Finding high paying jobs and remote opportunities.
According to a survey by The Ladders, a website for jobs paying over $100,000 a year, high-paying jobs are increasing in number. And more than 10% of six-figure paying jobs are now available remotely—bucking the current trend of returning to the office for top earners. The analysis looked at over one million job postings, broken down by quarter for comparison. QoQ (quarter on quarter) changes reveal the roles and sectors (listed below) with the highest paying jobs in the fourth quarter of last year.
Increased high-paying job opportunities with telecommuting options
According to Ladders’ Q4 2024 High-Paying Jobs Report, the share of six-figure remote positions grew by nearly 10% last quarter. John Mullinix, Director of Growth Marketing at Ladders, highlighted the steady demand for flexibility among top earners, particularly in healthcare. This growth challenges the narrative of mandatory office politics that dominate workplace discussions. Does this mean telecommuting is a possibility for you? It depends on your industry, your company … and your negotiation skills. Telecommuting is not dead, as about 68% of US employers offer some form of work location flexibility.
Some key industries stand out as leaders in salary offers:
- Health care: Roles such as Nurse (+8.7% QoQ) and Medical Director (+53.8%) saw significant growth. The rise of telemedicine and healthcare technology underscores these trends.
- Technology: Senior software engineer roles grew 101.7% QoQ, driven by demand for AI, machine learning and cybersecurity expertise.
- Corporate Leadership: Remote leadership positions, such as Chief Strategy Officers and Chief Revenue Officers, are gaining traction as companies navigate economic uncertainty and focus on efficiency.
Note that these high-demand, high-paying jobs may or may not offer remote and hybrid arrangements. However, all of the roles in the study pay more than $100,000 per year.
Industries and companies offering high-paying remote roles
Tech giants like Amazon, Google and Microsoft continue to dominate the landscape of high-paying jobs, while healthcare leaders like UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health drive growth in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. Government contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies also stand out for their high-paying remote roles.
The healthcare-technology intersection—driven by telemedicine, data analytics, and AI—is creating new opportunities for professionals who can merge clinical and technological expertise. Similarly, cyber security roles are becoming increasingly lucrative due to growing digital threats.
Top ten highest paying job titles in Q4 2024, with QoQ change (increase or decrease in listings)
- Project Manager 11.1%
- Nurse 8.7%
- Physician Assistant 0.2%
- Pharmacist (full or part time) 22.2%
- doctor 32.7%
- Senior Software Engineer 101.7%
- Software Engineer 7.4%
- General Director -16.1%
- Medical Director 53.8%
- Pharmacy manager 12.1%
Note that General Manager is the only high-paying role that has declined – significantly – in the fourth quarter of 2024. The GM role pays well, but is becoming scarcer as organizations are flattening and move towards a self-leadership model for employees.
Competitive and career strategies for high-paying jobs
Ladders’ high-paying job competition index reveals that fields such as human resources, marketing and design face the highest competition for six-figure roles. In contrast, healthcare and engineering present less competitive pathways. Gen Z professionals looking to maximize their earning potential should consider:
- Specializing in skills in high demand: AI, machine learning and cybersecurity are critical areas with growing demand.
- Exploring Healthcare Management: There are many opportunities in digital health and telemedicine leadership for those with dual expertise.
- Target companies investing in remote work: Focus on organizations that provide (or expand) remote opportunities.
- Building remote work competencies: Effective communication, time management, and proficiency with collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom can set candidates apart.
The future of the six-figure job
Experts predict four important shifts in 2025:
- AI driven roles: Companies will pay premiums for professionals skilled in AI and machine learning operations.
- Development of remote work models: Managers skilled in leading distributed teams will be in high demand.
- Healthcare-Tech Fusion: Innovations in telemedicine and health analytics will create opportunities at the executive level.
- Requirements for Strategic Leadership: Businesses navigating market uncertainties will prioritize operational leaders.
The high-paying jobs are out there—it’s just a matter of navigating your career to seize the opportunity.