Jobs That Make a Lot of Money in 2024 (List + Annual Salaries)

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Fact-checked by Laurynas Cesnys
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Updated on: August 9, 2024
Jobs that make a lot of money

While money isn't everything, securing a well-paying job can provide financial stability and help you achieve your goals. In this article, I’ll explore the top jobs that make a lot of money in 2024, focusing on their impressive annual salaries. 

From healthcare to technology, I'll cover a range of industries where you can find the highest-paying jobs. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to make a change, this list will give you valuable insights into the most lucrative opportunities available in 2024. 

Highest Paying Medical Professions

Medical careers can be incredibly rewarding, both financially and personally. While becoming a successful physician provider takes time and effort, the satisfaction of helping patients is unparalleled. If you're looking for well-paying jobs in healthcare, here are some top-earning options to consider:

Surgeons

Jobs that make a lot of money

First up, we have surgeons, including oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These skilled professionals earn an impressive average annual salary of $586,000, with top earners bringing in a jaw-dropping $2,000,000 per year. 

Of course, becoming a surgeon isn't easy – you'll need a medical degree, licensure, and 5-10 years of medical residency and training. But if you're up for the challenge, the financial rewards can be truly life-changing.

Psychiatrists

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Next on our list are psychiatrists. These mental health experts earn an average annual salary of $325,000, with top earners making around $700,000-$800,000 per year. 

To become a psychiatrist, you'll need a medical degree, licensure, and a 4-year psychiatry residency. It's a demanding path, but the opportunity to help people while earning a substantial income makes it all worthwhile. Just put in the effort and it will pay off, both for your pocket and your future patients. 

Orthodontist

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If you're more interested in dental health, consider becoming an orthodontist. These specialists earn an average annual salary of $309,402, with top earners exceeding $400,000 per year. 

You'll need a dental degree, licensure, and 2-3 years of orthodontic residency training to join this high-paying profession. Oral health may sometimes fly under the radar but it is also extremely important and can be very rewarding. 

Dentists

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Finally, we have dentists. As a practice owner, you can earn an average annual salary of $300,273, while associate dentists make around $217,867 per year. Top-earning dentists can surpass $500,000 annually! 

To become a dentist, you'll need a dental degree and licensure. All these careers in the medical field require a good amount of professional education, which definitely costs a lot of money, but it is possible to make up for all that investment with the salaries that these career paths offer. 

Top-Paying Business and Technology Roles

The tech industry has recently emerged as a goldmine for high-paying jobs, while business roles continue to offer financial stability. If you're choosing a career that pays well, consider these lucrative options in tech and business. Some may require a college degree, but others offer on-the-job training or entry-level positions.

Chief Executives

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Let's talk about chief executives. These top dogs earn an impressive average annual salary of $213,020, with the highest-paid CEOs raking in millions per year. That’s right, if you manage to become a Chief Executive of a big company, your earnings will be astronomical, almost too much to count. 

To become an executive, you'll typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration or a related field, along with years of experience working your way up the corporate ladder. There is no straightforward answer or guide to teach you how to get there, but professional education and being very proactive in your work life will help you a lot in that career path.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

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Now let’s talk about computer and information systems managers. These tech-savvy leaders earn an average annual salary of $105,783, with top earners bringing in over $150,000 per year. 

To land this high-paying job, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer or information science and several years of related work experience. So if your professional profile is that of a leader who can be the head of tech projects full of data and analysis, considering this career is worth your while. 

Software Developers

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If you're more interested in the creative side of technology, consider becoming a software developer. These skilled professionals earn an average annual salary of $144,336, with top earners making over $190,000 per year! 

To become a software developer, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, along with strong programming skills. The good thing is that there are many opportunities as a software developer in today’s economy, so choosing this profession and putting effort into it will most likely assure you a successful financial future. 

Financial Managers

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The last profession in this section is financial managers. These money wizards earn an average annual salary of $101,819, with top earners bringing in over $200,000 per year. 

To become a financial manager, you'll need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, along with several years of experience in financial analysis or management. These jobs require a lot of education and experience, they will open many doors for you, especially for these industries that are very relevant nowadays. 

High-Paying Legal and Finance Careers

Law and finance are fields with a lot of opportunities that require many different types of professional profiles. If you're willing to invest in your education and training, these high-paying careers might be perfect for you.

Lawyers

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Let’s start with lawyers. These legal experts earn an impressive average annual salary of $135,740, with top earners bringing in over $208,000 per year! 

To become a lawyer, you'll need a bachelor's degree followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Prepare for intense studying and exams, but the financial rewards can be well worth it. This career path definitely needs a lot of passion and motivation, but the payoff is really good.  

Investment Bankers

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Next, let's talk about investment bankers. These financial professionals help companies raise capital and earn an average annual salary of $118,200, with top earners making even more. 

To break into this field, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field. Many investment bankers also pursue graduate degrees like an M.B.A. to boost their earning potential. Don't forget the required certification from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)!

Actuaries

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If you're a whiz with numbers and risk assessment, consider becoming an actuary. These professionals earn an average annual salary of $159,000, with top earners bringing in over $250,000 per year. 

To become an actuary, you'll need a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field, along with certification from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA). They will determine your proficiency with numbers and how good you would be at estimating important things for companies. If you are good at numbers and enjoy challenges that require all of your brain power, being an actuary might just be for you. 

Financial Advisors

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Finally, we have financial advisors. These experts help individuals and businesses make smart financial decisions and earn an average annual salary of $75,000, with top earners making over $150,000 per year. 

To become a financial advisor, you'll need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Although you can put one foot in the business with just a degree, if you keep studying and certify yourself, for example with the certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP), you can assure far more success in your professional and financial life. 

Lucrative Careers in Engineering and Science

Engineering and sciences are very interesting and exciting topics. If you're passionate about innovation and problem-solving, these high-paying jobs might be perfect for you!

Petroleum Engineers

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First up, we have petroleum engineers. These professionals play a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, ensuring the efficient extraction of valuable resources. The average annual salary for these experts is an impressive $135,690, with top earners making even more.

To become a petroleum engineer, you'll need a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field. There are a lot of opportunities in the field, you can focus on different areas, like  drilling or reservoir for example, so consider getting a postgraduate degree on something more specific to increase your chances of being a top earner in the industry. 

Aerospace Engineers

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Next, let's talk about aerospace engineers. These visionaries design and develop cutting-edge aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. Aerospace engineers earn an average annual salary of $130,720, with top earners soaring to about $200.000. .

To join their ranks, you'll need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Just like the previous entry, you can get very specific and focus your studies in one area of aerospace engineering, and get further education and certifications (preferably accredited by institutions like ABET) to assure a well paid position in this field.

Data Scientist

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If you're more interested in the world of data, consider becoming a data scientist. These professionals use their expertise in statistics, machine learning, and programming to uncover valuable insights from complex datasets. The average annual salary for data scientists is a solid $87,000, with top earners making upwards of $200,000 per year, depending on your experience level.

To become a data scientist, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. You can broaden your horizons in this career path by going one step further from a bachelor’s degree, getting certifications and real work experience like internships. This will build you up to become a top earner. 

Research Scientists

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We also have research scientists. These curious minds conduct experiments and analyze data to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Research scientists earn an average annual salary of $111,000, with top earners making around $190,000 per year. 

To become a research scientist, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in a scientific field. However, to really build a good foundation that will let you aspire to higher jobs, consider postgraduate degrees like masters or even PhDs. There are plenty of branches and it is one of the most interesting options covered on this list!

High-Earning Jobs in Aviation

Aviation can be a very fun and exciting industry, so if you're passionate about flying and ready to invest in your education and training, these careers might be perfect for you!

Airline Pilots

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Let’s start with airline pilots. These skilled professionals are responsible for safely transporting passengers and cargo across the globe. The average annual salary for the field is an impressive $90,000 for beginners, with experienced captains being the top earners at over $300,000 per year!

To become an airline pilot, you'll need to complete several steps, the most important being flight training. There are various certificates you need to prove that you can pilot different aircrafts and have all the needed knowledge, but if you finish all the steps, you can make a living - and a very good one at that - by flying. 

Commercial Pilots

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Next, let's talk about commercial pilots. These pilots operate aircraft for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography, crop dusting, and charter flights. The average annual salary for commercial pilots is $100,000, with top earners making over $200,000 per year.

To become a commercial pilot, you'll need to complete flight training and earn a commercial pilot certificate. The requirements are very similar to airline pilots, but being commercial you will have more job outlets than just flying for an airline, so you can start commercial and then if you want to transition to airlines, you’ll be more than halfway there.

Air Traffic Controllers

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Finally, we have air traffic controllers. These professionals are responsible for coordinating the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the sky and on the ground. The average annual salary for air traffic controllers is $50,000, with top earners making over $100,000 per year.

To become an air traffic controller, you'll typically need to complete an FAA-approved training program and earn a certification. 

Top-Paying Healthcare Jobs (Non-Physician)

These following top-paying healthcare careers offer impressive salaries and the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.

Nurse Anesthetists

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First in this section are nurse anesthetists. These highly skilled professionals administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures. Nurse anesthetists earn an average annual salary of $214,200, with top earners bringing in over $246,115.

To become a nurse anesthetist, you'll need a bachelor's degree in nursing, an RN license, and a master's degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program. To get to be a nurse anesthetist you will need to put in the work, as the career, counting the necessary experience and everything, is at least 7 years, but if it is your true passion, it will be very rewarding. 

Pharmacists

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Next we have pharmacists. These medication experts dispense prescriptions and provide valuable advice to patients and healthcare providers. Pharmacists earn an average annual salary of $128,000, with top earners making around $136,798 per year.

To become a pharmacist, you'll need a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and state licensure. It’s important to note that there are different areas you can work in as a pharmacist, and each one has slightly different paying rates, so it will depend on what you want to focus on.

Optometrists

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If you're interested in eye care, consider becoming an optometrist. These professionals examine patients' eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses. Optometrists earn an average annual salary of $130,000, with top earners making over $150,000 per year.

To become an optometrist, you'll need a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and state licensure, which requires previous education and experience, which may include residencies and a couple of certifications. Once you’re done, you'll be all set. 

Physician Assistants

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Another high paying job in this field are physician assistants. These healthcare professionals work closely with physicians to diagnose and treat patients. Physician assistants earn an average annual salary of $120,000, with top earners bringing in over $175,000 per year.

To become a physician assistant, you'll need a master's degree from an accredited PA program and state licensure. This also implies a long educational career, but as we’ve seen, this is very normal if you are interested in the health industry. If it is your true calling, you’ll surely be able to make it through the study years and become successful. 

Emerging High-Paying Careers for 2024

As the world and the economy evolves, the job market has new and exciting emerging careers that can be very creative and rewarding. If you're passionate about technology, sustainability, and innovation, these high-paying jobs might be perfect for you!

Artificial Intelligence Specialists

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Let’s begin with artificial intelligence specialists. These professionals are at the forefront of the AI revolution, developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions across various industries. The average annual salary for AI specialists is around $130,000, with top earners making over $225,000 per year. 

To become an AI specialist, you'll typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. The good thing is that, as this area is till brand new, there is no rulebook or set guide to succeed, and there is a lot of room for you to open doors with the experiences and knowledge you already have. 

Renewable Energy Managers

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Next, let's talk about renewable energy managers. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, these professionals are in high demand. They oversee the development and implementation of renewable energy projects, ensuring their efficiency and profitability. The average annual salary for renewable energy managers is around $85,000, with top earners making over $115,000 per year.

To become a renewable energy manager,  you'll need a bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field, along with relevant certifications. Just like many other jobs listed here, you’ll need education, training and real experience before aiming to become a top earner.

Cybersecurity Experts

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Cybersecurity experts are another group of professionals who are seeing a surge in demand in 2024. As cyber threats continue to evolve, these specialists work tirelessly to protect organizations from data breaches and cyber attacks. The median salary for cybersecurity varies depending on the specific role you have but it can go anywhere from $80,000, up to over $200,000 per year.

To become a cybersecurity expert, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, along with industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). 

Blockchain Developers

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And to wrap up this giant list, we have blockchain developers. These tech-savvy professionals are responsible for developing and maintaining blockchain-based applications, ensuring their security, efficiency, and scalability. The average annual salary for blockchain developers is $140,000, with top earners making over $250,000 per year.

To become a blockchain developer, you'll need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, and programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. This is another one of those jobs where there is a lot more to be explored and the amount of opportunities is constantly growing, so if it resonates with you it is worth your while checking it out.  

Jobs That Make A Lot Of Money: Let’s Wrap it Up

I’ve explored some of the highest-paying jobs across various industries, from healthcare and technology to business and aviation. While these careers offer impressive salaries and exciting opportunities, always remember that job satisfaction goes beyond just the money they’ll pay you - the most important thing is that your field of work fulfills and excites you. 

When considering your career path, take the time to reflect on your personal interests, skills, and values. Pursuing a field that aligns with your passions can lead to a more rewarding professional life, even if it may not be the absolute highest-paying option. 

Now, if you're driven by financial success and have a genuine interest in one of these top-earning careers, don't be afraid to invest in your education and training. With dedication and hard work, you can unlock the door to a lucrative and satisfying career in 2024 and beyond!

About Author:
Jorge Rey is a driven writer with a passion for exploring the topics of technology, business and creativity. Drawing on his diverse writing background and talent for transforming complex topics into engaging, accessible content, Jorge delivers meticulously researched articles to help readers navigate the worlds of digital entrepreneurship and personal finance. Jorge believes in the power of knowledge to transform lives and is committed to empowering his audience with the trustworthy, actionable insights they need to thrive.
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