Becoming a millionaire is something that countless people aspire to, but it’s usually not an overnight deal.
Most people who have millionaire jobs don’t make more than $200,000 a year, and they’re just that incredible at saving and investing.
This is a look at how many years working these high-paying jobs would take you to make a million dollars within your career with them; each of these offers better longevity than jobs that pay 1 million a year!
15. Genetic Counselors
Average yearly earnings: $81,075 (ZipRecruiter)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 41 years.
Although this is the only job on this list of jobs that can make you a millionaire that will take you over forty years, since the average person is expected to work for fifty years, this is more than feasible to get you over a million before you retire.
Genetic counselors help people discover and discuss the genetic risks and conditions that can be passed down through family lines. If you’re intrigued by genetics, this is a great paying job for people who don’t know what to do.
Surprising fact: this field has grown by 88% since 2006, which is why countless training programs are starting for this every year.
14. App Designer
Average yearly earnings: $90,000 (Business of Apps)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 34 years.
App designers create programs for smartphones, tablets, and computers by working in various industries and using countless platforms to get their work done.
Although you would likely have to work full-time to become a millionaire, this can be one of the more fun side hustles for guys or gals who are technologically inclined.
To reach your millionaire status faster you might also consider other side hustles like reselling items for a profit or one of these business ideas you can start with no money.
Surprising fact: the original Flappy Bird app designer only took down the app after it hit $50k a day for several months in a row because he hated the media attention.
Trend on the Rise
Although less than a fifth of app designers are women, the tides have quickly been changing in this role, and as more jobs become available, we’ve been seeing shifts to make the numbers more even. So don’t let statistics talk you out of this awesome job.
13. Escalator Installer
Average yearly earnings: $99,500 (ZipRecruiter)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 33.5 years.
The name alone should tell you that escalator installers are specialized mechanics that install and ensure the correct operation of escalators for businesses and other private properties.
These can range from classic stair-escalators to horizontal moving floor portions. As long as escalators are around, this is one of the leading future proof jobs.
Surprising fact: escalator installers often double specialize and are capable of installing, repairing, or removing elevators as well.
12. Crystallographer
Average yearly earnings: $105,720 (OnlineDegree.com)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 31.5 years.
Crystallographers study the properties and structures within crystals to discover the arrangement of atoms and create the knowledge that’s needed by physicists, chemists, biologists, and other scientific professionals.
They’re incredibly skilled at studying and notating information, and have a keen eye for detail.
Surprising fact: this study is only 100 years old, and yet has been the cause for more Nobel Peace Prize wins than any other discipline.
11. Human Resources Manager
Average yearly earnings: $108,190 (Salary.com)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 28 years.
As a human resources manager, you’ll oversee the interviewing, recruiting, and hiring of staff, consult top executives on strategic planning and work as a link between your organization’s employees and management.
Surprising fact: HR managers have found that the more diverse a workforce is, the harder they’ll work. Ethnically-diverse offices are 35% more engaged than the average.
Tactic for Success
A lot of your job will have to do with the human element, so you must focus on the main picture and take a positive approach to communication. Although you won’t be able to get everyone to get along at all times: you can show them how to work past that for the greater good.
10. Data Scientist
Average yearly earnings: $110,500 (Glassdoor)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 27 years.
Data scientists examine the questions that need answering and where to find the related data.
Then, use their business skills and eye for detail to mine, clean, and present data in a way that’s easily readable to the average person.
Surprising fact: data preparation takes up 80% of a data scientist’s job instead of gathering and researching the numbers.
Trend on the Rise
Data scientist roles are expected to grow by 28% by 2026, meaning tons of jobs are available for those who want them. This is one of the fastest-growing jobs on this list.
9. Mathematician
Average yearly earnings: $110,860 (U.S. News)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 27 years.
Mathematicians expand and study our mathematical knowledge and develop new principles.
They also study the relationships we may not have learned of yet, eventually evolving into new mathematical principles.
Surprising fact: mathematicians are great at party games; a common one is pointing out that in any room of 23 people, there’s a 50% chance that two have the same birthday.
8. Software Architect
Average yearly earnings: $127,398 (PayScale)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 26 years.
Software architects create high-level design and build the technical standards that make the internet as it is today.
This design can be anything from tools, coding standards, or even the platforms we use in our daily life.
Surprising fact: it pays to be a freelancer! Over a third of companies have outsourced software architect work within the last year.
7. Database Administrator
Average yearly earnings: $131,034 (Built In)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 25.5 years.
Database administrators work to ensure that databases can run efficiently.
Their main role is to create or organize the systems that store and secure data like financial information or customer shipping details.
Surprising fact: the largest part of this job is security! If anything gets through, hackers can access a lot of valuable information.
Tactic for Success
Although this role doesn’t call for formal education if you’re self-trained enough: you can get further in it and be paid far more if you have an education in computer sciences.
6. Astronomers
Average yearly earnings: $134,868 (Salary.com)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 22 years.
By studying the planets, stars, and other celestial bodies, these scientists get to know space beyond our Earth.
Some use specialized equipment like optical telescopes, while others use space-based items like the Hubble Space Telescope.
Surprising fact: although the astronomy field is small, most astronomers specialize in specific parts of astronomy, like black holes.
5. Plane Repossession
Average yearly earnings: $150,000 (U.S. News)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 23 years.
Although vehicular repossession is no new job: cars and trucks aren’t the only things that need to be repossessed.
When someone buys a plane and refuses, or is unable, to pay it off, a repossession specialist with a pilot’s license is hired to recover the vehicle.
This is a dangerous and highly unpredictable line of work.
Surprising fact: this job is usually taken on by pilots who flew for the armed forces, with many being professionals who have flown for over thirty years and retired from another job before taking this on.
4. Actuary
Average yearly earnings: $151,060 (U.S. News)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 22 years.
As an actuary, you’ll analyze the financial costs of uncertainty and risk.
Using mathematics, statistics, and economic theory, you’ll help individuals and companies decide on what the best course of action will be for you.
Surprising fact: although this pays very well, actuaries have low happiness rankings, so this is a job for someone who is excited about work and life.
3. Director of Information Security
Average yearly earnings: $177,374 (Salary.com)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 17 years.
As an information security director, you’ll oversee and manage each aspect of tech security measures in an organization.
This role wears many hats, so you must be fast on your feet and ready to work as hard as necessary to ensure that the job is a success.
Because this can be high-stakes, you must be able to keep a cool head.
Surprising fact: this role requires five to seven years in information security management roles and can take you as high as the CIA or FBI, depending on your dependability.
2. Nuclear Engineers
Average yearly earnings: $241,218 (Salary.com)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 12.5 years.
Working as a nuclear engineer means you’ll be researching and developing the instruments, processes, and systems that will be used to create the benefits from nuclear radiation and energy.
Surprising fact: over 50% of America’s clean energy is produced by nuclear power, so this role and many like it are extremely important to everyone.
1. Anesthesiologist
Average yearly earnings: $403,300 (Salary.com)
How long it would take to be a millionaire while saving 33%: 7.5 years.
Anesthesiologists monitor, supervise, and evaluate patient care before, during, and after any surgery or medical procedure that needs anesthesia.
They lead the anesthesia care team and ensure all patients are safe.
Surprising fact: anesthesiologists handle 90% of the 40 million surgical procedures that need anesthetic every year in the USA, which means these workers keep busy!
Wrapping Up
Although there’s nothing wrong with making money fast: building it up and investing and saving is the best way to ensure your wealth is here to stay!
Consider one of the millionaire-making jobs and how they can help you succeed.
Erin is a business teacher and mother of three. When she’s not in the classroom or fulfilling her obligations as an A+ hockey and lacrosse mom, she’s working on her latest article.
