Choosing a high-paying career can provide financial stability, increase your quality of life, and serve as a testament to your professional success. In this article, we will explore the 10 best paying jobs across various industries, their median salaries, and the education and training required for each role. Keep in mind that salaries can vary based on factors such as geographic location, experience, and employer.
Surgeon
Median Salary
Surgeons are among the highest-paid professionals, with a median salary of around $409,665 per year.
Education and Training
Becoming a surgeon requires extensive education and training, including a bachelor’s degree, medical school, and a surgical residency. Some surgeons also choose to complete a fellowship in a specialized area of surgery.
Psychiatrist
Median Salary
Psychiatrists, who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, earn a median salary of approximately $220,380 per year.
Education and Training
To become a psychiatrist, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree, medical school, and a residency in psychiatry. Some psychiatrists also choose to complete a fellowship in a specialized area of psychiatry, such as child and adolescent psychiatry or addiction medicine.
Anesthesiologist
Median Salary
Anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery. They earn a median salary of around $208,000 per year.
Education and Training
Anesthesiologists must complete a bachelor’s degree, medical school, and a residency in anesthesiology. Some anesthesiologists also pursue additional training in specialized areas, such as pain management or pediatric anesthesiology.
Orthodontist
Median Salary
Orthodontists, who specialize in diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities, earn a median salary of approximately $208,000 per year.
B. Education and Training
Becoming an orthodontist requires a bachelor’s degree, dental school, and a residency in orthodontics. Orthodontists must also obtain a license to practice in their state.
Petroleum Engineer
Median Salary
Petroleum engineers, who design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth, earn a median salary of around $137,330 per year.
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field, such as chemical or mechanical engineering, is typically required to become a petroleum engineer. Some engineers also pursue a master’s degree in petroleum engineering to further specialize their skills.
Pharmacist
Median Salary
Pharmacists, who dispense medications and advise on the safe and effective use of drugs, earn a median salary of approximately $128,090 annually.
Education and Training
To become a pharmacist, you must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program and obtain a license to practice in your state. Some pharmacists also choose to complete a residency or fellowship to specialize in a specific area of pharmacy, such as clinical or ambulatory care.
Data Scientist
Median Salary
Data scientists, who analyze and interpret complex data sets to inform business decisions, earn a median salary of around $126,830 per year.
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, statistics, or mathematics, is typically required for entry-level data scientist positions. However, many data scientists pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in a specialized area, such as data science, machine learning, or artificial intelligence, to further enhance their skills and improve their earning potential.
Education and Training
To become a data scientist, you will generally need a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is typically required, while many professionals in this field pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in a specialized area to enhance their skills and expertise.
Aerospace Engineer
Median Salary
Aerospace engineers, who design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems, earn a median salary of approximately $118,610 per year.
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, such as mechanical or electrical engineering, is typically required to become an aerospace engineer. Some professionals in this field also pursue a master’s or doctoral degree to specialize in a specific area of aerospace engineering, such as propulsion or avionics.
Software Developer
Median Salary
Software developers, who create and maintain computer programs and applications, earn a median salary of around $110,140 per year.
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is typically required for entry-level software developer positions. Some developers also pursue a master’s degree to further specialize their skills or to advance in their careers.
Financial Manager
Median Salary
Financial managers, who oversee the financial activities of organizations, earn a median salary of approximately $134,180 per year.
Education and Training
A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is typically required to become a financial manager. Many financial managers also pursue a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or finance to advance their careers. Professional certifications, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, can also enhance career prospects and earning potential.
This article was last updated on: April 22, 2023