With the new year just around the corner, many of you are looking to change jobs or even career paths. So we made this list of the top 15 high-paying jobs right now to aid you in the process.
In an ideal world, we’d all start a business, it would be successful, we could employ multiple people, and we’d live happily ever after in financial freedom.
Sometimes, though, just to get there, we have to put in extra work elsewhere.
So your best starting point is to go with a job that pays well.
And since the jobs on our list cover a range of fields, from the health and legal fields to entertainment and technology, you should find something that aligns with your passion
In full disclosure, we got the salary numbers from job portal sites like Glassdoor, SalaryExpert, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These are averages and salaries fluctuate massively based on location and experience.
The average American salary is around $59,000 and comfortable would be between $70k and $100k, so we looked at jobs that went beyond that.
Some jobs stand the test of time and no matter what century we’re in, they’ve been in demand.
Other jobs are new to the game and it seems they’ll only be getting more popular.
So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are 15 High Paying Jobs Right Now.
Don’t worry if you don’t feel like reading; you can enjoy the video below or watch it on YouTube:
1
Airline Pilot
As an airline pilot and co-pilot, you could make around $161,000 annually.
Imagine soaring through the skies, connecting people and cultures, and seeing the world from above.
It’s a career that combines a love for travel with the thrill of flying.
As a pilot, you’ll have to navigate through turbulent weather and keep your passengers safe, but the reward is a unique perspective of the world and the satisfaction of mastering a complex skill set.
While you don’t need this degree to become a pilot, a bachelor’s in aviation will certainly help.
You’ll then go to flight school for extensive flight training to acquire a commercial pilot’s silence.
The FAA requires a minimum of 1500 hours to fly as an airline pilot, which can be earned in two years.
2
Pediatrician
Pediatricians earn about $184,000, a handsome sum, but it comes with a lot of pressure.
They witness the first steps, the first words, and the growth of their little patients.
The challenge here is not just medical; it’s about earning the trust of children and comforting anxious parents.
Yet, the joy of helping a sick child recover and the privilege of being a part of a family’s life make this job deeply fulfilling.
In most places, pediatricians must complete a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school, and a 3- to 4-year residency in pediatrics.
Working hours can be long, especially for those in private practice or hospitals.
3
Surgeon
Surgeons make money too, bringing in around ??$409,000 annually, but again, it comes with a wealth of responsibility.
They have the power to heal with their hands.
It’s a career of precision, nerves of steel, and life-changing interventions.
The pressure is immense, as every decision can have significant consequences.
Yet, the ability to save lives and restore health makes it one of the most rewarding professions.
To be a surgeon, you need a bachelor’s degree, medical school, and several years of surgical residency.
Surgeons often work long hours and are on call for emergencies.
The field is highly competitive and demanding.
4
Neurosurgeon
Taking it a step further, neurosurgeons are usually seen as the crème de la crème of medical professionals.
They make over $600,000 and based on what they do and how in demand they are, this number seems apt.
Neurosurgeons navigate the complexities of the human brain and spinal cord.
It’s a field that needs exceptional skill and precision.
The challenges are daunting, and there’s a risk of life-changing consequences.
Add to that the long hours and stressful situations and you can understand that $600k is well-deserved.
5
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists do pretty well too, bringing in over $220,000.
They work with the complexities of the human mind.
They don’t just treat illnesses; they listen, counsel, and guide.
There’s a lot of emotional weight in the work, but it’s worth it when the reward is helping people find balance and peace.
And as a bonus, it comes with a pretty hefty paycheck, making it one of the highest-paying jobs right now!
6
Data Scientist
Data Scientists are all the rage these days, and while their $130,000 salaries aren’t the highest of the bunch, the accessibility and intrigue that come with the job add to its attractiveness.
Their job is to uncover patterns and insights hidden in vast amounts of data.
Their work involves using analytics technologies, including machine learning and predictive modeling, to solve complex problems.
A typical day might include cleaning data, performing statistical analysis, and creating data visualizations to communicate findings.
This role requires a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, often necessitating a Master’s or Ph.D.
7
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers make about $141,000 and that number is set to increase over the coming years.
They design and implement algorithms that allow machines to learn from each other and make decisions.
This role requires a deep understanding of both software engineering and data science.
A typical pathway involves a bachelor’s in computer science or related fields, often followed by specialized training or a master’s degree.
It’s an interesting job, but it can get tedious when you’re working with large datasets.
This job is for you if you love telling human stories using observations and numbers.
8
Senior Software Developers
Senior Software Developers make about $130,000.
You could say they’re the pillars of the tech world, so it should come as no surprize that it’s among the highest-paying jobs right now.
They not only write code but also lead projects, solve complex problems, and mentor junior developers.
You’d need a bachelor’s in computer science and a few years of experience.
Once you’re in the position, you have to make sure that you stay on top of technological changes and manage people.
That’s how you’re going to deliver your great projects on time. It’s no walk in the park; you’ll probably be working long hours.
But you get to mix creativity with logic and solution-building, so there’s never a dull moment.
9
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers’ salaries fluctuate quite a lot, but we’re going with an average of $140,000.
They advise companies on financial strategies, including mergers, acquisitions, and raising capital.
A degree in finance, economics, or business is typical, often followed by an MBA.
It’s high-stakes, with lots of networking and lots of sitting at your computer trying to figure out where the market is going to go.
The hours are long, the decisions are high-pressure, and the environment is competitive.
But what are the rewards?
The rewards are great. It’s not just about the money.
Few things beat the thrill of closing a deal you’ve been working towards.
10
CEO
In a good place, CEOs can average around $192,000 per year, which makes it among the highest-paying jobs right now.
They’re the visionaries who steer companies towards success.
They make crucial decisions, lead teams, and shape the company’s culture.
There’s no fixed path to becoming a CEO; it often involves a combination of education (often an MBA), extensive experience, and leadership skills.
The challenges are immense, from making tough decisions to handling stakeholder expectations.
CEOs often work long hours, but the role offers you the opportunity to lead and shape an organization.
11
Engineering Manager
Engineering managers make around $124,000.
They’re the bridge between technical teams and business objectives, so they have to speak two very different “work” languages.
They oversee projects, manage teams, and ensure engineering goals align with company strategies.
To become an engineering manager, you’d usually start with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and then gain a few years of experience in the field.
There’s a challenge that comes with balancing technical work, management responsibilities, project deadlines, and sticking to budgets, so you kind of have to be a jack of all trades here.
But who better to do it than you, right?
12
Solutions Architect
As a solutions architect, you could make around $130,000.
A solutions architect designs the framework that keeps businesses running smoothly.
They go into a business and talk to different teams to find out what a company needs in terms of technology, like a new app, a new customer management system, or a system with better data security.
They then take this information and decide which technologies the company will benefit from most.
As a solutions architect, you’re not just solving problems; you’re preempting them, ensuring that systems are not only effective today but also adaptable for the future.
13
Petroleum Engineer
As a petroleum engineer, you would be making around $140,000. You’re the wizard behind extracting oil and gas, resources that fuel our everyday lives.
It’s a field that combines innovation, adventure, and environmental awareness.
You could be working on offshore rigs or developing new extraction technologies.
It’s not just about drilling; it’s about finding smarter, safer ways to tap into Earth’s resources. And as history teaches us, this is an industry that births titans.
14
Sales
Sales have no ceiling.
Being good at selling art, luxury cars, real estate, programs to tech companies, and whatever you can think can make you north of $100k in a year or two with no degree or experience.
But you have to hustle.
For the amount of money you can come up with, it has a low barrier of entry and potential for quick growth.
You just have to put yourself out there and go for it.
Even jobs in investment banking are sales at a high level.
Perfect your sales technique and there’ll be no limits to what you can earn.
15
Enterprise Architect
Last but not least is being an Enterprise Architect, where you can earn around $150,000 a year.
As an enterprise architect, your job is to understand what the company should be achieving in the long run.
You’re going to look at which new markets you can expand into or how to improve your customer service.
You map out where software systems, hardware, and networks are needed in a company.
They’re similar to solution architects, but instead of working with cousins in one area, they work with the entire organization to push the company forward.
There you have it, ladies and gentlemen: the top 15 highest-paying jobs right now and the qualifications you need to apply for. Happy job hunting and see you next time!
