What Job Has the Best Pay in 2026? Highest-Paying Careers in the US Revealed
Discover the top-paying jobs across medicine, tech, finance, blue-collar, and executive roles based on 2026 BLS projections and industry data from sources like Doximity, TAG MedStaffing, and more. Whether you're a career seeker, student, or job changer planning for 2026, get quick answers, salary comparisons, entry paths with or without degrees, and actionable steps to land these roles.
Fastest answer: #1 is neurosurgery (~$749K/year average), with the full top 10 list right below.
Quick Answer: Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in the US for 2026
Medicine dominates the highest-paying jobs in 2026, driven by BLS projections and Doximity data showing surging demand for specialized physicians. Tech and executive roles follow closely, with AI and finance offering explosive growth. Here's the ranked top 10 based on average annual salaries:
| Rank | Job | Average Salary (2026) | Key Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgeon | $749,140 | TAG MedStaffing/Doximity |
| 2 | Orthopedic Surgeon | $679,517 | TAG MedStaffing/Doximity |
| 3 | General Thoracic Surgeon | $689,969 | TAG MedStaffing/Doximity |
| 4 | Cardiologist | $587,360 | TAG MedStaffing/Doximity |
| 5 | Vascular Surgeon | $576,452 | TAG MedStaffing/Doximity |
| 6 | Gastroenterologist | $537,870 | TAG MedStaffing/Doximity |
| 7 | Anesthesiologist | $523,277 | TAG MedStaffing/Doximity |
| 8 | Airline Pilot | $226,600 (median) | EpicFlight Academy/BLS |
| 9 | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | $256,040 (median) | Nexford University/BLS |
| 10 | CEO (Tech/Finance) | Multi-millions (e.g., $205M at Shopify) | Various reports |
Key Takeaways:
- Medicine leads: Specialties average $500K+, with neurosurgery topping charts due to high demand and complexity.
- Tech rising fast: AI engineers hit $160K+, cybersecurity grows 32-35% per BLS.
- No-degree paths viable: Pilots and blue-collar roles reach $100K+ with training.
Key Takeaways: Highest-Paying Jobs at a Glance
- Medicine dominates: Average $500K+ for top specialties; BLS projects steady demand as 65+ population retires.
- Tech/AI surging: AI engineers $160K+, cybersecurity CISOs $256K; 32-35% BLS growth through 2032.
- No-degree options: Blue-collar like wind turbine tech (50% growth, BLS) and oil riggers hit $80-120K.
- Degree ROI strong: Bachelor's yields 68% weekly pay premium (National University); engineering tops majors.
- Entry barriers vary: Surgeons need 10+ years training; tech roles favor certs over degrees.
Highest-Paying Medical Specialties and Healthcare Roles in 2026
Healthcare leads 2026's pay charts, with surgeons and specialists earning top dollar amid physician shortages. Doximity and TAG MedStaffing data show neurosurgery at $749K, fueled by complex procedures and aging demographics. Pediatric surgery averages $450K+ (SUSOM/Indeed), though some reports vary due to location and volume.
Orthopedic surgeons ($679K) and thoracic surgeons ($690K) follow, with top firms paying premiums for high-volume cases. Anesthesiologists average $523K, nurse anesthetists trail closely at similar levels per BLS. Hospitalists and cardiologists ($587K) offer strong pay with better balance.
BLS projects 3-5% growth across specialties, but demand spikes in rural areas.
Surgeons Average Salary vs. Anesthesiologists Pay Scale Breakdown
| Role | Avg Salary | Pros | Cons | Entry Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeons (e.g., Neuro/Ortho) | $679K-$749K | Highest pay, prestige | 60-80 hr weeks, 10+ yr training | Med school + residency/fellowship |
| Anesthesiologists | $523K | Better work-life balance, steady hours | High stress, on-call shifts | Med school + 4-yr residency |
Data: Doximity 2026. Surgeons edge out on pay but sacrifice lifestyle.
Top Tech and AI Jobs with the Highest Pay in 2026
Tech booms with AI and cybersecurity leading. AI engineers exceed $160K (Schiller International), especially senior roles in GenAI and cloud AI. Data scientists average $112K+ (Visual Capitalist), with finance/tech premiums of 15-25% (Redbud Cyber).
Cybersecurity CISOs hit $256K median (Nexford), security engineers $175K; BLS forecasts 32% growth. Software architects and quants on Wall Street command similar, with CISSP certs adding $25-35K.
AI Engineers vs. Cybersecurity Experts: Salary and Demand Comparison
| Role | Avg Salary | Growth (BLS) | Key Skills | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI Engineers | $160K+ | 35%+ (projected) | GenAI, ML, cloud | High growth / Volatile market |
| Cybersecurity (CISO/Engineer) | $175K-$256K | 32-35% | CISSP, threat intel | Stable demand / Constant threats |
AI offers faster upside; cyber provides reliability (Redbud/Nexford).
Executive and Finance Roles: CEOs, Investment Bankers, and Quant Analysts
CEOs top non-medical pay: Shopify's at $205M (Maple report). Investment bankers see 15-20% bonus hikes (eFinancialCareers), though BofA associates note 75% of salary vs. past 110%. Corporate lawyers at Kirkland & Ellis (3,500+ lawyers, $7.2B revenue) earn high six-figures.
CMOs and Chief AI Officers mirror exec pay in tech. Quants in finance average Wall Street premiums.
Best-Paying Careers Without a College Degree in 2026
No degree? Blue-collar shines: Oil riggers/electricians $80-120K (Jobera), wind turbine techs fastest-growing at 50% (Resume Genius/BLS). Airline pilots median $226K via certifications (EpicFlight).
Remote tech sales/support hit $100K+ with skills training (BeamJobs).
How to Break Into Highest-Paying No-Degree Jobs: Step-by-Step Checklist
- 1. Apprenticeships: 4-5 years for electricians (paid, on-job training).
- 2. Certifications: FAA for pilots, CompTIA for cyber entry.
- 3. Skills bootcamps: AI/cyber via online platforms (78% jobs skill-based, BeamJobs).
- 4. Network locally: BLS paths via unions/community colleges.
Highest-Paying College Degrees and ROI for 2026
Top majors: Engineering (petroleum $100K+ start), computer science (Research.com/NU). Bachelor's ROI: 68% weekly premium. Medicine paths yield highest long-term.
Blue-Collar vs. College Degrees: Pros, Cons & Salary Comparison
| Path | Entry Time/Cost | Avg Pay | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Collar (Apprenticeship) | 4-5 yrs / $0 debt | $80-120K | Quick entry, no debt | Physical demands |
| College Degree (Engineering/Med) | 4-11 yrs / $50-200K debt | $100K-$500K+ | High ceiling, prestige | Time/cost |
Emerging Trends: Best Remote Jobs, Blue-Collar Growth, and Industry Shifts
Remote: Tech/cyber ($175K+ engineers). Petroleum engineers trend up; pilots outlook strong. Wind tech 50% growth (BLS). Data scientists vary by industry (finance highest).
Your 5-Step Action Plan to Land a Top-Paying Job in 2026
- Assess skills/gaps: Use LinkedIn/BLS tools.
- Get certs/degree: CISSP, med school, or bootcamps.
- Build portfolio/network: GitHub, conferences.
- Target high-pay areas: SF/NY for tech, TX for energy.
- Negotiate: Aim 10-20% uplift (Redbud).
FAQ
What are the highest paying jobs no degree 2026?
Airline pilots ($226K median), oil riggers/electricians ($80-120K), wind turbine techs (50% growth).
Surgeons average salary US 2026 vs. other specialties?
Neurosurgeons $749K top; ortho $679K, anesthesiologists $523K (Doximity/TAG).
AI engineers salary forecast 2026 by experience?
Entry $120K+, senior $160K+; premiums in finance/tech.
Highest paying blue collar jobs 2026 with training paths?
Oil riggers ($80-120K, energy training); electricians (apprenticeships).
Top executive salaries CEOs 2026 in tech/finance?
Multi-millions; e.g., Shopify CEO $205M.
Best paying remote jobs 2026 in tech/cyber?
Cyber engineers $175K, AI specialists $160K+ (remote flexible).