Highest Paying Jobs in America: Top Roles and Salaries by Sector
Job seekers, recent grads, and mid-career professionals hunt for high-salary options that match their skills and location. The top earners include communication services CEOs at a median $25.2 million (Harvard CorpGov 2024, CEO Pay Study), healthcare CEOs at $20.2 million, and nurse practitioners with 38% projected growth (Nexford/BLS). These figures come from verified BLS-linked data and reports across sectors.
Grouped by industry, the roles below factor in median pay, outlooks, and entry paths--including no-degree trades. Keep in mind this advice may not hold in low-demand states like Hawaii, where 66% of entry-level jobs pay below median (Resume.io 2023, best cities report).
Executive Roles: Where CEOs Earn the Most
CEOs top the pay charts, especially in communication services at $25.2 million median for S&P 500 firms (Harvard CorpGov 2024, CEO Pay Study). Healthcare CEOs follow at $20.2 million, tech at $19.3 million, while utilities lag at $12.2 million. New York leads states for highest-paid CEOs (Harvard CorpGov 2024).
Women CEOs earned a median $20 million--17.4% above the overall index--driven by stock awards and perks that surged 21.5% to $286,343 (Harvard CorpGov 2024). Base salaries stay modest; most compensation ties to performance equity. Examples include Broadcom's Hock Tan at $161 million (mostly stock, Motley Fool 2025, highest-paid CEOs) and Palantir's Alex Karp in AI data analytics.
These roles suit experienced leaders who've climbed corporate ladders, but they demand proven track records over formal degrees. Target exec roles if you have leadership experience in high-pay states like NY.
Healthcare Careers Leading in Pay and Growth
Healthcare offers stable high pay with strong growth, projecting 1.8 million openings yearly to 2032 (Nexford, highest-paying medical jobs). Seven roles hit $208,000 median (USNWR Best Jobs 2022, historical data, PCE San Diego; market may have shifted).
Nurse practitioners lead growth at 38% (Nexford/BLS, top jobs USA), with 89.8% women; pharmacists average $123,000, sonographers $106,500, dental hygienists $99,576, physician assistants $100,000 (Nexford). Nurse anesthetists need BSN, RN license, and 1-year ICU experience (ResumeGenius 2026, best jobs for women). Women dominate: 65.6% vets, though PAs earn 90% of male pay (Nexford).
Surgeons require 13+ years post-high school (WSFA 2025, US wage report). Entry aides earn below $62,000 national average (PCE 2022/BLS Q1 2025)--skip if you want to avoid long training. Pursue healthcare if growth and stability appeal, especially women-led paths.
Finance and Tech: High-Paying Paths with Bonuses
Finance and tech blend high base pay with bonuses, making them ideal for analytical minds eyeing remote work. CFOs average $187,000 ($142,000–$250,000 range), portfolio managers $129,000, hedge fund managers $122,000, analysts $95,000 (365FinancialAnalyst 2024, top finance jobs).
Tech surges in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity (UC.edu 2025, highest-paying IT); cloud architects range $134,000–$336,000 remotely (FlexJobs 2025, high-paying remote). Finance degrees with econ/audit focus aid entry (Schiller, high-paying finance).
Finance offers stability but gender gaps persist (Nexford); tech saw layoffs despite high pay (CNBC/Glassdoor 2024, Glassdoor industries). Recent grads: build Python/SQL skills for data roles. Choose these for bonuses and remote flexibility if you're analytical.
Trade Jobs and No-Degree Options That Pay Six Figures
High school grads can hit six figures through trades with apprenticeships. Power plant operators earn $122,610 median, elevator mechanics $106,580 (4–5 year apprenticeship), electrical repair $100,940, chemical plant ops $97,540 (Amtec 2025, highest-paying trades; official US Labor data).
Provider coordinators reach $105,266 entry-level with healthcare experience (Amtec 2025). Electrical techs averaged $67,550 (historical data 2022, Skillwork, skill jobs--market likely higher).
Path: HS diploma + on-job training/licensing. Best for hands-on workers; office types may want to skip the physical demands. Go trades if no-degree six figures fit your hands-on style.
Entry-Level, Women-Focused, and Regional High-Payers
Accessible six-figure paths grow in healthcare/tech (HeyTutor 2024, six-figure jobs). Entry data analysts need Python/SQL (ResumeGenius). Women lead marketing managers (61.4%, 12% growth, 9,600 openings to 2032, ResumeGenius).
States vary: South Dakota (76%), Bozeman MT (88%), Hawaii worst (66% below) (Resume.io 2023). Large cities like Memphis (73.7%) often pay more. Gender gaps: women PAs at 90% male pay (ResumeGenius). Target entry roles in strong states if you're starting out or looking for women-focused paths.
How to Land One of These Top Careers: Step-by-Step
Transition with targeted steps. Assess your skills first--data viz for entry tech, leadership for execs.
- Match education: Psychiatrists need 4-year psych BS + 4-year med school + 3-year residency (Nexford); trades: HS + apprenticeship.
- Gain certs: Nurse anesthetist--BSN + RN + 1-year ICU (ResumeGenius).
- Network in high-pay states like NY; use Glassdoor/Indeed.
- Build experience: Finance via econ focus (Schiller).
Target high-demand areas; relocate if needed, but weigh costs.
Evidence Pack
| Job Title | Median Salary (Source/Year) | Education/Pathway | Projected Growth/Openings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO (Communication Services) | $25.2M (Harvard 2024) | Exec experience | N/A | Leaders, NY-based |
| CEO (Healthcare) | $20.2M (Harvard 2024) | Exec experience | N/A | Industry vets |
| Nurse Practitioner | $123K (Nexford), up to $208K historical (USNWR 2022) | Advanced nursing | 38%, to 2032 | Women-dominated (89.8%) |
| CFO | $187K avg (365Fin 2024) | Finance degree | Stable | Bonuses, stability |
| Power Plant Operator | $122.6K (Amtec 2025) | HS + training | N/A | No-degree, six-figure |
| Elevator Mechanic | $106.6K (Amtec 2025) | HS + 4-5yr apprenticeship | N/A | Hands-on trades |
| Cloud Architect | $134K–$336K (FlexJobs 2025) | Tech certs | High (BLS fast) | Remote tech |
| Pharmacist | $123K (Nexford) | Pharm degree | 1.8M openings/yr to 2032 | Healthcare growth |
| Physician Assistant | $100K (Nexford) | PA program | N/A | Women (gender gap noted) |
| Hedge Fund Manager | $122K (365Fin 2024) | Finance exp | N/A | High bonuses |
| Electrical Repair | $100.9K (Amtec 2025) | Cert/assoc degree | N/A | No-degree trades |
*Notes: 2022 data (e.g., USNWR $208K) historical--check BLS Occupational Outlook for updates; ranges reflect stock-heavy exec pay.
FAQ
What are the top 10 highest paying jobs in the United States?
CEO roles dominate: communication services at $25.2M median, healthcare $20.2M, tech $19.3M (Harvard 2024). Others: nurse practitioners (38% growth), CFOs $187K, power operators $122K (sources above).
Which states have the highest paying jobs by state in the US?
New York tops for CEOs (Harvard 2024); South Dakota 76% entry above median, Bozeman MT 88%; avoid Hawaii (66% below, Resume.io 2023).
What are the best paying jobs without a degree in America?
Power plant operators $122.6K, elevator mechanics $106.6K, electrical repair $100.9K via HS + apprenticeship (Amtec 2025); provider coord $105K entry (Amtec).
What are the highest paying tech jobs in the US?
Cloud architects $134K–$336K remote; AI/cloud/cyber roles in demand (FlexJobs 2025, UC.edu); systems managers 15% growth, 46,900 openings/yr (Nexford).
What are the top healthcare careers by salary in the USA?
$208K medians for 7 roles (USNWR 2022, historical); pharmacists $123K, sonographers $106.5K, PAs $100K, nurse practitioners 38% growth (Nexford/BLS).
Apply This to Your Situation
- Education level: Degree for healthcare/exec, trade path for six figures?
- Preference: Remote/tech or hands-on trades?
- Location: High-pay state like NY, or adjust for local medians?
Next Steps
Review latest BLS Occupational Outlook. Search Glassdoor/Indeed for openings in your state matching these skills.
