24 high-paying jobs for people who hate math
- Math is important, but there are still plenty of ways to make a living without it.
- But finding a lucrative, numbers-free job isn't easy.
Did you dread math class as a kid? If so, that feeling has likely lingered and chances are, you're not too keen on the idea of crunching a ton of numbers in your job.
Luckily, there are plenty of high-paying jobs out there for the numerically-averse.
We combed through the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a US Department of Labor database that compiles detailed information on hundreds of jobs, and looked at salary data on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find positions with a median annual salary of over $65,000 that don't require heavy math skills.
O*NET ranks how important "using mathematics to solve problems" is in any job, assigning each a "math importance level" between 1 and 100. Math-centric positions, such as mathematicians and statisticians, rank between 90 and 100 on the spectrum, while jobs such as massage therapists and actors are under 10.
Here, in reverse order of median salary, are 24 high-paying positions with a math-importance level of 31 or less:
24. Diagnostic medical sonographer
Median salary: $68,390
Math importance level: 28
Sonographers produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.
23. Power-plant operator
Median salary: $69,220
Math importance level: 28
Operators control and maintain machinery to generate electric power. This title also includes auxiliary-equipment operators.
22. Transportation vehicle, equipment, and systems inspector
Median salary: $70,820
Math importance level: 25
Inspectors are in charge of checking and monitoring transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure that they comply with regulations and safety standards.
21. Philosophy and religion teacher, postsecondary
Median salary: $71,350
Math importance level: 25
These professors teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology at the university or graduate level. The title includes teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
20. Technical writer
Median salary: $71,950
Math importance level: 16
These writers create technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. Writers may also assist in laying out the publications.
19. Dental hygienist
Median salary: $71,970
Math importance level: 22
Hygienists clean teeth and examine oral areas and the head and neck for signs of disease. They may also educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop X-rays, and apply fluoride or sealants.
18. Library-science teacher, postsecondary
Median salary: $72,440
Math importance level: 28
These professors teach courses in library science at the university or graduate level. The title includes teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
17. History teacher, postsecondary
Median salary: $73,720
Math importance level: 28
These professors teach courses in human history and historiography. The title includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
16. Clinical psychologist
Median salary: $74,030
Math importance level: 31
Psychologists diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of people through observations, interviews, and psychological tests. They then formulate and administer programs of treatment.
15. Ship engineer
Median salary: $74,600
Math importance level: 25
These engineers supervise and coordinate activities of crews engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard a ship.
14. Sociology teacher, postsecondary
Median salary: $74,860
Math importance level: 28
These professors teach courses in sociology at the university or graduate level. The title includes teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
13. Elevator installer and repairer
Median salary: $76,490
Math importance level: 22
These workers assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
12. Area, ethnic, and cultural-studies teacher, postsecondary
Median salary: $78,120
Math importance level: 25
These professors teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. The title includes teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
11. Occupational therapist
Median salary: $80,000
Math importance level: 25
OTs assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily-living skills, as well as general independence, to people with disabilities or developmental delays.
10. Political-science teacher, postsecondary
Median salary: $82,670
Math importance level: 25
These professors teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. The title includes teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
9. Web Administrator
Median salary: $88,510
Math importance level: 28
Web administrators ensure that all web content is up to date. That includes fixing web page problems, ensuring links are working properly, and even implementing website security measures.
8. Director (stage, motion picture, television, radio)
Median salary: $90,300
Math importance level: 28
Directors interpret scripts, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of the cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.
7. Nurse midwife
Median salary: $97,700
Math importance level: 31
Nurse midwives typically diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team.
6. Judge, magistrate judge, and magistrate
Median salary: $106,420
Math importance level: 28
Judges arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. They may sentence a defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines, determine liability of a defendant in civil cases, and perform wedding ceremonies.
5. Law teacher, postsecondary
Median salary: $126,270
Math importance level: 25
Law professors teach courses in law at a university or graduate level. This title includes those primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
4. Lawyer
Median salary: $133,470
Math importance level: 28
Lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions.
3. Pediatrician
Median salary: $175,400
Math importance level: 31
Pediatricians are physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent children's diseases and injuries.
2. Prosthodontist
Median salary: $185,150
Math importance level: 28
A lesser known job dealing with teeth— prosthodontists replace missing teeth in patients.
1. Orthodontist
Median salary: $201,030
Math importance level: 31
Orthodontists examine, diagnose, and treat dental misalignments and oral-cavity anomalies.
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