Highest Paying Jobs in Arizona 2026: Top Salaries, Careers & BLS Projections

Arizona's job market is booming, with healthcare, tech, and executive roles leading the charge in high salaries. For job seekers, career changers, and students in Phoenix and Tucson, 2026 projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and sources like Nexford University, Amtec, and Tallo reveal lucrative opportunities. Healthcare dominates 80% of top spots, but tech and mining offer strong alternatives. This guide uncovers the #1 highest paying job, top 10 lists, regional breakdowns, blue-collar gems, remote options, and actionable steps to break in.

Quick facts: Chief Executives top the list at ~$824K annually (Nexford). Expect 9.1% growth in finance and 23% in healthcare (BLS). Blue-collar roles like airline pilots can hit $500K for seniors, while remote IT jobs suit Arizona residents perfectly.

The Highest Paying Job in Arizona for 2026 (Quick Answer)

Chief Executive tops Arizona's 2026 pay charts at an average $824,340 annually (Nexford University, BLS-derived). These leaders set strategy for major firms in the AZ Big 100, like Honeywell or University of Phoenix, blending board-level decisions with massive incentives.

Orthopedic Surgeons follow closely at $468,860 (Amtec), diagnosing musculoskeletal issues after 13+ years of training. Anesthesiologists and other specialists exceed $280K+ (Tallo).

Quick Summary: Top 5 Highest Paying Jobs (2026 Projections)

Key Takeaways: Healthcare rules (80% of top 10), but CEOs outpace due to equity. Phoenix pays 10-15% more than Tucson. Entry barriers: 10-14 years for med roles vs. MBA + experience for execs. Sources: BLS, Nexford, Amtec, Tallo.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Arizona 2026 (Ranked by BLS Projections)

BLS 2026 forecasts highlight medical pros in Phoenix (aerospace/tech hub) and Tucson, with surgeons averaging $432K+ and CEOs at $824K. Demand surges 23% in healthcare.

1. Chief Executive ($824K): AZ Big 100 firms.
2. Orthopedic Surgeon ($468K): Phoenix hospitals (Amtec).
3. Radiologist ($447K): Imaging experts.
4. Surgeons ($432K+): Specialized ops.
5. OB/GYN ($300K): Women's health.
6. Neurologist ($298K): Brain disorders.
7. Pathologist ($294K): Tissue analysis.
8. Anesthesiologist ($280K+): Tallo.
9. Dentist ($275K-$365K Tucson): ReadySetHire.
10. Psychiatrist ($240K+): Mental health boom.

Mini case: Phoenix surgeon earns 15% more than Tucson due to population density.

Healthcare Dominates: Physicians, Surgeons, Dentists & Nurses

Medical careers claim 8/10 top spots. Orthopedic Surgeons ($468K, Amtec) require med school + residency. Tucson Dentists average $275K-$331K (ReadySetHire), with MB2 Dental at $331K. Nurses: NPs $132K (Jersey College), CNMs $174K. Phoenix vs. Tucson: Pharmacists higher in Tucson ($158K+), surgeons in Phoenix.

Tech & IT High-Payers: Software Engineers, IT Managers, InfoSec

Tech grows fast (AI/cloud). IT Managers: $187K (Herzing/BLS). Software Engineers in Phoenix: $150K+ (CareerAddict 2026). InfoSec Managers protect data amid breaches (ISC2 certs needed).

Executives & Managers: CEOs, Financial/IT/Healthcare Admins

CEOs $824K (Nexford). Financial Managers at Honeywell: $120K-$200K (Vintti). Healthcare Admins in Phoenix: $150K+, though union pushes cap hospital execs at $450K (AZ Capitol Times).

Best Paying Jobs in Phoenix vs. Tucson AZ 2026

Phoenix (tech/exec hub) outpaces Tucson:

Phoenix aerospace (4th highest nationally) boosts pilots/execs. Tucson: Lower COL (housing 92% nat'l avg), but fewer ultra-high roles. Case: Phoenix software engineer $150K+ vs. Tucson $140K.

Blue-Collar vs. White-Collar: Best Paying Non-Degree Jobs in Arizona

White-collar (surgeons/CEOs) dominate, but blue-collar shines:

Pros/Cons Comparison:

• White-Collar: Higher pay ($400K+), but 10-14yr education.
• Blue-Collar: Faster entry (certs/training), $100K-$500K potential.

Top blue-collar: Airline Pilots ($48K entry to $500K senior at American Airlines/Phoenix airports, Thrust Flight/PEA). Mining Engineers (strong in Tucson). Oil/Gas: $150K+ (Tallo). Pilots beat many white-collar starts.

Fastest Growing High-Salary Jobs & Remote Opportunities in Arizona 2026

BLS: Healthcare +23%, Finance 9.1%, IT 15%+. Fastest: NPs (23%), IT Security. Remote: IT Managers ($187K), software devs--ideal for AZ residents (no relocation). Tech hubs like Phoenix fuel AI/cloud growth (CareerAddict).

How to Land a Top Paying Job in Arizona: Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist

1. Education: Med school (10-14yrs) for surgeons; bachelor's + MBA for CEOs; certs for IT (CISSP).
2. Certifications: Nursing boards, radiology boards, React for devs.
3. Network: AZ Big 100 (e.g., Phillips Law, Enterprise Bank). Job boards: Phoenix.gov, Tucson postings.
4. Apply: Target Banner Health (Phoenix), Raytheon (aerospace).

Checklist:

• [ ] Assess skills (e.g., nurse to NP: $132K path, 2yr MSN).
• [ ] Get certs (e.g., pilot ATP).
• [ ] Relocate? Phoenix for tech.
• Case: LPN ($72K) to NP ($132K) via bridge program (Jersey College).

Arizona Salary Trends 2026: BLS Data, Cost of Living & Projections

State avg salary ~$62K (AZ Family), but top 1% skew high. Phoenix: 7% above nat'l (Randstad), COL 7% below. Tucson: 32% have degrees (MAP AZ), housing 92% nat'l. Industries: Healthcare/tech/mining/aerospace. Note variances: CEOs $824K (Nexford) vs. hospital caps ~$450K. Labor force: Low degree completion (24.8% assoc+).

FAQ

What are the top 10 highest paying jobs in Arizona 2026 forecast?
Chief Exec $824K, Orthopedic Surgeon $468K, Radiologist $447K, etc. (BLS/Amtec).

What is the software engineer salary in Phoenix AZ for 2026?
$150K+ (CareerAddict/Tallo).

Highest paying job in Tucson Arizona: Dentists or surgeons?
Dentists $275K-$365K; surgeons slightly higher but fewer openings (ReadySetHire).

Average nurse practitioner or physician salaries in Arizona?
NPs $132K, Physicians $280K+ (Jersey/Tallo).

Best paying blue-collar jobs or remote jobs for Arizona residents?
Pilots $500K senior, remote IT $187K (PEA/Herzing).

IT manager or financial manager pay in Arizona BLS data?
IT $187K, Financial $120K-$200K (Herzing/Vintti).