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Last updated: 21 October 2026. Figures as of: BLS OEWS May 2025 national estimates; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (pages last modified August 2026); 14 CFR Part 61 (current eCFR); ADCI International Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving; US Department of Energy commercial diver career page (accessed 21 October 2026).
Written by WageNorth Editorial. Fact-check: pending human review.
Part 1 of 2: How we chose, the 12 at a glance, and jobs 1–8
In this guide:
- How we chose, the 12 at a glance, and jobs 1–8 (this page)
- Jobs 9–12, six-figure routes that take longer, comparison and training cost
Our rules
- “Six figures” means a BLS May 2025 national median, or 75th percentile, of $100,000 or more. A median above $100,000 means at least half of workers earn that much. A 75th percentile above $100,000 means at least a quarter do.
- “Under two years” means BLS or the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) describes typical pre-entry education or training of about two years or less: an associate degree, a certificate, or a defined training program. Several of these jobs then require paid on-the-job training before full competency, and we say so.
- No promises. Pay for new entrants is usually below the median. The 10th percentile is a better guide to starting pay.
The 12 at a glance
Twelve occupations pass both tests. We group them by how typical six-figure pay is.
| Tier | Occupation | Median, May 2025 | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: median ≥ $100k | 1. Air traffic controllers | $148,080 | $190,570 |
| 1 | 2. Commercial pilots | $123,220 | $190,440 |
| 1 | 3. Nuclear technicians | $110,240 | $123,990 |
| 1 | 4. Radiation therapists | $105,310 | $126,340 |
| 2: top quarter ≥ $100k | 5. Nuclear medicine technologists | $101,370 | $117,120 |
| 2 | 6. Diagnostic medical sonographers | $96,590 | $106,930 |
| 2 | 7. Refinery operators and gaugers | $96,710 | $106,320 |
| 2 | 8. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians | $82,890 | $111,280 |
| 3: top quarter ≥ $100k, with conditions | 9. Transportation inspectors | $92,100 | $108,890 |
| 3 | 10. Commercial divers | $72,990 | $101,550 |
| 3 | 11. Sales representatives of services | $69,990 | $100,480 |
| 3 | 12. Sound engineering technicians | $73,130 | $100,280 |
Not in the 12: elevator and escalator installers ($109,910), power-line installers ($95,320), registered nurses ($97,550), dental hygienists ($98,100) and MRI technologists ($95,480) all pay well, but their typical route takes longer than two years or needs prior work experience. Part 2 explains why.
1. Air traffic controllers: median $148,080
The bottom 10% earned under $78,420. OOH describes several routes: an associate or bachelor’s degree through the FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), up to 3 years of progressively responsible work experience, or a mix. Candidates must be US citizens, pass medical and background checks, apply before the FAA’s age cutoff, and train at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. After the Academy, trainees work as developmental controllers until they’re certified, which is long-term on-the-job training. Growth is projected at 1.7% (2025–35). The FAA is the main employer, so check its official pages for current requirements.
2. Commercial pilots: median $123,220
Pay runs from $58,850 (10th percentile) to $266,620 (90th). Under FAA rules (14 CFR 61.123 and 61.129), you must be at least 18 and log at least 250 hours of flight time for an airplane commercial pilot certificate. How long that takes depends on how often you fly. Growth is projected at 5.2%.
3. Nuclear technicians: median $110,240
They assist physicists and engineers in nuclear research and power generation. OOH says they typically need an associate degree in nuclear science or a related technology, and that most training programs last between 6 months and 2 years. Background checks are usual. This is a small field: 6,470 jobs and 1.1% projected growth.
4. Radiation therapists: median $105,310
They give radiation treatments to patients with cancer. OOH says they typically need an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy, and most states require a license or certification, often including a national certification exam. There are 17,070 jobs, with 2.8% projected growth.
In short: 12 occupations meet our rules, but only four combine a six-figure median with about two years of pre-entry training. Each needs certification, licensing or long on-the-job training before you reach full pay.
In these four occupations the median is below $100,000, but at least a quarter of workers earn six figures. Experience, location and specialisation usually explain the difference.
5. Nuclear medicine technologists: median $101,370; 75th percentile $117,120
The median is just over $100,000. We list this occupation here because new entrants typically start lower: the 10th percentile is $78,080. They prepare radioactive drugs and operate imaging equipment. OOH says they typically need an associate degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Some enter with a degree in a related field, such as radiologic technology or nursing, followed by a 12-month certificate. Many become certified, and some states require a license. There are 17,080 jobs, with 4.4% projected growth.
6. Diagnostic medical sonographers: median $96,590; 75th percentile $106,930
They use ultrasound equipment to create images. This is the largest occupation on this page, with 90,160 jobs, and one of the fastest-growing: 13.9% projected growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 6,000 openings a year. OOH says sonographers typically need at least an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate, and that some need a license or certification. Programs usually include clinical work in a medical facility.
7. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators and gaugers: median $96,710; 75th percentile $106,320
These workers usually need no degree. BLS lists a high school diploma plus moderate-term on-the-job training (1 to 12 months), so they appear in our no-degree list too. The catch is the industry: projected employment falls by 1.9%, and the work is concentrated near refineries and pipelines, often on rotating shifts.
8. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians: median $82,890; 75th percentile $111,280
They run and maintain equipment used to develop, test and produce aircraft and spacecraft. OOH says they typically need an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field, and that some employers consider candidates with a high school diploma or certificate. Defence-related work often requires a security clearance, and US citizenship may be required for some clearances. Growth is projected at 11.9%, with 11,280 jobs.
Reading the 75th percentile correctly
The 75th percentile means 25% of workers earned more than that amount. It doesn’t mean a typical worker can expect it. For new entrants, the 10th to 25th percentiles are more realistic:
| Occupation | 10th percentile | 25th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear medicine technologists | $78,080 | $86,720 |
| Diagnostic medical sonographers | $67,820 | $80,430 |
| Refinery operators and gaugers | $57,110 | $77,510 |
| Aerospace engineering and operations technicians | $59,050 | $67,680 |
In short: in these four fields six figures is reachable, but it’s typically the top quarter, not the starting point. Use the 10th–25th percentiles to plan.
