The best-paying jobs in our country are spread across diverse sectors; however, healthcare, management, and IT continue to attract talent with impressive salaries and growth options. Employers are willing to pay good money to hire skilled workers.
Skill is invariably a function of education, training, licensure, and experience. If you’re equipped with these, then you’ve given yourself a perfect chance of earning a high salary.
4 out of 10 high-paying jobs listed in the Bureau of Labor Statistics belong to this category. Doctors make good money. Of course, specialization is a big help. Surgeons across various disciplines, psychiatrists, and gynecologists are some of the jobs in the vast medical field in demand and yield a good income. Over the next decade, physicians' jobs are expected to grow at 4% over the period 2019-2029. Physicians and surgeons juggle multiple responsibilities, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, performing surgeries, and guiding the patient and its family. Physicians make approximately $208,000 per annum.
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) who are responsible for a company's performance and oversee the working of COOs and CFOs draw a hefty package. CEOs of big companies can take home millions annually. CEOs hold a position of extreme responsibility, and climbing the managerial ladder to become the CEO of even a small company is an achievement. A degree, an MBA, and substantial work experience is your key to becoming a CEO. If you do, you can expect to take home around $184,460 per annum.
Airline pilots need to have the technical expertise, physical fitness, and mental acuity to manage airplanes. The job requirements include conducting pre-flight checks, staying up-to-date with safety requirements, checking flight plans, handling emergencies, and of course, flying the aircraft. A bachelor’s degree and a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required to gain employment as a pilot in the commercial airlines' sector. Jobs for airline pilots are expected to grow at the rate of 5% over 2019-2029. Airline pilots can expect to take home a median salary of $121,430 per annum.
Dentists are vital contributors to the nation’s health. Diets and lifestyles have led to an increased demand for dentists over the past three decades. Improvements in cosmetic dentistry and a dental hygiene-conscious public have meant that this profession is in demand for its ability to ensure oral health and provide clients with an appealing smile. Dentists work with dental hygienists and dental assistants to prevent and treat tooth and gum disease. Dentists can set up clinics as general practitioners or focus on a specialization such as prosthodontics, periodontics, and orthodontics. Specialization mandates additional education and licensure, and this effort gets repaid in the form of better earnings. Prosthodontists can expect to earn a median salary of $208,000 or higher. Jobs for dentists are expected to grow at 3% over the next ten years.
Computer and Information System Managers (IT managers) ensure that a company’s computers and networking systems work fine, are secure, and updated. This is a full-time job. Freelancing is an option, and running one’s networking and repairs business can also yield a good income. A degree in computer or information science can get you a job. Another option is to do a professional course alongside a graduate degree.
Jobs for IT managers are expected to grow at a rate of 10% over the next decade. This is a much higher growth rate as compared to the national average for other jobs. The median salary for computer and information system managers is $146,360.
Judges rule on legal matters and are essential cogs for keeping the wheels of society moving. There is always going to be a demand for judges. They are employed in federal, state, and local courts, and the salaries earned vary accordingly. A judge may either be elected or be appointed to work for a fixed term. Judges have a law degree and invariably have practiced for many years. Judges can expect to earn a median salary of around $137,000. Opportunities for judges are expected to grow at 2% over the next ten years.
Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers work hard to inform and entice consumers. The messaging advertisers place influences our purchase decisions in front of us. They play a significant role and therefore are always in demand. A bachelor’s degree is all that is required to get started in this well-paying creative field. BLS states that advertising professionals can hope to earn a median salary of $135,900 per annum. This field is set to grow at 6% over the next ten years.
Financial managers perform a range of tasks to ensure that their employers’ businesses continue to enjoy robust financial health. They play an essential role in enabling employers to lower costs, comply with regulations, and abide by sensible financial decisions. Employment for financial managers is expected to grow at an impressive 15% over the next ten years. As a financial manager, you can expect to take home $129,890. A bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant work experience in the form of an accountant, securities sales agent, or financial analyst is required to reach this position.