Highest Paying Jobs in the US 2026: Top Salaries, Trends & How to Get Hired
Are you planning your career move for 2026? Whether you're a job seeker, career changer, student, or professional eyeing six-figure (or seven-figure) paychecks, this guide uncovers the best-paid job in the US: neurosurgeons averaging $749,140/year (Doximity 2026 data). We'll rank the top 10 careers spanning healthcare dominance, surging AI/tech roles, executive pay, blue-collar gems, and no-degree paths. Backed by BLS forecasts, TAG MedStaffing, Nexford University, and ResumeGenius, expect state variations, gender insights, 1.8M healthcare openings, and actionable checklists to land these gigs.
The Best Paid Job in the US 2026: Quick Answer & Key Takeaways
Quick Answer: The single highest-paying job in the US for 2026 is neurosurgeon, with an average salary of $749,140 annually (Doximity/TAG MedStaffing). These specialists handle brain, spine, and nerve surgeries, commanding top pay due to high demand, precision, and 15+ years of training.
Quick Summary: Top 5 Salaries
| Rank | Job | Avg. Salary (2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgeon | $749K | Doximity |
| 2 | Thoracic Surgeon | $690K | Doximity |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeon | $680K | Doximity |
| 4 | CEO (Large Cos.) | $1M+ (variable w/bonuses) | ChiefExec |
| 5 | Airline Pilot | $226K+ | Epic/SimpleFlying |
Key Takeaways:
- Healthcare rules: 8/20 fastest-growing occupations; 1.8M annual openings through 2032 (Nexford/BLS).
- AI/tech surge: Up to 38% growth, roles like Chief AI Officer at $160K+ (Schiller/Nexford).
- Blue-collar no-degree max: $106K (elevator installers); wind techs at 50% growth (ResumeGenius/BLS).
- Women-focused: Nurse practitioners (89% female) at $129K; 16% gender wage gap persists (Nexford/ResumeGenius).
- Overall job growth: 9% by 2034 (ACU/BLS).
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the US 2026 (Full Salary Rankings)
Here's the definitive 2026 forecast table, blending medical, tech, exec, and engineering roles (Doximity, BLS, Nexford, TAG MedStaffing).
| Rank | Job | Avg. Salary (2026) | Growth | Key Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgeon | $749K | 3-9% | Doximity; brain/spine ops |
| 2 | Cardiologist | $587K | 9% | Doximity; state highs in CA/NY |
| 3 | Anesthesiologist | $523K | 9% | Doximity; $223K for CRNAs |
| 4 | CEO (Large Firms) | $1M+ | Varies (+5% raises) | ChiefExec; bonuses key |
| 5 | Orthodontist | $450K+ | 5% | BLS projections |
| 6 | Investment Banker | $440K (all-in) | 10-15% | Mergers & Inquisitions |
| 7 | Petroleum Engineer | $150K+ | 8% | BLS outlook |
| 8 | Airline Pilot | $226K | Steady | Epic/SimpleFlying |
| 9 | AI Specialist (e.g., ML Eng) | $109K-$196K | 38% | Nexford; variances noted |
| 10 | Software Architect | $160K+ | 15% | Nexford/BLS |
Note: AI salaries vary ($109K ML eng vs. $196K business dev mgr; Nexford/Schiller).
Healthcare Dominance: Surgeons, Cardiologists & Anesthesiologists
Healthcare claims 8 of the top 20 fastest growers, with 1.8M openings/year (Nexford). Neurosurgeons lead at $749K, thoracic at $690K, orthopedics at $680K (Doximity). Cardiologists average $587K, highest in high-cost states like California (+20% premium). Anesthesiologists hit $523K; CRNAs (nurse anesthetists) earn $223K with shorter paths--ideal for women (89% female NPs; ResumeGenius mini-case: BSN +1yr ICU → CRNA cert).
Tech & AI Executives: Highest Growth Salaries
AI booms at 38% growth (Nexford). Chief AI Officers and strategy leaders top $160K+ (Schiller), outpacing ML engineers ($109K) or computer vision engineers ($86K-$169K; noted variances). Tech execs like software architects reach $160K with 15% growth (BLS).
Other High-Payers: Pilots, Bankers & Engineers
Airline pilots average $226K (Epic), with majors offering $260K+ after 12 years (SimpleFlying). Investment bankers hit $440K all-in (55% bonuses; M&I). Petroleum engineers outlook strong at $150K+ (BLS).
Best Paid Careers for Women in the US 2026
Women dominate high-pay fields like nurse practitioners (89.8% female, $129K; Nexford) and CRNAs ($223K; 1yr ICU post-BSN). Vets (65.6% female) and marketing managers (61.4%) offer $120K+ with 12-38% growth. Address the 16% wage gap via networking/certs (ResumeGenius). Mini-case: BSN → 1yr ICU → CRNA program for $200K+ entry.
Highest Paying Jobs No Degree Required 2026 (Blue-Collar & Medical Tech)
No college? Elevator installers lead at $106K (top 10% $149K; HumanResourcesOnline). Power-line repairers: $92K (top $127K). Radiologic tech assistants: $100K+ (<2yr cert, ARRT; NYSMDA). Wind turbine techs: 50% growth (ResumeGenius). Paths: 4-5yr apprenticeships vs. certs--apprenticeships pay during training.
Healthcare vs Tech vs Blue-Collar: 2026 Salary & Growth Comparison
| Sector | Top Salary | Growth/Openings | Entry Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $749K | 9-23%; 1.8M/yr | 15yrs | Stability, high ceiling | Long training, burnout (49%; Research.com) |
| Tech/AI | $196K | 15-38% | 4-6yrs (degree helpful) | Fast entry, remote | Volatility ($86K-$168K variances) |
| Blue-Collar | $106K | 50% (wind) | 4-5yrs apprenticeship | No debt, quick start | Physical demands |
Healthcare wins pay; AI leads growth; blue-collar easiest entry (ResumeGenius/BLS).
AI & Tech Executive Salaries vs Traditional Medical Roles (2026 Face-Off)
AI Product Mgr/Chief AI Officer: $160K+, 38% growth--faster entry via MBA/courses (Schiller/Nexford). Vs. Neurosurgeon: $749K, 9% growth, unmatched stability. Pros AI: Quick ramp-up; Cons: Lower ceiling. Mini-case: Tech pro → AI certs → product mgr in 2yrs.
How to Land a Top-Paying Job in 2026: Step-by-Step Checklists
Checklist 1: Medical (e.g., Surgeon)
- Bachelor's (4yrs) → MCAT.
- Med school (4yrs) → Residency (4-7yrs).
- Fellowship (1-3yrs). Total: 15yrs.
Checklist 2: No-Degree Blue-Collar
- HS diploma.
- 4-5yr paid apprenticeship (e.g., elevator installer).
- Certs (e.g., ARRT for rad tech).
Checklist 3: AI/Tech
- Coding bootcamp/ML courses.
- BS CS or MBA (optional).
- Portfolio + LinkedIn networking.
Checklist 4: Women-Focused
- Target NP/CRNA certs.
- ARRT/ICU exp.
- Women-in-STEM networks.
CEO & Investment Banker Pay Scale: Bonuses, Trends & State Variations
CEOs see 5%+ raises (82% expect increases; ChiefExec); large firms $1M+ w/stock. Bankers: $440K (base $200K +55% bonus; M&I). Cardiologists vary: NY/CA $650K+ vs. Midwest $500K. Mini-case: NY tech/law hybrids hit $500K+ (HowMuchCanIMake).
Job Outlook & BLS 2026 Forecasts: Fastest Growing High-Payers
9% overall growth (ACU/BLS). Standouts: Wind techs (50%), AI (38%), nurse practitioners (U.S. News #1 job). Healthcare: 1.8M openings; tech managers 15% (46,900/yr).
FAQ
What are the top 10 highest paying jobs in the US 2026?
Neurosurgeon ($749K), thoracic surgeon ($690K), orthopedic ($680K), CEO ($1M+), cardiologist ($587K), etc. (see table).
Which medical profession has the highest pay in the US 2026?
Neurosurgeon at $749K (Doximity).
What are the best paid jobs for women in the US 2026?
Nurse practitioner ($129K, 89% female), CRNA ($223K), marketing manager.
What are the highest paying jobs no degree 2026 USA?
Elevator installer ($106K), power-line repairer ($92K), rad tech assist ($100K+).
How much do surgeons or anesthesiologists earn in the US 2026?
Surgeons $679K+; anesthesiologists $523K (Doximity).
What are the top AI high-paying jobs US 2026?
Chief AI Officer ($160K+), AI business dev mgr ($196K), ML eng ($109K; Nexford/Schiller).