Last Updated on Mar 12, 2020 by James W
When you consider what degree to get, it’s important to make sure that you find something that is in a field you love. However, many people also want a degree in a field that is going to make them a decent wage. If you’re looking to go above and beyond, check out these careers that make top income throughout the country.
Surgeon
Image via Flickr by Salim Fadhley
It’s not surprise that doctors make the cut when it comes to top paying careers. If you’re looking to be the top earner in the medical profession, become a surgeon. Surgeons usually pick a specialty, and because they are well-versed in their specialty, they demand top pay. On top of this, more physicians and surgeons are needed in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there should be about 123,000 new jobs opening in the field in the next eight years. How much can you expect from this job? The median salary of a surgeon is $345,522.
Orthodontists
Image via Flickr by Aine
Have teeth and the mouth in general always intrigued you? If so, you may want to go into dentistry. Dentists and orthodontists make over $200,000 a year on average. Of course, as with any field, the more specialized your education, the more money you’re going to make. While a dentist averages about $162,000 a year, an orthodontist averages closer to $205,000. The job outlook for this field is great, with about a 16 percent increase over the next eight years.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
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Image via Flickr by reynermedia
If you love working with people and want to make a lot of money, consider becoming an industrial-organizational psychologist. Those who work in this field usually work with HR departments, marketing departments, and management. They help these departments come up with the best ways to work with employees and customers. In some cases, industrial-organizational psychologists will help management and HR in hiring and training new employees. The average wage of those in this field is approximately $124,100 per year. However, in some subsets of the field, such as working with technology and scientific industries, you can earn a higher mean wage that is closer to $163,000.
Database Administrator
Image via Flickr by Tim Regan
Are you interested in technology, and want to put your Masters in Project Management to good use? Consider going into database administration. This field is expected to have nearly 18,000 new positions available by 2022. A database administrator has several job responsibilities, from managing projects to setting up new databases. There is a significant gap in salary with this job, depending on what part of the country you live in, and your experience in the field. The lowest 10 percent of earners in database administration make approximately $43,000 a year, while the highest 10 percent earn about $120,000.
Finding the perfect career can take a little research. You need to decide what’s most important to you and your future. If you’re looking for the best paying jobs, make sure to consider those listed, as they’re going to bring you the most income and prestige throughout your career.
