Highest Paying Jobs 2026
Data-driven ranking based on Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, salary data, and industry trends.
If earning potential is your top priority, these occupations offer the highest median salaries in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2024 wage data, healthcare providers and specialized executives dominate the top of the pay scale, with many positions exceeding $200,000 annually. This ranking reflects median annual wages across all experience levels.
Top 20 Highest Paying Occupations (2024)
Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, these are the highest-paying careers in America:
Cardiologists
Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and cardiovascular conditions. This highly specialized medical field requires extensive education (4 years medical school + 3-6 years residency/fellowship) but offers exceptional compensation and the ability to save lives daily.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery. This critical medical specialty requires precision and extensive training, offering top-tier compensation and strong demand in surgical centers and hospitals.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
These dental specialists perform surgery on the mouth, jaw, and face. Combining dentistry with surgical skills, this specialty requires dental school plus 4-6 years of surgical residency, but offers among the highest pay in healthcare.
Orthopedic Surgeons (except Pediatric)
Orthopedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions through surgery and other interventions. This in-demand surgical specialty combines technical skill with patient care, offering exceptional earnings and job security.
Radiologists
Radiologists use medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases. This technology-focused medical specialty often offers better lifestyle balance than surgical fields while maintaining top-tier compensation.
Dermatologists
Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions. Known for excellent work-life balance relative to other medical specialties, dermatology combines cosmetic and medical procedures with outstanding compensation.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
ER physicians provide immediate medical care for acute illnesses and injuries. This fast-paced specialty requires quick decision-making and versatility, offering excellent pay and flexible shift-based scheduling.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders through medication and therapy. Growing mental health awareness is driving strong demand for psychiatrists, who enjoy excellent compensation and meaningful patient relationships.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
OB/GYNs provide reproductive health care and deliver babies. This rewarding specialty combines surgery, primary care, and obstetrics, offering top compensation and the joy of bringing new life into the world.
Ophthalmologists (except Pediatric)
Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform eye surgery. This medical specialty combines surgery with outpatient care, offering excellent compensation and strong demand as the population ages.
Other High-Paying Professions
Beyond physicians and surgeons, these occupations also offer six-figure salaries:
- Family Medicine Physicians: $238,380/year - Primary care doctors serving patients across all ages
- General Internal Medicine Physicians: $236,350/year - Adult medicine specialists
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $226,600/year - Highest-paying non-medical occupation
- Chief Executives: $206,420/year - Top corporate and organizational leaders
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $171,200/year - IT leadership roles
- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $167,740/year - Engineering team leaders
- Financial Managers: $161,700/year - Corporate finance directors
- Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers: $159,660/year - Marketing leadership
Methodology
This ranking is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to estimate employment and wages for over 800 occupations. Rankings reflect median annual wages as of May 2024. "Median" means half of workers in the occupation earn more than this amount, and half earn less. Note that many physician specialties are reported at the BLS wage cap of $239,200 or more, meaning actual median earnings may be significantly higher.
How to Choose the Right Career
- Align with strengths: Choose careers that match your skills and interests
- Research thoroughly: Use BLS data, informational interviews, and job shadowing
- Consider lifestyle: Salary isn't everything — factor in work-life balance, stress, and location
- Plan your path: Understand education and experience requirements
- Start now: Take action with courses, certifications, or entry-level roles
Data Source
All data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment Projections, and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Data reflects 2024 estimates and 2024-2034 projections.