Reaching a six-figure salary within five years sounds ambitious, but it’s achievable in specific fields with the right strategy. I asked ChatGPT which jobs realistically pay $100,000 or more within that timeframe.
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The AI provided a targeted list of careers with genuine six-figure potential, plus what you’ll need to make it happen. Let’s dive in.
Software Engineer/Developer
ChatGPT called tech “one of the fastest routes to six figures, even early,” particularly for developers specializing in AI, machine learning or cloud computing.
The demand for these skills consistently pushes salaries higher faster than traditional career paths. Entry-level software engineers at major tech companies can start at $80,000-$100,000, with senior engineers reaching $150,000-$200,000 and up within five years.
What you’ll need: Strong programming skills through either formal education or self-teaching with a solid portfolio, expertise in targeted tech stacks and possibly relocation to high-paying regions or landing remote positions with companies based in expensive markets.
The AI added that you don’t necessarily need a four-year computer science degree if you can demonstrate skills through projects, bootcamp training and practical experience.
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Sales/Business Development
ChatGPT wrote that sales roles with commission and bonus structures as capable of “blowing past six figures when performance is high.”
Base salaries might sit at $60,000-$80,000, but top performers in B2B software sales, medical device sales or industrial equipment sales regularly earn $120,000-$200,000 and beyond with commissions.
What you’ll need: Find roles with high commission potential, consistently hit or exceed quotas, build strong sales pipelines and negotiate compensation packages effectively.
The AI wrote that variable compensation is key here. Your total earnings depend entirely on performance, making this path higher risk but potentially higher reward than salaried positions.
Project/Operations/Construction Manager
ChatGPT noted that jobs in construction and infrastructure “show six-figure pay with experience and responsibility,” especially on large-scale projects.
Construction managers overseeing major commercial, residential or infrastructure projects can reach $100,000-$130,000 within five years as they take on larger projects and more responsibility.
What you’ll need: Join fast-growing firms, take on increasingly complex projects, demonstrate leadership capabilities and possibly relocate to high-cost or high-demand areas where construction booms drive salaries higher.
Specialized Technical Jobs Without Traditional Degrees
ChatGPT highlighted roles that “skip the 4-year degree path and still hit six figures with experience and responsibility.”
Air traffic controllers represent the classic example, with FAA positions reaching six figures after several years due to intense responsibility and specialized training. Industrial specialists in manufacturing, utilities and technical trades can also reach $100,000 through overtime, specialized certifications and high-demand locations.
What you’ll need: Complete rigorous training or certification programs, excel in your role, work in high-demand regions and potentially take advantage of overtime opportunities.
Consulting/Niche Professional Services
ChatGPT said that “as you add value and specialization, you can grow rapidly and hit six figures fairly early” in consulting.
Management consultants, strategy consultants and specialists in areas like cybersecurity consulting, financial planning or HR consulting can reach six figures within three to five years as they build expertise and client bases.
What you’ll need: Develop a niche skill, build a professional network, consistently deliver results for clients and possibly move into client-facing or leadership roles that command premium rates.
The AI wrote that consulting rewards expertise and results more than years of experience, allowing faster advancement than traditional corporate hierarchies.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT Which Jobs Will Pay 6 Figures in 5 Years: Here’s the List
