Tuesday, November 19, 2013

7 Jobs That Pay $70 an Hour or More

Dentists, petroleum engineers, CEOs and more

Dentist and his assistante smiling at camera...perspective of a patient on a dentist chair
Getty Images
By Debra Auerbach

We all know the saying, "Money can't buy you happiness." But if you were making $70 an hour-plus (about $146,000 a year), you'd probably be pretty content -- at least with your salary. Those that make this much money an hour are mostly in medical professions -- physicians, dentists, surgeons and the like -- but there are a few other nonmedical-occupations that can earn such hefty salaries as well.

Want to know which jobs will get you a lucrative $70 an hour or more and what schooling you'll need to get them? Read on to find out.

1. Chief executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct and coordinate the operational activities of companies and public or private-sector organizations.*

Typical education level: Bachelor's or master's degree in business administration
Average hourly wage: $85.02

2. Dentists (general) diagnose and treat problems with a patient's teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $78.48

3. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaws, teeth, gums, neck and head, including procedures such as surgically repairing a cleft lip and palate or removing impacted teeth.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $104.06

4. Orthodontists design and make appliances, such as braces, to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $89.58

5. Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth's surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells.

Typical education level: Bachelor's degree
Average hourly wage: $70.90

6. Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in patients. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications and order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, diseases and deformities.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $88.86

7. Prosthodontists construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and other oral structures to correct natural and acquired deformation of the mouth and jaw, to restore and maintain oral function, such as chewing and speaking, and to improve appearance.

Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average hourly wage: $80.83

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