The traditional path to a six-figure salary—climbing the corporate ladder at a Big Four consulting firm or landing a coveted Wall Street position—is no longer the only game in town. According to Indeed's latest ranking of the best jobs for 2026, the landscape of high-paying careers has shifted dramatically, with healthcare leading the charge and some unexpected opportunities arising for those willing to think outside the cubicle.
A Surprising Runner-Up: Truck Driving Takes Second Place
In a twist that might surprise many career counselors, owner-operator truck drivers secured the number two spot on Indeed's ranking, commanding an impressive median salary of $160,000 annually—the highest of any role in the top 50. This isn't just a fluke. Job postings for truck drivers have surged 34% since 2023, with roughly 7,529 openings per million postings on the platform, indicating robust demand for qualified drivers.
Perhaps most notably, this lucrative career doesn't require a college degree. Aspiring truck drivers need only obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) through several hundred hours of hands-on training. And despite predictions about automation disrupting the industry, experts don't expect fully autonomous trucking to become viable until 2032, giving human drivers at least another decade of job security.
Healthcare's Continued Dominance
The real story of 2026's job market is healthcare's overwhelming presence. Seven of the top ten positions fall within the healthcare and social services sector, reflecting a broader trend that Laura Ullrich, North American research director for the Indeed Hiring Lab, describes as the "major exception" in an otherwise stagnant labor market.
The numbers are striking: while healthcare represents just 11% of all jobs, it accounts for 72% of job growth across the entire labor market. This disparity stems from two key factors. First, healthcare services remain largely resistant to automation—AI can't perform physical examinations, administer treatments, or provide the human touch patients need. Second, medical care is fundamentally non-negotiable, creating consistent demand even during economic downturns.
Taking the top spot is cardiac medical technician, with a median annual salary of $133,907 and impressive 34% growth in both wages and job postings over the past three years. But the opportunities extend far beyond the typical doctor-nurse-pharmacist trio that most people associate with healthcare.
Beyond the Obvious: Niche Healthcare Roles Offer Six-Figure Salaries
Indeed's ranking reveals a wealth of specialized healthcare positions that many job seekers might overlook. Speech-language pathologists, nurse injectors, and dental hygienists all break into six-figure territory. Nurse practitioners earn a median of $143,183, while licensed clinical social workers command $119,618 annually.
These roles represent what Ullrich calls the "sweet spot" of the current market—stable careers with strong long-term prospects for mobility and security. They also demonstrate that healthcare offers multiple entry points for professionals with different interests and educational backgrounds.
The Complete Top 10: All Six-Figure Salaries
Here are Indeed's top jobs for 2026, each offering median annual salaries exceeding $100,000:
- Cardiac Medical Tech - $133,907
- Truck Driver Owner-Operator - $160,000
- Nurse Practitioner - $143,183
- Speech-Language Pathologist - $109,431
- Licensed Professional Counselor - $107,812
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker - $119,618
- Physical Therapist - $110,848
- Occupational Therapist - $105,580
- Radiation Therapist - $115,923
- Data Scientist - $115,079
What This Means for Job Seekers
The shifting job landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Traditional white-collar positions face increasing pressure from AI and automation, while healthcare and specialized technical roles continue to thrive. For those entering the workforce or considering a career change, the message is clear: look beyond conventional paths and consider industries with demonstrated resilience and growth.
Whether you're drawn to patient care, interested in hitting the open road, or seeking a specialized technical role, 2026's job market offers diverse pathways to financial security and professional fulfillment—and many don't require the traditional four-year degree that previous generations considered essential.