Each one has a different opinion about careers and choice of occupation. While there are several jobs that pay extremely well, the healthcare industry in the United States seems to have peaked as the highest paying occupation. With the increase in demand for healthcare services and an aging population, there seems to be a tremendous growth in this sector. The United States Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), has predicted the employment in the healthcare sector to grow by 15% from 2019 to 2029. Approximately 2.4 million new jobs will be created in this sector.
1. Anaesthesiologists
This is not the first time anaesthesiologists have made it to the top of the list of highest-paying jobs in the U.S. They have held this position consecutively for the past two years, making this their third. An anesthesiologist is someone who specializes in administering anesthesia pre-operation or surgery. To become an anesthesiologist, one should complete their Doctor Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and should be specialized in anesthesiology. On average BLS states that an anesthesiologist may earn $261,730 annually.
2. Surgeons
Commonly surgeons should have completed their Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) along with surgical residency up to 8 years in a hospital. It may require several years of hard work and training, but it is a rewarding career. Surgeons perform various surgeries. They can either be a general surgeon or specialists such as cardiothoracic surgeons, neurosurgeons, ophthalmic surgeons and so on. A surgeon’s average salary in a year is $252, 040.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
With an annual salary of $237, 570 oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the third-highest paid jobs in the United States. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists in the treatment of diseases or injuries related to our mouth and jaw. From performing dental implant surgeries to fixing misaligned teeth, their treatment encompasses a large number of diseases.
4. Gynaecologists
Gynaecologists also referred to as obstetricians, are next in the list after BLS averaged their salary as $233, 610 for a year. They are experts in female organs health and treat a wide range of issues related to it, including fertility problems, childbirth and complications related to it and more.
5. Orthodontists
Orthodontists are specialists who help patients with problems of bite correction, crooked teeth, occlusion, etc. They are often confused with dentists, but an orthodontist is someone who specializes in corrective procedures for the teeth. After completing dental school and residency one must clear the National Board Dental Examination and acquire a license to practice as a speciality, in order to become an orthodontist. With an increase in self oral care in US, there is an increase in the demand for orthodontists. On an average, they make $230, 830 in a year.
6. Prosthodontists
With just about 600 prosthodontists in the United States, this is one of the top-paying jobs here. A prosthodontist is an expert in dental cosmetics, crowns, dentures, bridges and more. Most consider a smile to be an important part of our facial features. People are conscious about how they look when they smile and thus, have prosthodontists fix any issues to have a perfect smile. They earn about $220, 840 in a year, according to BLS.
7. Psychiatrists
Not far behind the prosthodontists are psychiatrists who earn $220, 420 on average. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of behavioral, emotional and mental disorders. Psychiatrists complete their studies in general psychiatry, but some study further to specialize in various areas like addiction psychiatry, child psychiatry and so on. With one of the fastest-growing specialties in physicians, psychiatrists have the seventh highest-paid jobs in America.
8. Family Medicine Physicians
They are commonly referred to as Family and General Practitioners. Family Medicine Physicians are general physicians who complete their graduation from a medical school and then move on to finish their residency program before they can begin practicing. They take care of common health issues in patients. BLS states that a family medicine physician may earn about $213, 270 each year.
9. Physicians (Other)
BLS labels physicians here as other as this group includes other medical doctors like cardiologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, allergists, oncologists, ophthalmologists and dermatologists. Pathologists and radiologists are also covered in this group. BSL predicts that there will be an increase of 4% in the total employment of physicians by year 2029. On an average, physicians usually make $206, 500 in a year.
10. Internal Medicine Physician
The tenth spot is also occupied by general physicians, but in this case, they are medical interns who are working in hospitals to provide primary care to patients. Internists are medical students who have completed their medical school and are in their residency program period. Even as interns, they draw a handsome salary which the BLS averages to $201, 440.
A few industries other than healthcare that pay well include Corporate Chief Executives, Computer and Information System Managers, Engineering and Architectural Managers, Petroleum Engineers, Judges, Magistrates, Marketing Managers and Financial Managers.
Note – The average salary calculated for the above professions are based on data collected and collated by BLS through May 2019. This is the most recent data that BLS has published.
