Highest Paying Jobs in the USA: Top Careers by Salary and Demand
Career changers, recent graduates, and mid-career professionals in the USA often look for paths to six-figure incomes--especially when weighing quick training against degrees or choosing between remote tech jobs and hands-on trades. Healthcare, tech, finance, and aviation lead the pack with median salaries from $100K+. Pilots earn a median of $226,600 (BLS Occupational Outlook, 2025 update), nurse practitioners make $114,981 (Forbes, 2025), and actuaries bring in around $120,000 (Rising Fellow, 2024). The fastest routes include nurse practitioners through advanced nursing or pilots via flight training. This won't fit if you want low-stress, remote-only roles without serious training.
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs Right Now
Airline pilots top the charts with a median salary of $226,600 and averages over $200,000 (Epic Flight Academy, 2025). Nurse practitioners earn $114,981 median (Forbes, 2025), physician assistants pull in $115,573 (same source), and actuaries make $120,000 median (Rising Fellow, 2024). Investment bankers reach all-in compensation of $440,000 (base $200K + $240K bonus) (Mergers & Inquisitions, 2025), while senior oil rig roles hit $150K-$250K+ (ALB Trial Lawyers, 2024). Tech leaders like cloud architects range $140K-$225K (Alexander TG, 2025).
Pay changes with experience: regional pilots start at $55K-$85K but can upgrade to $400K+ as captains at major carriers within 2 years (Simple Flying, 2025). Healthcare medians from 2022 data show seven roles at ~$208,000 but that's historical data (PCE San Diego, 2022). These numbers reflect USA medians; entry levels run lower, with growth tied to certifications and seniority.
Lucrative Careers in Tech and IT
Tech offers in-demand roles amid AI and cloud shifts. Software developers earn $130,160 median with 16-25% growth (Zoe Talent Solutions, 2024). Database and cloud roles pay $140K-$225K, while AI/ML engineers make $160K-$252K (Alexander TG, 2025; UC.edu IT Careers, unknown date). Cybersecurity and data science also lead based on industry trends.
Entry usually requires a bachelor's, though bootcamps can help. AI might reshape demand, so stick with adaptable skills like cloud computing. Skip this if coding isn't your strength--self-taught paths need strong problem-solving.
Highest Paying Tech Jobs Without a Degree?
No direct salary data for no-degree tech roles in sources, but bootcamps can get you into development or IT support. For top pay like $140K+ in cloud roles, degree paths work better (Alexander TG, 2025). When to skip: if you prefer structured learning over intense self-study.
Top Earning Professions in Healthcare
Healthcare dominates with seven roles at ~$208,000 median (historical data from 2022--numbers may have shifted post-pandemic) (PCE San Diego Healthcare, 2022). Nurse practitioners earn $114,981 (87% women), physician assistants make $115,573 (64% women) (Forbes, 2025). Nurse anesthetists need a BSN, RN license, and 1-year ICU experience (Resume Genius, 2026).
Moving from RN to advanced practice is common. High pay comes with stress--28.5% of women doctors report overload versus 21.5% of men (Zoe Talent Solutions, 2024). Healthcare fits those drawn to patient care who can handle demanding shifts.
Finance Jobs with Highest Pay
Investment bankers average $200K base plus $240K bonus ($440K total), with 55% from fees but 30%+ deferred or in stock (Mergers & Inquisitions, 2025). CFOs manage finances for high compensation (Forbes, 2024; Schiller, unknown). Other top roles: portfolio managers, quants.
Entry checklist: Finance degree focused on economics or accounting; network in major hubs. Pros: big bonuses; cons: volatile market, long hours. Finance suits analytical minds but demands those long hours.
High Paying Trade Jobs and Oil Rig Salaries
Trades offer no-degree or low-degree paths with strong pay. Oil rig mid-level workers (drillers) earn $70K-$100K, seniors (managers) make $150K-$250K+; offshore Houston roles run $100K-$200K (ALB Trial Lawyers, 2024). Union trades beat non-union medians (ABC NorCal, 2025).
Mini case: Houston offshore with 12-14 hour shifts, weeks off. Skip if safety risks or isolation don't work for you--fitness checks matter.
Airline Pilot Salary and Other Transport Roles
Median $226,600, average $200K+; major carrier captains earn $400K+ at $475/hr on long-haul (Epic Flight Academy, 2025; Simple Flying, 2025). Regional pilots start at $55K-$85K, upgrade in 2 years with bonuses to $100K.
Steps: get CPL, log 1,000 hours, complete fleet training. Perks include 2 weeks off per month. USA pay beats Europe (€50K-€80K).
Best Paid Jobs for Women and Actuary Salaries
Women-led high earners include nurse practitioner at $114,981 (87% women), physician assistant at $115,573 (64%), and HR manager at $92,335 (majority women) (Forbes, 2025; Resume Genius, 2026). Actuaries earn $120K median, entry $70K-$80K, through exams (Rising Fellow, 2024).
Gaps persist in leadership despite strong representation in these roles.
Degrees vs No Degree: High Income Paths Compared
| Path | Education | Example Jobs | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor's+ | Nurse Practitioner, Software Developer, Actuary | $100K+ medians, growth | 4+ years, debt |
| No Degree | HS + training | Oil Rig Manager, Trades | Quick entry, $150K+ senior | Physical risks, location-bound (ABC NorCal, 2025; ALB Trial Lawyers, 2024) |
Healthcare tops $200K+ with advanced degrees (historical, 2022); tech shows mixed results (Alexander TG, 2025). Checklist: 2-year associate for quick wins versus 4-year bachelor's.
How to Land One of These High Paying Jobs: Step-by-Step
- Check your skills and education.
- Pick your role (e.g., nurse: BSN + RN + 1yr ICU (Resume Genius, 2026)).
- Get credentials (actuary exams (Rising Fellow, 2024); pilot 1,000 hours (Epic Flight Academy, 2025)).
- Network and apply (finance degree focus (Schiller, unknown)).
- Build experience.
Use BLS for state-specific wages.
Evidence Pack
Top Careers Decision Matrix
| Job | Salary (Source/Year) | Education | Growth | Pros/Cons | % Women | Entry Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | $226K median (Epic, 2025) | CPL + 1,000 hrs | N/A | 2 wks off/mo; travel | N/A | Experience |
| Nurse Practitioner | $115K (Forbes, 2025) | BSN+ | N/A | Flexible; stress | 87% | ICU exp |
| Actuary | $120K (Rising Fellow, 2024) | Bachelor's + exams | N/A | Balance | N/A | Exams |
| Investment Banker | $440K all-in (M&I, 2025) | Finance degree | N/A | Bonuses; hours | N/A | Networking |
| Oil Rig Manager | $150-250K (ALB, 2024) | HS + training | N/A | Weeks off; risks | N/A | Offshore |
| Software Developer | $130K (Zoe, 2024) | Bachelor's/bootcamp | 16-25% | Remote; AI shifts | N/A | Coding |
Caveats: Healthcare data is historical (2022).
Highest Paying Jobs by State and Future Trends
No state-specific data here--check BLS occupational wages. Expected trends: Tech and healthcare growth to 2033 at 17%+ (Forbes, 2024), based on 2025 patterns.
FAQ
What are the top 10 highest paying jobs in the USA?
Pilots ($226K median, Epic Flight Academy, 2025), nurse practitioners ($115K), actuaries ($120K), investment bankers ($440K all-in), oil rig managers ($150-250K), according to sources above. Ranges show medians to top earners by seniority.
Do you need a degree for the best paid careers?
Not always--trades and oil rigs through HS + training reach $150K+ (ABC NorCal, 2025); most top roles need bachelor's+ (Schiller, unknown).
What are the highest paying tech jobs in 2025?
Cloud and database $140-225K, AI/ML $160-252K (Alexander TG, 2025); software $130K (Zoe, 2024).
How much do surgeons or pilots earn in the USA?
Pilots: $226K median, captains $400K+ within years through upgrades (Epic, 2025); surgeons in historical $208K group (PCE, 2022).
What are good high paying jobs for women?
Nurse practitioner $115K (87% women), physician assistant $116K (64%), HR manager $92K (majority women) (Resume Genius, 2026).
Apply This to Your Situation
Think about your education level now, your preferred work style (office, remote, or travel), and your timeline to entry (quick training versus long degree). These factors narrow your options--trades for fast starts or tech for remote flexibility.
Next Steps
Check BLS.gov for the latest occupational wages by state. Update your resume to target 1-2 roles from this list.
