As we progress further into the New Year, many of us are setting career goals aimed at advancing our professional lives and increasing our earning potential. However, the first quarter often brings challenges such as performance reviews, bonus allocations, and promotion decisions. Additionally, the "January Resignation Rush Trend" might prompt you to reconsider your career aspirations and seek opportunities that align more closely with your goals. If you're unsure which careers are poised for growth and which are likely to offer significant salary increases by 2025, a new analysis can guide you toward your dream job.
Top 10 Jobs with Significant Pay Raises in 2025
Resume Genius has released its 2025 Wage Growth Report, highlighting the jobs and industries where employees are most likely to see substantial pay raises. The report utilizes the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupation and Wage Statistics database.
Researchers combined average annual pay raises with job growth projections to identify high-wage growth jobs. They pinpointed 10 high-paying roles with strong growth percentages and significant expected salary increases by 2025. These jobs were cross-referenced with BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook data to ensure they exceeded the national median salary of $48,060 and demonstrated above-average growth.
Each career listed includes:
1. Median annual salary
2. Average pay growth from 2021 to 2023
3. Number of U.S. jobs
4. Estimated employment growth through 2033
5. Educational requirements
**1. Pediatric Surgeon**
- **Salary:** $449,320
- **Pay Growth:** 24%
- **Jobs:** 888,500
- **Job Growth:** 4%
- **Education:** Doctorate or professional degree
**2. Airline Pilot, Copilot, and Flight Engineer**
- **Salary:** $250,050
- **Pay Growth:** 12%
- **Jobs:** 152,800
- **Job Growth:** 5%
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree
**3. Dentist**
- **Salary:** $244,470
- **Pay Growth:** 17%
- **Jobs:** 160,600
- **Job Growth:** 5%
- **Education:** Doctorate or professional degree
**4. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist**
- **Salary:** $154,380
- **Pay Growth:** 17%
- **Jobs:** 207,500
- **Job Growth:** 7%
- **Education:** Master’s degree
**5. Personal Financial Advisor**
- **Salary:** $150,670
- **Pay Growth:** 12%
- **Jobs:** 321,000
- **Job Growth:** 17%
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree
**6. Veterinarian**
- **Salary:** $136,300
- **Pay Growth:** 12%
- **Jobs:** 88,200
- **Job Growth:** 19%
- **Education:** Doctorate or professional degree
**7. Management Analyst**
- **Salary:** $115,530
- **Pay Growth:** 7%
- **Jobs:** 1,018,300
- **Job Growth:** 11%
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree
**8. Wind Turbine Service Technician**
- **Salary:** $65,380
- **Pay Growth:** 6%
- **Jobs:** 11,400
- **Job Growth:** 60%
- **Education:** Post-secondary non-degree award
**9. Skincare Specialist**
- **Salary:** $51,100
- **Pay Growth:** 11%
- **Jobs:** 81,800
- **Job Growth:** 10%
- **Education:** Post-secondary non-degree award
**10. Psychiatric Aid**
- **Salary:** $41,000
- **Pay Growth:** 9%
- **Jobs:** 160,600
- **Job Growth:** 13%
- **Education:** High school diploma
"Despite post-pandemic inflation, wages have been rising even faster," says Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. "There are numerous high-paying roles available. Understanding the demand for specific skills, pursuing relevant certifications, and targeting roles in thriving industries can strategically advance your career and increase your purchasing power."
Insights into 2025 Pay Raises
As professionals aim to advance their careers and secure better pay, jobs in healthcare, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and wellness dominate the list. The report highlights that the aging population is driving demand for healthcare workers, making this industry the largest employer in the coming year.
The healthcare sector is projected to hire 2.3 million new workers this year, accounting for about one in four new jobs in the U.S. Occupational growth for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (16.4%) and healthcare support occupations (23%) far exceeds the national average growth rate of 6.5%.
STEM jobs are expected to grow by 10.4% by 2033, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations (4.0%). The increasing need for IT, cybersecurity, and advancements in automation and machine learning (such as AI and robotics) is fueling rapid growth in computer and math-related roles. Additionally, businesses' reliance on data analysis is expected to boost demand for math-related positions.
The wellness industry, valued at $6.3 trillion in 2023, is projected to grow to $9 trillion by 2028. Growth in sectors like corporate wellness and wellness tourism is driving up salaries for professionals in this field. Increased mental health awareness and the rise of online platforms are enabling specialists to reach a broader audience and meet higher client demand.
Final Thoughts on 2025 Pay Raises
"Entering 2025, it's beneficial for professionals to understand which industries are thriving," Chan advises. "Fields like healthcare, technology, and renewable energy have high projected job growth. Knowing which roles offer competitive salaries can help workers make informed decisions about their next career move in areas full of opportunity." Identifying jobs likely to offer significant pay raises in 2025 can help you steer your career in a promising direction.