Top-Paying Careers: Salaries, Job Descriptions, and Education Requirements
Healthcare Jobs Dominate the Salary Ladder:
Healthcare professions are consistently at the top of the highest-paid jobs list, and the sector is poised for significant growth. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that employment in healthcare occupations is expected to increase by 13% from 2021 to 2031, translating to about two million new jobs. This surge is driven by the need to replace workers who exit their roles permanently. In contrast, the overall growth rate in the U.S. for the same period is projected to be 5.3%.
For more information, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report on “Healthcare Occupations.”
What Are best Jobs to earn Money?
Which Jobs Give highest salary in USA?
Which Jobs has Highest Demand in USA?
Answer for all above questions are provided below with proper education and path to follow details:
1. Cardiologist
Average Annual Salary: $353,970
Description: Cardiologists are specialized surgeons focused on diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing diseases related to the cardiovascular system. They perform procedures such as balloon angioplasty and stent placement, as well as echocardiography and electrophysiology to examine and treat heart conditions.
Work Hours: Typically work during regular business hours but often exceed 50-60 hours per week due to patient loads and emergencies. On-call duties for evenings, weekends, and holidays are common.
Education Path:
- Undergraduate degree (preferably in chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or psychology)
- Four years of medical school
- Six to eight years of internal medicine and specialized cardiology training
- Certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
2. Anesthesiologist
Average Annual Salary: $331,190
Job Description: Anesthesiologists administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management during surgeries and other procedures.
Work Hours: Long and unpredictable hours, often following the operating room schedule and covering both scheduled and emergency procedures.
Education Path:
- Four years of medical school
- Four-year residency in anesthesiology
- Licensing exam
Job Outlook: Employment is expected to grow by 1% from 2021 to 2031.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Average Annual Salary: $311,460
Description: These surgeons treat diseases, injuries, and defects in and around the mouth and jaw, including wisdom teeth removal, jaw realignment, and tumor removal.
Work Hours: Often long hours, with potential on-call duties for emergencies.
Education Path:
- Undergraduate degree
- Four-year dental degree
- Four years of residency
- Certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031.
4. Emergency Medicine Physician
Average Annual Salary: $310,640
Job Description: Emergency medicine physicians provide immediate care for patients with traumatic injuries or acute illnesses, often making rapid medical decisions to prevent serious outcomes.
Work Hours: Irregular and long hours, often including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Four years of medical school
- Four-year residency in emergency medicine
- Licensing and certification
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
5. Orthopedic Surgeon (Except Pediatric)
Average Annual Salary: $306,220
Description: Orthopedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal system diseases through surgery, including procedures on bones, joints, and ligaments.
Work Hours: Hectic schedules with both planned and emergency surgeries, often requiring long hours.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Four years of medical school
- Residency in orthopedic surgery
- State-administered exam and board certification
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
6. Dermatologist
Average Annual Salary: $302,740
Description: Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions, performing both medical and surgical procedures.
Work Hours: Typically have regular hours, working 30-40 hours per week.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Four years of medical school
- Three to nine years of internship and residency
- Certification exams
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
7. Radiologist
Average Annual Salary: $301,720
Description: Radiologists use medical imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases, performing minimally invasive procedures and interpreting diagnostic images.
Work Hours: Mostly office-based work with regular hours, focusing on image interpretation and diagnosis.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Four years of medical school
- Residency and fellowship
- Licensure and board certification
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031.
8. Surgeon (Other)
Average Annual Salary: $297,800
Job Description: Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries or illnesses, requiring extensive knowledge of surgical procedures and patient care.
Work Hours: 50-60 hours per week, with potential on-call duties nearly 24/7.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field
- Four years of medical school
- Residency and internship in surgery
- Licensure and board certification
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
9. Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
Average Annual Salary: $296,210
Description: OB-GYNs specialize in reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth, providing both preventive care and surgical treatments.
Work Hours: Regular patient visits, with on-call duties for childbirth and emergencies.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Four years of medical school
- Residency in obstetrics and gynecology
- Licensure exam
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 2% from 2021 to 2031.
10. Pediatric Surgeon
Average Annual Salary: $290,310
Job Description: Pediatric surgeons treat surgical conditions in fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents, often dealing with congenital conditions and injuries.
Work Hours: Typically employed at children’s hospitals or medical centers, working long hours with a team of healthcare professionals.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Four years of medical school
- Five years of general surgery training
- Two years of pediatric surgery fellowship
- Licensure and certification
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
11. Ophthalmologist (Except Pediatric)
Average Annual Salary: $270,090
Description: Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform eye surgeries, and prescribe corrective lenses.
Work Hours: Regular hours with few emergencies, often in private practice.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Four years of medical school
- Three to eight years of internship and residency
- State medical board exam for licensure
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
12. Neurologist
Average Annual Salary: $267,660
Job Description: Neurologists diagnose and treat brain and nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and epilepsy.
Work Hours: Vary depending on specialty, with potential long hours in a hospital setting.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Medical school
- Residency
- Board certification and fellowship
- Licensure
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031.
13. Orthodontist
Average Annual Salary: $267,280
Job Description: Orthodontists correct teeth alignment issues using braces, retainers, and other devices.
Work Hours: Often in private practice, with regular hours and management responsibilities for those who own practices.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Dental school program
- Residency in orthodontics
- Licensing exam
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031.
14. Pathologist
Average Annual Salary: $267,180
Job Description: Pathologists diagnose diseases by examining organs, tissues, and body fluids, often working in clinical laboratories or hospitals.
Work Hours: Full-time hours, with some on-call duties in 24-hour facilities.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Medical school
- Pathology residency program
- Licensing exams
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031.
15. Psychiatrist
Average Annual Salary: $249,760
Description: Psychiatrists treat mental health disorders, with specialties in areas like child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry.
Work Hours: Work in diverse settings, including private practice, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Medical school
- Residency in psychiatry
- Certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 9% from 2021 to 2031.
16. General Internal Medicine Physician
Average Annual Salary: $242,190
Description: Internists provide primary care for adult patients, treating a wide range of conditions from chronic illnesses to common infections.
Work Hours: Regular hours with potential for long days due to patient loads.
Education Path:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Medical school
- Residency in internal medicine
- Licensure
Job Outlook: Employment is projected to grow by 2%.