Years of schooling in healthcare usually pay off.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released new data showing the pay of hundreds of occupations as of May 2025. Many positions earn six figures, exceeding the national average of $69,770.
Pay can be one factor job seekers consider when they’re applying for work. A lot of people are actively seeking jobs in the US: 7.2 million people were unemployed in March, outpacing the number of openings. It’s also graduation season, so more people may be tweaking their résumés, building a network, and scouring postings in the coming months.
Studying to become an ophthalmologist, a pediatric surgeon, or a pilot can lead to high compensation.
Business Insider ranked the new occupation estimates by average annual wage, excluding catchall job categories, such as “Surgeons, all other.” Almost all of the 13 top-paying jobs typically require a doctoral or professional degree. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers usually need a bachelor’s.
Below are the 13 highest-paying jobs, alongside estimates of how many Americans are employed in them.
13. Psychiatrists
Average annual wage: $269,940
Employment: 27,980
12. Obstetricians and gynecologists
Average annual wage: $279,040
Employment: 21,260
11. Pathologists
Average annual wage: $285,420
Employment: 11,110
10. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
Average annual wage: $288,650
Employment: 103,560
9. Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
Average annual wage: $304,650
Employment: 8,950
8. Emergency medicine physicians
Average annual wage: $317,480
Employment: 32,880
7. Dermatologists
Average annual wage: $323,530
Employment: 11,370
6. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Average annual wage: $346,490
Employment: 4,910
5. Anesthesiologists
Average annual wage: $360,570
Employment: 38,760
4. Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric
Average annual wage: $373,570
Employment: 14,100
3. Radiologists
Average annual wage: $381,530
Employment: 26,770
2. Cardiologists
Average annual wage: $454,940
Employment: 17,290
1. Pediatric surgeons
Average annual wage: $502,050
Employment: 1,190
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