If you are planning a career in the United States, salary is an important factor to consider—but it should not be the only one. Education requirements, job demand, career growth, work environment, and long-term opportunities can all make a major difference.
The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that several healthcare, technology, management, and finance careers offer six-figure salaries. Some medical specialties have median annual pay well above $300,000, while several non-medical careers can also provide salaries above $150,000.
Here are some of the highest-paying career options in the United States, based on current BLS data.
1. Pediatric Surgeon
Pediatric surgery is one of the highest-paying occupations in the United States.
According to the BLS, pediatric surgeons had a 2025 median annual pay of $559,030. This makes the occupation the highest-paying profession listed in the BLS’s current highest-paying occupations data.
Becoming a pediatric surgeon requires many years of education and specialized medical training. It is therefore a career with a very high income potential but also a significant time and education commitment.
Median annual pay: $559,030
2. Cardiologist
Cardiology is another exceptionally well-paid medical specialty.
The BLS reports a 2025 median annual pay of $496,010 for cardiologists. Cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions involving the heart and cardiovascular system.
Like other physician specialties, becoming a cardiologist requires extensive education, medical training, licensing, and specialization.
Median annual pay: $496,010
3. Radiologist
Radiologists use medical imaging to help diagnose and manage diseases and injuries.
The BLS lists radiologists among the highest-paying occupations, with 2025 median annual pay of $420,860.
The profession requires medical education followed by specialized residency training. Advances in medical imaging also make radiology an important part of modern healthcare.
Median annual pay: $420,860
4. Surgeon
Surgeons are also among the highest-paid professionals in America.
According to the BLS, surgeons in the “all other” category had 2025 median annual pay of $414,010.
Surgery requires extensive education and clinical training, and compensation can vary significantly depending on specialty, location, experience, and employer.
Median annual pay: $414,010
5. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are physicians who specialize in anesthesia, pain management, and the care of patients before, during, and after surgery.
The BLS reports 2025 median annual pay of $391,490 for anesthesiologists.
This career requires medical school and specialized postgraduate training, making it another profession with a long educational pathway.
Median annual pay: $391,490
6. Nurse Anesthetist
For people interested in healthcare but looking at a career other than becoming a physician, nurse anesthesia is an important option.
BLS data shows that nurse anesthetists had 2025 median annual pay of $236,590.
Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who provide anesthesia and related care. The BLS states that nurse anesthetists must earn at least a master’s degree in an APRN role, obtain state licensure, and pass a national certification examination.
The broader nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner group is also projected to grow much faster than average, with 36% employment growth projected from 2025 to 2035.
Median annual pay for nurse anesthetists: $236,590
7. Computer and Information Systems Manager
High-paying careers are not limited to medicine.
Computer and information systems managers are responsible for planning and directing an organization’s computer-related activities. They can work in technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, government, and other industries.
The BLS reports 2025 median annual pay of $175,140 for computer and information systems managers.
This career generally requires a bachelor’s degree and professional experience in information technology or a related field.
Median annual pay: $175,140
8. Financial Manager
Financial managers help organizations manage financial activities, prepare financial reports, and develop long-term financial strategies.
The BLS reports 2025 median annual pay of $166,570 for financial managers.
Financial management can be an attractive career for people with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business.
Median annual pay: $166,570
9. Software Developer
Software development remains one of the most important technology careers in the United States.
BLS employment and wage data shows that software developers had 2025 median annual pay of $133,080. The broader software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers category also represents a large U.S. workforce.
Software developers can work in industries ranging from technology and finance to healthcare, entertainment, retail, and manufacturing.
The career can also offer opportunities for remote work, although work arrangements vary by employer.
2025 median annual pay for software developers: $133,080
10. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners provide patient care and can specialize in areas such as family medicine, adult health, pediatrics, mental health, and other specialties.
According to the BLS, nurse practitioners had 2025 median annual pay of $132,300.
Demand for advanced practice nurses is expected to remain strong. The BLS projects substantial employment growth for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners between 2025 and 2035.
Median annual pay: $132,300
High-Paying Careers With Strong Future Demand
Salary is only one part of choosing a career. Job growth can be equally important.
The BLS projects that several high-paying occupations will add significant numbers of jobs between 2025 and 2035.
For example, the BLS projects approximately:
- 174,700 new software developer jobs
- 108,100 new computer and information systems manager jobs
- 84,900 new financial manager jobs
- 137,800 new nurse practitioner jobs
- 95,400 new data scientist jobs
- 155,100 new medical and health services manager jobs
This means that some careers combine relatively high pay with substantial projected employment growth.
How Much Do You Need to Earn to Make $100,000 a Year?
A $100,000 annual salary is often used as a benchmark for a high-paying U.S. career.
However, the value of a $100,000 salary depends heavily on where you live.
For example, housing and everyday expenses can be substantially different between major metropolitan areas and smaller cities. Taxes, healthcare costs, transportation, childcare, and housing can all affect how much money a worker actually has available after expenses.
For this reason, it is better to compare salary and cost of living rather than looking at salary alone.
Do You Need a College Degree for a High-Paying Job?
Not every high-paying career follows the same educational path.
Many of the highest-paying medical professions require advanced degrees and years of specialized training. Technology and management careers commonly require bachelor’s degrees, professional experience, or both.
At the same time, some well-paid careers can be entered through vocational education, apprenticeships, certifications, or other forms of training.
The right choice depends on your interests, financial situation, education goals, and how quickly you want to enter the workforce.
What Is the Best High-Paying Career in America?
There is no single “best” career for everyone.
If your priority is maximum earning potential, certain medical specialties are at the top of the BLS salary rankings.
If you want a combination of strong pay and technology-related opportunities, software development and information technology management may be worth considering.
If you prefer healthcare but want alternatives to becoming a physician, careers such as nurse anesthetist and nurse practitioner offer strong earning potential and significant projected demand.
The best career is ultimately the one that matches your skills, interests, education plans, and financial goals.
Final Thoughts
The United States offers many career paths with six-figure earning potential. Current BLS data shows that the highest-paying occupations include medical specialists, while technology, finance, and advanced healthcare careers also offer strong salaries.
Before choosing a profession, look beyond the headline salary. Research the required education, licensing requirements, job growth, location, working hours, and cost of living.
Most importantly, use official government data and reputable career sources when making decisions. Salary figures can change over time, and individual earnings can vary considerably from national median figures.
Salary and employment figures in this article are based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data available in 2026. Individual salaries vary by location, experience, specialty, employer, and other factors.