Part 2 of 3: Jobs 5–12: management, energy, public safety, plant operations and power lines
These four roles usually reward experience rather than a credential. People typically move into them after years in a related job.
5. Transportation, storage and distribution managers: median $107,230
These managers plan and run the movement and storage of goods: warehouses, fleets and distribution centres. With 221,180 jobs, this is the largest occupation in our top 10. Pay runs from $65,120 (10th percentile) to $194,900 (90th).
Route: BLS lists a high school diploma plus 5 years or more of experience in a related occupation as typical. Many managers rise from roles such as warehouse supervisor, dispatcher or logistics coordinator. Some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree, so the no-degree route usually depends on a strong track record.
Outlook: projected growth of 6.1% from 2025 to 2035, with about 18,300 openings a year.
6. Power distributors and dispatchers: median $106,730
Dispatchers control the flow of electricity from generating stations to customers, monitoring the grid and responding to outages. Pay runs from $72,440 (10th percentile) to $154,270 (90th). There are 8,520 jobs.
Route: a high school diploma plus long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months, by BLS’s definition). Employers often look for strong maths and technical aptitude. BLS notes that operators and dispatchers typically need several years of onsite training and experience to become fully competent.
Outlook: projected growth of 1.2%, with about 700 openings a year. Openings mostly come from replacing workers who retire or leave.
7. First-line supervisors of police and detectives: median $106,040
These are sergeants and other supervisors who direct the work of police officers and detectives. Pay runs from $63,350 (10th percentile) to $165,110 (90th). There are 154,610 jobs.
Route: this isn’t an entry job. BLS lists a high school diploma plus less than 5 years’ experience in a related occupation, which in practice means working as a police officer first. Officers typically graduate from a training academy, and BLS notes that candidates must usually be at least 21 and meet physical and personal qualifications. Promotion usually depends on time in service, exams and performance.
Outlook: projected growth of 3.3%, with about 10,600 openings a year.
8. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation and relay: median $103,020
They inspect, test and repair electrical equipment in generating stations, substations and in-service relays. Pay runs from $65,730 (10th percentile) to $129,920 (90th). There are 20,720 jobs.
Route: BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award plus less than 5 years of related experience. Many complete a postsecondary program in electronics or electrical technology, then receive on-the-job training that combines formal instruction with work alongside experienced repairers.
Outlook: projected growth of 9.7%, faster than many occupations on this list, with about 1,800 openings a year.
What these four have in common
None is a “start tomorrow” job. Each pays well because it combines responsibility, safety-critical work and experience. If you’re starting from scratch, look at the entry roles that lead into them, such as dispatcher assistant, warehouse lead, police officer or electrical helper, and check pay for those too.
In short: jobs 5–8 pay six figures at the median but are usually reached through years of related work, not a fast course.
9. Power plant operators: median $102,040
They control the equipment that generates electricity, from boilers and turbines to generators. Pay runs from $61,790 (10th percentile) to $131,940 (90th). There are 29,320 jobs.
Route: a high school diploma plus long-term on-the-job training. BLS says operators typically need several years of onsite training and experience to become fully competent, followed by regular refresher training.
Outlook: BLS projects a 5.1% decline from 2025 to 2035, but about 2,300 openings a year are still expected, mostly to replace workers who leave.
10. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators and gaugers: median $96,710
They control equipment that processes crude oil and petroleum products, and they measure and monitor product flow. Pay runs from $57,110 (10th percentile) to $115,880 (90th). There are 33,160 jobs.
Route: a high school diploma plus moderate-term on-the-job training (1 to 12 months, by BLS’s definition). Refinery work often involves shift work and strict safety procedures.
Outlook: a projected decline of 1.9%, with about 2,700 openings a year.
11. Electrical power-line installers and repairers: median $95,320
They install and repair the cables and wires that carry electricity. This is the largest occupation in this section, with 131,070 jobs, and one of the fastest-growing on our list. Pay runs from $51,470 (10th percentile) to $128,690 (90th).
Route: a high school diploma plus long-term on-the-job training. BLS notes that apprenticeships can last up to 3 years, and that some workers first complete a 1-year certificate or 2-year associate program in electrical technology or line work. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is often required, because line workers drive large trucks to job sites.
Outlook: projected growth of 10.3% from 2025 to 2035, with about 10,900 openings a year. The work is physically demanding and done at height, near high-voltage lines and in bad weather, often with emergency call-outs.
12. Detectives and criminal investigators: median $93,790
They gather facts and evidence for criminal cases. Pay runs from $55,390 (10th percentile) to $160,540 (90th). There are 114,430 jobs.
Route: as with police supervisors, this is usually a promotion after working as a police officer. Some federal investigator roles have their own education requirements, which can include a degree, so check the specific agency.
Outlook: roughly flat, with projected growth of 0.2% and about 7,800 openings a year.
A note on risk and schedules
Several jobs in this section involve shift work, on-call duties or hazardous conditions. These factors are part of why the pay is high. BLS’s “Work Environment” tab for each occupation describes typical hours and injury risks, and is worth reading before you commit to training.
In short: power-line work stands out for both pay and growth, while plant-operator roles pay well but are shrinking. Openings still arise as workers retire.
