12 ‘boring’ jobs that quietly pay $95,000+ (and are desperate for workers)
While flashy tech roles grab headlines, a wave of so-called “boring” jobs is quietly offering six-figure salaries and begging for talent.
Not every high-paying job looks like a startup poster or a late-night talk show segment. Plenty of steady, “boring” roles quietly pay six figures once you climb the ladder or specialize, and they are the backbone of businesses that actually keep the lights on.
If headlines chase flashy titles, these jobs keep the train moving behind the scenes, and many are already hiring as employers trade buzzwords for people who can deliver results. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the U.S. will add 5.2 million jobs from 2024 to 2034, a reminder that demand is changing and steady work still matters.
Construction estimators are responsible for developing budgets for construction projects to ensure crews complete them on time and within budget. They use spreadsheets, supplier quotes, and their judgment to create realistic projections. This position is key to protecting company margins and ensuring projects are successful from start to finish.
Estimators are in high demand because of their role in project success and their ability to manage costs effectively. If you enjoy seeing tangible results and contributing to both short- and long-term project goals, construction estimating can be a rewarding and lucrative career. The ability to balance budgets and timelines makes this job indispensable to construction companies.
Actuaries turn statistics into decisions for insurance, pensions, and corporate risk teams. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $125,770 for actuaries, reflecting the value of that math-and-projection skill set.
Actuaries are often remote-friendly and the kind of job where a careful savings plan, dividend income, and smart investing in ETFs or stocks can compound a steady salary into long-term financial security. If you enjoy predictable work, actuarial exams can be a rough climb that pays off in long-term stability.
Supply chain analysts play a crucial role in ensuring that goods move efficiently from production to delivery. As e-commerce continues to grow, the demand for skilled analysts has surged, making it a high-demand career. These roles are often process-driven, making them ideal for people who prefer structured tasks with occasional problem-solving challenges.
A career as a supply chain analyst offers the stability of a steady paycheck and the potential for career advancement. By improving the flow of goods and reducing bottlenecks, analysts help businesses stay competitive and profitable. For those who enjoy working with data and improving systems, this career provides both job security and growth opportunities.
Technical writers translate complex systems into clear instructions, user guides, and compliance documents. According to BLS data, technical writers had a median annual wage of $91,670 in May 2024, and senior roles or niche industries can push pay above six figures.
This role often offers remote options and project-based work, making side hustles and freelancing feasible while you save, pay down debt or credit card balances, or build an emergency fund. Good technical communicators are in demand across healthcare, software, and engineering, so that career paths can grow quietly and lucratively.
Compliance managers help companies follow rules and avoid fines, and employers pay for that peace of mind. Indeed data shows average base salaries near $94,751 per year for compliance managers in the U.S., and many senior roles top six figures.
As regulations tighten, companies need people who can write training, audit processes, and map risk — work that often blends legal understanding with practical process design. For workers focused on steady income rather than flash, compliance roles pair well with budgeting goals and predictable benefits.
Database administrators keep corporate data accessible and secure, and that reliability is worth money to businesses. The Bureau of Labor reports a median annual wage of $104,620 for database administrators in May 2024, reflecting demand as companies scramble to protect and use their data.
DBA roles often offer strong benefits and the opportunity to work remotely across many industries. As cyber threats rise, companies increasingly rely on human oversight for sensitive decisions, boosting job security for experienced DBAs.
Agricultural managers oversee large farms and food production operations that are crucial to feeding regions and economies. These roles require a combination of equipment planning, crop budgeting, and personnel management. Agriculture is an essential part of life, offering stability and the opportunity for a rewarding career tied to the land.
Agricultural operations can be recession-resistant, as food is a constant need regardless of economic conditions. If you enjoy working outdoors and prefer a practical career that supports a steady lifestyle, agricultural management can be surprisingly profitable. It’s a career that offers the chance to make an impact while maintaining a solid work-life balance.
Utility engineers handle the pipes, wires, and systems that cities and companies rely on every day. These positions may not be glamorous, but recent salary data show an average annual salary of around $96,779 for utility engineers, with higher pay in some states and sectors.
If you want a job where a reasonable budget and a steady paycheck help you save for retirement and vacation, utility work is a practical choice. Employers need engineers to upgrade aging grids and to support greater electricity demand from data centers and EVs.
Health and safety engineers design systems that prevent workplace injury and regulatory fines. BLS figures list the median annual wage for health and safety engineers at $109,660 in May 2024, showing consistent employer willingness to pay for risk reduction and compliance.
These roles improve employee well-being while protecting company assets, which means many employers add bonuses and training budgets to attract experienced candidates. For prospective workers, the field offers meaningful work, steady pay, and the opportunity to plan for financial goals, such as retirement and an emergency fund.
Insurance underwriters assess risk and set policy terms, helping companies price products without risking financial losses. This role requires a balance of judgment and data analysis, making it essential for those who enjoy solving complex problems. Underwriting is resistant to automation, especially for more intricate cases, ensuring that experienced professionals remain valuable.
If you appreciate analytical work with low drama and the ability to work steadily, underwriting offers a solid career path. It’s a job that pairs well with other investments, allowing for long-term financial growth. With the right experience, underwriting can lead to a secure career with opportunities for advancement and financial stability.
Occupational health and safety specialists audit workplaces and train staff to ensure businesses remain legally compliant and safe. BLS data shows the median annual wage for these specialists is in the $80,000s, with many roles paying above $95,000 in hospitals and government sectors, where safety pays a premium.
Employers across manufacturing and construction hire specialists to reduce injury rates, cut liability, and keep operations running — work that is especially important when companies manage large budgets or expensive equipment. These roles suit people who prefer clarity and measurable impact over hype, and they can be a steady path to senior management.
Financial analysts who model budgets, forecast results, and monitor cash flow are the quiet planners behind corporate choices. For many corporate finance roles, the median pay can sit below or above six figures, depending on industry, but experienced analysts at major firms often surpass $95,000 and move into investment or treasury functions.
Analysts help companies allocate money for travel, capital projects, or dividends and often advise on budgeting, debt payoff, and retirement planning — skills you can use personally to improve savings or start a side hustle. If you enjoy numbers but prefer lower drama than sales or trading, corporate finance offers predictable work with meaningful financial upside.
Behind the glamour of tech startups and influencer jobs, steady professions such as those of actuaries, estimators, and compliance managers continue to power the economy. These careers pay six figures, offer remote or stable setups, and rarely require excessive overtime. The data shows that reliability, not flash, still defines financial success for many workers.
As automation, AI, and market volatility grow, practical skills and precise budgeting remain the best insurance for a solid career and savings plan. The path to wealth doesn’t always come through stocks, side hustles, or vacation startups. Sometimes it’s through a dependable job that pays quietly, compounds like dividends, and keeps your emergency fund full.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by oureditorialteam.
