25 people who make more than $150,000 a year share their professions and it's eye-opening

People are struggling to make ends meet with the rising cost of living. From basic groceries to paying the bills for utilities, individuals are left with next to nothing most of the time. It has pushed many to look for higher-paying positions and lucrative jobs that promise a better lifestyle. For many people, such jobs provide a sense of security and stability. Such a push has meant that there are a variety of positions for people with varying interests that all pay very well.

People are now spending a lot of their time and resources on learning new skills, pursuing higher levels of education or even shifting career paths completely. Such changes can also be refreshing for many, especially for those who are stuck in the same old routine for many years. u/RanelsSuperior posed a question to the community: "People making $150,000 and above, what do you do for a living?" Here are 25 of the most insightful responses that people shared.

1. Aircraft Maintenance 

I got my license to work on aircraft 13 years ago. After 6 years in various shops, I got into managing aircraft for private owners. In my last three jobs, I've gotten just by answering my phone and having someone reach out to me about a job opening. Every time, it has been with a good raise. I manage an aircraft today for a wonderful family and make close to 250k a year. I love what I do. -u/BienGuzman

2. IT Risk Specialist 

I'm an IT Risk Specialist. I have a broad background in IT - developer for a while, project management, cybersecurity. I've been in the field for 20 years and broke $150k a few years ago. In addition, I work 10 hours a week in the evening teaching cybersecurity online and make an additional $25k doing that. -u/Ecstatic_Tax_4670

3. Psychotherapist 

Psychotherapist (MSW, LCSW) and own my practice. I should make about $165k this year. -u/Thirstyfish85

4. HVAC Technician 

I'm a commercial HVAC technician and an instructor. I just broke $200k last year. No college debt. The best decision I ever made and when my son turns 18, he has a spot in the union doing the same thing. People who don't know me look at me like I'm some dirty mechanic but I kind of think it's funny that I'm generally the highest-paid person in most buildings I walk into. -u/Economy-Bother-2982

5. Managing an advertising agency 

30M. I run an advertising agency for B2B companies. I will do around 500k+ this year. Did 400k last year as an executive at a firm. -u/t_buch

6. Firefighter 

You're a SUS Govie, but I'll bite. I'm a Firefighter/EMT with unlimited OT. My wife is a Respiratory Therapist with unlimited OT, which is funny because "you're one as well." We clear well over $200k yearly but can easily double that if we hate each other. -u/KingScuderiaDucati

7. Software engineer 

I work two full-time remote software engineering jobs at once. Each pays $160k/year, so I'm making $320k in total per year. I work about 30 hours per week tops. I'm 30 and have been doing this for about 2 years now. -u/0xFFD700

8. Anesthesiologist Assistant 

I am going to make over $150,000 once I graduate from my Anesthesiologist Assistant program. Check out that career. 2.5-year program and the average starting salary is about 180k with great benefits. The programs are EXTREMELY competitive to get into, but you would make an amazing applicant as a respiratory therapist. -u/QueenofBrokenGlass

9. Night shift nurse 

I made $164,000 working a total of 96-night shifts in a union hospital as a night shift nurse. This includes benefits and I've been doing it for 25 years. -u/SalishShore

10. Installing and fixing air compressors 

I once dated a guy who worked 3 days a week and made $500k/year. He learned how to install and fix air compressors, worked at ADM, then quit and started his own business. -u/tinlizzy2

11. Clinical research 

Look into clinical research/pharma. With your background, I'm sure you could find a position and have higher earning potential without having to get a whole different education. -u/Forest_Pansy

12. Tech jobs 

Nearly any job in technology: software development, data analytics, tech product management, tech project management of larger projects, ANY leadership role in tech is 150k+, and many 200k+ easy. Leadership in tech, if you are a Director, is generally 225k and up. Not including bonus. -u/regalbeagles1

13. Physician assistant 

You could look into becoming a physician assistant. Depending on the specialty and location, they can make almost 250k a year. -u/No-Kaleidoscope-4050

14. Nurse practitioner 

Nurse practitioner, but it's a long road. If I did it all over again probably would have gone business or finance. -u/Ilovesucculents_24

15. Senior claims manager 

I am a senior claims manager for a workers comp company. I make 153K plus bonus. So, approximately 170k+ a year. -u/suzannepauline

16. Creative Director 

Creative Director, $175K. It feels good to make money by being creative. I know Creative Directors at bigger companies can make $300K+. I'm working on it. -u/jarvis646

17. Walking dogs 

I walk dogs, 210k last year, I have 7 part-time employees that do it under me and they get paid $25 an hour. I charge $50 an hour. -u/TaserTots

18. Selling cars 

Car business. I made $180k my first year selling cars, now I'm in management and last year made $350k. It's a very demanding and stressful job, but I love it. -u/Patoramoslopez

19. Sales

If you can sell, you could use your respiratory knowledge to sell breathing-based medical devices and probably 300k. (I'm in sales). u/YNABDisciple

20. Cleaning business 

I have a cleaning business. I clean churches, schools, offices, government buildings, homes, etc. I started with a broom, dustpan, vacuum and toilet supplies from the dollar store. I worked my way through contracts and eventually hired a few employees, and instead of cleaning, I now oversee my staff/ handle the paperwork. -u/Living-Prune8881

21. Cyber security 

Cyber security: you can work for the government or have your own consulting firm and sell security software to them. -u/fedboisboogaloo

22. Ship captain 

I'm a licensed captain on a large fishing vessel, 250,000$ to 300,000$ a year. It's been at it a while and my engineer is guaranteed 1,120$ per day. Go to the maritime academy for a licensed engineer. That's where the money is in the maritime world. -u/mpgnav

23. Chemist 

You could become a chemist! But the pay range is like 30k to 300k+/year, depending on what branch of chemistry, company size, and company focus. -u/mfabs09

24. Senior Reactor Operator 

Senior Reactor Operator at a nuclear power plant. 250k, can break 300k if I take more overtime, but I’m over it at this point. -u/BuffaloBuffalo13

25. Truck driver 

I am a truck driver. For years, I was self employed with my own equipment and customers. Currently, I am a hired driver for a heavy haul company. -u/FinzClortho