28-03-2025
10 Jobs With High Salaries You'll Actually Enjoy
According to the newest State of Work in America survey released by Grant Thornton, 51% of employees shared that they experienced burnout in the past year, a 15% increase from 2023. In positive news, Resume Genius listed the top fun jobs with a high salary if you're looking for a career you can enjoy and be compensated well for.
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Here are the top jobs with a high salary that are also considered enjoyable. We will explore what makes these jobs fun, how long it might take to reach that point in your career and the possible setbacks.
Median annual salary: $239,200
This occupation can bring joy because you help others and guide patients toward a better quality of life by working through mental health issues.
Since a medical degree is required, it may take some time to reach the point where you're having fun with this career. According to Indeed, it can take up to 13 years of education to become a psychiatrist, which means you would have to be fully committed to this role.
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You may become stressed if you can't leave your problems at work. Not everyone is compassionate and caring enough to help others solve their issues.
Median annual salary: $171,210
Working as a pilot would allow you to see the world through the nature of your gig and you can experience breathtaking views whenever you work.
The ATP Flight School noted that earning your license would take three months, but if you want to become an airline pilot, earning the required flight hours would take 2.5 years.
The nature of the job, with unpredictable weather conditions and constant travel, can lead to burnout and stress. For example, CNN and other outlets have shared details about pilot burnout, as weather issues and work-related stress can take a toll on you.
Median annual salary: $149,530
Working as an astronomer would allow you to study the stars and the origins of the universe, which can be highly enjoyable if this is a topic that interests you.
Since a Ph.D. is required, along with extensive training, it will take a long time to get into this career. The American Astronomical Society pointed out that it could be ten years of education before one can get into the field.
A previous Resume Genius reported that an astronomer was one of the top low-stress jobs with high pay because the work focuses on research on long-term projects in a controlled setting. If you're looking for a faster-paced setting or more excitement, you may not find this job as fun.
Median annual salary: $149,530
By studying how the universe works, you can be responsible for scientific and technological progress. Your research and ability to solve complex problems in this field can help you achieve this.
A Ph.D. is required to get into this field and then you'll have to decide if you want to work in government, the industry or a university, according to Dr. Michio Kaku.
If you're looking to land a role in the university, you may get frustrated with the process of finding a position. Dr. Kaku pointed out that you may have to spend five to seven years trying to establish your reputation as an assistant professor.
Median annual salary: $132,350
This role best suits someone who enjoys debating, researching and understanding global affairs. If you have a passion for policy analysis and political consulting, you'll enjoy working as a political scientist.
Since a higher education is required for most roles in this industry, you'll likely have to spend four to seven years in post-secondary and then land an internship in your field of choice.
Since political scientists may have to spend their work hours reviewing public opinion and economic data, this can be a stressful climate for someone who doesn't want to get caught up in conflict constantly.
Median annual salary: $130,720
Aerospace engineers get to work on planes and rockets while building systems to improve aerodynamics and ensure air travel safety.
According to Indeed, you can find a job with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. You may start enjoying your work immediately if this is something that you're passionate about.
Indeed pointed out that this can be a technically demanding career path, which may not suit everyone.
Median annual salary: $130,480 (manager); $66,750 (specialist)
A career in PR is ideal for those who enjoy storytelling and influencing public perception. You could work on client campaigns in a field that you're excited about.
Based on data from Indeed, there are different career paths in this field and you can get started with copywriting right out of college with a relevant degree.
The Harvard Business Review explained that you would have to be able to handle rejection and plenty of networking. Depending on your role, this field could come with long hours and a full social calendar, which isn't ideal for everyone.
Median annual salary: $103,840
As a chief executive, you can use your strategies and decisions to shape a company's vision and long-term success, which can be exciting.
The Harvard Business Review pointed out that the average time to become a chief executive can be 24 years from your first job. There are also no guarantees that one will become a high-level executive as there are numerous factors involved.
Since it can take several decades to land this job, you have to be truly committed to this career path or you won't be able to stick it out since there will likely be many setbacks. You also have to assume that the role will come with its fair share of stress and long hours.
Median annual salary: $70,280
Getting compensated and making a living from a sport you love can be a dream come true. Being an athlete means that you get to perform an activity that you enjoy and you don't have to work in a traditional environment.
Turning athletics into a career will depend on your sport and level of expertise. Some athletes pick up a sport as a child and dedicate their entire lives to it, so it's difficult to put a timeline on a career path here.
It's important to point out that this can be a physically and emotionally demanding career, which could lead to injuries and other serious issues later in life. According to Statista, the average career length in the NFL is 3.3 years. This means that you could be out of work in a relatively short period.
Median annual salary: $52,910
Being an artist is an ideal job for someone who enjoys creating through different mediums. You could sell your creations, work in digital media, design tattoos, become a photographer or find a way to channel your creative side.
Making money as an artist will depend on your skill level and the type of services that you specialize in. According to Indeed, there are at least 11 different career paths for someone trying to become an artist and they all vary according to your expertise.
The Indeed article noted that a career in art may not be as stable or lucrative as other professions. Working as an artist can be stressful and you may have to supplement your income with a job to pay your bills.
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This article originally appeared on 10 Jobs With High Salaries You'll Actually Enjoy
