Yahoo Finance 20 Hot Jobs That Pay More Than $150,000
How does a job earning more than $150,000 a year sound? The first step to pursuing a six-figure career is identifying which careers have that earning potential — even if they don’t start at that pay.
“If the potential is there to make six figures, then you can put these careers on your list and then decide out of all the careers that have this type of earning potential which one(s) you are most interested,” according to Cheryl Palmer, a certified career coach and owner of Call to Career.
If you’re looking to get into a career that is growing and pays well, consider these high-paying jobs that have lots to offer.
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Surgeons
Average pay: $348,890
Surgeons treat patients by operating on injuries, like breaks or fractures; diseases, like cancer or Crohn’s; and deformities, like scoliosis.
Surgeons need a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree, which takes an additional four years to complete. Three to nine years in internship and residency programs is also required, depending on their specialty. Additional training for subspecialization requires a fellowship of one to three years.
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Physicians
Average pay: $263,840
Specialist physicians are those who practice a specific branch of medicine. Medical specialties run the gamut from anesthesiology, cardiology and dermatology to neurology, orthopedics and radiology.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists physicians as one of the highest-paid occupations in its database, with cardiologists earning the most with an average salary of $423,250.
To pursue this career, you’ll have to complete four years at the undergraduate level following a pre-med course of study, then four more years of medical school. There are also several more years of residency, possibly followed by a fellowship for one to three years.
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Chief Executives
Average salary: $258,900
Chief executives earn well into the six figures, but the big paycheck does come with added responsibility. CEOs oversee entire organizations and make sure they are reaching their goals. Traditionally, many CEOs have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or an MBA.
However, this isn’t the only way to make it to the top. Some top executives advance from lower-level management positions and can substitute experience for education, according to the BLS.
Nurse Anesthetists
Average salary: $214,200
For fewer years in school than it takes to be an anesthesiologist but still phenomenal pay, you can opt to be a nurse anesthetist. People in this profession provide anesthesia care and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia.
It takes up from seven to 8.5 calendar years of education and experience to prepare for a career as a nurse anesthetist, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Requirements typically include at least a master’s degree in nursing, registered nurse licensure, at least one year of acute-care experience in an emergency room or intensive care unit, plus completion of an accredited nurse anesthesia program and passing the national certification exam.
Airline Pilots and Flight Engineers
Average salary: $209,680
Airline pilots and flight engineers are responsible for safely transporting people and things via airplane, helicopter or other aircraft. While the pilot is responsible for flying the aircraft, a flight engineer is responsible for monitoring the aircraft’s systems during flights.
To become an airline pilot you’ll generally need a bachelor’s degree as well as a commercial pilot’s license and an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Most airline pilots start their careers as commercial pilots. A bachelor’s degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering will give you the best opportunities to become a flight engineer.
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Dentists
Average salary: $200,870
A promising job future and exceptional pay, including being one of the highest-paid jobs around, make dentistry a hot field to pursue. Dentists keep teeth looking their best by treating tooth decay, cavities, gum problems and more.
It takes time and commitment to pursue this career, however. After college, you have to attend dental school and pass state licensing exams. Dentists in specialized fields must take part in a residency program.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Average salary: $180,720
Computer information systems managers, also referred to as information technology managers, are accountable for organizations’ computer-related activities, from determining technology goals to implementing and securing systems. Although many industries employ computer and information systems managers, the highest-paid work in the information industry.
The top 10% of earners are making more than $239,200 on average. What’s great about this career is that it doesn’t require years in school. A bachelor’s degree in computer or information science and related work experience is typically sufficient, but many do go on to earn a graduate degree, notes the BLS.
Financial Managers
Average salary: $174,820
Financial managers are responsible for the planning and directing of accounting, investing and other financial activities for companies. The average pay might be lower than other hot jobs on the list, but the top 10% of financial managers earn more than $239,200. Jobs in this occupation are growing much faster than average — with 16% growth expected from 2022 to 2032, in fact. Top earners work in the professional, scientific and technical services industries.
These professionals generally hold a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or economics, as well as five or more years of related experience.
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Lawyers and Judicial Law Clerks
Average salary: $174,280
Judicial law clerks assist judges by preparing legal documents or completing research.
Lawyer pay varies by specialty and area, but the top 10% of earners overall make more than $239,200, according to the BLS, and your best opportunity to join their ranks is a job with the federal government. The job outlook is also good, with employment expected to grow 8% between 2022-2032, which is faster than average.
Another positive to this high-paying career is that becoming a lawyer doesn’t require the amount of schooling it does to become a doctor. After earning a college degree, prospective lawyers must complete three years of law school and pass their state’s bar exam.
Architectural and Engineering Majors
Average salary: $172,290
Are you structurally minded? Architectural and engineering managers are paid over $172,000 on average, but the highest 10% of earners make more than $233,590, according to the BLS. Furthermore, the average pay for those who work in scientific research and development services is $191,510.
In this role, you’ll plan and coordinate activities or research in architectural or engineering organizations. Although this occupation doesn’t have the job growth of the medical professions, employment is expected to grow as fast as average over the next several years — 4%, in fact. The minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in an engineering specialty or a master’s in architecture, followed by years of experience.
Lawyers, Judges and Related Workers
Average salary: $171,480
Judges handle arbitration, provide legal advice, make rulings and oversee justice in a court of law. They may sentence defendants in criminal cases based on government laws or sentencing guidelines. In civil cases, they may be responsible for deciding the defendant’s liability.
Related workers include legal support workers. The highest-paid legal support workers work in state and local government.
Lawyer salaries differ based on specialty and location, but the highest 10% earn more than $239,200, according to the BLS. Securing a federal government position offers the best chance to achieve this income level.
After obtaining a college degree, aspiring lawyers need to complete three years of law school and pass their state’s bar exam.
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Natural Sciences Managers
Average salary: $169,120
Natural sciences managers oversee scientists tasked with activities related to research and development. Projects they manage might deal with manufacturing processes, expanding scientific knowledge or product development, according to the BLS, which notes that demand for these roles is expected to grow 5% between 2022 and 2032.
Natural sciences managers are usually promoted from roles as scientists. In addition to several years of experience as a scientist, managers generally have at least a bachelor’s degree in a science field, although many have a master’s or Ph.D.
Podiatrists
Average salary: $162,520
Podiatrists handle a variety of foot and ankle issues. They also address problems related to health conditions affecting the feet and lower legs. Some podiatrists focus heavily on surgical procedures like foot and ankle reconstruction, while others might specialize in sports medicine or care for diabetic feet.
To become a podiatrist, you have to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and complete a three-year residency program. Licensing is required in all states. Median annual salaries for podiatrists differ by industry. The highest-earning opportunities are in physicians’ offices, with salaries averaging $222,080, and in the federal government, with salaries averaging $195,940.
Marketing and Sales Managers
Average salary: $163,040
The top 10% of marketing managers earn more than $239,200 on average, according to the BLS. The job involves planning and coordinating marketing programs for organizations, identifying customers and overseeing product development. On average, marketing manager jobs in the advertising and public relations industry pay significantly more than those in corporate management, information or wholesale trade.
Most marketing managers have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business or a similar field, as well as work experience.
Sales managers direct sales’ teams. They also set goals, analyze statistics and develop strategies to acquire new customers. The top industries for sales managers to make $150,000 or more include professional, scientific and technical services, finance and insurance, and manufacturing. Most sales managers have a bachelor’s degree and experience as a sales representative.
Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations and Sales Managers
Average salary: $159,960
Positions for advertising, promotions and marketing managers typically require a bachelor’s degree and related work experience. Their focus is on creating programs and developing strategies to promote interest in different services and products. The top 10% earn more than $239,200 annually, according to the BLS.
Public relations managers oversee and coordinate the development of materials designed to improve the public image of their employer or client. They typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and years of related experience. The highest-paying industry for PR managers is management of companies and enterprises rather than government or education.
The primary responsibility of sales managers is to direct sales teams. This position typically needs a bachelor’s degree and related work experience. Sales managers can make $150,000 or more in industries like finance or manufacturing.
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Computer and Information Research Scientists
Average salary: $157,160
Computer and information research scientists use new and existing technology to solve complex problems in various industries. The job outlook for these professionals is much-faster-than- average growth (23%), according to the BLS.
A master’s degree in computer science is generally expected, but some government positions may only require a bachelor’s. However, the highest-paying industry for this job is software publishing.
Astronomers and Physicists
Average salary: $155,280
Astronomers and physicists are expected have employment growth that’s faster than average between 2022-20232. Both professions study the interactions between energy and matter. The top-paying industry for astronomers is the federal government, while ambulatory healthcare is the top-paying industry for physicists.
To prepare for a astronomer’s or physicist’s job in federal government, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Positions for either career field in business and academia generally require a Ph.D.
Operations Specialties Managers
Average salary: $155,150
Operations specialties managers direct the operations of organizations in different industries the public or private sector. They are responsible for overseeing multiple departments or locations. They also create policies, manage day-to-day activities, and plan how to use materials and human resources.
The highest-paying industries for these professionals are finance and securities and computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing. At least a bachelor’s degree and significant work experience is needed to gain one of these positions.
Human Resources Managers
Average salary: $154,740
HR managers deal with the workforce of companies by overseeing employee benefit programs and handling recruitment and hiring processes. They also advise on HR issues and manage staffing concerns. The top 10% of human resources managers make more than $239,200 according to the BLS.
A bachelor’s degree in human resoures or a related field is preferred, although, sometimes, a master’s degree is required.
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Average salary: $152,620
Positions for advertising and promotions managers generally require a bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications and relevant work experience. These professionals focus on designing promotional or advertising campaigns to create interest in various services and products. According to the BLS, the top 10% in this field earn over $239,200 annually.
Lia Sestric contributed to the reporting for this article.
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates used the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics to find occupations that, on average make more than $150,000 a year. Using the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Employment Statistics a number of factors can be found for each broad occupation including; total number of employment, hourly mean wage, annual mean wage, hourly median wage, and annual median wage. The occupations are sorted to show the most to least annual mean wage to show the hot jobs that pay more than $150,000. All data was collected on and is up to date as of May 1, 2024.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 20 Hot Jobs That Pay More Than $150,000
