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25 Highest Paying Jobs in the US

By Kaitlyn Farley. May 20, 2024 · 20 minute read

THIS ARTICLE MAY INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT PRODUCTS, FEATURES AND/OR SERVICES THAT SOFI DOES NOT PROVIDE. SOFI LEARN STRIVES TO BE AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE AS YOU NAVIGATE YOUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY. WE DEVELOP CONTENT THAT COVERS A VARIETY OF FINANCIAL TOPICS WITH THE AIM TO BREAK DOWN COMPLICATED CONCEPTS, KEEP YOU INFORMED ON THE LATEST TRENDS, AND CLUED-IN ON THE STUFF YOU CAN USE TO HELP GET YOUR MONEY RIGHT.

25 Highest Paying Jobs in the US

If you’re looking for a career that makes a lot of money, you might want to start your search in the health and medical field. Healthcare jobs are the highest-paid jobs in the U.S., and overall employment in this sector is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next eight years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Outside of healthcare, professional athletes and corporate chief executive officers (CEOs) are among the highest-paid professions. Three other fields that also made the top 25: Airline pilots, computer/information systems managers, and financial managers.

Read on for a snapshot of the highest-paying jobs across the U.S., followed by a listing of the best-paying occupations by state.

Key Points

•   Healthcare professions dominate the highest-paying jobs in the U.S., with cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons leading the list.

•   Professional athletes and CEOs also rank among the top earners nationwide.

•   The list of top-paying jobs includes various medical specialists such as pediatric surgeons and anesthesiologists.

•   Each state has different top-paying jobs, with healthcare roles typically offering the highest salaries.

•   The data for this ranking was sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and includes projections for job growth and educational requirements.

25 Highest Paying Careers in the U.S.

To compile this list of highest-paying jobs, we reviewed data from BLS’s most recent National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates report (May 2022). We also used government data to cite the minimum education requirements, projected growth, and which industries provide employment for each occupation. For more job description details, we tapped the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

Here’s a look of the highest-paid jobs in the U.S., ranked from highest average salary to lowest.

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1. Cardiologist

Cardiologists diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. They may further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.

Average Salary

$421,330

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Administer emergency cardiac care for life-threatening heart problems.

•   Advise patients about diet, activity, and disease prevention.

•   Calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.

•   Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standards to identify abnormalities using echocardiogram results.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Management of companies and enterprises

2. Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.

Average Salary

$371,400

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Analyze patient’s medical history, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation’s necessity and to determine best procedure.

•   Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.

•   Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care Centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional Schools

3. Pediatric Surgeon

Pediatrics surgeons diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents.

Average Salary

$362,970

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Analyze patient’s medical history, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation’s necessity and to determine best procedure.

•   Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.

•   Consult with patient’s other medical care specialists to determine if surgery is necessary.

•   Describe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures to parents or guardians of the patient.

•   Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Little or no change

Top Industries

•   Hospitals

•   Offices of physicians

4. Athletes and Sports Competitors

Athletes and sports competitors compete in athletic events.

Average Salary

$358,080

Typical Entry-Level Education

No formal educational credential

Primary Duties

•   Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.

•   Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.

•   Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.

•   Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Much faster than average (9% or higher)

Top Industries

•   Spectator sports

•   Other amusement and recreation industries

•   Promoters of performing arts, sports, and similar events

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

5. Surgeons

Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities.

Average Salary

$347,870

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

Varies with specialty

Projected growth (2022-2032)

3% (as fast as average)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

6. Radiologists

Radiologists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasounds. They may also perform minimally invasive medical procedures and tests.

Average Salary

$329,080

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.

•   Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.

•   Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.

•   Obtain patients’ histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Medical and diagnostic laboratories

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

7. Dermatologists

Dermatologists diagnose and treat diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails. They may perform both medical and dermatological surgery functions.

Average Salary

$327,650

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Conduct complete skin examinations.

•   Diagnose and treat pigmented lesions, such as common acquired nevi, congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz nevi, blue nevi, or melanoma.

•   Perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma.

•   Perform skin surgery to improve appearance, make early diagnoses, or control diseases such as skin cancer.

•   Counsel patients on topics such as the need for annual dermatologic screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, or skin and lymph node self-examinations.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Offices of other health practitioners

•   Medical and diagnostic laboratories

•   Personal care services

8. Emergency Medicine Physicians

Emergency medicine physicians make immediate medical decisions and act to prevent death or further disability. They provide immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of patients. They may also direct emergency medical staff in an emergency department.

Average Salary

$316,600

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Analyze records, examination information, or test results to diagnose medical conditions.

•   Assess patients’ pain levels or sedation requirements.

•   Collect and record patient information, such as medical history or examination results, in electronic or handwritten medical records.

•   Communicate likely outcomes of medical diseases or traumatic conditions to patients or their representatives.

•   Conduct primary patient assessments that include information from prior medical care.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   General medical and surgical hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

•   Management of companies and enterprises

9. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. They also diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions, and may perform surgery to improve function or appearance.

Average Salary

​​$309,410

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Administer general and local anesthetics.

•   Collaborate with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment.

•   Evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth to determine whether problems exist currently or might occur in the future.

•   Perform surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants and to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues.

•   Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Faster than average (5% to 8%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of dentists

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

10. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.

Average Salary

$302,970

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Examine patient, obtain medical history, and use diagnostic tests to determine risk during surgical, obstetrical, and other medical procedures.

•   Administer anesthetic or sedation during medical procedures, using local, intravenous, spinal, or caudal methods.

•   Monitor patient before, during, and after anesthesia and counteract adverse reactions or complications.

•   Record type and amount of anesthesia and patient condition throughout procedure.

•   Provide and maintain life support and airway management and help prepare patients for emergency surgery.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

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•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

•   Offices of other health practitioners

11. Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Obstetricians and gynecologists provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. They diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. They may also provide general care to women, and perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.

Average Salary

$277,320

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Treat diseases of female organs.

•   Care for and treat women during prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods.

•   Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.

•   Perform cesarean sections or other surgical procedures as needed to preserve patients’ health and deliver babies safely.

•   Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical histories, reports, or examination results.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

12. Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. They may also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.

Average Salary

$265,450

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.

•   Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.

•   Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.

•   Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.

•   Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Offices of other health practitioners

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

13. Neurologists

Neurologists diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, with a primarily nonsurgical focus.

Average Salary

$255,510

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Interview patients to obtain information, such as complaints, symptoms, medical histories, and family histories.

•   Examine patients to obtain information about functional status of areas, such as vision, physical strength, coordination, reflexes, sensations, language skills, cognitive abilities, and mental status.

•   Perform or interpret the outcomes of procedures or diagnostic tests, such as lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity tests.

•   Order or interpret results of laboratory analyses of patients’ blood or cerebrospinal fluid.

•   Diagnose neurological conditions based on interpretation of examination findings, histories, or test results.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

14. Pathologists

Pathologists diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.

Average Salary

$252,850

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.

•   Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.

•   Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.

•   Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.

•   Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Faster than average (5% to 8%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Medical and diagnostic laboratories

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

•   Local government, excluding schools and hospitals

•   Scientific research and development services

15. Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

Average Salary

$247,350

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Prescribe, direct, or administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.

•   Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social or medical history obtained from patients, relatives, or other professionals.

•   Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.

•   Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.

•   Analyze and evaluate patient data or test findings to diagnose nature or extent of mental disorder.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Faster than average (5% to 8%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   State government

16. Chief Executives

Chief executives determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. They plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

Average Salary

$246,440

Typical Entry-Level Education

Bachelor’s degree

Primary Duties

•   Direct or coordinate an organization’s financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.

•   Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.

•   Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.

•   Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Decline (-2% or lower)

Top Industries

•   Local and state government

•   Management of companies and enterprises

•   Elementary and secondary schools

•   Computer systems design and related services

17. Dentists

Dentists examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. They treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. They may also fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Average Salary

$233,430

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.

•   Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.

•   Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.

•   Formulate plan of treatment for patient’s teeth and mouth tissue.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of dentists

•   Federal executive branch

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

18. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. This job requires a Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for the specific aircraft type used.

Average Salary

$225,740

Typical Entry-Level Education

Bachelor’s degree

Primary Duties

•   Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.

•   Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.

•   Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.

•   Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Scheduled air transportation

•   Couriers and express delivery services

•   Federal executive branch

•   Support activities for air transportation

•   Management of companies and enterprises

19. General Internal Medicine Physicians

General internal medicine physicians diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. They provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.

Average Salary

$225,270

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Treat internal disorders, such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or problems of the lung, brain, kidney, or gastrointestinal tract.

•   Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.

•   Prescribe or administer medication, therapy, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.

•   Manage and treat common health problems, such as infections, influenza or pneumonia, as well as serious, chronic, and complex illnesses, in adolescents, adults, and the elderly.

•   Provide and manage long-term, comprehensive medical care, including diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases, for adult patients in an office or hospital.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

•   Outpatient care centers

20. Family Medicine Physicians

Family medicine physicians diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. They may refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

Average Salary

$224,460

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.

•   Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients’ condition.

•   Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.

•   Monitor patients’ conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.

•   Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Average (2% to 4%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

•   State government

21. Orthodontists

Orthodontists examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. They design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

Average Salary

$216,320

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.

•   Study diagnostic records, such as medical or dental histories, plaster models of the teeth, photos of a patient’s face and teeth, and X-rays, to develop patient treatment plans.

•   Fit dental appliances in patients’ mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.

•   Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Faster than average (5% to 8%)

Top Industries

•   Offices of dentists

•   Hospitals

22. Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. They assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. They must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Average Salary

$205,770

Typical Entry-Level Education

Master’s degree

Primary Duties

•   Manage patients’ airway or pulmonary status, using techniques such as endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, pharmacological support, respiratory therapy, and extubation.

•   Respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administering emergency fluids or drugs, or using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques.

•   Monitor patients’ responses, including skin color, pupil dilation, pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, ventilation, or urine output, using invasive and noninvasive techniques.

•   Select, order, or administer anesthetics, adjuvant drugs, accessory drugs, fluids or blood products as necessary.

•   Select, prepare, or use equipment, monitors, supplies, or drugs for the administration of anesthetics.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Much faster than average (9% or higher)

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Offices of other health practitioners

•   Colleges, universities, and professional schools

23. Pediatricians

Pediatricians diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. They also refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.

Average Salary

$203,240

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Primary Duties

•   Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury in infants and children.

•   Examine children regularly to assess their growth and development.

•   Treat children who have minor illnesses, acute and chronic health problems, and growth and development concerns.

•   Examine patients or order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests to obtain information on medical condition and determine diagnosis.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Little or no change

Top Industries

•   Offices of physicians

•   Hospitals

•   Outpatient care centers

•   Colleges, universities, and professional Schools

24. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming

Average Salary

$173,670

Typical Entry-Level Education

Bachelor’s degree

Primary Duties

•   Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.

•   Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.

•   Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.

•   Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.

•   Provide users with technical support for computer problems.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Much faster than average (9% or higher)

Top Industries

•   Computer systems design and related services

•   Management of companies and enterprises

•   Software publishers

•   Management, scientific, and technical consulting services

•   Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting, and related services

25. Financial Managers

Financial managers plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

Average Salary

$166,050

Typical Entry-Level Education

Bachelor’s degree

Primary Duties

•   Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide assistance with problems these customers may encounter.

•   Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments.

•   Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments, or credit departments.

•   Recruit staff members.

•   Evaluate data pertaining to costs to plan budgets.

Projected growth (2022-2032)

Much faster than average (9% or higher)

Top Industries

•   Credit intermediation and related activities

•   Management of companies and enterprises

•   Securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities

•   Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services

•   Insurance carriers

Highest Paying Jobs by State

The top-paying occupations in the U.S. vary by location, so here’s a look at the best-paid jobs by state based on the BLS’s State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. This listing goes in alphabetical order and includes all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

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Alabama

Career: Cardiologist
Average Salary: $466,030

Alaska

Career: Surgeon
Average Salary: $311,440

Arizona

Career: Plastic Surgeon
Average Salary: $430,870

Arkansas

Career: Orthopedic Surgeon
Average Salary: $365,580

California

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary: $371,450

Colorado

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $384,860

Connecticut

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary:$308,230

Delaware

Career: Orthopedic Surgeons
Average Salary: $509,820

District of Columbia

Career: Orthopedic Surgeons
Average Salary: $509,820

Florida

Career: Cardiologist
Average Salary: 428,810

Georgia

Career: Neurologists
Average Salary: $332,760

Hawaii

Career: Orthopedic Surgeon
Average Salary:$554,520

Idaho

Career: Cardiologists
Average Salary: $521,690

Illinois

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary: $360,560

Indiana

Career: Athletes and Sports Competitors
Average Salary: $702,270

Iowa

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary: $398,590

Kansas

Career: Surgeons
Average Salary: $374,300

Kentucky

Career: Orthopedic Surgeons
Average Salary: $410,760

Louisiana

Career: Surgeons
Average Salary: $534,920

Maine

Career: Surgeons
Average Salary: $450,330

Maryland

Career: Cardiologists
Average Salary: $456,280

Massachusetts

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary: $414,270

Michigan

Career: Orthopedic Surgeons
Average Salary: $412,260

Minnesota

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary: $514,330

Mississippi

Career: Surgeons
Average Salary: $362,430

Missouri

Career: Cardiologists
Average Salary: $370,910

Montana

Career: Surgeons
Average Salary: $435,940

Nebraska

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $422,040

Nevada

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary: $344,980

New Hampshire

Career: Orthopedic Surgeon
Average Salary: $425,620

New Jersey

Career: Chief Executives
Average Salary: $414,350

New Mexico

Career: Emergency Medicine Physicians
Average Salary: $332,590

New York

Career: Pediatric Surgeons
Average Salary: $415,810

North Carolina

Career: Surgeons
Average Salary: $429,010

North Dakota

Career: Psychiatrists
Average Salary: $390,140

Ohio

Career: Athletes and Sports Competitors
Average Salary: $648,120

Oklahoma

Career: Emergency Medicine Physicians
Average Salary: $312,940

Oregon

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $395,060

Pennsylvania

Career: Cardiologists
Average Salary: $478,340

Rhode Island

Career: Radiologists
Average Salary: $343,450

South Carolina

Career: Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $386,460

South Dakota

Career: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Average Salary: $347,390

Tennessee

Career: Surgeons
Average Salary: $324,550

Texas

Career: Cardiologists
Average Salary: $413,510

Utah

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary: $402,230

Vermont

Career: Orthopedic Surgeon
Average Salary: $413,870

Virginia

Career: Neurologists
Average Salary: $368,650

Washington State

Career: Anesthesiologists
Average Salary: $419,950

Washington, D.C.

Career: Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists
Average Salary: $286,160

West Virginia

Career: Surgeons
Average Salary: $365,560

Wisconsin

Career: Dermatologists
Average Salary: $455,200

Wyoming

Career: Family Medicine Physicians
Average Salary: $295,570

The Takeaway

Whether you look at the top-paying fields nationally or by state, healthcare professions dominate the list. However, a few other careers also consistently show up in the highest-paid job rankings, including professional athletes, chief executives, airline pilots, and computer/information systems managers.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

Photo credit: iStock/Eva-Katalin


SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.


Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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