Highest Paying Jobs in the USA for 2026: Top Salaries, Trends & How to Land Them
Are you a career seeker, job changer, or student eyeing six-figure salaries in the USA? In 2026, the job market rewards specialized skills amid AI advancements, healthcare demands, and economic shifts. Drawing from BLS projections, Glassdoor and Indeed reports, and industry forecasts, this guide uncovers the best salary jobs across healthcare, tech/AI, finance, trades, executives, and remote roles.
Quick insights: Surgeons top $400K, anesthesiologists hit $256K+, and even no-degree trades like elevator installers reach $106K median. Entry-level finance analysts start at $85K-$120K with bonuses. Whether you need degree-required paths or accessible trades, get actionable steps to pursue future-proof, high-earning careers.
Quick Answer: The Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the USA for 2026
For immediate value, here's a ranked list of the top 10 highest paying jobs based on 2026 BLS projections, Glassdoor/Indeed data, and forecasts. Salaries reflect medians; top 10% earners often double them with experience/bonuses.
| Rank | Job | Median Salary (2026) | Top 10% Earnings | Projected Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgeon | $400K+ | $500K+ | 7% (faster than average) |
| 2 | Anesthesiologist | $256K+ | $350K+ | 35% (much faster) |
| 3 | CEO (by industry) | $240K-$500K | $1M+ (w/ bonuses) | Varies by sector |
| 4 | AI Engineer/Product Manager | $160K-$196K | $250K+ | 20-30% |
| 5 | Petroleum Engineer | $130K+ | $180K+ | Steady demand |
| 6 | Software Architect | $133K+ | $200K+ | 15-35% |
| 7 | Investment Banker (w/ bonuses) | $120K-$300K total | $400K+ | Competitive |
| 8 | Nurse Practitioner | $129K | $160K+ | 35%+ |
| 9 | Data Scientist | $112K | $160K | 30%+ |
| 10 | Elevator Installer (no degree) | $106K | $149K | Strong |
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook, Glassdoor 2026 reports, TrainingExpress, RezoundCareer, Nexford.
These roles dominate due to skill shortages, AI integration, and essential services. Growth is fueled by tech transformation and aging populations.
Key Takeaways: Highest Paying Careers at a Glance
- Healthcare dominates: Surgeons and anesthesiologists lead with $256K-$400K+; nurse practitioners hit $129K with 35% growth (Visual Capitalist, RezoundCareer).
- AI/tech explosion: Roles like AI engineers ($160K+) and data scientists ($112K) see 20-30% salary growth and demand (Nexford, Schiller).
- No-degree winners: Elevator installers ($106K median), power-line repairers ($92K) offer six figures without college (HumanResourcesOnline).
- Finance bonuses boost: Investment bankers reach $300K total comp entry-level (DigitalDefynd).
- Remote premium: Developers earn 40% more remotely (KuuBiik).
- STEM shines: $115K-$160K averages, especially AI/robotics (DAAD).
- Pilots scale up: Commercial pilots hit $260K+ after 12 years (SimpleFlying).
- Trade jobs future-proof: Top 10% tapers earn $100K+ (HumanResourcesOnline).
- Executives vary: CEOs $180K-$500K by industry (Southlea, ApexLearning).
- AI-safe picks: Blend human skills like empathy in healthcare/nursing (VirtualUniversityPK).
Healthcare Salaries Leading the Pack
Healthcare claims the top spots in 2026, driven by aging boomers and tech integration. Surgeons average $400K globally/USA (TrainingExpress), with neurosurgeons over $320K UK-comparable but $400K+ in high-demand US markets (RezoundCareer). Anesthesiologists forecast at $256K+ (up from $239K in 2024), with 35% growth through 2034 (BLS via RezoundCareer). Nurse practitioners reach $129K median, ideal for master's holders (Visual Capitalist).
Mini case: A US neurosurgeon earns 25% more than UK peers (£320K ~$400K), per global forecasts, due to malpractice insurance and volume.
Tech & AI: Best Paying Roles with Explosive Growth
Tech/AI jobs surge with 15-35% growth (UC.edu, Mashable). AI engineers earn $160K+ (senior), while machine learning engineers average $109K and computer vision engineers $86K-$168K (conflicting Nexford data resolved to $120K median via Glassdoor). Data scientists: $112K (Visual Capitalist). Software architects: $133K+ (Visual Capitalist). Cloud AI architects top lists for combining skills (DigitalCloud).
Skills: Programming, ML, data processing (Nexford). Entry via BS in CS/data science or certs.
Finance & Executive Positions: Bonuses and Entry-Level Paths
Finance offers bonus-driven pay. Investment bankers: Base + bonuses to $300K total comp (DigitalDefynd). Equity analysts: $85K-$120K entry-level. CEOs: $180K-$500K by industry, with long-term incentives rising (Southlea).
Mini case: Entry-level investment banking analyst at top firms hits $200K-$300K year 1 via bonuses, per 2026 guides (DigitalDefynd).
Trade Jobs & No-Degree High Earners
No college? Trades pay big: Elevator/escalator installers $106K median ($149K top 10%), power-line repairers $92K ($126K top), tapers $64K median ($100K top) (HumanResourcesOnline). Aircraft mechanics: $79K ($120K top).
Entry Checklist:
- Apprenticeships (2-4 years).
- Trade certs (e.g., NICET for elevators).
- Union programs for $50+/hr starts.
STEM, Pilots & Other Six-Figure Standouts
STEM: $115K-$160K (DAAD), petroleum engineers $130K+ outlook. Commercial pilots: Regional starts low, but 12-year FOs at $260K+ on legacy airlines (SimpleFlying).
Regional vs. legacy: Bonuses bridge gaps, with majors offering $200K+ captains.
Top Paying Remote & Future-Proof Jobs for 2026
Remote roles pay 40% premiums for devs (KuuBiik). Data center techs: $68K median (Mashable). AI product managers thrive remotely, blending strategy (Schiller). Future-proof: Human-AI hybrids like nursing (9% growth, ACU).
Mini case: Remote AI product manager earns $160K+ via cloud skills, per success stories (DigitalCloud).
Highest Paying Jobs No Degree vs. Degree Required: Pros & Cons Comparison
| Category | Examples | Median Salary | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Degree | Elevator Installer ($106K), Power-Line Repairer ($92K) | $90K+ | Quick entry (2-4 yrs), hands-on, job security | Physical demands, travel |
| Degree Required | Surgeon ($400K), AI Engineer ($160K) | $150K+ | Higher ceiling, prestige | 8+ yrs education, debt ($200K+ med school) |
BLS/Glassdoor: Trades resolve entry barriers vs. med school's time (ZellEducation).
Tech vs. Healthcare vs. Finance: 2026 Salary & Growth Showdown
| Sector | Median Salary Range | Growth Rate | Key Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $129K-$400K | 30%+ (NPs 35%) | Recession-proof |
| Tech/AI | $109K-$196K (resolved avg $140K) | 15-35% | Remote/flexible (Nexford/Schiller variance) |
| Finance | $85K-$500K (w/ bonuses) | Varies (7-15%) | High upside (Visual Capitalist, ACU) |
Healthcare leads stability; tech growth (Visual Capitalist).
How to Land a Six-Figure Job in 2026: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Build skills: AI/programming (Python, ML via Nexford); trades apprenticeships.
- Certifications: CHDA for health data, AWS for cloud AI (DigitalCloud).
- Network: LinkedIn (3 yrs avg experience, Mashable).
- Target entry-level: Finance/tech analysts.
- Interviews: Portfolio + CI/CD demos.
Mini case: Transition to cloud AI architect: Certs + LinkedIn = $160K remote (DigitalCloud).
Entry-Level High-Paying Jobs: Quick Start Guide
Finance: Analysts $85K-$120K (ZellEducation, DigitalDefynd). Tech: Data annotators $20-$180/hr w/ AI skills (Mashable). Trades: Apprentices $50K starts.
Application Checklist:
- Tailored resume (quantify impacts).
- Tools: CI/CD for tech.
- Platforms: Indeed/Glassdoor for 2026 rankings.
FAQ
What are the highest paying jobs no degree in 2026?
Elevator installers ($106K), power-line repairers ($92K), tapers ($64K-$100K top) – BLS/Glassdoor.
What are the best paying tech jobs 2026 salary ranges?
AI engineer $160K+, data scientist $112K, software architect $133K (Nexford, Visual Capitalist).
Surgeon average salary USA 2026 forecast?
$400K+ for neurosurgeons; top medical pros lead globally (TrainingExpress, RezoundCareer).
Top remote high salary jobs 2026?
Developers (40% premium), AI product managers $160K+, data centers $68K (KuuBiik, Mashable).
AI specialist high paying roles 2026?
AI strategy leaders, cloud architects $160K-$196K (Schiller, Nexford).
CEO pay scale by industry 2026?
$180K-$500K range; tech/healthcare highest w/ bonuses (Southlea, ApexLearning).