Hundreds of career options, changing market trends, and ambiguity about career paths can be overwhelming for any fresher. If you’re struggling to find top-paying jobs with increasing demand in the coming years, you’re at the right place.
We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to high-paying careers across different fields. Let’s briefly walk through it to help you tap your dream job.
A Comprehensive Guide to High-Paying Careers Across Different Fields
If you have big dreams and want to end up in positions that pay off well, make sure to do a good amount of research beforehand. Here’s a run-down of the top 11 highest-paying careers:
Chief Executive Officer
National Average Salary: $142,683 a year
Chief Executive Officers, or CEOs, are company leaders responsible for making key decisions that impact the overall growth of the business. Since their actions impact the progress of the business, their compensation depends on how well they’re doing in the market.
No wonder the CEO is one of the highest-paying careers out there. They handle important matters and monitor overall operations. On top of that, they set a strategic direction for the company. Plus, they’re the public face of the company, which makes them answerable to the board of directors or stakeholders of the company.
Whether the business is small or large-scale, CEOs set the tone, vision, and culture and steer its growth.
Job Description
- Formulating Policies
- Building relationships with stakeholders and investors
- Monitoring Budget
- Reporting to the BoDs
- Approving Company’s Contracts
- Taking overall leadership of the Organization
- Collaborating with other executives
Qualification
Typically, a bachelor’s degree with extensive experience is a mandatory prerequisite to becoming a CEO. However, most CEOs hold advanced degrees like a master’s or a Ph.D. in various fields, most commonly in fields such as business, finance, or engineering.
How to Become
Becoming a CEO requires at least five years of managerial experience and a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring candidates need to have a great deal of industry knowledge under their belts.
Market Outlook
Projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032
Certified Public Accountant
National Average Salary: $119,000 per year
If you’re good with numbers, you might want to give Certified Public Accountancy a shot. It’s a designation granted to licensed accounting professionals in the US. Resources for getting your hands on this license are available through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
They manage the company’s budgets, establish accounting policies, and keep financial records. People holding the CPA position may also advance into executive roles like controllers or chief financial officers (CFOs) in the future.
Job Description
- Calculating Tax returns
- Auditing
- Examining Accounting Records
- Advising on tax planning
- Preparing Budget Reports
- Offering financial advice
- Ensuring Compliance with relevant bodies
Qualification
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the US, you’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree along with some extra credits. Next, you must pass the CPA exam to achieve the official certification required to practice public accountancy.
How to Become
Generally, the educational requirements for Certified Public Accountants are quite strict due to a single regulatory board overseeing the industry. On average, becoming a CPA involves around five years of education, one to two years of work experience, and 18 months for the CPA exam.
Market Outlook
Projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032
Investment Banker
National Average Salary: $118,333
Investment Bankers need strong analytical and communication skills. It’s because they’re responsible for functions such as advising companies on financial matters, including mergers, raising capital, and managing budgets. They work with corporations and sometimes the government to help raise funds.
Nevertheless, the success rate of investment bankers is highly dependent on the performance of their clients and overall market conditions. When both are doing well, investment bankers thrive in their roles.
Job Description
- Crafting financial models
- Managing IPOs
- Evaluating investment opportunities
- Drafting prospectus
- Building client relationships
- Conducting market research
- Selling and issuing securities
Qualification
A bachelor’s degree in finance or economics is mandatory for aspiring investment bankers. However, it’s best to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to further enhance your skills in the field.
How to Become
To become an investment banker, building a robust educational foundation is essential. Once you’ve gained your four-year bachelor’s degree, gain practical experience through internships to develop hands-on experience in the field. You might also enhance your credentials by pursuing professional certifications such as the CFA.
Market Outlook
Investment banker demand is projected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028.
Corporate Lawyer
National Average Salary: $144,688 a year
Corporate lawyers are legal professionals who offer legal guidance and provision for businesses. They advise on all kinds of legal stuff, from contracts and mergers to protecting a company’s legal secrets. They play a significant role in helping businesses comply with regulations, contract negotiations, and even navigate corporate governance.
All in all, corporate lawyers are highly paid advisors who ensure the companies navigate every situation without hitting any legal roadblock.
Job Description
- Providing legal advice on corporate matters
- Drafting business agreements
- Handling mergers and acquisitions
- Conducting legal research
- Representing the company in legal negotiations
- Assisting in corporate governance
- Ensuring legal aspects of financial transactions
Qualification
Typically, corporate lawyers need to hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree to practice law. This involves three years of law school. To officially practice law, they need to pass the bar exam in their specific jurisdiction to ensure that they have the necessary legal knowledge and skills to offer expert legal advice.
How to Become
Once they’re done with law school and successfully pass the BAR exam, aspiring candidates can officially practice law in their states. However, it’s best to gain hands-on experience at law firms or various legal departments to polish their skills. Plus, specializing is a mandatory step for corporate lawyers.
Market Outlook
Projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032.
Psychiatrist
National Average Salary: $259,497 a year
Psychiatrists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. In 2021, around 41.7 million adults in the US sought treatment or counseling for their mental health. This number is only projected to grow further, which means the demand for psychiatrists is projected to grow by a huge margin.
Psychiatrists use a holistic approach to treatment. They incorporate psychotherapy, medication management, counseling, and various therapeutic interventions to ensure their patients remain mentally fit and healthy.
Job Description
- Prescribing medications
- Crafting a comprehensive treatment plan
- Counseling patients
- Providing psychiatric crisis evaluations
- Diagnosing mental conditions
- Managing patient records
- Monitoring patient care
Qualification
To qualify as a psychiatrist in the US, obtaining a bachelor’s degree through a medical school, which usually takes four years, is essential. Next up, you must complete a psychiatric residency program, which lasts around four years.
How to Become
Once you’re done with your medical school, you must undergo a residency in psychiatry, which could take up to several years. You might also pursue additional training in subspecialties within psychiatry. Moreover, board certification, i.e., meeting specific professional standards and passing examinations, is often a requirement for practicing as a qualified psychiatrist in the US.
Market Outlook
BLS projects 6.7% employment growth for psychiatrists between 2022 and 2032.
Architectural Designer
National Average Salary: $74,539 a year
Architectural designers join with architects to create important visuals and plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software. They craft detailed drawings and color boards for architectural projects.
Moreover, architectural designers gather data and numbers. They follow technical manuals to make sure everything meets the necessary codes and standards as per the US industry. Their work involves laying out creative designs and complying with regulations. In short, they help turn architectural visions into detailed plans and drawings.
Job Description
- Creating designs and drawings
- Complying with industry regulations
- Meeting with clients
- Selecting materials and finishes for construction projects
- Conducting site visits
- Using energy-efficient design principles
- Using computer-aided design (CAD) software promptly.
Qualification
To qualify as an architectural designer in the US, aspiring candidates require certification in architectural technology, computer-aided design (CAD), or a related field.
How to Become
To become an architectural designer, it’s best to begin with a strong educational foundation in Information Technology and gain hands-on experience in IT roles. This works wonders when designing computer-assisted layouts and designs for your clients as an architectural designer.
Market Outlook
Employment of architects is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032
Web Developer
National Average Salary: $87,580 a year
Web developers build websites. They make sure these are easy to navigate with an interactive interface. Web developers also ensure that the website is functional without any obstacles and fulfills its purpose efficiently.
There are three types of web developers. First, back-end developers lay the foundation for the website by doing the technical part of writing codes.
Then, front-end developers work on the website interface and ensure it is convenient for the end user. Thirdly, full-stack developers fulfill the responsibility of both front-end and back-end developers.
Job Description
- Writing efficient codes
- Creating websites with standard practices
- Integrating data
- Gathering information serving specific needs
- Maintaining website
- Staying updated with market trends and technological changes
Qualification
A bachelor’s in a related field, such as computer science or data sciences, along with professional certifications, is a prerequisite for becoming a web developer. Plus, a master’s degree in Artificial intelligence or data sciences can serve as a career boost and open up better opportunities in the field.
How to Become
Web developers must possess various skills, such as organizing data and generating meaningful results. Also, it’s best for individuals aspiring to become web developers to learn the skills of languages such as Python and C++.
Market Outlook
Projected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032
Data Scientist
National Average Salary: $129,505 per year
Data scientists interpret large data sets to come up with deep insights that help businesses make key decisions. They use computer science, statistics, and analytics to extract patterns and valuable information to make sense of diverse data types.
They present this information visually to help organizations navigate complex issues efficiently. Data scientists are versatile professionals and work their magic in various industries like retail, healthcare, media, transportation, education, and even finance.
Job Description
- Finding trends in the data
- Creating models to predict future projections
- Applying skills such as Python and SQL
- Keeping up with the latest technology
- Preprocessing structured and unstructured data
- Building machine-learning algorithms
- Explaining the phenomenon around data
Qualification
Generally, data scientists are required to have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, or any relevant field relating to data and information handling.
How to Become
If you wish to be a data scientist, building a strong data science foundation is advisable. Another pro tip is to earn certificates in data science and machine learning and gain practical experience by working on freelance data projects.
Market Outlook
Projected to grow 35% from 2022 to 2032
General Surgeon
National Average Salary: $347,870 a year
Surgeons are highly respected medical professionals who perform various complex procedures to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Being a highly intricate field, it requires extensive training and education.
However, this profession isn’t for the weak-spirited due to its challenging work nature. Surgeons often work long hours during operative shifts with full focus and dedication. They often divide their work between office hours, where they consult with patients, craft treatment plans, and coordinate procedures. Operative hours and postoperative follow-ups are equally important.
Job Description
- Performing medical processes
- Diagnosing medical problems
- Examining the health condition of patients
- Analyzing the medical history of patients
- Researching new medical discoveries
- Prescribing preoperative and postoperative treatment
- Updating patient records
Qualification
To qualify as a general surgeon, you must first complete a medical bachelor’s degree of four years, followed by a surgical residency program, which may take up to seven years.
How to Become
To become a surgeon, you must have completed your medical school and residency. For added advantage, you may have additional fellowship training in your respective specialty. Also, you may have board certification as a mandatory requirement to practice surgery in the US.
Market Outlook
Projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032
Marketing Manager
National Average Salary: $158,280 a year
Marketing managers devise, implement, and carry through marketing plans for any organization. They’re responsible for building strategies to market a product to their target audience. To do so, they must be able to efficiently use social media, brand-building strategies, and promotional strategies.
In addition, they monitor all aspects of a company’s marketing strategy. This means they oversee branding, advertising, and networking. It drives brand awareness and promotes the brand’s growth through recurring sales.
Job Description
- Developing marketing plan
- Communicating strategic goals
- Analyzing market trends
- Identifying target audience
- Integrating marketing data for useful purposes
- Managing the marketing budget
- Conducting market research
Qualification
A bachelor’s degree in the relevant field works for acquiring an entry-level job. For promotions, it’s essential to get additional marketing certifications and experience.
How to Become
To become a marketing manager, it’s best to begin with marketing or a related role, gain experience, and jump up the professional ladder. While you’re at it, don’t forget to stay up-to-date with the current marketing trends.
Market Outlook
Projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032
Petroleum Engineer
National Average Salary: $80,025
Petroleum engineers are a pretty important asset for the country, owing to the nature of their work. They help the country deal with its oil and gas needs.
They find resources such as coal and crude oil by digging in the surface of the earth, which are later used to fulfill power and consumption needs.
Job Description
- Researching in oil and gas discovery
- Preventing possible hazards
- Taking safety precautions while drilling the surface
- Employing basic knowledge of types of oil and gas
- Overseeing the installation of oil field equipment
- Preparing reports on drilling activities
- Assessing potential locations
Qualification
To qualify as a petroleum engineer in the US, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in petroleum and related fields.
How to Become
First up, you need to get a degree in petroleum engineering. Gaining some work experience before stepping into the field is equally crucial. For instance, you can do internships and go for professional certifications. Staying updated on industry trends is the key.
Market Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2.5% employment growth for petroleum engineers between 2022 and 2032.
Factors That Affect Salary in High-Paying Careers
If you want a high-paying job, it’s important to wrap your head around the factors that come into play when determining salary. Without discussing these factors, a comprehensive guide to high-paying careers across different fields is incomplete.
These factors can ultimately decide how much you earn, so it’s essential to consider the following:
Experience
Perhaps the top deciding factor for salary variations is your experience in the respective field. Since professionals gain more skills and rack up years of experience in their jobs, they tend to earn more.
For instance, a financial analyst with a few years under their belt might earn less than someone who’s been in finance for a decade. More experience translates to a better understanding of the industry, sharpens your problem-solving skills, and sets you up for success.
So, as you gain experience, you can aim for higher pay. It’s smart to think about this in your long-term career plans.
Location
Location is another important factor when considering salary. Let’s be honest: the cost of living, the economy’s well-being, and how much certain skills are wanted can differ a great deal from one place to another. For better insights into this, you might look at stats from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
For instance, in developed countries like the US and the UK, where living costs are higher, salaries for a petroleum engineer are usually bigger to match. On the flip side, in developing countries, there might be fewer jobs and might not pay as much.
Industry
Regarding high-paying jobs, the industry you work for can really affect how much you get paid. For instance, in industries like investment banking, top companies often pay out big salaries and bonuses to their staff. These differences can be pretty big, so it’s important for you to look into possible employers and industries carefully.
Education and Credentials
Goes without saying that your degree and certification matter a lot when it comes to seeking jobs. With the right educational background and professional certifications, you can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Most high-paying jobs require specific degrees or qualifications, so before you jump into your desired career, make sure you’re skilled enough.
For example, professions like doctors, lawyers, and engineers need advanced degrees and professional certifications. This helps you secure a high-paying job while also making you more competitive in the job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Domain Offers the Highest-Paying Job in the World?
Some of the highest-paying domains in the world include data scientists, general surgeons, psychiatrists, and CEOs of big brands. These roles often require extensive skills and advanced education.
Are High-Paying Careers Limited to Specific Industries?
Some industries, including healthcare and technology, are known for being the highest paying worldwide and offering the most lucrative opportunities. However, you might find high-ticket jobs in various other industries if you stay updated with the latest industry trends.
Does Networking Help to Secure a High-Paying Career?
Yes, a strong professional network will open doors to numerous high-paying opportunities and advance your career to new heights. It connects you to fellow professionals, potential employers, and even big names in your relevant industry.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap of a comprehensive guide to high-paying careers across different fields. Even if your dream job isn’t on the list, make sure to thoroughly research the key metrics before setting your foot forth. The job market keeps getting more competitive. So, equip yourself with advanced degrees and in-demand skills to stay ahead of the competition.