10 Highest Paying Jobs

If making a lot of money in your career is a top priority for you, then learn about your options from this list.

Jobs in the medical field dominate the rankings for highest paid careers, even coming in above C-level executives. We’ve grouped these top-paying jobs under the single category “Doctor” below, but keep in mind that nurses, midwives, and physician’s assistants also earn a pretty penny.

If dealing with the human body isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other options from business to the sciences and more. When considering a high-salaried job, keep in mind that advanced schooling and high levels of stress often come into play.

1. Doctor

Many different kinds of doctors rank amongst the highest paid jobs, including anesthesiologist, surgeon, orthodontist, psychiatrist, and obstetrician-gynecologist. Average salaries range from $150,000 to $300,000. Typically, doctors spend 4 years in undergrad, another 4 in medical school, and 4-7 additional years in residency training before getting licensed. But their salaries truly do make up for the investment. Even better, we are likely to see a 13% increase in the employment of doctors by 2026.

2. Senior Corporate Executive (or Chief Executive)

Charting the path of a C-level executive (these are your CEOs, COOs, and CFOs) is ambitious, risky, and certainly lucrative. If you’re successful, you can expect an average salary just under $200,000. Of course, there are major outliers here. Chief executives for companies valued at over $1 billion are likely to make more than $10 million per year, but this is rare. Many of these executives have MBAs but this is not a necessity. Technical experience, strong leadership skills, and lots of promotions are what count—unless you start your own business.

3. Airline Pilot or Flight Engineer

With an average mid-career salary of $160,000, most airline pilots hold a bachelor’s degree in aircraft operations, aviation, or aeronautical engineering. You will also need to complete over 1000 hours of flight time to earn your FAA license, which is expensive. Flight engineers, who operate an aircraft’s systems during flight, have at least a bachelor’s degree. You have got to be laser-focused and at the top of your game while on the job, but your time off is stress free. The work schedule is not great, especially at time when airlines operate at the highest levels of efficiency. Another route for this career path is the US Air Force.

4. Petroleum Engineer

If you have mad skills in math and science, consider an undergraduate degree in petroleum engineering. With an average salary round $150,000, this is one of the highest paid jobs for the amount of education you put towards it. A master’s degree, while not necessary, can lead to more career advancement. Bonus: this job has a projected growth rate of 15% by 2026.

5. Computer and Information Systems Manager

These professionals plan, direct, or coordinate activities in data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. A bachelor’s degree in computer information and/or business is necessary to start, and you might choose to pursue a master’s down the line. You will then work your way up to management level for an average salary of $150,000. This job also has a very high-expected growth rate of 12%.

6. Marketing or Sales Manager

A bachelor’s in business administration is your best bet for this type of management position, but relevant experience can work, too. These managers pull in an average salary of $140,000. Projected growth rates in this field are moderate and on par with most sectors at around 5-7%.

7. Lawyers

Lawyers also make an average salary of $140,000. Of course, this can vary quite a bit depending on if you work for a private firm, the government, or a public organization. Law school is notoriously expensive with annual tuitions ranging from $17,000 at a public university to as high as $45,000 at a top private university. Also, be ready for a competitive job market upon graduating and passing the bar exam.

8. Research and Development Manager

R & D managers oversee the new development of products and programs from planning to creation through implementation. The average salary is around $130,000, and you can work in a variety of fields, including agriculture, alternative energy, food, biotech, etc. Often times, these managers hold bachelor’s degrees in human resources or business administration accompanied by study in behavioral psychology, instructional design, or computer science. Work experience matters most, however, especially as a training or research specialist.

9. Physicist

With an average salary of $125,000, physicists conduct research, problem solve, and invent new technologies. They may work in nanotechnology, metallurgy, radiation, biomedicine, geology, or other fields. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to start and probably an advanced graduate degree depending on your chosen career path. This is another booming career track with an expected growth rate of 14% by 2026.

10. Pharmacist

All pharmacists must earn a doctorate from an accredited university. Courses of study are science-based and rigorous, and pharmacists also do lots of on-the-job training before getting their licensure. Salary reports indicate that the hard work pays off with an average of $120,000. This is a great option to consider if you are attracted to the health sciences but don’t fancy being a physician.

Check out these additional resources for more information:

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics “2017 National Occupational and Employment Wage Estimates”
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000
2. 2018 US News and World Report “100 Best Jobs List”
https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/the-100-best-jobs
3. Glassdoor’s “25 Highest Paying Jobs in America” for 2017
https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Highest-Paying-Jobs-LST_KQ0,19.htm