How would you like a job that pays more than $150,000 annually? Finding occupations with that earning potential is the first step in pursuing a six-figure career, even if they don’t start at that salary.
Careers that pay at least $150,000 annually provide job candidates with financial security and excellent benefits, and many are also personally gratifying. If money is a driving force for you, you might want to think about a range of six-figure professions to help you focus your job search. It’s wise to pick your career path early on because these occupations typically need considerable schooling requirements.
In this article, we list careers with prospective yearly salaries of $150,000 or more and discuss some of the responsibilities and work obligations related to these roles.
1. Specialist Physician
Average salary: $218,850
Physicians who specialize in a particular area of medicine are known as specialists. The range of medical disciplines includes everything from neurology, orthopedics, and radiology to anesthesia, cardiology, and dermatology.
Physicians and surgeons are the best-paid professions in its database, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with anesthesiologists receiving the highest average compensation at $271,440.
In order to pursue this job, you must first finish four years of undergraduate studies, followed by four years of medical school.
2. Neurosurgeon
One of the most highly specialized jobs in the world is becoming a neurosurgeon. The top job in the world pays a six-figure compensation of $381,500 annually, topping our list of high-paying careers. There doesn’t appear to be a job that pays more than this one.
A neurosurgeon has to have extensive training in medicine as well as extensive schooling. Given that you must deal with the complex aspects of the human nervous system, it is a very difficult profession.
Specialist surgeons must meet rigorous educational requirements. You are finally starting your career as a neurosurgeon after eight years of medical school, a residency, and a year of general surgery.
3. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesia doctors get the highest average salary in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) database at $246,320 per year. Yet, according to a salary survey by the Medical Group Management Association, anesthesiologists’ incomes might exceed $400,000.
It takes four years of undergraduate study and another four years of medical school to become an anesthesiologist. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, you must then complete four years of residency, perhaps followed by a fellowship for an additional year.
4. Psychiatrists
The average pay for psychiatrists is $217,100.
In your future employment hunt, consider adding psychiatry if you’re looking for a rewarding and expanding career. The average wage surpasses $200,000, despite the BLS’s projection of a barely 3% increase between 2020 and 2030. These specialists employ medicine, therapy, and hospitalization to diagnose and treat mental diseases.
To become a psychiatrist, you must attend medical school, a residency program, pass a license test, and get board certified, just as with other health specializations.
5. Data Scientist
The IT industry is constantly expanding, especially in data science. Since 2019, there has been a 46% growth in Data Science job opportunities, according to LinkedIn, indicating a strong demand trend. According to Fortune, there is “a hot market for Data Scientists,” and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 22% growth in jobs for information research scientists in this decade.
An average data scientist makes $150,000 a year. The word “average” should be highlighted because there is no set number and chances are provided to you based on your experience rather than your age.
6. Nurse Anesthetist
If you decide to become a nurse anesthetist, who aids anesthesiologists and is in charge of supervising patient recovery from anesthesia, you may still make a lot of money without having to spend so much time in medical school. According to the BLS, the average annual pay is $158,900, while the top 10 percent of earners make more than $187,000 annually.
According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, this position requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, registered nurse licensure, at least a year of acute care experience in an emergency room or intensive care unit, completion of an accredited nurse anesthesia program, and passing the national certification exam.
7. Family and General Practitioner
Typical pay: $214,370
A family doctor sees patients on a regular basis for both basic check-ups and common diseases. Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS predicts a 5% total job increase for family and general practitioners or 6,700 additional positions.
The ACP states that family medicine education includes instruction in pediatric care as well as subjects usually covered by other specialties. These physicians also complete medical school and a residency program following their undergraduate program.
8. Gynecologists and Obstetricians
These professionals combine two specialties into one and are frequently referred to as OB-GYNs. Obstetricians deal with childbirth’s surgical component. Gynecologists, on the other hand, care for and assist their patients by writing prescriptions for medications and focusing exclusively on their reproductive health.
According to professional salary statistics, OB-GYNs make over $208,000 a year, making it one of the highest-paying professions. High-stress situations and erratic scheduling are common in this line of work. After 36 hours of being awake, babies don’t care if you’re at a party or asleep.
9. Chief Executive
Chief executives frequently receive a corner office and a six-figure pay. CEOs make an average salary of $180,700, but that large salary also carries a large burden: managing all organizational functions.
Although many people believe that an MBA is the key to becoming a CEO, many top executives have achieved success without even completing their undergraduate studies, perhaps most notably former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates.
10. Prosthodontist
Typical prosthodontist pay: at least $208,000
Prosthodontists offer cutting-edge treatment for dental and facial conditions. Some concentrate on reconstructive therapies that restore or replace lost and damaged teeth, while others are cosmetic dentists.
To be eligible for a state license to practice, general dentists must possess a doctorate degree from a recognized dentistry institution and pass written and clinical tests. After a lengthy residency program, specialists like prosthodontists receive further training.
11. Dentist
Dentists justifiably demand a high fee for their services. They must study hard for several years in dentistry school, just like other physicians, in order to earn their degrees.
Dealing with everything related to your teeth, gums, and everything in between is the job description of a dentist. They take home around $174,110 per year on average for their services. Being a dentist is one of the most rewarding and highest-paid jobs in America.
12. Marketing Manager
The average salary for marketing managers is $137,400, but the top 25 percent of earners receive more than $171,000 annually. As part of the role, you will discover clients, design and coordinate marketing campaigns for businesses and manage product development. A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related discipline is often required of marketing managers.
In terms of the greatest sales and marketing careers, U.S. News & World Report placed marketing manager as the top position due to its high compensation, plenty of work opportunities, and room for advancement.
13. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineer: $167,780 on average
According to the BLS, the top 10% of petroleum engineers earn more than $208,000. To satisfy the demands of the country, these workers figure out how to extract oil and gas. Petroleum engineers will have additional employment prospects as a result of oil demand and price, with the BLS projecting an 8% increase in employment between 2020 and 2030.
Although other engineering disciplines may occasionally be accepted, a petroleum engineering bachelor’s degree is preferable. Moreover, programs that offer class credit and on-the-job training in the area are recommended.
14. IT Manager
The IT infrastructure is today’s key component of any business, and an IT manager is responsible for maintaining, enhancing, modernizing, and overseeing this infrastructure. This position pays an average yearly income of $142,530.
There are several responsibilities involved in managing information systems or IT. A computer network disaster or security breach might end up costing the business millions of dollars. Because of this, having IT abilities is among the desirable high-income talents.
The position often calls for a college degree in engineering or computer technology, as well as extensive expertise in many facets of the IT industry.
Another key reason IT administrators have high salaries and are in high demand is the quick development of technology. It is their responsibility to stay current with trends so that their business doesn’t lag behind.
15. Astronomer
The average pay for astronomers is $152,230.
Astronomers create instruments, develop theories, and organize and carry out scientific experiments as they examine celestial objects like planets and stars. According to the BLS, some astronomers focus on faraway galaxies and phenomena like black holes, while others monitor space junk that can interfere with satellites. Astronomers are employed by a number of sectors, such as the research and development industry as well as colleges, universities, and technical schools; however, those who work for the federal government make substantially more money.
The employment outlook for astronomers is predicted to expand by 8% between 2020 and 2030, which is about average for all occupations. You will require a bachelor’s or master’s degree to qualify for employment in the federal government. Most jobs in academia and industry require a Ph.D.
Conclusion
Have you made a decision now that the highest-paying jobs in the market are known and listed? You should think about if these lucrative occupations meet your interests, skill set, and life objectives.
Nonetheless, all of these positions would help you build up your future earnings while also contributing back to society through the crucial roles they serve. Choose wisely!
