10 Highest Paid Jobs and Occupations in the US

In this article, we will look at the 10 highest paid jobs and occupations in the US. We have talked about the highest paying industries in the US in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 30 Highest Paid Jobs and Occupations in the US.

10. Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Average Salary: $277,320

The demand for obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) in the United States is at a critical stage as there is a projected shortage of 5,000 by 2030. Currently, there are approximately 50,800 OB-GYNs nationwide which are insufficient to meet growing demands.

9. Anesthesiologists

Average Salary: $302,970

Connecticut and Hawaii are the top paying states for anesthesiologists. Given the average salary of $302,970 for Anesthesiologists in the US, they have the 9th highest paid occupation in the US.

8. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Average Salary: $309,410

Given the critical nature of their work, coupled with a growing population requiring oral health care and facial reconstruction, the demand for the services by oral and maxillofacial remains consistently high.

7. Emergency Medicine Physicians

Average Salary: $316,600

In May 2023, the mean annual wage for Emergency Medicine Physicians in the US was $316,600. Offices of Physicians employed the most emergency medicine physicians and offered a mean annual wage of $310,660. Highest-paying industries were Employment Services ($316,570) and General Medical and Surgical Hospitals ($307,790). California had the highest employment level (7,130), while Alaska had the highest concentration of jobs, with a location quotient of 3.86.

6. Dermatologist

Average Salary: $327,650

Dermatology residency is highly competitive, with 1.53 applicants per available position in 2022. For US MD seniors, there were 595 applicants, with 169 failing to match.

Texas and Minnesota are the states with the highest employment levels for dermatologists.

5. Radiologist

Average Salary: $329,080

To become a radiologist in the US, you have to complete pre-requisite courses in college, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and math, while gaining relevant experiences. Then you must prepare for and take the MCAT, then attend allopathic or osteopathic medical school for four years, followed by internship and residency for five years. You then pass board examinations like the Core Exam and Certification Exam, then consider optional fellowship training for further specialization.

4. Pediatric Surgeon

Average Salary: $362,970

California and Texas are the highest paying states for Pediatric Surgeons whereas Michigan and New York are states with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients.

3. Orthopedic Surgeon

Average Salary: $371,400

Orthopedic surgery is highly competitive, with 1.64 applicants per available position in 2022. For US MD seniors, 365 out of 1,068 did not match. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students alos face challenges as there was only  56.35% match rate. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) find it particularly tough, as there are 1.22 US MD applicants per spot.

2. Cardiologist

Average Salary: $421,330

According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all US adults (approximately 121.5 million) have some form of cardiovascular disease with conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the US, there is a critical demand for cardiologists.

1.Neurosurgeon

Average Salary: $677,301

One of the biggest reasons why neurosurgeons have the highest paid job in the US is that their work involves highly complex procedures with high stakes that require precision and expertise. According to ZipRecruiter, the states with the highest paying salaries for neurosurgeons are Oregon, Alaska, and North Dakota.

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