These jobs may require many years in school or have high stress levels, but they pay handsomely.
Find a job you love that also pays well.
Having a high-paying job can set you up for a comfortable life with few financial worries. Each job on this list pays a median salary of at least $100,000, nearly twice the U.S. median personal income, which was just more than $52,000 in the third quarter of 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median salary means half the workers in a certain occupation made more than the figure listed and half earned less.
Most jobs on the list are in the health care industry and require an educational investment beyond a bachelor's degree. This can take many years to complete and can come with a hefty price tag.
About half of these jobs also made the list of the 25 Best Jobs of 2022. See the full list of best-paying jobs or search through our complete Best Jobs rankings. Data gathered for this list comes from the BLS.
25. Information Security Analyst
Industry: Technology
Median Salary: $103,590
This job tops our list of 25 Best Jobs of 2022. Information security analysts get paid to protect an organization's computer systems. They keep data and information safe from cyberattacks by planning and carrying out the appropriate security measures, such as installing firewalls and data encryption programs. As hackers become savvier and come up with new ways of infiltrating computer systems, information security analysts must stay informed on the latest information technology security trends and advancements. The job requires a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, and some employers prefer to hire those who have related work experience.
24. Business Operations Manager
Industry: Business
Median Salary: $103,650
Businesses and organizations run smoothly and get the job done with the help of business operations managers. These professionals ensure all departments are meeting their specific goals for the overall success of a company. Business operations managers usually have a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration. Some may also have experience within the industry of the organization they work with. Some other essential skills of successful business operations managers include strong leadership and communication skills, since they must interact with people in all departments.
23. Medical and Health Services Manager
Industry: Business
Median Salary: $104,280
Medical and health services managers, also called health care executives or administrators, plan, direct and coordinate hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities, making sure they run smoothly and have everything they need to operate. Duties may include preparing budgets, ordering new equipment and regularly ensuring the facility is compliant with laws and regulations.
Those entering this field usually have a bachelor's degree in health administration, but having a master's degree in public administration, business administration or public health may open more doors. Employment is growing much faster than average for this role.
22. Psychologist
Industry: Science
Median Salary: $105,780
Psychologists interview and listen to patients, observe how they behave, identify psychological, emotional or behavioral issues, and diagnose mental health disorders. Their duties can vary depending on the concentration of their work. For example, forensic psychologists help judges and lawyers understand the psychological considerations of a certain case, while school psychologists help students facing educational and developmental disorders. A doctoral degree is usually required to become a psychologist, but a master's degree may meet the qualifications to work for school and industrial organization positions, according to the BLS.
21. Software Developer
Industry: Technology
Median Salary: $110,140
Software developers create apps and programs for computers, smartphones and other devices. They are behind the ease of checking your email, scrolling through TikTok or ordering carryout. Software developers pay attention to what consumers need and develop and update software as required. These professionals are creative, but also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Employment of software developers is expected to grow much faster than other occupations, according to the BLS. Software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer or information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer developers with an advanced degree.
20. Actuary
Industry: Business
Median Salary: $111,030
Actuaries use their math, statistics and financial theory knowledge to assess the amount of financial risk a company or other clients may face. Using charts, tables and reports, they explain their estimations and then create a plan to mitigate risk and maximize profit. Actuaries need a bachelor's degree and must also pass a series of exams to become certified, according to the BLS. Since much of the job of an actuary is done on computers, those starting out in the field could benefit from having background knowledge in computer science, programming languages, and using spreadsheets and databases.
19. Nurse Practitioner
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $111,680
Nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses, perform the duties of both nurses and physicians. They can prescribe medicine, diagnose illnesses and refer patients to specialists, but some states have more limits on their scope of practice. Nurse practitioners typically specialize in treating a certain population; they may work in pediatric, geriatric or mental health, for example. Those wanting to become nurse practitioners must have a master's degree in their specialty role. They also must acquire the appropriate licenses in their state of practice, pass a national certification exam and have a state advanced practice registered nurse license, according to the BLS.
18. Physician Assistant
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $115,390
Physician assistants collaborate with doctors, nurses and other health care workers to examine, diagnose and treat patients. The specific duties of a physician assistant and how rigorously they are supervised by physicians and surgeons depend on both state regulations and the physician assistant's specialty. Physician assistants usually need to earn a master's degree from an accredited program. Many entering these two-year programs already have experience as registered nurses, paramedics or EMTs. Physician assistants also need to be licensed in their state of practice.
17. Computer Network Architect
Industry: Technology
Median Salary: $116,780
Computer network architects, or network engineers, design and build data communication networks, from expansive cloud infrastructures to smaller intranets. They need to understand a company's business goals and plans to determine the computer networking capabilities needed to fulfill those outcomes.
Computer network architects usually have a degree in a computer-related field, but some employers prefer to hire those who have an MBA in information systems. Employment is projected to grow slower than the average for all occupations, but an average of about 11,000 job openings for computer network architects are projected each year over the decade, according to the BLS.
16. Optometrist
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $118,050
Optometrists help patients see the world more clearly. Eye doctors examine patients for sight and vision issues such as astigmatism, glaucoma, cataracts, nearsightedness or farsightedness and promote general eye health. They can perform minor surgical procedures and prescribe glasses or contact lenses.
Optometrists must complete a highly competitive four-year Doctor of Optometry degree program after college. They also need to be licensed in the state where they practice. Employment growth is as fast as average compared to all other occupations, according to the BLS; an average of about 1,700 jobs are projected to open up each year over the decade.
15. Lawyer
Industry: Social services
Median Salary: $126,930
Lawyers advise individuals, organizations and government agencies during legal disputes and court cases. They interpret laws, argue on behalf of clients and write legal documents. Lawyers can specialize in particular fields such as tax law, family law or intellectual property law, for example. Many lawyers work more than 40 hours a week and face a lot of pressure during trials and deadlines.
Aspiring lawyers must attend law school – which takes three years to complete – and pass a state's written bar exam. An average of 46,000 job openings are projected each year through the decade for this profession.
14. Sales Manager
Industry: Sales and marketing
Median Salary: $132,290
These professionals lead a company's sales team, making sure they reach their sales quotas and taking charge of the minutiae of distributing a product or service to customers. Sales managers may respond to customer complaints and monitor consumer preferences to better satisfy their needs.
Most sales managers have a bachelor's degree and some experience working in customer service; many have advanced to this position by previously working as retail sales workers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives or purchasing agents, according to the BLS. Employment in this field is growing as fast as the average for all other occupations, with an average of about 37,000 job openings estimated each year through the decade.
13. Financial Manager
Industry: Business
Median Salary: $134,180
Financial managers develop plans for the financial goals of an organization and are responsible for a company's overall fiscal health. They review business reports and budgets and strategize how a company can reduce costs and make a bigger profit, which warrants close work relationships with the top executives of an organization.
Financial managers usually need a bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience working in a business or financial occupation to get started in the field. Employment for this occupation is growing much faster than the average, with about 64,200 openings projected each year, on average, over the decade, according to the BLS.
12. Petroleum Engineer
Industry: Engineering
Median Salary: 137,330
Petroleum engineers find ways to extract oil and gas from below the Earth's surface. They drill in oil and gas fields and are there throughout the process, designing the drilling equipment, planning the method, implementing it and monitoring the entire operation.
Petroleum engineers need a bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably petroleum engineering, but employers may hire mechanical, civil or chemical engineering grads who have experience in the field. The BLS says employment in this occupation is growing about as fast as average compared to all others, with an estimated 2,100 job openings projected each year, on average, over the decade.
11. Marketing Manager
Industry: Sales and marketing
Median Salary: $142,170
Marketing managers generate public interest for a company's product or service. They need to estimate the demand for products and services, set prices and then develop a marketing strategy to promote them.
This role usually requires a bachelor's degree and experience in advertising, promotions, marketing or sales. To thrive in this role, marketing managers need strong communication, decision-making and interpersonal skills. Employment for marketing mangers is projected to grow 10% through 2030, according to the BLS, about as fast as the average for all other occupations.
10. IT Manager
Industry: Technology
Median Salary: $151,150
IT managers, also called computer and information systems managers, oversee a company's technology needs, ensuring that all sensitive information is protected and safe from hackers. They install, maintain and upgrade all computer, telephone and other hardware and software systems of a company. Because almost all organizations need the assurance that their technology is secure, IT managers can be found in various industries; they are especially crucial for financial and insurance companies, health care organizations and within the government.
To become an IT manager, a bachelor's degree in computer or information science is required, as well as related work. Many also have an MBA. The BLS predicts an average of 42,000 job openings each year through the next 10 years.
9. Dentist
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $158,940
Dentists diagnose tooth, gum and mouth diseases. They perform regular cleanings and check for cavities, tooth decay and gum issues. Dentists remove and repair damaged teeth, perform preventive X-rays and teach patients how to maintain good oral health and healthy smiles.
After obtaining a bachelor's degree, aspiring dentists need to take and pass the Dental Admission Test to enter an accredited dental program, where they earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine. Dentists who want to teach or conduct research may need advanced training from a postdoctoral program in general dentistry. Employment in this field is growing as fast as the average for all other occupations; 5,000 job openings are expected each year, on average, in the next 10 years, according to the BLS.
8. Pediatrician
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $177,130
Pediatricians provide medical care for infants, children, teens and young adults. They diagnose and treat health issues that are specific to young patients. Pediatricians administer vaccines, perform annual checkups and treat ailments common in kids, such as ear infections and strep throat. Some may choose to specialize in a more specific sort of pediatrics, such as neonatology, oncology or psychiatry, for example.
Like other health care professions, pediatricians spend a lot of time in school before practicing. Aspiring pediatricians need to obtain college degrees, attend medical school and complete residency programs.
7. Nurse Anesthetist
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $183,580
These advance practice registered nurses administer anesthesia and provide care for patients before, during and after surgical operations. Nurse anesthetists monitor a patient's vital signs and adjust the anesthesia as needed during a procedure.
After earning a bachelor's degree, those pursuing this profession need to receive a master's degree from an accredited nurse anesthetist program. These programs usually require one year of experience working as a registered nurse for admittance. To practice, nurse anesthetists need to be licensed registered nurses in their state, pass a national certification exam and have a state license.
6. Orthodontist
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $208,000 or more
If your smile has seen great improvements since the days of your high school yearbook photos, you're likely familiar with the work of orthodontists. These doctors straighten teeth and align bites using braces and retainers.
Orthodontists spend a lot of time in school. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, aspiring orthodontists usually need to attend an accredited dental program and complete a residency program. Different states have different licensing requirements. Orthodontists who are certified through the American Board of Orthodontics may have a leg up in finding jobs.
5. Psychiatrist
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $208,000 or more
Psychiatrists are primary mental health physicians who carefully consider the connections between the body and mind. They use techniques such as behavioral therapy and group counseling to help patients overcome anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. They treat and diagnose those who suffer from conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists can prescribe medicine and recommend hospitalization.
Like other jobs in health care, those pursuing this profession need to go to medical school, become licensed, receive a board certification and go through a residency program.
3. Anesthesiologist (tie)
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $208,000 or more
Anesthesiologists specialize in relieving pain. They administer drugs that will help patients feel little to no pain during a surgery or other medical procedure. They monitor a patient's vital signs and adjust the anesthetics as needed. They care for a wide variety of patients, such as those in intensive care and people with chronic pain, for example. These doctors work closely with other health care staff such as physicians and surgeons.
Anesthesiologists have undergraduate and medical school degrees. They then have to take a licensing exam, undergo a yearlong internship, complete a three-year residency and obtain a license required in the state they practice.
3. Obstetrician and Gynecologist (tie)
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $208,000 or more
Obstetricians and gynecologists are doctors who specialize in pregnancy and reproductive health. Obstetrics is the branch of medicine and surgery involved with childbirth, while gynecology is the branch of physiology and medicine focused on female reproductive health. OB-GYNs perform annual checkups, prescribe birth control and guide patients through pregnancy and delivery. They diagnose and treat health issues such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, hormonal disorders and symptoms related to menopause.
Obstetricians and gynecologists attend medical school, pass a licensing exam, complete residencies and pass written and oral board exams to receive certification.
2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $208,000 or more
If you've had your wisdom teeth removed, you've encountered the work of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These dental specialists diagnose diseases of the face, mouth and jaw and specialize in those oral operations. They can treat facial traumas, fix cleft lips, administer anesthesia, perform cosmetic surgery and even treat sleep apnea.
After graduating from college and dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete several years of highly competitive surgical residency programs. Going into this field means a dedication to lifelong learning, since these professionals need to be regularly recertified and keep up with how their field is changing.
1. Physician
Industry: Health care
Median Salary: $208,000 or more
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses by examining patients, performing tests, prescribing medications and giving patients recommendations on preventive health care. Whether they work in hospitals or their own private practices, physicians always work closely with other health care staff, such as physician assistants and registered nurses.
Physicians need college and medical school degrees, as well as years of residency experience. Physicians either have a Doctor of Medicine degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Employment in this field is slower than the average for all occupations, but the BLS says about 22,700 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Among all the roles with the same high salary range of $208,000 or more, the role of physician tops the list with the highest overall ranking, coming in at No. 11 on the Best Jobs rankings. U.S. News data also show that the job has a very low unemployment rate of only 0.07% in 2020 and an above-average rating for upward mobility.
The best jobs that pay $100K or more include:
