Highest-Paying Careers in the U.S. Right Now

Healthcare remains in the list of the best-paying jobs in the United States. As per the latest statistics of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 22 out of the 25 professions that are highest paid are medical jobs. These positions require years of education, training and specialization and are compensated with unmatched financial remuneration. Whether it is a pediatrician surgeon or an orthopedic one, a radiologist or an anesthesiologist, these professionals receive salaries of six figures, depending on their experience and the level of responsibilities they take. Nevertheless, there are some non-medical careers, such as the CEOs, airline pilots, and professional athletes, which also take one of the top-paying jobs in the country.

Top 10 Highest-Paying Careers in the U.S.

Pediatric surgeons are first in the list and they make an average of $450,810 per year. They do the complex work of carrying out complex procedures on babies and children making their work demanding and precise. The second in line with an average pay of 432,490 are cardiologists, professionals dealing with the heart and vascular diseases. Additional high paying medical jobs are in general surgeons (371, 280), orthopedic surgeons (365,060) and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (360,240) who are involved in surgery of the jaw and face. Radiologists (359820), dermatologists (347810), and anesthesiologists (336640) are also included in the list of the most essential specialists in diagnostics and surgery. Ranking at number ten with a salary of about 320,700 are emergency medicine physicians who are involved in work of a high-stakes nature, especially in trauma and urgent care.

Notable Non-Medical High Earners

In spite of the fact that the medical sphere is at the head of the scale of salaries, there are several non-healthcare roles that take high positions. Chief executives receive average wages of 262, 930, which signify the sensitive aspects of leadership in the management of companies and determining corporate success. The next high paying occupations are airline pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers at $280,570; they prove their professionalism in technical skills and the safety of passengers. Meanwhile the average professional sportsmen and athletes earn a staggering income of 259,750 based on contracts, endorsements and performance.

The Bottom Line

The statistics emphasizes the fact that medicine as the means of gaining high income in the U.S. is the surest occasion, but it takes a long-term commitment and education. Another type of non-medical career, such as executive management and aviation, also provides top-level remuneration to people who are willing to work in demanding professional environments. Finally, the choice of a career option must be an equilibrium between passion, education, and lifestyle and financial aspirations.