20 Unique Jobs That Pay Well in 2022

Jobs in healthcare, information technology, management, finance, engineering, and law are among the unique jobs that pay well in 2022. Why do these occupations pay the highest wages? In a nutshell, it’s because they have valuable skills that employers are willing to pay a premium for. If you’re looking for a unique job, consider one of these options. However, keep in mind that most require advanced education (which significantly increases your earning potential), training, extensive field experience, and/or licensure. 

You won’t just happen upon a unique job, but if one of these occupations is a good fit for you, you’ll be well-rewarded for your efforts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an independent statistical agency that tracks unemployment and other important data about the job market in the United States. The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is a career resource published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It provides information on wages, job growth, and educational requirements for the majority of occupations. We looked at the Occupational Outlook Handbook’s list of unique jobs that pay well, as well as the OOH’s A-to-Z index, to find the best-paid jobs in the United States. According to the most recent data, the following are the unique occupations right now:

Top 20 Unique Jobs That Pay Well In 2022

1. Physicians and Surgeons

If you want a unique job that pays well, take your mother’s advice and become a doctor. Physicians and surgeons account for 40% of the jobs on the Bureau of Labor Statistics list of the top 20 unique occupations. Psychiatrist, obstetrician/gynecologist, surgeon, and anesthesiologist are a few unique physician job titles. Doctors generally diagnose and treat illnesses in hospitals, urgent care centres, group, and individual medical practices. 

They give medications, perform surgical procedures, refer patients to specialists, conduct medical assessments, and educate patients and their families. To become a surgeon, you must first complete medical school, then a multi-year residency program, and sometimes a specialized fellowship. This is one of the jobs that will be in demand in 2025 and is among the most in-demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the BLS, physicians earn a median salary of $208,000 or more, and the employment rate for physicians is expected to grow by 4% over the next decade.

2. Dentists

Dentists look after their patients’ teeth and gums, diagnosing and treating problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. They may repair damaged teeth or extract them and replace them with implants or dentures. Dentists are usually part of a team that also includes dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental lab technicians. While some dentists practice general dentistry, others specialize in areas such as prosthodontics, orthodontics, or oral surgery.

Specialists typically have more education and training, as well as additional licensure, and earn more than general dentists. Prosthodontists, who replace damaged teeth with implants, and dentures earn a median annual salary of $208,000 or more. While not always required, dentists frequently major in biology or other sciences as undergraduates.

They take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) after college to get into dental school, where they learn about topics like local anesthesia, anatomy, periodontics, and radiology. They also gain clinical experience while being supervised by a practicing dentist. This is one of the unique jobs that pay well in 2022 and is among the most in-demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general dentists earn a median annual salary of $159,200, with some specialists earning a median salary of $208,000 or more. And the employment rate for dentists is expected to grow by 3% over the next decade.

3. Chief Executives

Chief executive officers (CEOs) set the company’s direction by setting goals, developing policies, and generally steering the ship. CEOs frequently report to boards of directors and supervise other executives such as chief operating officers (COOs) and chief financial officers (CFOs) (CFOs). Fortune-500 CEOs make a fortune; according to the Associated Press, the average CEO compensation at top companies exceeded $11 million per year in 2018.

Even CEOs of smaller companies, on the other hand, do quite well. If you want to be a chief executive, you’ll need an MBA as well as a lot of work experience. Surprisingly, according to a Forbes survey, the majority of Fortune 100 CEOs (53%) have a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Many, however, had undergraduate degrees in unrelated fields (though some later received a master of business administration, or MBA, degree).

Many executives in technology-related businesses majored in engineering as undergraduates. This is one of the high-paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the BLS, chief executives earn a median annual salary of $184,460, while top executives as a group earn $104,690, and the employment rate for top executives is expected to grow by 4% over the next decade.

4. Nurse Practitioners and Other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Nurse practitioners evaluate patients’ symptoms, diagnose illnesses, prescribe and administer medications, treat minor injuries, consult with physicians on complicated cases, and refer patients to other medical professionals. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are one of several types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which also include nurse-midwives and nurse anesthetists.

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APRNs have master’s degrees in their fields of specialization and are licensed by the state in which they work. This is one of the unique jobs that pay well in 2022 and is among the most in-demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the BLS, APRNs, which include nurse practitioners, earn a median annual salary of $115,800. Some specialists earn more than others, such as nurse anesthetists, who earn a median annual salary of $174,790.  And the employment rate for APRNs is expected to grow by 45% over the next decade.

5. Airline Pilots

Airline pilots are responsible for much more than just flying the plane. They are typically also in charge of much of the hard work that goes into ensuring the plane flies safely and smoothly, such as submitting flight plans, performing pre-flight aircraft checks, navigating in the air, and responding to emergencies and other changes in flight. Airline pilots typically hold a bachelor’s degree and must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The majority begin their careers as commercial pilots. Airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree and a Federal Aviation Administration Airline Transport Pilot certificate. They frequently begin as commercial pilots, accumulating thousands of hours in the cockpit before landing a job with an airline.

Even though they will not be flying the aircraft, a flight engineer must have a commercial pilot’s license and at least 1,500 hours of flying experience. This is one of the high-paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the BLS, airline pilots earn a median annual salary of $121,430.8, and the employment rate for airline pilots is expected to grow by 5% over the next decade.

6. Computer and Information Systems Managers

These professionals, also known as IT managers, are in charge of an organization’s information technology. IT managers have a variety of responsibilities, which may include assessing the organization’s computer needs, making recommendations for fixes and upgrades, hiring and managing other IT professionals, and ensuring system security. The majority of computer and information systems managers have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.

Some have completed management information systems (MIS) programs, which combine business classes with computer programming and software development classes. IT professionals who want to advance into management positions may pursue a master of business administration (MBA) or another graduate degree.

MBA programs typically take two years to complete full-time, though some employers take classes part-time while continuing to work in IT. This is one of the unique jobs that pay well in 2022 and is among the most in demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers earn a median annual salary of $146,360.9 and the employment rate for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 10% over the next decade.

7. Architectural and Engineering Managers

These managers hire, train, and supervise teams of engineers at architectural and engineering firms. They also coordinate the efforts of project teams in developing and executing product development plans, as well as re-engineering processes and manufacturing methods. Architectural and engineering managers develop and manage budgets, as well as perform ongoing value analysis to identify new opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings. While some engineering management positions require only a bachelor’s degree, others require a master’s. 

Managers who work in non-technical positions frequently pursue a master’s degree in business administration. Degrees such as a master’s in engineering management, on the other hand, are frequently more beneficial for those in more technical roles. This is one of the high-paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the BLS, the median annual salary for architectural and engineering managers is $144,830.10 and the employment rate for architectural and engineering managers is expected to grow by 3% over the next decade.

8. Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers devise the best methods for extracting oil and gas, design and develop extraction equipment, and devise and carry out drilling plans. Employers frequently prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, but professionals with degrees in other engineering disciplines may be considered. Future petroleum engineers benefit from extensive math and science coursework beginning in high school.

A bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level positions in the field, with coursework focusing on thermodynamics, engineering principles, and geology. Some universities offer five-year combined programs leading to a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, which may be required by some employers or those seeking greater advancement. This is one of the jobs that will be in demand in 2025 and is among the most in demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the BLS, petroleum engineers earn a median annual salary of $137,720.11 and the employment rate for petroleum engineers is expected to grow by 3% over the next decade.

9. Judges

Judges typically preside over trials and other hearings in federal, state, and local courts. Judges may be elected or appointed to their positions, depending on where they work. Judges typically have a law degree and extensive legal experience. They may serve for a set period, such as four years, or the rest of their lives. With few exceptions, judges must have a law degree to serve on the bench. In addition to maintaining their law license, they must be in good standing with their state’s bar association. 

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Before seeking an appointment or election as a judge, these professionals frequently practice as attorneys for several years. Federal administrative law judges must pass the U.S. Office of Personnel Management exam. 65 Depending on where they serve, local magistrates may or may not be required to have a law degree. 66 Only a bachelor’s degree is required in some states. This is one of the high paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: Judges earn a median annual salary of $136,910.2, according to the BLS and the employment rate for judges is expected to grow by 2% over the next decade.

10. Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Have you ever chosen one product or service over another for reasons you couldn’t quite put your finger on? Your choice most likely owed a lot to the hard (but sometimes unseen) work of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. These professionals work to pique the interest of consumers and convert it into sales for their clients. The majority have a bachelor’s degree and extensive work experience in their field. This is one of the jobs that will be in demand in 2025 and is among the most in demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $135,900.13 and the employment rate for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.

11. Financial Managers

Financial managers analyze data to create plans that support their employers’ long-term financial health. They may be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as staying on top of market trends, preparing financial statements, and looking for cost-cutting opportunities. Typically, they provide financial advice to senior management. They may also be in charge of other members of their team. Financial managers typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher in fields such as finance, accounting, economics, or business administration, according to the BLS. 

Most finance professionals have several years of experience in jobs such as loan officer, accountant, securities sales agent, or financial analyst before becoming managers. This is one of the high paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: Financial managers earn a median annual salary of $129,890.14 according to the BLS and the employment rate for financial managers is expected to grow 15% over the next decade.

12. Natural Sciences Managers

These individuals supervise teams of scientists, such as biologists or chemists. They hire and supervise technicians and other staff, manage the budget, track the progress of scientific projects, and provide technical assistance. Many natural sciences managers were scientists before taking on managerial responsibilities. Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in a related field and may prefer a master’s degree. Natural science managers typically begin their careers as scientists.

In some cases, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient, but many roles require a master’s degree or a PhD in a scientific field. Some executives pursue a professional science master’s (PSM) degree program, which combines advanced scientific knowledge with business coursework. This is one of the jobs that will be in demand in 2025 and is among the most in demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: Natural science managers earn a median annual salary of $129,100.15, according to the BLS and the employment rate for natural science managers is expected to grow 5% over the next decade.

13. Pharmacists

Pharmacists interpret physician orders for medications, analyze potential drug interactions, resolve insurance coverage issues, dispense medications in accordance with standards, train and supervise technicians, and educate patients about medication use and side effects. A doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) post-graduate degree is required to practice as a pharmacist. Depending on the program, these degrees typically take three to four years to complete. 

To be accepted into a Pharm.D. program, students must typically complete the minimum coursework requirements for chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). This is one of the high paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacists earn a median annual salary of $128,090.16 and the employment rate for a pharmacist is expected to decline by 3% over the next decade.

14. Sales Managers

Sales managers supervise sales teams. They establish sales goals, analyze sales trends, develop and implement training programs, and handle customer complaints. Sales managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree and have extensive sales experience. For sales manager positions, companies typically seek candidates with several years of sales experience. While some jobs do not necessitate a college education, many require a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is one of the unique jobs that pay well in 2022 and is among the most in demand jobs for the future.

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Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales managers earn a median annual salary of $126,640.17 and the employment rate for sales managers is expected to grow by 4% over the next decade.

15. Lawyers

This is one of the high paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years. Lawyers represent individuals, businesses, or government agencies, advising clients on their legal rights and responsibilities and analyzing laws and legal issues to determine the best course of action. Some lawyers also represent their clients in court. 

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: Lawyers earn a median annual salary of $122,960.18, according to the BLS and the employment rate for lawyers is expected to grow by 4% over the next decade.

16. Computer and Information Research Scientists

Scientists in computer and information research develop new computing technology and improve existing tools to solve complex problems in fields such as medicine and business. Computer and information research scientists usually have both a master’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. This is one of the high paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years. 

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: Computer and information research scientists earn a median annual salary of $122,840.19, according to the BLS. Over the next decade, employment for these research scientists is expected to increase by 15%.

17. Political Scientists

Political scientists work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutes. They examine the effects of government legislation and regulations, identify political trends, and make policy recommendations. Many political scientists hold advanced degrees such as a master of public administration (MPA) or a master of public policy (MPP) (MPP). This is one of the unique jobs that pay well in 2022 and is among the most in demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: Political scientists earn a median annual salary of $122,220.20, according to the BLS and the employment rate for political scientists is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.

18. Human Resources Managers

These individuals manage employers’ recruiting, interviewing, and hiring processes, as well as provide diversity and inclusion consulting. They may also mediate employee conflicts, manage benefit programs, and supervise payroll. Human resource managers usually have a bachelor’s degree and several years of human resource experience. This is one of the high paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: Human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $116,720.21, according to the BLS and the employment rate for human resource managers is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade.

19. Training and Development Managers

Training and development managers design and manage training programs for businesses. They may be in charge of developing course materials and/or purchasing content from third-party vendors, as well as managing training staff. These managers typically have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and some employers may prefer a master’s degree. This is one of the unique jobs that pay well in 2022 and is among the most in-demand jobs for the future.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029: Training and development managers earn a median annual salary of $113,350.22, according to the BLS and the employment rate for human resource managers is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade. 

20. Computer Network Architects

These IT professionals, also known as network engineers, design and build computer networks. Engineers may also manage networks and analyze traffic data to plan for future growth, depending on their job. Computer network architects typically have a bachelor’s degree in a technology-related field as well as significant work experience in systems administration. This is one of the high-paying jobs in demand for the future and among the jobs that will be in demand in the next 10 years.

Salary & Job Outlook 2019-2029:Computer network architects earn a median annual salary of $112,690.23 according to the BLS and the employment rate for computer network architects is expected to grow 5% over the next decade.

 

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our list of the world’s top 20 unique jobs that pay well. As you can see, these are all very jobs that will be in demand in 2025, with some even more rewarding than others. However, getting to that level of income will require a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, so keep that in mind if you want to pursue one of these unique careers. A healthcare career is hard to beat when it comes to high-paying jobs in demand for the future. 

Specialists typically earn the highest pay, but general practitioners and even nonphysician roles, such as nurse anaesthetists, can also earn a good living. If you don’t want to work in medicine, other fields such as engineering and management can provide you with lucrative opportunities.

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Martin Uwakwe

As an SEO Strategist, Web Analytics Expert, and Content Developer with over 7 years of experience, I'm passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to optimize online visibility, drive organic traffic, and boost search rankings. My track record includes successfully optimizing and analyzing hundreds of e-commerce websites, managing multi-million-dollar marketing budgets for maximum ROI, and crafting engaging content that resonates with audiences. With proficiency in SEO, data analysis, web optimization tools, and content creation, I'm dedicated to helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.