Ten of the Highest Paying Careers in the United States

Knowing what the highest paying careers in the United States are is a great way to help you decide what path you want to take in life. Choosing one of the highest paying careers can provide financial security, professional growth and job satisfaction. Some of these jobs require advanced degrees, others rely on specialized training, certifications, or experience.

Whether you’re considering a college degree or seeking a well-paying job without one, this list might help you decide if you want to pursue one of the highest paying careers in the United States.

The Highest Paying Careers

1. Physicians and Surgeons

• Median Annual Salary: $239,000+
• Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree

Medical professionals, especially specialists such as anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and surgeons, are the highest earners in the U.S. Their salaries reflect years of rigorous education, training, and responsibility in diagnosing and treating patients. You could also consider these careers in healthcare.

2. Chief Executives

• Median Annual Salary: $206,000+
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (commonly required)

Chief executives, including CEOs and company presidents, oversee business operations, make critical decisions and drive company success. While many executives hold degrees, experience, leadership skills, and industry knowledge can be equally valuable in reaching top positions.

Keep in mind that the annual salary for a chief executive will vary depending on the industry, among other factors. In general, this is typically one of the highest paying careers.

3. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

• Median Annual Salary for Airline Pilots: $171,000+
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (commonly required), FAA certification

Aviation professionals operate commercial aircraft, ensuring safe flights for passengers and cargo. Pilots undergo extensive training and must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. While a college degree may be beneficial, flight experience and licensing are essential for career advancement.

4. Dentists

• Median Annual Salary: $166,000
• Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree

Dentists, particularly specialists like orthodontists and oral surgeons, diagnose and treat oral health issues. Their high salaries stem from the technical skills required and the demand for dental care services.

5. Information Technology (IT) Managers

• Median Annual Salary: $169,000
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field

IT managers lead technology departments, ensuring that businesses have the infrastructure and security necessary to operate efficiently. With technology becoming more integral to daily life, IT managers enjoy strong job demand and high salaries.

6. Air Traffic Controllers

• Median Annual Salary: $137,000+
• Education Required: Associate’s degree or specialized FAA training

Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movement, ensuring safe landings and takeoffs. The job requires intense concentration and decision-making skills. While it does not require a four-year degree, candidates must complete FAA training and pass exams.

7. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

• Median Annual Salary: $120,000+
• Education Required: High school diploma and extensive on-the-job training

Nuclear reactor operators manage nuclear power plants, monitoring systems to ensure safe and efficient energy production. The role demands technical expertise, attention to detail, and regulatory compliance.

8. Commercial Pilots

• Median Annual Salary: $99,000+
• Education Required: High school diploma, flight training, and FAA certification

Unlike airline pilots, commercial pilots fly for private companies, cargo transport, or emergency services. They require flight training, licensing, and experience rather than a traditional college education.

9. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

• Median Annual Salary: $99,000+
• Education Required: High school diploma and relevant industry experience

These managers oversee the movement of goods and services across supply chains. They play a crucial role in logistics, ensuring efficient transportation and delivery operations.

10. Police Supervisors

• Median Annual Salary: $101,000
• Education Required: High school diploma and law enforcement training

Supervising police officers and detectives, these professionals manage law enforcement teams, coordinate investigations and enforce public safety laws. Promotions to supervisory roles typically come with experience rather than academic degrees. Some departments may require a Master’s degree for this role.

Your Next Step

If any of these job interest you, you should conduct your own research on the cost to get into these fields. While these are the highest paying careers, some of them require years of schooling, which could mean years of debt if you don’t have the money available for tuition. Keep in mind that there may be jobs not listed with similar salaries depending on someone’s experience and the location in the United States.

The U.S. job market offers high-paying career paths for both degree holders and those seeking opportunities without a college education. Healthcare, aviation, technology, and law enforcement provide substantial salaries, rewarding professionals for their expertise, training and leadership. Whether through traditional education or hands-on experience, these careers demonstrate that financial success is achievable through various routes.

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*All information provided about salaries provided by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and is accurate of March 10, 2025.