35 Jobs That Pay Over $300K in 2024
Last Updated: December 10, 2022 • 8 min read
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These jobs require a higher level of education and skill, but will earn you almost 10 times the national average salary in the United States! Here is a list of 15 jobs that pay over $300k per year.
1. Cardiologist
Average Salary: $434,044
Highest Earners: $638,518
Responsibilities:
Cardiologists work with patients to examine and treat disorders and diseases of the cardiovascular system. They perform procedures to help treat their patients and order tests to determine the extent of their patient’s condition.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
2. Anesthesiologist
Average Salary: $396,600
Highest Earners: $497,854
Responsibilities:
Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia to their patients while also monitoring their patients before, during, and after sedation. They first examine their patients to determine what anesthetic is needed and keep records of the procedure.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
3. CEO
Average Salary: $769,600
Highest Earners: $1,193,719
Responsibilities:
The CEO (Chief Executive Officer) is responsible for the short and long term growth of the company. They direct staff to achieve strategic goals while also delivering value to stakeholders. They are responsible for the overall directions and strategy of the company.
This job typically requires an advanced degree.
4. CFO
Average Salary: $392,600
Highest Earners: $595,872
Responsibilities:
The CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is responsible for all financial functions of the company. They develop strategic plans, create policies, and enforce controls over all financial aspects of the company. They report to the CEO or COO.
This job typically requires an advanced degree, usually including a CPA.
5. Gastroenterologist
Average Salary: $386,900
Highest Earners: $520,440
Responsibilities:
Gastroenterologists consult with patients to determine appropriate treatments for the digestive system. They examine and diagnose disorders and diseases through different procedures and test ordering.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
6. Orthopedic Surgeon
Average Salary: $497,210
Highest Earners: $776,231
Responsibilities:
Orthopedic Surgeons examine, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disease and injuries. They work with patients to determine their care and methods needed to reach their desired result.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
7. Gynecologist
Average Salary: $292,000
Highest Earners: $405,481
Responsibilities:
Gynecologists work with prenatal, natal, and postnatal patients. They perform tests and prescribe treatments to ensure a healthy reproductive system. Gynecologists deliver babies and ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
8. Neurologist
Average Salary: $261,800
Highest Earners: $348,916
Responsibilities:
Neurologists consult with patients to determine the treatment needed to treat disorders and diseases of the nervous system. They order tests to determine the extent of the illness or condition.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
9. Radiologist
Average Salary: $422,990
Highest Earners: $549,653
Responsibilities:
Radiologists consult with patients to determine the appropriate course of treatment. They use x-ray and radioactive materials to diagnose disorders and diseases of the human body.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
10. Dermatologist
Average Salary: $353,200
Highest Earners: $464,916
Responsibilities:
Dermatologists work with patients to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the human skin. They prescribe and administer patient medications and perform a variety of laboratory procedures to identify harmful organisms or pathological conditions.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
11. Urologist
Average Salary: $386,500
Highest Earners: $509,265
Responsibilities:
Urologists consult with patients to determine the appropriate course of treatment. They examine and diagnose disorders and diseases of the genitourinary tract and organs. This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
12. Plastic Surgeon
Average Salary: $285,927
Highest Earners: $466,625
Responsibilities:
Plastic surgeons work with patients to restore form and function or alter the appearance or form of the human body by performing reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. They can specialize in certain procedures for specific conditions and concerns.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
13. Oncologist
Average Salary: $266,196
Highest Earners: $451,327
Responsibilities:
Oncologists work with patients to diagnose and treat cancer. They specialize in either surgical, medical, or radiation. Medical oncologists focus on medical treatments for cancer, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Radiation oncologists administer and manage radiation treatments. Surgical oncologists perform surgery to remove cancerous cells from the body.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
14. Oral Surgeon
Average Salary: $291,600
Highest Earners: $342,991
Responsibilities:
Oral Surgeons perform oral surgery for their patients to prevent or correct injuries, deformities, and diseases. They review patient history and determine which instruments and method of oral surgery will be most successful in achieving the desired outcome.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
15. Vascular Surgeon
Average Salary: $410,819
Highest Earners: $545,375
Responsibilities:
Vascular surgeons treat patients with diseases of blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. They determine which surgical methods and instruments are needed to achieve the desired result while also confirming patient medical information and requesting tests.
This job requires a degree in medicine and a license to practice.
Jobs that Didn't Make the Cut
Air Traffic Controller
The median salary for an air traffic controller is $120k. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average annual salary in the US is $52k, and air traffic controllers make more than double that! That is a high salary and will provide you a middle class lifestyle, but this is not on the list of easy high paying jobs that you are expecting.
Software Developer or Web Developer
If you are getting the highest wage that these jobs pay you might be getting over 300k, but for the majority of these careers they are going to pay low six figures.
They can be the highest paying jobs, but that is usually if you own a small business that then becomes a unicorn and provides you with lucrative advancement opportunities. Other jobs that are in the same vein here are Information Systems Manager, Principal Software Architect, and Data Scientist. They can be top earners, with the highest salary but most likely they are not.
Nurse Anesthetist
The median salary for a nurse anesthetist is $183k. That's still a great salary, and there are definitely some that are making over 300k with their six-figure jobs, college degree, etc. However the income level varies too much to include them in the main list.
Here are even more jobs that sometimes appear on lists like these but didn't make the cut due to varied income levels:
- Real Estate Broker
- Insurance Agent
- Marketing Manager
- Personal Trainer
- Emergency Medicine Physician
- Public Accountant
- Commercial Pilot
- Virtual Assistant
- Real Estate Agent
- Massage Therapist
- Flight Attendant
- Sales Consultant
- Toll Booth Attendant
- Dog Walker
- Police Officer
- High School Teacher
- Social Media Marketer
However, any and all the jobs on this list can provide you income that you can then go on and invest and make as much money as you can. I recommend reading Overview of Real Estate Investing to get a fresh perspective on how to get started on your investing journey. Through investing frequently, it is a reality that one day you could make over 300k a year from your investments alone.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of jobs out there that pay over 300k a year. As you can see a lot of them are medical professionals, go figure. You can make a lot of money with any of the jobs listed above. The most important part is what you do with the money that you earn. You can either spend it all, or you can invest it and put every dollar to work. If you are here reading a finance blog, I hope you are putting your dollars to work!