The 17 highest-paying jobs for people who don't mind sitting at a desk all day

There are lots of high-paying jobs for people who prefer not to be on their feet

Jacquelyn Smith

Friday 25 March 2016 16:15 GMT

You've probably been warned of all the dangers of sitting for eight hours a day (Getty Images)

Some people can't stand the thought of spending their work days in a cubicle, behind a computer screen, chained to their swivel chair — but others really don't mind working a desk job.

If you identify with the latter group, you've probably been warned of all the dangers of sitting for eight hours a day. But here's some good news: There are lots of high-paying jobs for people who prefer not to be on their feet.

We looked through salary data on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find the highest-paying professions where workers typically spend a majority of their day at a desk. We also looked at the employment outlook — the projected percent change in employment from 2014 to 2024 — to give you a better idea of which jobs will be around in the future.

Here are 17 that pay more than $100,000 a year, on average:

1. Economist

(Getty Images (Getty Images)

Average annual pay: $105,290

Job outlook (2014-2024): 6%

Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues.

2. Software developer (systems software)

Average annual pay: $106,050

Job outlook (2014-2024): 17%

Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device, while others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.

3. Judge, magistrate judge, or magistrate

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Average annual pay: $106,420

Job outlook (2014-2024): -1%

Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. They may sentence defendants in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines; may determine liability of defendant in civil cases; and may also perform wedding ceremonies.

4. Personal financial adviser

Average annual pay: $108,090

Job outlook (2014-2024): 30%

Personal financial advisers provide advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate-planning, taxes, and retirement to help individuals manage their finances.

5. Actuary

Average annual pay: $110,090

Job outlook (2014-2024): 18%

Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the risk that an event will occur, and they help businesses and clients develop policies that minimize the cost of that risk. Their work is essential to the insurance industry.

6. Computer-hardware engineer

Average annual pay: $110,650

Job outlook (2014-2024): 3%

Computer-hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. These engineers discover new directions in computer hardware, which generate rapid advances in computer technology.

7. Computer and information research scientist

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Average annual pay: $113,190

Job outlook (2014-2024): 11%

Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields.

8. Human-resources manager

Average annual pay: $114,140

Job outlook (2014-2024): 9%

Human-resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization's management and its employees.

9. Public relations and fundraising manager

Average annual pay: $115,400

Job outlook (2014-2024): 7%

Public-relations managers plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.

10. General or operations manager

Average annual pay: $117,200

Job outlook (2014-2024): 6%

General and operations managers plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public- or private-sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

Show all 13

1/13The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

13. Postal service clerks

Average hours typically worked a week: 39.32 Median earned income: $51,000 What they do: Perform any combination of tasks in a post office like receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail racks or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage.

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The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

12. Speech-language pathologists

Average hours typically worked a week: 36.17 Median earned income: $54,000 What they do: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

11. Registered nurses

Average hours typically worked a week: 37.59 Median earned income: $56,000 What they do: Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing-care plans, and maintain medical records.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

10. Psychologists

Average hours typically worked a week: 36.75 Median earned income: $56,000 What they do: Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observations, interviews, and psychological tests and formulate and administer programs of treatment.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

9. Chiropractors

Average hours typically worked a week: 39.75 Median earned income: $60,000 What they do: Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

8. Occupational therapists

Average hours typically worked a week: 36.02 Median earned income: $60,000 What they do: Provide rehabilitative treatments and procedures that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

7. Technical writers

Average hours typically worked a week: 39.61 Median earned income: $62,000 What they do: Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

6. Physical therapists

Average hours typically worked a week: 37.43 Median earned income: $63,000 What they do: Assess, plan, organise, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

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The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

5. Audiologists

Average hours typically worked a week: 37.77 Median earned income: $64,000 What they do: Assess and treat people with hearing and related disorders.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

4. Radiation therapists

Average hours typically worked a week: 38.40 Median earned income: $70,000 What they do: Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist according to established practices and standards.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

3. Optometrists

Average hours typically worked a week: 39.03 Median earned income: $100,000 What they do: Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

2. Pharmacists

Average hours typically worked a week: 38.38 Median earned income: $102,000 What they do: Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use.

The 13 highest-paying jobs with less than 40 hours per week

1. Dentists

Average hours typically worked a week: 37.83 Median earned income: $130,000 What they do: Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums.

11. Compensation and benefits manager

Average annual pay: $118,670

Job outlook (2014-2024): 6%

Compensation managers plan, develop, and oversee programs to determine how much an organization pays its employees and how employees are paid. Benefits managers plan, direct, and coordinate retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits that an organization offers its employees.

12. Sales manager

Average annual pay: $126,040

Job outlook (2014-2024): 5%

Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams. They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for organizations' sales representatives.

13. Financial manager

Average annual pay: $130,230

Job outlook (2014-2024): 7%

Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.

14. Lawyer

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Average annual pay: $133,470

Job outlook (2014-2024): 6%

Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.

15. Marketing manager

Average annual pay: $137,400

Job outlook (2014-2024): 9%

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. They also develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring customers are satisfied.

16. Computer- and information-systems manager

Average annual pay: $136,280

Job outlook (2014-2024): 15%

Computer- and information-systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information-technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

17. Chief executive

Average annual pay: $180,700

Job outlook (2014-2024): 6%

Chief executives, also known as CEOs, determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private- and public-sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. They plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

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