Get All Access for $5/mo

10 Unexpected Careers With 6-Figure Salaries In case law school isn't in the cards for you.

By Nina Zipkin

Cecilie_Arcurs | Getty Images

In an ideal world, everyone would be able to channel their passion into a profit. But it's hard to deny that there are some fields that are just inherently more lucrative than others. If you don't necessarily foresee yourself earning an MD or a JD, careers site Glassdoor has assembled a list of less familiar jobs that often come with an annual salary of $100,000 or more.

Check out the full list on Glassdoor's website.

Raphye Alexius | Getty Images

1. Airline Pilot

You can fly the friendly skies and make a median base salary of $120,000 a year. It's an ideal role for people who enjoy travel, are adept at managing people and are cool under pressure.

svetikd | Getty Images

2. Dentist

If you have a head for science and want to take care of people, you can run a dental practice and make more than $125,000 a year. You'll just have to complete some undergraduate and doctoral programs.

ahopueo | Getty Images

3. Drilling Engineer

These mechanical engineers draw up and carry out plans at energy and water drilling sites and can make more than $115,000 a year.

andresr | Getty Images

4. Equity Research Associate

If you have a knack for numbers and patterns, this could be a good gig for you. Equity research associates study and report on money and business trends, and jobs can be found within many financial institutions. They can earn a median salary of $100,000.

sumit buranarothtrakul | Getty Images

5. Geophysicist

Some geophysicists study how the earth is evolving, while others extract valuable minerals from the ground. These experts conduct experiments using gravity, seismic, electrical and magnetic methods. They can earn more than $120,000 a year.

Hero Images | Getty Images

6. Nurse Practitioner

The medical field is growing as the population ages, but you don't have to be a doctor to receive six figures in this line of work. Nurse practitioners can run their own practices and need a graduate degree in nursing. The median base salary for nurse practitioners is $100,000.

stocknroll | Getty Images

7. Reservoir Engineer

Ideal for someone with technical know-how, reservoir engineers are the ones who figure out where energy reserves are, particularly of oil and gas, and find the safest ways obtain them. They can make more than $143,000 a year.

Jakob Helbig | Getty Images

8. Regional Sales Executive

There are several types of companies that require sales executives to help them get their word out and teach customers about their products. The job requires excellent people skills and may involve a bit of travel, and those at the high end can earn more than $100,000 a year.

Cecilie_Arcurs | Getty Images

9. Software Architect

These skilled coders create and build the software systems and infrastructures for businesses and organizations. They can make nearly $140,000 annually -- even those just starting out.

domoyega | Getty Images

10. Special Agent

Whether working for an agency like the CIA or FBI or a private entity, special agents' duties can range from collecting and analyzing intelligence to protecting assets. They can make a median base salary of $121,000 a year.

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Is One Company to Blame for Soaring Rental Prices in the U.S.?

The FBI recently raided a major corporate landlord while investigating a rent price-fixing scheme. Here's what we know.

Side Hustle

This Former Starbucks Employee Started a Side Hustle That's Making More Than $70,000 a Month — and He's Not Done Yet

When Tom Saar moved to New York City, he spotted a lucrative business opportunity.

Business News

Amazon Has a Blank Book Problem: Buyers Report Receiving Fakes of Bestselling UFO Book

The book looked fine on the outside, but the inside was out-of-this-world.

Business News

Paramount Leadership Alludes to Layoffs If Merger Does Not Go Through

Paramount is awaiting approval on its merger with Skydance Media from majority shareholder Shari Redstone.

Marketing

6 SEO Tips to Help You Rank in the New Era of Quality Content

What is the best SEO strategy after Google's March 2024 core update? Here's what you need to know.

Business News

Microsoft Reportedly Lays Off Over 1,500 Employees in Cloud Sector as Partnership with OpenAI Strengthens

Alphabet also reportedly laid off employees from several teams in Google's cloud unit last week.