If you’re in the job market or thinking about getting a degree, you’re likely considering which career track will pay you the most. While there are other factors to consider, how much we earn is always a primary consideration when thinking about a career path.
In this article, we’re unpacking the highest-paying jobs in America. We’ll look across industries, job categories, jobs with the fastest growth rates, and what degrees you need to get these jobs.
Before we start with the jobs, we’re going to look at the average salary in the U.S. to better understand what a high-paying job is to most people.
So let’s get right into the data…
Average income in the U.S.: The average household income in the U.S. is $97,962, with a median of $69,717. Individual income is considerably less at a median of $41,549.
Highest paying jobs: While healthcare jobs fill out many of the best paying jobs, there are larger quantities of high-paying jobs in STEM and technology-related field.
Location of jobs: Washington DC, and California lead the way with the highest median wages in the U.S. They are followed closely by many of the northeastern U.S. states.
Jobs by degree: Bachelor’s degrees are the clear winner when it comes to gaining access to these jobs. But just having a high school degree puts you in a position for over 20% of the jobs making over $50k per year.
For the purposes of this analysis, we looked at the average (mean) and median salaries of people in the U.S. We will use median numbers where possible since average salaries can be adversely affected by a few very high earners.
The average household income in the U.S. is $97,962, while the median $69,717. Those two numbers are separated by almost $30,000 which may seem surprising, but it highilights how an average salary figure can be effected by a small number of high earning individuals.
If you’re looking to understand where the majority of people fall on the earnings spectrum, the median number gives you better guidance.
Use the below table to see where you fall compared to other Americans when it comes to annual earnings. Households and families are going to fall into higher earning brackets since they include multiple earners in one home. If you’re looking to see how your individual earnings stack up, focus on the non-household family percentages.
| Income range | Households | Families | Married-couple families | Nonfamily households |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $10,000 | 6.0% | 3.7% | 1.6% | 11.3% |
| $10,000 to $14,999 | 3.9% | 2.0% | 1.0% | 7.6% |
| $15,000 to $24,999 | 7.5% | 5.0% | 3.0% | 12.8% |
| $25,000 to $34,999 | 7.8% | 6.2% | 4.3% | 11.4% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 11.3% | 10.0% | 8.1% | 14.1% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 16.8% | 16.6% | 15.6% | 17.1% |
| $75,000 to $99,999 | 12.8% | 14.1% | 15.0% | 9.7% |
| $100,000 to $149,999 | 16.3% | 19.6% | 22.7% | 9.1% |
| $150,000 to $199,999 | 7.9% | 10.0% | 12.4% | 3.4% |
| $200,000 or more | 9.8% | 12.8% | 16.3% | 3.5% |
| Median income (dollars) | 69,717 | 85,806 | 102,432 | 41,549 |
| Mean income (dollars) | 97,962 | 115,522 | 134,093 | 61,091 |
We’re going to take a detailed look at high-paying jobs broken down by categories and industries according to the Bureau of Labor and Statisitcs. You’ll note that when we just look at jobs irrespective of the categories, many of the best-paying jobs are in the healthcare sector. As you would expect, those jobs also require a high level of education.
As you explore different career paths, be sure to understand how much time you’ll need to spend in school before getting to a certain earnings level.
If you know you’re not planning to spend much time in school, then you’ll be interested in the section below discussing jobs by education level.
| Occupation | Average Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiologists | $ 353,970 | |
| Anesthesiologists | $ 331,190 | |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $ 311,460 | |
| Emergency Medicine Physicians | $ 310,640 | |
| Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $ 306,220 | |
| Dermatologists | $ 302,740 | |
| Radiologists | $ 301,720 | |
| Surgeons, All Other | $ 297,800 | |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $ 296,210 | |
| Pediatric Surgeons | $ 290,310 | |
| Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $ 270,090 | |
| Neurologists | $ 267,660 | |
| Orthodontists | $ 267,280 | |
| Physicians, Pathologists | $ 267,180 | |
| Psychiatrists | $ 249,760 | |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $ 242,190 | |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $ 235,930 | |
| Physicians, All Other | $ 231,500 | |
| Chief Executives | $ 213,020 | $ 179,520 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $ 202,470 | $ 195,610 |
| Pediatricians, General | $ 198,420 | $ 170,480 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $ 198,190 | $ 202,180 |
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | $ 179,400 | $ 175,160 |
| Dentists, General | $ 167,160 | $ 160,370 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $ 162,930 | $ 159,010 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $ 158,970 | $ 152,350 |
| Podiatrists | $ 158,380 | $ 145,840 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $ 156,110 | $ 137,900 |
| Financial Managers | $ 153,460 | $ 131,710 |
| Marketing Managers | $ 153,440 | $ 135,030 |
| Physicists | $ 151,580 | $ 152,430 |
| Lawyers | $ 148,030 | $ 127,990 |
| Petroleum Engineers | $ 145,720 | $ 130,850 |
| Prosthodontists | $ 143,730 | $ 100,950 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $ 142,860 | $ 127,150 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $ 142,650 | $ 131,490 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $ 142,520 | $ 148,030 |
| Sales Managers | $ 142,390 | $ 127,490 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $ 139,470 | $ 127,530 |
| Astronomers | $ 139,410 | $ 128,160 |
| Public Relations Managers | $ 138,000 | $ 125,780 |
| Human Resources Managers | $ 136,590 | $ 126,230 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $ 136,230 | $ 128,170 |
| Purchasing Managers | $ 134,590 | $ 127,150 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 133,310 | $ 102,720 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 130,820 | $ 123,470 |
| Managers, All Other | $ 129,710 | $ 124,650 |
| Training and Development Managers | $ 128,800 | $ 120,130 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $ 127,920 | $ 129,750 |
| Pharmacists | $ 125,690 | $ 128,570 |
| Optometrists | $ 125,440 | $ 124,300 |
| Actuaries | $ 125,300 | $ 105,900 |
| Medical Dosimetrists | $ 124,750 | $ 127,270 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $ 124,380 | $ 134,750 |
| Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 124,090 | $ 104,940 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $ 122,970 | $ 122,270 |
| Database Architects | $ 121,840 | $ 123,430 |
| Chemical Engineers | $ 121,840 | $ 105,550 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $ 121,760 | $ 120,380 |
| Software Developers | $ 120,990 | $ 120,730 |
| Economists | $ 120,830 | $ 105,630 |
| Computer Network Architects | $ 120,650 | $ 120,520 |
| Political Scientists | $ 120,430 | $ 122,510 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $ 119,960 | $ 94,170 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $ 119,840 | $ 101,340 |
| Physician Assistants | $ 119,460 | $ 121,530 |
| Fundraising Managers | $ 119,400 | $ 100,810 |
| Sales Engineers | $ 118,630 | $ 103,710 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $ 118,040 | $ 120,680 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $ 117,780 | $ 103,150 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $ 116,930 | $ 77,300 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | $ 116,410 | $ 78,410 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 115,590 | $ 104,940 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $ 115,490 | $ 104,820 |
| Art Directors | $ 115,430 | $ 100,890 |
| General and Operations Managers | $ 115,250 | $ 97,970 |
| Commercial Pilots | $ 115,080 | $ 99,640 |
| Nurse Midwives | $ 114,210 | $ 112,830 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $ 113,460 | $ 102,270 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $ 113,320 | $ 105,310 |
| Information Security Analysts | $ 113,270 | $ 102,600 |
| Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | $ 113,230 | $ 100,300 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | $ 113,220 | $ 104,100 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $ 113,030 | $ 100,170 |
| Mathematicians | $ 112,430 | $ 108,100 |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $ 111,260 | $ 96,910 |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $ 111,220 | $ 104,260 |
| Financial Risk Specialists | $ 110,610 | $ 100,000 |
| Veterinarians | $ 109,920 | $ 100,370 |
| Data Scientists | $ 108,660 | $ 100,910 |
| Construction Managers | $ 108,210 | $ 98,890 |
| Electrical Engineers | $ 107,890 | $ 100,420 |
| Engineers, All Other | $ 107,800 | $ 100,640 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 105,720 | $ 94,360 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $ 105,580 | $ 98,230 |
| Materials Scientists | $ 104,790 | $ 100,090 |
| Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers | $ 104,160 | $ 102,550 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $ 104,050 | $ 95,310 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $ 103,550 | $ 83,680 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | $ 103,020 | $ 91,580 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 102,840 | $ 98,070 |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | $ 102,750 | $ 94,840 |
| Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | $ 102,650 | $ 98,420 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $ 102,210 | $ 99,270 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 102,110 | $ 97,340 |
| Facilities Managers | $ 101,970 | $ 97,930 |
| Materials Engineers | $ 101,950 | $ 98,300 |
| Producers and Directors | $ 101,950 | $ 79,000 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $ 101,020 | $ 97,410 |
| Management Analysts | $ 100,530 | $ 93,000 |
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | $ 100,450 | $ 97,090 |
| Environmental Engineers | $ 100,220 | $ 96,820 |
| Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | $ 99,700 | $ 99,040 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $ 99,640 | $ 82,510 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 99,480 | $ 93,070 |
| Statisticians | $ 99,450 | $ 95,570 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 98,980 | $ 81,980 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $ 98,760 | $ 99,330 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 98,710 | $ 81,440 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 98,600 | $ 95,160 |
| Project Management Specialists | $ 98,420 | $ 94,500 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | $ 98,330 | $ 81,640 |
| Computer , All Other | $ 98,180 | $ 95,270 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $ 98,010 | $ 102,900 |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | $ 97,820 | $ 93,370 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $ 97,710 | $ 98,220 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 97,520 | $ 95,910 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $ 97,000 | $ 95,300 |
| Ship Engineers | $ 96,910 | $ 82,410 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $ 96,880 | $ 94,570 |
| Computer Programmers | $ 96,650 | $ 93,000 |
| Database Administrators | $ 96,550 | $ 96,710 |
| Sociologists | $ 96,260 | $ 92,910 |
| Financial Examiners | $ 96,180 | $ 81,410 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $ 95,830 | $ 82,360 |
| Power Distributors and Dispatchers | $ 95,520 | $ 98,530 |
| Civil Engineers | $ 95,490 | $ 88,050 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $ 95,460 | $ 79,890 |
| Nuclear Technicians | $ 95,200 | $ 99,340 |
| Industrial Engineers | $ 95,200 | $ 95,300 |
| Hydrologists | $ 94,780 | $ 84,030 |
| Education Administrators, All Other | $ 94,730 | $ 90,560 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | $ 94,430 | $ 81,500 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 94,060 | $ 79,410 |
| Radiation Therapists | $ 94,000 | $ 82,790 |
| Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 93,510 | $ 82,330 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $ 93,260 | $ 62,910 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 93,230 | $ 79,630 |
| Physical Therapists | $ 92,920 | $ 95,620 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $ 92,320 | $ 79,680 |
| Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 92,210 | $ 81,980 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $ 92,200 | $ 78,160 |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $ 91,900 | $ 80,180 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 91,680 | $ 78,910 |
| Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | $ 91,320 | $ 97,860 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $ 91,250 | $ 80,600 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $ 90,900 | $ 84,430 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $ 90,370 | $ 83,640 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $ 90,010 | $ 82,530 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 89,610 | $ 77,910 |
| Occupational Therapists | $ 89,470 | $ 85,570 |
| Gambling Managers | $ 89,190 | $ 76,910 |
| Chemists | $ 89,130 | $ 79,430 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 88,390 | $ 77,860 |
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 88,260 | $ 77,610 |
| Geography Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 88,150 | $ 81,440 |
| Credit Analysts | $ 88,030 | $ 77,440 |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 87,980 | $ 77,580 |
| Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 87,850 | $ 77,980 |
| Microbiologists | $ 87,820 | $ 79,260 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | $ 87,640 | $ 93,420 |
| Agricultural Engineers | $ 87,350 | $ 82,640 |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $ 87,320 | $ 77,500 |
| Geographers | $ 86,740 | $ 85,220 |
| Epidemiologists | $ 86,740 | $ 78,830 |
| Genetic Counselors | $ 86,640 | $ 80,150 |
| Real Estate Brokers | $ 86,490 | $ 62,010 |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 86,460 | $ 78,130 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 86,240 | $ 75,940 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $ 86,220 | $ 78,790 |
| Audiologists | $ 86,050 | $ 78,950 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $ 85,820 | $ 79,060 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $ 84,850 | $ 78,760 |
| Emergency Management Directors | $ 84,800 | $ 76,730 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 84,580 | $ 77,560 |
| Budget Analysts | $ 84,240 | $ 79,940 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $ 84,150 | $ 78,340 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $ 83,980 | $ 77,250 |
| Power Plant Operators | $ 83,740 | $ 80,850 |
| Fashion Designers | $ 83,650 | $ 77,450 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $ 83,270 | $ 78,230 |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 82,990 | $ 77,030 |
| Funeral Home Managers | $ 82,900 | $ 74,000 |
| School Psychologists | $ 82,770 | $ 78,780 |
| Registered Nurses | $ 82,750 | $ 77,600 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 82,680 | $ 75,930 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 82,040 | $ 77,440 |
| Commercial Divers | $ 82,010 | $ 60,360 |
| Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | $ 81,820 | $ 80,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 81,730 | $ 64,600 |
| Technical Writers | $ 81,470 | $ 78,060 |
| Dental Hygienists | $ 81,360 | $ 77,810 |
| Web Developers | $ 81,320 | $ 77,030 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $ 81,310 | $ 78,500 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $ 81,240 | $ 76,530 |
| Chiropractors | $ 81,240 | $ 75,000 |
| Writers and Authors | $ 81,120 | $ 69,510 |
| Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 80,850 | $ 77,100 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $ 80,680 | $ 77,740 |
| Loan Officers | $ 80,570 | $ 63,380 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $ 80,500 | $ 79,540 |
| Animal Scientists | $ 80,390 | $ 65,090 |
| Financial Specialists, All Other | $ 80,370 | $ 73,240 |
| Insurance Underwriters | $ 79,940 | $ 76,390 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | $ 79,820 | $ 75,440 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $ 79,680 | $ 77,030 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $ 79,240 | $ 74,670 |
| Logisticians | $ 79,230 | $ 77,030 |
| Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 79,080 | $ 72,440 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $ 79,060 | $ 78,310 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $ 78,740 | $ 77,560 |
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | $ 78,440 | $ 73,060 |
| Mathematical Science , All Other | $ 77,960 | $ 62,460 |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists | $ 77,820 | $ 77,360 |
| Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 77,650 | $ 71,010 |
| Transportation Inspectors | $ 77,620 | $ 79,770 |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $ 77,070 | $ 77,010 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 76,990 | $ 63,910 |
| Gas Plant Operators | $ 76,970 | $ 77,850 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $ 76,790 | $ 74,000 |
| Editors | $ 76,400 | $ 63,350 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $ 76,290 | $ 66,750 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $ 76,080 | $ 63,920 |
| Film and Video Editors | $ 76,000 | $ 62,680 |
| Pile Driver Operators | $ 75,950 | $ 76,260 |
| Compliance Officers | $ 75,810 | $ 71,650 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $ 75,060 | $ 72,010 |
| Landscape Architects | $ 74,980 | $ 67,950 |
| Signal and Track Switch Repairers | $ 74,220 | $ 80,570 |
| Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $ 73,810 | $ 64,120 |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $ 73,810 | $ 62,000 |
| Cost Estimators | $ 73,740 | $ 65,170 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $ 73,590 | $ 71,260 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $ 73,510 | $ 73,580 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $ 73,510 | $ 68,900 |
| Designers, All Other | $ 73,480 | $ 62,310 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $ 73,250 | $ 62,800 |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | $ 73,000 | $ 59,790 |
| Locomotive Engineers | $ 72,940 | $ 79,740 |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $ 72,540 | $ 63,470 |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | $ 72,390 | $ 61,600 |
| Historians | $ 72,130 | $ 63,940 |
| Special Education Teachers, Preschool | $ 71,970 | $ 62,420 |
| Acupuncturists | $ 71,770 | $ 60,570 |
| Hydrologic Technicians | $ 71,760 | $ 62,280 |
| Subway and Streetcar Operators | $ 71,520 | $ 81,180 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $ 71,350 | $ 62,760 |
| Special Education Teachers, All Other | $ 71,330 | $ 61,720 |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | $ 71,110 | $ 60,550 |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | $ 70,960 | $ 65,080 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $ 70,750 | $ 64,610 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $ 70,720 | $ 62,290 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | $ 70,650 | $ 77,250 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $ 70,560 | $ 63,740 |
| Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | $ 70,510 | $ 63,500 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $ 70,300 | $ 64,650 |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $ 70,100 | $ 62,120 |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors | $ 70,050 | $ 61,340 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $ 70,030 | $ 59,230 |
| Avionics Technicians | $ 69,860 | $ 69,280 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $ 69,750 | $ 62,220 |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | $ 69,680 | $ 64,600 |
| Transit and Railroad Police | $ 69,570 | $ 64,930 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $ 69,530 | $ 61,820 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $ 69,470 | $ 65,380 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School | $ 69,410 | $ 61,820 |
| Insurance Sales Agents | $ 69,340 | $ 49,840 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $ 69,290 | $ 63,250 |
| Boilermakers | $ 69,070 | $ 64,290 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $ 69,070 | $ 63,640 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $ 69,020 | $ 70,200 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $ 69,010 | $ 60,820 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $ 68,960 | $ 61,820 |
| Surveyors | $ 68,880 | $ 61,600 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $ 68,860 | $ 61,820 |
| Construction and Building Inspectors | $ 68,480 | $ 61,640 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $ 68,290 | $ 61,950 |
| Conservation Scientists | $ 68,230 | $ 63,750 |
| Respiratory Therapists | $ 68,190 | $ 61,830 |
| Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage | $ 68,180 | $ 62,680 |
| Lodging Managers | $ 67,770 | $ 59,430 |
| Foresters | $ 67,710 | $ 64,110 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $ 67,620 | $ 61,570 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | $ 67,360 | $ 60,500 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $ 67,330 | $ 61,790 |
| Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | $ 67,310 | $ 62,760 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $ 67,240 | $ 61,580 |
| Wellhead Pumpers | $ 67,170 | $ 63,740 |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | $ 67,130 | $ 70,720 |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | $ 67,090 | $ 61,640 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $ 67,090 | $ 61,510 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $ 67,080 | $ 61,400 |
| Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | $ 66,990 | $ 63,960 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $ 66,880 | $ 61,320 |
| Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $ 66,870 | $ 62,060 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $ 66,850 | $ 61,930 |
| Anthropologists and Archeologists | $ 66,800 | $ 61,910 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $ 66,540 | $ 52,340 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $ 66,490 | $ 61,370 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $ 65,620 | $ 61,650 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $ 65,270 | $ 62,240 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $ 65,240 | $ 60,380 |
| Tapers | $ 65,140 | $ 61,080 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $ 65,080 | $ 49,130 |
| Therapists, All Other | $ 65,030 | $ 59,500 |
| Health Education Specialists | $ 64,930 | $ 60,600 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | $ 64,880 | $ 58,750 |
| Fundraisers | $ 64,870 | $ 60,660 |
| Survey Researchers | $ 64,690 | $ 59,740 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $ 64,490 | $ 60,900 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | $ 64,230 | $ 61,730 |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialists | $ 64,180 | $ 61,190 |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | $ 64,070 | $ 58,650 |
| Food Service Managers | $ 63,970 | $ 59,440 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other | $ 63,910 | $ 61,010 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $ 63,880 | $ 60,360 |
| Curators | $ 63,880 | $ 60,110 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | $ 63,560 | $ 61,730 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $ 63,390 | $ 60,460 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | $ 63,380 | $ 60,590 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $ 63,350 | $ 59,880 |
| Electricians | $ 63,310 | $ 60,040 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $ 63,290 | $ 60,250 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $ 63,230 | $ 48,370 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $ 63,200 | $ 56,780 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $ 63,130 | $ 59,840 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $ 63,090 | $ 60,510 |
| Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | $ 63,050 | $ 63,840 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $ 63,010 | $ 61,190 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $ 62,960 | $ 54,860 |
| Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $ 62,800 | $ 60,340 |
| Judicial Law Clerks | $ 62,730 | $ 50,750 |
| Mechanical Drafters | $ 62,650 | $ 60,200 |
| Interior Designers | $ 62,570 | $ 60,340 |
| Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers | $ 62,500 | $ 60,360 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | $ 62,360 | $ 60,780 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | $ 62,350 | $ 49,410 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $ 62,310 | $ 60,840 |
| Flight Attendants | $ 62,280 | $ 61,640 |
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $ 62,250 | $ 60,190 |
| Teachers and Instructors, All Other | $ 62,200 | $ 50,540 |
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $ 62,080 | $ 53,540 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $ 62,020 | $ 60,570 |
| Archivists | $ 61,880 | $ 60,050 |
| Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | $ 61,840 | $ 56,380 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $ 61,740 | $ 49,230 |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | $ 61,480 | $ 48,340 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $ 61,430 | $ 59,340 |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $ 61,410 | $ 55,560 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $ 61,270 | $ 58,550 |
| Millwrights | $ 61,260 | $ 60,330 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $ 61,230 | $ 60,220 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $ 60,970 | $ 59,380 |
| Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | $ 60,770 | $ 61,690 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $ 60,740 | $ 61,180 |
| Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors | $ 60,650 | $ 59,720 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $ 60,620 | $ 60,340 |
| Rail Car Repairers | $ 60,400 | $ 60,250 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | $ 60,350 | $ 60,370 |
| Underground Mining Machine Operators, All Other | $ 60,290 | $ 61,260 |
| Model Makers, Wood | $ 60,040 | $ 60,780 |
| Graphic Designers | $ 59,970 | $ 50,710 |
| Hearing Aid Specialists | $ 59,960 | $ 59,500 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $ 59,660 | $ 49,880 |
| Personal Service Managers, All Other | $ 59,580 | $ 60,360 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $ 59,400 | $ 49,900 |
| Roof Bolters, Mining | $ 59,170 | $ 59,770 |
| Surgical Assistants | $ 59,170 | $ 48,320 |
| Model Makers, Metal and Plastic | $ 59,080 | $ 55,630 |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $ 59,080 | $ 48,310 |
| Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other | $ 59,070 | $ 57,670 |
| Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers | $ 58,960 | $ 48,830 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $ 58,780 | $ 59,840 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $ 58,760 | $ 53,440 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | $ 58,580 | $ 56,260 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $ 58,580 | $ 54,850 |
| Hoist and Winch Operators | $ 58,450 | $ 52,300 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $ 58,400 | $ 49,110 |
| Terrazzo Workers and Finishers | $ 58,380 | $ 48,680 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $ 58,330 | $ 56,230 |
| Drafters, All Other | $ 58,330 | $ 54,240 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $ 58,190 | $ 60,730 |
| Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers | $ 58,070 | $ 61,090 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators | $ 58,040 | $ 49,990 |
| Lighting Technicians | $ 58,020 | $ 51,470 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $ 58,000 | $ 58,320 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $ 57,850 | $ 49,470 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $ 57,800 | $ 49,130 |
| Sailors and Marine Oilers | $ 57,800 | $ 46,720 |
| Brokerage Clerks | $ 57,710 | $ 54,000 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $ 57,650 | $ 49,770 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $ 57,560 | $ 51,120 |
| Continuous Mining Machine Operators | $ 57,430 | $ 60,300 |
| Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | $ 57,330 | $ 57,900 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $ 57,280 | $ 58,030 |
| Clergy | $ 57,230 | $ 49,720 |
| Legislators | $ 57,110 | $ 37,270 |
| Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters | $ 57,070 | $ 53,040 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $ 56,920 | $ 50,160 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $ 56,910 | $ 57,800 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $ 56,590 | $ 48,390 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $ 56,430 | $ 49,720 |
| Medical Equipment Repairers | $ 56,420 | $ 49,910 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $ 56,360 | $ 48,950 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $ 56,280 | $ 48,360 |
| Insulation Workers, Mechanical | $ 56,260 | $ 48,260 |
| Tool and Die Makers | $ 56,150 | $ 57,000 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $ 56,110 | $ 37,630 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | $ 55,660 | $ 48,410 |
| Plant and System Operators, All Other | $ 55,480 | $ 50,250 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $ 55,420 | $ 49,030 |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | $ 55,380 | $ 49,480 |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $ 55,330 | $ 49,390 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $ 55,310 | $ 48,820 |
| Firefighters | $ 55,290 | $ 50,700 |
| Carpenters | $ 55,190 | $ 48,260 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $ 55,080 | $ 50,240 |
| Chemical Technicians | $ 55,040 | $ 48,990 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $ 54,880 | $ 49,150 |
| Plasterers and Stucco Masons | $ 54,810 | $ 48,340 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $ 54,810 | $ 48,040 |
| Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons | $ 54,760 | $ 54,250 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $ 54,690 | $ 48,630 |
| Athletic Trainers | $ 54,650 | $ 48,420 |
| Costume Attendants | $ 54,590 | $ 47,850 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | $ 54,450 | $ 48,640 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $ 54,400 | $ 49,580 |
| Farm Labor Contractors | $ 54,400 | $ 47,770 |
| Postal Service Mail Carriers | $ 54,370 | $ 52,440 |
| Airfield Operations Specialists | $ 54,360 | $ 47,880 |
| Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists | $ 54,340 | $ 42,600 |
| Rail Transportation Workers, All Other | $ 54,140 | $ 47,590 |
| Exercise Physiologists | $ 54,030 | $ 47,940 |
| Recreational Therapists | $ 53,900 | $ 47,940 |
| Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles | $ 53,880 | $ 48,060 |
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $ 53,800 | $ 47,310 |
| Fallers | $ 53,760 | $ 47,700 |
| Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | $ 53,600 | $ 48,250 |
| Surgical Technologists | $ 53,590 | $ 48,530 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $ 53,570 | $ 48,900 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $ 53,490 | $ 48,520 |
| Statistical Assistants | $ 53,420 | $ 48,160 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $ 53,420 | $ 47,920 |
| Tile and Stone Setters | $ 53,330 | $ 47,810 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $ 53,270 | $ 48,800 |
| Postal Service Clerks | $ 53,210 | $ 52,290 |
| Traffic Technicians | $ 53,210 | $ 48,610 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $ 53,020 | $ 48,690 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $ 52,880 | $ 46,980 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $ 52,590 | $ 49,140 |
| Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $ 52,540 | $ 47,710 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $ 52,450 | $ 48,090 |
| Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | $ 52,390 | $ 47,310 |
| Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | $ 52,340 | $ 51,690 |
| Bailiffs | $ 52,340 | $ 48,320 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $ 52,320 | $ 47,880 |
| Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks | $ 52,220 | $ 48,040 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $ 52,170 | $ 48,320 |
| Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | $ 52,140 | $ 47,230 |
| Riggers | $ 52,100 | $ 48,130 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | $ 52,030 | $ 47,630 |
| Glaziers | $ 51,950 | $ 47,180 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $ 51,850 | $ 48,070 |
| Biological Technicians | $ 51,770 | $ 48,140 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $ 51,710 | $ 35,860 |
| Paperhangers | $ 51,560 | $ 47,610 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $ 51,310 | $ 48,620 |
| Broadcast Technicians | $ 51,280 | $ 44,740 |
| Embalmers | $ 51,210 | $ 47,780 |
| Tax Preparers | $ 51,080 | $ 46,290 |
| Patternmakers, Wood | $ 51,020 | $ 46,920 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | $ 51,010 | $ 48,550 |
| Extraction Workers, All Other | $ 50,960 | $ 48,140 |
| Desktop Publishers | $ 50,930 | $ 46,910 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $ 50,900 | $ 47,340 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | $ 50,710 | $ 47,670 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $ 50,660 | $ 47,270 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $ 50,590 | $ 46,960 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $ 50,550 | $ 47,370 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $ 50,550 | $ 38,970 |
| Dredge Operators | $ 50,530 | $ 46,210 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $ 50,510 | $ 47,390 |
| Credit Counselors | $ 50,430 | $ 47,580 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $ 50,340 | $ 48,310 |
| Stonemasons | $ 50,170 | $ 47,610 |
| Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | $ 49,850 | $ 46,740 |
| Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | $ 49,840 | $ 48,090 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $ 49,810 | $ 46,910 |
| Counselors, All Other | $ 49,730 | $ 45,160 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other | $ 49,650 | $ 46,300 |
| Choreographers | $ 49,630 | $ 42,700 |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $ 49,560 | $ 47,610 |
| Paramedics | $ 49,500 | $ 46,770 |
| Communications Equipment Operators, All Other | $ 49,470 | $ 47,000 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | $ 49,280 | $ 46,300 |
| Massage Therapists | $ 49,260 | $ 46,910 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $ 49,230 | $ 45,720 |
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $ 49,230 | $ 43,580 |
| Machinists | $ 49,020 | $ 47,730 |
| Roofers | $ 48,890 | $ 47,110 |
| Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | $ 48,740 | $ 46,910 |
| Carpet Installers | $ 48,710 | $ 46,640 |
| Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | $ 48,570 | $ 47,420 |
| Pipelayers | $ 48,510 | $ 45,980 |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | $ 48,420 | $ 46,910 |
| Medical Records Specialists | $ 48,310 | $ 46,660 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $ 48,290 | $ 47,010 |
| Photographers | $ 48,210 | $ 38,950 |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | $ 48,110 | $ 47,440 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $ 47,990 | $ 46,880 |
| Food Science Technicians | $ 47,870 | $ 46,590 |
| Tire Builders | $ 47,840 | $ 47,940 |
| Financial Clerks, All Other | $ 47,830 | $ 46,900 |
| Locksmiths and Safe Repairers | $ 47,810 | $ 46,910 |
| Community Health Workers | $ 47,780 | $ 46,590 |
| Tree Trimmers and Pruners | $ 47,450 | $ 46,970 |
| Meter Readers, Utilities | $ 47,430 | $ 45,720 |
| Agricultural Inspectors | $ 47,430 | $ 45,140 |
| Dental Laboratory Technicians | $ 47,320 | $ 45,770 |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | $ 47,250 | $ 46,910 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $ 47,140 | $ 45,590 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $ 47,130 | $ 44,870 |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 47,100 | $ 46,850 |
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | $ 47,090 | $ 46,640 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 47,060 | $ 46,030 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicators | $ 47,030 | $ 46,670 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | $ 46,890 | $ 39,230 |
| Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians | $ 46,660 | $ 46,730 |
| Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance | $ 46,650 | $ 44,050 |
| Travel Agents | $ 46,580 | $ 43,810 |
| Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders | $ 46,440 | $ 46,690 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | $ 46,380 | $ 45,470 |
| Medical Appliance Technicians | $ 46,320 | $ 45,280 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $ 46,240 | $ 46,640 |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 46,210 | $ 46,210 |
| Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers | $ 46,120 | $ 44,790 |
| Parking Enforcement Workers | $ 46,050 | $ 46,590 |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers | $ 46,010 | $ 43,940 |
| Semiconductor Processing Technicians | $ 45,910 | $ 39,870 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $ 45,870 | $ 40,700 |
| Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks | $ 45,790 | $ 45,520 |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | $ 45,730 | $ 45,480 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $ 45,730 | $ 40,390 |
| Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks | $ 45,630 | $ 39,900 |
| Mechanical Door Repairers | $ 45,520 | $ 45,060 |
| Watch and Clock Repairers | $ 45,460 | $ 44,250 |
| Logging Workers, All Other | $ 45,430 | $ 46,090 |
| Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners | $ 45,390 | $ 44,810 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $ 45,380 | $ 42,570 |
| Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers | $ 45,370 | $ 39,850 |
| Home Appliance Repairers | $ 45,340 | $ 44,320 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $ 45,140 | $ 45,560 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers | $ 45,100 | $ 39,630 |
| Procurement Clerks | $ 44,930 | $ 45,150 |
| Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians | $ 44,930 | $ 43,560 |
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | $ 44,920 | $ 43,180 |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | $ 44,910 | $ 45,940 |
| Pourers and Casters, Metal | $ 44,910 | $ 45,850 |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | $ 44,870 | $ 44,610 |
| Agricultural Technicians | $ 44,850 | $ 40,430 |
| Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $ 44,840 | $ 45,630 |
| Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | $ 44,810 | $ 39,880 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $ 44,810 | $ 38,580 |
| Bridge and Lock Tenders | $ 44,760 | $ 45,390 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $ 44,740 | $ 38,560 |
| Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | $ 44,730 | $ 38,920 |
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | $ 44,670 | $ 37,780 |
| Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks | $ 44,540 | $ 44,710 |
| Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 44,410 | $ 44,520 |
| Motorboat Operators | $ 44,410 | $ 38,670 |
| Floor Sanders and Finishers | $ 44,380 | $ 39,140 |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | $ 44,340 | $ 45,880 |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 44,270 | $ 44,240 |
| Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers | $ 44,260 | $ 38,200 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 44,180 | $ 44,820 |
| Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers | $ 44,170 | $ 40,970 |
| Construction Laborers | $ 44,130 | $ 37,770 |
| Logging Equipment Operators | $ 43,960 | $ 46,400 |
| Information and Record Clerks, All Other | $ 43,950 | $ 43,160 |
| Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders | $ 43,910 | $ 43,710 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 43,900 | $ 39,130 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | $ 43,800 | $ 42,610 |
| Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles | $ 43,690 | $ 40,670 |
| Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners | $ 43,660 | $ 38,430 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $ 43,420 | $ 39,290 |
| Word Processors and Typists | $ 43,370 | $ 44,030 |
| Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters | $ 43,370 | $ 37,870 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | $ 43,290 | $ 37,500 |
| Animal Breeders | $ 43,270 | $ 40,090 |
| Cooks, Private Household | $ 43,260 | $ 42,920 |
| Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 43,240 | $ 38,580 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $ 43,060 | $ 37,570 |
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 42,950 | $ 38,580 |
| Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders | $ 42,910 | $ 40,390 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 42,790 | $ 38,760 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $ 42,780 | $ 38,500 |
| Billing and Posting Clerks | $ 42,750 | $ 38,330 |
| Light Truck Drivers | $ 42,630 | $ 38,280 |
| Animal Control Workers | $ 42,620 | $ 39,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | $ 42,580 | $ 37,900 |
| Dental Assistants | $ 42,510 | $ 38,660 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 42,490 | $ 38,420 |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $ 42,460 | $ 38,360 |
| Medical Equipment Preparers | $ 42,420 | $ 38,220 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $ 42,160 | $ 38,210 |
| Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers | $ 42,010 | $ 39,040 |
| Motorcycle Mechanics | $ 41,970 | $ 38,170 |
| Order Clerks | $ 41,820 | $ 37,920 |
| Tutors | $ 41,780 | $ 36,470 |
| Correspondence Clerks | $ 41,710 | $ 37,920 |
| Skincare Specialists | $ 41,700 | $ 37,300 |
| Rock Splitters, Quarry | $ 41,630 | $ 37,700 |
| Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 41,560 | $ 38,450 |
| Log Graders and Scalers | $ 41,520 | $ 37,820 |
| Bill and Account Collectors | $ 41,280 | $ 37,700 |
| New Accounts Clerks | $ 41,250 | $ 37,840 |
| Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary | $ 41,170 | $ 38,040 |
| Fence Erectors | $ 41,140 | $ 37,700 |
| Printing Press Operators | $ 41,120 | $ 37,770 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $ 41,120 | $ 37,180 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $ 41,080 | $ 37,880 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $ 40,950 | $ 38,380 |
| Helpers--Extraction Workers | $ 40,860 | $ 37,760 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 40,830 | $ 37,630 |
| Craft Artists | $ 40,730 | $ 35,930 |
| Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | $ 40,690 | $ 37,920 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $ 40,690 | $ 37,740 |
| Pest Control Workers | $ 40,640 | $ 37,540 |
| Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | $ 40,600 | $ 37,550 |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 40,520 | $ 37,750 |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation | $ 40,500 | $ 38,270 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $ 40,460 | $ 37,610 |
| Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators | $ 40,360 | $ 37,650 |
| Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics | $ 40,360 | $ 37,540 |
| Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators | $ 40,300 | $ 36,590 |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | $ 40,190 | $ 36,150 |
| Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | $ 40,070 | $ 37,540 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 40,050 | $ 37,660 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 40,030 | $ 37,550 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 40,010 | $ 37,810 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 40,000 | $ 37,630 |
| Transportation Workers, All Other | $ 39,990 | $ 36,880 |
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | $ 39,980 | $ 37,710 |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $ 39,740 | $ 37,450 |
| Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners | $ 39,740 | $ 37,160 |
| Crematory Operators | $ 39,660 | $ 37,490 |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $ 39,630 | $ 37,460 |
| Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping | $ 39,540 | $ 37,610 |
| Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other | $ 39,480 | $ 36,990 |
| Telephone Operators | $ 39,370 | $ 37,630 |
| Occupational Therapy Aides | $ 39,230 | $ 33,560 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $ 39,150 | $ 36,570 |
| Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other | $ 39,120 | $ 36,540 |
| Library Technicians | $ 39,070 | $ 36,970 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $ 39,070 | $ 36,920 |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | $ 39,020 | $ 37,500 |
| Office Clerks, General | $ 38,990 | $ 37,030 |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians | $ 38,910 | $ 37,270 |
| Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan | $ 38,840 | $ 37,220 |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | $ 38,840 | $ 29,570 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $ 38,750 | $ 37,910 |
| Aircraft Service Attendants | $ 38,640 | $ 36,390 |
| Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | $ 38,580 | $ 37,630 |
| Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 38,580 | $ 37,200 |
| Building Cleaning Workers, All Other | $ 38,530 | $ 34,350 |
| Phlebotomists | $ 38,450 | $ 37,380 |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | $ 38,410 | $ 30,100 |
| Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers | $ 38,250 | $ 37,330 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $ 38,250 | $ 36,850 |
| Animal Trainers | $ 38,230 | $ 31,280 |
| Upholsterers | $ 38,220 | $ 37,420 |
| Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks | $ 38,210 | $ 36,890 |
| Medical Assistants | $ 38,190 | $ 37,190 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | $ 38,080 | $ 35,450 |
| Psychiatric Technicians | $ 38,000 | $ 36,570 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | $ 37,970 | $ 36,740 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $ 37,780 | $ 36,590 |
| Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other | $ 37,610 | $ 36,690 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $ 37,530 | $ 36,370 |
| Concierges | $ 37,520 | $ 35,210 |
| Helpers--Carpenters | $ 37,340 | $ 36,690 |
| Furniture Finishers | $ 37,310 | $ 36,580 |
| Agricultural Workers, All Other | $ 37,190 | $ 32,550 |
| Office Machine Operators, Except Computer | $ 37,110 | $ 36,630 |
| Print Binding and Finishing Workers | $ 37,060 | $ 36,590 |
| Conveyor Operators and Tenders | $ 37,010 | $ 36,420 |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $ 36,990 | $ 32,350 |
| Etchers and Engravers | $ 36,970 | $ 36,590 |
| Parts Salespersons | $ 36,920 | $ 34,260 |
| File Clerks | $ 36,820 | $ 36,360 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $ 36,750 | $ 35,960 |
| Helpers--Electricians | $ 36,720 | $ 36,360 |
| Emergency Medical Technicians | $ 36,690 | $ 35,470 |
| Machine Feeders and Offbearers | $ 36,660 | $ 37,010 |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $ 36,460 | $ 30,210 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $ 36,410 | $ 30,600 |
| Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $ 36,350 | $ 35,720 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operators | $ 36,280 | $ 36,360 |
| Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders | $ 36,280 | $ 35,480 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $ 36,230 | $ 32,930 |
| Food Batchmakers | $ 36,190 | $ 35,780 |
| Counter and Rental Clerks | $ 36,170 | $ 31,330 |
| Woodworkers, All Other | $ 36,080 | $ 35,610 |
| Helpers--Roofers | $ 36,000 | $ 36,360 |
| Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | $ 35,990 | $ 35,670 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $ 35,990 | $ 29,670 |
| Data Entry Keyers | $ 35,940 | $ 35,630 |
| Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers | $ 35,830 | $ 36,360 |
| Security Guards | $ 35,830 | $ 31,470 |
| Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | $ 35,820 | $ 35,090 |
| Barbers | $ 35,700 | $ 29,970 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $ 35,670 | $ 36,050 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $ 35,670 | $ 31,450 |
| Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | $ 35,560 | $ 36,090 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $ 35,520 | $ 32,060 |
| Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders | $ 35,430 | $ 35,890 |
| Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers | $ 35,430 | $ 31,420 |
| Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood | $ 35,280 | $ 35,340 |
| Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons | $ 35,270 | $ 33,370 |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers | $ 35,240 | $ 34,430 |
| Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | $ 35,090 | $ 33,100 |
| Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers | $ 34,970 | $ 29,390 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $ 34,950 | $ 31,230 |
| Residential Advisors | $ 34,950 | $ 31,220 |
| Tellers | $ 34,930 | $ 36,310 |
| Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers | $ 34,890 | $ 31,450 |
| Psychiatric Aides | $ 34,640 | $ 30,260 |
| Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service | $ 34,590 | $ 30,150 |
| Pharmacy Aides | $ 34,560 | $ 29,930 |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | $ 34,390 | $ 32,550 |
| Passenger Attendants | $ 34,380 | $ 30,470 |
| Bicycle Repairers | $ 34,360 | $ 34,690 |
| Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | $ 34,330 | $ 30,230 |
| Couriers and Messengers | $ 34,270 | $ 33,050 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | $ 34,220 | $ 30,100 |
| Dietetic Technicians | $ 34,160 | $ 29,520 |
| Forest and Conservation Workers | $ 33,690 | $ 30,550 |
| Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 33,640 | $ 33,990 |
| Food Processing Workers, All Other | $ 33,600 | $ 31,890 |
| Orderlies | $ 33,440 | $ 29,990 |
| Cooks, All Other | $ 33,390 | $ 30,720 |
| Nursing Assistants | $ 33,250 | $ 30,310 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $ 33,200 | $ 29,780 |
| Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 33,100 | $ 29,960 |
| Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $ 33,050 | $ 30,020 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $ 33,020 | $ 30,110 |
| Motion Picture Projectionists | $ 32,970 | $ 29,350 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $ 32,910 | $ 30,000 |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | $ 32,910 | $ 29,950 |
| Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other | $ 32,840 | $ 29,750 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $ 32,570 | $ 30,000 |
| Tire Repairers and Changers | $ 32,520 | $ 29,580 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $ 32,490 | $ 29,450 |
| Bakers | $ 32,300 | $ 29,750 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | $ 32,150 | $ 29,630 |
| Floral Designers | $ 32,100 | $ 29,880 |
| Recreation Workers | $ 32,020 | $ 29,680 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | $ 32,010 | $ 29,900 |
| Driver/Sales Workers | $ 31,970 | $ 29,280 |
| Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders | $ 31,940 | $ 29,930 |
| Retail Salespersons | $ 31,920 | $ 29,120 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $ 31,860 | $ 29,760 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $ 31,790 | $ 28,990 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $ 31,780 | $ 29,780 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $ 31,760 | $ 29,360 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $ 31,680 | $ 29,730 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $ 31,630 | $ 30,010 |
| Funeral Attendants | $ 31,630 | $ 29,230 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $ 31,520 | $ 29,910 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $ 31,440 | $ 29,630 |
| Sewers, Hand | $ 31,350 | $ 29,930 |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | $ 31,060 | $ 29,120 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $ 30,950 | $ 29,940 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $ 30,880 | $ 29,690 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $ 30,790 | $ 29,610 |
| Gambling Cage Workers | $ 30,770 | $ 29,360 |
| Telemarketers | $ 30,670 | $ 28,910 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $ 30,550 | $ 29,280 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $ 30,480 | $ 29,210 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | $ 30,400 | $ 29,630 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $ 30,370 | $ 29,200 |
| Bartenders | $ 30,340 | $ 26,350 |
| School Bus Monitors | $ 30,220 | $ 29,100 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $ 30,220 | $ 28,570 |
| Taxi Drivers | $ 30,050 | $ 29,310 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $ 30,040 | $ 29,120 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $ 29,960 | $ 29,330 |
| Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders | $ 29,920 | $ 28,560 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $ 29,680 | $ 24,170 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $ 29,580 | $ 28,780 |
| Animal Caretakers | $ 29,520 | $ 28,600 |
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $ 29,500 | $ 28,730 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $ 29,260 | $ 29,430 |
| Parking Attendants | $ 29,210 | $ 29,240 |
| Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers | $ 29,130 | $ 28,600 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $ 29,110 | $ 27,530 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $ 29,010 | $ 26,000 |
| Gambling Dealers | $ 28,960 | $ 24,960 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $ 28,810 | $ 28,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $ 28,760 | $ 29,120 |
| Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials | $ 28,110 | $ 28,680 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $ 28,110 | $ 28,560 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $ 28,040 | $ 28,080 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $ 27,830 | $ 28,350 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $ 27,690 | $ 27,170 |
| Childcare Workers | $ 27,680 | $ 27,490 |
| Dishwashers | $ 27,350 | $ 28,130 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $ 27,320 | $ 25,630 |
| Cashiers | $ 26,770 | $ 27,260 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $ 26,390 | $ 24,440 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $ 26,110 | $ 24,500 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $ 26,060 | $ 25,100 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $ 26,000 | $ 24,600 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $ 25,490 | $ 24,180 |
| Shampooers | $ 25,160 | $ 24,440 |
Bachelor’s degrees continue to be the gold standard for attaining the highest-paying jobs in America. The likelihood you will end up with one of these jobs increases as you’d expect with each additional level of education.
It’s also worth noting the significant percentage of high-paying jobs that can be attained with less than a bachelor’s degree. While some of these jobs may require more on-the-job experience, they are attainable with as little as a high school degree.
There is also a growing trend amongst companies (especially in the tech industry) to hire people with less than a bachelor’s. Some of these companies are starting apprenticeship programs, like Accenture, and others are looking at candidates from technology bootcamps focused on specific high-demand career paths.
| Degree | Average Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral or professional degree | $ 150,206 | $ 96,045 |
| Master's degree | $ 88,447 | $ 82,993 |
| Bachelor's degree | $ 88,339 | $ 80,171 |
| Associate's degree | $ 63,582 | $ 59,481 |
| Postsecondary nondegree award | $ 57,045 | $ 53,101 |
| High school diploma or equivalent | $ 49,075 | $ 46,121 |
| Some college, no degree | $ 43,720 | $ 40,008 |
| No formal educational credential | $ 39,348 | $ 36,368 |
As discussed above, jobs requiring less school will likely require more on-the-job experience. If you don’t enjoy being in school or simply don’t have the funds (or don’t want the debt) consider one of these jobs. You might spend a few years working your way up, but you’ll be earning money in the process.
Getting a high school degree or it’s equivalent is a pre-requisite for almost all of the high-paying jobs on these lists. Once you have that, there are multiple paths to making a good salary depending on your interests and amount of time you want to spend in school.
Bachelor’s degree – A bachelor’s degree or beyond is the best ticket to a high-paying job in the U.S. Traditional universities are your best route to earning a bachelor’s degree quickly. Another option is taking general courses at a community college and then transferring to a 4-year university.
Community Colleges – Community colleges are a great place to start if you’re looking for an associate degree. They offer broad curriculums and most often partner with universities to transfer credits if you wish to continue schooling.
Apprenticeships – These programs are a fantastic way to get training and prepare for a high-paying career. An apprenticeship is typically run through an employer, combining on-the-job and classroom training. This allows participants to earn money while completing the program, which typically takes only 12-24 months.
Technology Bootcamps – Bootcamps have been on the rise for the past decade and are similar to trade schools where you receive training in a specific area, typically related to technology. Areas of focus have been on coding, data science, UX design, and cybersecurity, as these are all fast-growing areas within tech.
There are options for everyone in the U.S. to get a high-paying job regardless of their education level, but the odds go way up the more schooling you have.
We continue to see a shift to STEM and high-tech jobs when it comes to the overall volume of high earners. But the medical field dominates the list of highest-paying jobs, as you’d expect given the amount of education required.
And regardless of the state you live in, your best chances to find these jobs is close to major metro areas.
And finally, don’t forget to factor in cost of living and your overall happiness when it comes to choosing a job. Highest-paying doesn’t always mean it is the job that will give you the best overall balance in life.