5 High-Paying Jobs That Are Growing and Nobody Is Talking About

Transcription

(Music)

Dan: Hi everyone. Welcome back to Time We Discuss where we talk about what it's really like working real jobs with real people. Today we're going to do something a little different. Today I'm going to talk about five high paying jobs that are growing and nobody is talking about. The information you get today is going to get you all setup to get you on the right foot for 2026. So without further ado, in 5 minutes, the highest paying jobs that are growing that nobody is talking about.

First up, Aircraft and Avionics Technician. Job growth in this area is moving at a jet's pace (laughs) growing faster than average at a rate of 5% from now through 2034. Entering into this field is generally pretty easy. You need a postsecondary nondegree award. Essentially, completion of high school or equivalent and then attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician program. Unlike some of the other careers that I'm about to mention, there is generally no exposure to danger in this field. That being said, you can expect to work on scaffolds or ladders, work while lying down or while crouching for extended periods of time. It's a bit of a noisy environment so expect sound vibrations, especially when engines are getting tested, but you'll be wearing safety gear, so that shouldn't be a problem. You can expect to work in climate-controlled hangars, repair stations, or on airfields. Most people in this field are employed by the military or at commercial facilities near major airports. The median pay for Aircraft Technicians is around $80k/yr with the highest 10% earning over $120k/yr. You can expect to work fulltime, typically 8-10 hour shifts, which can include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Second, Wind Turbine Technician. This is a job with a pretty low barrier to entry. Go to technical school and complete a postsecondary certificate in wind energy technology or choose to get an associate's degree. Once hired, wind-techs typically receive on-the-job training which is related to the specific turbines which they'll be maintaining or repairing. This job is not for you if you have a fear of heights as most turbine ladders are at least 200 feet high. In other words, this job is not for me. It also means you need to be in pretty good physical shape. (Laughs) Also, not for me. Other important skills include good communication, detail-oriented, and problem-solving skills Median pay is around $63k/year with the upper 10% making around $90k. It's important to note that you will be working fulltime and could be on call for nights and weekends which translates into some nice overtime pay. Job outlook is great for wind-techs, growing much faster than other occupations. Employment of wind turbine technicians is expected to grow 50% from now through 2034.

Third, Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers. Also has a low barrier to entry. You need a high school diploma, doing well in classes such as math, mechanical drawing, and physics would be an asset. Part of your training will be through a 4-year apprenticeship. You need to complete a certain number of hours per year and receive on-the-job training. Learn about safety, blueprint reading, math, applied physics, elevator and escalator parts, electrical and digital theory, and electronics. You'll need ongoing training as you continue your career to keep up with changes in technology. This job is not for you if you are afraid of heights or don't like working in confined spaces. You might have to work on a ladder or in elevator shafts. In other words, this job is also not for me. Other important skills include being detail-oriented, having mechanical skills, troubleshooting skills, physical stamina, and strength as some equipment can weigh up to 200 pounds. The median pay is around $107k/year with the upper 10% making more than $150k. It's important to note that you will be working fulltime and could be on call for nights and weekends which translates into very nice overtime pay. Also, apprentices are typically paid about 50% of what a fully trained technician makes. Job outlook is good, growing faster than other occupations. Employment of elevator and escalator technicians is expected to grow 5% from now through 2034.

Rounding out number 4, Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers. With a push to renewable energy, we still need to get electricity away from where it's generated. Job outlook is positive. Growing at 7% now through 2034, this is a great career to enter. Like the others, this has a low barrier to entry. You need a high school diploma or equivalent degree to enter this field and you'll receive long-term on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are also common for getting started in this job. While there are few obstacles to enter this job, you need to be aware of some things before considering this career. You're working with high-voltage electricity and often working at great heights. That could be off-putting to some people. If that includes you, you might want to consider another path. There are other important skills that you should have aside from working high in the air. You need to have color vision. At present, wires and cables are color-coded so you need the ability to differentiate by color which cables are which. You're frequently working with a group of people, so the ability to work effectively with others is a must. You need to be strong and have stamina as you are often working with heavy equipment and could be climbing utility poles. Of course, you need to have good problem solving and technical skills as you diagnose problems with electrical systems. The median pay for an electrical power line staller / repairer is just under $100k/yr with the upper 10% making over $130k. Aside from working 40 hours a week, you can expect to be putting in long hours for consecutive days after a natural disaster knocks out power to a region.

Number 5 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators. Growing a little slower than average, these job opportunities are expected to continue to grow from now until 2034. Just like the other jobs that I mentioned, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. While not necessary, vocational or college courses would be beneficial, especially in math, science, mechanical, and technical subjects. Expect to get trained on the job or through an apprenticeship program which takes about 4 years. You'll need to demonstrate competency through licensure or company specific exams. Working as a stationary engineer or boiler operator, you'll need to follow procedures to prevent injuries against burns, electrical shock, noise, moving parts, and exposure to hazardous material. Expect to work 8 or 12-hour shifts on a rotating basis and expect that you'll need to work some weekends and holidays as facilities are open 24/7/365. The median pay for stationary engineers and boiler operators is just over $75k/yr with the highest 10% earning over $121k/yr.

So there you have it, those are 5 high-paying jobs that are growing and that nobody is talking about. Which one would you like to hear more about? Put it in the comment and I'll find a person really doing that job and they call tell us all about what it's really like working that job. If there's another profession that you want me to cover, also leave that in the comments and I'll find that person for you. Lastly, don't forget to like, share, or subscribe and we'll see you next time on Time We Discuss.