Top Paying Jobs In the U.S.

Medical professions dominated the government's latest list of top-paying jobs in America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its summary of American jobs and salaries in 2010. Only one other profession, CEOs, made it in the top 10 of the highest-paying professions.

 

Surgeons

The highest salaries went to surgeons, who average $219,770 a year. Surgeons spend numerous years in study and preparation before they make it to this level. After four years of medical school comes a one-year internship followed by five to seven years of surgical residency. An alternative route to becoming a surgeon is to seek training through the armed forces. The United States military offers accelerated training to become a surgeon. After years of commitment to the military, surgeons are free to practice in the private sector.

 

Anesthesiologists

The second highest paid professionals are anesthesiologists, who average a yearly salary of $211,750. Those who desire to become an anesthesiologist must complete four years of medical school, a one-year internship, then a three-year residency. A three-year residency includes on-campus simulation and on-site hospital training. Residents are guided by senior anesthesiologists in actual operating room settings.

 

Oral Surgeons

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons were the third highest earners in 2010, averaging $210,700 a year. Oral surgeons must have graduated from an accredited dental school and have a license in the state of practice to qualify for board certification. Candidates for board certification also must complete a four- to six-year residency program approved by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. It is important to continue professional development by attending training seminars and lectures, even after certification and in practice. Success depends on keeping up with the latest developments in this field.

 

Orthodontists

Orthodontists, the fourth-highest paid professionals, averaged $206,190 in 2010. Orthodontist must complete four years of dental school upon obtaining a bachelor degree. Dental students must then practice by treating patients in dental clinics under the supervision of dental instructors. All states require an orthodontist to pass a licensing exam prior to practicing. Orthodontics is somewhat tied to the health of the overall economy, as most procedures are elective

 

10 Top Paying US Jobs

Choosing or changing a career remains one of the most important decision in your life. Research the highest-paid jobs prior to making a career change decision. A variety of factors go into determining which job works best for you, including the schedule, number of work hours, educational requirements and training needed. As of 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that these careers provide the best source of income.

 

CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that a CEO earns about $301,930 per year. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in your industry and years of work experience leading to this appointment.

 

Physicians

A physician earns $145,688 and works an average of 2,188 hours a year. Physicians require a bachelor's degree as well as four additional years of medical school training. Additional requirements include an internship or residency and passing a licensed exam.

 

Dentist

A dentist earns on average $132,660. Additional training requirements include eight years of dental school. A dentist must graduate from a school accredited by the American Dental Association and pass dental exams.

 

Pilots

Pilots earn on average $128,406 per year. Different flight experience minimums, from 250 to 1,500 flying hours, exist for each state. Additional requirements include a commercial pilot's license.

 

Lawyers

On average, lawyers earn $118,004 per year based on nearly 2,242 hours of work annually. Lawyers work more than physicians and earn, on average, less than them. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree and three additional years of law school as well as passing a state bar exam.

 

Optometrists

Optometrists earn about $116,000 annually. An eye doctor works about 1,975 hours each year. An optometrist position requires a bachelor's degree and four additional years of optometry school as well as passing a licensed exam.

 

Marketing, Advertising or Public Relations Managers

Earning nearly $104,000 annually, these managers punch in nearly 2,131 hours a year. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in the chosen industry; some employers prefer a master's degree.

 

Post-Secondary Educational Administrators

Post-secondary educational administrators earn about $97,410 each year. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in education; often administrators also require a master's degree with a educational focus too.

 

College Health and Medical Teachers

College health or medical teachers earn $94,585 each year. These teachers clock 1,877 hours a year. Most positions require a master's degree in the field of study being taught.

 

Financial Services & Securities Salespersons

Working nearly 2,068 hours a year, a financial services or security salesperson earns about $94,000 a year. This position requires a bachelor's degree in a business administration, finance or economics focus and passing of a licensed exam.
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