5 low-profile careers with high-profile salaries

These high-paying careers offer the chance to stay behind the scenes without giving up a nice paycheck.

By Margaret Rock

Being on the front lines in the corporate world isn't for everyone. For those who would prefer a high-powered career but still want to fly below the radar, there are plenty of interesting options.
And you don't have to kiss a substantial paycheck goodbye either, since several low-profile jobs come with a high-profile salary and power behind the scenes.



"Positions which have traditionally been in the background will more often be empowered to do more, because it is cost-effective," says Vicki Lynn, senior vice president of client talent strategy and employer branding at Universum, a global employer branding company.
Wondering what types of jobs are more behind-the-scenes but still offer a strong salary? Here are five careers to consider.

Career #1: Computer Programmer

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Bottom 10
Percent

$42,850*

Median
Annual Salary

$74,280*

Top 10
Percent

$117,890*

Do you have a computing mindset and like to collaborate with others but don't enjoy being in the spotlight? Then computer programming is a career to check out.


Why It's High-Pay and Low-Profile: These professionals write code to create software programs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Working with internal personnel like software developers and engineers, computer programmers take program designs and turn them into instructions that a computer can follow.


"There is a shortage of people with this background, according to most of the companies I'm talking to," says Lynn. She describes the competition between companies for qualified programmers as "fierce." Businesses need computer programmers to create software in several different computer languages, and with qualified candidates in short supply, this career can command a high salary.


Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
How to Prepare: Most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related subject, according to the Department of Labor, but some employers hire workers with an associate's degree. The Department adds that computer programmers with specialized knowledge of certain operating systems are able to move into management positions.