10 Lucrative Career Options You Didn’t Know About

Carlos Stanza

When you think of six-figure salaries, you might picture doctors, lawyers, or tech executives. However, there are lesser-known professions that can deliver impressive paychecks—often without a decade of formal education or the big spotlight. In this post, I'll uncover 10 such “hidden-gem” careers that you may not have considered, yet offer surprisingly high earning potential. If you’re looking to elevate your career or pivot to a more profitable path, keep reading!

1. Elevator Installer and Repairer

What They Do: Elevator installers and repairers keep elevators and escalators in working order, from the initial installation of new systems in high-rises to troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues. They ensure safe, smooth rides by adhering to strict building codes and safety standards.

Why It Pays Well:

• Specialized Training: Mastering electrical and mechanical systems requires in-depth, hands-on training—often through multi-year apprenticeships.

• Safety Critical: Elevator and escalator failures can pose significant risks, so employers are willing to pay top dollar to professionals who can prevent major incidents.

• Limited Talent Pool: Not everyone is willing to work in tight, high-up spaces or learn the complex technical requirements, so those who do often command a premium.

  
  

Average Earnings: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), seasoned elevator installers and repairers can earn well over $100,000 per year, especially once overtime, holiday pay, and benefits are factored in.

2. Court Reporter

What They Do: Court reporters—also known as stenographers—transcribe every word spoken in courtrooms or official proceedings, ensuring that legal records are precise and legally admissible. Beyond courtrooms, they may also create transcripts for depositions, meetings, or legislative hearings.

Why It Pays Well:

• Accuracy and Speed: Legal proceedings hinge on detailed transcripts. Exceptional typing speed and near-flawless accuracy are rare, making skilled professionals highly sought-after.

• Specialized Training: Learning to use stenotype machines or voice-recognition technology often involves certifications and rigorous practice.

• Freelance Opportunities: Many court reporters supplement their income by taking on extra assignments, like depositions or private mediations.

  
  

Average Earnings: Depending on geographic location, certification level, and clientele, six-figure salaries are achievable. High-profile or niche cases often pay additional premiums for experienced court reporters.

3. Genetic Counselor

What They Do: Genetic counselors evaluate family histories and genetic data to assess the risk of inherited conditions. Working closely with doctors, they guide patients through the implications of genetic tests, helping them make informed medical and lifestyle decisions.

Why It Pays Well:

• Growing Field: Advances in genetic science and personalized medicine are fueling demand for professionals who can interpret complex genomic data.

• High-Level Education: Most genetic counselors hold a master’s degree in genetic counseling, and professional certification is typically required.

• Patient-Centered Role: Communicating sensitive medical information with empathy and clarity is both intellectually challenging and emotionally involved.

  
  

Average Earnings: Based on the employer (hospitals, research centers, private clinics), experienced counselors comfortably earn six figures, especially in urban areas or specialized research facilities.

4. Radiation Therapist

What They Do: Radiation therapists operate machines that deliver targeted radiation treatments for cancer and other conditions. They work alongside oncologists and medical physicists to position patients accurately, minimize side effects, and monitor treatment progress.

Why It Pays Well:

• Technical Mastery: Operating advanced medical equipment requires precision and a solid understanding of radiation safety and physics.

• High Stakes: Mistakes in dosing or patient positioning can be critical, so these professionals must maintain rigorous safety protocols.

• People-Focused: Therapists often build strong relationships with patients undergoing multiple rounds of treatment, requiring both technical skill and compassion.

  
  

Average Earnings: While entry-level salaries might start around $70,000–$80,000, experienced radiation therapists often cross the six-figure mark in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, or research institutions.

5. Funeral Services Manager

What They Do: Funeral services managers oversee the daily operations of funeral homes, handling everything from staffing and scheduling to budgeting and regulatory compliance. They also guide grieving families through the planning of viewings, memorials, and burials.

Why It Pays Well:

• Emotional Expertise: Providing comfort and support to families in mourning requires a unique blend of compassion, professionalism, and organizational skill.

• Business Operations: Managers handle pricing, advertising, and community outreach. Owning or running a funeral home can be especially lucrative.

• Specialized Knowledge: Understanding funeral regulations, cultural traditions, and religious customs makes these professionals invaluable.

  
  

Average Earnings: BLS data shows many funeral services managers reach high five-figure to low six-figure salaries, with the potential for higher earnings in regions where demand is strong or when running a privately owned service.

6. Air Traffic Controller

What They Do: Air traffic controllers direct aircraft both in the sky and on the ground, coordinating takeoffs, landings, and flight paths. They must maintain safe distances between planes and manage air traffic during peak travel times or adverse weather conditions.

Why It Pays Well:

• High Stress, High Responsibility: Every decision impacts passenger safety. These professionals are required to remain calm, focused, and decisive in fast-paced situations.

• Selective Training: Rigorous training programs, strict exams, and regular medical screenings limit the number of qualified candidates.

• 24/7 Operation: Airports never fully close, so controllers often earn additional pay for night shifts, weekends, or overtime.

  
  

Average Earnings: Experienced controllers typically earn six figures, accompanied by comprehensive benefits and retirement packages that reflect the job’s demands.

7. Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester)

What They Do: Ethical hackers—often called “white-hat” hackers—are hired by businesses to find and exploit security vulnerabilities in their own networks, websites, and software systems before malicious hackers can. They then recommend or implement fixes.

Why It Pays Well:

• Rising Threats: With data breaches and ransomware attacks on the rise, cybersecurity expertise is essential—and well-funded.

• Certification Boost: Credentials such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can significantly raise earning potential.

• Constant Evolution: As hackers develop new tactics, ethical hackers must continuously update their skills, making seasoned experts even more valuable.

  
  

Average Earnings: Entry-level ethical hackers start around $80,000–$90,000, with seasoned pros, especially those consulting in finance or government, earning upwards of $120,000 and beyond.

8. Petroleum Landman

What They Do: Petroleum Landmen investigate land records to determine who owns mineral rights, and then negotiate leases or contracts between property owners and energy companies looking to drill for oil or natural gas.

Why It Pays Well:

• Lucrative Industry: The oil and gas sector can see big profits, and securing drilling rights is a pivotal piece of the puzzle.

• Negotiation Skills: Landmen often work directly with landowners, presenting contracts and navigating complex legal details. Strong negotiating can yield substantial bonuses or commissions.

• Market-Driven: Although pay can fluctuate with commodity prices, experienced landmen often find themselves well-compensated during favorable market cycles.

  
  

Average Earnings: With experience and industry connections, landmen can easily surpass six figures, especially when working on large-scale energy projects.

9. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

What They Do: Nuclear power reactor operators adjust control rods within a reactor, monitor instrumentation, and coordinate production levels to meet electricity demands. They’re also responsible for following strict safety protocols to prevent nuclear incidents.

Why It Pays Well:

• Safety Priority: Nuclear facilities operate under intense scrutiny, and the margin for error is zero. Operators shoulder significant responsibility.

• Extensive Training and Licensing: Operators undergo rigorous schooling, on-the-job training, and must hold licenses from regulatory bodies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

• High Demand, Limited Supply: Not many professionals choose this path, so those who do are highly valued.

  
  

Average Earnings: BLS data indicates that experienced reactor operators regularly make six figures, bolstered by robust benefits and retirement plans.

10. Marine Architect

What They Do: Marine architects design and supervise the construction or refurbishment of ships, submarines, and other maritime vessels. They blend engineering principles with knowledge of hydrodynamics to optimize vessel safety, efficiency, and durability.

Why It Pays Well:

• Niche Skill Set: A deep understanding of nautical engineering, propulsion systems, and structural design is rare, which boosts market value.

• High-Stakes Projects: These vessels often carry cargo or passengers across vast distances, so safety and performance are paramount.

• Versatility: Marine architects can work for commercial shipyards, governmental bodies, the military, or as independent consultants.

  
  

Average Earnings: Seasoned marine architects often push into six-figure territory, especially those who consult on large-scale, specialized projects or work with government contracts.

In Closing

There’s more than one route to reaching a six-figure income. With the right education, certifications, and dedication, you could break into one of these fulfilling, under-the-radar, lucrative career options. If you’re intrigued by the thought of a lucrative career change, remember that it all begins with a polished resume—so take advantage of that free review and set yourself on a course toward success!

Email carlos@resumefin.com for immediate resume assistance or click here for a free Resume Review and receive personalized feedback right away. Don’t wait—take this opportunity to invest in your future today!

Works Cited

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Occupational Outlook Handbook. bls.gov

• National Court Reporters Association. (2021). Court Reporting Salary and Outlook. ncra.org

• National Society of Genetic Counselors. (2021). Career Information. nsgc.org

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists. (2021). Radiation Therapist Wage & Salary Survey. asrt.org

• Federal Aviation Administration. (2020). Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan. faa.gov

• EC-Council. (2022). Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Salary. eccouncil.org

• American Association of Professional Landmen. (n.d.). Landman Resource Center. landman.org

• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (2021). Operator Licensing. nrc.gov

• Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. (2022). Career Pathways. sname.org