The United States offers some of the highest-paying career opportunities in the world, particularly in healthcare, technology, management, law, and specialized professional fields.
For people planning a long-term career in the USA, salary is an important factor, but it should not be the only consideration. Education requirements, licensing, work experience, job demand, and career growth also matter.
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, several medical specialties remain among the highest-paying occupations in the country. For example, pediatric surgeons had a 2025 median annual wage of $559,030, while cardiologists had a median of $496,010.
This guide looks at 20 of the highest-paying jobs in the USA in 2026, including salary information, typical education requirements, and career considerations.
20 Highest-Paying Jobs in the USA
| Rank | Career | 2025 Median Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pediatric Surgeons | $559,030 |
| 2 | Cardiologists | $496,010 |
| 3 | Radiologists | $420,860 |
| 4 | Surgeons, All Other | $414,010 |
| 5 | Anesthesiologists | $391,490 |
| 6 | Orthopedic Surgeons | $358,550 |
| 7 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $352,220 |
| 8 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | $335,550 |
| 9 | Dermatologists | $328,730 |
| 10 | Physicians, Pathologists | $312,400 |
| 11 | Prosthodontists | $311,180 |
| 12 | Ophthalmologists | $300,080 |
| 13 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $292,910 |
| 14 | Orthodontists | $289,140 |
| 15 | Psychiatrists | $281,870 |
| 16 | Physicians, All Other | $265,930 |
| 17 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $256,560 |
| 18 | Neurologists | $248,560 |
| 19 | Family Medicine Physicians | $244,180 |
| 20 | Nurse Anesthetists | $236,590 |
The salary figures above are 2025 median annual wages reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1. Pediatric Surgeon
Pediatric surgeons specialize in surgical care for infants, children, and teenagers.
This career has one of the highest reported median salaries in the United States, at $559,030 per year in 2025.
Typical Requirements
Becoming a pediatric surgeon requires extensive medical education and specialized training.
The typical pathway includes:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Medical degree
- Internship and residency
- Specialized surgical training
- Pediatric surgical fellowship
- Required medical licensing
This is a highly specialized career that requires many years of education and clinical training.
2. Cardiologist
Cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the heart and cardiovascular system.
The 2025 median annual pay for cardiologists was $496,010.
Cardiology requires medical school followed by residency and specialized training.
Because cardiovascular disease remains a major healthcare concern, cardiology continues to be an important medical specialty.
3. Radiologist
Radiologists use medical imaging to help diagnose and manage diseases and injuries.
The 2025 median annual pay for radiologists was $420,860.
Radiologists typically complete medical school, residency, and specialized training in radiology.
Modern healthcare increasingly relies on imaging technologies, making radiology an important part of medical diagnosis.
4. Surgeon
Surgeons perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, and other medical conditions.
The BLS reported a $414,010 median annual wage for surgeons in the “all other” category in 2025.
Surgery requires extensive education, residency training, licensing, and often additional specialization.
5. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists provide anesthesia and help manage patients during surgery and other medical procedures.
The 2025 median annual wage was $391,490.
This career requires medical school followed by specialized residency training.
Anesthesiologists also play an important role in monitoring patients and managing pain and vital functions during procedures.
6. Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and related structures.
The 2025 median annual pay for orthopedic surgeons, excluding pediatric specialists, was $358,550.
Specialization may include areas such as:
- Joint replacement
- Sports injuries
- Spine care
- Trauma
- Fractures
7. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform specialized surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, face, and related structures.
The 2025 median annual pay was $352,220.
This career requires advanced professional education and specialized surgical training.
8. Emergency Medicine Physician
Emergency medicine physicians diagnose and treat patients with urgent and emergency medical conditions.
The 2025 median annual wage was $335,550.
These physicians commonly work in emergency departments and must be prepared to handle a wide range of medical situations.
9. Dermatologist
Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
The 2025 median annual pay was $328,730.
Dermatology can include medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments depending on the physician’s practice.
10. Pathologist
Pathologists specialize in examining tissues, cells, and other medical information to help diagnose diseases.
The 2025 median annual wage for physicians classified as pathologists was $312,400.
Pathologists play an important role in laboratory medicine and disease diagnosis.
11. Prosthodontist
Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing damaged or missing teeth.
The 2025 median annual pay for prosthodontists was $311,180.
Their work can involve:
- Dental implants
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Complex dental restoration
12. Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in eye care and eye surgery.
The 2025 median annual pay for ophthalmologists, excluding pediatric specialists, was $300,080.
Their work may include diagnosing eye diseases, prescribing treatment, and performing surgical procedures.
13. Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Obstetricians and gynecologists provide medical care related to pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health, and women’s health.
The 2025 median annual pay was $292,910.
This career requires medical education, residency, licensing, and specialized clinical training.
14. Orthodontist
Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and correcting problems involving teeth and jaw alignment.
The 2025 median annual wage for orthodontists was $289,140.
Common treatments can include:
- Braces
- Clear aligners
- Bite correction
- Jaw and tooth alignment
15. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are physicians who diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions.
The 2025 median annual pay was $281,870.
Psychiatrists may work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare settings.
16. Other Physicians
The BLS category “physicians, all other” had a 2025 median annual wage of $265,930.
This category includes physicians who do not fall into the specific physician specialties listed separately in the BLS data.
Physicians generally need a bachelor’s degree, medical degree, residency training, and appropriate state licensing.
17. General Internal Medicine Physician
Internal medicine physicians diagnose and manage health conditions affecting adults.
The 2025 median annual pay was $256,560.
Internists may provide primary care or focus on complex adult medical conditions.
18. Neurologist
Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and related systems.
The 2025 median annual wage was $248,560.