Top 10 highest-paying jobs in US
By Akanni Dorcas
Many Nigerians are moving to countries around the globe in search of better opportunities. They aim to work in their specialised fields, earn a higher income than they would in Nigeria, and enjoy an improved quality of life.
Read Also: Hardship: 5 food crops you can grow on your balcony in Nigeria
In the United States, the workforce is made up of about 151,853,170 workers, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. Interestingly, the ten highest-paid jobs represent only 165,650 of those positions, which is just 0.1% of the total workforce.
So, what are the highest-paying jobs in America that you might want to consider? Let’s dive into the top 10 highest-paying jobs in the U.S., using the most recent salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics for 2023.
Physician/Doctor
Physicians hold some of the top-paying jobs in healthcare in the U.S., and here are a few of the highest-earning specialties:
Anesthesiologists: These experts manage anesthesia and pain during surgeries and critical care, making about $317,900 a year.
General Internal Medicine Doctors (Internists): They diagnose and treat long-term conditions like diabetes, digestive issues, and other chronic diseases, earning around $266,200 annually.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB-GYNs): They specialise in women’s health, they care for pregnancy, childbirth, and sexual health, with a salary of $214,300.
Emergency Medicine Physicians: These doctors handle urgent medical situations in emergency rooms, with an average salary of $248,800 per year.
Becoming a doctor takes about 12 years of education and training. This includes a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, and 4-5 years of residency in your chosen specialty.
You’ll also need to pass exams like the MCAT and USMLE. Job growth varies, but it’s expected to increase by 1% to 7% depending on the specialty by 2032.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders, and they can also prescribe medication.
Becoming a psychiatrist takes about 12 years—starting with a bachelor’s degree (often in psychology), followed by 4 years of medical school, and 3-4 years in a psychiatry residency. After that, passing board exams is required to begin practicing.
The demand for psychiatrists is growing fast, with a 7% increase projected (the highest among doctors), leading to 30,500 job openings annually until 2032. On average, psychiatrists earn $234,200 a year, plus an additional $21,400 from bonuses and profit-sharing.
Aircraft Pilot
Airline pilots are expert aviators who fly and navigate planes, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo. They work closely with copilots, flight engineers, and ground crew to manage each flight smoothly.
To become a pilot, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field like engineering, business, or transportation. After that, you’ll attend flight training to earn your private pilot license, followed by additional certifications, including an instrument rating and a commercial pilot licence.
Pilot jobs are expected to grow by 4%, with around 16,800 job openings each year until 2032. Airline pilots earn a median salary of $215,600 per year, with the potential for bonuses up to $33,100.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
These specialists handle surgeries on the face, jaw, neck, and mouth, performing both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. They treat conditions like dental implants, misaligned jaws, and facial injuries. Oral surgeons are also responsible for administering anesthesia and managing pain during procedures.
To become an oral surgeon, you’ll need to earn a DDS or DMD dental degree, pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and get a dental licence. After that, you’ll complete a 4-year surgical residency and a 2-year medical program, followed by certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
The demand for oral surgeons is expected to grow by 4%, similar to other dental fields.
These professionals earn a median salary of $190,500 annually, with potential bonuses of around $18,500.
Orthodontists
Orthodontists are dental experts who focus on fixing teeth and jaw allignment issues.
They often use devices like braces and retainers to straighten crooked teeth, correct misalligned jaws, and fix bite problems.
Becoming an orthodontist takes about 10 to 11 years. This includes a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of dental school, and 2-3 years of orthodontic residency. You’ll also need to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and the National Board Dental Examination.
The demand for orthodontists is expected to grow by 4%, with around 5,100 job openings annually until 2032. Orthodontists earn a median salary of $204,800 per year, with potential bonuses averaging $26,500.
Lawyer
Lawyers help people by offering legal advice and representation, ensuring laws are applied fairly.
They work on a wide range of cases, from criminal defense to corporate law, advocating for their clients in court and legal matters.
To become a lawyer, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree, often in areas like political science, economics, or philosophy. Afterward, you’ll take the LSAT and attend law school to earn your Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Finally, you’ll need to pass the bar exam to get licenced.
The legal field is expected to grow by 8%, with about 39,100 job openings annually until 2032. Lawyers earn a median salary of $165,700, with additional bonuses averaging $20,200.
Architectural & Engineering Manager
Architectural and engineering managers are responsible for overseeing construction and engineering projects from start to finish, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
They manage project planning, staff coordination, client relations, and technical decisions.
To pursue this career, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering along with years of experience in the field. Many professionals also go for a master’s degree in business administration or engineering management to move into leadership roles.
Job growth in this field is expected to increase by 4%, with about 13,600 job openings annually until 2032. Managers in this role earn a median salary of $140,400, with potential bonuses of $47,400.
Computer/Information Systems Manager
Computer and IT managers are responsible for leading technology teams, making sure the company’s hardware, software, and databases run smoothly and securely.
They also manage budgets, hire and train staff, and act as a bridge between IT departments and upper management.
To enter this field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field like IT management. After gaining experience in tech roles, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration or information systems can help you move into management positions.
The demand for this role is projected to grow by 18%, with around 46,900 job openings annually. Computer and IT managers earn a median salary of $140,200, with additional bonuses averaging $11,600.
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse anesthetists are highly skilled advanced-practice registered nurses specialising in giving anesthesia during surgeries and medical procedures. They also take care of patients before, during, and after these interventions to ensure everything goes smoothly.
To become a nurse anesthetist, you’ll need to start with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get licenced. After gaining a few years of clinical experience, you’ll need to pursue advanced education, like a Master’s in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). Finally, you’ll get certified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
The demand for nurse anesthetists is projected to grow by a remarkable 38%, creating about 29,200 job openings annually until 2032.
Nurse anesthetists earn a median salary of $126,900, plus they can receive additional pay of around $7,200 from bonuses.
HR Managers
Human Resources (HR) Managers are responsible for everything related to people within a company. Whether it’s hiring new employees, creating wellness programs, handling complaints, or developing policies, HR managers keep the company running smoothly by focusing on its workforce.
Most companies look for HR managers with a bachelor’s degree, though some are open to candidates with alternative qualifications.
The role offers an average salary of $154,740 and is expected to grow by 5.2% in the coming years, making it both a rewarding and in-demand career.
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