26 high-paying jobs for people who aren't interested in science
Jacquelyn Smith,Marissa Perino,Madison Hoff
- Many of the United States' highest-paying jobs — such as doctors and pharmacists — are science-focused.
- However, there are also plenty of high-paying jobs out there that involve little to no scientific background or training at all.
- Using data from the US Department of Labor, we took a look at positions that don't require an interest in science that earn over $53,490 per year, the average annual salary for all occupations in May 2019.
If you want to become a doctor, astronomer, or pharmacist, you'll obviously need to have a pretty strong scientific background.
Recent reporting from Business Insider's Andy Kiersz and Madison Hoff shows that the highest-paid position in many US states requires a medical degree. Luckily, though, there are also plenty of high-paying jobs out there that don't require that degree of scientific training.
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' Occupational Employment Statistics program to find positions with a low "science importance" score and an average annual salary of over $53,490, the overall average annual salary in May 2019, the most recent available data.
O*NET ranks how important "using scientific rules and methods to solve problems" is in any job, assigning each a score between one and 100. Science-centric positions, such as chemists and veterinarians, rank between 80 and 100 on the spectrum, while jobs such as broadcast news analysts and musicians are under five.
While many jobs may call for a bit of science knowledge at some point, we looked at occupations where their average annual salary was above $53,490, and that had a scientific score no greater than 20.
Keep reading for a look at 26 positions that had a low science-importance score and were also high-paying.
26. Postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers
What they do, according to O*NET: Philosophy and religion professors teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology.
Average annual salary: $88,970
Science importance score: 19
25. Financial examiners
What they do, according to O*NET: Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws governing financial institutions and transactions. They review balance sheets, evaluate the risk level of loans, and assess bank management.
Average annual salary: $92,330
Science importance score: 6
24. Sales representatives (wholesale and manufacturing)
What they do, according to O*NET: Sales managers sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals.
Average annual salary: $92,980
Science importance score: 13
23. Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
What they do, according to O*NET: Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities to individuals, advise companies in search of investors, and conduct trades.
Average annual salary: $93,090
Science importance score: 3
22. Athletes and sports competitors
What they do, according to O*NET: Athletes compete in athletic events.
Average annual salary: $93,140
Science importance score: 19
21. Directors (stage, motion pictures, television, or radio)
What they do, according to O*NET: Directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions. They interpret a writer's script to entertain or inform an audience. Producers also earn a similar salary.
Average annual salary: $93,940
Science importance score: 0
20. Financial analysts
What they do, according to O*NET: Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.
Average annual salary: $94,160*
Science importance score: 16
Average annual salary is from the occupation title "Financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists, all other" on BLS under the new Standard Occupational Classification code for financial analysts.
19. First-line supervisors of police and detectives
What they do, according to O*NET: They directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Average annual salary: $94,950
Science importance score: 19
18. Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes
What they do, according to O*NET: They represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers.
Average annual salary: $97,170
Science importance score: 13
17. Administrative law judges, adjudicators, or hearing officers
What they do, according to O*NET: Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. They also determine liability, sanctions, or penalties or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Average annual salary: $100,230
Science importance score: 13
16. Art directors
What they do, according to O*NET: Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design of a project and direct others who develop artwork and layouts.
Average annual salary: $109,600
Science importance score: 10
15. Software developers (systems software)
What they do, according to O*NET: Software developers research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications.
Average salary: $111,620*
Science importance level: 16
Average annual salary is from the new Standard Occupation Classification code for "Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers" that includes system software developers.
14. Postsecondary education administrators
What they do, according to O*NET: Postsecondary education administrators plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions.
Average annual salary: $112,400
Science importance score: 13
13. Personal financial advisers
What they do, according to O*NET: Personal financial advisers advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate.
Average annual salary: $119,290
Science importance score: 13
12. Air traffic controllers
What they do, according to O*NET: Air traffic controllers control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies.
Average annual salary: $120,140
Science importance score: 19
11. Purchasing managers
What they do, according to O*NET: Purchasing managers plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services.
Average annual salary: $128,400
Science importance score: 6
10. Human resources managers
What they do, according to O*NET: Human resources managers plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Average annual salary: $129,570
Science importance score: 16
9. Postsecondary law teachers
What they do, according to O*NET: Law professors teach courses in law.
Average annual salary: $129,950
Science importance score: 16
8. Public relations and fundraising managers
What they do, according to O*NET: Public relations managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client; or if engaged in fundraising, plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
Average annual salary: $132,630
Science importance score: 16
7. Compensation and benefits manager
What they do, according to O*NET: Compensation managers plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Average annual salary: $134,210
Science importance score: 3
6. Sales managers
What they do, according to O*NET: Sales managers plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer.
Average annual salary: $141,690
Science importance score: 16
5. Advertising and promotions managers
What they do, according to O*NET: Advertising and promotions managers plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Average annual salary: $141,890
Science importance score: 16
4. Lawyers
What they do, according to O*NET: Lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions.
Average annual salary: $145,300
Science importance score: 16
3. Financial managers
What they do, according to O*NET: Financial managers plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment
Average annual salary: $147,530
Science importance score: 10
2. Marketing managers
What they do, according to O*NET: Marketing managers plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers.
Average annual salary: $149,200
Science importance score: 19
1. Computer and information systems managers
What they do, according to O*NET: Computer and information systems managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Average annual salary: $156,390
Science importance score: 19
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