Highest Paying Jobs in the US: Top Earners for 2024 and Beyond
Healthcare professionals lead the highest paying jobs in the US. Surgeons earn a median annual wage of $450,110 (BLS May 2024 data, BLS.gov), followed by anesthesiologists at $302,970 (BLS.gov), oral and maxillofacial surgeons at $309,410 (BLS.gov), CEOs at $246,440 (BLS.gov), and petroleum engineers at $145,720 (BLS.gov). If you're a student, mid-career switcher, or job hunter weighing high-earning paths by salary, education, and growth, you'll find what you need here. We don't cover non-US residents or short-term gig economy work.
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the US (BLS 2024 Data)
BLS occupational wage data from May 2024 ranks the top earning professions in America by median annual salary. These roles often have large sample sizes (n>10,000 in many cases). The medians exclude bonuses and top outliers, so they give you a realistic baseline for full-time workers.
- Surgeons (all other): $450,110 – Requires MD degree, residency (10+ years training) (BLS.gov).
- Anesthesiologists: $302,970 – MD plus 4-year residency; hospitals need them badly (BLS.gov).
- Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeons: $309,410 – DDS/MD, specialized residency (BLS.gov).
- Orthopedic Surgeons (subset): $450,110 (BLS May 2024 aggregate for surgeons, BLS.gov); similar path to surgeons.
- Cardiologists (non-invasive): $432,490 (BLS.gov).
- CEOs: $246,440 – Often MBA or experience; varies by firm size (BLS.gov).
- Dentists (general): $170,910 – DDS degree, 4 years post-bachelor's (BLS.gov).
- Petroleum Engineers: $145,720 – Bachelor's in engineering; energy sector focus (BLS.gov).
- Nurse Anesthetists: $212,650 – Master's or doctoral in nursing anesthesia (BLS.gov).
- Airline Pilots: $171,210 – FAA certifications, flight hours (no degree always required) (BLS.gov).
These figures come from BLS surveys of over 1 million establishments, so the representation is broad.
Healthcare Dominates: Surgeons and Anesthesiologists
Healthcare claims four of the top 10 spots as the highest paying professions in the US. Specialized skills and shortages drive demand. Surgeons earn a median $450,110 (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov; n>10K), while anesthesiologists hit $302,970 (same source). Training takes 10+ years after undergrad, including residency under high-stress conditions.
Long hours and liability risks make these paths tough if you dislike irregular shifts or patient-facing pressure. You start with pre-med undergrad, MCAT, and med school.
Executive and Engineering Standouts
CEOs average $246,440 (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov), with pay rising through stock options in large firms (Glassdoor industry source, Glassdoor.com). Petroleum engineers follow at $145,720 (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov), concentrated in oil regions.
The variation is high: small company CEOs earn less, while engineers' pay ties to commodity prices. You can get there through business degrees or an engineering bachelor's with industry experience.
Highest Paying Jobs No Degree Required in the US
Some high earners skip college and build skills through certifications. Airline pilots make $171,210 (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov) and air traffic controllers earn $132,250 median (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov). Nuclear technicians and commercial divers also reach six figures with vocational training.
Entry checklist:
- Earn certifications (e.g., FAA for pilots).
- Build 1,500+ flight hours or equivalent experience.
- Network via unions or FAA programs.
Air traffic controllers enter through FAA academy (2-5 months), no degree needed, but they pass rigorous testing. Skip this if you can't handle high-stakes decisions under pressure.
Best Paying Jobs by State: Regional Salary Variations
Salaries for top roles shift by state because of industry hubs and cost of living (COL). Petroleum engineers earn $200K+ in Texas (BLS 2023 state data, historical -- market conditions may have changed; BLS.gov) versus $150K in California, which reflects energy concentration versus tech influence. Surgeons top $500K in California but face high COL (BLS.gov).
Texas favors energy jobs; California leans healthcare and tech. Check local BLS data for your state.
Fastest Growing High Paying Jobs US (2024 Projections)
Nurse practitioners lead with 45% projected growth 2022-2032 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS.gov) and median pay $126,260 (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov). They blend healthcare demand with shorter training through master's programs. Software developers follow at 26% growth 2022-2032 (BLS.gov) with $130,160 median (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov). Wind turbine technicians show 45% growth but lower pay around $61K (BLS projections, BLS.gov); healthcare and IT still lead based on 2023 data trends.
Pivot steps:
- Audit skills against BLS projections.
- Pursue online certs (e.g., Google IT).
- Shadow professionals locally.
Pass if your market is saturated, like urban IT.
Tech and Finance: Highest Paying Jobs USA Breakdown
Tech offers software architects at $145K (BLS 2024), often with remote flexibility; finance investment bankers average $150K+ base (Glassdoor/Indeed industry sources, Glassdoor.com, Indeed.com). BLS medians ($130K tech) lag behind Glassdoor totals ($180K+) because of self-reported bonuses versus employer surveys.
| Sector | Pros | Cons | Median (BLS 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tech | Remote work, stock options | Layoff volatility | $130K+ |
| Finance | High bonuses | Long hours, competition | $140K+ base |
Tech suits flexible schedules; finance rewards deal-making.
Evidence Pack
Top Careers Decision Matrix (BLS 2024 baseline; Glassdoor for total comp where noted). High pay tier: >$200K median.
| Job | Median Salary (BLS 2024) | Education Years | Job Growth % (to 2032) | Entry Age Feasibility | Stress Level | No-Degree Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon | $450K (BLS.gov) | 10+ | 3% | 30+ | High | N |
| Anesthesiologist | $303K (BLS.gov) | 10+ | 4% | 30+ | High | N |
| CEO | $246K (BLS.gov) | 10+ exp | 3% | 40+ | High | Y (rare) |
| Petroleum Engineer | $146K (BLS.gov) | 4 | 2% | 20s | Medium | N |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $213K (BLS.gov) | 6-8 | 9% | 30+ | High | N |
| Software Architect | $145K (BLS.gov) | 4+ | 10%+ | 20s-30s | Medium | Y (certs) |
| Airline Pilot | $171K (BLS.gov) | Certs | 6% | 20s | High | Y |
Use these thresholds: Growth >5% = promising; stress high = evaluate your tolerance.
Average Salaries for Top Careers USA: What to Expect
BLS 2024 percentiles show entry-level surgeons at ~$200K (10th), medians $450K (50th), top 90th $600K+; experience gaps widen pay 2-3x over 10 years. Indeed reports similar patterns for tech (~$120K entry, Indeed.com). Regional boosts apply, but top earners cluster in metros.
The variability ties to seniority; new grads earn 40-50% less initially.
FAQ
What is the highest paying job in the US without a degree?
Airline pilots top no-degree lists at $171,210 median (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov), through FAA training and 1,500 flight hours. Air traffic controllers ($132,250, BLS.gov) follow with FAA academy paths.
How much do surgeons earn in the US (2024)?
Surgeons average $450,110 median (BLS May 2024, BLS.gov); 90th percentile exceeds $600K, varying by specialty and location.
Are tech jobs the best paying careers United States 2024?
No, healthcare leads, but tech software roles hit $145K medians (BLS 2024, BLS.gov) with strong growth (10%+); better for flexibility than raw pay.
What are the top paying jobs by state?
Petroleum engineers peak in TX ($200K+, BLS 2023); surgeons in CA ($500K+). Check BLS state data for specifics.
How reliable is BLS data for highest salary jobs USA?
Highly reliable from 1M+ employer surveys (BLS 2024); medians represent typical pay but exclude bonuses--supplement with Glassdoor for total comp.
What are the fastest growing high paying jobs US?
Nurse practitioners (45% growth to 2032, $126K median, BLS.gov); software developers (26%, $130K).
To apply this to your situation: Do you prefer patient care or tech? Can you commit 10+ years to training? What's your local job market like?
Visit BLS.gov for your occupation's outlook, then search Indeed for entry programs in your state.