How Much Do Different Careers Pay?
Compare median salaries, entry-level to senior pay ranges, job growth outlook, and top-paying states for 40 in-demand careers. All data based on BLS statistics and industry benchmarks.
Educational content based on public data. Not career or financial advice. See individual career pages for details.
Highest Paying Careers
The top 5 highest-paying careers by median salary.
Fastest Growing Careers
Careers with the strongest projected job growth through 2032.
Best Paying Careers Without a 4-Year Degree
High-paying careers that require an associate's degree, certificate, or apprenticeship instead of a bachelor's.
$116K
Avg Median Salary (Profiled)
40
Careers Profiled
+9%
Avg Job Growth
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All 40 Careers — Salary Comparison
Sorted by median salary (highest first). Click any career for the full breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying career?
Among the 40 careers profiled, radiologists earn the highest median salary at $419,000, followed by surgeons ($409,000) and anesthesiologists ($393,000).
What careers have the best job growth outlook?
The fastest-growing careers include nurse practitioners (+38%), data scientists (+35%), cybersecurity analysts (+32%). These are projected to grow much faster than the national average through 2032.
What high-paying careers don't require a 4-year degree?
Several well-paying careers need only a high school diploma, certificate, or associate's degree: pilots ($171,210), dental hygienists ($81,400), ultrasound technicians ($81,350), MRI technologists ($77,360), police officers ($65,790).
Where does this salary data come from?
Salary data is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, industry compensation surveys, and widely-reported benchmarks. All figures are approximate and vary by location, employer, experience, and market conditions.
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Read moreSalary data is based on BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, industry surveys, and widely-reported compensation benchmarks. Figures are approximate and vary by location, employer, experience, and market conditions. This is educational content — not career or financial advice.