Highest Paying Jobs in the US: Top Careers, Salaries, and Paths for 2024-2026
Career seekers in the US--fresh graduates, degree-holders, non-degree workers, and mid-career switchers--often hunt for roles paying six figures or more. Medical professions lead the pack: physicians earn $208K+ median, while CEOs reach $20M median total compensation. Trades like elevator installers hit $106K (all 2024-2025 data). For quick entry, no-degree trades reach $90K+ medians through apprenticeships; graduates can target $60K-$75K starting salaries with bachelor's paths.
These figures come from recent analyses, but advice may not apply in low-demand regions or without required certifications like medical boards or union apprenticeships.
Direct answer: Top 10 cross-category jobs include CEOs ($20M median, extensive experience), physicians ($208K+, 10-14 years training), nurse practitioners (38% growth), elevator installers ($106,580, apprenticeship), and power plant operators ($97,540, on-the-job training) (Harvard CorpGov 2025, Amtec 2025, Nexford, WSFA 2025).
Top 10 Highest Paying Occupations Across US Sectors
High-pay jobs span medical, executive, and trades, with medians from $97K to $20M based on 2024-2025 data. CEOs top the list at $20M median total compensation (stock awards drive $10.3M of that), while trades like elevator installers reach $106,580 through apprenticeships (Harvard CorpGov 2025, Amtec 2025). Nurse practitioners project 38% growth, far above average.
Ranked highlights:
- CEO ($20M median; extensive leadership experience; varies by sector--$25.2M comm services vs. $12.2M utilities) (Harvard CorpGov 2025).
- Physicians/surgeons ($208K+ median; 10-14 years post-high school) (San Diego PCE historical 2022, WSFA 2025).
- Nurse practitioners (38% growth to 2032; advanced nursing degree).
- Elevator installers/repairers ($106,580; high school + 4-5 year apprenticeship) (Amtec 2025).
- Power distributors ($100,940; postsecondary certificate).
- Power plant operators ($99,670; long-term on-the-job training).
- Pharmacists ($123K; PharmD + licensing) (Nexford).
- Physician assistants ($100K; master's + certification).
- Electrical power-line workers ($92,560; high school + training) (Human Resources Online 2026).
- Nuclear technicians ($122,610; high school + extensive training) (Amtec 2025).
CEO pay swings with industry demand; medical roles offer steadier paths but need longer training.
Medical gives you stability but demands long training; trades and exec roles suit faster or more variable paths.
Best Paid Medical Careers in America
Medical roles dominate high-pay lists because of demand, with 1.8M openings projected yearly to 2032 and eight of the 20 fastest-growing US occupations in healthcare (Nexford via BLS). Physicians lead at $208K+ median (historical data, 2022), followed by pharmacists at $123K and physician assistants at $100K.
Top roles include dental hygienists ($99,576; 2-3 year associate program) and diagnostic sonographers ($106,500). Training demands 10-14 years post-high school for specialists like surgeons, plus board certifications (WSFA 2025, Nexford). Growth for advanced nurses hits 38%, but niches like pediatric surgeons employ under 1,200 people.
Medical vs Executive Pay Comparison
| Aspect | Medical (e.g., Physicians $208K median, 2022) | Executive (e.g., CEOs $20M median, 2024-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | High job security (8%+ growth in related fields) (Nexford); steady demand. | Varies by industry (healthcare CEOs $20.2M, tech $19.3M) (Harvard CorpGov 2025). |
| Entry Time | 10-14 years training. | 15-25 years experience; no fixed path. |
| Upside | Predictable salary. | Stock awards drive millions; Bay Area boosts high earners. |
| Risk | Burnout from shifts; certifications required. | Layoffs in downturns; 1 in 127 jobs >$500K nationally (ADP 2024). |
Pick medical for security; executives suit risk-tolerant climbers in tech or comms.
Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree: Trade and Skill Roles
Trades offer $90K+ medians without college--nuclear technicians at $122,610 top the list (Amtec 2025). Elevator repair ($106,580; 4-5 year apprenticeship) and power-line workers ($92,560) follow, with 5-7% growth expected (Entrepreneur 2025, Human Resources Online 2026).
Union paths boost earnings; entry-level field techs start at $45K-$56K (historical, 2022). Checklist: 1) Earn high school diploma; 2) Join apprenticeship or licensing program; 3) Target utilities or construction. Not ideal if you want to avoid physical labor or shift work.
Top Executive Salaries and Tech Roles in the US
C-suite roles like CEOs deliver $20M medians (comm services $25.2M highest), fueled by $10.3M stock awards, outpacing trades (Harvard CorpGov 2025). Tech CEOs average $19.3M; Bay Area has 1 in 48 jobs over $500K vs. national 1 in 127 (ADP 2024).
NY hosts top-paid CEOs; contrast that with trades' stability--executives need proven scaling skills. Regional perks like low taxes in FL or HI help high earners.
Job Outlook and Factors for Highest Salaries 2024-2026
Healthcare leads with 1.8M annual openings and 38% nurse practitioner growth; trades expect 5-7% to 2032 (expected tendencies based on 2024-2025 data patterns) (Nexford, Entrepreneur 2025). Certifications lift salaries 15-28%; target Bay Area for tech or exec pay.
Practical steps: 1) Assess skills and education; 2) Pursue certifications or apprenticeships; 3) Relocate to high-demand areas. Note: Programmers face -11% decline (historical, 2022)--avoid oversaturated fields (Research.com 2022).
Comparing Paths: Degree vs No-Degree High-Pay Jobs
Degrees unlock $60K-$75K entry (plus commissions) and $1M lifetime earnings premium, but trades hit $97K-$122K medians faster (NMSU 2025, trades data (2025)). Pros of degrees: Broader mobility; cons: Debt and time. No-degree pros: Quick start, hands-on; cons: Physical demands, location-bound.
Skip advanced medical if you want entry under 5 years--choose trades instead. Results vary by region.
Evidence Pack
| Job Title | Median Salary (Source/Year) | Education/Training | Job Growth/Outlook | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO | $20M (Harvard 2025) | Extensive experience | Sector-variable | High upside, risk-tolerant |
| Nurse Practitioner | High growth (38%) (Nexford) | Advanced nursing | 38% to 2032 | Stability, healthcare passion |
| Elevator Installer | $106,580 (Amtec 2025) | Apprenticeship (4-5 yrs) | 5% | Quick no-degree entry |
| Pharmacist | $123K (Nexford) | PharmD | Steady openings | Medical without full MD |
| Physician | $208K+ (San Diego PCE historical 2022) | 10-14 yrs post-HS | 8%+ related | Long-term security |
| Power Plant Operator | $99,670 (BLS via Amtec 2025 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/power-plant-operators-distributors-and-dispatchers.htm) | On-the-job | 5-7% | Trades stability |
| Nuclear Technician | $122,610 (Amtec 2025) | HS + training | Moderate | High-pay skills |
| Physician Assistant | $100K (Nexford) | Master's | Strong healthcare | Mid-training medical |
Decision Matrix: Score your fit (1-5) on: Time to entry (quick=5), Risk (low=5), Location flexibility (high=5). Total >12? Go for it; if not, rethink your options.
Entry-Level High-Pay Options for Fresh Graduates
Bachelor's holders start at $60K-$75K plus commissions in management or tech-related fields, with certifications adding 15-28% boosts and $1M lifetime edge (NMSU 2025). Online programs help you balance work and learning. Layer skills like data analysis for an edge; non-degree seekers may prefer trades for faster ramps.
FAQ
Q1: What are the top 10 highest paying jobs 2024 US?
A: CEOs ($20M median, Harvard 2025), physicians ($208K+, San Diego PCE historical 2022), nurse practitioners (38% growth), elevator installers ($106K, Amtec 2025), and others like pharmacists ($123K) lead across sectors (Nexford, WSFA 2025).
Q2: Highest paying jobs without a degree in the US?
A: Nuclear technicians ($122K), elevator repair ($106K), power distributors ($100K)--all through high school plus apprenticeships or training, with 5-7% growth (Amtec 2025, Entrepreneur 2025).
Q3: Best paying medical careers America with salaries?
A: Physicians ($208K+), pharmacists ($123K), physician assistants ($100K), dental hygienists ($99K); 1.8M openings per year to 2032 (Nexford, San Diego PCE historical 2022).
Q4: Top executive salaries US by industry?
A: Median $20M overall; comm services $25.2M, healthcare $20.2M, tech $19.3M, utilities $12.2M (stock-heavy) (Harvard CorpGov 2025).
Q5: Job outlook for highest salaries 2024-2026?
A: Healthcare 38% for nurses, 1.8M openings; trades 5-7%; exec varies by sector (expected tendencies from 2024-2025 patterns) (Nexford, trades data (2025)).
Apply this to your situation: Do you prefer 1-5 year entry or long-term stability? Rate physical vs. desk work (1-5). Can you relocate to Bay Area? High scores favor trades or exec; low scores suit medical.
Next steps: 1) Review the Evidence Pack table and score your fit. 2) Search apprenticeships on sites like Apprenticeship.gov or BLS for your top role.