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This career tops current rankings of the highest-paying jobs, according to BLS data. Anesthesiologists assist physicians and surgeons in the operating room, providing care and pain relief to patients through anesthetics. They also monitor patients' vital signs throughout surgery, including blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.
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Anesthesiologists work full-time in healthcare facilities, like hospitals and other inpatient treatment centers. They may work irregular hours, including nights and weekends. These professionals need strong precision and dexterity skills and must thrive under pressure. Education requirements include a bachelor's degree and completion of medical school.
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Surgeons treat injuries and diseases through operations, elective surgeries, and preventive procedures. They work alongside other medical doctors to determine appropriate treatments and use an array of instruments and tools to perform general and local surgeries. Many specialize in individual procedures, like cardiovascular, neurological,
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or reconstructive surgery. All surgeons must complete medical school, including internship and residency requirements. They may also need additional training in a specialty or area of concentration. Because surgery is one of the more technical fields in medicine and healthcare, successful surgeons need patience and
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dexterity, as well as exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills.
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Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illnesses and cognitive disorders through a combination of group or individual psychotherapy and prescribed medication. They work to modify destructive patterns or behaviors in their patients by correcting chemical imbalances and exploring the social factors that contribute to stressors.
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As one of the highest-paying jobs in mental health, this role requires a doctorate in medicine, state licensure, and professional certification. Like other medical professionals, psychiatrists usually work full time and often log irregular hours. Most work in hospitals or other mental health facilities, although some may have private practices.
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These medical doctors provide primary care services to the general population, often focusing on family groups. They treat many different conditions, including sinus infections, the common cold, bone fractures, contusions, and other ailments. They also conduct physicals and may prescribe medications or antibiotics to address
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chronic issues like high blood pressure or viral infections. Family medicine physicians work in private or group practice, although some assume roles in hospitals and treatment centers. They work full time and often must be available for on-call duties. These professionals may need to travel to meet patients. Family medicine
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physicians need strong interpersonal skills and must hold advanced medical degrees.
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Like other high-paying jobs in healthcare, physicians work in hospitals, treatment centers, and private practice. They treat and monitor injuries and illnesses, examine patients, offer advice, and prescribe medications when necessary. They also record medical histories and conduct diagnostic tests. Some physicians may lead a team
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of medical professionals, working to interpret test results. Most physicians hold bachelor's degrees and medical doctorates. Many also complete lengthy internships or residency programs focused on their interests and expertise. They must pass a national standardized exam and obtain state-level licensure to
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practice. They also need solid analytical problem-solving skills and a strong sense of patience and compassion.
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Medical doctors with this specialty focus on diseases, injuries, and other issues that affect internal organ systems, offering non-surgical care in outpatient facilities alongside other healthcare professionals. Many internal medicine physicians specialize in sub-areas, like cardiology, gastroenterology, or oncology. They manage patient care
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and work to address chronic ailments. Like other physicians, general internal medicine doctors must complete medical school and obtain state licensure before they can practice. Most work full time in hospitals or private practice, although some may work within large research centers. They need skills in deductive reasoning, management, and data analysis.
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Chief executives work for large businesses and corporations in one of the highest-paying roles outside medicine and healthcare. They develop strategies to help organizations achieve their goals. They consult with other executives, manage operations, and oversee their employer's financial health. They also monitor performance and
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make targeted efforts to increase efficiency and productivity. These professionals need relevant bachelor's degrees, but most also hold master's degrees in business administration. Many also have significant management experience and clear leadership skills. Most chief executives work full time in office settings and often need to travel.
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General pediatricians offer medical care to infants, children, and adolescents. They deliver vaccinations, identify common health issues, and treat illnesses or minor injuries. Some specialize in problems specific to younger people, like autoimmune disorders and other chronic ailments. Additional specialty areas include neonatology,
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rheumatology, metabolism, and emergency care. These medical doctors must complete medical school and earn appropriate licensure. Most begin within a general course of study and then move to specialize in pediatrics near the end of their programs. They need skills in manual dexterity and physical stamina. General pediatricians typically work full time in large hospitals and other facilities.
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Nurse anesthetists administer general or local anesthesia to patients in need. They provide care throughout therapeutic or diagnostic procedures and help reorient patients once they regain consciousness. They also monitor vital signs during surgical operations, assist surgeons and other physicians, and offer pain management techniques when necessary.
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Most nurse anesthetists are also advanced practice registered nurses. This role requires a master's degree in nursing or a related specialty and state licensure following a standardized exam. Nurse anesthetists usually work full time during normal business hours, although the nature of the job may require irregular shifts.
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Dentists help patients improve their oral hygiene and treat issues related to the teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They perform regular cleanings, fill cavities, and repair or extract damaged teeth. At times, they may generate x-rays and make digital models for teeth that require extra care. They also give their patients dietary
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advice and demonstrate proper use of floss and other cleaning agents. Most dentists work in private practice, although some entry-level roles may involve working for more seasoned professionals. A dentist needs a doctoral degree from an accredited program, along with an active license in the state where they work.