12 Jobs That Didn’t Exist 10 Years Ago but Pay Big Now

Because of changes in technology and societal needs, jobs that didn't exist before have opened up in the last ten years. As a result of the growing need for experts in new fields, these new jobs tend to be very specialized and pay well. From digital marketing to tech support that you can do from home, many of these jobs offer good pay and exciting career paths.

Tricia Quitales
April 1, 2025
4 min read

12 Jobs That Didn’t Exist 10 Years Ago but Pay Big Now — Wolrider YURTSEVEN on Pexels

More than a decade ago, the job market was very different. Now, there are many jobs that didn’t exist ten years ago. New opportunities have opened up as technology and businesses change to keep up. This is especially true in tech, digital marketing, and sustainability. Younger, tech-savvy people are being drawn to these new jobs because they pay more and have a lot of room for growth. We’ll look at 12 of these high-paying jobs that are changing the future of work in this article.

1. App Developer

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App developers plan and create mobile apps for phones and tablets. This job has developed significantly with the rise of mobile devices, and people who can make new and interesting apps are in high demand. Depending on experience and skill, salaries can be anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000 annually.

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A social media manager oversees a company’s accounts on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. As part of their job, they create content, interact with audiences, and monitor analytics to boost brand visibility. Most people make between $50,000 and $80,000 a year, but people who manage big brands or agencies make more.

3. Data Scientist

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Data scientists analyze huge amounts of data to help businesses make smart choices. They use statistical methods, machine learning, and programming skills to find trends and insights. Data scientists make between $90,000 and $150,000 a year, making the job one of the best-paid in the tech industry.

4. Cloud Engineer

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Engineers who work in the cloud plan and oversee computer systems that store and work with data over the Internet. This role has emerged because cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are becoming more important. Depending on their experience and certifications, cloud engineers usually make between $100,000 and $160,000 a year.

5. Cybersecurity Analyst

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Cybersecurity analysts find weaknesses in networks and make them safer so that hackers can’t access them and attack businesses. There are now more jobs in this field than ever before, and they pay between $80,000 and $130,000 a year. Analysts monitor systems, investigate security holes, and implement measures to prevent attacks from happening again.

6. SEO Specialist

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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts make changes to websites so that search engines like Google rank them higher. As part of their job, they research keywords, optimize content, and improve website structure so they can be found. Most SEO specialists make between $50,000 and $80,000 a year.

7. UX/UI Designer

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UX/UI designers focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) to ensure that digital products look good and are easy to use. They work with developers to create websites and apps that are easy to use. Depending on their experience and portfolio, these people can make between $70,000 and $120,000 a year.

8. Influencer

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Some people have many followers on social media and use that to promote brands. These people are called influencers. Businesses often pay influencers to talk about their goods and services in a way that their followers will find interesting. Influencers can make anywhere from $50,000 to $1,000,000 a year, depending on their niche and the number of people following them.

9. Blockchain Developer

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Blockchain systems are decentralized ledgers used for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Blockchain developers build and maintain these systems. As digital currencies have become more popular and blockchain has been looked at for other uses, this job has become very popular. Developers who work with blockchain can make between $100,000 and $180,000 a year.

10. Virtual Reality (VR) Developer

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VR developers make immersive virtual worlds for healthcare, education, games, and other fields. They make simulations and environments that people can use VR headsets to interact with. A VR developer’s salary ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 a year, depending on their experience and how hard the projects they work on are.

11. Sustainability Consultant

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Sustainability consultants help companies do better for the environment and lower their carbon footprint. This role has emerged as concerns about climate change and the need for green projects grow. Sustainability consultants can make $70,000 to $120,000 a year.

12. Drone Operator

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Drone operators fly drones to take pictures from above, do surveys, or check on businesses’ infrastructure. Drones are being used more in fields like farming, real estate, and construction, which has increased the need for skilled operators. Depending on the job and where they work, drone operators can make $50,000 to $100,000 a year.