The Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs in the United States

As of 2020, the average salary of a working employee in the United States is estimated to be nearly $90,000 per year. However, certain occupations are paid significantly more than others. For example, jobs in the healthcare industry top the list of the highest-paying professions. In fact, the top 10 most profitable jobs belong to the medical sector. 

Due to a greater demand for healthcare services, the employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028. Fortunately, this will create nearly 2 million new jobs, making the healthcare sector the fastest growing industry in the world. Thus, this article will highlight the top five highest-paying jobs and will briefly describe how to pursue a career in the realm of medicine. (Data & Rankings from U.S. News and Investopedia).

1. Anesthesiologists ($267,020)

Anesthesiologists are well-paid medical professionals. In reality, doctors’ average salary exceeds the income of all other occupations in the field. An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in preoperative care, administering anesthetics, and ensuring patient safety during surgery. These doctors have graduated from college and medical school, completed an internship, and finished a residency program in anesthesia. Overall, this process tends to take up to 12 years. Additionally, Anesthesiologists must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to receive board certification. 

2. Surgeons ($267,020)

A medical procedure can be classified as surgical if it involves cutting a patient’s tissue to diagnose or treat internal problems. Surgeons must make preoperative diagnoses, perform operations, and administer postoperative care to ensure their patients’ well-being. While the average income for a surgeon is high, salary ranges are widely dependent on the different surgical specialties. For example, in 2020, the mean annual salary for Neurosurgeons is estimated to be about $612,000. However, General surgeons have an average salary of about $362,000 each year. The American College of Surgeons recognizes 14 surgical specialties. Each surgeon must complete an undergraduate education, complete medical school, and spend 3-7 years in residency and fellowships depending on the specialty.

3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ($242,370)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are doctors who perform complex mouth-related operations and treat a spectrum of diseases in the face and jaws. These doctors are taught to recognize dental and facial trauma. Additionally, they frequently correct nerve damage, set bones, treat chronic oral conditions, and administer anesthesia. Training to become a certified Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon usually requires four years of undergraduate study, four years of dental study, and 4-6 years of residency. 

4. Obstetricians-Gynecologists ($235,240)

An Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a healthcare professional who specializes in female reproductive health. These doctors are board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology. OB-GYNSs have expertise in executing preventative screening, guiding women through pregnancy and delivery, and performing procedures to treat a wide range of reproductive issues. Becoming an Obstetrician-Gynecologist requires the completion of college, medical school, and a residency. Despite the 12 years of training, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.3 percent employment growth for the occupation in the next ten years. In 2019, The United States had about 18,590 OB-GYNs.

5. Orthodontists ($229,380)

Orthodontists are also highly-paid medical experts. These professionals are dental specialists who are trained to correct misaligned teeth and help patients better their oral health. While dentists deal with general mouth and gum complications, orthodontics is a specialty that focuses on straightening teeth and fixing improper bites. Similar to most medical professions, becoming an Orthodontist takes up to 12 years of training. There are currently about  5,380 of these doctors in the United States. 

Final Thoughts 

Unsurprisingly, the top 5 highest paying jobs are all related to medicine. Because doctors perform operations with immense precision and accuracy, they are appropriately compensated for their services. Additionally, medical training is a long, grueling process. 

The median 4-year cost of attending medical school is estimated to be about $278,000 for private schools and $207,000 for public schools. Most physicians spend the following years at extremely low-paid residencies. Therefore, the expectation of high pay in the future is the ultimate reason why doctors pursue the profession. In conclusion, while a job in the medical industry takes a great deal of money and dedication, these careers top the list of the highest-paying occupations.