Let’s be honest—when most of us think about high-paying jobs, our minds go straight to titles like “Software Engineer” or “Investment Banker.” But here’s the truth: there are roles out there that pay six figures and don’t require you to have a fancy college degree or rack up student loan debt.
Did you know Netflix hires people to play video games and help them decide what content kids might like? It’s called being a Ratings Strategist, and it’s just one example of jobs you didn’t even know existed.
Or how about being an online Community Manager at Stripe, where all you do is answer questions on Twitter and Facebook—and they pay you up to $150,000 to do it. 🤯
This isn’t just about dream jobs; it’s about how companies determine salaries, why some roles pay more, and how you can land one of these high-paying roles without a traditional career path.
What Is a Salary Scale & Why Does It Matter?
A pay scale (also known as salary scale) is how companies determine the range they’ll pay for a job. Think of it as the boundaries for a role’s salary: there’s a minimum, a maximum, and a whole lot of wiggle room in between.
Why You Should Care About Pay Scales
- They Determine Your Potential: Your salary will usually fall somewhere within the pay scale, but where you land depends on your experience, skills, and ability to negotiate.
- Fairness in Pay: Pay scales help companies maintain fairness and consistency across employees with similar roles.
- Transparency Is on the Rise: More companies (especially in states like California and New York) are legally required to share pay ranges in their job postings.
Pay Scale Factors: Key Factors Companies Use to Determine Salaries
You might be thinking “how do companies set salaries?”
Well, salary determination isn’t just about your job title. Companies use a variety of factors to decide how much to pay. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Experience & Skills
If you’ve got experience or skills that are hard to find, you’re already winning. Employers often set salary determination processes based on how difficult it is to replace certain abilities or expertise.
In 2025, having specialized skills like AI development or creative content management can significantly improve your earning potential. These abilities not only make you stand out in the job market, but they can also lead to high-paying roles in competitive industries. Skills like managing pay ranges or understanding factors affecting salary can even influence human resources positions. Below are some examples of high-paying skills that employers value:
- AI Expertise: Building chatbots or automating processes.
- Social Media Management: Community Managers at Stripe make $150,000+ just for engaging with customers on platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
- Creative Content Review: Netflix hires Ratings Strategists who literally get paid to play games, watch shows, and figure out what kids might enjoy.
2. Industry & Role
Understanding industry salary standards is important when choosing your career path.
Industries like tech and finance often have higher base pay, but certain unique roles within these sectors offer even more lucrative opportunities. Job seekers aiming for high-paying careers need to consider not only the average salary but also how roles contribute to a company’s long-term goals.
For example, positions like the Netflix Ratings Strategist focus on job roles that blend creativity with market strategy. Similarly, a Stripe Community Manager aligns with the growing demand for customer-focused roles in the tech industry. Consider these examples of unique, high-paying roles:
- Netflix Ratings Strategist: Imagine being paid to review video games or rate children’s programming. It’s a real job with salaries that can compete with traditional office roles.
- Stripe Community Manager: Helping customers online is no longer just an entry-level gig—it’s a six-figure career.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on industries and roles that prioritize innovation or customer experience—they tend to pay higher salaries.
3. Company Size & Revenue
Larger, more profitable companies often have deeper pockets for salaries, thanks to their ability to attract and retain talented employees.
These organizations use structured salary data to stay competitive and ensure their compensation aligns with industry standards. For example, companies like Netflix and Google regularly reassess their base salary scales to ensure they meet the demands of the evolving job market. At the same time, smaller businesses can offer unique benefits, including greater job flexibility and leadership opportunities. Here are examples of big-paying companies leading the way:
- Netflix: $64,500–$400,000
- Stripe: $120,000–$150,000 for customer support roles.
- Google: $37,000–$600,000, depending on the role.
4. Market Demand & Job Trends
When market demand outpaces the supply of skilled professionals, salaries often rise. This is particularly true in emerging fields where geographical location or niche expertise plays a role in filling high-demand roles.
For instance, content strategists and digital moderators are essential in today’s digital-first world, managing communities and creating engaging user experiences. Similarly, AI trainers help shape new technologies, creating similar roles across industries focused on innovation.
Staying updated with factors affecting salary trends can help professionals identify where their skills align with market needs.
2025 Hot Jobs That Pay Well:
- Digital Moderators: With the rise of AI and social media, people who can manage online communities are earning six figures. Social media scrolling pays big.
- Content Strategists: Companies like Netflix need people to curate bingeworthy content. If you’re a movie or TV buff, this is how you cash in on it.
- AI Trainers: Teaching AI models how to perform specific tasks can earn you top-tier pay.
How to Research and Evaluate Salary Offers
Before you apply—or negotiate—you need to understand the salary landscape.
- Use Online Tools: Platforms like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Levels.fyi can help you figure out the salary ranges for specific roles and companies.
- Network to Find Real-World Data: Reach out to people on LinkedIn who work at your dream company. Ask about their experience and salary expectations.
- Look at the Full Package: A high base salary is great, but don’t forget about perks like PTO, 401(k) matching, bonuses, and health benefits.
How to Get a High-Paying Job
1. Target High-Paying Companies
If you want the big bucks, aim for companies that are known for competitive salaries.
High-Paying Examples:
- Netflix: Pays top dollar for creative and content-related roles.
- Stripe: Offers some of the best pay for social media customer support.
- Google & Microsoft: Leaders in tech with massive salary ranges.
2. Build In-Demand Skills
Focus on skills that are trending in 2025.
Top Skills That Boost Your Pay:
- AI Knowledge: Learn to create or train AI systems.
- Community Management: Master platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook.
- Content Curation: Companies like Netflix need experts who know what audiences want.
💡 Pro Tip: Certifications can help. For example, a Google Analytics certification or social media management course can set you apart.
3. Be Ready to Negotiate
Don’t accept the first offer you get. Use market data to back up your requests, and don’t be afraid to ask for perks like bonuses or remote work flexibility.
How Paybump Can Help You Land Your Dream Job
At Paybump, we believe you deserve to earn what you’re worth—and then some.
Here’s how we help:
- Salary Insights: Know exactly what roles like “Ratings Strategist” at Netflix or “Community Manager” at Stripe pay.
- Resume Optimization: Craft a standout resume that highlights the skills companies are willing to pay top dollar for.
- Negotiation Strategies: Learn how to confidently ask for more during the offer process.
Ready to secure that $150,000 Community Manager role? Sign up for Paybump’s newsletter and get exclusive tips to make the salary your friends will envy.
Ready to Land a High Paying Job?
The job market is full of opportunities—many of which pay way more than you might think. By understanding how salaries are determined and targeting roles that align with your skills, you can land a high-paying job that feels less like work and more like your dream gig.
Whether it’s getting paid to play video games at Netflix or managing tweets at Stripe, the possibilities are endless.
Let Paybump help you land your next 6-figure job while you watch Netflix in your pajamas!
