The 10 Highest Paying Jobs In America

Nearly seven in 10 people say that salary and overall compensation are among their main considerations in deciding the kind of work they want to do. If that describes you, this U.S. Department of Labor list of the 10 highest paying jobs in America should provide valuable insights.

Salary data for this list comes from information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and reflects the 2015 median salary earned for someone employed in that position. Of course, salaries for all of these positions can vary widely according to a number of factors, including location, experience and company size. For example, a dentist is likely to make significantly more in New York City than in Mobile, Ala. The wages reported here represent the midway point – half the workers in that occupation earn more, and half earn less.

(Just starting out? Check out Best Careers for College Grads in 2016.)

When it comes to rankings, keep in mind the caveat above regarding salary ranges for various professions.

Still, there are some surprises here. Most people are used to hearing about multimillion dollar contracts awarded to top executives of major corporations, but on this BLS list top execs rank only number 10 for salary. Needless to say, top execs in Fortune 100 companies generally earn a lot more,especially if you add in non-salary items such as bonuses, stock options and other compensation, but there are also people in top management in small, family-owned businesses who make less. That is probably the reason why marketing managers, who likely work for larger companies, outrank them for salary on this list.

1. Physician – $187,200

Physicians are trained to diagnose and treat injuries and/or illnesses, including mental illness (psychiatrists). Other specialties include surgery, anesthesiology, radiology, internal medicine, obstetrics, cardiology, neurology and pediatrics.

Becoming a doctor requires a massive investment in education (requiring both time and money): four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school and, depending on the specialty one goes into, three to seven years in internship and residency programs.  (For more see The Highest-Paying Medical Careers.)

2. Dentist – $158,310

Diagnosing and treating problems with the teeth, gums and mouth make up the work day for dentists. They provide advice on taking care of teeth and even diet as it relates to oral health.

Education involves graduation from an accredited dental school followed by passing a series of exams and receiving a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state. 

3. Architectural and Engineering Managers – $132,800

These managers work in architectural and engineering companies, where they may oversee activities like production, quality assurance and testing at manufacturing sites, industrial plants or research and development labs.

A bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering is a minimum educational requirement along with work experience in either field. Note that the projected job growth for the next eight years is projected to be low. 

4. Computer and Information Systems Managers – $131,600

Often referred to as information technology (IT) managers, computer and information systems managers coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization or business.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science along with related work experience is required before someone in this field can move into a managerial position – and many even hold graduate degrees.

5. Petroleum Engineer – $129,990

This type of engineer designs and develops methods for extracting oil and gas from underground deposits, including whatever might remain in old wells.

Petroleum engineers must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably petroleum engineering. In addition, work experience, including completion of an internship, is preferred. 

6. Marketing Manager – $124,850

Advertising, promotions and marketing managers coordinate the promotion of products, services or campaigns. They partner with art directors, sales staff and members of the finance team within a company.

A bachelor’s degree is typically required for work in this field, especially as a manager. In addition, work experience in all areas of promotions and sales is helpful. 

7. Air Traffic Controller – $122,950

Ensuring that aircraft in the U.S. take off, fly and land safely is the job of air traffic controllers. Their responsibility includes making sure all aircraft maintain a safe distance apart.

Anyone who wants to be an air traffic controller must be a U.S citizen. You must have a bachelor’s degree, or work experience or a combination of both totaling three years. Medical and background checks are required, and you must successfully pass exams and a course at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy. 

8. Judge and Hearing Officer – $109,010

Judges and hearing officers oversee legal proceedings in the court system. They conduct pretrial hearings, resolve disputes and ultimately issue legal decisions.

Some positions require only a bachelor’s degree, but the vast majority of judges have law degrees. 

9. Nurse Anesthetist – $104,740

Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners are all known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). They coordinate patient care and provide specialized healthcare to patients.

Minimum educational requirements include at least a master’s degree in one of the APRN specialties. Each state has a licensure requirement and all APRNs must pass a national certification exam. 

10. Top Executive – $102,690

Top executives are employed in almost every industry. Typically referred to as the CEO (chief executive officer) or COO (chief operating officer), these executives also function as leaders in many nonprofit organizations. Their job is to make sure the company or organization meets its goals.

Education for most top executives includes at least a bachelor’s degree. Those in specialized industries may also have advanced degrees in business, law, medicine or other fields. In addition, many have a wealth of experience in their chosen industry before they can be named CEO or COO.

Perhaps not surprisingly given medical bills these days, three of the entries in this Top 10 list are in the medical field. Engineering of one sort or another takes up another two slots.

The remaining five form a varied sampling that includes everything from business executive and judge to air traffic controller, computer expert and marketing specialist. Apparently, even those who search out the highest-paying professions have a wide menu from which to select. It may be possible to be happy with your work and well-compensated after all.