing demand for healthcare services. While they may have less experience than physicians, their ability to provide quality care and expand access to healthcare in underserved areas explains why they are well-paid. It is one of the easiest jobs that pay $100K without experience.
7. Full Stack Developer
Average Salary: $128,163
The versatility of full-stack developers streamlines projects and reduces costs for businesses which makes them invaluable for companies. Full-stack developers are thus highly paid as they have expertise in both front-end and back-end software development. It is one of the jobs that pay $100K without a degree.
6. Sales Manager
Average Salary: $130,302
Companies such as Salesforce Inc (NYSE:CRM) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) employ sales managers as they work to improve customer relationships and expand market reach which eventually leads to profitability. It is one of the easiest jobs that pay $100K.
