Highest Paying Jobs in the USA for 2026: Top Careers, Salaries & Projections
Discover the top 15+ highest paying jobs in 2026 USA based on BLS data, industry reports like Doximity and Epic Flight Academy, and expert projections across tech, healthcare, finance, engineering, and more. Whether you're a job seeker, student, or career changer, this guide reveals actionable steps to land six-figure salaries--including entry-level options, remote roles, and AI-proof careers in the evolving job market.
Quick Answer: The Best Paying Jobs in 2026 USA
For immediate value, here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs ranked by median or average projected salary for 2026, drawn from BLS projections, Doximity reports, and specialized sources like Epic Flight Academy.
| Rank | Job | Projected Median Salary (2026) | Key Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgeon | ~$749,000 | Doximity |
| 2 | CEO (Large Firms) | $10M+ (total comp) | Industry reports (US airlines/execs) |
| 3 | Airline Captain (Senior) | $400,000–$470,000 | Epic Flight Academy |
| 4 | Cardiologist | ~$587,000 | Doximity |
| 5 | Solutions Architect (Senior) | $126,000–$268,000 | CareerPivoting |
| 6 | Petroleum Engineer | ~$141,000 | UND/BLS |
| 7 | Thoracic Surgeon | ~$690,000 | Doximity |
| 8 | Investment Banker (Senior) | $200,000+ (base + bonus) | Industry surveys |
| 9 | Nurse Anesthetist | $129,000+ (projected growth) | U.S. News/BLS |
| 10 | Data Scientist | ~$112,000–$133,000 | Visual Capitalist/LinkedIn |
These figures include base pay, bonuses, and premiums, with top earners often exceeding medians via experience or location.
Key Takeaways: Highest Salary Jobs at a Glance
- Healthcare Dominates: Neurosurgeons ($749K) and cardiologists ($587K) lead, with 9-10% growth (BLS).
- Tech Surge: Solutions architects ($268K max) and data scientists ($112K+) offer remote flexibility; cybersecurity grows 32% (BLS).
- Finance Elite: CEOs hit $10M+ packages; MBB consultants reach $285K (managers).
- Engineering Stability: Petroleum engineers ($141K) with 3% growth; chemical at $121K.
- Aviation High-Flyers: Senior captains $400K–$470K (Epic Flight Academy).
- Entry Barriers: Most require advanced degrees/certifications; actuaries median $120K post-exams.
- AI-Proof Trends: GenAI engineers and cybersecurity experts command premiums amid 7-10% YoY growth.
- Remote Potential: Top remote roles average $272K (CareerAddict).
Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs in 2026 USA by Industry
Lucrative Tech Jobs (Software Architects, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity)
Tech leads with remote-friendly, high-growth roles. Solutions architects earn $126K–$268K (CareerPivoting), boosted by AI skills like LLMOps (+15-20%). Data scientists average $112K (Visual Capitalist), with GenAI specialists in fastest-growing spots (LinkedIn). Cybersecurity analysts project 32% growth (BLS), with CISSP certification adding $25K–$35K premium and 7-10% YoY increases (Redbud Cyber). Remote vs. on-site: SF/NYC adds $40K, remote baseline $0 adjustment.
Mini Case: Non-IT pros transition to GenAI QA via Selenium/Playwright training for 2x salary jumps (TestLeaf).
High-Earning Healthcare Careers (Physicians, Nurse Anesthetists)
Healthcare offers stability with 9-10% growth. Neurosurgeons top at $749K, cardiologists $587K, thoracic surgeons $690K (Doximity). Nurse practitioners/anesthetists hit $129K+ (U.S. News #1 job), ideal for flexibility. Growth fueled by aging populations.
Finance & Management Powerhouses (Investment Bankers, CEOs, Consultants)
CEOs at major US firms exceed $10M in comp (aviation reports). MBB managers: McKinsey/Bain $192K base + up to $285K total (Leland). Investment bankers scale to $200K+ bonuses. Compare: Bain edges McKinsey in manager bonuses ($63K vs. $40K).
Elite Engineering Roles (Petroleum, Chemical Engineers)
Petroleum engineers average $141K, chemical $121K–$134K (UND). 3% growth; ND averages $107K regionally. Robust demand with 188K annual openings.
Other Top Earners (Pilots, Lawyers, Actuaries)
Senior airline captains: $400K–$470K (Epic Flight Academy), plus $30K–$50K premiums. Top law firm partners (Kirkland & Ellis) generate billions in revenue, with partner salaries competitive. Actuaries: $120K median (BLS), entry $70K–$80K rising post-exams.
Salary Comparison: Tech vs Healthcare vs Finance in 2026
| Industry | Median Salary | Growth Rate | Entry Barriers | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tech (Data Scientist) | $112K | 32% (cyber) | Certs (AWS/CISSP) | Remote/flexible | Automation risks |
| Healthcare (Neurosurgeon) | $749K | 9-10% | MD + residency | Job security | High stress/10+ yrs |
| Finance (Banker) | $200K+ | Variable | MBA/networking | Bonuses | Volatile hours |
Tech offers work-life balance but lags healthcare peaks; finance volatile but bonus-heavy. Actuary entry $70K–$80K (surveys) vs. BLS mid-career highs.
Highest Paying Entry-Level & Remote Jobs for 2026
Entry-level: Provider Engagement Coordinator ~$105K (Nexford). Fastest-growing: AI engineering, data annotators ($20–$180/hr, LinkedIn). Remote tops $272K average (CareerAddict); tech like architects remote-viable.
Mini Case: Mailroom to exec--like Simon Cowell--via networking/internships.
How to Land a Six-Figure Salary Job in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
- Education/Certs: MD for physicians; AWS SA Pro/CISSP for tech (+$25K–$35K); ATPL for pilots.
- Skills: Python/SQL/GenAI for tech; negotiation for +10-20%.
- Experience: Internships/LinkedIn; transition via IT Gateway programs.
- Search: Target MBB/FAANG; demand sign-on covering 50-75% unvested equity.
- Negotiate: Whiteboard AI architecture for edge.
Mini Case: Mailroom starter to C-suite via persistence.
Pros & Cons: Best Salary Careers in the AI Era
| Job | Pros | Cons | AI Future-Proof? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEO | $10M+, leadership | Extreme stress | High (strategy) |
| Tech Architect | $268K, remote | Location pay gap ($40K SF) | Very (GenAI design) |
| Neurosurgeon | $749K security | 10+ yr training | High (human skill) |
| Pilot | $470K | Rigorous medicals | Medium (automation) |
Tech/remote wins flexibility; healthcare stress high but stable.
Skills & Certifications Checklist for Top Earning Professions
Cybersecurity:
- CISSP, cloud/threat intel
- Premium: +$25K–$35K
Solutions Architect:
- AWS SA Pro, GCP; RAG/LLMOps
Pilots:
- ATPL, Class 1 medical
Consulting:
- Firm-specific (MBB case prep); bonuses 20-40%
GenAI Engineer:
- Selenium, Playwright, Python
FAQ
What are the highest paying tech jobs in 2026 USA?
Solutions architects ($126K–$268K), data scientists ($112K+), cybersecurity ($165K SF avg, 32% growth).
Which healthcare careers offer the best salaries in 2026?
Neurosurgeons ($749K), cardiologists ($587K), nurse anesthetists ($129K+).
How much do airline captains earn in 2026?
Senior captains $400K–$470K at Delta/United (Epic Flight Academy).
What are the top entry-level six-figure jobs for 2026?
Provider coordinators ($105K), data annotators ($20–$180/hr).
Are there high-paying remote jobs in 2026?
Yes, averages $272K; tech/architects lead.
How do management consulting salaries compare by firm in 2026?
MBB managers: Bain $285K total, McKinsey $267K (Leland).