The Top 10 Jobs in the US for 2026 That Pay $100,000 or More
Many of the $100,000-plus jobs in 2026 are tied to work people depend on every day. These roles remain in demand even as the economy changes because they support healthcare, security, and basic business operations. Some follow traditional career paths, while others focus on skills rather than formal titles or degrees. What connects them all is steady hiring, since employers continue to need these roles filled year after year.
Data Scientist ($115,079)
Credit: Getty Images
Data scientists turn raw information into forecasts and risk models, with product insights that executives actually act on. About 35% of postings offer remote work, which keeps the role attractive even as tech hiring tightens. Demand continues to grow as companies rely more on data-driven planning rather than gut instinct.
Physical Therapist ($110,848)
Credit: Canva
Physical therapy remains tied to steady, in-person demand that does not rise and fall with tech cycles. An aging population, post-surgery rehab, and chronic mobility issues keep caseloads consistent year-round. The work cannot be outsourced or automated, which has helped employment levels hold firm even when other healthcare roles see swings.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker ($119,618)
Credit: Canva
Many licensed clinical social workers now split time between in-person sessions and teletherapy, which explains why nearly one-third of postings are remote. While job postings have dipped, wages continue to climb as demand concentrates around experienced providers who can handle complex cases.
Speech Language Pathologist ($109,431)
Credit: Getty Images
Demand remains steady because this work spans schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation settings. Technology can support assessment and therapy, but progress still depends on face-to-face interaction and trust. That reliance on human connection makes the role hard to replace with software and helps keep job growth consistent.
Information Security Analyst ($124,910)
Credit: Canva
This role stays in demand because digital systems remain a constant target. Analysts focus on preventing breaches, responding quickly when incidents occur, and closing gaps before damage spreads. With projected growth near 29 percent through 2034, it ranks among the fastest-growing jobs on this list. Many people enter the field through certifications, making it accessible beyond traditional degree paths.
Human Resources Manager ($140,030)
Credit: Canva
Human resources managers oversee hiring, employee relations, and compliance with increasingly complex labor laws. Employers increasingly prioritize experience handling real-world workplace issues over academic credentials, which aligns neatly with the new-collar hiring trend.
Marketing Manager ($159,660)
Credit: Canva
Marketing managers sit at the center of brand growth and revenue strategy. The job blends creative planning with performance data, especially in digital campaigns tied directly to sales results. Top earners exceed $239,000, underscoring the value of proven results in competitive markets. Career paths often reward experience and outcomes more than formal education.
Nurse Practitioner ($143,183)
Credit: Canva
Advanced nursing roles remain a backbone of the healthcare system. Nurse practitioners diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, and manage patient care, often filling gaps left by physician shortages. Telehealth has expanded the reach of roles, though most positions remain clinical and in-person. Demand stays consistent rather than trendy.
Truck Driver Owner-Operator ($160,000)
Credit: Canva
Job postings surged nearly 40% since 2022, even as wage growth cooled. Freight still has to move, and owner-operators remain central to that reality. These drivers run their own businesses, controlling routes, schedules, and equipment decisions. The earning potential reflects responsibility, long hours, and market volatility.
Cardiac Medical Technologist ($133,907)
Credit: Canva
The top spot reflects health care’s strongest growth area. Cardiac medical technologists assist with heart imaging, monitoring, and diagnostic procedures. Wages and job postings both climbed 34% from 2022. Demand is directly tied to heart disease rates and an aging population, which keeps this role in high demand in 2026.