15 Jobs That Can Make You A Millionaire

By Jack Flynn - Jul. 12, 2022

Find a Job You Really Want In

Whether you’re looking to live a lavish lifestyle or simply want all those bills and debts to disappear, becoming a millionaire can be an exciting and motivating prospect for many people. After all, we’ve all thought about it at least once.

Fortunately, there are several routes you can take across different fields and industries that can get you where you want to go. From athletics to acting, there’s a high-paying job out there for almost anyone; you just have to know where to look.

When in doubt, if you dedicate yourself to having the time, motivation, financial responsibility, and skill sets needed to land a high-paying career, you might just end up with a million dollars.

In this article, we’ll examine 15 jobs you can apply for that can earn you a million dollars, as well as provide information about these positions.

Key Takeaways:

  • There are several jobs that can lead to a millionaire’s salary, such as becoming a popular actor, professional athlete, an attorney, or software developer.

  • Higher education, especially a graduate level education, helps a lot when pursuing jobs with high salaries.

  • Unfortunately, becoming a millionaire is not easy. However, with a lot of hard work and perseverance, as well appropriate skill building, you put yourself in the best position to succeed.

15 Jobs That Can Make You A Millionaire

15 Jobs That Can Make You a Millionaire

  1. Professional Athlete
    Average Hourly Salary: $27.76
    Average Annual Salary: $57,732

    Professional Athletes get paid to compete in a variety of sports, from basketball to golf. Keep in mind, though, that even with the necessary talent, these individuals need to rigorously maintain their bodies. Performance is everything, and it can be easy to fall short in this field.

    However, when athletes do succeed in a sport, they can succeed big time. For example, football star Tom Brady has an estimated net worth of roughly $200 million, and famous golfer Tiger Woods has an estimated worth of at least $800 million!

    Additionally, as a professional athlete, you can easily earn a free ride to the college by playing for the institution’s sports team. Then, if you continue with your sport after college, you could easily be on your way to making a million dollars.

    Find professional athlete jobs near me

  2. Actor/Actress
    Average Hourly Salary: $28.00
    Average Annual Salary: $58,214

    Everyone loves a good movie or TV show, and Actors/Actresses are an important part of what brings these productions to our screens. An Actor performs for the entertainment of others by breathing life into the character they’re playing.

    Like an athlete, finding wealth in this field requires competitive skill, dedication, and a bit of luck. Why luck? Because casting choices can vary greatly from one production to another. After all, if you’re a young man in your twenties, you probably won’t land that high-paying role for a 50-year-old father figure.

    Actors need to be as versatile as possible and must have the ability to seek out a variety of roles. Success can be difficult but also extremely rewarding. For instance, renowned actor Tom Cruise has a net worth of over $600 million.

    Find Actor jobs near me

  3. Engineer
    Average Hourly Salary: $39.20
    Average Annual Salary: $81,543

    The term Engineer encompasses a wide variety of jobs where individuals design and build products, as well as address technical issues. Engineers can work in the power industry (e.g., electrical, nuclear), with structures (e.g., building bridges), or even with modern technologies (e.g., computers).

    While all of these fields have high pay, the Engineers who invent new designs and products are far more likely to make millions.

    Engineers typically need a degree in engineering, which requires a considerable educational background rooted in math and science. Generally speaking, the higher an Engineer’s level of education is, the more high-paying job opportunities they’ll receive.

    Find Engineer jobs near me

  4. Software Developer
    Average Hourly Salary: $40.73
    Average Annual Salary: $84,723

    Software Developers are responsible for creating computer programs, networks, and other important applications. This job typically requires a related degree and significant-tech skills but pays extremely well. On top of that, the field has been growing rapidly, currently at a rate of 21% per year.

    With that in mind, Software Developer jobs are readily available for anyone with the qualifications needed. Therefore, instead of trying to compete with a sea of other “starving artists,” you could land a high-paying job from the start and get to work making a million.

    Find Software Developer jobs near me

  5. Pilot
    Average Hourly Salary: $47.88
    Average Annual Salary: $99,587

    Pilots work in the aviation industry operating commercial, cargo, military, and private aircraft. Due to the fact that this job requires a considerable amount of experience and caution, it’s vital to have all of the requirements before you apply.

    Most commonly, Pilots also have at least a bachelor’s degree, but experience in the field is far more valuable. For example, nearly all jobs in this field will require hard skills such as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), flight operations, and Airline Transport (ATP).

    Find Pilot jobs near me

  6. Real Estate Agent
    Average Hourly Salary: $47.90
    Average YAnnual Salary: $99,628

    Real Estate Agents help clients purchase, rent, or sell properties. This typically involves research, availability for appointments, and writing up contracts. While pay can vary based on the cost of the properties being sold, the average Real Estate Agent can easily reach a million dollars through the sale of expensive homes or other properties.

    While many Real Estate Agents have college degrees, it’s actually possible to become one with only a high school diploma or GED. Therefore, relative ease of entry can make this job a good option for those who’d like to stay busy and make a million dollars in the process.

    Find Real Estate Agent jobs near me

  7. Entrepreneur
    Average Hourly Salary: $48.03
    Average Annual Salary: $99,904

    Entrepreneurs are in the business of having their own business, so to speak. Successful Entrepreneurs create lucrative products that are managed and sold for a profit. Due to the nature of the job, these individuals can be involved in several types of businesses, from small online shops to major retail companies.

    Regardless, when an Entrepreneur creates a successful business, they often have the opportunity to sell it for millions.

    While there isn’t a formal education required to be an Entrepreneur, a degree in business or finance can certainly help. Overall, some of the most successful people in this field include Microsoft creator Bill Gates, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who are both worth over $80 billion.

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  8. Youtube Partner
    Average Hourly Salary: $49.97
    Average Annual Salary: $103,946

    If you’ve ever wanted to become a major internet personality and make millions, being a Youtube Partner might just be the job for you. Typically, this job entails creating and editing content that will be posted on the site. While theoretically, anyone can become a Youtuber, only a few will ever grow large enough to become a Youtube Partner.

    However, if you have an idea for interesting content and you’re determined to upload consistently, this kind of work can really pay off. For example, the site’s biggest content creator, known as PewDiePie, has an estimated worth of around $40 million.

    Find Youtube Partner jobs near me

  9. Marketing Manager
    Average Hourly Salary: $51.50
    Average Annual Salary: $107,116

    Every product needs to be promoted in order to increase sales, and Marketing Managers specialize in just that. When companies create a new product or are otherwise trying to improve sales, Marketing Managers are brought in to advertise and promote the products. In most instances, this position usually requires a bachelor’s degree.

    Find Marketing Manager jobs near me

  10. Day Trader
    Average Hourly Salary: $53.81
    Average Annual Salary: $111,932

    Day Traders specialize in the stock market, buying and selling stocks within the same day with the intention of making a profit. Some people in this field work independently, while others work for a firm and earn commissions for their trades.

    Sometimes Day Traders can make a significant amount of money in a day, but even if daily profit margins are small, they can add up over time. With that in mind, smart Day Traders can easily make it to a million.

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  11. Lawyer/Attorney
    Average Hourly Salary: $54.07
    Average Annual Salary: $112,473

    Whether they’re working for individual clients, companies, or even governments, Lawyers provide valuable legal counsel. Generally speaking, some of a Lawyer’s most important responsibilities include representing clients in court, preparing legal documents, and researching laws and regulations.

    While this job is in high demand and can pay a significant amount of money, having the required education is crucial. Typically, a Lawyer needs to pass their state’s bar exam, as well as have a relevant bachelor’s and a law degree.

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  12. Director of Information Management
    Average Hourly Salary: $68.11
    Average Annual Salary: $141,676

    As one of the highest paying IT-related jobs on this list, Directors of Information Management can rather easily earn their way to a million dollars. Typically, this job entails working with a variety of companies to manage their information technology (IT) activities and ensure stable operations.

    A professional Director of Information Management will know how to analyze technology and industry trends and use that analysis to determine the best optimization objectives.

    Overall, most people in this field either have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and knowledge of the tech industry is a must.

    Find Director of Information Management jobs near me

  13. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
    Average Hourly Salary: $92.01
    Average Annual Salary: $191,390

    Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are experienced company leaders who specialize in devising strategies that allow their company to increase profit, improve efficiency, and otherwise meet goals. Depending on the size of the company, CEOs can communicate with dozens of different departments, typically through a board of directors.

    This position requires considerable experience with the company in question, as well as immense dedication and leadership skills. However, it pays off in the form of monetary compensation. For instance, the founder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, has an estimated worth of at least $104 billion.

    Find Chief Executive Officer (CEO) jobs near me

  14. Psychiatrist
    Average Hourly Salary: $92.78
    Average Annual Salary: $192,988

    Specializing in assisting patients with mental disorders, Psychiatrists are among the highest-paid workers in the United States. These medical professionals are equipped to evaluate and diagnose patients, as well as administer medications and other treatment plans.

    Education is a must for anyone looking to go into this field, as all Psychiatrists are either a certified M.D. (Medical Doctor), or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), both of which require advanced degrees.

    Find Psychiatrist jobs near me

  15. Doctor
    Average Hourly Salary: $109.88
    Average Annual Salary: $228,555

    Doctors are medical professionals who specialize in working with people who are physically ill or injured. Generally speaking, this role entails performing routine checkups, examining and diagnosing patients, and providing potentially life-saving treatments. Doctors can further specialize in a variety of medical fields, from optometry to surgery.

    Due to the fact that Doctors are often responsible for the lives of others, it’s imperative that they perform their job effectively and correctly. This professionalism requires years of higher education and experience. Unsurprisingly, this is part of the reason why they are paid such a high salary.

    Find Doctor jobs near me

The Best Ways to Achieve a High Paying Job

While there’s no way to guarantee that you’ll make millions, there are definitely a few ways to significantly increase your chances. Here are some of the ways you can land those high paying jobs:

  • Pursue higher education. Many high-paying jobs require a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D., so going to college can be a great way to open doors. That being said, if high earning is important to you, it’s also vital to pursue a degree in relevant fields, and put a lot of time and effort into your studies.

  • Find apprenticeships and internships. Similar to college, taking part in apprenticeships and internships can give you the boost you need to excel in a particular field. These programs teach you valuable skills and allow you to learn inside industry knowledge.

  • Athletics. Education isn’t the only way to land a high-paying job, as skilled athletes can also find high-paying work. Schools and teams all over the country are always looking for new athletes, making it possible for a talented athlete to become a millionaire.

  • Hone your skills. You don’t necessarily have to spend eight years in college to make millions. For instance, if you’re an adept business person and candle maker, you could make a fortune just selling candles.

    Whatever your trade, be sure to hone whatever skills you use in the workplace every day so you can increase your chances of success going forward. After all, there’s a lot of competition out there, so it’s important to perform at the top level of your field.

  • Look for jobs that have upward mobility. When you’re considering what kind of job you want to choose, you should always think about upward mobility. Some jobs lock you into the same position for years, while others give you the chance to pursue worthwhile promotions.

  • Keep your eye on the stock market. New types of jobs are coming onto the job market all the time, so it’s important to be in the loop in regards to which industries are growing and which ones are struggling. For example, the growth of high-paying tech-related jobs has skyrocketed over the past ten years.

Overall, the best way to achieve financial success is through determination. When you’re determined to achieve your goals, you can overcome countless obstacles.

How Can I Become A Millionaire?

The simple truth is that there is no easy way to become a millionaire. If it were, everyone would be one, which in turn would make being a millionaire worthless.

Short of winning the lottery or being born into wealth, becoming millionaire takes a lot of work. The jobs listed above do not guarantee a millionaire’s salary, however, they do provide a path to it if you succeed.

You need to be willing to put in thousands of hours of work to pursue this goal. There will be a lot of hardships. Most importantly, you need to continually attempt to grow. Always look for ways to improve your skills, expand your network, and be open to challenges.

Finally, along with your perseverance, you will need a little luck. Remember, luck is just as much about being ready when the opportunity presents itself as it is about the opportunity. So always be prepared to make the most out of what life sends your way.

If being a millionaire is important to you, then almost everything you do in life needs to be devoted to that goal.

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Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.

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