Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in 2025 (and How to Land One)

We all want a lucrative career, and it’s natural to wonder which jobs offer the biggest paychecks. As we look at 2025 and beyond, many of the highest-paying jobs are in fields that require significant expertise, education, or responsibility. These roles often command high salaries because they are crucial to society, involve years of training, or are in high demand with limited supply.

Below, we’ll explore ten of the top highest-paying jobs in the United States (the rankings might differ slightly by source, but these generally float to the top) and give some insight on how you can work towards landing one. Keep in mind, high salary often comes with high expectations – these careers can be challenging and competitive. But if one of them aligns with your passions and strengths, the journey could be well worth it.

Note: The salaries mentioned are approximate and can vary widely based on location, experience, and industry. Also, exact rankings can change year to year – think of this as a general list of elite earners around this time.

1. Anesthesiologist

What they do: Anesthesiologists are doctors who administer anesthesia (the drugs that eliminate pain and consciousness) to patients during surgeries or procedures. They also monitor vital signs and adjust anesthesia as needed, ensuring patient safety and comfort.

Why it’s high-paying: This is a highly specialized medical field requiring extensive education. Mistakes can be life-threatening, so the responsibility is enormous. Anesthesiologists literally have patients’ lives in their hands every day. They often work long, irregular hours, especially in hospital settings, and their expertise is critical for surgical care. As such, they’re one of the top-paid physician specialties. In 2025, the median annual wage for anesthesiologists is around mid-$300,000s[39] and can go higher with experience or certain locations (some sources report averages in the $400k range).

How to land one: - Education Path: You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree (with pre-med courses), then attend medical school (4 years), then a residency in anesthesiology (typically 4 years). Many anesthesiologists also do an additional fellowship year if specializing further (like in pediatric anesthesia or pain management). - Licensure & Certification: After med school, you pass the USMLE exams for licensing. During residency or after, you take exams from the American Board of Anesthesiology to become board-certified[40]. - Skills: Strong foundation in pharmacology, physiology, and critical care. You must work well under pressure, make quick decisions, and pay extreme attention to detail. Empathy and communication matter too – you’ll calm patients before procedures and explain risks. - Landing the role: During med school, aim for a good score on your Step exams and strong clinical performance, especially in rotations related to anesthesia or surgery. Anesthesiology residencies are competitive but not the absolute most competitive (they do require high qualifications though). Network with anesthesiologists during rotations, maybe do some research in anesthesiology to strengthen your residency application. Once in residency, you basically have your job lined up – after residency, it’s about choosing a practice or hospital. Many are recruited in their final year of residency due to high demand. Keep your record clean, maintain board certifications, and you’ll find many opportunities across hospitals, surgical centers, etc. Remember, the journey is long (12+ years after high school), but the payoff – in both impact and salary – is huge.

2. Physician / Surgeon (Specialists)

What they do: This is broad, but essentially specialized doctors (beyond general practitioners) who diagnose and treat illnesses or perform surgeries. This category includes various specialties that individually rank high in pay: e.g., surgeons (especially orthopedic, neurological, cardiothoracic), obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs), psychiatrists, and more. For instance: - Surgeons perform operations. Certain surgical subspecialties like neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons are among top earners[40]. - OB/GYNs care for women’s reproductive health and deliver babies (they often have surgical duties too, like C-sections). - Psychiatrists treat mental health conditions (with therapy and medications). - Other high-earning specialties include radiologists, cardiologists, dermatologists, etc.

Why it’s high-paying: Like anesthesiology, these roles require a tremendous amount of training and skill. They address complex, often life-altering health issues. Many of these doctors handle procedures or decisions that have huge consequences (e.g., a surgeon operating near someone’s spinal cord, or a cardiologist handling a delicate heart condition). They often work long hours, take on-call shifts, and shoulder heavy responsibility. Moreover, specialists have deep knowledge that’s relatively scarce – not everyone can or wants to invest the ~10-15 years to become one. According to US News & World Report Money, median physician salaries in these top specialties cluster in the mid-$200,000s to mid-$300,000s[41], with some like surgeons and certain specialists averaging around $239,000 as a median in 2025[41] (and many earning more, particularly in private practice).

How to land one: - Education Path: Very similar to anesthesiologist: undergrad (4 years), med school (4 years), then residency (which can be 3-7 years depending on specialty; e.g., general surgery is ~5 years, neurosurgery is ~7). Some then do fellowships for further subspecialization. It’s a long road. - Licensure: Pass your board exams (USMLE). Get board-certified in your specialty by passing specialty board exams after residency. - Choosing Specialty: In med school, you’ll find what interests you via rotations. If you’re targeting a high-paying specialty like orthopedic surgery or dermatology (derm is actually one of those highly competitive but also high-quality-of-life and well-paid fields), you need top grades and exam scores, plus relevant research or extracurriculars. These residencies are competitive because of the combination of interest and pay. According to a CareerCast ranking, multiple medical roles with median in the $200k+ are among highest pay[41] – but they correspond to some of the toughest residency matches. - Landing the role: For surgery, OB/GYN, etc., once you’re in residency, you typically find a job either through hospital networks or recruiting in your final year. Many specialists join a group practice or hospital staff. It’s about reputation and sometimes geographic preference. The field is usually hungry for more doctors (some rural areas desperately need specialists, for instance). To be at the very top of earnings, some start their own practice in a high-demand area, which adds business management to the mix. - Keep in mind: The formula here is largely: be academically excellent, gain strong clinical and leadership experiences, and demonstrate commitment to the specialty (research, mentorship from specialists, etc.). It’s intense, but if you want to be, say, a neurosurgeon, that passion often drives you through the intensity. And not to be overlooked: these jobs pay well but are also about helping people profoundly – so a love for the field is crucial beyond the dollar signs.

3. Psychiatrist

(Yes, psychiatrists are physicians too, but highlighting this one as it often ranks separately.)

What they do: Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental illnesses, which includes prescribing medications (unlike psychologists who aren’t MDs). They often counsel patients as well, but medication management is a core part of their treatment. They treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc., and can work in hospitals, clinics, private practice, or telemedicine.

Why it’s high-paying: Mental health is as important as physical health, and there’s a significant shortage of psychiatrists in many areas. It requires the same long training as other doctors (so relatively few enter the field compared to the need). Additionally, the field carries heavy responsibility – dealing with patients who may be in crisis or pose safety risks to themselves or others. Psychiatrists also often need to be available for emergencies (like a patient with suicidal ideation). Median salaries are often in the $230k range[42]. It’s a specialty where private practice can be especially lucrative if one chooses, since demand for good psychiatrists is high (many have waitlists).

How to land one: - Education Path: Again, bachelor’s -> med school -> psychiatry residency (typically 4 years). During residency, you get specialized training in therapy techniques and pharmacology for mental health. - Certification: Board certification via the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology after residency. - Qualities: Empathy, excellent listening, and communication are big. You’re dealing with very personal issues, so building trust is vital. A strong understanding of human behavior and patience is needed. It’s not as procedurally intense as some other fields, but it’s emotionally intense. - Landing the role: Psychiatry residencies are moderately competitive. Show interest by doing psychiatry rotations, maybe research in mental health. Once done, plenty of jobs exist – hospitals, mental health clinics, veterans affairs, telepsychiatry (growing area). You might join a group practice or open your own after some experience. If you sub-specialize (child psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, etc.), you might add a fellowship. - Opportunity: With growing awareness of mental health’s importance, the field is expanding. Telehealth has opened possibilities to practice remotely too (some psychiatrists now live anywhere and treat patients via video). - Keep in mind: Burnout can be an issue if not careful, because hearing traumatic experiences or managing severe illness can take a toll. But many psychiatrists find it incredibly rewarding to help patients improve their lives significantly.

4. Corporate Executive (CEO, CFO, etc.)

What they do: Corporate executives are the top leaders in a company (often C-suite like Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, etc.). They make major decisions about the company’s direction, strategy, and operations. CEOs, specifically, are the highest-ranking and often the public face of the company, responsible for overall success. Their tasks include setting vision, managing senior teams, and interfacing with the board of directors.

Why it’s high-paying: At large companies, the decisions executives make can result in millions or billions in profit or loss, so companies pay top dollar for proven leadership talent. There’s also enormous responsibility and pressure – steering a big business, answering to shareholders, possibly impacting thousands of employees’ livelihoods. Additionally, the path to becoming a high-paid executive often requires decades of experience and a history of delivering results. CEO roles at S&P 500 companies, for example, commonly have salaries in the seven figures plus bonuses and stock options[43]. Even mid-size companies can pay executives in the high six or low seven figures. According to some sources, median CEO pay (including bonuses/stock) can be in the low millions[44] (though note, CEO pay can vary drastically; some tech startup CEO might pay themselves modestly if company is young, whereas Fortune 500 CEOs often make tens of millions mostly in stock). The range is vast, but the upper ends of this category outstrip nearly every other profession.

How to land one: - Education: Many execs have at least a bachelor’s, often in business, economics, or similar. MBAs are common among CEOs/CFOs, especially in larger companies[44]. That said, some founders-turned-CEOs might not (think Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg). But to climb a corporate ladder, further education like an MBA or relevant master’s can help (and some roles like CFO might require credentials like CPA or such). - Career Path: There’s no one path. Some climb internally: start in an entry-level, then management, then director, then VP, etc., over 20+ years. Others might build expertise in one function (say CFOs often came up through accounting/finance). Some become executives by founding their own companies (entrepreneur route). Key is demonstrating leadership and results at each step – e.g., turning around a failing department, driving growth, innovating in products. - Skills: Strategic thinking, excellent communication, decisiveness, and people management. You should be able to inspire and guide an organization. CEOs specifically need broad understanding of all business areas and great stakeholder management (from employees to investors to media). - Networking: For top executive roles, who you know and your reputation are crucial. Many CEO positions are decided by boards who rely on networks and headhunters. Being visible in your industry (speaking at conferences, known for successes) helps. - Climbing to C-suite: Often you might reach a C-suite in your 40s or 50s after proving yourself. But there are younger exceptions in fast-moving industries like tech. If you aim for executive roles, express interest in leadership early on, seek out mentors who are higher up, and be willing to take calculated career moves (sometimes an upward move might mean switching companies to get that next title). - Reality: Not every corporate exec role will be stratospheric pay – e.g., a COO of a small company might make a good living but not millions. And high pay often is tied to company performance (bonuses, stock that becomes valuable if company does well). But if you reach the top of a large successful company, the financial rewards (and responsibilities) are enormous.

5. Dentist (Specialist)

What they do: Dentists diagnose and treat issues with teeth and gums. They do everything from filling cavities to performing root canals, and educating patients on oral care. Within dentistry, there are specialists like orthodontists (who straighten teeth with braces/Invisalign), oral and maxillofacial surgeons (who do complex jaw surgeries, wisdom tooth removal, etc.), periodontists (gum specialists), and prosthodontists (focus on implants, dentures). Orthodontists and oral surgeons, in particular, often rank among high pay jobs.

Why it’s high-paying: Dentists require extensive training and manual skill. People really value their dental health and appearance, and are willing to pay for quality care. Many dentists own their practice, basically running a small business, which can be quite profitable with a steady stream of patients. Specialist dentists like orthodontists charge high fees for multi-year treatments (braces can cost thousands per patient). Oral surgeons undertake very delicate procedures often under sedation – they are highly specialized. According to US News Money, several dental specialties have median salaries in the $200k+ range, e.g., orthodontists and oral surgeons often average around $230k or more[41]. General dentists average less, but still a comfortable six-figure (maybe $150-180k median depending on source). Those who own thriving practices or multi-clinic operations can earn more.

How to land one: - Education Path: You need a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from a dental school (4 years after undergrad). To get into dental school, you take the DAT exam and need a strong GPA, plus some shadowing experience with dentists. - Licensure: After dental school, you pass board exams (written and clinical) to get licensed to practice dentistry in your state[45]. - Specialization: If you want to be an orthodontist, oral surgeon, etc., you then go to a residency in that specialty (2-3 years for orthodontics, 4-6 for oral surgery which in some cases also earn a medical degree). These residencies are competitive. Ranking near top of your dental class and having good recommendation letters is key. For oral surgery, some programs want you to have done some research or have high scores. - Skills: Excellent hand-eye coordination and attention to detail (working in small spaces like mouths). Good interpersonal skills – many folks fear the dentist, so being reassuring and clear is important. Business acumen if you plan to run a practice (dental school doesn’t always teach this, so you might learn on the job or take courses). - Building a Career: Many dentists start by working as an associate in an existing practice to gain experience. Then some buy into the practice or open their own. Others join larger dental chains or networks. To have a lucrative practice, location and reputation matter – suburbs with lots of families might bring many orthodontic patients for example. Marketing and patient relationships help grow clientele. - Trends: Cosmetic dentistry (whitening, veneers) and implant dentistry are growth areas; being skilled in those can increase income. Also, continuous education to stay current with technology (like 3D imaging, laser dentistry) can set you apart. - Work-life: Dentistry is known to allow a decent balance; many dentists work 4 days a week. That along with high income makes it attractive. However, it’s also physically demanding (hunched over patients) and there’s upfront cost (dental school debt and cost of equipment if starting practice). But once established, it can be very financially rewarding and relatively stable – people always need dental care.

6. Petroleum Engineer

What they do: Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. They figure out how to reach oil/gas efficiently (for example, developing drilling plans, optimizing oil well production). They might specialize in drilling engineering, reservoir engineering (finding the best way to extract more oil from a known reserve), or production engineering (managing wells and facilities).

Why it’s high-paying: Oil and gas remain huge industries (though they fluctuate with market prices). Extracting resources effectively can yield companies massive profits, so they pay top engineers well to maximize output. The work often can be in challenging conditions (offshore rigs, remote deserts), and requires a high level of expertise in both engineering and geology. Petroleum engineers have been consistently among the top-paid engineering specialties. Median salaries often hover in the low to mid-$100k range for entry/mid-level, with experienced engineers making significantly more. According to some data, the median was around $137,000[46] (and likely higher now, given inflation and demand swings). During oil booms, talent shortage can drive salaries up further.

How to land one: - Education: A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering is the most direct route. Some other engineering fields (chemical, mechanical) might also break in if they learn the domain. A master’s can help but isn’t always necessary unless the job is research-heavy. - Courses to focus on: Math, geology, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, etc. Many programs have fieldwork or internships built-in. - Internships: Oil companies often hire interns, especially in regions like Texas, North Dakota, or companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, etc. An internship not only gives practical experience but often leads to job offers. - Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You need to consider economics too – best extraction method that’s also cost-effective. Willingness to work in various locations (some petroleum engineers travel a lot or even work rotational shifts on rigs, like 2 weeks on, 2 off). - Landing a job: The industry can be cyclical. When oil prices are high, hiring booms; when prices crash, there can be layoffs. Keep an eye on industry trends. Network through the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) – they have student chapters and events. Often companies recruit at specific schools known for petroleum engineering. Be open to starting in field positions (which might be in rough conditions) because that experience is valued when moving up. - Career growth: Some move into management or consultancy. Others may specialize deeply and become highly paid experts in, say, reservoir simulation. Also, skills can transfer to related fields like geothermal energy or underground storage as energy evolves. - Considerations: There’s some volatility in job security tied to oil markets. Also, some people have moral/environmental qualms about fossil fuels; that’s a personal decision to weigh. But purely in terms of pay, when the sector is doing well, petroleum engineers are rewarded handsomely. Also note: as renewable energy grows, some petroleum engineers are diversifying into energy roles (like carbon capture, etc.), but oil/gas will likely pay higher as long as it’s needed because of profit margins.

7. IT Manager / Software Architect

What they do: IT managers plan and coordinate an organization’s computer-related activities. They might oversee network security, software development projects, hardware procurement, and the IT team itself. Essentially, they ensure that a company’s technology infrastructure runs smoothly and meets its needs. Software architects are highly experienced software developers who design the high-level structure of a software system – making decisions about technologies to use, module organization, and guiding developers (this role overlaps with very senior engineers or can be a stepping stone to engineering manager). I bundle them since both represent high-level roles in tech.

Why it’s high-paying: Technology is the backbone of modern business, so those who can effectively manage and strategize IT investments are very valuable. This role requires both technical expertise and leadership ability, which is a combination that commands a premium. IT managers often have to make decisions that can cost or save a company a lot of money (like preventing a security breach, or implementing a new system that drives efficiency). Median salaries for IT managers are often in the $150k range[47], and can go higher in large companies (especially in high cost-of-living areas or in tech industry specifically – e.g., an engineering manager at a big tech firm could make well into six figures plus stock). Software architects, being top technical experts, can also make high salaries, often comparable to managers, especially if they work in lucrative industries or have rare skills (some lead architects in finance or tech can be in the $150k-$200k range as well).

How to land one: - Education: Typically a bachelor’s in computer science, information technology, or related. Many have a master’s (like an MBA or MS in information systems) when moving into management, but it’s not strictly required if experience speaks for itself. Certifications in specific areas (like PMP for project management, ITIL for IT service management, or vendor certs like AWS cloud certs) can bolster credibility. - Career Path: Usually you start in entry-level tech roles (software developer, system administrator, etc.), then move up to team lead, then project manager or similar, and eventually IT manager or architect as you gain around 8-15 years experience. It’s important to demonstrate not just technical skill but also that you can handle planning, budgeting, and directing others. - Skills: For IT manager: broad knowledge of IT (networks, databases, security, etc.), leadership and team management, project management skills, good communication (translating tech to business leaders and vice versa). For software architect: deep expertise in software design principles, multiple programming languages, and frameworks, an ability to envision “big picture” while understanding details, and often mentorship skills for guiding dev teams. - Stay Updated: Tech evolves fast. Those in these roles have typically stayed on top of trends – be it migrating to cloud, adopting agile methodology, understanding AI, etc. Continuous learning (online courses, conferences) is expected. - Landing the role: Internally, often high performers in technical roles get promoted to manager or architect over time. If aiming for that track, volunteer to lead projects, show initiative in improving processes, and maybe express to your superiors your career goals. For external hires, companies look for proven track record (like “led a team of X engineers to deploy a global platform used by Y users” or “managed IT budget of $Z million with 99.9% uptime achieved”). Tailor your resume to highlight leadership and outcomes. Networking in tech communities or with recruiters can open opportunities – lots of these hires happen via knowing someone or via headhunters. - Consider Industries: IT managers are needed in every sector (finance, healthcare, tech, manufacturing). Some industries pay more (finance and tech tend to pay IT roles more than, say, non-profits or education). So where you choose to work can influence potential salary. - Alternative Titles: Sometimes similar roles might be called Director of IT, Information Systems Manager, Engineering Manager, etc. Keep an open mind on title differences when job searching.

8. Pilot (Airline)

What they do: Airline pilots fly commercial airplanes carrying passengers or cargo. They are responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft, including takeoff, navigation, and landing. They also communicate with air traffic control and handle in-flight adjustments related to weather or system changes. They work in a cockpit team (usually captain and first officer). We focus on airline pilots (as private or corporate pilots can also do well but typically less so than major airline captains).

Why it’s high-paying: Piloting large aircraft requires extensive training and carries huge responsibility – dozens or hundreds of lives are in the pilot’s hands each flight. It’s also physically and mentally demanding (irregular hours, jetlag, quick critical decision-making). Senior pilots, especially captains on international routes, can earn very high salaries. It’s a career where pay rises significantly with experience and rank. In the US, a senior captain at a major airline can make in the high five to low six figures annually – some figures show wide-body captains earning $200k+[48] (plus they often have excellent benefits and pensions). Bureau of Labor stats often list median around $160k[49] for airline pilots, but the range is big – first officers at regionals might start at maybe $50-60k, while 30-year captains at big airlines could exceed $300k including per diems.

How to land one: - Training: You generally need flight training starting with obtaining a Private Pilot License, then Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating, and importantly an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate to be an airline pilot. You also need to accumulate a lot of flight hours (1500 hours typically in the U.S. to get ATP[50], though there are slight reductions if you go through certain training routes). Many do a degree in aviation (not mandatory but some airlines prefer a bachelor’s degree in any field). There are aviation academies or you can do training at local flight schools. - Pathways: Often one starts as a flight instructor or flies smaller planes (charter, regional cargo) to build hours. Some become first officers in regional airlines, then move up to major airlines after proving themselves. Military is another route – ex-Air Force or Navy pilots are highly sought after in airlines and they gain a lot of experience in service. - Certification & Medical: Besides pilot licenses, you need to maintain a First-Class medical certificate (ensuring you meet health standards, like good vision, cardiovascular health, etc.). Pilots have mandatory retirement ages (65 for commercial airlines in many places). - Seniority Rules: Airlines base schedules and routes on seniority. To get the best pay (captain on long-haul flights), you’ll likely have to spend years climbing ranks. Early career pilots often endure tough schedules (red-eyes, short hops) and lower pay. - Skills: Excellent situational awareness, quick decision-making under pressure (e.g., handling an engine failure calmly), good communication (with crew and ATC). Also need strong knowledge of aerodynamics, weather, aircraft systems. Teamwork is key – you always work with at least one other pilot and crew. - Lifestyle: Pilots often travel a lot (obviously). While exotic layovers can be a perk, the job can also mean nights away from home frequently. However, senior pilots can often choose better schedules. If you love flying and travel, it’s a dream career; if not, it can be grueling. - Industry fluctuations: Keep in mind, aviation is sensitive to economic cycles. There are boom times where pilots are in shortage (like mid-2020s as travel demand surged[51], lots of older pilots retiring), which drives hiring and pay up. But there are downturns (like post-9/11 or during COVID early phase) where furloughs happen. However, long-term prospects for pilots are generally strong as air travel tends to grow worldwide. - Landing the job: After you have your hours, you apply to airlines – often starting at regionals to gain turbine experience. Networking can help (like knowing someone at the airline to get your resume seen). Once you’re in, promotions come mainly via seniority and additional training. To reach captain, you need a certain number of hours with the airline and to pass captain qualification training.

9. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

What they do: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia to patients, similar to anesthesiologists. They work in surgical suites, obstetric units, etc., monitoring patients under anesthesia and adjusting levels as needed. They can work independently or as part of an anesthesiology team (state laws vary on requirement of supervision by an anesthesiologist). They also do pre-anesthetic evaluations and post-anesthesia care.

Why it’s high-paying: CRNAs have one of the highest salaries among nursing professions. They carry a high level of responsibility – a slight miscalculation in anesthesia can be dangerous. They have extensive education and training beyond a typical RN. In some areas, especially rural or underserved communities, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers (no anesthesiologist around), so they play a critical role. The demand for anesthesia services is constant (surgeries, etc.), so CRNAs are needed. According to the Bureau of Labor Stats, the average salary for nurse anesthetists is around $189k (some sources show median slightly above $180k[52]). Experienced CRNAs or those in high-cost cities can make over $200k.

How to land one: - Education: First, become a Registered Nurse (RN) – typically a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Then, you need at least a year (often more) of acute care nursing experience (ICU, ER, etc.). Then you apply to a nurse anesthesia program (which is now mostly doctorate level – Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) – previously master’s was common, but by 2025 most new grads will have doctorates due to policy changes). - Graduate Program: Nurse anesthesia programs take about 2-3 years. They involve rigorous coursework in pharmacology, physiology, anesthesia principles and extensive clinical training giving anesthesia to patients under supervision. Expect them to be highly competitive programs – good ICU experience, high GPA, and possibly certifications like CCRN (Critical Care RN) help in admissions. - Certification: After graduation, you must pass the National Certification Examination to become a CRNA. Then you must be licensed in the state you practice (as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse). - Skills: CRNAs should have strong critical care skills (from their ICU days), attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Good communication with surgeons and other staff is key to coordinate patient care. Compassion and ability to reassure patients pre-op is also important. - Landing the job: Many CRNAs work in hospitals, surgical centers, or for anesthesia groups that contract to facilities. Some become self-employed contractors. During your clinical rotations in school, you might network with sites that later hire you. Because of high demand, new CRNAs often have multiple job offers. Rural and less-desired locations might pay a premium to attract CRNAs. - Autonomy: Depending on state law, CRNAs can practice independently (many states allow it). This means in some places, CRNAs essentially do the full anesthesia process without an anesthesiologist present. In others, they work in a team with anesthesiologist oversight. Where they have autonomy, they often have greater responsibility which can correspond with higher pay as well. - Keep up credentials: CRNAs need to do continuing education and periodically recertify (the recertification process has been updated with the NBCRNA’s CPC Program requiring ongoing assessments). - Prospects: The aging population and surgical advancements mean anesthesia services will remain in demand. CRNAs, being less costly to employ than anesthesiologists yet highly skilled, are often used heavily by healthcare systems trying to manage costs, which suggests good job security and wage prospects.

10. AI/Machine Learning Engineer

What they do: AI (Artificial Intelligence) or Machine Learning Engineers build and implement models that allow machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes things like recommendation engines, image recognition systems, natural language processing models (like chatbots), etc. They often have to handle big data, train algorithms, and fine-tune model performance. They work closely with data scientists and software engineers to integrate AI capabilities into products.

Why it’s high-paying: AI/ML is one of the hottest fields in tech due to its transformative potential across industries. There’s a high demand for skilled practitioners but relatively limited supply because it’s a niche skill set requiring knowledge of advanced math, programming, and domain expertise. Companies pay a premium to those who can help them leverage AI for competitive advantage. For example, tech giants or cutting-edge startups often offer six-figure salaries plus significant stock to AI specialists. According to some sources, the average for machine learning engineers is around $150k[47], with experienced or PhD-level experts at big companies making $200k-$300k or more when including bonuses/equity. In a list of high paying careers, AI-related roles were often mentioned as burgeoning high earners.

How to land one: - Education: Typically a bachelor’s in computer science or a related field. Many in AI have master’s or PhDs because the field is research-heavy (PhD in machine learning, computer vision, etc., can open doors to top research labs). However, it’s not strictly necessary if you build skills otherwise. - Skills: Strong foundation in algorithms, mathematics (linear algebra, calculus, probability/statistics), and programming (Python is a dominant language in ML, also R or others depending on role). Knowledge of machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, etc.). Ability to work with data (SQL, data preprocessing). Understanding of deep learning if focusing on AI that uses neural networks. Also some roles expect knowledge in specific domains (like NLP or computer vision). - Practical Experience: Work on projects—like developing a predictive model or participating in Kaggle competitions (where you solve data science problems competitively)[53]. Building a portfolio of ML projects on GitHub (for example, maybe you made an image classifier or a text sentiment analyzer) can demonstrate skills to employers. - Internships/Research: Try to get internships at companies doing AI (big tech firms all have them, as do certain finance companies, etc.). Alternatively, if in school, join a professor’s research on AI. Experience here is gold because it’s a proof you can apply theory to real tasks. - Networking: Engage with AI communities—attend meetups or conferences like NeurIPS (even as a volunteer if you can’t as a researcher). Connect on LinkedIn or Twitter with AI professionals. Many jobs might come through recommendations in this fairly tight-knit community. - Job hunting: AI engineers are hired in tech (think Google, Amazon, etc. which have whole AI divisions) but also in less obvious places – e.g., banks for algorithmic trading, healthcare companies for diagnostics AI, automotive for self-driving, etc. Identify industries you find interesting. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant projects (if a job is NLP-heavy, showcase that chatbot you built). - Lifelong Learning: The field moves fast (new architectures, new techniques constantly coming out). Show that you keep learning—employers ask about latest developments sometimes. Also sometimes making contributions to open-source ML libraries can really set you apart. - Soft Skills: Don’t ignore the ability to communicate complex ideas. If you can explain your model to a non-tech stakeholder, you become more valuable. Many AI engineers work in teams, so collaboration (often with data engineers or product managers) is key.

Note: While AI engineers may not outearn doctors or CEOs at the median, the rapid growth and potential stock option windfalls at top companies can put them into very high earning brackets, which is why it’s worth noting on a highest-pay list especially looking forward. Plus, as more industries integrate AI, top AI talent’s value will likely remain very high.

Final Thoughts:This list highlights that many of the highest-paying jobs require significant upfront investment in education/training, and come with high responsibility. If you’re aiming for one, it’s important to ensure you have a genuine interest in the field – the money alone likely won’t sustain you through the challenges (you wouldn't survive med school years if you hate medicine, or become a petroleum engineer if you despise being on an oil rig). However, if your passion aligns with one of these paths, the financial rewards can be tremendous.

To land any of these roles: - Plan early: Take relevant courses, seek mentors, and gather experiences. - Work hard: Academic and training excellence often matters (scores, grades, job performance). - Be persistent: Many of these careers span decades of development. Set short-term goals that lead to the long-term dream (e.g., finish that degree, get that certification, land an entry role, etc.). - Network and be professional: In high-level careers, who you know and how you present yourself can open opportunities that pure skill might not on its own.

And remember, what’s “highest-paying” can change as the world changes. Staying adaptable and continuously learning will serve you well no matter the field. 2025’s list might look a bit different by 2035 (for instance, will AI engineers supersede some traditional roles? Will new tech roles exist we can’t foresee?). But roles that require deep expertise, critical decision-making, and that have profound impact on society tend to remain at the top of the pay scale.

Choose a path that not only brings a paycheck but also satisfaction, and you’ll likely excel enough to reach those top-tier earnings. Good luck aiming high!

This is the end of this article.