Highest Paying Jobs in the US for 2026: Top Careers, Salaries, and Paths
Healthcare, tech/STEM, finance, and skilled trades offer the highest pay heading into 2026. Nurse anesthetists earn a median $223,210 (historical data, 2024 -- BLS (2024)), while elevator installers make $106,580 (BLS Trades (2024)). Whether you're a student, recent grad, mid-career switcher, or professional hunting for a salary boost, this guide focuses on 2026 trends, requirements, and growth in the US job market. Regional variations abroad may shift these priorities.
Healthcare roles like nurse practitioners show 38% projected growth with 1.8 million annual openings through 2032 (Nexford University). Trades let you earn faster without a four-year degree. The top 10 list below shows median salaries, top earners, and growth--using the most recent data available.
Top 10 Highest Paying Occupations in the US for 2026
Healthcare and skilled trades lead the highest paying jobs for 2026, combining strong medians with solid demand. Here's the ranked list based on available projections (US focus; salaries shift with experience and location).
- Cardiologist: $324,760 median (Nexford University). Top 10% earn far more; requires extensive medical training.
- Nurse Anesthetist: $223,210 median (historical data, 2024 -- BLS (2024)). Healthcare growth stays strong.
- Nurse Practitioner: $129,210 median (historical data, 2024 -- BLS (2024)).
- Elevator/Escalator Installer: $106,580 median; top 10% make $149,250 (Human Resources Online, 2026).
- Transportation Manager: $102,010 median; top 10% earn $180,590 (Human Resources Online, 2026).
- Power-Line Installer: $92,560 median; top 10% make $126,610 (Human Resources Online, 2026).
- Cloud Architect (remote possible): $100K-$200K range (Upgrad/Glassdoor, 2025).
- AI/ML Engineer: $125K-$165K (Invensis, 2025).
- Hedge Fund Manager (finance peak): Top finance role, exact median varies but leads the sector (Nexford University).
- Medical Manager: Strong growth; hospital medians hit $137K (historical data, 2024 -- BLS (2024)).
Healthcare offers ceilings above $300K but takes longer to reach; trades hit $100K+ faster. If you just finished school, medicine might not be your quickest path--debt and 10+ years of training slow your start. Entry-level pay lags these medians, which reflect seniority.
Healthcare's Highest Salary Roles
Healthcare drives top pay with huge demand--1.8 million openings yearly through 2032, including 38% growth for advanced nurse practitioners (Nexford University). Nurse anesthetists earn a $223,210 median (historical data, 2024), and practitioners make $129,210, while cardiologists reach $324,760 (Nexford University). Managers pull in $137K in hospitals.
These roles fit patient-focused professionals; expect a bachelor's degree plus residency (4+ years). Burnout affects 49%--consider the emotional toll.
Tech/STEM and Finance Standouts
Tech/STEM professionals with experience can expect $115K-$160K in 2026, driven by shortages in AI and robotics (DAAD, 2026). AI/ML engineers earn $125K-$165K (Invensis, 2025); cloud architects make $100K-$200K with remote options. Finance crowns hedge fund managers as top earners, though exact figures vary by performance (Nexford University).
Based on 2025 data, AI-resilient skills like empathy work alongside Python proficiency. A bachelor's in STEM boosts weekly pay 68% over high school (National University, 2025).
Healthcare vs Tech vs Finance vs Trades: Which Sector Pays Best?
Healthcare offers the highest ceilings ($223K+ for nurse anesthetists) with 38% growth, but you'll spend years in training (Nexford University). Tech provides $100K-$200K with remote flexibility, finance delivers peaks like hedge managers, and trades reach $106K medians without degrees (Human Resources Online, 2026).
| Sector | Median Salary Range | Growth | Entry Barriers | Ceiling | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $129K-$324K | 38% nurses; 1.8M openings (Nexford) | 4+ years + residency | Very high | Burnout |
| Tech/STEM | $115K-$200K | High demand shortages (DAAD, 2026) | Bachelor's + certs | High | Layoff risks |
| Finance | Varies; hedge top | Steady | Bachelor's + experience | Very high | Bonus-dependent |
| Trades | $64K-$106K | Stable (Human Resources Online, 2026) | Trade school (1-2 years) | $149K top 10% | Physical demands |
Pick healthcare if you can handle the training timeline; choose trades if you want to avoid debt. Salary differences come from specialization--NPs at $129K versus cardiologists at $324K.
Entry Requirements and Education Paths for High-Paying Careers
Start by assessing your strengths, then aim for a bachelor's in STEM or healthcare--which yields 68% higher weekly pay versus high school (National University, 2025).
Checklist if you're fresh out of school or recently graduated:
- Assess fit: Look for NAAB-accredited paths in specialized fields (National University, 2025).
- Education: 4-year bachelor's plus residency for medicine (e.g., surgeons: psych bachelor's, med school, 3-year residency -- Nexford University); certifications for cloud architects.
- Upskill: Learn Python for tech (DAAD, 2026).
If you're just starting out, consider a finance analyst role after your bachelor's. Skip long medical tracks if debt worries you--trades let you enter in 1-2 years.
Remote and In-Demand High-Salary Jobs for 2026
Remote roles like cloud architects ($100K-$200K, Upgrad/Glassdoor, 2025) and UX/UI designers thrive as offshoring trends continue (Overqualified, 2025). STEM shortages push salaries above $115K (DAAD, 2026); AI-safe jobs emphasize creativity and empathy (Virtual University, 2025).
BLS hasn't released exact 2026 remote data--trends from 2025 point toward hybrid flexibility in tech. Build versatile skills to handle uncertainty.
Job Market Trends Shaping High Pay in 2026
AI reshapes the market, favoring empathy-driven roles over routine tasks (Virtual University, 2025). Healthcare is booming (1.8M openings, Nexford University); layoffs rise with uncertainty, and offshoring accelerates (Overqualified, 2025).
If 2025 patterns hold, STEM pay stays strong despite shortages. Healthcare growth outpaces finance.
Evidence Pack
| Job | Median Salary (USD, Source/Year) | Growth/Projected Openings | Entry Path (Years) | Top 10% Earners | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator Installer (Human Resources Online, 2026) | $106,580 | No data | Trade training (1-2) | $149K | Physical |
| Nurse Anesthetist (BLS, 2024*) | $223,210 | Strong (healthcare) | Advanced degree (6+) | No data | Burnout |
| Cloud Architect (Upgrad/Glassdoor, 2025) | $100K-$200K | High demand | Bachelor's + certs (4+) | No data | Remote variability |
| *Historical data, 2024 -- market may have changed. Conservative range: $120K-$220K for experienced. |
Steps to Land a Top-Paying Job in 2026
- Build a portfolio: Show AI projects and Python skills (Invensis, 2025).
- Target shortages: Focus on STEM or healthcare (DAAD, 2026).
- Network: Use LinkedIn for finance and grad-level paths (Alexander Daniels, 2025).
A bachelor's degree unlocks pay premiums; start earning certifications now.
Apply This to Your Situation
- Timeline: Do you want a quick trade path (1-2 years) or can you handle 8+ years for medicine?
- Risk: Are you okay with burnout or physical demands, or do you prefer remote tech?
- Flex: Are you tied to a location or open to remote work?
FAQ
What are the top 10 highest paying jobs US 2026?
Cardiologist ($324K, Nexford), nurse anesthetist ($223K, BLS 2024*), elevator installer ($106K, Human Resources Online 2026), cloud architect ($100K-$200K, Upgrad 2025). Healthcare and trades lead the pack.
Healthcare highest paying jobs 2026?
Nurse anesthetists ($223K), nurse practitioners ($129K, historical 2024 BLS); 38% growth with 1.8M openings (Nexford).
Tech jobs highest salary 2026?
AI/ML engineers make $125K-$165K (Invensis 2025), cloud architects earn $100K-$200K (Upgrad 2025); STEM professionals get $115K-$160K (DAAD 2026).
Best paid jobs for freshers 2026?
Finance analysts start around $70K+ after a bachelor's (bachelor's premium National University 2025); trades like power-line installers earn $92K median (Human Resources Online 2026).
Remote highest paying jobs 2026?
Cloud architects earn $100K-$200K, UX designers follow Glassdoor ranges (Upgrad 2025); AI-resilient tech roles fit current trends.
Highest paying occupations Bureau of Labor Statistics 2026?
BLS hasn't released direct 2026 data yet; use 2024 proxies like nurse anesthetists ($223K) flagged as historical.
Pick a high-demand role like nurse practitioner or cloud architect. Update your LinkedIn with targeted skills today, then apply to 5 openings this week. Sources checked Dec 2025.