25 Highest-Paying Jobs in the U.S.

When it comes to earning power, healthcare professionals dominate the top of the salary ladder in the United States. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 22 of the 25 highest-paying occupations are in medicine. While most roles demand several years of training, the financial payoff can be substantial, especially for those with specialized expertise.

Here are the 25 occupations with the highest average annual salaries as of May 2024, the most recent data available.

1. Pediatric Surgeons: $450,810

Pediatric surgeons specialize in complex procedures for infants, children, and adolescents, so they often work in high-stakes environments. Their extensive training includes a general surgery residency followed by a pediatric fellowship.

2. Cardiologists: $432,490

Cardiologists treat heart-related conditions and may specialize in electrophysiology or procedures like stent placements. Most work in physicians’ offices or hospitals, while others work in outpatient care centers or colleges and universities.

3. Surgeons, All Other: $371,280

This category includes specialized surgeons who don’t fall into more narrowly defined roles. Salaries vary by state and reflect the complexity of the procedures they perform, as well as the degree of their training.

4. Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric: $365,060

These surgeons focus on bones, joints, and muscles, frequently performing hip and knee replacements or spinal procedures. As with other types of surgeons, their work often combines scheduled operations with emergency trauma cases.

5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: $360,240

These dental specialists perform surgeries on the mouth, jaw, and face—often to treat impacted teeth or facial trauma, or for cosmetic reasons. Many operate private practices or work in hospital environments.

6. Radiologists: $359,820

Radiologists use imaging technologies like MRIs and CT scans to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. While much of their work is diagnostic, interventional radiologists also perform minimally invasive procedures.

7. Surgeons: $354,760

General surgeons perform operations ranging from appendectomies to cancer resections. Surgeons typically require both a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree, plus three to nine years of internship and residency programs. Further specialization may require one to three years in a fellowship.

8. Dermatologists: $347,810

Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and vitiligo, as well as over 3,000 different diseases. Some may also perform cosmetic or surgical procedures. Their relatively predictable schedules make this a highly sought-after specialty.

9. Anesthesiologists: $336,640

Anesthesiologists are highly specialized medical doctors who administer pain relief before, during, and after surgery, making them key to ensuring patient safety. They are often on-call and must react quickly to emergencies in surgical settings.

10. Emergency Medicine Physicians: $320,700

These doctors handle trauma and acute illnesses, making life-or-death decisions in fast-paced emergency rooms. The unpredictable nature of medical emergencies may require them to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

11. Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric: $301,500

Ophthalmologists treat eye conditions and perform surgeries like cataract removal or LASIK. Many balance surgical procedures with routine eye care in outpatient clinics.

12. Neurologists: $286,310

Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain and nervous system, including Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. Their work involves complex diagnostics and long-term patient care.

13. Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $281,130

OB-GYNs specialize in reproductive health and childbirth, so they must often balance scheduled appointments with unpredictable deliveries. Many are on-call to manage labor and emergency surgeries. They may also provide general care to women.

14. Airline Pilots, Co-pilots, and Flight Engineers: $280,570

These aviation professionals ensure flights are both safe and timely—for passengers and cargo. Given the constant nature of airline travel, they often work irregular schedules across time zones. This profession requires federal certification and training that encompasses 1,500 flight hours in order to become a pilot.

15. Physicians: $272,320

This general category covers doctors who don’t fall into other specialized groups. Many serve as primary care physicians or work in hospital settings.

16. Psychiatrists: $269,120

Psychiatrists treat mental health conditions and can prescribe medication, which distinguishes them from psychologists. Many operate private practices or work in hospital systems.

17. Physicians, Pathologists: $266,020

Pathologists work behind the scenes in hospital labs to conduct lab tests on organs, tissues, and fluids, often to help diagnose diseases.

18. Chief Executives: $262,930

CEOs lead organizations and make strategic decisions that affect business operations and profitability. Their pay reflects the scale of responsibility and business success. They’re considered the highest-ranking individuals in a company, but they generally report to and are elected by a board of directors and the board chair.

19. General Internal Medicine Physicians: $262,710

Internists manage adult patients’ chronic and acute conditions, often serving as primary care providers. Their broad medical knowledge covers everything from infections to hypertension.

20. Athletes and Sports Competitors: $259,750

This high-paying nonmedical outlier includes elite professional athletes who earn large incomes through contracts, endorsements, and prize money. Earnings vary dramatically depending on performance and sport.

21. Prosthodontists: $258,660

Prosthodontists design and fit artificial replacements for teeth and oral structures to improve both function and appearance. While orthodontists focus on realigning teeth and correcting jaw problems, prosthodontists specialize in replacing teeth with appliances such as crowns or veneers and fixing tooth structure.

22. Family Medicine Physicians: $256,830

These doctors provide comprehensive care for all ages, addressing everything from routine checkups to chronic illness management, and they provide referrals to specialists when needed. Many build long-term relationships with families.

23. Orthodontists: $254,620

Orthodontists examine and correct misaligned teeth and jaws. As part of their work, they may take X-rays, design and fabricate appliances to help realign teeth, and apply braces or aligners. They typically run private practices and see patients regularly over long treatment periods.

24. Physicians, All Other: $253,470

This broad category includes specialists in emerging or less common medical fields not listed separately by the BLS.

25. Dentists, All Other Specialists: $246,530

Specialist dentists like endodontists and periodontists handle root canals or gum surgeries. Most work in private practices and earn higher-than-average compensation in dentistry.

The Bottom Line

Often requiring years of advanced training, medical roles make up many of the highest-paying jobs in the U.S. Job titles in company leadership and aviation roles also break into the top tier, but healthcare remains the clearest path to earning a high salary.

Of course, these salaries will vary according to years of experience, skill, and geography—and they don’t include other perks or additional compensation (like bonuses). Plus, you should remember that choosing the right career means weighing not only the salary but also your passions and the investment of time and education required.