26 Highest Paying Jobs in the USA in 2025

Healthcare jobs such as cardiologist, anesthesiologist, pediatric surgeon, among others, dominate the list of the highest paying jobs in the USA. Healthcare is the fastest growing sector according to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, with a projected growth rate of 13% from 2021 to 2031. An estimated 1.8 million openings are projected each year for occupations in the healthcare sector. Several non-medical occupations in IT, finance, and other industries are also part of the top paying jobs in the USA. Despite the highly competitive job market, students who study abroad have a high chance of securing such top-paid positions.

Choosing a career is a vital decision that should take into consideration factors such as salary, interest, passion, and job satisfaction. However, financial stability ends up being the ultimate determining factor for many. This blog provides detailed information on the highest paying jobs in the USA, along with best companies to work for, best part-time jobs, and much more.

What are the highest paying jobs in the USA?

Cardiologists, Anesthesiologists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Pediatric Surgeons, along with other healthcare-based roles occupy the top 10 high earning positions in the USA. The top-paid occupations in America along with their salaries and estimated growth are as given in the table below. 

Highest Paying Jobs in USA
Job Role	2025 Mean Pay	Projected Job Outlook
Cardiologist	$423,250 per year	3%
Anesthesiologist	$339,470 per year	3%
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon	$334,310 per year	5%
Emergency Medicine Physician	$306,640 per year	3%
Orthopedic Surgeon	$378,250 per year	2%
Dermatologist	$342,860 per year	3%
Radiologist	$353,960 per year	5%
Obstetrician-Gynecologist	$278,660 per year	2%
Pediatric Surgeon	$449,320 per year	1%
Ophthalmologist	$312,120 per year	4%
Neurologist	$271,470 per year	3%
Orthodontist	$243,620 per year	4%
Physician, Pathologist	$270,560 per year	3%
Psychiatrist	$256,930 per year	7%
General Internal Medicine Physician	$245,450 per year	2%
Family Medicine Physician	$240,790 per year	4%
Chief Executive Officer	$258.900 per year	3%
Nurse Anesthetist	$214,200 per year	38%
Airline Pilot, Copilot, and Flight Engineer	$250,050 per year	4%
Dentist (All Specialities)	$244,470 per year	3%
Computer and Information Systems Manager	$180,720 per year	15%
Marketing Manager	$166,410 per year	7%
Financial Manager	$174,820 per year	16%
Industrial Psychologist	$154,380 per year	6%
Lawyer	$176,470 per year	8%
Software Developer	$138,110 per year	26%

Source: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics)

Let’s look at the top high paying jobs in the USA along with their average salary, job description, and eligibility requirements.

1. Cardiologist

National Average Salary: $423,250 per year

Job Description: Cardiologists are surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating the disorders of the cardiovascular system. Their duties include performing tests, interpreting test results, developing treatment plans, using medical imaging equipment such as CT and MRI, performing or assisting heart surgeries and procedures such as balloon angioplasty, stent placement, echocardiography, among others.

Qualifications Required: To become a cardiologist, you must complete an undergraduate degree in biology, physical sciences, or a related field. Following the completion of your bachelor’s, you need to complete 4 years of medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. You also need to complete six to eight years of general internal medicine training and specialized cardiology training through a residency program. Finally, you need to clear the certification exam administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine. 

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, this high-earning occupation is expected to have an overall growth rate of 3% from 2022 to 2032.

2. Anesthesiologist

National Average Salary: $339,470 per year

Job Description: Anesthesiologists are physicians who specialize in administering anesthesia before, during and after surgeries or procedures. Their duties include examining patient’s medical history, creating anesthesia plans, monitoring patient’s vitals during procedures, providing pain management care post surgery, and working closely with other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care throughout the surgical process. 

Qualifications Required: Becoming an Anesthesiologist, requires the candidate to complete an undergraduate degree in MBBS, followed by earning a MD in anesthesia. Upon graduation, you need to complete four years of residency training and pass the licensing exam to start your career. 

Job Outlook: The overall employment rate is expected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.

3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

National Average Salary: $334,310 per year

Job Description: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons specialize in treating a wide range of conditions in and around the mouth and jaw. Their responsibilities include analyzing medical charts, performing surgeries of the oral and maxillofacial regions, and working with other healthcare professionals as needed. They usually deal with treating wisdom teeth, misaligned jaws, tumors and cysts of the jaw and mouth, among others.

Qualifications Required: To pursue a career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you need to complete DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine). You also need to complete residency training and clear a two-part exam conducted by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to become certified in the United States. 

Job Outlook: The BLS projects an average growth of 5% in the employment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the US between 2022 to 2032.

4. Emergency Medicine Physician

National Average Salary: $306,640 per year

Job Description: Emergency Medicine Physicians, also known as emergency room doctors or ER physicians, have the responsibility of diagnosing and treating immediate acute and life-threatening conditions. They have to make on-spot decisions and evaluate, stabilize, and care for patients who are admitted to the emergency room. 

Qualifications Required: To become an Emergency Medicine Physician, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, physics, physiology, or related field. Complete four years of medical school and undergo four-year residency as an ER physician. You also need to pass the licensing examination to start your practice as an emergency medicine physician. 

Job Outlook: The BLS estimates a 3% job growth for ER doctors or an addition of 1,300 job positions between 2021 to 2031.

5. Orthopedic Surgeon

National Average Salary: $378,250 per year

Job Description: Orthopedic surgeons examine, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries in the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They are equipped to address physical traumas such as injuries, infections, and other conditions that require either non invasive orthopedic procedures or surgical interventions. 

Qualifications Required: To pursue a career as an Orthopedic surgeon, you have a bachelor’s degree in biology, physical sciences, or a related field. After which, you’ll need to complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree followed by a four to seven year internship and residency training, specializing in Orthopedic surgery. You also need to complete licensing exams to start your practice. 

Job Outlook: A growth rate of 2% from the year 2022 to 2032 is estimated as per the data by the BLS.

6. Dermatologist

National Average Salary: $342,860 per year

Job Description: Dermatologists diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and conditions affecting the skin, hair, and mucous membranes. The responsibilities of a dermatologist includes diagnosis of skin conditions, treatment planning, skin cancer screening and management, performing non invasive surgical procedures on the skin, patient education and counseling, and follow-up care and monitoring, 

Qualifications Required: A career in dermatology starts with the aspirant getting a bachelor’s degree in a related field, followed by a medical degree specializing in dermatology. You need to undergo residency training for three to nine years depending on the chosen specialty. You need to pass the certification exams and undergo additional training in a fellowship of one to 3 years if required.

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, a 3% growth rate is projected for dermatologist jobs between 2022 to 2023.

7. Radiologist

National Average Salary: $353,960 per year

Job Description: Radiologists are responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine imaging. Their duties include reviewing and interpreting medical images, providing diagnostic reports, consulting and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, performing minimally invasive medical procedures and tests, among others.

Qualifications Required: To become a radiologist, one needs to complete an MBBS degree. Followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Diploma in medical radiodiagnosis (DMRD) degree. You need to undergo the required residency and fellowship training programs which can take five years to complete. Finally, you need to acquire a license and board certification to start your practice.

Job Outlook: An estimated growth of 4% is expected between 2022 to 2032, as per the data from the BLS.

8. Obstetrician-Gynecologist

National Average Salary: $278,660 per year

Job Description: Obstetrician-Gynecologists, or OB-GYNs, specialize in treating conditions related to women’s reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the female reproductive system. OB-GYNs have the responsibility of providing routine medical care and checkups to women, prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, family planning and contraception, fertility evaluation and treatment, cancer screening and management, among others.

Qualifications Required: The first step to becoming an Obstetrician-Gynecologist starts with earning a bachelor degree in pre-medicine fields such as genetics, biology, chemistry, etc. Complete medical school and complete an obstetrics program and a gynecology residency program, which can last up to four years. Acquire a license by clearing the licensure exam.

Job Outlook: As per the BLS data, a 2% increase in the number of OB-GYNs is expected between 2022 to 2032.

9. Pediatric Surgeon

National Average Salary: $449,320 per year

Job Description: Pediatric surgeons are tasked with performing various operative procedures on children and young adults. They deal with birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. Their duties include running diagnostic tests, performing surgical procedures, monitoring postoperative recovery, and collaborating with other specialists involved in a child’s medical care.

Qualifications Required: Pediatric surgeon aspirants should start by earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or sometimes a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Upon graduation, you need to complete a five year residency program in general surgery and two year residency in pediatric surgery. Finally, you need to obtain licensing and certification.

Job Outlook: A 1% growth in employment rate is estimated between the years 2023 to 2032, as per the data provided by the BLS.

10. Ophthalmologist

National Average Salary: $312,120 per year

Job Description: Ophthalmologists are specialists in diagnosing, treating and managing eye diseases and disorders. Their duties include comprehensive eye examinations, prescription of corrective lenses, provide oral and topical medicine to treat eye diseases, perform eye surgery and treatments like cytotherapy etc.

Qualifications Required: To become an Ophthalmologist, the candidate must earn an MBBS degree. Upon completion, the candidate must earn a medical degree in Ophthalmology. After graduation, the candidate needs to undergo internship and residency that lasts between three to eight years. Lastly, a medical license to practice Ophthalmologist is issued after clearing the state medical board exam.

Job Outlook: As per the BLS, there will be a 4% increase in the employment of Ophthalmologists between 2023 to 2032.

11. Neurologist

National Average Salary: $271,470 per year

Job Description: Neurologists are specialists who diagnose and treat disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Their responsibilities include evaluating and counseling patients with neurological disorders, ordering neurological tests and interpreting test results, prescribing or administering treatment and medication, etc.  

Qualifications Required: The path to becoming a neurologist includes the completion of an undergraduate degree in pre-med, followed by MCAT exam and medical school graduation. Upon graduation, you need to undergo residency training, acquire board certification, complete a fellowship and obtain a license to practice as a neurologist.

Job Outlook: The BLS estimates that neurologist jobs will rise by 3% from 2023 to 2032.

12. Orthodontist

National Average Salary: $243,620 per year

Job Description: Orthodontists are experts in diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth and jaw irregularities through the use of braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. Their primary functions include designing, fabricating, or using orthodontic appliances to realign teeth and jaws to improve functionality and appearance.

Qualifications Required: Becoming an Orthodontist requires the candidate to earn a bachelor degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. After which, the candidate must earn a Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. You also need to undergo a dental-school program, complete a specialized residency program and clear the licensing exam. 

Job Outlook: An estimated increase of 4% is estimated in the employment of orthodontists from 2023 to 2032.

13. Physician, Pathologist

National Average Salary: $270,560 per year

Job Description: Pathologists are physicians who specialize in the study and diagnosis of diseases by examining cells, organs, tissues, and bodily fluids. Anatomic pathologists examine tissues obtained from biopsies and autopsies, while clinical pathologists focus on laboratory tests performed on bodily fluids and tissues to diagnose and monitor diseases.

Qualifications Required: To become a pathologist, you need to complete medical school with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. You need to undergo four to seven years of internship and residency training, specializing in pathology. Lastly, you need to pass the licensing exams. 

Job Outlook: A 5% employment growth is expected for pathologist jobs between 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.

14. Psychiatrist

National Average Salary: $256,930 per year 

Job Description: Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders. Psychiatry has several sub-specialities where some work on child and adult psychiatry, some specialize in forensic (legal) psychiatry, consultation psychiatry, or addiction psychiatry, while others focus on psychoanalysis. They diagnose patients, develop comprehensive treatment plans, and prescribe medications. 

Qualifications Required: To pursue a career in psychiatry, the candidate must earn a doctor of medicine degree and complete four years of psychiatry residency. You need to obtain a board of psychiatry certification and state license. 

Job Outlook: Psychiatrists are estimated to have a 7% growth rate in employment from 2023 and 2032 as per the data from the BLS.

15. General Internal Medicine Physician

National Average Salary: $245,450 per year

Job Description: A General Internal Medicine Physician, also known as an Internist, specialized in providing general care for adults. Like other general-practice physicians, internists treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical issues from asthma and diabetes to hypertension. Their responsibilities include evaluating a patient's medical history, conducting thorough physical examinations, making a diagnosis, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications. 

Qualifications Required: To pursue a career as a general internal medicine physician, you need to earn a bachelor degree in pre-medicine. Following undergraduate degree, you need to complete four years of medical school and undergo residency program that can take up to three to four years. Complete a fellowship if you plan to pursue a subspeciality. Get licensed and acquire board certification.

Job Outlook: The BLS predicts a 2% employment growth rate from 2023 to 2032.

16. Family Medicine Physician

National Average Salary: $240,790 per year

Job Description: Family medicine physicians, also known as family doctors, provide complete medical care to individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. Their responsibilities include creating patient-specific health programs, monitoring health programs over time, administering vaccinations, educating patients in health management, and recommending specialists for treatment if required.

Qualifications Required: The first step to become a family medicine physician is to graduate from medical school. After which, you need to complete a residency program. You need to spend a certain number of months training in each area before you are eligible to apply for board certification. 

Job Outlook: According to the BLS data, a 4% increase in employment is expected from 2022 to 2032.

17. Chief Executive Officer

National Average Salary: $258.900 per year

Job Description: A chief executive officer has the top-most position with the utmost responsibility of managing the organization. A CEO’s job duties include setting the company’s vision and strategy, leadership and decision making, corporate governance, financial management, stakeholder management, talent management, performance management, external representation and networking, among others.

Qualifications Required: To lay the groundwork for your CEO career, you need to start by gaining a bachelor’s degree in business or economics. After completing an undergraduate degree, you can pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related field. Gaining relevant experience in the respective field and honing crucial skills such as leadership, decision making, problem solving, and innovation will put you on the right track to achieve your career goal. 

Job Outlook: As per data from the BLS, the number of top executives is expected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2032.

18. Nurse Anesthetist

National Average Salary: $214,200 per year

Job Description: Nurse Anesthetists, also known as Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), specialize in administering anesthesia and managing patient’s anesthesia before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include pre-anesthesia assessment, anesthesia plan development, anesthesia administration, intraoperative monitoring, post-anesthesia care, patient education, collaborative practice, among others. 

Qualifications Required: Building your career as a nurse anesthetist requires you to graduate from an accredited nurse anesthesia program which can take anywhere from 24 to  51 months. You can complete a fellowship program if you’re planning to specialize within the  field. You need to gain one to two years of clinical experience in an acute care setting. 

Job Outlook: When it comes to the fastest growing occupations, nurse anesthetists are second to none. According to the BLS data, an estimated 38% growth rate is estimated to take place between 2022 to 2032.

19. Airline Pilot, Copilot, and Flight Engineer

National Average Salary: $250,050 per year

Job Description: Airline pilots are tasked with flying the aircraft, copilots are responsible for assisting the pilot and the flight engineers focus on monitoring the equipment and flight controls. It is to be noted that both copilots and flight engineers need to be licensed airline pilots. Each has their own set of responsibilities that they need to take care of during a flight.

Qualifications Required: To become an Airline pilot, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and obtain an Airline Transport Pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. You’ll start out as a commercial pilot and acquire tons of experience in the cockpit before becoming eligible for a career as an airline pilot. 

Job Outlook: The BLS estimates that Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers will have a 4% increase in employment growth from 2023 to 2032.

20. Dentist (All Specialities)

National Average Salary: $244,470 per year 

Job Description: Dentist specialists other than oral surgeons or orthodontists are clubbed together in this category by the BLS. This group consists of highly paid dental practitioners such as endodontists who perform root canals and other procedures related to the inside of the teeth, and periodontists, who deal with gums and bones around the teeth. 

Qualifications Required: Pursuing a career as a dentist, starts by earning a bachelor degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Following which the candidate must complete dental school and earn a masters degree in their field of specialization. An additional two to three years of training in the field of their choice is required. 

Job Outlook: A 3% growth rate in employment is expected from 2022 to 2032, as per the BLS.

21. Computer and Information Systems Manager

National Average Salary: $180,720 per year

Job Description: Computer and Information Systems Manager, also known as IS managers or IT managers, have the responsibility of overseeing the information technology (IT) systems and infrastructure in an organization. Their duties include assessing and managing IT needs, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement, developing IT budgets, supervising IT departments, managing cybersecurity initiatives, among others.

Qualifications Required: To pursue a career as a computer and information systems manager, you should start by earning a bachelor degree in computer science or a related field. Then, you should earn a masters degree in the relevant field. Upon graduation, you need to gain work experience in the related field to start your career. 

Job Outlook: The BLS estimates that a 15% increase in employment growth is expected from 2023 to 2032.

22. Marketing Manager

National Average Salary: $166,410 per year

Job Description: Marketing Managers plan, implement, and oversee marketing strategies and campaigns to promote products, services, or brands to ultimately achieve business objectives. Their duties include market research and analysis, strategic planning, product or service development, brand management, advertising and promotion, digital marketing, content marketing, among others.

Qualifications Required: To become a marketing manager, one must pursue a degree in marketing, business, or related field. Although no specialized degree is required, earning a degree relevant to the field will go a long way in building your career. Strong project management, innovative marketing plans and campaigns, excellent communication are some of the most important skills expected from a marketing manager. 

Job Outlook: According to the BLS, marketing managers will have a 7% increase in employment from 2022 to 2032.

23. Financial Manager

National Average Salary: $174,820 per year

Job Description: Financial managers are tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the financial health and operations of an organization. Their duties include financial planning and analysis, financial reporting and compliance, budgeting and cost management, cash flow management, financial risk management, investment management, capital budgeting and financing, tax planning and compliance, etc.

Qualifications Required: Becoming a financial manager, requires the candidate to obtain a degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. Pursuing a master’s degree in finance or a Master of Business Administration would make your job profile highly attractive to some employers. Gain experience in the relevant field and develop your skill set to lay a strong foundation for your career.

Job Outlook: As per the BLS, employment of financial managers is expected to grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032.

24. Industrial Psychologist

National Average Salary: $154,380 per year

Job Description: Industrial Psychologists, also known as organizational psychologists, specialize in applying psychological principles and research methods to solve problems in the workplace. Their responsibilities include employee selection and placement, training and development, performance management, workplace motivation and morale, organizational development and change management, leadership development, etc.

Qualifications Required: To pursue a career in industrial psychology, you need to start by earning a bachelor’s degree in general psychology and complete a master’s degree in organizational or industrial psychology. Upon graduation, you need to undergo an internship program to gain practical experience. You can consider pursuing a PhD in psychology if required. 

Job Outlook: As per the BLS data, a 6% employment growth is expected for industrial psychologists from 2022 to 2032.

25. Lawyer

National Average Salary: $176,470 per year

Job Description: Lawyers, also known as attorneys, advise and represent clients in legal matters. The duties of a lawyer can vary depending on their area of specialization. However, their primary responsibilities include interpreting laws, rules and regulations for natural and juristic persons, monitoring legal risk in documentation, conducting legal research and gathering evidence, facilitating innovative solutions, managing and overseeing paralegals and legal assistants, etc.

Qualifications Required: To become a lawyer, one must earn a bachelor degree in any preferred major. Upon completion of undergraduate program, you must appear for the law school admission test (LSAT) and get into a law school. Upon graduating and earning a Juris Doctor degree, you need to pass the bar exam to become eligible for starting your practice as a lawyer.

Job Outlook: An employment growth rate of 8% is estimated from 2022 to 2023, as per the data from the BLS.

26. Software Developer

National Average Salary: $138,110 per year 

Job Description: Software developers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining software applications as per the requirements of users and businesses. The duties of a software developer vary depending on their role, the organization, and the type of software they are developing. Their common responsibilities include requirement analysis, design and planning, coding and implementation, testing and debugging, documentation, vision control and deployment, among others.  

Qualifications Required: The qualifications required to become a software developer can vary depending on the specific role and organization. However, software developer aspirants should start by earning a bachelor degree in computer science or related field. You should develop a good proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C++, Python. You need to earn work experience of two to five years in the relevant field. 

Job Outlook: According to the BLS report, a 26% increase in employment rate is expected for software developers from 2023 to 2032.

Highest paying jobs in USA without a degree

While degrees play a pivotal role in securing the highest paying jobs in the USA, not all high paid positions require one. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, 7 out of 10 jobs in the year 2022 were in occupations that did not require a degree. 

For individuals who aspire to secure high paying jobs in the USA without a degree, there are several options in a variety of industries they can choose from. According to the BLS data, the fastest growing occupations in the US that do not require a degree are as given in the table below.

Highest Paying Jobs in USA Without A Degree
Job Role	2025 Mean Pay	Projected Job Outlook
Wind turbine service technicians	$57,320	44.90%
Physical therapist assistants	$62,770	26.10%
Occupational therapy assistants	$64,250	24.00%
Massage therapists	$49,860	18.30%
Health information technologists and medical registrars	$58,250	16.50%
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers	$60,800	16.00%
Industrial machinery mechanics	$59,830	14.90%
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists	$48,110	14.80%
Hearing aid specialists	$59,020	14.50%
Diagnostic medical sonographers	$81,350	14.30%

Source: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics)

Highest paying jobs in USA: state-wise breakdown 

Most states in the USA host several large corporations that pay a hefty salary. Here are the high-paying states in USA according to the wage rate recordede from the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics for all occupations.

States	Average Mean Salary
Massachusetts	$80,330 per year
New York	$78,620 per year
Washington	$78,130 per year
California	$76,960 per year
New Jersey	$73,980 per year
Connecticut	$73,740 per year
Maryland	$73,620 per year
Alaska	$69,880 per year
Colorado	$71,960 per year
Virginia	$70,050 per year

Source: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics) 

How to get a High-Paying Job?

The first and foremost prerequisite for securing a high paying job is having an advanced degree in leading fields like healthcare, technology, and finance. Although a bachelor degree is enough to bag some of the jobs listed above, having a high-level degree puts you ahead of the competition. An advanced degree exponentially increases your chances of securing a top position with a high earning potential where you can make the most money.

To Sum It Up

The US job market is a goldmine of lucrative career opportunities in a variety of industries. Although the top jobs in the USA are dominated by the healthcare sector, there are plenty of non-medical jobs that are just as financially rewarding. While picking a career path, one must carefully consider their areas of interest and make the ideal choice best suited for their long term career goals.