Top Paying Jobs You Probably Never Heard Of

It may not always seem like, but this is actually a rather exciting time to start a new job. The effects of a global financial crisis have for the most part subsided and the enormous development in technology has created completely new career options. People usually think about doctors and lawyers when they’re imagining a well-paid, well-respected line of work. However, jobs which require impressive expertise and pay quite a lot are actually jobs few people have ever heard of.

Nuclear medicine technologist

With the development of imaging diagnostic tools and focus on prevention, this job is gaining more and more traction. A medical degree isn’t required, but medical administrators might have a higher chance of advancing in this field. A technologist operates diagnostic equipment such as gamma cameras, PET scanners, and CT scanners. Those with a background in math or science are perfectly suitable for this work. It’s also a plus to have good interpersonal skills and to have an exceptional attention to details. Mistakes can have serious consequences in this field of work.

Aerospace engineering

Aerospace technology is rapidly changing. First of all, commercial flights are more affordable than ever and with the world being as connected as it is, people need to be able to fly safely and comfortably. But this is just the beginning of it. The future of flight isn’t in planes or helicopters, but in drones and other probably self-guided vessels. They are being used in almost every industry, but sales and delivery are going to be changed first and most radically. If you want to start a career in aerospace engineering, you need to prepare for it early on. It takes a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, and a strong background in math or computer science.

Digital risk officer

Most of the work in almost all businesses is done online. This is obviously convenient and welcome development. In the same time, it presents a new type of security risks. Personal information is vulnerable to breaches and cyber security is one of the most important investments a business can make. Digital risk officers are offering a preemptive solution to these issues. Their job is to evaluate possible risk and find the weak spots of security systems. Computer science is the only way to get in this line of work.

Geotechnical engineering consultants

Geotechnical engineering is a science dedicated to understanding soil and rock mechanics and their practical applications. It is especially important in civil engineering, but is also used in military, mining and petroleum industries. Investigating the properties of the soil in order to assess the risk to people and environment is a key part of the job. Geotechnical engineering consultants at Douglas Partners usually have master degrees in geotechnical engineering, but any relevant undergraduate major is also acceptable.

Industrial-organizational psychologist

This position was once reserved for large companies with hundreds or even thousands of employees, but recently even startups and other small businesses have started hiring industrial-organizational psychologists. Their role is to increase productivity and deal with a variety of HR related tasks from hiring to performance evaluation. The main problem of the psychologist working for corporations is to distinguish between the needs of employees and the needs of the company. Masters degree in psychology is required for this job, but lately companies are looking for experts in both psychology and their respective industries.

The job market is rapidly changing – most of these careers didn't exist a couple of years ago. New jobs are usually somewhere on the border between technology and business. The best advice is therefore to pursue the most eclectic education possible.