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- A recent report reveals the highest-paying roles include Project Manager, Nurse Practitioner, and Software Engineer, with a 5.5% increase in six-figure job availability.
- Healthcare, engineering, and construction offer less competition for six-figure jobs, while marketing, media, and design face more applicants.
- Professionals advise focusing on resume optimization, strategic networking, and continuous upskilling to increase your chances of landing a high-paying role.
Looking to land a six-figure salary? One recent report reveals where you’ll find the highest-paying jobs — and where you’ll face the toughest competition.
Data scientists analyzed over half a million job postings on Ladders and found a 5.5% increase in the availability of six-figure jobs compared to previous months.
Among the top-paying positions, the report showed the following job titles as the highest earners in Q3 2024:
- Project Manager
- Nurse Practitioner
- Pharmacist
- Physician Assistant
- General Manager
- Software Engineer
- Outside Sales Representative
- Physician
- Program Manager
- Pharmacy Manager
As for the competitive job market — if you’re looking to earn $100,000 or more, healthcare, engineering, and construction offer less competition. But in marketing, media, and design, you’ll be up against more applicants, Ladders told Allwork.Space.
How to stand out as an applicant
Landing a job is easier said than done. John Mullinix, director of growth marketing at Ladders, gave Allwork.Space some pointers on how to get a high-paying job:
1.Optimize Your Resume
Ensure your resume is professionally written and tailored for the specific job you’re applying for. Use a format optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to avoid getting filtered out by these popular automated systems.
2.Showcase Quantifiable Achievements
Highlight measurable results and contributions. For example, instead of saying, “Improved team efficiency,” use metrics like, “Increased team productivity by 20% over six months by implementing new workflows.”
3.Write a Standout Cover Letter
Craft a compelling cover letter that demonstrates why you’re an excellent fit for the role, both technically and culturally. Highlight key skills, relevant experiences, and how you align with the company’s values.
4.Target the Right Opportunities
Focus on jobs that are a cultural and financial fit. Applying selectively ensures you invest your time in opportunities where you’re more likely to thrive and succeed.
5.Complete the Application Thoroughly
Fill out every section of the application, and if the employer offers optional skills tests or assessments, complete them. These demonstrate your interest and qualifications.
6.Stay Organized
Create a dedicated email inbox or folder for your job search to avoid missing communications. Sync your calendar with important dates for interviews and phone screens, and set reminders to stay on track.
7.Research the Company
Before any interview or phone screen, study the company thoroughly. Understand its mission, values, and recent developments. Prepare answers that show how your skills can contribute and craft thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.
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8.Understand Your Audience
Look up the hiring manager on LinkedIn to learn about their background. Knowing whether they’re high-level executives or lower-level managers helps you tailor your language and approach during the interview.
9.Clarify the Hiring Process
During interviews, ask about the hiring timeline and next steps. This helps you manage expectations and plan follow-ups effectively.
10.Send a Thank-You Note
After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to express gratitude and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
11.Follow Up Appropriately
If you don’t hear back within the timeframe discussed, follow up with a polite email to check the status of your application.
12.Stay Disciplined and Consistent
Treat job searching like a routine. Dedicate regular time each day or week to applying, networking, and following up. Even in a low-competition market, having multiple offers increases your leverage in salary negotiations. Signup for regular job alerts and try to get in before the job is inundated with resumes.
As a bonus tip, Mullinix says to “always negotiate your offer when you receive one. Even in low-competition markets, your ability to present competing offers or demonstrate your unique value can help you secure a higher salary or better benefits.”
How to break through tough competition
While staying disciplined and consistent in your job search can set you up for success, it’s also important to prepare for the challenges of more competitive markets.
In these environments, simply applying isn’t enough — you need to actively stand out.
According to Mullinix, here’s how you can go beyond the basics of resume optimization and cover letters to land a high-paying job:
1.Identify and Upskill
Research the skills and qualifications needed to rank in the top 1% of candidates in your field. If there are gaps, take online courses, certifications, or training to upskill and strengthen your application.
2.Earn Relevant Certifications
Look for certifications that are industry or job-specific. Adding these credentials to your resume demonstrates expertise and commitment to your field.
3.Leverage Your Personal Brand
If your industry allows for it, build a portfolio to showcase your work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to establish a professional online presence and connect with industry leaders. A strong personal brand can help you stand out.
4.Apply Early and Often
Timing matters. Be among the first to apply for new job postings. Set a schedule to apply consistently, treating your job search as a disciplined routine.
5.Target High-Friction Applications
Don’t shy away from lengthy application processes, as the extra effort can deter other candidates, reducing competition.
6.Avoid Easy Apply Jobs
Jobs with “Easy Apply” features often receive thousands of applications, making them hyper-competitive. Instead, focus on more detailed applications or use tools to streamline long-form applications without sacrificing quality.
7.Network Strategically
Reach out to your connections to see if anyone at your target company can refer you or help get your resume noticed by the right people. Referrals can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.
8.Prepare for the Job Search Timeline
Recognize that finding the right job in a competitive market can take 3–6 months or longer. Stay positive, disciplined, and consistent in your efforts.
9.Research and Prepare for Interviews
Thoroughly research the company, its culture, and recent achievements. Prepare tailored responses for expected questions and create a list of insightful questions to ask the interviewer.
10.Build Relationships with Hiring Managers & Recruiters
Research hiring managers on LinkedIn. Learn about their background and tailor your communication to align with their interests and professional language. Also talk with recruiters that will also look for opportunities for you.
11.Stay Disciplined and Organized
Keep a dedicated email inbox and track all applications, interview dates, and follow-ups. Sync your calendar with reminders to stay on top of the process.
12.Leverage a Portfolio
If applicable to your field, create a professional portfolio showcasing your best work. Whether digital or physical, a polished portfolio can differentiate you from other candidates.
13.Consider Alternative Career Paths
If success eludes you, explore fields with lower competition and high entry-level salaries, such as data science, cybersecurity, or cloud computing. Upskilling or reskilling in these areas can open new opportunities.
14.Follow Up Strategically
After interviews, send a personalized thank-you note and follow up based on the hiring timeline provided. Demonstrating enthusiasm and professionalism can keep you top-of-mind for the role.
15.Maintain Positivity and Persistence
The job search process is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency, resilience, and a proactive mindset are essential to maneuvering a competitive job market successfully.
