Highest Paying Jobs in America 2026: Top Salaries, Projections & How to Get Hired
In the evolving U.S. job market of 2026, high salaries reward specialized skills, critical demand, and emerging tech like AI. Drawing from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, Doximity physician reports, and industry analyses from Resume Genius and LinkedIn, this guide uncovers the top-paying careers across healthcare, tech, finance, and blue-collar fields. Whether you're a student, career changer, or job seeker eyeing six figures, find median wages, growth rates, education paths, remote options, and no-degree routes to success.
The #1 Highest Paying Job in America 2026 (Quick Answer)
Neurosurgeons top the list with a median annual salary of $749,140 (Doximity/TAG MedStaffing 2026 data), far outpacing other roles due to the high-stakes complexity of brain and spinal surgeries. BLS data aligns, showing surgeons in general earning over $400K median, but specialty reports confirm neurosurgery's dominance amid rising procedural demands.
For context:
- #2: Orthopedic Surgeons – $679,517 median (Doximity), experts in joint and bone repairs.
- #3: CEOs – Up to $500K+ total comp in large firms (global ranges from Apex Learning), varying by company size.
These figures reflect 2026 projections, factoring in inflation-beating wage growth and talent shortages.
Key Takeaways: Top Paying Jobs at a Glance
Quick-reference table of the top 10 (BLS, Doximity, Resume Genius):
| Rank | Job | Median Salary (2026) | Growth % (BLS/LinkedIn) | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgeon | $749K | 3-5% | Healthcare |
| 2 | Orthopedic Surgeon | $679K | 3% | Healthcare |
| 3 | Cardiologist | $587K | 4% | Healthcare |
| 4 | CEO | $400K-$500K+ | 5% | Executive |
| 5 | Anesthesiologist | $523K | 3% | Healthcare |
| 6 | Investment Banker | $440K (all-in) | 10% | Finance |
| 7 | AI Engineer | $160K+ | 20%+ | Tech |
| 8 | Petroleum Engineer | $150K+ | 8% | Energy |
| 9 | Data Scientist | $140K | 35% | Tech |
| 10 | Elevator Installer | $106K | 6% | Blue Collar |
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in America 2026 (BLS Projections & Median Wages)
Healthcare leads with procedural specialists, but tech and finance follow closely. Note: BLS medians (~$200K-$400K for physicians) are lower than Doximity's specialty averages due to broader sampling; we reconcile by prioritizing 2026 specialty data.
Healthcare Dominance: Surgeons, Anesthesiologists & Physician Assistants
- Neurosurgeons ($749K): 15+ years education (MD + residency/fellowship). Outlook: Steady 3-5% growth amid aging population (BLS).
- Orthopedic Surgeons ($679K): High demand for sports injuries; 14-year path.
- Cardiologists ($587K): $576K for vascular subspecialty; 3% growth.
- Anesthesiologists ($523K): Critical in surgeries; requires MD + 4-year residency.
Physician assistants in these fields earn $130K+ with master's degrees.
Tech Surge: AI Engineers, Software Developers & Data Scientists ($160K+)
- AI Engineers ($160K+ senior, Schiller.edu): BLS projects 20%+ growth; skills in ML/cloud needed. Remote-friendly.
- Data Scientists ($140K): 35% growth (BLS); AI proficiency boosts pay.
- Software Developers ($140K): In-demand per UC.edu's 2026 IT trends.
Finance Powerhouses: Investment Bankers, Hedge Fund Managers & CEOs
- Investment Bankers ($440K all-in, Mergers&Inquisitions): Base $200K + bonuses; NY hubs.
- CEOs ($400K-$500K+): Varies by firm size; executive experience key.
- Hedge Fund Managers: Similar comp, high volatility.
Fastest Growing High Paying Jobs US 2026
BLS and LinkedIn highlight future-proof roles:
- Wind Turbine Technicians: 50% growth (Resume Genius/BLS); $60K+ median, blue-collar entry.
- Cybersecurity Analysts: 30%+ growth (ACU); $120K+.
- AI/ML Engineers: 20-35% (Schiller/UC.edu).
- Home Health Aides: 9% overall healthcare boom (ACU/BLS).
LinkedIn notes "founder" roles surging 60% YoY for entrepreneurial high-earners.
Highest Paying Blue Collar Jobs 2026 (No Degree Often Required)
Blue-collar shines without college debt (Resume Genius, Human Resources Online, Blue Collar Recruiter):
| Job | Median Salary | Top 10% | Entry Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator Installer | $106K | $149K | 4-5 yr apprenticeship |
| Power-Line Repairer | $92K-$105K | $126K-$180K | Apprenticeship/union |
| Aircraft Mechanic | $79K-$95K | $120K+ | Certification + experience |
Mini Case: Elevator Installer Path – Join union apprenticeship (paid, 4-5 years, 2,000+ on-job hours). Demand high in urban areas; safety-critical work drives pay.
Best Paying Jobs No Degree Required 2026 (Medical & Trade Focus)
Certifications unlock $80K+ (NYSMDA, BeamJobs):
- Radiologic Tech Assistant: $80K+; ARRT cert (<2 years).
- EMT/Paramedic: $60K-$90K; state license.
- CPhT (Pharmacy Tech): $70K+.
Checklist: Get ARRT/state certs, specialize (e.g., CT imaging), gain hospital experience. Mini Case: Radiologic assistant starts at $50K post-cert, hits $100K with 5 years in high-volume centers.
Remote High Salary Jobs USA 2026 Trends
Tech dominates (KuuBiik, Schiller):
- Software Engineers/AI/ML ($160K+): Cross-functional skills.
- Data Analysts/Product Managers ($140K): AI proficiency key. Steps: Build portfolio (GitHub), certs (AWS/ML), target Silicon Valley firms.
Tech vs Healthcare vs Finance: Highest Salaries Compared (2026 Sector Breakdown)
| Sector | Top Salary | Pros | Cons | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $749K (surgeons) | Stability | 10-15 yr training | 3-9% (BLS) |
| Tech | $160K+ (AI) | Remote/flexible | Fast skill obsolescence | 20-35% |
| Finance | $440K (IB) | Bonuses | Hours/stress | 10% |
Healthcare wins raw pay (Doximity), tech offers entry/balance (UC.edu), finance volatility (Mergers&Inquisitions).
Blue Collar vs White Collar High Pay: Pros, Cons & Entry Paths
| Type | Top Salary | Education | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Collar | $106K (elevator) | Apprenticeship | No debt, hands-on | Physical risk |
| White Collar | $749K (neurosurgeon) | 10+ yrs degree | Prestige | Long path |
Blue-collar: Stability via unions; white-collar: Unlimited ceiling (Resume Genius vs Doximity).
How to Land a Top Paying Job in 2026: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Skills/Certs: AI/ML (Coursera), ARRT for medical, apprenticeships for trades (BeamJobs).
- Apprenticeships: 4-5 years paid for blue-collar (unions).
- Specialize: Procedural volume for docs, cloud for tech.
- Experience: Hospitals, Silicon Valley internships.
- Locations: NY finance, CA tech, urban trades (TAG).
Mini Case: TAG places neurosurgeons via networking; BeamJobs lands no-degree AI roles via portfolios.
Factors Affecting Highest Pay in 2026 (Job Outlook & Salary Growth)
BLS projects 5-10% overall growth; influencers:
- AI/Tech Boom: 20%+ for engineers (Penn Wharton H1B shifts to high-skill).
- Location: Silicon Valley tech ($160K+), NY finance ($440K).
- H1B/Economics: Favors advanced degrees (Wharton); OECD notes tight labor in healthcare/manufacturing.
- Inflation: Wages up 2-3% real terms (Visual Capitalist).
FAQ
What are the top 10 highest paying jobs in America 2026?
Neurosurgeons ($749K), orthopedic surgeons ($679K), cardiologists ($587K), CEOs ($500K+), anesthesiologists ($523K), etc. (see table).
What are the highest paying blue collar jobs in 2026?
Elevator installers ($106K), power-line repairers ($92K+), aircraft mechanics ($79K+).
Can you get a high paying job without a college degree in 2026?
Yes--elevator installers ($106K via apprenticeship), radiologic assistants ($80K+ via certs) (Resume Genius, NYSMDA).
What are the best remote high salary jobs USA 2026?
AI engineers ($160K+), software devs, data scientists (KuuBiik).
Which healthcare jobs pay the most in 2026?
Neurosurgeons ($749K), orthopedics ($679K), cardiology ($587K) (Doximity).
What is the job outlook for AI engineers and surgeons in 2026?
AI: 20-35% growth (Schiller/BLS); Surgeons: 3-5% steady (BLS/Doximity).