Highest Paying Jobs in the US for 2026: Top Salaries, Projections & Careers
Planning your career move for 2026? Whether you're a student, professional eyeing a switch, or seeking future-proof options, this guide uncovers the highest paying jobs in the US based on BLS projections, Doximity reports, and industry trends. Healthcare dominates with surgeons topping $700k, while tech roles like AI engineers surge with 35%+ growth. We'll break down salaries, top states/cities, education needs, and actionable steps to break in.
Quick Top 10 Preview (median salaries, 2026 projections):
- Neurosurgeon: $749k
- Orthopedic Surgeon: $679k
- Cardiologist: $587k
- Nurse Anesthetist: $256k+
- CEO (tech/finance): $10M+ for top earners
- Anesthesiologist: $523k
- Petroleum Engineer: $141k
- Chief Information Security Officer: $256k
- AI/ML Engineer: $175k+ (top cities)
- Data Scientist: $175k+
Dive in for details, comparisons, and paths to six figures.
Quick Answer: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the US for 2026
For fast insights, here's the elite list drawn from Doximity, BLS, Nexford, and ITAAG data. These roles offer median salaries, explosive growth, and real entry paths.
| Rank | Job | Median Salary (2026 Proj.) | Growth Rate | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgeon | $749,140 | 3-5% | MD + 7-yr residency |
| 2 | Orthopedic Surgeon | $679,517 | 3% | MD + specialty training |
| 3 | Cardiologist | $587,360 | 3% | MD + fellowship |
| 4 | Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $256,000+ | 35%+ | BSN + MSN/DNP |
| 5 | CEO (Tech/Finance) | $10M+ (top) | Varies | MBA/exp + leadership |
| 6 | Anesthesiologist | $523,277 | 3% | MD + residency |
| 7 | Petroleum Engineer | $141,280 | 2-5% | Bachelor's in Eng. |
| 8 | Chief Info Security Officer | $256,040 | 35% | CISSP + 10+ yrs exp |
| 9 | AI/ML Engineer | $175,000+ | 35%+ | BS/MS in CS + Python/ML |
| 10 | Data Scientist | $175,065 (top cities) | 35% | BS/MS + data skills |
Key Takeaways Box:
- Healthcare rules: 6/10 spots, with 1.8M openings to 2032 (BLS).
- Tech boom: AI/cyber grow 35%+ by 2031 – fastest overall.
- Accessible options: Blue-collar and entry-level no-degree roles hit $86k+.
Key Takeaways & Quick Summary
- Dominant Sectors: Healthcare ($500k+ physicians), Tech/AI ($175k+), Finance/Exec ($10M+ CEOs), Engineering ($141k).
- Salary by Education: No-degree blue-collar/entry IT: $46k-$86k; Bachelor's: $121k-$141k (e.g., engineers); Advanced degrees: $500k+ (MDs).
- Fastest Growing: Cyber/nurse roles (35%+ via BLS/Nexford); AI/ML exploding.
- Projections: BLS forecasts robust demand; tech remote-friendly, healthcare location-tied.
- Future-Proof Tip: Prioritize certs (CISSP, CompTIA) and skills like Python/ML for 20-30% salary jumps.
Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs 2026 (Top Salaries & Top States)
Healthcare claims 8/10 top spots due to aging populations and 1.8M annual openings (BLS). Procedural specialists lead.
- Neurosurgeon: $749k (Doximity) – brain/spine surgeries.
- Orthopedic Surgeon: $679k – joint/musculoskeletal.
- Cardiologist: $587k (Doximity; Nexford notes $324k base – procedural volume boosts to $587k).
- Vascular Surgeon: $576k.
- Anesthesiologist: $523k.
- Nurse Anesthetist: $256k+ (FBNPC/BLS) – anesthesia administration, 35% growth.
- Pharmacist: $123k (Nexford).
Top States for Physicians (Doximity/BLS): CA, TX, NY, FL – highest in procedural hubs like LA/TX (10-20% premiums).
Mini Case: Cardiologist path – Bachelor's (pre-med) → Med school (4 yrs) → Residency (3 yrs) → Fellowship (3 yrs). Total: 11+ yrs, but $500k+ payoff.
Physician Specialist Salaries 2026: Top States & Projections
BLS projects steady 3% growth; top states like California offer $600k+ for specialists amid shortages.
Top Paying Tech Jobs 2026: AI, Cybersecurity & Software Roles
Tech surges with AI/automation; 35% cyber growth by 2031 (BLS). Remote-friendly, six-figure fast.
- AI/ML Engineer: $175k+ – GenAI models; transition from QA via Python/Selenium (Testleaf).
- Chief Info Security Officer: $256k (ITAAG; Nexford $157k entry – exp. factor).
- Data Scientist: $175k (top cities like SF/NY).
- Software Developer: $150k+ high-end.
- Cloud Security: $89k-$175k.
Growth: 35% cyber (BLS); skills: Python, CISSP.
Mini Case: QA to GenAI Engineer – Learn Playwright/ML; 20-30% raises.
Highest Paid Software Developers & Data Scientists 2026
Devs: $150k+; Data Scientists: $175k in SF/Seattle.
Cybersecurity Expert High Paying Jobs 2026
Chief roles $256k; entry IT support $46k-$86k (3-5 yrs to six figures, Nexford/ITAAG).
Best Finance & Management Jobs: Executives, Consultants & Bankers
- CEO: $10M+ in tech (VisionaryCIOs; e.g., Satya Nadella).
- Mgmt Consulting: McKinsey MBA $192k base +$40k bonus (Miami.edu/Poets&Quants); Bain $192k-$285k total; Big4 (Accenture) $80k-$110k.
- Investment Banker: $200k+ comp (Southlea trends).
Compare: McKinsey ($267k total) vs. Accenture ($100k) – prestige/exp.
Lucrative Engineering & Blue-Collar Jobs 2026 US
- Petroleum Engineer: $141k (UND).
- Chemical Engineer: $121k.
Blue-Collar Gems (ResumeGenius/BLS):
- Wind Turbine Tech: 50% growth, $80k+.
- Electrician: 4-5 yr apprenticeship, $70k+.
Checklist for Blue-Collar: 1) Apprenticeship, 2) Assoc. degree, 3) Certs, 4) Union join, 5) Specialize (e.g., industrial).
Emerging & Future-Proof High Salary Jobs 2026 (Fastest Growing)
- AI/ML, Cyber: 35% (AccountMakers/LinkedIn).
- Nurse Practitioner: #1 U.S. News 2026.
- Sustainability Roles: Rapid rise.
- Remote Tech: Data/AI, flexible but competitive.
Salary Comparison: Highest Jobs 2026 by Education Level & Entry Paths
| Education | Salary Range | Growth | Examples | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Degree | $46k-$86k | 35-50% | Cyber entry, Wind Tech, Electrician | Fast entry (apprenticeships), trades | Ceiling ~$100k |
| Bachelor's | $121k-$175k | 10-35% | Petroleum Eng, Data Scientist, AI Eng | Six figures quick, remote | 4 yrs study |
| Advanced (MS/MD) | $256k-$749k | 3-35% | Physicians, CRNA, CISO | Highest ceiling | 7-15 yrs path |
5 Steps to Land High-Pay Job:
- Assess skills (e.g., LinkedIn quiz).
- Get certs (CISSP/CompTIA for tech).
- Target top cities (SF for tech).
- Network (LinkedIn).
- Build portfolio (GitHub).
Top Paying Jobs by Location: Best Cities & States for 2026 Salaries
- Physicians: CA/TX/NY (Doximity).
- Data Scientists: SF ($175k+), Seattle, NY.
- Tech: CA/TX hubs.
- Mini Case: CA/TX – Tech/healthcare overlap, 20% salary boosts.
How to Get These High Paying Jobs: Step-by-Step Guide & Checklist
Healthcare Checklist:
- Bachelor's (pre-med/nursing).
- Advanced degree (MD/MSN).
- Residency/fellowship.
- Certs (CRNA).
- Top states.
Tech Checklist:
- BS CS or certs (CompTIA).
- Skills: Python/ML/CISSP.
- 3-5 yrs exp/portfolio.
- Remote apply.
Consulting Checklist:
- MBA.
- Network (LinkedIn).
- Case prep.
- Target MBB/Big4.
Pros/Cons Remote: Flexible vs. high competition.
FAQ
What are the highest paying jobs without a degree in 2026 US?
Cyber IT support ($46k-$86k), wind turbine tech (50% growth, $80k+), electrician apprenticeships ($70k+).
What is the salary for AI machine learning engineers in 2026?
$175k+ in top cities; explosive growth with GenAI skills.
Which healthcare jobs have the highest salaries in 2026?
Neurosurgeon ($749k), Orthopedic ($679k), Cardiologist ($587k), CRNA ($256k+).
How much do cybersecurity experts earn in top US cities 2026?
CISO $256k; varies SF/NY +20%.
What are the top management consulting salaries by firm in 2026?
McKinsey/Bain: $192k base + bonuses ($267k+ total); Big4: $80k-$110k.
Are there high paying remote jobs projected for 2026?
Yes – AI/ML, data science, cyber ($150k+); prioritize certs/portfolio.