Highest Paying Jobs in the US: BLS Data
Official BLS median pay for the best paid occupations in the United States, the top roles outside medicine, well paid jobs that need no bachelor's degree, and which high paying fields are growing.
The highest paying jobs in the US are medical specialists: pediatric surgeons had a median pay of $559,030 in 2025, cardiologists $496,010 and radiologists $420,860, according to the BLS. Outside medicine, airline pilots ($210,020), dentists ($176,110) and computer and information systems managers ($175,140) lead. The median for all US jobs was $50,980.
Key facts
- Pediatric surgeons had the highest median annual pay of any US occupation in 2025 at $559,030, followed by cardiologists at $496,010 and radiologists at $420,860. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Highest Paying Occupations, Aug 2026)
- The median annual wage for all US occupations was $50,980 in 2025. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fastest growing occupations, Aug 2026)
- Airline and commercial pilots had a median pay of $210,020 in 2025, and employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Airline and Commercial Pilots, Aug 2026)
- Computer and information systems managers had a median pay of $175,140 in 2025, with employment projected to grow 16 percent from 2025 to 2035. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Aug 2026)
- Air traffic controllers, who typically need an associate's degree, had a median pay of $148,080 in 2025. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Air Traffic Controllers, Aug 2026)
- Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, who typically need a high school diploma and an apprenticeship, had a median pay of $109,910 in 2025. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers, Aug 2026)
The highest paying jobs in the US are easy to name and hard to reach. Official data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that medical specialists earn the most by far, with several surgical and physician roles above $300,000 a year at the median. But there are also very well paid jobs in technology, management, law, aviation and the skilled trades, and some of them do not need a four year degree.
This guide uses the latest official figures, the 2025 median pay published in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook in August 2026. For context, the median annual wage for all US occupations was $50,980 in 2025. Median pay means half of the workers in a job earned more and half earned less.
Top 20 highest paying jobs in the US
The BLS lists the 20 occupations with the highest median annual pay. All of them are in health care, and almost all need a medical or dental degree followed by years of residency or specialist training.
| Rank | Occupation | 2025 median pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pediatric surgeons | $559,030 |
| 2 | Cardiologists | $496,010 |
| 3 | Radiologists | $420,860 |
| 4 | Surgeons, all other | $414,010 |
| 5 | Anesthesiologists | $391,490 |
| 6 | Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric | $358,550 |
| 7 | Oral and maxillofacial surgeons | $352,220 |
| 8 | Emergency medicine physicians | $335,550 |
| 9 | Dermatologists | $328,730 |
| 10 | Physicians, pathologists | $312,400 |
| 11 | Prosthodontists | $311,180 |
| 12 | Ophthalmologists, except pediatric | $300,080 |
| 13 | Obstetricians and gynecologists | $292,910 |
| 14 | Orthodontists | $289,140 |
| 15 | Psychiatrists | $281,870 |
| 16 | Physicians, all other | $265,930 |
| 17 | General internal medicine physicians | $256,560 |
| 18 | Neurologists | $248,560 |
| 19 | Family medicine physicians | $244,180 |
| 20 | Nurse anesthetists | $236,590 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Highest Paying Occupations, 2025 median pay.
Nurse anesthetists are the only role in the top 20 that does not need a medical or dental doctorate. They are advanced practice registered nurses with graduate level training.
Highest paying jobs US workers can reach outside medicine
If medicine is not for you, these roles from the same official source offer very high pay in other fields.
| Occupation | 2025 median pay | Typical entry education | Outlook 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline and commercial pilots | $210,020 | See BLS profile (training and licences) | +7% |
| Dentists | $176,110 | Doctoral or professional degree | +6% |
| Computer and information systems managers | $175,140 | Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years | +16% |
| Architectural and engineering managers | $171,270 | Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years | +6% |
| Financial managers | $166,570 | Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years | +10% |
| Advertising, promotions and marketing managers | $165,780 | Bachelor's degree | +6% |
| Lawyers | $159,670 | Doctoral or professional degree | +5% |
| Air traffic controllers | $148,080 | Associate's degree | +2% |
| Petroleum engineers | $144,910 | Bachelor's degree | +2% |
| Pharmacists | $140,910 | Doctoral or professional degree | +5% |
| Computer and information research scientists | $140,300 | Master's degree | +22% |
| Physician assistants | $135,880 | Master's degree | +21% |
| Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners | $134,920 | Master's degree | +36% |
| Software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers | $134,040 | Bachelor's degree | +10% |
| Actuaries | $130,000 | Bachelor's degree | +9% |
| Information security analysts | $129,180 | Bachelor's degree | +21% |
| Data scientists | $120,230 | Bachelor's degree | +35% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook occupation profiles, 2025 median pay and 2025 to 2035 projections.
High pay without a bachelor's degree
Several well paid US jobs are open to people without a four year degree, usually through an apprenticeship, an associate's degree or long term training on the job.
| Occupation | 2025 median pay | Typical route in |
|---|---|---|
| Air traffic controllers | $148,080 | Associate's degree and long term training |
| Elevator and escalator installers and repairers | $109,910 | High school diploma and apprenticeship |
| Power plant operators, distributors and dispatchers | $105,080 | High school diploma and long term training |
| Electricians | $63,190 | High school diploma and apprenticeship |
Electricians earn less than the others in this table but still above the all jobs median of $50,980, and the BLS projects 9 percent employment growth for them from 2025 to 2035, with about 821,000 jobs in 2025. Power plant operators are projected to decline 4 percent, so compare outlook as well as pay.
High pay and strong growth
The best long term choices combine high pay with growing demand. From the official projections, these stand out:
- Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners: $134,920 median and 36 percent projected growth.
- Data scientists: $120,230 median and 35 percent projected growth.
- Computer and information research scientists: $140,300 median and 22 percent growth.
- Physician assistants: $135,880 median and 21 percent growth.
- Information security analysts: $129,180 median and 21 percent growth.
- Computer and information systems managers: $175,140 median and 16 percent growth.
Growth matters because it means more openings and more bargaining power. A role with slightly lower pay but much stronger demand can be the better career bet.
A closer look by field
Health care
Health care holds every place in the top 20. The pay is high because the training is long and the work carries great responsibility. Most doctors spend four years in college, four years in medical school and three to seven years in residency. Some then add a fellowship. That means many start earning a full salary in their thirties. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants offer a shorter path. They need a master's degree and a license, and their pay is still well above most jobs. Demand for both is growing fast as the population ages.
Technology
Technology jobs pay well and are growing. Software developers, security analysts and data scientists can start with a bachelor's degree. Many also come from bootcamps or self study, if they can show strong work. The top pay in this field goes to managers and research scientists. Managers usually need five or more years of experience first. Research scientists often need a master's degree. Skills change fast in tech, so people who keep learning tend to earn more over time.
Management and finance
Managers in finance, marketing, engineering and technology all earn a median well above $160,000. Most of these jobs need a degree and five or more years of work in the field. People usually reach them by doing the core job well and then taking on team lead roles. Financial managers are projected to grow 10 percent, which is faster than average. Actuaries are another strong choice in finance. They need a degree in math or a similar field and must pass a series of exams.
Law
Lawyers had a median pay of $159,670 in 2025. The path is long. It takes a bachelor's degree, three years of law school and a bar exam. Pay varies a great deal. Lawyers at large firms in big cities can earn far more than the median, while those in public service often earn less. Growth is projected at 5 percent, which is faster than average.
Aviation
Airline and commercial pilots are the best paid workers outside health care in this list, with a median of $210,020. Pilots need many flight hours and federal licenses. Training is costly and takes time. Air traffic controllers also earn a high median of $148,080. They typically need an associate's degree and long training on the job.
Skilled trades
You do not need a college degree to earn well in the trades. Elevator and escalator installers had a median of $109,910 in 2025. They learn through an apprenticeship that pays while you train. Power plant operators earned a median of $105,080. Electricians earned less, at $63,190, but their field is large and growing. Trades work can be hard on the body and may mean early starts, travel or call outs. But it also means real skills that are hard to replace with software.
How long it takes to get there
Time to reach high pay differs a lot. A surgeon may need more than ten years of study and training after high school. A lawyer needs about seven years. A software developer can start after a four year degree, or less with strong skills. A trades apprentice earns from the first year and can reach good pay in four or five years. When you compare jobs, think about the years you will spend in training and what you will earn during that time, not only the final salary.
Is a high salary worth it?
High pay often comes with long hours, high stress and big responsibility. Doctors may work nights and weekends. Lawyers and managers may face tight deadlines. Pilots spend nights away from home. Before you choose a path for the pay, talk to people who do the job, read the official profile and think about the life you want. The best choice is a job you can do well for many years. Good pay follows people who are skilled and keep learning.
Beyond base pay
The BLS median pay figures cover wages. They do not show the whole value of a job. Many high paying roles also offer bonuses, profit sharing, stock, overtime pay or shift extras. Health insurance, retirement plans and paid leave can add a lot of value too. Some jobs pay less in cash but offer strong benefits and job security, such as many government roles. When you compare two offers, list every part of the package. Then ask what each one is worth to you over a full year.
Using official data in salary talks
Official data is a strong tool when you talk about pay. Start with the BLS median for your job. Then look at real job ads in your city for the same title and level. If your skills, licenses or results are above average, you have a clear case to ask for more than the median. Keep the talk calm and based on facts. Say what you bring, show the data and name a clear number. Most employers expect some negotiation, and a polite, well prepared request rarely harms an offer.
Myths about high paying jobs
- Myth: you need a degree to earn well. Several trades and technical jobs in this guide pay far above the national median without a bachelor's degree.
- Myth: the top pay comes fast. Most high paying jobs need years of training or experience first.
- Myth: high pay means a better life. Hours, stress and time away from home matter just as much for many people.
- Myth: only a few fields pay well. Health care leads, but technology, finance, law, aviation and the trades all have roles well above the median.
How to read the BLS figures
The pay figures in this guide come from a large survey of employers. They cover workers who earn wages and salaries, not people who run their own business. That matters for jobs like dentists and lawyers, where many work for themselves and may earn more or less than the figures show. The data is national, so pay in your state may be higher or lower. The outlook figures are projections for 2025 to 2035. They are a careful guide to likely demand, not a promise. Use them together with real job ads to get a full picture of a career before you commit to it.
Each BLS occupation profile also explains what the work involves, how to enter it and where people in the job work. Read the full profile for any role you are serious about.
What the numbers do not tell you
- Median is not starting pay. New entrants usually earn well below the median, especially in law, finance and management.
- Training costs and time matter. Medical specialists often train for more than a decade after school and may carry large education debt.
- Location changes pay. Pay differs widely between states and cities, and so does the cost of living.
- Industry matters. The same job can pay quite differently in government, private companies and non profits.
- Pay is only part of the package. Hours, stress, on call duties and travel vary a lot between these jobs.
How to move toward a higher paying job
- Pick a realistic target. Look at the entry education and experience for the role, and how long it would take you.
- Find the nearest step. A registered nurse can move toward nurse practitioner roles; a software developer can move toward systems management; an electrician can move toward elevator work or management.
- Add proof, not only courses. Certifications, licences and real projects carry more weight than course certificates alone.
- Negotiate with data. Use official median pay and real job adverts to support your salary request.
- Watch growing fields. Health care, data, security and management of technology are projected to grow faster than average.
For international job seekers
Many of these roles are open to people from other countries, but most need US recognised qualifications, licences or work authorisation. Medical, dental, nursing, legal and aviation roles usually require US licensing exams or credential evaluation. Technology and engineering roles are often more flexible about where your degree is from, but you still need the legal right to work in the US. Check the official requirements for your field before you apply, and look for employers that state visa sponsorship in their adverts.
Checklist for comparing high paying jobs
- Median pay and the pay range for new entrants.
- Years of education and training needed, and the cost.
- Projected growth from 2025 to 2035.
- Licences or exams required.
- Typical hours and working conditions.
- Pay and living costs in the states where you would work.
Live on Dev Global Jobs
Right now there are 22,582 open jobs in United States on Dev Global Jobs (live count, 7 November 2026). Browse jobs in the United States, and compare pay across countries with the country salary calculator. Build a US style resume in the CV builder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest paying jobs in the US right now?
According to BLS 2025 median pay, the top three are pediatric surgeons ($559,030), cardiologists ($496,010) and radiologists ($420,860). All 20 of the best paid occupations are in health care.
What is the highest paying job in the US without a medical degree?
Among roles outside medicine and dentistry, airline and commercial pilots had the highest median pay at $210,020 in 2025, followed by computer and information systems managers at $175,140.
Which highest paying jobs US workers can get without a degree?
Air traffic controllers ($148,080, associate's degree), elevator and escalator installers ($109,910, apprenticeship) and power plant operators ($105,080, long term training) pay well without a bachelor's degree.
What is the median salary in the US?
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $50,980 for all occupations in 2025.
Which high paying jobs are growing fastest?
Nurse practitioners and related roles (36 percent), data scientists (35 percent), computer and information research scientists (22 percent), physician assistants (21 percent) and information security analysts (21 percent) are projected to grow fastest from 2025 to 2035.
Can foreigners get high paying jobs in the US?
Yes, but most need US recognised qualifications, licences for regulated jobs, and the legal right to work. Technology and engineering roles are often the most open to international candidates with employer sponsorship.
Sources
- Highest Paying Occupations, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed 3 October 2026.
- Fastest growing occupations, 2025 and projected 2035, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed 3 October 2026.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Airline and Commercial Pilots, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed 3 October 2026.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed 3 October 2026.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Air Traffic Controllers, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed 3 October 2026.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed 3 October 2026.
Source: Dev Global Jobs, updated 7 November 2026.
Career Content Editor, Dev Global Jobs
Lutaf Ali is the Career Content Editor at Dev Global Jobs. He has written and edited our guides on jobs, CVs, visas, salaries and careers abroad since the site went live on 18 January 2026, and he runs our official social media. Every fact is checked against official and trusted sources, named in the post, and errors are corrected as soon as readers report them.
Lutaf Ali · About the editorial team · Editorial Policy
Lutaf Ali runs our social media. Follow Dev Global Jobs: Facebook · LinkedIn · Instagram · YouTube · X · Threads · Pinterest
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