In 2024, Anesthesiologist holds the top spot as the highest-paying job in the U.S., followed by Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Psychiatrist, and Nurse Anesthetist. It’s clear that healthcare professionals lead the way in the top 10 highest-paying jobs in the US, highlighting their critical contributions to patient care and safety. Yet, the list doesn’t stop at healthcare; opportunities in technology and management also offer significant financial rewards, proving that various industries have paths to success. This overview takes a closer look at each profession’s core duties, educational requirements, and salary details to help those considering these top-tier careers.
Highest Paying Jobs in the US
1. Anesthesiologist: Median Salary: $239,200
2. Obstetrician and Gynecologist: Median Salary: $239,200
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Median Salary: $239,200
4. Psychiatrist: Median Salary: $226,880
5. Nurse Anesthetist: Median Salary: $203,090
6. Pediatrician: Median Salary: $190,350
7. Orthodontist: Median Salary: $174,360
8. IT Manager: Median Salary: $164,070
9. Dentist: Median Salary: $155,040
10. Podiatrist: Median Salary: $148,720
1. Anesthesiologist: Median Salary: $239,200
Median Salary: $239,200
Education: Doctorate
Role: Manage pain during surgery and monitor patients’ vital signs.
Anesthesiologists are highly trained medical professionals responsible for managing pain during surgical procedures by administering anesthesia. They also closely monitor patients’ vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing to ensure safety throughout the operation. With a median annual salary of $239,200, anesthesiologists are tied for the top spot among the best-paying jobs in the U.S. To become an anesthesiologist, one must complete a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, which typically takes 8-12 years of education and training, including medical school and residency. Their expertise is critical to patient care during surgeries and various other medical treatments.
2. Obstetrician and Gynecologist: Median Salary: $239,200
Median Salary: $239,200
Education: Doctorate
Role: Care for women’s reproductive health, including childbirth.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) specialize in women’s reproductive health, providing care related to childbirth, pregnancy, and disorders of the reproductive system. They perform regular checkups, deliver babies, and handle complex medical procedures such as cesarean sections. With a median annual salary of $239,200, OB/GYNs are tied for the top spot among the best-paying jobs in the U.S. Becoming an OB/GYN requires completing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, typically taking 8-12 years of education, including medical school, residency, and specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology. Their expertise is crucial for women’s health.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: Median Salary: $239,200
Median Salary: $239,200
Education: Doctorate
Role: Perform surgeries on the mouth, jaws, and face.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons perform surgeries on the mouth, jaws, and face, treating conditions like impacted teeth and cleft lips. With a median salary of $239,200, they are tied for the top spot in the best-paying jobs category. Becoming an oral surgeon requires completing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree, followed by 4-6 years of residency. Their expertise covers both dental and medical surgery in complex head and neck areas.
4. Psychiatrist: Median Salary: $226,880
Median Salary: $226,880
Education: Doctorate
Role: Diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who diagnose and treat mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They use personal counseling, medication, and, when necessary, hospitalization to help patients. With a median salary of $226,880, psychiatrists are among the highest-paying roles in the U.S. This profession requires a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, typically taking 8-12 years of education and training, including medical school, residency, and specialization in psychiatry.
5. Nurse Anesthetist: Median Salary: $203,090
Median Salary: $203,090
Education: Master’s
Role: Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during medical procedures.
Nurse Anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who provide anesthesia care before, during, and after surgeries or other medical procedures. With a median salary of $203,090, they hold one of the highest-paying jobs for nurses. To become a nurse anesthetist, one must complete a Master’s in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which takes around 6-8 years of education and training, including nursing school and clinical experience.
6. Pediatrician: Median Salary: $190,350
Median Salary: $190,350
Education: Doctorate
Role: Treat infants, children, and adolescents.
Pediatricians specialize in the healthcare of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. They diagnose and treat common illnesses, administer vaccinations, and monitor children’s development. With a median salary of $190,350, pediatricians rank among the top-paying jobs in the healthcare field. This career requires completing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, typically taking 8-12 years, including medical school and residency in pediatrics.
7. Orthodontist: Median Salary: $174,360
Median Salary: $174,360
Education: Doctorate
Role: Align teeth and jaw for functional and aesthetic purposes.
Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws to improve both function and appearance. They use braces, retainers, and other appliances to correct dental issues. With a median salary of $174,360, orthodontists are among the highest earners in dentistry. To become an orthodontist, one must complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree, followed by 2-3 years of specialized training in orthodontics.
8. IT Manager: Median Salary: $164,070
Median Salary: $164,070
Education: Bachelor’s
Role: Manage an organization’s technology infrastructure.
IT Managers oversee the technology infrastructure of an organization, including its computer systems, software, and networks. They are responsible for ensuring security, managing IT teams, and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies. With a median salary of $164,070, IT managers are among the best-paying jobs outside of healthcare. This role typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, along with 5-10 years of experience in IT.
9. Dentist: Median Salary: $155,040
Median Salary: $155,040
Education: Doctorate
Role: Treat issues related to teeth, gums, and mouth health.
Dentists diagnose and treat issues related to the teeth, gums, and mouth. They perform procedures such as filling cavities, conducting root canals, and performing tooth extractions. With a median salary of $155,040, dentists have one of the best-paying healthcare jobs. To become a dentist, one must complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree, which generally requires 8 years of education and training, including dental school.
10. Podiatrist: Median Salary: $148,720
Median Salary: $148,720
Education: Doctorate
Role: Treat feet, ankles, and lower legs, including surgeries and medication.
Podiatrists specialize in treating conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Their responsibilities include diagnosing problems, performing surgeries, and prescribing medications for foot-related ailments. With a median salary of $148,720, podiatrists rank among the highest-paid healthcare professionals. Becoming a podiatrist requires a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, typically taking 8 years of education, including podiatry school and residency.
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