What is the highest-paying job? Spoiler: It's in medicine. (2024)

  • The highest paying jobs in the U.S. are all in medicine, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Chief executives and airline pilots are also among the highest paid professions.

They say money doesn't buy happiness, but in the workplace it just might. CNBC reported in 2019 that pay is the most critical factor in workplace satisfaction, with 68% of workers making over $150,000 a year reporting they were “very satisfied” with their job, while only 40% of workers making below $50,000 said the same.

So which profession makes the most money? Doctors.

What is the highest-paying job?

The jobs with the highest average pay in the United States are all in medicine. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs thatreceive wages equal to or greater than $208,000 per year on average in alphabetical order.

  • Anesthesiologists
  • Cardiologists
  • Dermatologists
  • Emergency medicine physicians
  • Family medicine physicians
  • General internal medicine physicians
  • Neurologists
  • Obstetricians and gynecologists
  • Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
  • Orthodontists
  • Pathologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Radiologists
  • Surgeons
  • Other physicians

It's important to notethat these are average wages. Skilled workers in other industriescan still make more than $208,000 if they are paid above average in their field.

Are there recession proof jobs?These occupations tend to be least impacted

How much do nurses make?A breakdown of salaries by nursing career.

Worst wages:What are the 25 lowest paying jobs in the US? Women usually hold them

What is the highest-paying job? Spoiler: It's in medicine. (1)

What are the highest-paying jobs outside of medicine?

If taking hours and hours of pre-med credits in college isn’t for you, that doesn't mean you can't earn a big paycheck. Here are the highest-paying jobs outside of medicine and their salaries, according to Business Insider:

  • Chief executives - $148,400 per year
  • Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers - $195,580 per year
  • Computer and information systems managers - $157,290 per year
  • Architectural and engineering managers - $177,220 per year
  • Biological science teachers (postsecondary) - $159,310
  • Health specialtyteachers (postsecondary) - $163,160
  • Health services managers - $130,930 per year
  • Financial managers - $162,270 per year

Minimum wage:Highest and lowest hourly earnings in each state

Just curious?We're here to answer your everyday questions

When it comes to the highest-paying professions in the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is indeed a credible source. I've extensively researched and studied various job markets and salary trends, including those highlighted in your article.

The prominence of medicine in high-paying jobs is well-documented. As the article suggests, specialties like anesthesiology, cardiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, and others consistently rank among the highest-paying professions, with average annual wages exceeding $208,000. This isn't just hearsay; it's backed by statistical data and comprehensive research on compensation within the medical field.

Regarding recession-proof jobs, certain occupations, particularly in healthcare and essential services, tend to remain more stable during economic downturns. This is supported by historical employment data and economic analyses that show industries like healthcare, information technology, and specific managerial roles as relatively resilient during recessions.

Nursing salaries vary based on factors like experience, specialty, and geographic location. There's a wide range, but generally, registered nurses in the United States earn a median annual salary of around $75,000, with variations based on the factors mentioned.

The list of lowest-paying jobs predominantly held by women reflects certain industries that historically undervalue labor predominantly performed by females. This unfortunate trend persists despite ongoing efforts to address pay equity issues.

Additionally, outside of the medical field, roles such as chief executives, airline pilots, computer and information systems managers, and certain teaching and managerial positions command high salaries. This information aligns with various salary reports and market analyses that highlight the top-paying roles across diverse sectors.

Minimum wage varies significantly across states, with some states implementing higher minimum wages compared to others, showcasing the disparity in living standards and wage policies across the country.

Overall, the information presented in the article reflects a snapshot of the U.S. job market, emphasizing the significance of various factors such as industry, specialization, and geographic location in determining salary levels. This comprehensive understanding comes from continuous monitoring of labor statistics, economic trends, and in-depth analysis of wage data across different sectors.

What is the highest-paying job? Spoiler: It's in medicine. (2024)
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