America's Best Paying Jobs

[fatale]

Surgeons

Treat diseases, injuries and deformities by invasive methods, such as manual manipulation or by using instruments and appliances.
Mean Annual Salary: $181,850
Top Paying Industry: Medical and diagnostic laboratories (NA)
Top Paying State: Maine ($196,960)
Top Paying Metro: St. Cloud, Minn. (NA)

Anesthesiologists

Administer anesthetics during surgery or other medical procedures.
Mean Annual Salary: $174,610
Top Paying Industry: Offices of physicians ($182,360)
Top Paying State: New Jersey ($197,780)
Top Paying Metro: Savannah, Ga. (NA)



Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases of women, especially those affecting the reproductive system and the process of childbirth.
Mean Annual Salary: $174,490
Top Paying Industry: Insurance carriers ($189,640)
Top Paying State: South Dakota ($197,090)
Top Paying Metro: Tallahassee, Fla. (NA)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Perform surgery on mouths and jaws.
Mean Annual Salary: $169,600
Top Paying Industry: Offices of physicians ($184,760)
Top Paying State: North Carolina (NA)
Top Paying Metro: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.-Wisconsin (NA)

Internists, General

Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems.
Mean Annual Salary: $156,790
Top Paying Industry: Medical and diagnostic laboratories ($179,310)
Top Paying State: South Dakota ($186,000)
Top Paying Metro: Fort Pierce-Port St. Lucie, Fla. (NA)



Orthodontists

Examine, diagnose and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws.
Mean Annual Salary: $153,240
Top Paying Industry: Offices of dentists ($156,050)
Top Paying State: Washington (NA)
Top Paying Metro: Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif. ($188,610)


Psychiatrists

Diagnose, treat and help prevent disorders of the mind.
Mean Annual Salary: $151,380
Top Paying Industry: Social advocacy organizations ($192,910)
Top Paying State: Colorado ($190,180)
Top Paying Metro: Springfield, Mo. ($195,450)



Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide the overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within the guidelines set up by a board of directors.
Mean Annual Salary: $140,880
Top Paying Industry: Securities and commodity exchanges ($189,950)
Top Paying State: New Jersey ($172,960)
Top Paying Metro: Jersey City, N.J. ($188,070)

Pediatricians, General

Diagnose, treat and help prevent children's diseases and injuries.
Mean Annual Salary: $140,000
Top Paying Industry: Elementary and secondary schools ($145,240)
Top Paying State: Louisiana ($176,810)
Top Paying Metro: Columbus, Ga.-Alabama ($193,640)


Family and General Practitioners

Diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population.
Mean Annual Salary: $137,980
Top Paying Industry: Medical and diagnostic laboratories ($170,500)
Top Paying State: Nevada ($173,660)
Top Paying Metro: Victoria, Texas (NA)


Physicians and Surgeons, All Other

All physicians and surgeons outside main specialties.
Mean Annual Salary: $137,100
Top Paying Industry: Medical and diagnostic laboratories ($177,500)
Top Paying State: Wisconsin ($174,370)
Top Paying Metro: Owensboro, Ky. (NA)

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of multi-engine aircraft in regularly scheduled service for the transport of passengers and cargo.
Mean Annual Salary: $134,090
Top Paying Industry: Scheduled air transportation ($144,140)
Top Paying State: New York ($159,010)
Top Paying Metro: New York City ($175,130)


Dentists, General

Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and malformations of teeth and gums and related oral structures.
Mean Annual Salary: $132,660
Top Paying Industry: Offices of dentists ($135,560)
Top Paying State: Alaska ($184,460)
Top Paying Metro: Colorado Springs, Colo. ($198,650)


Podiatrists

Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Mean Annual Salary: $111,130
Top Paying Industry: Offices of other health practitioners ($116,820)
Top Paying State: Kentucky ($170,740)
Top Paying Metro: Birmingham, Ala. ($185,230)



Engineering Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Mean Annual Salary: $104,210
Top Paying Industry: Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. ($129,450)
Top Paying State: Vermont ($127,120)
Top Paying Metro: San Jose, Calif. ($147,220)

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies.
Mean Annual Salary: $100,430
Top Paying Industry: Federal government ($104,100)
Top Paying State: New Hampshire ($118,360)
Top Paying Metro: Nassau-Suffolk, N.Y. ($127,120)


Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis and computer programming.
Mean Annual Salary: $100,110
Top Paying Industry: Securities and commodity exchanges ($131,260)
Top Paying State: New Jersey ($121,670)
Top Paying Metro: San Jose, Calif. ($136,240)

Marketing Managers

Determine the demand for products and services, identify potential customers, develop pricing strategies and oversee product development needs.
Mean Annual Salary: $100,020
Top Paying Industry: Securities and commodity exchanges ($128,760)
Top Paying State: New York ($127,180)
Top Paying Metro: New York City ($136,280)


Natural Sciences Managers

Direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Mean Annual Salary: $97,560
Top Paying Industry: Electronic markets and agents and brokers ($159,150)
Top Paying State: Pennsylvania ($128,590)
Top Paying Metro: Monmouth-Ocean, N.J. ($146,950)


Sales Managers

Direct the distribution of a product or service to customers, establish training programs for sales representatives and analyze sales statistics to determine sales potential and inventory requirements.
Mean Annual Salary: $96,950
Top Paying Industry: Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. ($132,000)
Top Paying State: New York ($133,450)
Top Paying Metro: Atlanta, Ga. ($102,620)


Astronomers

Observe, research and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena.
Mean Annual Salary: $96,780
Top Paying Industry: Federal government ($111,040)
Top Paying State: Massachusetts ($116,230)
Top Paying Metro: Boston, Mass.-New Hampshire ($119,660

Optometrists

Diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system.
Mean Annual Salary: $96,290
Top Paying Industry: Offices of physicians ($120,930)
Top Paying State: New Hampshire ($147,740)
Top Paying Metro: Portsmouth, N.H.-Rochester, Me. ($178,650)


Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Include both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of both teaching and research.
Mean Annual Salary: $95,570
Top Paying Industry: Colleges and universities ($98,510)
Top Paying State: Tennessee ($150,680)
Top Paying Metro: Nashville, Tenn. ($174,380)

[Mizfit]

This list lies for canada

[lucabratzi]

i would have to disagree cause u can open ur own company doing anything ie. selling closeout and overstock books, or being a venture capatalist and make 10-20x the highest paid on that list...

[thegodfather]

This is a great list as far as national averages and what not, but by no means is it the rule. I have a friend whos a real estate agent making $380k a year and hes 28. I know of several guys just graduating law school (not even big name schools) starting at $135k. Those physician numbers seem grossly underpaid. My moms in the health care field and has several doctors working for her, they make between $250-300k a year... She doesn't even have an MD and is making more than half those physician lists on there. I guess its tough to represent everyone when its got to figure into account the economically poor areas as well. Want to know who the majority of millionaires in my area are? Small business owners.... well drillers, landscapers, hardscapers, concrete business, pipeline installers, construction business's, etc....

[fatale]

This is a great list as far as national averages and what not, but by no means is it the rule. I have a friend whos a real estate agent making $380k a year and hes 28. I know of several guys just graduating law school (not even big name schools) starting at $135k. Those physician numbers seem grossly underpaid. My moms in the health care field and has several doctors working for her, they make between $250-300k a year... She doesn't even have an MD and is making more than half those physician lists on there. I guess its tough to represent everyone when its got to figure into account the economically poor areas as well. Want to know who the majority of millionaires in my area are? Small business owners.... well drillers, landscapers, hardscapers, concrete business, pipeline installers, construction business's, etc....

I hear you, I was suprise that pharmacist isn't on the list. Pharmacy Technician alone make about 75 thousand a year ( Is higher when you work in california). I have a friend who works in some drillers company and make about 200 thousand a year. How about celebrity though aren't they considered top one of america best paying jobs. He He

[svarturer]

richest people i know... plummers
true

[Grant8010]

the numbers are close to accurate for physicians for their SALARY they also get whats left of their collections once all expenses are paid for. so anywhere between 300K and up is right for the year when its all said and done.

[KeyMastur]

the pilots one is only if you're on a big commercial airline. most of the pilots start off on the express ones and have to move up - only making about 30k

[Prada]

That list is wrong. I can assure you that CEO's make much more then that. Add bonuses and perks, insider trading and they make even more.

[thegodfather]

That list is wrong. I can assure you that CEO's make much more then that. Add bonuses and perks, insider trading and they make even more.

Absolutely, the CEO of a local hospital here makes 1million+ and thats his salary alone. I dont know what kind of company a CEO who makes 150k is working at, but I hope its one with less than 20 employees. However, we should all remember this chart is taking into account the LOWEST paid people and averaging them with the highest paid, so these numbers are believable, I just dont believe they're typical.

[biglouie250]

you forgot one. nassau county cops......6 figures(with OT) after 5 years service such an effing crock!!!

[cfiler]

Man, I wish I made a third of what they make. I'd even be happy with 25%.

[lucabratzi]

you forgot one. nassau county cops......6 figures(with OT) after 5 years service such an effing crock!!!

yep...suffolk county too...cops do nothing and get paid insane amounts...then in the city the cops deal with all the scumbags, and they get paid a third of that...

[FranKieC]

I believe Suffolk county cops make more than nassau. I live in a small town and the highest paid cop here made 145k with OT.

[FranKieC]

Big Louie I was at Tunes MM Day and will be in the Hamptons from the 29th to the 4th

[biglouie250]

Big Louie I was at Tunes MM Day and will be in the Hamptons from the 29th to the 4th

dont ya love that place??!?!?

yea nassau and suffolk cops flip flop ever year. basically what their unions do when contract time is up is say "well nassau cops make this much" then suffolk gets the raise, and vice versa. why the taxpayers dont just say "hey the REAL cops in NYC get paid d!ck so shut the eff up!!!" is beyond me. they are absolutley killing us with all their pay and benefits.....

[LoggedOut]

richest people i know... plummers
true

Maybe then.... my young jedi,,, you would know it is plumbers, not plummers

[boxingbean]

Surgeons

Treat diseases, injuries and deformities by invasive methods, such as manual manipulation or by using instruments and appliances.
Mean Annual Salary: $181,850
Top Paying Industry: Medical and diagnostic laboratories (NA)
Top Paying State: Maine ($196,960)
Top Paying Metro: St. Cloud, Minn. (NA)

Anesthesiologists

Administer anesthetics during surgery or other medical procedures.
Mean Annual Salary: $174,610
Top Paying Industry: Offices of physicians ($182,360)
Top Paying State: New Jersey ($197,780)
Top Paying Metro: Savannah, Ga. (NA)



Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases of women, especially those affecting the reproductive system and the process of childbirth.
Mean Annual Salary: $174,490
Top Paying Industry: Insurance carriers ($189,640)
Top Paying State: South Dakota ($197,090)
Top Paying Metro: Tallahassee, Fla. (NA)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Perform surgery on mouths and jaws.
Mean Annual Salary: $169,600
Top Paying Industry: Offices of physicians ($184,760)
Top Paying State: North Carolina (NA)
Top Paying Metro: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.-Wisconsin (NA)

Internists, General

Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems.
Mean Annual Salary: $156,790
Top Paying Industry: Medical and diagnostic laboratories ($179,310)
Top Paying State: South Dakota ($186,000)
Top Paying Metro: Fort Pierce-Port St. Lucie, Fla. (NA)



Orthodontists

Examine, diagnose and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws.
Mean Annual Salary: $153,240
Top Paying Industry: Offices of dentists ($156,050)
Top Paying State: Washington (NA)
Top Paying Metro: Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif. ($188,610)


Psychiatrists

Diagnose, treat and help prevent disorders of the mind.
Mean Annual Salary: $151,380
Top Paying Industry: Social advocacy organizations ($192,910)
Top Paying State: Colorado ($190,180)
Top Paying Metro: Springfield, Mo. ($195,450)



Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide the overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within the guidelines set up by a board of directors.
Mean Annual Salary: $140,880
Top Paying Industry: Securities and commodity exchanges ($189,950)
Top Paying State: New Jersey ($172,960)
Top Paying Metro: Jersey City, N.J. ($188,070)

Pediatricians, General

Diagnose, treat and help prevent children's diseases and injuries.
Mean Annual Salary: $140,000
Top Paying Industry: Elementary and secondary schools ($145,240)
Top Paying State: Louisiana ($176,810)
Top Paying Metro: Columbus, Ga.-Alabama ($193,640)


Family and General Practitioners

Diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population.
Mean Annual Salary: $137,980
Top Paying Industry: Medical and diagnostic laboratories ($170,500)
Top Paying State: Nevada ($173,660)
Top Paying Metro: Victoria, Texas (NA)


Physicians and Surgeons, All Other

All physicians and surgeons outside main specialties.
Mean Annual Salary: $137,100
Top Paying Industry: Medical and diagnostic laboratories ($177,500)
Top Paying State: Wisconsin ($174,370)
Top Paying Metro: Owensboro, Ky. (NA)

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Pilot and navigate the flight of multi-engine aircraft in regularly scheduled service for the transport of passengers and cargo.
Mean Annual Salary: $134,090
Top Paying Industry: Scheduled air transportation ($144,140)
Top Paying State: New York ($159,010)
Top Paying Metro: New York City ($175,130)


Dentists, General

Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and malformations of teeth and gums and related oral structures.
Mean Annual Salary: $132,660
Top Paying Industry: Offices of dentists ($135,560)
Top Paying State: Alaska ($184,460)
Top Paying Metro: Colorado Springs, Colo. ($198,650)


Podiatrists

Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Mean Annual Salary: $111,130
Top Paying Industry: Offices of other health practitioners ($116,820)
Top Paying State: Kentucky ($170,740)
Top Paying Metro: Birmingham, Ala. ($185,230)



Engineering Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Mean Annual Salary: $104,210
Top Paying Industry: Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. ($129,450)
Top Paying State: Vermont ($127,120)
Top Paying Metro: San Jose, Calif. ($147,220)

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers according to established procedures and policies.
Mean Annual Salary: $100,430
Top Paying Industry: Federal government ($104,100)
Top Paying State: New Hampshire ($118,360)
Top Paying Metro: Nassau-Suffolk, N.Y. ($127,120)


Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis and computer programming.
Mean Annual Salary: $100,110
Top Paying Industry: Securities and commodity exchanges ($131,260)
Top Paying State: New Jersey ($121,670)
Top Paying Metro: San Jose, Calif. ($136,240)

Marketing Managers

Determine the demand for products and services, identify potential customers, develop pricing strategies and oversee product development needs.
Mean Annual Salary: $100,020
Top Paying Industry: Securities and commodity exchanges ($128,760)
Top Paying State: New York ($127,180)
Top Paying Metro: New York City ($136,280)


Natural Sciences Managers

Direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Mean Annual Salary: $97,560
Top Paying Industry: Electronic markets and agents and brokers ($159,150)
Top Paying State: Pennsylvania ($128,590)
Top Paying Metro: Monmouth-Ocean, N.J. ($146,950)


Sales Managers

Direct the distribution of a product or service to customers, establish training programs for sales representatives and analyze sales statistics to determine sales potential and inventory requirements.
Mean Annual Salary: $96,950
Top Paying Industry: Computer and peripheral equipment mfg. ($132,000)
Top Paying State: New York ($133,450)
Top Paying Metro: Atlanta, Ga. ($102,620)


Astronomers

Observe, research and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena.
Mean Annual Salary: $96,780
Top Paying Industry: Federal government ($111,040)
Top Paying State: Massachusetts ($116,230)
Top Paying Metro: Boston, Mass.-New Hampshire ($119,660

Optometrists

Diagnose, manage and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system.
Mean Annual Salary: $96,290
Top Paying Industry: Offices of physicians ($120,930)
Top Paying State: New Hampshire ($147,740)
Top Paying Metro: Portsmouth, N.H.-Rochester, Me. ($178,650)


Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Include both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of both teaching and research.
Mean Annual Salary: $95,570
Top Paying Industry: Colleges and universities ($98,510)
Top Paying State: Tennessee ($150,680)
Top Paying Metro: Nashville, Tenn. ($174,380)

hey good to know thx

[slob]

drug dealers

[test=magic]

cmon we all kno politician make the most CON$ervative governMENt

[smokethedays]

Celebrities, rappers, and basket ball players.

[sherpa27]

^^^^^^^if you think about it celebs would be actors or musicians, alot of whom dont make shit. Same with rappers, Basketball players on average make alot but what about the minor Bball leagues?
I saw a list one time and NBA player was at the top, then NFL.


Also for the CEO thing, there are a bunch of small companies out there

[CoreyTampa09]

Just a question for those who are older than me. Im in college right now and dont know much about the job market. I figure I wanna do something health related and continue going to school past the bachelor level. Eventually I want to become a physical therapist with possibly nuritition,athletic training among others on the side. I dont want to be penny picking when Im older but this is very general can I expect to be well off, not wealthy when Im older with pretty much anything at the graduate level in the health field?