15 Best Doctoral Degrees That Pay 100k: High-Paying PhDs

A doctoral degree represents the longest educational path of any credential level, but it also carries some of the highest earning potential. From physicians and dentists to physicists and economists, doctoral-level careers span both hands-on professional practice and research-focused academic work, with many reaching well into six figures.

Below, we highlight 15 doctoral degrees connected to careers with median salaries of $100,000 or more, based on the most recent wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Keep reading to learn more about degree options potential career paths, and current salary data.

Salary Disclaimer: The salary ranges provided in this article are estimates based on national averages. Actual earnings may vary depending on location, employer, level of experience, and industry demand.

Do Many Doctoral Degrees Pay $100K?

Yes, quite a few doctoral degrees lead to careers paying $100,000 or more, though the path looks different depending on whether the degree is a professional doctorate or a research-focused PhD. Professional doctorates, like an MD, JD, or DVM, follow a standardized curriculum tied directly to licensure in a specific field, and several of these rank among the highest-paying careers in the entire workforce. Research-focused PhDs, by contrast, center on original dissertation research and can lead to a wider range of outcomes, from academic teaching positions to research roles in industry or government, with pay that varies more depending on the specific field and career path chosen.

It's worth keeping in mind that not every PhD leads to six-figure pay. Postsecondary teaching salaries, in particular, vary enormously by subject and institution, with fields like law, engineering, and the physical sciences often reaching $100,000 while others fall well short. The degrees on this list represent fields with a documented track record of reaching that threshold, rather than a guarantee that applies to every doctoral degree across every subject.

15 Best Doctoral Degrees That Pay $100K 

Each degree below connects to at least one career with a median salary of $100,000 or higher, based on the most recent BLS wage data. Some fields, like medicine and dentistry, offer several high-paying specialties within the same degree, while others lead more directly to a single well-paying role.

1. Doctor of Medicine / Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) takes four years of medical school plus three to seven years of residency, depending on specialty. Physicians consistently top BLS wage charts, with pay well into six figures across nearly every specialty. According to the most recent data, some of the highest-paying paths include:

• Pediatric surgeons, averaging over $550,000 annually
• Cardiologists, averaging nearly $500,000 annually
• Radiologists, averaging over $420,000 annually
• Psychiatrists, earning a median of roughly $282,000 annually
• Family medicine physicians, earning a median of roughly $244,000 annually

Whichever specialty you choose, an MD or DO remains one of the most reliable paths to six-figure pay, though the schooling timeline and cost are significant considerations.

2. Doctor of Dental Surgery / Doctor of Dental Medicine

A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) typically requires four years of dental school after a bachelor's degree, and both credentials qualify graduates for the same scope of practice. General dentists already clear the $100,000 mark, and several specialties pay considerably more. According to the most recent data:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn a median of roughly $352,200 annually
• Prosthodontists earn a median of roughly $311,200 annually
• Orthodontists earn a median of roughly $289,100 annually
• General dentists earn a median of roughly $171,000 annually

Reaching the higher-paying specialties requires two to six additional years of residency training beyond dental school, depending on the specialty.

3. Doctor of Nursing Practice

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the terminal degree in nursing practice, typically requiring three to four years of doctoral study after a BSN, or a shorter post-master's track for nurses who already hold an MSN. As of 2025, a DNP is now required for entry into nurse anesthesia programs, and it also opens the door to other advanced practice roles. According to the most recent data:

• Nurse anesthetists earn a median of roughly $236,600 annually, among the highest-paying nursing roles
• Nurse midwives earn a median of roughly $134,000 annually
• Nurse practitioners earn a median of roughly $132,300 annually

A DNP offers one of the fastest-growing paths to a high salary in healthcare, particularly for nurse anesthetists, who also see strong projected job growth nationally.

4. PhD in Physics

A PhD in physics typically takes five to seven years to complete, combining advanced coursework with original dissertation research in a specialized area of the field. Graduates pursue careers in research, industry, government labs, and academia.

According to the most recent BLS data, physicists earn a median of roughly $172,300 annually, one of the highest-paying research-focused PhDs on this list. Physics postsecondary teachers also earn strong pay, reflecting the field's overall demand across both academic and applied research settings.

5. Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) typically takes four years of podiatric medical school after a bachelor's degree, followed by a three-year podiatric residency. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

The most recent BLS data shows podiatrists earn a median of roughly $160,300 annually. Because the residency requirement functions similarly to a physician's, prospective students should factor in several years beyond the degree itself before reaching independent practice.

6. Juris Doctor

A Juris Doctor (JD) is the degree required to become a lawyer. It typically requires three years of law school after a bachelor's degree, followed by passing a state bar exam to practice law. Lawyers earn strong median pay nationally, with senior legal roles reaching even higher. According to the most recent data:

• Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates earn a median of roughly $154,000 annually
• Lawyers earn a median of roughly $159,700 annually

Passing the bar exam is a required step beyond earning the degree itself, and judicial roles typically require several years of practice as a lawyer first.

7. Doctor of Pharmacy

A Pharm.D. typically requires four years of pharmacy school, often following two to four years of prerequisite undergraduate coursework. All states require pharmacists to be licensed, which includes passing national and state-specific pharmacy licensure exams after graduation.

According to the most recent data, pharmacists earn a median of roughly $140,900 annually. Pay can vary based on practice setting, with hospital and outpatient care roles often paying more than retail pharmacy positions, and because pharmacist employment growth is projected to be slower than average, prospective students may want to research demand in their specific region before committing to this path.

8. Doctor of Optometry

A Doctor of Optometry (OD) typically requires four years of optometry school after a bachelor's degree, with coursework focused on eye health, vision correction, and diagnosing eye conditions. All states require optometrists to be licensed, which includes passing national board exams after graduation.

The most recent BLS data shows optometrists earn a median of roughly $136,600 annually. Optometrists who want to perform a broader range of eye surgeries typically pursue ophthalmology instead, which requires a medical degree, but an OD alone is sufficient for most private practice and clinical roles in this field.

9. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) typically requires four years of veterinary school after a bachelor's degree, with coursework and clinical training covering the care of multiple animal species. All states require veterinarians to be licensed, which includes passing a national board exam after graduation.

The most recent data from the BLS shows veterinarians earn a median of roughly $130,100 annually. Veterinarian employment is projected to grow significantly faster than average, driven in part by rising pet ownership, making this a strong option for students interested in both animal care and long-term career stability.

10. PhD in Astronomy

A PhD in astronomy typically takes five to seven years to complete, combining advanced coursework with original research, often involving observational data from telescopes or space-based instruments. Graduates pursue careers in research institutions, government agencies like NASA, and academia.

According to the most recent BLS data, astronomers earn a median of roughly $128,800 annually. Because this is a smaller, highly specialized field with a limited number of research positions available nationally, prospective students should research funding and job availability carefully before committing to this path.

11. PhD in Biochemistry/Biophysics

A PhD in biochemistry or biophysics typically takes five to six years to complete, combining advanced coursework with original laboratory research into the chemical and physical processes within living organisms. Graduates pursue careers in academic research, pharmaceutical development, and biotechnology.

According to the most recent BLS data, biochemists and biophysicists earn a median of roughly $127,400 annually. Because much of this field's funding comes from research grants, prospective students should research the availability of funded positions and postdoctoral opportunities in their specific area of interest.

12. PhD in Economics

A PhD in economics typically takes five to six years to complete, combining advanced coursework in economic theory and statistics with original dissertation research. Graduates pursue careers in academia, government agencies, and private-sector research roles.

The most recent BLS data shows economics postsecondary teachers earn a median of roughly $123,900 annually. Because many PhD economists also work outside academia in roles like general economist positions, which require less time in doctoral study, prospective students should weigh whether a full PhD is necessary for their specific career goals.

13. PhD in Engineering

A PhD in engineering typically takes four to six years to complete, combining advanced coursework with original research in a specialized engineering discipline. Graduates pursue careers in academic research, industry research and development, and specialized technical consulting.

According to the most recent BLS data, engineering postsecondary teachers earn a median of roughly $109,300 annually. Because most engineering careers, including many high-paying ones, don't require a doctoral degree, this path makes the most sense for students specifically interested in academic research or teaching rather than industry practice alone.

14. PhD in Biomedical Sciences

A PhD in biomedical sciences typically takes five to six years to complete, combining advanced coursework with original research into the biological mechanisms behind human health and disease. Graduates pursue careers in academic research, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and government research agencies.

The most recent BLS data shows medical scientists, except epidemiologists, earn a median of roughly $103,400 annually. Because this field relies heavily on research funding and grant availability, prospective students should research the job market and funding landscape in their specific area of specialization.

15. Doctor of Physical Therapy

A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) typically takes three years to complete after a bachelor's degree, combining classroom instruction with extensive clinical training. Unlike some other doctoral fields on this list, physical therapists can begin independent practice immediately after passing the national licensing exam, without a required residency.

According to the most recent BLS data, physical therapists earn a median of roughly $102,800 annually. This field is projected to grow much faster than average, reflecting rising demand for rehabilitative care as the population ages. 

How to Choose a Doctoral Degree

Salary potential is a strong starting point, but a few other factors matter just as much when narrowing down which doctoral degree to pursue. Consider the following before committing to a program:

• Professional doctorate vs. PhD: Professional doctorates prepare you for direct practice in a specific field, while PhDs center on original research and often lead toward academic or research-focused careers. Consider which type of work actually appeals to you day to day.
• Time to practice, not just time to degree: Several fields on this list require years of residency, fellowship, or postdoctoral work beyond the degree itself before reaching full practice or top pay. Research the complete timeline, not just the degree length.
• Licensing requirements: Most professional doctorates on this list require passing a licensing exam, and some also require a period of supervised practice, so factor that into your overall plan.
• Job market and funding realities: For research-focused PhDs in particular, academic and research positions can be limited and competitive. Research funding availability and job placement rates in your specific field before committing to a program.

Weighing these factors alongside salary potential can help you choose a degree that fits both your interests and the realities of your specific field.

How Much Do Doctoral Degrees Cost?

Doctoral degrees, particularly professional doctorates, represent one of the largest educational investments a student can make. Public in-state programs generally offer the lowest overall cost, while private institutions tend to run considerably higher.

Costs vary significantly based on program type and field. Fields like dentistry and veterinary medicine often carry higher costs due to specialized equipment, clinical facilities, and lab requirements, while fields like law rely more on standard classroom instruction. Research-focused PhD programs work differently than professional doctorates in this regard, since many offer funding packages that cover tuition and provide a stipend in exchange for teaching or research assistantship work, which can significantly offset the overall cost compared to a professional doctorate. Researching total program cost, including whether funding is available, not just the advertised tuition rate, can help you get a clearer financial picture before enrolling.

How to Pay for a Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree comes with substantial costs, but several funding options can help offset the investment.

• Federal financial aid: Completing the FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, work-study, and federal student loans, including Grad PLUS loans designed for graduate and professional students.
• Assistantships and fellowships: Many research-focused PhD programs offer teaching or research assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend in exchange for work, along with fellowships that fund students without a work requirement attached.
• Scholarships: Many schools, professional associations, and private organizations offer scholarships specific to fields like law, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.
• Employer-sponsored training: Some employers, particularly in healthcare, offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing a relevant doctoral degree.
• Military aid: Service members, veterans, and their families may qualify for benefits like the GI Bill or tuition assistance programs, which can cover some or all of the cost of a doctoral degree.

Because research-focused PhD programs often come with funding packages that professional doctorates typically don't offer, researching a program's specific funding structure is one of the most important financial steps before enrolling.

FAQs About Doctoral Degrees That Pay 100k   

Here are answers to a few common questions about high-paying doctoral degrees.

What's the Highest-Paying Doctoral Degree on This List?

An MD or DO leads the list by a wide margin, with several physician specialties reporting median pay well above $200,000 annually. Dentistry and nursing practice doctorates also rank among the top earners.

Do Postsecondary Teachers Really Earn Six Figures?

It depends heavily on the subject. Several fields on this list, including physics, economics, and engineering, report postsecondary teaching salaries above $100,000, but this isn't universal across all disciplines. Postsecondary teaching pay varies significantly by subject, institution type, and location, so a six-figure salary in one field doesn't necessarily reflect what postsecondary teachers earn across the board.

What's the Difference Between a Professional Doctorate and a PhD?

A professional doctorate, like an MD, JD, or DVM, prepares graduates for direct practice in a specific field and follows a standardized curriculum tied to licensure. A PhD centers on original dissertation research and typically leads toward academic, research, or specialized industry careers, with more variation in day-to-day work and career outcomes.

Do All High-Paying Doctoral Careers Require Licensure?

Most professional doctorates on this list do, including medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, nursing practice, and physical therapy. Research-focused PhDs generally don't require licensure, though specific roles may have their own credentialing requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Start Earning $100K After Choosing One of These Degrees?

This varies significantly by field. A DPT or DNP can lead to six-figure pay relatively soon after graduation and licensure, while fields like medicine and podiatry require additional years of residency before reaching full earning potential. Research-focused PhDs often depend on securing a funded research or academic position after graduation.

Are Online Doctoral Degrees a Good Option for These Fields?

Most of these fields, particularly those requiring clinical training, lab work, or in-person research, aren't well suited to fully online programs. Some coursework may be offered online as part of a hybrid format, but hands-on components remain a core part of nearly every degree on this list.

Discover High-Paying Doctoral Degrees

Many professional doctorates and PhDs lead to high-paying careers. Find your perfect program by exploring the degrees and resources featured on Learn.org.