What is the highest-paying profession in the US?

Anesthesiologists and surgeons top the list, earning $300,000-$400,000+ annually. Cardiologists, dermatologists, and other medical specialists follow closely. Outside healthcare, senior software engineers, data scientists, and investment bankers commonly earn $200,000-$350,000. The highest-paying trade is typically elevator mechanic ($100,000+).

What trade jobs pay over $100,000?

Elevator mechanics ($95,000-$130,000), linemen ($80,000-$120,000+), underwater welders ($54,000-$100,000+), construction managers ($98,000-$150,000), and HVAC technicians with specializations ($75,000-$100,000+) can all exceed $100,000, especially with overtime, hazard pay, or union contracts.

Is $75,000 a good salary in 2026?

The median household income in the US is approximately $80,000. A $75,000 individual salary puts you above the median individual income ($60,000) but slightly below the median household income. Whether it feels 'good' depends heavily on your location — $75,000 goes much further in Oklahoma City than in San Francisco.

Which tech jobs pay the most without a degree?

DevOps engineers ($100,000-$150,000), ethical hackers/penetration testers ($90,000-$140,000), AI trainers ($60,000-$100,000), and prompt engineers ($80,000-$130,000) can all be entered without traditional four-year degrees through certifications, bootcamps, and demonstrated skills.

Do salary ranges include bonuses and benefits?

The salary ranges listed are typically base salary only. Total compensation — including bonuses, commissions, stock options, 401(k) matches, and health insurance — can add 20-40% on top of base pay. Tech companies are known for large equity packages, while sales roles often double base pay through commissions.

How Much Do [Jobs] Make? Salary by Profession Guide (2026)

For role-by-role compensation benchmarking and career income strategy, see the Profession Salary Guides hub.

For conversion formulas, overtime scenarios, and annual-pay planning, see the Hourly to Annual hub.

Your earning potential varies dramatically by profession — a software engineer makes 3-4x what a teacher earns, while an elevator mechanic out-earns many college graduates. This guide compares salaries across 140+ careers to help you evaluate your current pay, plan a career change, or choose a profession that aligns with your financial goals.

Highest-Paying Professions

Profession	Average Salary	Top 10% Earn
Anesthesiologist	$330,000	$400,000+
Surgeon	$310,000	$400,000+
Cardiologist	$350,000	$500,000+
Dermatologist	$340,000	$450,000+
Psychiatrist	$260,000	$350,000+
Orthodontist	$230,000	$300,000+
Physician Assistant	$125,000	$160,000+

See How Much Do Surgeons Make, How Much Do Anesthesiologists Make, How Much Do Cardiologists Make, How Much Do Psychiatrists Make, How Much Do Physician Assistants Make.

Tech & Digital Careers

Profession	Average Salary	Entry Level	Learn More
Software Engineer	$120,000	$75,000	Details
DevOps Engineer	$125,000	$80,000	Details
AI Engineer	$140,000	$90,000	Details
Data Scientist	$125,000	$75,000	Details
UX Designer	$105,000	$65,000	Details
Web Developer	$85,000	$55,000	Details
QA Engineer	$95,000	$60,000	Details
Ethical Hacker	$110,000	$70,000	Details
Penetration Tester	$105,000	$65,000	Details
Prompt Engineer	$100,000	$60,000	Details
Blockchain Developer	$130,000	$80,000	Details
VR Developer	$105,000	$65,000	Details
AI Trainer	$70,000	$45,000	Details
Video Game Tester	$55,000	$35,000	Details
Esports Player	$60,000	$25,000	Details

Healthcare Careers

Profession	Average Salary	Entry Level	Learn More
Pharmacist	$130,000	$110,000	Details
Physical Therapist	$95,000	$70,000	Details
PT Assistant	$62,000	$48,000	Details
Registered Nurse	$85,000	$60,000	Details
Nurse Practitioner	$120,000	$95,000	Details
Dental Hygienist	$80,000	$60,000	Details
Radiologist	$350,000	$250,000	Details
Radiology Tech	$68,000	$52,000	Details
Phlebotomist	$40,000	$32,000	Details
Respiratory Therapist	$65,000	$50,000	Details
Speech-Language Pathologist	$85,000	$62,000	Details
Occupational Therapist	$90,000	$65,000	Details
Veterinarian	$110,000	$80,000	Details

Trades & Skilled Labor

Profession	Average Salary	Entry Level	Learn More
Elevator Mechanic	$100,000	$60,000	Details
Lineman	$82,000	$45,000	Details
Electrician	$60,000	$35,000	Details
Plumber	$60,000	$35,000	Details
HVAC Technician	$55,000	$35,000	Details
Welder	$48,000	$35,000	Details
Underwater Welder	$58,000	$40,000	Details
Construction Manager	$105,000	$65,000	Details
Wind Turbine Tech	$58,000	$42,000	Details
Arborist	$45,000	$32,000	Details
Locksmith	$45,000	$30,000	Details
Mechanic	$47,000	$30,000	Details
Roofer	$48,000	$32,000	Details
Truck Driver	$55,000	$40,000	Details

Business & Professional

Profession	Average Salary	Entry Level	Learn More
Accountant	$78,000	$52,000	Details
Actuary	$115,000	$72,000	Details
Financial Advisor	$95,000	$50,000	Details
Consultant	$95,000	$65,000	Details
Project Manager	$95,000	$60,000	Details
Product Manager	$120,000	$80,000	Details
Marketing Manager	$90,000	$55,000	Details
HR Manager	$85,000	$55,000	Details
Sales Manager	$90,000	$55,000	Details
Executive Assistant	$62,000	$40,000	Details
Business Analyst	$85,000	$58,000	Details
Technical Writer	$78,000	$52,000	Details
Paralegal	$58,000	$40,000	Details

Education & Public Service

Profession	Average Salary	Entry Level	Learn More
Teacher (avg)	$62,000	$40,000	Details
Special Ed Teacher	$63,000	$42,000	Details
Substitute Teacher	$35,000	$23,000	Details
School Counselor	$60,000	$42,000	Details
School Principal	$100,000	$72,000	Details
Professor	$82,000	$52,000	Details
Social Worker	$55,000	$38,000	Details
Police Officer	$65,000	$42,000	Details
Firefighter	$55,000	$36,000	Details
Registered Dietitian	$65,000	$48,000	Details

See Teacher Salaries by State for state-by-state breakdowns.

Creative & Content Careers

Profession	Average Salary	Range	Learn More
Music Producer	$52,000	$20K-$150K+	Details
Voice Actor	$45,000	$15K-$200K+	Details
Audiobook Narrator	$42,000	$15K-$100K+	Details
YouTube Creator	$50,000	$0-$500K+	Details
Podcast Host	$55,000	$0-$300K+	Details
Twitch Streamer	$45,000	$0-$200K+	Details
Food Blogger	$50,000	$0-$200K+	Details
Drone Pilot	$58,000	$30K-$100K+	Details

Alternative & Lifestyle Careers

Profession	Average Salary	Learn More
Real Estate Agent	$65,000	Details
Life Coach	$62,000	Details
Personal Stylist	$45,000	Details
Professional Organizer	$50,000	Details
Wedding Officiant	$35,000	Details
Dog Walker	$32,000	Details
Pet Sitter	$30,000	Details
Marine Surveyor	$70,000	Details

Quick Reference Table

Career Category	Salary Range	Best Entry Path
Healthcare (MD/DO)	$200K-$400K+	Medical school (8+ years)
Tech (engineering)	$75K-$200K+	Degree or bootcamp
Trades (skilled)	$35K-$130K	Apprenticeship (2-5 years)
Business (management)	$55K-$150K	Degree + experience
Creative/content	$0-$500K+	Portfolio + audience
Education	$35K-$100K	Degree + certification

The Bottom Line

Salary is only one piece of the financial puzzle. A plumber earning $80,000 in a low-cost state with no student debt may have more disposable income than a software engineer making $130,000 in San Francisco with $100,000 in loans. When evaluating careers, factor in education costs, time to credential, geographic flexibility, job security, and growth trajectory — not just the top-line number.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy