3 High-Paying Roles in Growing Industries: Surprising Six-Figure Jobs to Consider
Job hunting can be stressful and is impacting mental health for many—72% of job seekers say the search has taken a toll on their well-being, according to a recent Resume Genius survey. The competition is intense, with only one job opening per unemployed person as of September 2024, compared to two openings per person in early 2022.
Despite a relatively low job increase of just 12,000 positions in October, certain industries have shown steady growth this year, particularly in food services, hospitality, and government. Surprisingly, even within these fields, which aren’t typically associated with high salaries, there are roles offering six-figure earnings, according to John Mullinix, head of growth marketing at Ladders.
Here are three high-paying roles in these industries to consider:
1. Director of Supply Chain
In the food services industry, upper management positions like the director of supply chain offer significant salaries. This role involves overseeing the supply flow across multiple locations and ensuring that restaurants have access to essential supplies, such as food items and merchandise.
“Once you move up to the regional or higher levels, you start to see six-figure roles,” says Mullinix. On average, a director of supply chain in the fast-food industry earns about $187,000 annually, although requirements often include a bachelor’s degree and industry experience.
2. Hotel Manager
Hospitality has its share of lucrative management roles, including hotel manager positions. This role includes responsibilities like overseeing day-to-day hotel operations, staff training, and maintaining high standards for guest experiences.
A bachelor’s degree isn’t always necessary, but experience in hospitality is highly valued. In fact, some hotel management positions listed on job sites like Indeed are offering salaries as high as $180,000 per year, according to Toni Frana, a career expert at FlexJobs.
3. Cybersecurity Specialist
The government is continually seeking cybersecurity specialists to help protect its digital infrastructure, with this field seeing significant demand due to global cybersecurity challenges.
These roles often don’t require a bachelor’s degree, though IT experience is generally preferred. Cybersecurity specialists, particularly in government, may need U.S. citizenship and security clearance. Average earnings for cybersecurity specialists are around $124,000 annually, making it a highly competitive and rewarding career.
