10 High-Paying Jobs That Actually Feel Fun — and Can Earn You Up to $161K
Do you have to surrender all joy for top-level adulting?
No, thankfully, a job you genuinely enjoy doesn’t have to mean a pay cut. Plenty of careers combine strong salaries with day-to-day variety, creativity and real-world impact.
Here are 10 "fun" roles — along with median U.S. pay and projected growth — as identified by Resume Genius.
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1. Marketing Manager
Median annual wage: $161,030
Total jobs: 384,980
Estimated job growth: 6.6%
What makes it fun: Marketing managers get to be strategic and creative and every day looks different. It's a fast-paced job that can make a real-world impact.
2. Public Relations Manager
Median annual wage: $138,520
Total jobs: 76,060
Estimated job growth: 5.0%
What makes it fun: PR manager jobs blend storytelling, relationship-building and events, so it's a great fit for those who enjoy variety and working with others in a high-energy environment.
3. Software Developer
Median annual wage: $133,080
Total jobs: 1,654,440
Estimated job growth: 16%
What makes it fun: Although working as a software developer can be very technical, it also involves creativity. This job is best suited for those who enjoy problem-solving and bringing abstract ideas to life.
4. Art Director
Median annual wage: $111,040
Total jobs: 50,370
Estimated job growth: 4.2%
What makes it fun: Creative types will enjoy this leadership role that can involve designing magazines, ad campaigns, product packaging, websites and other creative projects.
5. Web and Digital Interface Designer
Median annual wage: $98,090
Total jobs: 111,400
Estimated job growth: 7.0%
What makes it fun: This job falls at the intersection of design, user psychology and technology, making it a good fit for those who want to be creative, but also produce tangible and impactful outcomes.
6. Urban and Regional Planner
Median annual wage: $83,720
Total jobs: 43,040
Estimated job growth: 3.4%
What makes it fun: The work of urban and regional planners influences housing, transportation, parks and land use, which can provide a sense of purpose while also allowing you to be creative and strategic.
7. Producer and Director
Median annual wage: $83,480
Total jobs: 145,270
Estimated job growth: 4.9%
What makes it fun: Whether they work in film, television, video or live entertainment, producers and directors get to be creative, tell stories and work collaboratively.
8. Fashion Designer
Median annual wage: $80,690
Total jobs: 20,910
Estimated job growth: 2.0%
What makes it fun: There's a smaller job pool for fashion designers, but if you enjoy style and aesthetics, being creative and having cultural influence, it can be worth the competitive market.
9. Landscape Architect
Median annual wage: $79,660
Total jobs: 19,580
Estimated job growth: 3.5%
What makes it fun: Landscape architects design parks, campuses and other outdoor spaces, so it can be a fulfilling role for those who want to be creative while also having an impact on their environment and community.
10. Writer and Author
Median annual wage: $72,270
Total jobs: 47,800
Estimated job growth: 3.6%
What makes it fun: These roles are flexible and allow for creative expression, which can make it a satisfying career for those who like to research, tell stories and work independently.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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