10 Highest Paying Careers | Best Paying Jobs in 2025

Most people want jobs that pay well but some pay vastly better than others. Sometimes this is because the job is in high demand, and other times it's because the job requires advanced knowledge and skills.

Those who want to secure a high-paying career will need to understand the job market, as well as the education and experience required for these jobs. Keep reading to discover 10 high-paying careers in the U.S.

10 of the Highest-Paid Careers in the U.S.

Several career paths in the U.S. offer high-paying jobs with a median salary of six figures. We've highlighted some of these best-paying careers below.

The following salary information was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides official data on wages, employment trends, and job outlooks across various industries. Please note that these salaries are based on national averages. The actual salary will vary depending on experience level, geographic area, and other factors.

1. Surgeons

Surgery is a notoriously difficult area of medicine, and as a result, it's also one of the highest-paying fields. Surgeons perform surgical procedures on patients to treat injuries or illnesses.

Many specialize in specific types of surgery or specific types of patients. For example, a neurosurgeon performs surgery on the brain, while a pediatric surgeon works with children. The BLS estimates that demand for surgeons will increase by 4% by 2033.

• Pediatric Surgeon: $449,320
• Orthopedic Surgeon: $378,250
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: $239,200 or more

2. Physicians

Physicians, or medical doctors, diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and help patients maintain their health. The specific tasks of a physician will depend on what type of physician they are, and there are many fields of medicine to pursue.

Physicians may work in hospitals, clinics, or in non-clinical care like for a government agency. Depending on the field and where they work, some physicians must work long hours and be on call. Similar to surgeons, the BLS expects jobs for physicians to increase by 4% over the next decade.

• Cardiologist: $423,250
• Radiologist: $353,960
• Anesthesiologist: $339,470
• Emergency Medicine Physician: $306,640
• Obstetrician and Gynecologist: $278,660

3. Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist is a type of medical doctor who works primarily with mental health, rather than physical health. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental conditions through counseling, medication, and occasionally, hospitalization. The job outlook for psychiatrists is the highest among all medical doctors, with the BLS expecting an increase of 8% by 2033.

• Psychiatrist: $256,930

4. Dentists

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They also help patients maintain good oral hygiene. Most dentists are general practitioners, but some specialize in specific areas of dental care. The BLS expects jobs for dentists to increase by 5% over the next 10 years.

• Orthodontist: $239,200
• Oral Surgeon: $239,200

5. Airline Pilots

Airline pilots primarily work for airlines, like Delta or United Airlines. This pilot's job is to fly planes that transport passengers or cargo.

These jobs usually have a fixed schedule, but airline pilots can work long hours and may spend a lot of time away from home. The BLS expects jobs for airline pilots to increase by 5% over the next 10 years.

• Pilot: $219,140

6. Corporate Executives

Corporate executives work at the top of their departments within their organizations. They plan strategies and policies to help ensure their company meets its goals.

Chief executive officers provide overall direction, while chief financial officers oversee a company's finances, and chief marketing officers oversee marketing. Employment of corporate executives is expected to grow 5% by 2033.

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): $206,680
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO): $206,680
• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): $206,680

7. Information Technologists and Data Scientists

Information technologists are responsible for creating and supporting computer applications, systems, and networks. These roles require a strong knowledge of information technology and computer science. The job demand depends on the specific role, with programmers seeing a 10% decline and security analysts expected to see a 33% growth in their field.

Data scientists work with insights from data using analytical tools and techniques. Data analysis often requires some knowledge of automation and machine learning. The BLS expects the job outlook for data scientists to increase by 36% through 2033.

• IT Manager: $169,510
• Data Scientist: $108,020

8. Lawyers and Judges

There are many fields of law, but all lawyers advise and represent their clients in legal proceedings. Common areas of practice include corporate law, environmental law, family law, and personal injury. The BLS expects jobs for lawyers to increase by 5% over the next decade.

Judges oversee legal matters � but most judges start as lawyers. The job outlook for judges is a little lower than that of lawyers, at about 3% over the next decade.

• Judge: $148,910
• Lawyer: $145,760

9. Engineers

There are many different types of engineers, but at their core, all engineers use science and math to design, build, and maintain structures or systems. Working as an engineer requires strong problem-solving and technical skills.

The job outlook varies by field. For example, the demand for nuclear engineers is expected to drop by 1%, while the demand for chemical engineers is expected to increase by 10%.

• Computer Engineer: $138,080
• Petroleum Engineer: $135,690
• Aerospace Engineer: $130,720
• Nuclear Engineer: $125,460
• Chemical Engineer: $112,100
• Electrical Engineer: $109,010

10. Marketers

It's nearly impossible to escape promotions and advertisements today � and part of that is thanks to marketers. Marketers come up with creative ways to sell products or services to people or to raise awareness for specific brands and causes. The demand varies depending on the marketing role, but typically, the job outlook is above 5% for the next decade.

• Product Marketing Manager: $131,870
• Creative Director: $106,500

How To Secure a Career That Pays Well

Sometimes, people luck into high-salary jobs. But if you know you want to pursue good jobs that pay well, it takes some careful planning. Below, we've outlined some steps to help you secure top-paying jobs.

1. Choose Your Career Path

As we demonstrated above, there are numerous high-paying jobs out there. However, these require different types of education paths and career trajectories. For example, a healthcare career has very different requirements, such as clinical hours, than an engineering career, which may not require hands-on experience but will require specific knowledge in a certain branch of engineering.

Start by choosing the career you want to pursue. Look at the job market for that career and the expected job growth. Consider specializations within the field and look at where this job is in high demand.

2. Research Education Requirements

As mentioned, requirements can vary significantly between these high-paying careers. Physicians, surgeons, dentists, and lawyers must attend graduate school after they've earned their bachelor's degree, and they need to earn doctoral degrees in their fields. Meanwhile, many roles in engineering and tech don't require additional degrees beyond bachelor's degrees.

3. Obtain the Right Education & Certifications

Once you know what career you want to pursue and what requirements you need to meet, you can start pursuing your education. Look for accredited schools with a good reputation for the program you want to pursue.

Often, your work isn't done after earning your degree. Medical professionals, like doctors and dentists, need to earn licensure from the state, which requires passing industry examinations and having a certain amount of clinical experience. Even those in tech fields may find certain certifications, like those offered through CompTIA, helpful in their job search.

4. Build In-Demand Skills Depending on the Field

The specific skills you need will depend on your career. You'll learn many skills through your education, but there are other ways you can develop in-demand skills, such as:

• Choosing elective courses in a specific area
• Participating in internships or research projects
• Taking a bootcamp or additional classes

These options are common in tech and engineering fields, but even those in advanced degree programs can take advantage of skill-building opportunities. Medical school, for example, often allows students to choose some of their clinical experiences.

5. Gain Relevant Experience

Sometimes, educational programs have experience built into the program, like medical school. Other times, you can find internship or research opportunities to help you gain experience. Reach out to professors and heads of your department to find out what opportunities may be available to you.

6. Network & Use Industry Connections

Networking and industry connections can go a long way to helping you find a high-paying job. Take advantage of internships and industry conferences to meet people in your field. Even digital tools, like LinkedIn, can help you network.

FAQs About the Most Lucrative Careers in the U.S.

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about high-paying jobs in the U.S.

What Job Makes $200,000 a Year?

Several jobs have an average salary of over $200,000 per year, including airline pilots, psychiatrists, dentists, and corporate executives. Others, like many physicians and surgeons, earn even more. Note that the amount you make depends on several factors, including years of experience and location.

What Are the Top Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree?

There are a few high-paying jobs that don't require a degree, although some may require a diploma, certificate, or on-the-job training. These include:

• Commercial pilots: $113,080
• Elevator and escalator installers and repairers: $102,420
• First-line supervisors of police and detectives: $101,750
• Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers: $100,890

What If I Already Have a Degree in Another Field?

If you have a degree in another field, it's not impossible to change careers. However, it depends on the degree you have and the career you want to change to. Some things that can help you switch careers include:

• Earning an advanced degree (e.g., master's degree) in the new field
• Completing an online certificate program
• Taking an online bootcamp

Note that for careers in law or medicine, you must complete a doctoral degree. However, these programs often don't require a specific bachelor's degree.

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