Career Goals: 23 Jobs That Pay Over $200K

In today's economy, landing a job that pays over $200,000 a year is a far-fetched dream for most people. While most of these roles often require years of advanced education, specialized skills, and experience, they also offer sizable rewards for those willing to put in the time and effort. These positions provide financial stability, security, and the potential for a more comfortable or luxurious lifestyle.

While securing a high-paying position can be challenging, the rewards are worth the hustle. Here are 23 jobs that pay over $200K (or close to it), plus insights into what makes them unique, and what it takes to achieve a lucrative career. 

Average salary: $439K

Sitting at the top of the medical field are surgeons. Responsible for performing complex operations to save lives and improve patient care, surgeons must possess a lot more than just steady hands. But the journey to becoming one is long and rigorous, involving years of medical school, residency, and specialized training. Despite the high pressure and demanding work hours, the role can be highly rewarding.

The average salary for a surgeon in the U.S. is around $439,077 per year, though this can vary based on factors like specialization, experience, and location.

Average salary: $263K

Psychiatrists (or psychologists) diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental health disorders by combining the science of medicine with the art of therapy. After earning a medical degree and completing a residency in psychiatry, these professionals often work in hospitals, private practices, or academic settings. The job requires a deep understanding of human behavior, empathy, and excellent communication skills. 

In recent years, the demand for mental health services has surged, making psychiatry a lucrative and impactful career. The average salary is $263,377 per year. 

Average salary: $304K

Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and correcting dental and facial irregularities using techniques like braces or aligners to straighten teeth and jaws. After dental school, they undergo additional specialized training in orthodontics. The role of an orthodontist demands precision, patience, and a keen eye for detail, as they design treatment plans to ensure the best treatment plans for their patients.

The field is well-paid due to the high demand for orthodontic care and the impact it has on patients’ aesthetics and oral health. The average salary is $304,272 in the U.S.

Average salary: $213K

Dentists operate on a broader spectrum by diagnosing and treating all kinds of dental issues when compared to orthodontists. They routinely perform procedures such as fillings, extractions, and cleanings to help patients improve their oral health. After completing dental school, dentists can work in private practices or clinics. The job requires precision, dexterity, and a good bedside manner. 

Due to the high demand for dental care and the importance of oral health, dentists can earn significant incomes. The average salary for a dentist in the U.S. is $213,362.

Average salary: $433K

Responsible for administering anesthesia to patients during surgery, anesthesiologists also monitor their vital signs throughout the procedure. This critical role requires extensive medical training and experience, coupled with a calm and precise approach. Their expertise ensures the safety and comfort of patients during operations, which is why they command such high salaries. 

The field is both intellectually and technically-demanding, with a strong emphasis on patient care and meticulous attention to detail. They make an average of $433,500. 

Average salary: $232K (New York)

Corporate lawyers (or attorneys) provide legal advice to businesses on a variety of matters, including mergers, acquisitions, and compliance issues. This career path typically involves earning a law degree, passing the Bar examination, and gaining experience in corporate law firms. Lawyers must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to negotiate and draft complex contracts. 

The high stakes and complexity of corporate law translate into hefty financial rewards. The average salary for a corporate lawyer in New York is $232,977. 

Average salary: $222K (New York)

Investment bankers help companies raise capital, provide financial advice, and facilitate mergers and acquisitions. A career in investment banking often starts with a degree in finance or economics, followed by entry-level analyst positions. Though the job is high-pressure and typically involves long hours, it offers substantial financial rewards (including commissions) and the opportunity to work on high-profile deals. 

Strong analytical skills, resilience, and networking abilities are key to success in this field. The average salary for an investment banker in New York is around $222,000.

Average salary: $842K

Acting as the face of a company, CEOs are responsible for making major corporate decisions, managing operations, and charting new strategic paths. As such, they're typically the highest-ranking executives within a corporation. Though the path to becoming a CEO can vary, it often includes extensive experience in leadership roles and a strong track record of business success. The role also demands strong attention to detail, decisiveness, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. 

Since their roles reflect on the company's success, CEOs are typically handsomely compensated. The average salary for a CEO in the U.S. is a whopping $842,418. 

Average salary: $225K

Specializing in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, pediatricians focus on the growth, development, and general health of their patients. After graduating from medical school, they typically must also complete a residency in pediatrics. The role requires a compassionate approach, patience, and excellent communication skills to work effectively with children and their families. 

The demand for pediatric care ensures competitive salaries for those in this field, with the average salary clocking in at $225,616 in the U.S. 

Average salary: $319K

OB/GYNs provide care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health. This specialty requires extensive medical training and the ability to handle high-stress situations such as difficult births or complex reproductive health issues. The role can be both rewarding and demanding, as it involves supporting women (and non-binary people) through some of the most critical moments of their lives.

The high level of expertise and responsibility involved in the field ensures that OB/GYNs are highly valued and well-compensated. The average salary is $319,301.

Average salary: $462K

Radiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. To enter the field, one must typically have a medical degree, a residency in radiology, and sometimes further sub-specialty training. Radiologists must also possess strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to interpret complex images.

Their expertise is critical in the diagnostic process, which reflects in their high earnigs. The average salary for a radiologist in the U.S. is $462,290.

Average salary: $543K

Unlike general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, and perform surgeries to treat injuries, diseases, and conditions related to bones, joints, and muscles. This career involves many years of education and training. The role itself is also physically and mentally-taxing as it requires precision, strength, and stamina to perform intricate procedures that can go on for hours. 

But the role can be highly rewarding due to the impact on patients' mobility and quality of life. The average salary of an orthopedic surgeon in the U.S. is $543,830.

Average salary: $474K

Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and cardiovascular conditions. After earning a medical degree, they must typically complete a residency in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in cardiology. The job requires extensive knowledge of the heart, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage high-stress situations. Even when not working, cardiologists are often placed on call — meaning they must be ready to respond to emergencies at any time. 

But the importance of heart health and the complexity of this field result in extremely high-paying salaries. The average cardiologist salary in the U.S. is $474,769.

Average salary: $439K

Another highly lucrative field, plastic surgeons perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries to improve patients' appearance and function. While the procedures are often not considered emergent medical procedures, this specialty still requires many years of medical training and a residency in plastic surgery. The role also demands precision, an artistic eye, and excellent patient communication. 

High demand for cosmetic procedures and their complexity contribute to substantial earnings in this field. Plastic surgeons earn an average of $439,060 in the U.S. 

Average salary: $207K

Information technology (IT) managers oversee a company's technology infrastructure by ensuring all systems are running smoothly and securely. A background in computer science or information technology, coupled with management experience, is typically required for this role. They must also possess strong problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and up-to-date knowledge of tech and regulatory trends. 

The critical nature of IT in modern businesses ensures high compensation for these professionals, with the highest-paid IT managers netting over $207,850.  

Average salary: $211K

Airline pilots typically fly commercial planes to transport passengers and cargo across the globe. But becoming a pilot involves extensive training, obtaining a commercial pilot's license, and accruing flight hours. The job also requires strong technical skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to handle stressful situations in the event of emergencies or aircraft malfunction. 

Pilots' high level of responsibility and the rigorous demands of the job lead to substantial salaries and benefits. The average salary is $211,790 in the U.S. 

Average salary: $386K

Specializing in diagnosing and treating skin conditions, dermatologists are also handsomely paid. After graduating from medical school and passing the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam, they must typically also complete a residency in dermatology. The role requires excellent diagnostic and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform various procedures. 

The high demand for skin care and the complexity of skin conditions result in high earnings for dermatologists. The average salary in the U.S. is $386,100.

Average salary: $198K

Despite being called a "dying profession" by some due to the rise of automation, chief pharmacists are still very well-paid in the medical field. They must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program and obtain licensure to dispense medications and provide advice on their safe use. The role demands thorough knowledge of pharmaceuticals, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. 

The critical role pharmacists play in healthcare and medication management is reflected in their salaries, with the average pay being $198,364. 

Average salary: $194K

Architects design buildings and oversee construction projects by combining creativity with technical knowledge. A degree in architecture and licensing are musts in order to enter this field. On the day to day, the job typically involves creating detailed plans, meeting with clients, and ensuring projects comply with regulations. Architects must also possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, coupled with the ability to work in collaborative projects with engineers, contractors, urban planners, etc. 

The combination of art and science in architecture, along with high project stakes, results in significant financial rewards (including bonuses and benefits). The highest-paid roles can net upwards of $194,500 per year. 

Average salary: $188K

Marketing directors harness data analysis and consumer insights to develop sales tactics and other strategies to help companies promote products and services. A background in marketing or business is typical, along with quantifiable experience in the field. They must also possess strong analytical skills, creativity, and leadership abilities in order to drive a company's growth. 

The role of marketing in driving business success, including increasing brand visibility and sales, makes the role highly lucrative. The average pay is $188,089.

Average-salary: $208K

This male-dominated field revolves around designing methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth's surface. The work is highly technical and requires at least a degree in petroleum engineering coupled with a deep understanding of geology and fluid mechanics. Since the job involves site visits and dealing with dangerous extraction equipment, there are safety concerns associated with it. 

The high demand for energy resources and the technical complexity of this role means high earnings. The highest-paid petroleum engineers can make up to $208,980, while the average salary is around $188,000. 

Average salary: $276K 

Data scientists analyze complex data to help companies make informed decisions. The role typically requires a background in mathematics, statistics, or computer science coupled with advanced analytics and machine-learning techniques. They must possess strong attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex findings in layman terms. 

The ability to transform data into actionable insights makes the role highly coveted and well-compensated. Top data scientists can bring home over $276,892 per year. 

Average salary: $253K

Actuaries assess financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. A degree in actuarial science and passing a series of exams are required. Actuary directors work primarily in the insurance sector to gauge the likelihood of future events and develop strategies to minimize risk. The role demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly. 

The nature of risk management and the expertise required result in high salaries for actuaries. (Who else remembers Ben Stiller's character in "Along Came Polly"? The guy was an actuary.) The average pay for an actuarial director is $253,000.

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