There are many factors to weigh when choosing a career path, with financial compensation and long-term security considered top priorities for many job seekers. The process of finding that career can be difficult and tiresome, as the search can be convoluted.

Many job seekers aren't even familiar with the types of jobs that pay well. In a recent study, AdvisorSmith examines lucrative career paths in which the average salary is vastly rising.

Their study calculates the “compounded annual growth rate for the annual mean salary from 2016 to 2019 earned by each profession with earnings of $100,000 or more.” The study found that jobs involving advertising, science, and engineering are becoming more competitive and financially lucrative.

"The average annual mean salary growth rate for the top 25 professions with the fastest salary growth was 2.8%, and the average annual mean salary for the top 25 six-figure jobs with the fastest salary growth in 2019 was $128,878," the study notes.

Out of the 25 jobs, below are five that pay six-figures and have the fastest salary growth.

1. Advertising and Promotion Manager

This position is the clear-cut favorite due to the vast salary growth accumulated over the years. The original average salary in 2016 was $117,810 but recent data shows a sharp increase in the mean salary. Over a three-year timespan, an advertising and promotion manager's salary spiked up to $141,890, which is a 6.4% increase. The minimum requirements to get this job is a bachelor's degree, preferably in a business or management-related field.

2. Nuclear Engineer

In 2016, the average salary for a nuclear engineer was $105,950. However, in 2019 the average salary increased by 4.44% which rounded out the new mean salary to $120,700 -- a significant jump compared to prior years. The minimum requirement to become a nuclear engineer is a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering.

3. Physical Scientist

In 2016, the annual mean salary was $98,460. However, in 2019 the average salary spiked up by 4.41% and accumulated a new average salary of $102,802. The minimum requirement to become a physical scientist is a bachelor's degree in a science-related field.

4. Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers are becoming an increasingly popular career choice due to its impressive average annual salary. In 2016, the average salary for a chemical engineer was $105,420. The salary in 2019 has spiked by 3.56% and the annual average salary in 2020 is $117,090. The minimum requirement to become a chemical engineer is a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.

5. Nurse Anesthetist

The job topped the list in 2019 with an average salary of $181,040. The average annual salary was $164,030 in 2016 but increased by 3.34% over a three-year period. An extensive education is required to become a nurse anesthetist. A bachelor's degree in a science-related field is required along with being a registered nurse. In addition, the nurse “must have at least one year of experience in an acute care setting and complete two to three years of an accredited nurse anesthesia program.”

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