Top-Paying Occupations in the United States: Insights from Federal Wage Estimates
In the United States, doctors and surgeons hold the top positions in terms of highest-paying occupations, as per recent federal wage estimates for over 800 jobs in the country. Pediatric surgeons lead the list with an average annual wage of $502,050, followed by cardiologists at $454,940 and radiologists at $381,530. These figures significantly surpass the average wage across all occupations, which stands at $69,770. Most of the top-paying jobs require extensive education and specialized training. Airline pilots, chief executives, and athletes also rank among the highest-paying occupations, outside of the healthcare sector.
The latest wage estimates for May 2025, based on data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reveal that airline pilots top the list with an average annual wage of $288,650, followed by chief executives at $269,630. Athletes come in third at $206,180, although this figure is influenced by top earners in the field. Lawyers, typically considered a high-paying profession, rank sixth among non-healthcare occupations with an average annual wage of $185,840. Financial managers, marketing managers, and computer and information systems managers also feature in the top 10 highest-paying jobs.
Overall, the healthcare sector continues to offer the highest-paying occupations in the U.S., with doctors and surgeons leading the way. Outside of healthcare, airline pilots, chief executives, and athletes also command high wages, reflecting the diverse range of lucrative career opportunities available in the country.