What Top 3 Jobs Pay the Most?
Getting a high-paying job is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for a new career. However, not all jobs are created equal.
A new ranking from US News & World Report identifies the top jobs that pay over $100,000, ranked by current total employment. Many of these jobs are in STEM fields.
1. Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officers are the most senior executives in a company, and they are responsible for setting the overall direction of the business. They also have a significant role in hiring and managing employees and overseeing day-to-day operations.
In addition, CEOs are often involved in planning and implementing long-term strategies. They may also be tasked with expanding a company’s market share and product awareness, establishing goals, and maintaining a good public reputation.
The average CEO salary is $194,350 per year. This amount includes base pay plus stock options, performance bonuses, and deferred compensation like pensions and 401k contributions.
Over the past decade, CEO pay has outpaced that of working people nationwide. According to Vox, S&P 500 companies saw an 8% increase in average CEO pay in 2018 while the median wage for their employees stayed the same.
2. Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons are among the highest paid professionals in the country. They diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and counsel patients on diet, hygiene and preventive healthcare.
They typically need a bachelor’s degree, medical degree, and 3 to 9 years of internship and residency training. They also need to pass a licensing exam before they can practice independently.
Many physicians and surgeons own their own practices or work in group practices with other physicians. These positions require strong leadership skills, organizational abilities, and patience with difficult or scared patients.
Most physicians and surgeons earn a median salary of $208,000 or more annually. Some specialists, such as vascular and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, see significant year-over-year compensation growth.
3. General and Operations Managers
For many people, pay is one of the top considerations when looking for a new job. This is especially true for those who are in the early stages of their career or are thinking about a change of direction.
General and operations managers are one of the highest-paying jobs on the list. They earn a median salary of $103,650 per year and can be found in many different industries.
This profession is expected to grow more than the national average over the next 10 years, according to BLS. The agency also notes that employment growth will be driven by the formation of new companies and the expansion of existing ones.
The qualifications needed to become a general and operations manager vary depending on the industry and goals of the company. Typically, only a bachelor’s degree is required, though some individuals will pursue an MBA or other advanced degrees.
4. Marketing and Sales Managers
Pay is a top consideration for many job seekers. With the economy improving and more people looking for work, employers are willing to pay extra for employees who can help them grow their business.
One of the more lucrative high-paying jobs is the marketing and sales manager. These professionals develop strategies to increase revenue by attracting new clients and keeping them happy. The job includes creating advertising and marketing material, preparing budgets and analyzing data.
The responsibilities of a marketing and sales manager include recruiting, training, scheduling and coaching team members to meet their sales and marketing human resource objectives. Their responsibilities also include maintaining relationships with important customers by visiting them on a regular basis and understanding their needs.
The most successful marketing and sales managers have at least a bachelor’s degree and some industry experience, but they aren’t limited to that level of education. Depending on the industry and city, these professionals earn an annual mean salary of $140,600 or more.