- While there are drawbacks to remaining stationary at work, some people actually prefer to sit at a desk all day.
- For those who do, there are many high-paying positions that fit the requirement.
- Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.
Some people can’t stand the thought of spending their workdays in a cubicle, behind a computer screen, chained to their swivel chair – but others really don’t mind working a desk job.
If you identify with the latter group, you’ve probably been warned of all the dangers of sitting for eight hours a day. Despite these dangers, there is some good news: there are lots of high-paying jobs – from software engineers to chief executive positions – for people who prefer not to be on their feet.
Read more: The 47 jobs that are most damaging to your health
We looked through salary data on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find some of the highest-paying professions where workers typically spend a majority of their day at a desk. We also looked at the employment outlook – the projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026 – to give you a better idea of which jobs will be around in the future.
Here are 17 positions that pay more than $100,000 a year, on average, in order of least to highest annual pay.
Software developer (systems software): $114,000
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device, while others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
Average annual pay: $114,020Job outlook (2016-2026): 24%
Economist: $116,020
Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues.
Average annual pay: $116,020Job outlook (2016-2026): 6%
Actuary: $116,250
Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the risk that an event will occur, and they help businesses and clients develop policies that minimize the cost of that risk. Their work is essential to the insurance industry.
Average annual pay: $116,250Job outlook (2016-2026): 22%
Computer-hardware engineer: $117,840
Computer-hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. These engineers discover new directions in computer hardware, which generate rapid advances in computer technology.
Average annual pay: $117,840Job outlook (2016-2026): 5%
Judge, magistrate judge, or magistrate: $121,130
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. They may sentence defendants in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines; may determine liability of defendant in civil cases; and may also perform wedding ceremonies.
Average annual pay: $121,130Job outlook (2016-2026): 5%
Personal financial adviser: $121,770
Personal financial advisers provide advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate-planning, taxes, and retirement to help individuals manage their finances.
Average annual pay: $121,770Job outlook (2016-2026): 15%
Computer and information research scientist: $123,850
Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields.
Average annual pay: $123,850Job outlook (2016-2026): 19%
General or operations manager: $123,880
General and operations managers plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public- or private-sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources.
Average annual pay: $123,880Job outlook (2016-2026): 8%
Human resources manager: $126,700
Human-resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization's management and its employees.
Average annual pay: $126,700Job outlook (2016-2026): 9%
Public relations and fundraising manager: $131,570
Public relations managers plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.
Average annual pay: $131,570Job outlook (2016-2026): 10%
Compensation and benefits manager: $132,860
Compensation managers plan, develop, and oversee programs to determine how much an organization pays its employees and how employees are paid. Benefits managers plan, direct, and coordinate retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits that an organization offers its employees.
Average annual pay: $132,860 Job outlook (2016-2026): 5%
Sales manager: $140,320
Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams. They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for organizations' sales representatives.
Average annual pay: $140,320Job outlook (2016-2026): 7%
Lawyer: $144,230
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.
Average annual pay: $144,230 Job outlook (2016-2026): 8%
Financial manager: $146,830
Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
Average annual pay: $146,830Job outlook (2016-2026): 19%
Marketing manager: $147,240
Marketing managers plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. They also develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring customers are satisfied.
Average annual pay: $147,240Job outlook (2016-2026): 10%
Computer- and information-systems manager: $152,860
Computer- and information-systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information-technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.
Average annual pay: $152,860Job outlook (2016-2026): 12%
Chief executive: $200,140
Chief executives, also known as CEOs, determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private- and public-sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. They plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Average annual pay: $200,140Job outlook (2016-2026): 8%