For most people, finding a great job is about satisfying, engaging work. For others, it’s all about finding great pay. Pay is essential, no matter where you fall, especially in today’s volatile inflation and living costs.
If finding jobs with the highest salary is your top priority, consider medical school. The top twelve highest paying jobs are in the healthcare industry. Plus, recent data shows those occupations could grow 10%+ in the next few years.
To find top people-first employers in the healthcare industry, explore the Top Workplaces for Healthcare award recipients. Organizations with this award demonstrate high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.
Learn more: How to Find a Job
Twelve high-paying jobs in the U.S.
When finding a job, considering salary range, education requirements, and job outlooks is crucial. Pay is important, but it shouldn’t be your only consideration. The happiest employees usually look for strong employer branding and company culture.
That said, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the fifteen highest paying jobs in the U.S, which all happen to be in healthcare:
1. Cardiologist
Cardiologists are the cardiovascular system’s doctors, including heart and blood function. As a cardiologist, you might study circulation, oxygen function, hormones, and other critical bodily functions. Because this role is so complex, critical, and specialized, some Cardiologists can make over a million dollars yearly.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, fellowship training
- Job outlook: 3% expected growth
2. Anesthesiologist
If you’ve ever had surgery before, you know the importance of a good anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists administer pain medication before, during, and after surgeries. Following the schedule of an operating room can be hectic and stressful – especially if the doctor or patient is stressed. Again, because this role is so specialized, Anesthesiologists can make a lot of money.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, medical license
- Job outlook: 1% expected growth
3. Oral surgeon
Our mouths are essential. They have many functions, from eating and drinking to speaking and breathing. Oral surgeons treat a wide range of diseases, injuries, and other problems related to the mouth, teeth, and jaw. Like other surgeons, they are often on call for emergency surgeries. Of the top three highest paying jobs, oral surgeons have the highest job outlook for the next five years.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, dental school, residency training, dental license
- Job outlook: 5% expected growth
4. Emergency Medicine Physician
Emergency Medicine Physicians play a critical role in many emergency departments and situations. Acting quickly to prevent trauma, they deal with a lot, which is why they can stay calm in stressful medical situations—and are paid well.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, boar certification, medical license
- Job outlook: 3.3% expected growth
5. Dermatologist
Dermatologists are number five on the list of jobs with the highest salary. Dermatologists specialize in all things skin. Our largest organ, skin issues range from acne to hair loss and Botox. With so much to do with the skin, dermatologists usually make around $300,000 annually.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, medical license
- Job outlook: 3.1% expected growth
6. OB/GYN
OB/GYNs are doctors specializing in childbirth and reproductive health. As an OB/GYN, you provide medical care for patients with cervical, uterine, ovarian, and vaginal concerns. Diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease is usually an OB/GYN’s primary focus, but managing the human aspect of childbirth and reproductive health is also extremely important.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, medical license,
- Job outlook: 2% expected growth
7. Surgeon
A surgeon operates on patients with illnesses or injuries and usually specializes in chemistry, biology, or another science. Although this may sound simple, the survey requires communication well with patients, other surgeons, Anesthesiologists, and nurses. It also requires surgeons to be on call, sometimes 24/7.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, medical license
- Job outlook: 2.6% expected growth
8. Physician
No, really. Almost every job on this list is in the medical field. The eighth highest paid job is a general Physician. Physicians focus on body tissue, fluids, and organs, diagnosing diseases, and conducting tests. They basically provide a wide range of medical care to patients. Because of this wide focus, physicians can be found reviewing new patient charts, conducting follow-ups, and working closely with operating teams.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, medical license
- Job outlook: 4% expected growth
9. Orthodontist
If you’ve ever had braces, you’ve probably been to an Orthodontist. Number nine on the list of the highest paying jobs, orthodontists spend their days focused on the alignment and appearance of patient’s teeth and jaws. Depending on location and experience, orthodontists can make a lot of money after attending dental school.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, dental school, residency training, dental license
- Job outlook: 4.5% expected growth
10. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists treat patients with mental health concerns. While they are not full-on therapists, they listen to a quick synopsis of a patient’s story and offer treatment—usually in the form of medication or appointments with psychologists. Most Psychiatrists work in private practices and hospitals, while others choose prisons, schools, or rehab centers. There are many options since mental health is a significant concern for many people in the U.S.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, medical license
- Job outlook: 8.7% expected growth
11. Nurse Anesthetist
A Nurse Anesthetist is a registered nurse who specializes in providing anesthesia. Working alongside an Anesthesiologist, a Nurse Anesthetist helps with pre-anesthesia assessments, administration, intraoperative care, and post-anesthesia care. People in this profession usually have advanced skills in critical thinking and compassion. If that sounds like you, give it a shot – the current job outlook is pretty promising.
- Education requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse license, clinical education, certification, state license
- Job outlook: 40% expected growth
12. Pediatrician
Pediatricians are another high-paying job in the medical field. They are children’s doctors who specialize in immunizations, injuries, and preventative care. Most Pediatricians have great social skills and enjoy interacting with the whole family. Although they may make a bit less than some of the other professions on this list, Pediatricians make a meaningful impact on healthcare in the U.S.
- Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, medical license
- Job outlook: 1% expected growth
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