In the United States, the best-paying jobs overwhelmingly belong to the healthcare sector, with physicians and surgeons leading the pack. Drawing from the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released in May 2024, a recent analysis ranks the top 20 occupations by average annual salary, and medical professionals claim most of the spots. For anyone hunting for a lucrative career, this list shines a spotlight on where the big money lies.
At the top sits pediatric surgeons, pulling in an average of $449,320 a year—roughly $216 an hour. These specialists operate on children, tackling everything from congenital defects to traumatic injuries, a role that demands precision and years of training. Close behind are cardiologists, earning $423,250 annually, or about $203 hourly. They focus on heart and blood vessel conditions, managing critical issues like heart attacks and hypertension.
Orthopedic surgeons, who repair bones and joints, take third place with $378,250 a year, around $182 an hour. Their work spans sports injuries to arthritis-related surgeries, reflecting the high demand for musculoskeletal expertise. Surgeons in general, covering a broad range of procedures, earn $339,470 annually, or $163 per hour, while radiologists, who diagnose via imaging like X-rays and MRIs, earn $329,420 yearly, about $158 hourly.
The list continues with healthcare heavyweights: anesthesiologists at $326,390 ($157/hour), who manage pain and sedation during surgeries; dermatologists at $315,480 ($152/hour), treating skin, hair, and nail conditions; and emergency medicine physicians at $306,640 ($147/hour), thriving in high-stakes ER settings. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, blending dentistry and surgery for facial and jaw issues, average $300,620 ($145/hour), while obstetricians and gynecologists, focused on women’s reproductive health, round out the top 10 at $296,210 ($142/hour).
Beyond the top tier, thoracic surgeons ($292,770, $141/hour) handle chest-related operations, and neurologists ($290,550, $140/hour) address brain and nerve disorders. Ophthalmologists ($287,560, $138/hour) specialize in eye care, often performing vision-saving surgeries, while urologists ($287,060, $138/hour) treat urinary and reproductive system issues. Orthodontists ($285,000, $137/hour) straighten teeth with braces and aligners, marking the first non-physician role on the list.
The dominance of medical jobs persists with psychiatrists ($281,360, $135/hour), who tackle mental health, and pathologists ($280,490, $135/hour), who diagnose diseases through lab analysis. Plastic surgeons ($279,390, $134/hour) perform reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, followed by general internal medicine physicians ($275,520, $132/hour) providing primary care. Dentists ($273,820, $132/hour) cap the top 20, managing oral health with an average that outpaces many other professions.
What stands out? Seventeen of these 20 roles are in healthcare, with only three requiring a medical degree but not physician status (orthodontists, dentists, and one outlier not detailed here). The BLS data underscores a trend: specialized skills and long training—often 10 to 15 years—yield massive financial rewards. For comparison, the median U.S. worker earns $48,620 annually, meaning even the “lowest” of these top jobs pays over five times that. If you’re eyeing a high-earning career, medicine’s where the money’s at—just bring patience and a passion for the grind.