Highest Paying Careers
If you aren’t planning on becoming a movie star or platinum recording artist, then you may want to consider other career options that come with a high earning potential. As a standard rule of thumb, the highest paying careers are those that require a solid educational foundation. Here is a list of some of the highest paying careers and the amount of education they require, based off of information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2008.
Health Care Field
Oral Surgeons – After finishing a four-year bachelor’s degree program in a pre-dental or a related field, future dentists must then attend four years of dental school to receive their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). After receiving their degree, oral surgeons and orthodontists have a median earning potential of more than $166,400 annually. This is definitely one our America’s top careers.
Physicians and Surgeons – Similar to dentists, physicians and surgeons usually spend 8 years in receiving their Medical Doctor (MD) degree, four as an undergraduate and four in medical school. After they are done with schooling, they must spend another 3 to 8 additional years as an intern. But all these years of training and education pay off. They also have a median earning potential of more than $166,400 annually.
Technology and Pilots
Computer and Information Systems Managers – Compared to Oral Surgeons and Physicians, the educational requirements for computer and information systems managers seems minimal—either a bachelor’s degree and adequate experience, or an MBA with a technology focus. At a median annual salary of $112,210, this is not only one of the highest paying careers, but one of the most accessible.
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers – A close second to computer information systems managers, airline pilots earn a median annual wage of $111,680. Most pilots receive a bachelor’s degree simultaneously with their flight training. Once schooling is complete, to become licensed they must have at least 250 hours of flight experience.
Legal and Science
Lawyers – I bet you were surprised that lawyers get paid less than computer nerds! But indeed, it’s true. Despite the minimum of 7 years of schooling, plus rigorous exams, lawyers make an median annual salary of $110,590. And as with so many other careers, the particular area in which you choose to focus within the field will increase or decrease your salary.
Physicists and Astronomers – Scientists don’t seem to get the same level of fame as doctors and lawyers, but they certainly still earn a hefty salary. As two of the highest paying careers in a science, physicists and astronomers almost always have at least a doctorate degree. Physicists receive a median annual salary of $102,890 with astronomers close behind at $101,300.
If you have an interest in any of these careers, that’s great! You will be doubly satisfied as you pursue a job that you not only enjoy, but is also one of the highest paying careers. Another benefit of pursuing any of these careers is that each has an excellent job outlook, which means career opportunities in these fields are expected to grow over the next decade.
