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They say money doesn’t buy you happiness, but a job that is both satisfying and high-paying can’t hurt. After all, money is one of the top factors in our quality of life and one of the main contributors to stress. It won’t buy you happiness, but earning a good living will allow you not to worry about paying the bills. And that, as Martha Stewart would say, is a good thing.
If you’re on the hunt for a new career path or just starting out, it definitely helps to know your options. Here are the highest-paying jobs in America, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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What is the highest-paying job?
Unsurprisingly, the highest-paying jobs are in the medical field. Healthcare is trillion dollar industry, with a thriving job market and steady growth. But it isn’t the only place to look for the highest-paying jobs. Here a look at the top ten highest-paying jobs in America for 2021:
1. Doctors
Median salary: $208,000
Doctors are some of the highest paid professionals, according to the BLS. Not only do they get a base salary starting at $208,000 per year but the job outlook for the next ten years is very positive. If you’re looking for a career as a doctor, here’s a round-up of the highest paid specialties:
- Psychiatrist: $208,000 per year
- OBGYN: $208,000 per year
- Surgeons: $208,000 per year
- Prosthodontists: $208,000 per year
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: $208,000 per year
- Orthodontists: $208,000 per year
- Anesthesiologist: $208,000 per year
- Physicians: $206,500 per year
- Family medicine: $205,590 per year
- General internal medicine physician: $201,590 per year
- Pediatricians: $175,310 per year
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2. Chief executive officer (CEO)
Median salary: $184,460
The average CEO salary is $184,460 per year. However, the the earning potential can be much higher than that, depending on the company size and sector. Not only do some CEOs command an eight-figure salary, but they also receive stocks that drive their net worth even higher.
For example, in 2018 Tesla’s Elon Musk earned a base salary of $0 but earned over $2.3 billion in stock options.
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3. Nurse anesthetist
Median salary: $174,790
Nurse anesthetists are very well compensated at $174,790 and job growth isn’t slowing down either. Over the next eight years, this occupation is expected to grow by 45% – that’s more than ten times the national average.
4. Dentist
Median salary: $155,600
Technically dentists are doctors, though the median salary is significantly lower at $155,600. As with their physician counterparts, dentists can earn significantly more depending on their specialty. Prosthodontists are some of the most well-compensated with a median salary of $208,000 per year.
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5. Airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers
Median salary: $147,220
While flight attendants are severely underpaid, airline pilots and flight engineers fare much better with a median salary of $147,220 per year. Job growth is slightly higher than average at 5% over the next eight years.
6. Computer and IT systems managers
Median salary: $146,360
The trade school ads don’t lie – IT systems managers have some of the highest paid jobs in America. The median salary of $146,360 and 10% job growth make pursuing this track a solid option.
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7. Architectural and engineering managers
Median salary: $144,830
While job growth for architectural and engineering managers is below the national average at 3%, it’s one of the highest paid jobs in the U.S. But what does an architectural and engineering manager do, exactly? Create budgets, hire engineers and manage building projects.
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8. Petroleum engineers
Median salary: $137,720
Clean energy is the future, but in the meantime petroleum engineers continue to enjoy one of the highest-paid jobs. The median salary for a petroleum engineer is $137,720 and job growth is expected to increase 3% through 2029.
9. Judges
Median salary: $136,910
Law school is expensive, which is why lawyers and judges have high-earning potential. The median salary for a judge is $136,910 but can run much higher depending on location and the type of court. At 2% growth, the job outlook for judges is much lower than the 4% average for all vocations.
10. Marketing manager
Median salary: $135,900
Marketing is central to nearly every industry and marketing managers can help get products and messages across effectively. In exchange, they earn a median salary of $135,900 per year. Job growth isn’t quite as high as expected, at just 6% through 2029.
What careers make the most money in 2021?
Careers in healthcare, tech and finance make the most money in 2021. Despite the economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, these industries have stabilized and will continue to see significant growth for the next decade.
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What is the easiest job that pays the most?
While every job has its challenges, there are relatively low-stress jobs that pay well. Orthodontists enjoy high pay (median $208,000 annual salary) and lower stress than their surgeon counterparts. Computer-facing jobs like web developers ($67,990) and creative roles like photography ($180,000) enjoy good compensation and lower than average stress.
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a career change, salary shouldn’t be your main consideration. However, if your interests lie in one of these areas to begin with, then pivoting to a more lucrative specialty might make sense. With the high cost of education, it’s important to be well informed and make sure you’re getting a return on your investment when picking or changing jobs. Being aware of the highest-paying jobs in America for 2021 and beyond will hopefully make that easier to navigate.
