The Top White-Collar Jobs to Pursue

White-collar jobs are positions that require you to perform specific professional duties, frequently in a traditional office setting. A majority of these roles require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a white-collar worker typically earns a salary instead of an hourly wage.

If you’re interested in finding a white-collar position, consider these options:

Physician

Average Base Pay: $143,698 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 28,247

Physicians, also referred to as medical doctors, diagnose and treat patients that are suffering from a wide range of health issues, injuries, disorders, and illnesses. To become a physician, you must earn a Medical Degree, complete a residency, and obtain the appropriate certification and state licensing.

Lawyer

Average Base Pay: $107,549 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 6,601

Lawyers, also referred to as attorneys, represent clients during court proceedings, prepare legal documents, perform legal research, and advise clients. Before you can practice law, you must earn a Juris Doctor degree and pass the state bar exam.

Marketing manager

Average Base Pay: $54,268 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 50,640

Marketing managers are responsible for overseeing marketing campaigns, from start to finish. They devise a schedule and ensure that every team member is meeting the necessary deadlines to complete the project on time. You typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in communications or marketing to enter this field.

Financial manager

Average Base Pay: $95,162 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 48,097

Financial managers usually work with the management team of organizations to develop their long-term financial strategies, direct their investments, and create their financial reports. Candidates are typically required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.

Information technology manager

Average Base Pay: $85,253 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 32,456

Information technology (IT) managers, sometimes referred to as information systems managers or IT supervisors, implement, supervise, and maintain a company’s computer systems. This role typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related field, as well as relevant professional experience.

Database administrator

Average Base Pay: $78,779 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 22,641

A database administrator manages and maintains a company or organization’s databases. Employers typically expect candidates to have a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science or a related field.

Information security analyst

Average Base Pay: $76,410 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 15,885

Information security analysts create and implement processes that are meant to keep an organization’s computer networks and systems secure. This role usually requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in programming, information assurance, computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field.

Financial advisor

Average Base Pay: $60,000 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 12,007

Financial advisors, also known as investment advisors, financial service advisors, financial planners, and personal financial advisors, give their clients guidance regarding their retirement, mortgage, insurance, college savings account, estate planning, and investments. This white-collar job requires a bachelor’s degree in any subject as well as extensive, on-the-job training.

Cost estimator

Average Base Pay: $56,571 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 3,905

Cost estimators work to estimate the labor, materials, time, and money needed to manufacture a product, provide a service, or complete a construction project. Candidates usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field.

Accountant

Average Base Pay: $53,748 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 22,638

Accountants work for companies or individuals to assist them with taxes, make sure their financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations and laws, and prepare financial statements. To become an accountant, you need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Market research analyst

Average Base Pay: $53,712 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 13,215

Market research analysts help companies determine which products they should sell and at what prices by regularly studying the market. This position usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in market research or a related field.

Management consultant

Average Base Pay: $100,235 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 24,538

Management consultants, also known as management analysts, help companies discover ways that they can become more profitable or efficient. An MBA is usually preferred, but you need at least a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.

Civil engineer

Average Base Pay: $76,540 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 12,630

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain various infrastructure systems and projects. This role requires a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Administrative services manager

Average Base Pay: $50,150 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 6,750

Also referred to as an office manager, an administrative services manager oversees a company’s support services, like mail distribution, facilities maintenance, and record keeping. A bachelor’s degree is typically preferred, but you need at least a high school diploma for this role.

Instructional coordinator

Average Base Pay: $47,294 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 2,405

An instructional coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a school curriculum’s effectiveness. You need a master’s degree as well as experience as a school administrator or teacher for this position.

Real estate appraiser

Average Base Pay: $51,140 per year

Number of Open Jobs: 172

Real estate appraisers estimate a property’s value. This role usually necessitates a bachelor’s degree with courses in computer science, real estate law, business law, English, finance, economics, and mathematics.