The average salary for a software developer is around $100K annually. This means earning over $500K annually would be considered a very high income.

There are several ways to increase your earnings. One way is to become a freelancer or contractor. Another option is to start your own company. There are also other options, such as becoming a consultant, teaching English abroad, or starting your blog.

How much you earn will depend on what you do and how skilled you are at it. The more skills you have in any field, the pay rate is higher. For example, companies will offer you much money if you’re an expert at writing computer programs. On the other hand, if you’ve only just begun learning to program, you can expect to make less money until you prove yourself.

You can find work by searching online job boards or through friends and family who might know about jobs.

This article will show you 15 jobs that can earn you up to $500K per year.

1. Software Developer

This is one of the best-paying jobs in America. Software developers create applications that run on computers and smartphones. These apps include everything from games to social media platforms.

To get into this lucrative career path, you must take some coding classes first. You can learn basic HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP while attending university. If you still need a degree, you can enroll in community colleges or universities that teach web design courses.

Once the basics are down, apply for internships with local tech firms or search for open positions on popular websites like Indeed.com. Once you land an internship, ask your employer for advice on improving your resume, so you stand out among other applicants.

2. Author

Authors write books for readers across the globe. They often spend years researching their subject before they begin writing. It takes a lot of time and effort to produce a book, but when it comes out, people love reading them.

Most authors choose to self-publish their books instead of working with traditional publishers. When you self-publish, you retain all rights to your work. However, you won’t receive royalties unless someone buys your ebook.

Some authors work with publishers because they believe it gives them better exposure and credibility. Others prefer to self-publish because they feel it allows them to control their destiny.

3. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists specialize in providing medical care during surgery. They may administer anesthesia drugs, perform surgeries, or provide pain management.

To qualify as an anesthesiologist, you must complete four years of college and two years of residency training. After completing these requirements, you can practice independently for three additional years.

An anesthesiologist’s salary depends on where you live and whether you work full-time or part-time.

4. Physician/Surgeon

A physician is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases and treating patients. A surgeon is a physician who performs operations such as removing tumors and repairing organs.

To become a physician, you must complete four to six years of undergraduate education. Then, you can attend medical school for another five to seven years. Afterward, you will complete a residency program. This process usually takes between four and seven years.

When you graduate, you can start practicing medicine immediately. Physicians are paid based on how much experience they have.

5. Accountant

An accountant works in finance. They analyze financial records and prepare reports about companies and individuals. Accountants also prepare tax returns for businesses and individuals.

You can earn an accounting degree after earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Most employers require at least a CPA license.

After graduating, you can find employment as a public accountant, private accountant, or corporate accountant. Each role has its own set of responsibilities.

6. Insurance Agent

An insurance agent sells life, health, auto, property, and casualty (P&C) policies. Insurance agents represent both commercial and personal lines insurers.

To sell insurance, you need to be licensed. You can get this license through the National Association of Insurance Agents (NAIA). The NAIA requires you to pass exams covering underwriting, sales, claims, and marketing topics.

After passing these tests, you can apply for membership in state associations. These associations certify your knowledge and skills. Once approved, you can use your certification number to represent multiple carriers.

7. Chief Executive Officer

The chief executive officer (CEO) is responsible for managing a company. In addition to running day-to-day operations, CEOs oversee strategy, finances, human resources, and legal affairs.

Most large corporations have one CEO per company. To become a CEO, you must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, business, economics, law, or other fields.

Once you have completed your studies, you can take a series of tests called the Certified Public Accounting Exam (CPE). Passing this exam allows you to call yourself a certified public accountant (CPA).

Once certified, you can begin working for major accounting firms. Some CPAs choose to open their firm instead. This path usually involves starting with a small office before growing into a larger organization.

8. Actor

An actor plays in movies, television shows, commercials, and video games. If you want to work in acting, consider attending college.

Many actors study theatre arts while in high school. After graduation, you can enroll in community colleges or universities. You can pursue degrees in acting, directing, writing, or film production there.

If you prefer to study, you can join a professional theater group. Many of them offer scholarships.

After completing your training, you can audition for jobs. Actors who play lead roles typically receive higher pay than those who play supporting roles.

Actors often start on stage. They learn how to act by watching dramas. As they gain experience, they move up to more challenging parts.

9. Professional Athlete

A professional athlete earns money from playing sports. Professional athletes are most famous for participating in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and NCAA sports leagues.

To play professionally, you must first attend college. While in school, you will develop good coaching skills. Your coach will teach you about teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

When you graduate, you can try out for teams. Most players who make it to the pros began their careers as undrafted free agents.

You may also play for an independent team. Independent teams are not part of a league. Instead, they compete against each other.

You will sign a standard player contract when you finally earn a contract. This document outlines your salary, bonuses, and benefits.

You might also sign endorsement deals. These contracts allow companies to promote their products through your name and likeness.

10. Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur builds new businesses that provide services or products. Entrepreneurs run everything from convenience stores to software development shops.

You need at least three years of work experience to be an entrepreneur. You must also have a strong desire to build something new.

Before you launch your own business, you can seek advice from mentors. Mentors help entrepreneurs create a plan for success.

11. Engineer

Engineers design things such as bridges, buildings, airplanes, and cars. A bachelor’s degree is required to become an engineer.

While you are still in school, you can take courses that prepare you for engineering-related jobs. For example, you could study mechanical engineering or electrical engineering.

After graduating, you can apply for jobs at local engineering firms. Engineers who work for large corporations usually earn better wages than engineers who work for small firms.

12. Investment banker

An investment banker helps people invest their money. Investment bankers negotiate with clients to secure loans, bonds, stocks, and mutual funds.

Banks hire investment bankers because they know investing requires skill. To succeed, you must understand finance and accounting principles.

After graduation, you can enter the banking industry directly. Or, you can find a firm that specializes in financial advising.

13. Lawyer

A lawyer represents individuals and businesses in court. Lawyers draft legal documents, advise clients, and argue cases before judges.

To get into law school, you must complete four years of undergraduate studies. After graduation, you must pass the bar exam to practice law.

Once you pass the bar exam, you can begin working for a law firm. Law firms offer different types of employment opportunities. Some only accept new associates. Others prefer experienced attorneys.

14. Real estate developer

Developers build houses, shopping centers, office parks, and apartment complexes. They sell properties to home buyers and renters.

To become a real estate developer, you must have a bachelor’s degree. You should also have several years of construction experience.

After you finish school, you can look for work at local building contractors. Alternatively, you can open your own company.

15. Hedge fund manager

A hedge fund manager manages other people’s money. Hedge fund managers use complex strategies to make returns on investments.

To manage a hedge fund, you must have a college degree. You must also have several years of finance and economics experience.

Many hedge fund managers start as traders. Traders buy and sell securities based on market movements.

Conclusion

Even if you give little thought to it regularly, there are many ways to make good money. The important thing is to locate a career path that is a good fit for you. Numerous occupations offer salaries in the hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Find out more about these 15 professions if you want to know how to make much money.

The world offers many different careers. Different jobs call for different sets of skills. The best way to learn about these professions is to talk to someone already in the field. Only stop questioning the career path once you’ve become comfortable with it.

You will need some education to pursue any of these careers. No matter how much schooling you’ve had, it won’t help. After you graduate, how well you do is the most important factor.

When you consider all the potential professions, the options may seem endless. However, if you dedicate yourself to learning, you will find a career path that suits your unique skillset.

If you want to get an interview, you need a good resume, too. Writing a cover letter highlighting your strengths and interests is important. In conclusion, always professionally present yourself.

If you put this advice into practice, you’ll quickly pull in a six-figure salary. More money can be made with a little bit of work. If you need a better resume, our professional writers can assist you in developing a candidate-attracting document. Just pick up the phone and call us now!