Based on a survey from The Ladders, a website for jobs that pay over $100,000 per year, high paying jobs are increasing in number. And more than 10% of jobs that pay six figures are now available remotely – bucking the current return to office trend for top earners. The analysis looked at over a million job postings, analyzed by quarter for comparison. The QoQ (quarter over quarter) changes reveal the roles and sectors (listed below) with the most high paying jobs in the fourth quarter of last year.

The Rise of High Paying Job Opportunities with Remote Work Options

According to Ladders’ Q4 2024 High Paying Jobs Report, the share of six-figure remote positions increased by nearly 10% last quarter. John Mullinix, Director of Growth Marketing at Ladders, highlighted sustained demand for flexibility among top earners, particularly in healthcare. This growth defies the narrative of mandatory in-office policies dominating workplace discussions. Does that mean that remote work is a possibility for you? Depends on your industry, your company…and your negotiating skills. Remote work is not dead, as an estimated 68% of U.S. employers offer some form of work location flexibility.

Several key industries stand out as leaders in salary offers:

• Healthcare: Roles like Nurse Practitioner (+8.7% QoQ) and Medical Director (+53.8%) saw significant growth. The rise of telemedicine and healthcare technology underscores these trends.
• Technology: Senior Software Engineer roles surged 101.7% QoQ, driven by demand for AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity expertise.
• Corporate Leadership: Remote leadership positions, such as Strategy Directors and Chief Revenue Officers, are gaining traction as companies navigate economic uncertainty and focus on efficiency.

Note that these high-paying in-demand jobs may or may not offer remote and hybrid arrangements. However, all roles in the study pay more than $100,000 per year.

Industries and Companies Offering High-Paying Remote Roles

Tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft continue to dominate the high paying jobs landscape, while healthcare leaders such as UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health drive growth in medical and pharmaceutical fields. Government contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies also stand out for their high-paying remote roles.

The healthcare-tech intersection—driven by telemedicine, data analytics, and AI—is creating new opportunities for professionals who can merge clinical and technological expertise. Similarly, cybersecurity roles are becoming increasingly lucrative due to escalating digital threats.

Top Ten Highest-Paying Job Titles in Q4 2024, with QoQ Change (Increase or Decrease in Listings)

1. Project Manager 11.1%
2. Nurse Practitioner 8.7%
3. Physician Assistant 0.2%
4. Pharmacist (full or part time) 22.2%
5. Physician 32.7%
6. Senior Software Engineer 101.7%
7. Software Engineer 7.4%
8. General Manager -16.1%
9. Medical Director 53.8%
10. Pharmacy Manager 12.1%

Notice that General Manager is the only high-paying role that declined – significantly- in the fourth quarter of 2024. The GM role pays well, but it’s getting more scarce, as organizations are flattening and moving towards a self-leadership model for employees.

Competition and Career Strategies for High-Paying Jobs

Ladders’ High Paying Job Competition Index reveals that fields like human resources, marketing, and design face the highest competition for six-figure roles. Conversely, healthcare and engineering present less competitive pathways. Gen Z professionals seeking to maximize their earning potential should consider:

1. Specializing in High-Demand Skills: AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity are critical areas with growing demand.
2. Exploring Healthcare Management: Opportunities abound in digital health and telemedicine leadership for those with dual expertise.
3. Targeting Companies Investing in Remote Work: Focus on organizations that are offering (or expanding) remote opportunities.
4. Building Remote Work Competencies: Effective communication, time management, and proficiency with collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom can set candidates apart.

The Future of Six-Figure Work

Experts predict four significant shifts in 2025:

• AI-Driven Roles: Companies will pay premiums for professionals skilled in AI and machine learning operations.
• Evolving Remote Work Models: Managers adept at leading distributed teams will be highly sought after.
• Healthcare-Tech Fusion: Innovations in telemedicine and health analytics will create executive-level opportunities.
• Strategic Leadership Demand: Businesses navigating market uncertainties will prioritize operational leaders.

High paying jobs are out there – it’s just a matter of navigating your career to capture the opportunity.