Understanding the landscape of high-paying jobs is crucial for both current job seekers and those plotting their future careers. This article delves into the top 20 highest-paying jobs in the USA, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data (“May 2022 occupational employment and wages”) , while also shedding light on the responsibilities, required education, and training associated with each role.
1. Cardiologists
- Average Annual Salary: $421,330
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions, conducting medical tests, and advising on preventative healthcare.
- Education Required: Medical degree, plus residency and fellowship in cardiology.
- Training: Extensive hands-on training during residency and fellowship programs.
2. Orthopedic Surgeons
- Average Annual Salary: $371,400
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues through surgical and non-surgical means.
- Education Required: Medical degree, followed by a residency in orthopedic surgery.
- Training: Intensive surgical training, often with additional fellowship in a subspecialty.
3. Pediatric Surgeons
- Average Annual Salary: $362,970
- Duties: Performing surgeries on infants, children, and adolescents, while collaborating with other pediatric specialists.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in general surgery, followed by a pediatric surgery fellowship.
- Training: Rigorous surgical training specific to pediatric patients.
4. Athletes and Sports Competitors
- Average Annual Salary: $358,080
- Duties: Training and competing in various sports, maintaining peak physical condition, and understanding game strategies.
- Education Required: Varies widely, though many have formal training and education in their sport.
- Training: Intensive, ongoing training and practice in their chosen sport.
5. Surgeons
- Average Annual Salary: $347,870
- Duties: Performing surgeries, diagnosing patients, and providing post-operative care.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in a surgical specialty.
- Training: Extensive hands-on surgical training during residency.
6. Radiologists
- Average Annual Salary: $329,080
- Duties: Using medical imaging to diagnose and sometimes treat diseases, and advising other physicians on medical conditions.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in radiology.
- Training: In-depth training in interpreting medical images during residency.
7. Dermatologists
- Average Annual Salary: $327,650
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating skin conditions, performing skin surgeries, and advising on skincare.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in dermatology.
- Training: Comprehensive training in skin conditions and treatments during residency.
8. Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Average Annual Salary: $316,600
- Duties: Providing immediate care for acute illnesses and injuries, working in fast-paced emergency departments.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in emergency medicine.
- Training: Intensive training in a variety of medical conditions and emergency procedures.
9. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Average Annual Salary: $309,410
- Duties: Performing surgeries on the mouth, jaws, face, and neck, diagnosing related conditions, and providing aftercare.
- Education Required: Dental degree and a surgical residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
- Training: Extensive surgical training, including hands-on experience and often additional medical education.
10. Anesthesiologists
- Average Annual Salary: $302,970
- Duties: Administering anesthesia, monitoring patients during surgery, and providing pain management.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in anesthesiology.
- Training: In-depth training in anesthesia administration and patient monitoring.
11. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Average Annual Salary: $277,320
- Duties: Providing healthcare to women, conducting surgeries related to childbirth and reproductive health, and advising on family planning.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology.
- Training: Comprehensive training in women’s health and related surgeries.
12. Ophthalmologists
- Average Annual Salary: $265,450
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating eye conditions, performing eye surgeries, and prescribing medications or corrective lenses.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in ophthalmology.
- Training: Extensive training in eye conditions, treatments, and surgeries.
13. Neurologists
- Average Annual Salary: $255,510
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating conditions of the nervous system, conducting neurological tests, and advising on preventative care.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in neurology.
- Training: Intensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions.
14. Pathologists
- Average Annual Salary: $252,850
- Duties: Examining tissues, cells, and organs to diagnose diseases, conducting laboratory tests, and collaborating with other doctors.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in pathology.
- Training: Detailed training in laboratory techniques and disease diagnosis.
15. Psychiatrists
- Average Annual Salary: $247,350
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, providing therapy, and prescribing medications.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in psychiatry.
- Training: Extensive training in mental health and therapeutic techniques.
16. Chief Executives
- Average Annual Salary: $246,440
- Duties: Overseeing the operations of companies or organizations, developing strategies, and managing resources.
- Education Required: Typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration or a related field.
- Training: Extensive experience in management and leadership roles.
17. Physicians
- Average Annual Salary: $238,700
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions, advising on preventative care, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
- Education Required: Medical degree and residency in a relevant medical specialty.
- Training: Comprehensive training in general medicine and a chosen specialty.
18. Dentists
- Average Annual Salary: $233,430
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating oral health conditions, performing dental procedures, and advising on oral care.
- Education Required: Dental degree and residency if specializing.
- Training: Hands-on training in dental procedures and patient care.
19. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Average Annual Salary: $225,740
- Duties: Flying aircraft, ensuring passenger safety, and performing pre-flight checks.
- Education Required: Bachelor’s degree and completion of flight training.
- Training: Extensive flight training, obtaining necessary certifications, and accumulating flight hours.
20. General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Average Annual Salary: $225,270
- Duties: Diagnosing and treating internal health conditions, providing long-term care, and advising on preventative health.
- Education Required: Medical degree and a residency in internal medicine.
- Training: In-depth training in internal medicine, managing chronic conditions, and preventative care.
Being aware of not only the potential earnings but also the duties, education, and training required for each of these high-paying roles can guide you in making an informed decision about your future career path. Whether you’re drawn to the medical field, business leadership, or aviation, there are lucrative opportunities across a range of industries. Prepare yourself adequately, and you could find yourself in one of these prestigious positions in the future.