Choosing a career path is a significant life decision, and for many, salary expectations play a crucial role. The question, “What Job Makes The Most Money?” is a common one for students, job seekers, and those considering a career change. While passion and interest are important, understanding earning potential is a practical consideration.
Fortunately, high-paying jobs in the US span across various industries, meaning you don’t necessarily have to compromise your interests to achieve financial success. Let’s explore the top 10 highest-paying jobs in the USA for 2024, offering a clear picture of lucrative career options.
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the USA (Including Salaries)
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) hold the top leadership position in a company, steering the organization toward its goals and ensuring growth. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, encompassing major corporate and financial decisions, developing and implementing strategic business plans, and overseeing all operational aspects. CEOs also act as a vital link, communicating between staff, the board of directors, stakeholders, and the public.
Educational Requirements
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is often considered a crucial qualification for aspiring CEOs, regardless of the specific industry. The accessibility of online MBA programs provides flexibility for those already working to enhance their credentials. Beyond education, extensive relevant work experience and professional certifications are essential to demonstrate the leadership, strategic thinking, and management skills required for this demanding role.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% growth in demand for top executives, which is on par with the average growth rate for all occupations. This translates to approximately 31,600 job openings annually until 2032, indicating a stable job market for CEOs and other top-level management.
Salary Information
CEOs command the highest salaries in the US job market. The median annual wage for a Chief Executive Officer is approximately $329,400, according to salary data. It’s important to note that CEO compensation can fluctuate significantly based on industry, company size, and the individual’s experience and qualifications. Larger corporations and certain sectors often offer substantially higher pay packages.
2. Physician / Doctor
Physicians consistently rank among the highest-paid professionals, particularly within specialized medical fields. Their inclusion in the list of top-paying jobs reflects the critical nature of their work and the extensive education and training required. Within the medical profession, certain specializations offer particularly high earning potential:
- Anesthesiologists: Experts in administering anesthesia for surgery, managing pain, and providing critical care post-operatively.
- General Internal Medicine Doctors (Internists): Focus on diagnosing and treating complex, chronic conditions such as diabetes, infectious diseases, and age-related illnesses.
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs): Specialize in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical areas.
- Emergency Medicine Physicians: Provide immediate diagnosis and treatment for patients with urgent medical needs in emergency settings.
Educational Requirements
Becoming a physician is a lengthy and rigorous process, typically taking around 12 years of education and training. This includes a four-year bachelor’s degree (often in science-related fields like biology), followed by four years of medical school, and then a residency program lasting four to five years for specialization. Aspiring doctors must also pass demanding examinations, including the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Job Outlook
The job outlook for physicians is positive, although growth rates can vary depending on the specific specialty. The BLS projects growth rates for medical specialties ranging from 1% to 7%, indicating continued demand for medical professionals across various fields.
Salary Information
Physician salaries are highly variable based on specialization, experience, and location. However, the highest-paying specialties generally command substantial annual incomes. (Specific salary figures for each specialty can be inserted here if desired, referencing reliable sources like BLS or medical salary websites).
3. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health. They diagnose, treat, manage, and work to prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. A key distinction between psychiatrists and psychologists is that psychiatrists, as medical doctors, are licensed to prescribe medication and provide other medical interventions, in addition to therapy.
Educational Requirements
The path to becoming a psychiatrist mirrors that of other physicians, requiring approximately 12 years of post-secondary education and training. This involves a four-year bachelor’s degree (often in psychology or a related field), four years of medical school, and a three-year psychiatry residency program. Following residency, psychiatrists are eligible for board certification to become licensed and practicing professionals.
Job Outlook
The demand for psychiatrists is particularly strong, with a projected job growth of 7%, the highest among physician specialties. This growth rate reflects the increasing recognition of mental health needs and translates to a significant number of annual job openings, estimated at 30,500 per year until 2032.
Salary Information
Psychiatrists earn a high average salary, reflecting the specialized nature of their work and the growing need for mental health professionals. Glassdoor reports an average annual salary of approximately $234,200 for psychiatrists. In addition to their base salary, they may also receive supplemental income through bonuses, profit sharing, and other incentives, potentially adding around $21,400 per year to their total compensation.
4. Airline Pilot
Airline pilots are highly skilled aviators responsible for operating and navigating aircraft, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of passengers and cargo. They work as part of a flight crew, which includes copilots, flight engineers, flight attendants, and ground personnel, to maintain flight safety and passenger comfort.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in a field like engineering, business, or aviation-related studies is a common starting point for aspiring airline pilots. Flight training school is essential to obtain a private pilot certificate. Further certifications, including an instrument rating and accumulating sufficient flight hours, are required to qualify for the Commercial Pilot Airline Exam (CAX) and earn a commercial pilot license.
Job Outlook
The airline industry is experiencing growth, leading to a projected 4% increase in demand for airline pilots. While this growth rate is average compared to other occupations, it still translates to a substantial number of job openings, approximately 16,800 annually until 2032, indicating a healthy job market for pilots.
Salary Information
Airline pilots earn a high median annual wage, reflecting the responsibility and skill required for their profession. The median annual wage for airline pilots is approximately $215,600. Many pilots also receive significant bonuses and additional compensation, which can average around $33,100 per year, depending on the airline, experience, and pay structure.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dual-degree specialists in both medicine and dentistry. They perform surgical procedures on the mouth, jaw, face, neck, and head to correct medical issues or for cosmetic purposes. Their expertise covers a wide range of conditions, including impacted wisdom teeth, reconstructive surgery after trauma or cancer, dental implants, jaw misalignment, and facial injuries. They are also qualified to administer anesthesia and manage post-operative pain.
Educational Requirements
The path to becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon starts with a dental education. This involves earning a bachelor’s degree, passing the Dental Admission Test (DAT), obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school, and securing a dental license. Following dental school, surgeons must complete extensive surgical training, including a four-year surgical residency and a two-year medical program. Board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is also typically required.
Job Outlook
The BLS categorizes oral and maxillofacial surgeons under the broader dentist category. The projected job growth for dentists, including oral surgeons, is 4% through 2032. This indicates a stable demand for these specialized surgical professionals within the dental and medical fields.
Salary Information
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are among the highest-paid dental professionals. The median annual wage for oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the US is approximately $190,500. They may also receive additional compensation through bonuses and other incentives, averaging around $18,500 per year.
6. Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dental specialists focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities of the teeth and jaws. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists have specialized training in managing and fitting various dental appliances, including braces, retainers, and aligners. They address issues such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, misaligned jaws, gaps between teeth, and bite problems.
Educational Requirements
Becoming an orthodontist requires a significant investment in education, typically spanning 10 to 11 years after high school. This includes a four-year bachelor’s degree (often in biology or chemistry), four years of dental school, and a two to three-year orthodontics residency program. Aspiring orthodontists must also pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and the National Board Dental Examination.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects a 4% growth in overall employment for dentists, including orthodontists, which is about average for all occupations. This growth rate translates to approximately 5,100 job openings per year until 2032, suggesting a steady demand for orthodontic services.
Salary Information
Orthodontists are among the highest-earning professionals in dentistry. They have a median annual wage of approximately $204,800, with potential additional earnings from bonuses and incentives averaging around $26,500 annually.
7. Lawyer
Lawyers are licensed legal professionals who provide advice and representation to clients in legal matters. They play a crucial role in the legal system, advocating for their clients’ rights and ensuring that laws are fairly applied and upheld. Lawyers work in diverse areas of law, including corporate law, criminal defense, family law, and environmental law.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for law school. While the specific undergraduate major is flexible, common choices include English, political science, economics, and philosophy, which develop critical thinking and communication skills valuable in law. After earning a bachelor’s degree, aspiring lawyers must take and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to gain admission to law school. Law school culminates in a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which qualifies graduates to take the bar examination. Passing the bar exam, which varies by state, is the final step to licensure.
Job Outlook
The legal profession is projected to experience a growth rate of 8%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to generate approximately 39,100 job openings annually until 2032, indicating a strong and expanding job market for lawyers.
Salary Information
Lawyers in the US can earn substantial salaries, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities of their profession. The median annual wage for lawyers is approximately $165,700. Additional income through profit sharing and bonuses can add an estimated $20,200 per year to their overall compensation.
8. Architectural and Engineering Manager
Architectural and engineering managers oversee construction and renovation projects, ensuring they are completed successfully and according to plan. They possess technical knowledge in architecture or engineering and apply management principles to projects, staff development, and client relations. While similar to project managers, their role is broader, encompassing staff management and client interaction in addition to project oversight.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering is the foundational requirement for this career path. Advancement to a management role typically requires years of experience in the field, coupled with a master’s degree in business administration, engineering management, or technology management. The timing of obtaining a master’s degree can vary, with some professionals pursuing it before management roles and others while already in management positions.
Job Outlook
The demand for architectural and engineering managers is projected to increase by 4% through 2032. Although the growth rate is moderate, the industry is expected to generate approximately 13,600 job openings annually, indicating a consistent need for qualified managers in these fields.
Salary Information
Architectural and engineering managers earn a high average annual salary. The median annual salary is approximately $140,400. They may also receive significant additional pay through bonuses and incentives, potentially averaging around $47,400 per year, depending on the company and performance.
9. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and Information Systems Managers are leaders in IT departments, responsible for maintaining, securing, and upgrading a company’s technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and databases. Their managerial duties include budget administration, staff recruitment and training, performance evaluations, project scheduling, and inventory management. They also serve as a communication bridge between IT staff and upper management.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Systems Management, or a related field is typically required. Practical experience is crucial, often gained through tech support internships or entry-level IT positions. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) can enhance career advancement prospects and prepare managers for broader leadership responsibilities.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects a substantial 18% growth in demand for computer and information systems managers over the next decade. This significant growth is driven by the increasing reliance on technology across all industries and is expected to result in approximately 46,900 annual job openings.
Salary Information
Computer and Information Systems Managers earn a high median annual wage. The median annual salary is approximately $140,200. In addition to their base salary, they may receive supplemental income through bonuses and profit sharing, averaging around $11,600 per year.
10. Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse Anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and are the highest-paid among nurse practitioners. They are responsible for administering anesthesia and providing comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after surgical, diagnostic, or obstetric procedures. Their duties include reviewing patient medical history, explaining anesthesia options and risks, preparing patients for procedures, administering and monitoring anesthesia, and managing post-anesthesia recovery.
Educational Requirements
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the first step toward becoming a nurse anesthetist. Following a BSN, nurses must obtain state licensure by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Several years of relevant experience in critical care nursing are typically required before pursuing advanced education. Nurse anesthetist programs require either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) is the final step to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Job Outlook
The BLS projects exceptional job growth for advanced practice registered nurses, including nurse anesthetists, with an expected 38% increase in the coming years. This rapid growth is driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services and is expected to create approximately 29,200 job openings annually until 2032.
Salary Information
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn a high average salary, reflecting their advanced skills and critical role in healthcare. The average annual salary for a CRNA is approximately $126,900. Additional income through bonuses can average around $7,200 per year.
Conclusion
As this list demonstrates, high-paying jobs are available across diverse sectors in the US economy. Notably, many of the top-earning positions, regardless of industry, are in management and leadership roles. Achieving these high-salary careers often requires advanced education, such as a BBA or MBA degree, along with specialized skills and experience.
For individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects and earning potential, Nexford University offers online BBA and MBA programs designed to equip students with the necessary skills for leadership and management roles. These programs provide flexible and accessible pathways to advance your education and career.
FAQs
What is the highest-paying job in the USA in 2024?
The highest-paying job in the USA is Chief Executive Officer (CEO). CEOs earn a median annual salary of approximately $329,500, with a salary range extending from around $276,500 to $396,000 or higher, depending on factors like company size and industry.
Which US jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics?
The BLS projects that healthcare and computer and information technology sectors will experience the most rapid growth among high-paying jobs. Specifically, Nurse Anesthetists are projected to grow by 38%, and Computer and Information Systems Managers by 18%, indicating significant expansion in these fields.
What is the best career path in the USA in 2024 for high earning potential?
Considering rapid growth, job stability, and high compensation, career paths in healthcare, IT, and cybersecurity offer some of the most promising opportunities for high earning potential in the US in 2024.
What skills or expertise are essential for high-paying US jobs?
While specific skills vary by industry, leadership and management skills are crucial for most high-paying jobs in the US, which often involve managerial or supervisory responsibilities. Industry-specific core competencies are also essential and can be developed through targeted education and experience.
What qualifications are typically required for high-paying US jobs?
Many high-paying jobs in the US require at least a master’s degree. Furthermore, significant relevant work experience is generally necessary to secure these positions. Certain professions, like surgeons, physicians, and orthodontists, also demand extensive specialized training beyond a master’s degree.
Why is pursuing a BBA or MBA degree beneficial for career advancement in the USA?
A BBA or MBA degree offers numerous benefits for career advancement and increased earning potential, including:
- Higher Earning Potential: Graduates with business degrees often command higher salaries.
- Competitive Advantage: An MBA provides a competitive edge in the job market.
- Enhanced Resume: A business degree strengthens your resume and marketability.
- Increased Promotion Opportunities: MBAs often lead to faster career advancement and managerial roles.
- Career Versatility: Business degrees open doors to diverse industries and roles.
- Diversified Skillset: MBA programs develop a broad range of valuable business skills.
- Networking and Communication Skills: Business programs enhance networking and communication abilities crucial in any industry.
