Highest Paying Jobs for College Graduates

Updated on April 18, 2021

The cost of living that is continuously on the rise calls for job stability and fulfillment. Considering mortgages, student loans, and other day-to-day living expenses, "minimum wage" just won't cut it! If like many, you aspire for high-paying jobs, it is critical to take into account not only your pay and bonuses but also employment benefits and opportunities for career advancement.

highest paying jobs for college graduates

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics determined in a survey that the country's overall employment rate declined to 3.5%, and the total non-farm payroll employment rose by 136,000. The employment outlook shows a lot of promise as well, with work opportunities projected to grow by 8.4 million from 2018 to 2028.

One of the beststepladders for landing the career of your dreams is to earn a college degree. Whileemployers accept skilled workers without a degree, many professions prefer applicantswho have attained higher education.

  • The Link Between HigherEducation and High-Paying

  • Jobs

Althoughvocational and trade occupations are popular all over the country, jobs thatpay well tend to require a college degree. It affords students a competitiveedge when it comes to employment opportunities. Many employers want their newhires to have formal education and training, ensuring their capability to makea valuable contribution to the company.

Do employers want skilled and competent workers who are degree holders? A Labor Statistics study reports that 174 occupations typically require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. These job posts are expected to grow by 10%, faster than the 7% average projected for all occupations.

While you can landa lucrative job minus the college route, many occupations are too specializedthat they need at least a four-year degree. As technology advances, people needto work on being flexible in mastering the new tools at their disposal. Generally,going to college is equivalent to being better-trained and more knowledgeable—theseare perceived as critical to fulfilling job roles.

How to Find the HighestPaying Career

Choosing a career path and deciding on a degree can be intimidating and often overwhelming. From college tuition costs to the degree's job's market value, there is literally a world of factors to consider. It's not uncommon for students to have issues making up their minds about the college degree to pursue; the future seems so uncertain for them.

Generally, college students ask, "Will my degree and skills in my area of discipline remain valuable for a long time? Will it pay well?"

To land ahigh-paying job, you must be educated and trained in a high-paying field.Determining which industries pay the highest salaries is a massive step toward choosingthe best college degree for you. It is equally important to choose an accreditedcollege or university to raise your chances of making it in your dream career.

Pursuinggraduate studies also pays off as it enhances your credentials and raises your chancesof career advancement.

Job Opportunities byCareer Field

From businessto healthcare and technology, a college education is a must. A college degree isnot only integral to employment; it is also good leverage for just compensationand benefits.

Job employmentopportunities in the field of business are abundant. Positions like marketresearch analysts and marketing specialists are projected to have more openingson average in the period of 2016 to 2026. These occupations require abachelor's degree.

Engineering andarchitecture occupations are also quite in-demand. At the very least, a studentmust have earned a bachelor's degree to qualify. The same is true for financialoccupations like that of accountants and auditors. It has the most openings annually,as projected by the BLS.

Let's explore the best-paying jobs for college graduates!

Electrical Engineer

Electricalengineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing electricaldevices and equipment. This includes communications systems, power generators,motors and navigation systems, and electrical systems for automobiles andaircraft. They also oversee the manufacture of devices, policies, andequipment. Most electrical engineers are required to design and implementcomplex industrial, commercial, and domestic electrical systems.

Otherresponsibilities include accomplishing engineering tasks like operating a computer-assisteddesign or engineering software and equipment. They sometimes need to consultwith customers, engineers, and other professionals to discuss potentialengineering projects. They also have to ensure that installation and operationsmeet the required standards and customer requirements through preparingelectrical systems specifications, technical drawings, or topographical maps.

Electricalengineers may sometimes write reports and compile data about their existing andpotential projects. They also estimate labor, material, and construction cost,which is needed for budget preparation.

Most electricalengineers work for telecommunications, engineering, computing, and utilitycompanies. They also work for consultancies and the armed forces. Typically,they render 40 hours a week, but extra hours are not uncommon due to the needto meet deadlines or resolve design difficulties. Other companies, however,offer flexible working schedules.

Unlike otherprofessions, the job outlook for electrical engineers is predicted to growslowly, at 2%, from 2018 to 2028. There are presently 330,300 electricalengineers in employment.

How Much Does It Pay?

Electricalengineers are expected to receive around $99,070 per year on average or $47.63per hour. Depending on the employer, they can receive common benefits packagelike health and life insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation.

Suggested Degrees:

Product Manager

Productmanagers are responsible for communicating the vision of the highest-levelexecutives to the implementation and the development teams. They considervarious factors to determine and plan how to move a project. They must increasethe profitability of existing products while, at the same time, coordinate thedevelopment of brand new products. One of the tricks they have under theirsleeves is using previously acquired contacts to develop new ideas for a moreprofitable endeavor.

Effective andsuccessful product managers usually have the following qualities:

  • Excellent

    problem-solving skills

  • Exceptionalverbal and written communication skills

  • Interpersonaland people management skills

  • Organizednature

  • Advancedmotivational and self-motivational skills

  • Goal-oriented

  • Highresistance to stress

  • Advancedknowledge of finance and marketing

  • Industrycontacts

According tothe Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an estimated growth of 9% by 2024 concerningemployment for product managers. This projection puts product managers slightlyabove the national average. The expected increase is due to the continuous falland formation of businesses, generating a lot of open positions for productmanagers.

How Much Does It Pay?

The averageannual salary of product managers is $101,615, and the typical tenure for such aposition is one to three years.

Suggested Degrees:

Actuary

In general,actuaries examine the financial costs involved in risk and uncertainty in manyforms. They assess the risk of potential events to help businesses and clientsdevelop policies that minimize the cost of risk. Actuaries are essential to theinsurance industry, so graduates who want one of the highest paying jobs out of college, theycan pursue this profession.

Actuariesutilize database software to compile information. Using advanced statistics andmodeling software, they can forecast the probability of an event occurring.Afterward, they can calculate the potential costs of the event and determinewhether the insurance company has enough money to pay future claims.

Actuariesusually find themselves working in a team. They work hand in hand withmanagers, accounts, and underwriting and finance professionals. When theyforecast demand for new products, actuaries usually work with market researchanalysts. And when they set the price for security offerings, they haveaccountants and financial analysts in their team. In insurance companies,actuaries help design policies and determine the premiums for each policy. Theyensure that they design premiums that are profitable and competitive.

There wereabout 25,000 actuaries in 2018 working in the finance and insurance industries.They provided professional, technical, and scientific services, as well as managedcompanies and enterprises. They also worked for the government. The demand foractuaries is projected to grow by 20% from 2018 to 2028.

How Much Does It Pay?

The medianannual salary of actuaries is $102,880. The wages vary depending on theactuary's years of experience, industry, location, and responsibilities.Experienced actuaries can earn from $150,000 to $250,000 annually — some evenmore. Other compensations include merit increases (for when they gainexperience and pass the actuarial examinations), cash bonuses, salaryincreases, and promotions. The US is expected to need 10,000 actuaries over thenext ten years.

Suggested Degrees:

Software Engineer

Softwareengineering is a discipline for software developers. They are the mastermindsand the creative gears behind computer programs. They create applications focusingon specific tasks on a computer or another device. They also improve the mainsystems that run the devices or control networks.

Softwaredevelopers oversee the development process for a software program. Theirprocess usually starts by asking how the customer plans to use the software. Inasking this question, they can identify the core functionality that users needfrom software programs. They also determine other functions based on the levelof security and performance needs as requirements for the system they aredesigning. After finishing their program design, they give it to theprogrammers for them to build.

Softwaredevelopers with more responsibilities—such as supervision of a software projectfrom the planning stages through implementation—are given a different title.They are also called information technology or IT project managers. Theymonitor the progress and ensures that the project meets deadlines, standards,and cost targets. IT project managers who are in charge of an organization's ITdepartment or policies are included as one of the computer and informationsystems managers.

There were about421,300 software developers in 2018, and the largest employers were computersystems design and related services, manufacturing, finance and insurance,software publishers, and engineering services. The demand for softwaredevelopers is expected to grow by 21% from 2018 to 2028, making it one of the best jobs out of collegefor graduates.

How Much Does It Pay?

The median yearlysalary for software developers is $103,620, and the typical tenure for asoftware engineer is one to three years. The most common benefits they receiveare health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, dental insurance, visioninsurance, tuition reimbursement, life insurance, disability insurance,flexible schedule, parental leave, referral program, and commuter assistance.

Suggested Degrees:

ChemicalEngineer

Knowledgeablein the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, chemicalengineers are tasked to solve chemical production problems. It is also part ofthe job of designing processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing.Most of the time, they also need to plan and test methods of manufacturingproducts, treat byproducts and supervise production.

Most research is done to develop new and improved manufacturing processes. Chemical engineers also apply their knowledge to establish safety procedures for those working with potentially dangerous chemicals. In case of problems in the manufacturing processes, they come to the rescue and do troubleshooting. They evaluate equipment to ensure their compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

There arevarious specializations available for chemical engineers. Some of them are theoxidation process and polymerization. Chemical engineers also specialize in thefield of nanomaterials.

Chemicalengineers are expected to be aware of all the aspects involved in the manufactureof chemicals, drugs, and other products, including the effects of the processin the surrounding environment and the workers and consumers.

Most chemicalengineers work between 35 to 40 hours, but there are instances when they mustput in extra hours to meet production deadlines. It is common for them to workin shift patterns, especially in the case of manufacturing organizations, with a24/7 production cycle. They work in offices and laboratories, spending a lot oftheir time in industrial plants, refineries, and other operating locations.

How Much Does It Pay?

On average,chemical engineers receive a median pay of $104,910 annually or the equivalentof $50.44 per hour. The generous benefits package is provided for them as well,including life and health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacations.

Suggested Degrees:
  • Bachelor

    of Science in Chemical Engineering

  • Masterof Science Science in Chemical Engineering

  • Doctorof Science Science in Chemical Engineering

Nuclear Engineer

The primaryresponsibility of nuclear engineers is to develop procedures and instruments toderive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. They often find otherindustrial and medical uses for radioactive materials as nuclear power sourcesfor ships or spacecraft or equipment used in medical diagnosis and treatment.

Nuclearengineers are also useful in the medical field. They are at the forefront ofdeveloping uses of nuclear material for medical imaging devices like positronemission tomography (PET) scanners. They can also design cyclotrons, whichproduce a high-energy beam that the healthcare industry uses to treat canceroustumors.

There were about 17,700 jobs for nuclear engineers in 2018, and the largest employers were electric power generations, the federal government (excluding postal service), scientific research and development services, manufacturing, and engineering services.

The workingenvironment of nuclear engineers is usually in offices, power plants, federalgovernment buildings, or for consulting firms. Most of them work full-time, andtheir schedules vary depending on the industry they are in. The otherprofessions they work with are mechanical engineers and electrical engineers.

The employmentstatus of nuclear engineer shows little or no change from 2018 to 2028. Thereare an estimated 17,700 current nuclear engineers in the US, and the job marketis expected to grow by 4.0% between 2016 and 2026.

How Much Does It Pay?

The median annual pay for nuclear engineers is $107,600. Their salary ranges depending on factors such as position, education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience. There is an expected demand of 5,300 nuclear engineers in the US over the next ten years.

Suggested Degree:

Bachelor'sDegree in Nuclear Engineering

Optometrist

Optometrists checkthe eyes and other parts of the visual system. They diagnose and treat visualproblems as well as manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes.They are qualified to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. Their dutiesinclude performing vision tests and analyzing results; diagnosing sightproblems like nearsightedness or farsightedness and eye diseases like glaucoma;prescribing glasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids; if allowed by statelaw, prescribing medications; performing minor surgical procedures to treatvisual health issues; providing treatments like vision therapy andrehabilitation, provide pre- and postoperative care to patients; evaluatingpatients for diseases and conditions; and promoting eye and general health bycounseling patients.

Mostoptometrists are self-employed and work in independent offices. Other joboptions for optometrists include doctors' offices and optical goods stores.Their work schedules vary from doctor to doctor.

The employmentof optometrists is expected to grow 24% from 2012 to 2022, much faster than theaverage for all occupations. But since it is a small occupation, a 10-yearperiod will only have about 8,100 new jobs for future optometrists.

How Much Does It Pay?

The median yearlywage for optometrists is $111,790. This salary can vary depending on essentialfactors like the optometrist's education, certifications, additional skills,and experience in the profession.

Suggested Degree:

Doctor ofOptometry

Data Scientist

To become a data scientist, youmust have a strong foundation in multiple areas of study, such as mathematics,computer science, and software engineering. It's challenging to be a datascientist, but all the hard work pays off, literally. Data scientists areconsidered one of the highest-payingentry-level jobs for college graduates in the United States. Aside fromthe excellent pay, the demand for data scientists is also quite high,especially in this age of data-driven tech.

What exactly does a datascientist do, anyway? In a nutshell, data scientists gather and analyze vastamounts of data, and they use the results of their analysis to providesolutions to their client's problems and challenges, as well as proposeinnovations they can undertake. Data scientists emerge as experts in statistics,calculus, linear algebra, a coding language like Python, programming language(usually R), database languages such as SQL, data visualization, and evenmachine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Knowledge of computingsoftware and platforms like Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, and MapReduce is alsohelpful, though it is not precisely required by most employers.

To succeed as a datascientist, however, one must rely not only on their technical skills but alsoon crucial soft skills. One of the most relevant for data scientists is strongcommunication skills, as they need to be able to convey how theirinterpretation of the data and their proposed solutions can help further theorganization they're part of. Data scientists also need to be excellent teamplayers; this is because they will usually work with people from marketing orsales to translate their proposed solutions into concrete action plans. Acreative and open mind is also critical to thriving in the field – the bestdata scientists can see new possibilities in what is otherwise just data andfigures to others.

The occupational outlook fordata scientists is also looking good. The demand for data scientist jobs isexpected to increase by 28% by 2020, according to IBM, with the number of jobopportunities related to data science and analytics projected to reach over2,720,000 in that year. This growth is also much higher than the average ratefor other occupations, making data science a lucrative choice for upcomingcollege graduates.

How Much Does It Pay?

Data collected as of 2020places the average salary for data scientists in the US at $117,345 a year,which could be the highestsalary out of college one can get. This can still go as high as$157,000, while the minimum is around $87,000. Facebook is reported to be oneof the highest paying employers for data scientists, with their rates averaging$145,000. The West Coast area, where a substantial number of data scientists inthe country are concentrated, is also recognized as one of the best locationsin terms of pay.

Suggested Degrees:

Aspiring data scientists can begin by earning a bachelor's degree in data science or mathematics, statistics, business analytics, information technology (IT), computer science, and other similar fields. Then, if they wish to do so, they can opt to proceed with acquiring a master's degree in any of those fields. A doctorate in data science also isn't a requirement, though it may be helpful for those aiming to move up and get into a more leadership-based position.

  • Bachelor's

    Degree in Data Science

  • Master'sDegree in Data Science

  • Doctorof Philosophy in Data Science

Political Scientist

The primaryresponsibility of political scientists is that they study the origin,development, and operation of political systems. They are experts in a widerange of topics like political parties, varying political structures ofdifferent countries, the history of political thought, and globalization. Theyare in demand because they research political ideas and analyze governments,policies, political trends, and other related issues. Their importantresearches also involve the effects of government policies on a particularregion or population, providing information and analysis that greatly help inplanning, developing, or carrying out the procedures.

Theresponsibilities of political scientists include the following:

  • They

    research political subjects like the U.S. political system and foreignrelations.

  • They collectand analyze data from public opinion surveys and other sources.

  • They developand test political theories.

  • Theyevaluate the effects of policies and laws on government, businesses, andpeople.

  • They monitorcurrent events and policy decisions.

  • Theyforecast political, economic, and social trends.

  • They submitresearch results through presentations and published articles.

Politicalscientists usually utilize qualitative methods in their research, gatheringinformation from numerous sources, as well as quantitative methods indeveloping and researching theories. An example of a qualitative approach isanalyzing past government structures and policies using historical documents.On the other hand, an example of quantitative methods is identifying votingpatterns through the analysis of voter registration data.

They evaluate current policies and events using public opinion surveys, economic data, and election results and can work as policy analysts for organizations such as government, labor unions, and political groups.

There were about 6,200 political scientists in 2018, and their largest employers were the federal government; professional, scientific, and technical services; state, local, and private educational services; religious, grant-making, civic, professional, and similar organizations; and self-employed workers.

Politicalscientists are mostly needed in political organizations, lobbying firms, laborunions, and organizations that research or advocate for specific causes likeimmigration policy, healthcare, or the environment. Political scientists withadvanced degrees, persuasive writing and analytical skills, and experienceresearching or performing policy analysis have strong job prospects.

There is aprojected growth of 5% for the employment of political scientists from 2018 to2028. Political scientists face strong competition for jobs due to the small numberof positions and many qualified candidates. The US is expected to need 6,300political scientists over the next ten years.

How Much Does It Pay?

The medianannual salary for political scientists is $117,570. Currently, there are anestimated 7,300 political scientists in the US.

Suggested Degrees:

Physicist

It is the jobof the physicists to research physical phenomena, devises hypotheses, conductsexperiments, and draw conclusions from experimental data to make sense of theworld.

Most physiciststend to choose a particular specialization, whether it is particle physics,quantum mechanics, astrophysics, geophysics, biophysics, nanophysics, condensedmatter physics, or atomic physics. Part of their job is to describe and expressobservations and conclusions in mathematical terms. They also design computersimulations to model physical data with the goal of better understanding theprocess.

Physicists may developtheories and laws that apply to nuclear energy, optics, and aerospacetechnology. They learn to use equipment such as lasers, telescopes, and masersto explore and identify the basic principles of the structure and properties ofmatter. Some of them need to perform complex calculations to evaluate andanalyze data.

Many of them goon to work in the field of research and development, academia, engineering,computer science, and electronics. Physicists are sometimes invited toscientific conferences where they present and report experimental results. Theymay also indicate their findings by writing papers for scientific journals.

Most physicistswork in offices, but it is also common for them to conduct their research inlaboratories and observatories. Currently, there are more than 21,000 employedphysicists in the country. It is expected to grow by 9% between 2018 and 2028.

How Much Does It Pay?

Physicists havea median salary of $119,580 per year or $57.49 every hour. Just like otherhigh-paying jobs, they are also entitled to employment benefits, which mayinclude health and life insurance, pension plans, paid holidays and vacations,and bonuses. Many physicists also supplement their income by doing research andconsulting work.

Suggested Degrees:
  • Bachelor

    of Science in Physics

  • Masterin Physics

  • Doctorof Philosophy in Physics

Lawyer

Held as one of the most esteemed professions, lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings. They can represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies.

It is their jobto draw up legal documents and advise clients on legal transactions. They caneither represent the plaintiff or the defendant. Their role is to advance theirclients' cases through oral argument and written documents. They also need toexplain to the clients how the situation applies to the law. Lawyers often appear in the court before thejudge to argue motions. They are also tasked to follow up whenever a courtdecision has been handed down, or a settlement has been reached. This willensure that all parties are doing what they are ordered to do.

Lawyers conductresearch and analyze legal problems. They need to interpret laws, rulings, andregulations for individuals and businesses. Not only do they need to argue ontheir clients' behalf verbally, but they also need to do this in writing. Theyhave to prepare and file legal documents, including lawsuits, appeals, wills,contracts, and deeds.

Usually,lawyers need a license from the state to practice their profession. They canwork for private firms or in-house legal counsel for a company. There are alsoa lot of job opportunities in the public sector and non-profit organizations.

While lawyersgenerally earn higher salaries compared to other professions, they are expectedto face challenges like very long hours at work and the high pressure of achievingthe best results for the people they are representing and the firm where theywork. Sometimes they even need to work for as much as 50 hours a week.

In the present,there are 823,900 lawyers all over the country. Their employment growth isprojected to increase by 6%, as fast as the average for all occupations, from2018 t0 2028.

How Much Does It Pay?

According toBLS, lawyers are paid $120,910 per year on average or $58.13 per hour. Manylawyers can also expect to receive bonuses and pay increases every year. Thosewho work full-time often have health insurance coverage as well as annualleave, sick leave, and paid holidays.

Suggested Degrees:

Financial Manager

Considered one of the highest paying finance jobs out of college, financial managers can be employed in a variety of industries and enjoy a job outlook that is much higher than the average. But what does a financial manager do? Financial managers are in charge of maintaining the financial health of the organization they are working for. They do this in several ways. They prepare financial reports, statements, and forecasts. They also oversee the employees in charge of the organization's budgeting and financial reporting.

In addition, financialmanagers give input on the investment direction of the company, as well asstrategies to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and maximize profits based on theiranalysis of the company's financial data.

As they are also stillmanagers, the hiring and training of the workforce for their team may also fallunder their responsibilities. They can be hired in various industries; asidefrom the usual employment opportunities in insurance companies and banks, theycan also be employed by non-profit, government, or healthcare organizations –basically, any organization that has the capital and needs someone to make surethat its financial health remains stable or thriving. Whatever industry a financialmanager chooses to be part of, it is crucial that they learn the specificfinancial laws for that industry (e.g., tax laws, which can vary byindustry).

The US Bureau of LaborStatistics (BLS) forecasts a healthy growth of up to 16% until 2028 forfinancial manager employment opportunities. This translates to a more specificfigure of 758,000 financial manager jobs by 2028. Aspiring financial managers,it seems, will not have to worry much about their options for employment in thecoming years.

How Much Does It Pay?

As of the latter half of2019, estimates place the annual median salary for a financial manager to bearound $121,893. Data shows that financial managers in New York and SanFrancisco, California are more likely to receive higher salaries than thenational average, while those employed in Florida or Texas might have slightlylower rates.

Suggested Degrees:

Pharmacist

A common misconception isthat pharmacists are merely people who dispense medicine at a drugstore orpharmacy. Though that is indeed one of the tasks fulfilled by pharmacists, theyalso do a lot more than just that.

Firstly, pharmacists areassigned to ensure the steady supply of medicines at their place of employment,as well as checking the quality and safety of these medicines. They are thenresponsible for making sure that the correct medication is prescribed anddispensed to patients. Pharmacists are also expected to provide helpfulinformation to these patients about the medicine they are taking, includingthings like the possible side effects, proper dosage, and other clarificationsthe patient might have. They also make sure to check the patient's medicalrecord or list of other medications being taken to make sure that no dangerousinteractions will occur. People who are unsure about what medication to takefor a specific health issue or symptom can initially consult with a pharmacist foradvice and suggestions. As expected from a career that involves dealing withmultiple people every day, communication skills are essential for pharmacistsfor them to be able to effectively relay instructions, advice, and usefulinformation to their clients.

One of the lesser-known responsibilities of pharmacists is that they provide services like blood pressure measurement, assistance with smoking cessation, shots or vaccinations, and cholesterol management. In addition, some pharmacists may also do compounding, which is the creation of a patient-specific, customized medication that is a mix of several other medications, on the occasion that the existing medication cannot meet the patient's needs.

Aside from working atpharmacies and other healthcare provider settings, pharmacists can also beemployed by pharmaceutical manufacturers. In this case, their tasks are morefocused on the supervision of medicine production and doing quality assurance.

Presently, it is expectedthat the demand for pharmacists in pharmacy and drug store settings maydecline; however, the projection is more favorable for those employed inclinics and hospitals. These two differences cancel out each other, which putsthe overall growth in employment for pharmacists at 0% for the ten-year rangeof 2018 to 2028.

How Much Does It Pay?

The pay for pharmacists isquite high, with the annual average placed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) at $126,120, and it is considered one of the highest paying jobs after college. Thepresent range is estimated to be from a low of $87,790 to a high of $161,250.General merchandise stores are one of the best paying employers of pharmacists,while pharmacies and drug stores are surprisingly some of the lower-payingemployers. It might also be useful to note that most general merchandise storeslike Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens pay pharmacists by the hour.

Suggested Degrees:

To become a pharmacist, atwo- or four-year pre-pharmacy degree is needed; the main difference betweenthe two is that four-year degrees incorporate general education courses for amore well-rounded experience, while two-year degrees concentrate on thenecessary courses to prepare students for pharmacy. Next, students should passthe PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) and proceed with a four-yearpharmacy program that will earn them a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD). Someschools also offer a six-year PharmD program that students can take immediatelyafter high school and no longer requires completion of a pre-pharmacy degree.

After graduation, they canthen take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), theMulti-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam, as well as the practical and written examsto be registered and licensed as a pharmacist. Up to two years of additionaltraining through residency programs can also be taken afterward, should one beinterested in specializing further.

Flight Engineer

Flight engineers are one of the most valued crew members of an airplane. They are the ones who ensure that all components of the aircraft are working correctly. In the case of mechanical issues, they must do repairs and maintenance. It is also their job to interpret complicated flight-related gauges and instruments while helping the pilots navigate.

In the modernage of technology, however, the responsibilities of flight engineers areseverely diminished. Automated computer programs can now take over their tasksat a much lower cost. For the military and other companies operating largeraircraft, flight engineers are still as valuable as ever. The risks ofmechanical problems are significantly higher, requiring the help of skilledflight engineers. Some countries need three- and four-engine aircraft toinclude a licensed flight engineer on their crew.

The roles of flight engineers begin on the ground before takeoff. They are responsible for inspecting the aircraft and determining whether it is safe for use. They have a checklist before the flight that they need to complete before they are cleared to depart, including checking fluid leaks or improperly inflated tires.

Their expertisealso extends aboard the aircraft. They monitor the computer systems and watchout for irregularities. Mechanical instruments like fuel gauges, pressureindicators, wing flaps, and landing gears are also part of their area ofproficiency. Flight engineers help the pilot in checking the weather patternsas well as determining how much fuel is required for the overall flight. Airconditioning, cabin airflow, electrical system, and engine power are allcontrolled by the flight engineers, adjusting them if necessary.

It is alsoworth noting that most flight engineers are also licensed pilots. They can flythe aircraft if the situation calls for it. After the trip, they are expectedto submit a completed flight log. Should there be mechanical issues, it istheir job to contact the mechanics and arrange for repairs.

How Much Does It Pay?

Flightengineers have a median salary of $129,250 annually. However, this can significantlyvary depending on the type of flight, hours, and miles flown, the type ofplane, and the length of service. Their benefits package includes paid sick,vacation, and holidays leaves as well as life and health insurance andretirement plans. Their families are also often entitled to a certain amount offree air transportation or reduced fare.

Suggested Degrees:

PetroleumEngineer

Petroleumengineers develop procedures for extracting oil and gas using the principles ofgeoscience and physics. In other words, they extract oil and gas from depositsbelow the earth's surface. Not only that, but they also devise new ways toextract oil and gas from older wells.

After they havestruck oil and gas, petroleum engineers coordinate with geoscientists and otherspecialists to determine the geologic formation of the rocks containing thereservoir. Afterward, they discover the drilling methods, design the drillingequipment, implement the drilling plan, and monitor the operations. Theyconduct further researches and try to develop new ways to recover more of theoil and gas since the current best extraction method only improve only aportion of the oil and gas in a reservoir.

There were about 33,500 petroleum engineers in 2018, and the largest employers of petroleum engineers were oil and gas extraction, management of companies and enterprises, support activities for mining, petroleum and coal products manufacturing, and engineering services. As for their work environment, petroleum engineers work in offices or at drilling and well sites, frequently traveling to visit job sites or to meet with other engineers, oilfield workers, and customers.

There arecurrently an estimated 33,700 petroleum engineers in the US. The need forpetroleum engineers has grown for the past ten years, and employment isprojected to grow 3% from 2018 to 2028.

How Much Does it Pay?

The median annual salary for petroleum engineers is $132,000. It is 105% above the national average and is one of the best paying jobs out of college. An entry-level petroleum engineer can earn $77,546. The top five highest paying industries are in oil and gas extraction; management of companies and enterprises; basic chemical manufacturing; scientific research and developmental services; and machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers.

Suggested Degrees:

Architectural and EngineeringManager

Architectural and engineeringmanagers focus on the overall planning and execution of tasks and activities inarchitectural and engineering companies. Planning includes research anddevelopment of new products or projects and proposing the budget, workforce,time, and other resources needed.

Staff hiring for the projects they handle may also be part of the architectural and engineering manager's scope. When their projects finally get off the ground, they are expected to supervise their staff to ensure that tasks are done correctly, and the timeline is followed, test and refine processes, troubleshoot issues, and regularly provide status reports to their supervisors until the successful completion of the project. They must also be well-versed in the various regulations, codes, and approval methods required by the government for architectural and engineering projects.

Despite the U.S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics (BLS)'s forecast that overall employment for architectural andengineering managers will only grow 3% within a span of ten years (from 2018 to2028)—which is a little slower than average compared to other industries—this jobstill remains one of the best paying options for college graduates in thecountry. However, when it comes explicitly to the engineering servicesindustry, the employment growth is slightly higher at 7% for architectural andengineering managers, due to the upkeep or renovations that come with aginginfrastructure.

Knowledge of specificsoftware might be required by some places of employment for architectural andengineering managers; examples would be computer-aided design (CAD) softwareand database management software like MySQL or MongoDB.

Aside from the apparent foundation in architecture and engineering, project management and organizational skills are extremely important for anyone who is considering becoming an architectural and engineering manager, as they will be expected to juggle a team of people, as well as be responsible for budgets and finances, and timelines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills will also come in handy for the various proposals, negotiations, and collaboration that are part and parcel of being an architectural and engineering manager.

How Much Does It Pay?

The annual median pay forarchitectural and engineering managers is roughly $135,774, and the range isusually from $121,841 and a high of $150,725. The Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) data reveal that California seems to be one of the top-paying states forarchitectural and engineering managers, with the highest average in the statereaching up to $174,650.

Suggested Degrees:

To become an architectural and engineering manager, complete a bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering. Since the position involves management, it is ideal for one to gain several years of experience as an architect or engineer to be considered for the job. Some also move on to earning a master's in business administration (MBA) or the more specific master's in engineering management to acquire the skills needed to become a manager. Another option is to earn a Master's in Architectural Engineering.

Pilot

As one of themost glamorous jobs, being a pilot requires one to fly different types ofaircraft, ranging from airplanes to helicopters. The pilot's primary task involvestransporting passengers and cargo across long distances within the country andbeyond. A pilot can be a captain or a co-pilot. One can also be a First Officer.

It is the pilot's responsibility to operate the aircraft, liaise with air traffic controllers, make sure the aircraft instruments are working correctly, and check weather conditions. They also must select safe and efficient flight routes and determine any risk that might occur. They are also required to create reports about any incident they encounter. And, most importantly, they need to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers, crew, and the aircraft.

Since they needto be physically fit, pilots must pass a health check to ensure that they arehealthy enough to fly an aircraft. Pilots also need to be trained and acquirethe necessary skills for the profession. They need to be organized, have mathskills, and be able to make quick decisions. A good reflex is also required aswell as their ability to remain calm under stressful situations. Pilots arealso expected to have close attention to details and speak more than onelanguage.

Pilots can beemployed in different settings. They can be in a passenger airline, a privateaircraft, or even in the military. They have variable work schedules, whichmeans overnight layovers are pretty standard.

Before theybecome a pilot, they must first get a license from the Federal government. Theage requirement is to be more than 18 years old. They must also acquire theneeded 250 hours of flying to qualify for a license. Commercial pilotapplicants must be over 23 years old and have flown at least 1,500 hours.

In the country,there are 124,300 airline and commercial pilots as of 2018. This is expected togrow by 6% over ten years. Employment opportunities are predicted to come fromthe need to replace pilots who are retiring over the projection period.

How Much Does It Pay?

According todata, the median annual wage for airline pilots and copilots is around$140,340. Aside from their salaries, they are also provided with health, life,vision, and dental insurance. A retirement plan is also part of the package.Pilots can also expect to receive vacation time, which can often increaseincrementally based on the years of service. Their downtime can be as much astwo weeks monthly. Their families can also benefit from free travel perks.

Suggested Degrees:

Marketing Manager

Most businesseshave a marketing arm, which is often responsible for promoting the brand andproducts or services.

Theresponsibilities of a marketing manager depend on the size of the business andthe industry they are in. Some marketing managers are tasked to put togetherestimates and budgets needed for marketing campaigns. They need to submitproposals for approval. Sometimes, they are required to work with advertisingagencies or manage an in-house team.

Many marketingmanagers are involved in negotiations, helping the sales team in theirpreparations, and coordinating with the sales department to ensure a seamlesssynergy between sales and marketing. There are instances when they are alsorequired to prepare sales and advertising contracts and review advertisingmaterials, whether they are for print, TV commercials, or digitalpromotions.

Their primaryrole, however, lies in creating promotional information that drives thebusiness forward. They create a sound marketing strategy across multiple channelsand test new opportunities that arise.

As marketingmanagers, they are expected to evaluate performances of the marketingcampaigns, determining which areas are successful and which ones needimprovement. It is also part of their job descriptions to address customerservice problems that may arise by improving the customer experience through asolid marketing strategy.

Along withadvertising and promotions managers, marketing managers in the country numberaround 286,800. This number is expected to grow by 8% from 2018 to 2028.

How Much Does It Pay?

The mean annualsalary for marketing managers is around $147,240 per year. Standard benefitsinclude paid vacation and sick days, as well as medical and dental packages. Someemployers provide a cell phone or car, as needed.

Suggested Degrees:

Prosthodontist

Prosthodontistsspecialize in constructing crowns, dentures, bridges, and other types of teethreplacement. They are also called dental surgeons. Specifically, they createand design prostheses that replace missing teeth. They also correct mouth andjaw deformations. Their work significantly improves lifestyles as they helprestore and maintain oral functions like chewing and speaking, making them feelnormal among their peers. On the more artistic side, they help improve physicalappearance.

Theresponsibilities of a prosthodontist include the following:

  • They measure

    and take impressions of patients' jaws and teeth, determining the shape andsize of dental prostheses. They use face bows, dental articulators, recordingdevices, and other materials.

  • They replacemissing teeth with permanent fixtures like implant-supported prostheses,crowns, and bridges. They also construct removable accessories such asdentures.

  • They designand fabricate dental prostheses. If they don't do it themselves, they must bepresent to supervise dental technicians and laboratory bench workers whoconstruct the devices.

  • They fitprostheses to patients and make any necessary adjustments and modifications.

  • They restorefunction and aesthetics to traumatic injury victims, individuals with diseases,or patients with congenital disabilities.

  • Theycollaborate with general dentists, specialists, and other health professionalsto plan, provide treatment, and develop solutions to oral health concerns.

  • They treatfacial pain and jaw joint problems.

Prosthodontists are required to complete a residency program, where they study the specifics of prosthodontics. After completing their required studies, they have the option to join other dentists and specialists or open an independent practice, taking on the responsibility of overseeing their employees and dealing with all the administrative tasks. Prosthodontics, however, is an extremely small field. According to the American Dental Association, there are only 3,500 prosthodontists working in the U.S.

How Much Does It Pay?

The averageannual salary of prosthodontists is $249,195 and is ranked #7 in Best HealthCare Jobs.

Suggested Degrees:
  • Doctor

    of Dental Surgery

  • Doctorof Dental Medicine

Dentist

The role of dentistsis primarily diagnosing and treating problems with patients' teeth, gums, andrelated parts of the mouth. It is their job to advise their patients on gum or teethhealth and care, including the diet choices that can impact their oral health.

Aside fromdental and oral hygiene examination, dentists also need to perform dentaltreatments like fillings and teeth extractions. Some patients seek help inteeth whitening, as well. Dentists must have ample knowledge about usingtechnical equipment like x-ray machines to determine the problem. They alsomust keep records for each patient.

Since dentistsneed to cooperate with patients, practice receptionists, and medical nurses,they are required to have excellent communication skills. Other skills expectedfrom them include ability, leadership skills, organizational skills, patience,physical stamina, problem-solving skills, and a detail-oriented mind.

Dentists oftenwork for private clinics and health centers, but there are many others whoserve the public. Those who are in full-time employment usually work from 9 to5, but self-employed dentists have the freedom to work around their schedule.Most of the time, they work with a small staff or with other dentist partners.

Licensurerequirements vary for each state, but most candidates are required to completean accredited dental program and pass the written and clinical exams.

Dentistry as ajob is likely to grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for alloccupations. Its predicted growth is based on the projected aging of the populationas well as research linking oral health to overall health. There are 155,000dentists in the country as of 2018.

How Much Does It Pay?

Dentists canexpect to receive a median annual pay of $156,240 or $75.12 per hour. They arealso entitled to healthcare coverage as well as vacation leave and holiday pay.Some employers also include a myriad of benefits like tax-free housing, mealallowances, clinical practice liability coverage, and relocation expensereimbursement.

Suggested Degrees:

Nurse Anesthetists

Though most people probablyusually think that doctors receive the best salary rates in the medical field,nurses can also earn a top income, especially those involved in theadministration of anesthetics.

The complete term for thesenurses is a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNAs), a type of advancedpractice registered nurse (APRN). They are not to be confused withanesthesiologists, who are medical doctors specializing in anesthesia andperioperative medicine. Nurse anesthetists are assigned wherever there may be aneed for anesthesia and pain management, usually in surgical centers, operatingrooms, intensive care units, labor and delivery units, trauma care, andcardiothoracic care areas. They may also be employed in dental clinics, painmanagement centers, plastic surgery clinics, and even in the military's medicalfacilities.

The tasks of a nurseanesthetist are mainly the following: assessment and preparation of thepatient's state, the administering itself of anesthesia, the monitoring ofanesthesia levels and vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure that thepatient remains pain-free and safe, and overseeing the patient throughout theirrecovery from the anesthesia.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) reveals that the profession began back during the Civil War when nurses had to administer anesthesia to soldiers who had been wounded in the fighting. In the present day, nurse anesthetists will still be faced with a lot of emergency cases and time-sensitive situations, and to become a good nurse anesthetist, one must be able to work and make sound critical decisions even under immense pressure. However, the good news is that they are also compensated very well for their hard work. Nurse anesthetists, along with nurse-midwives and other nursing practitioners, are also very much in demand, with the overall job growth for them currently placed at a very high 28% for the next several years until 2028.

How Much Does It Pay?

The annual median wage fornurse anesthetists is $167,950. The top employers for them are physicianoffices, with over 20,000 in employment, while it is the outpatient carecenters that seem to pay nurse anesthetists best, with the annual mean wage fortheir employees at $194,570. Texas is considered the state with the highestemployment level, while the state of Montana is where the mean annual salary isthe highest, at $246,370.

Suggested Degrees:

To pursue a career as a nurseanesthetist, several steps need to be taken. A bachelor of science in Nursing mustfirst be completed. Next, one must become a registered nurse (RN) and gain atleast a year's worth of experience in an intensive care unit (ICU), emergencyroom (ER) setting, or other acute care areas. Proceed with a two- or three-yearmaster's degree in nurse anesthesia that is industry-accredited. Finally, theNational Certification Examination conducted by the National Board ofCertification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) must bepassed.

Pediatrician

Pediatriciansdiagnose, treat, and help prevent children's diseases and injuries. Theirspecialization is in caring for young people — from infants to young adults.Their responsibilities include diagnosis and treatment of medical conditionsand issues that are specific to the younger population. They need to takepatients' medical histories, examine patients, order necessary medical tests,and create a plan of treatment for the patients. They also administervaccinations, provide preventative healthcare, and teach patients and theirparents about proper healthcare such as hygiene and nutrition. Pediatricianswork in full-time positions and station themselves in physicians' offices. Theyare usually on-call and have irregular work hours.

To be apediatrician, one must earn a medical degree, complete a residency inpediatrics, and secure a license. The current total estimate of pediatriciansin the US is 29,600, and the job market is expected to grow by 15.2% between2016 and 2026. The projection is that in the next ten years, the US will need5,600 pediatricians — basing on the current 4,500 additional pediatricians andthe retirement of 1,100 existing pediatricians.

How Much Does It Pay?

The averageannual income for pediatricians is $183,240, with a growth outlook of +14% from2014 to 2024. The base salary depends on factors such as the pediatrician'seducation, level of experience, location, and the industry where he or sheworks. According to Medscape, self-employed pediatricians earn higher thanemployed pediatricians, where self-employed pediatricians get $231,000, andemployed pediatricians only get $206,000. However, more pediatricians areemployed than independent, since the younger workforce chooses a steadierincome and more regular work hours.

Suggested Degrees:
  • Doctor

    of Medicine

  • Doctorof Osteopathic Medicine

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The word Chief ExecutiveOfficer or CEO is mentioned frequently as the dream job of many in the businessindustry, and it is usually thought of as a job where you are your boss (aswell as the boss of an entire company). It's not quite as simple as that, asbeing a CEO covers a wide range of responsibilities, and the workload and somespecific skills required may vary depending on the type of company they're in.

Nevertheless, there are stillresponsibilities and expectations that are universal to all CEOs, no matterwhat industry they may be in. First of all, chief executive officers are incharge of setting a vision and direction for their company – these will thenserve as the basis for the decisions and strategies they will undertake as acompany. CEOs also lead the top executives of the company through training,mentoring, and regular evaluation. They must also be in close coordination withthe company's board of directors when it comes to company-wide decisions.Though not exactly an official task, CEOs are also generally considered to be theface of their company, which means their reputation in the industry and thecommunity must be positive and beneficial for their organization.

The US Bureau of LaborStatistics expects the ten-year job outlook (from 2018 to 2028) for topexecutives to be around the national average, at 6%. As of 2018, there wereover 2.6 million top executives all across the country; however, data on howmany of these executives were specifically CEOs is not available.

How Much Does It Pay?

Since there are multitudes ofcompanies that have huge variations when it comes to income and operatingscale, CEOs may also have significant differences in their pay depending on thecompany they're leading. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimatedthat, in the United States, the median wage for CEOs is generally $200,140 peryear. Most of the time, it is CEOs in the investment industry who earn thehighest (with the annual mean figure alone reaching up to $284,000), followedby those in the natural gas and pipeline industries.

Suggested Degrees:

CEOs come from all backgrounds.Some set up their own companies even without completing college, while somerise to the ranks from employee to CEO. However, the common expectation,regardless of the company, would be for a CEO to have in-depth knowledge ofbusiness and management. Thus, a bachelor's degree in a business-related field,as well as a master's in business administration, would be good choices forsomeone who wants to move up to an executive position.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatristsare physicians who are responsible for diagnosing and treating people whosuffer from mental illnesses and disorders. Although they work in a variety ofsettings, psychiatrists are often found in hospitals, private practices,clinics, and nursing homes.

Their jobentails providing therapy, either individual or in a group, to gain insightinto the patient's history and help them address their problems. There aretimes when patients are required to take medications or, in some instances,even get hospitalized. In the case of the latter, psychiatrists are expected towork with other medical professionals to design a treatment plan for patientsas well as monitor their progress.

Some of theskills needed for good psychiatrists include strong communication skills. Thisis valuable when they need to collaborate with other professionals. Moreimportantly, they need to communicate well with their patients and get to thebottom of the problem. In some cases, a psychiatrist needs to talk to thepeople who are close to the patients, such as their parents, spouse, orchildren.

It is part ofthe psychiatrist's responsibilities to refer psychological testing for apatient, offer talk therapy or psychotherapy as well as prescribing medicationthat can alter their chemical imbalances.

Knowledge of Psychologyand Sociology is also required. These two disciplines are integral in helpingpsychiatrists identify behavioral patterns and address them. They also need tobe compassionate and patient in this job.

Currently,there are 25,630 psychiatrists in employment all over the country. This numberis expected to increase by 3.9% in the coming years.

How Much Does It Pay?

The median annual salary for psychiatry is $220,380 or $105.95 per hour. Other compensations include bonuses, health insurance for mental, medical, vision, life, disability, malpractice coverage, vacation, and sick leaves and other holidays, a contributory retirement play, and an offsite retreat. Some psychiatrists are self-employed, having set up their clinics. They can set their schedules and choose the cases they want to handle.

Suggested Degrees:

Just like mostmedical professions, psychiatrists are required to complete an extensiveeducation.

Orthodontist

When it comesto oral cavity anomalies and dental malocclusions, patients usually ask thehelp of orthodontists. They are tasked to realign and straighten teeth and jawswith the use of orthodontic retainers and braces.

Their job alsoentails the study of the medical and dental histories of the patients,analyzing the results of their X-rays, developing their treatment plans,preparing treatment records, and providing cost estimates. Sometimes,orthodontists may also be required to design retainers, lingual and labial archwires,and space maintainers.

Apart from thetechnical aspect of their jobs, orthodontists need to interact with otherdoctors and staff as well. They are responsible for educating patients aboutproper eating and teeth-cleaning habits. If needed, patients can go to them forcheck-ups and adjustments of dental fittings.

Their required skills include identifying and applying the correct dental fixtures. They should possess keen attention to detail, necessary knowledge for diagnosis, and the patience to monitor the patient in case the initial treatment does not work as planned.

Just likemedical doctors, orthodontists need to complete post-secondary education aswell as additional requirements beyond dental school and residency, such aspassing the American Board of Orthodontics.

Mostorthodontists begin their careers as associates of established dentists. Oncethey gain the required experience, they can have the option of building their orthodonticspractices. Many also venture out to research work or accept faculty positionsin dental schools.

Orthodontistsoften work in health care facilities, enjoying clean, well-lit, and comfortableoffices. They have flexible work hours, being able to adjust their schedules tomeet the needs of their patients. Sometimes, they work in the evenings or evenon weekends. Most orthodontists clock in a total of 35 to 40 hours every week.

How Much Does It Pay?

Orthodontistscan expect a median annual salary of $225,760 or $108.54 per hour. Theirbenefits package includes health coverage, life insurance, retirement plans,and paid vacation. Many employers also offer long-term disability insurance andopportunities for training and continuing education courses.

Suggested Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology

  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

  • Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

  • Doctor of Dental Medicine

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery

Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Obstetrician gynecologists, also called OB-GYNs, specialize in the medical care of women, specifically in the areas of female reproductive and menstrual health, pregnancy and childbirth, and menopause, among others. Doctors in this field have one of the highest salaries in the countries, but of course, the path leading to this career takes some time and requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

OB-GYNs either have their privatepractice or are employed at hospitals or other healthcare providers. They canperform a variety of medical procedures, from cesarean sections,hysterectomies, and cyst removals to the more conventional methods like breastexams, pap smears, and pelvic ultrasounds. Obstetrician gynecologists can alsospecialize further. There are currently four recognized areas of specializationfor OB-GYNs: maternal-fetal medicine (centers on high risk pregnancies), reproductiveendocrinology (specializing in fertility and treatments such as in vitrofertilization or insemination), gynecologic oncology (treatment of cancers thatcommonly affect among women), and urogynecology (treatment of urinary problemsin women). In addition, OB-GYNs can also serve as a sort of generalpractitioner for women.

It is expected by the Bureauof Labor Statistics (BLS) that the industry will grow up to 18% by 2024 in theUnited States, which is higher than average. California currently has thehighest employment level for OB-GYNs in the entire country, with nearly 2,000practicing the profession in the state.

How Much Does It Pay?

Obstetrician gynecologistsare paid, on average, $238,320 a year, with medical and diagnostic laboratoriesbeing their top payers. This figure puts OB-GYNs among the top ten highestpaying jobs in the entire country for college graduates. However, like manymedical professions, the hours for OB-GYNs can be long and the work can bedemanding (especially since almost all OB-GYNs are on call for emergencies andhave varying shifts), with many of them putting in 40 to 60 hours a week onaverage. Nevertheless, for those who are passionate about helping people,especially women, a profession in obstetrics and gynecology can be rewardingboth financially and emotionally.

Suggested Degrees:

For those interested inbecoming an obstetrician-gynecologist, they must begin with a pre-medicinedegree like human biology or physical sciences (or even any bachelor's degreeas long as it is accepted by their medical school of choice). The next stepwould be to take and pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), so theycan proceed with medical school, where they may be able to choose individualclasses or clinical rotations that are more geared towards obstetrics orgynecology, which will take usually take four years. They must then follow itwith a one-year internship and medical residency (lasting for about three toseven years), where they can formally specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.Lastly, they must successfully obtain a license via the United States MedicalLicensing Examination (USMLE), which is required before they can officiallypractice their profession as an OB-GYN.

  • Bachelor's

    in Human Biology

  • Bachelor'sin Physical Sciences/other pre-medicine programs

  • Doctorof Medicine

Oral and MaxillofacialSurgeon

This specialization amongdentists, especially the maxillofacial specialization (which refers to themaxilla, or the jaw), may not be as well known to most people compared toorthodontics or periodontics, but oral and maxillofacial surgeons are some of mostwell-paid doctors in the entire country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)counts the number of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the US to be around4,830 as of the year 2018, and many US states currently do not have apracticing oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This figure is lower compared toother dental or medical professions, and in turn, the demand is quite high –from 2016 to 2026, job opportunities for oral and maxillofacial surgeons areexpected by the BLS to grow by 19.1%.

Oral and maxillofacialsurgeons' expertise is in performing surgeries on the tissues of the face,mouth, and jaw areas. These types of operations can be very complicated, makingthis a challenging and demanding career with long hours, but professionals inthis field are compensated highly in return. Some examples of procedures doneby oral and maxillofacial surgeons are tooth extraction, cleft lip or cleftpalate surgery, tumor removals, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, andeven cosmetic procedures like cheekbone implants. They are also trained todiagnose oral, head and neck cancer, and also provide treatment. As their workrevolves around invasive surgery, oral and maxillofacial, surgeons also readX-ray results for teeth, jaws, and surrounding areas, administer anesthesia,and prescribe medications for pain management after surgery or for treatment.

How Much Does It Pay?

Oral and maxillofacialsurgeons receive $242,370, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The states of Washington, Oregon, and Ohio are the top three highest payinglocations for professionals in this field.

Suggested Degrees:

The education track followedby oral and maxillofacial surgeons is quite similar to that of students aimingto become doctors. They begin with a pre-med or pre-dental bachelor's degree,and then they intend to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT) conducted by theAmerican Dental Association (ADA) to get into dental school. In dental school,students spend anywhere from three to five years to earn a Doctor of DentalSurgery (DDS) degree. Then comes residency specializing in oral andmaxillofacial surgery, followed by acquiring certification from the AmericanBoard of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Fellowship is optional but willgreatly benefit those who wish to keep up with the ever-changing industry ortake on a more specific sub-specialty.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Biology / Physical Sciences / other pre-medicine or pre-dental programs

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree

  • Oral and Maxillofacial or Surgery Residency Program

  • Fellowship Program in Chosen Sub-specialty

Plastic Surgery

The plastic surgeons' job generally improves the quality of life of their patients. Their specialty focuses on changing the appearance of various body parts or facial features through surgery. Part of their responsibilities include examination, diagnosis, and treats patients with abnormal structures of the body, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumor, or disease. They review the patient's history to confirm if there is a need for surgery and determine the instruments and methods of surgery to use that will render the most successful results. A group of reconstructive surgery specialists usually work together to perform corrective procedures for congenital disabilities or natal injuries. Oncologists regularly consult plastic surgeons since some cancer surgeries may change the patient's appearance, and the plastic surgeon can help lessen the damage.

However, somefocus more on elective procedures like facelifts, rhinoplasty, and breastaugmentation and reduction. Other services they provide include in-servicetraining as needed to address new technology in health care treatment.

To be a plasticsurgeon, one needs a license to practice. The plastic surgeon's tasks includeperforming cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, evaluating patients,determining appropriate surgery and treatment schedule, and participating inpatient care plans.

There is a risein the demand for plastic surgeons over the last five years to 2020. This isdue to the interest of the aging population and the positive public perceptionof plastic surgery. Thanks to technological advances, there are now safer andless-expensive procedures that will convince consumers to avail of plasticsurgery services.

The AmericanSociety of Plastic Surgeons says that their members performed at least 17 millionsurgical and minimally invasive, aesthetic procedures in 2018. Compared to theprevious year, the number is nearly 277,000 more cosmetic procedures. Other proceduresfor body enhancement include non-invasive fat reduction, surgical breastaugmentation, and liposuction.

The totalrevenue for plastic surgery in 2020 has amassed to $18 billion. The number ofplastic surgery businesses is now 7,955, and industry employment is 52,305. Theannual growth from 2014 to 2020 is 4.8%. The cosmetic surgery market isprojected to grow by a whopping $21.97 billion by 2023.

How Much Does It Pay?

The averageannual income of plastic surgeons is $264,399, and they are among the topearners of all physician specialties. Graduates who want to get one of the top-paying jobs out of collegewill do well if they pursue plastic surgery. An entry-level plastic surgeonwith less than one year experience can expect to earn an average totalcompensation of $266,565—including tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. Plasticsurgeons in Los Angeles, California, make an average of 11.5% more than thenational average, while those in San Francisco, California make 10.7% more.

Suggested Degrees:

Medical Doctor,or Doctor of Osteopathy with F.A.C.S. (Fellow, American College of Surgeons)after his or her name.

Anesthesiologist

During surgery,anesthesiologists play an essential role. They are responsible for surgicalpatients' pain relief by administering anesthetics during procedures. They mustdetermine the amount of drugs administered and to adjust the dosageaccordingly. They are also expected to monitor the vital signs of patients.Aside from surgery procedures, anesthesiologists also handle pain relief forwomen during labor as well as for patients who are in intensive care and thosewho suffer from chronic pain. After the surgery, they are also tasked to createpain management plans for the patient.

Because of thenature of their work that requires utmost care and accuracy, anesthesiologistsneeded to possess essential qualities that will help them become more effectivein their jobs. This includes compassion and excellent communication skills. Thelatter is integral because this profession often requires them to interact withhealthcare support staff and patients.

Aside fromthat, they are expected as well to be skilled with their hands as they have toperform procedures that require this. Moreover, anesthesiologists must maintainpatience, good physical condition, and stamina since surgical procedures cantake hours to finish.

They must beprepared to take on a high level of responsibility and the pressure of havinganother person's life on their hands. Administering anesthesia, after all,entails precision.

As of May 2018,there are 31,060 anesthesiologists employed in the country. This profession isexpected to grow by 5.6%.

How Much Does It Pay

Anesthesiologists are paid handsomely, but it also depends on the industry they are in. The median annual wage can be as much as $267,020 or $128.38 per hour. Those who work in the specialty can earn as much as $280,400 per year. Outpatient care centers have an annual mean wage of $273,080. They also get top-shelf medical coverage and paid vacations as benefits.

Unlike othermedical professions, anesthesiologists are only involved when they need toadminister the amnesia, either before, during, or after the surgery. Outsidethis period, they are free of other responsibilities. This enables them to enjoyregular hours than most doctors. That is why many anesthesiologists can workpart-time or on a fill-in basis.

Suggested Degrees:

Most hospitalsand health centers require applicants to have a degree in medicine along with a4-year residency in anesthesiology. Some also ask for a valid state license andmalpractice insurance.

Anesthesiologistsmust earn a bachelor's degree with medical-related majors, including biology,chemistry, health science, and physical science.

  • Bachelor of

    Science in Anesthesiology

  • Master ofScience in Anesthesiology

  • Doctor ofMedicine

Radiologist

If you are pursuing a medical career that is a little more "behind-the-scenes" and pays exceedingly well at the same time, becoming a radiologist should be one of your top options. The outlook for this career is also quite good, as the overall job growth for physicians and surgeons from 2018 up to 2028 is about 7%.

Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the use of medical imaging technology to diagnose or treat patients' illnesses. They usually work with technology like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), positron emission technology (PET); radiologists may also deal with minimally invasive and image-guided procedures like radiation therapy for cancer patients. Radiologists work with radiologic technicians or the people who operate the equipment, and they commonly come into the picture after patients have been directed by their primary physician to undergo a radiology-related procedure. The radiologist will perform the procedure, and then his or her next task is to analyze or interpret the results and relate it to the present condition and medical history of the patient and other data (e.g. laboratory findings) to arrive at a diagnosis or recommendation.

The general idea is that aradiologist works at a hospital surrounded by all sorts of equipment andmonitors. However, a growing trend in recent years is that of teleradiology,where radiologists can work from anywhere in the world instead of reporting toa clinic or office. Since the actual operation of various imaging technologycan be done by the radiologic technicians, this means that radiologists canactually work remotely, as long as they have a computer and an Internetconnection, by receiving digital copies of patients' results and conferringwith patients or their primary physicians via email or call instead.

There are multiple specializations that radiologists can choose to focus on. Diagnostic radiology, as is apparent in the name, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions using radiologic equipment. It requires up to five years of radiology training. Another specialization can be radiation oncology, which involves the use of radiation therapy to treat cancers and other malignant diseases. Radiologists can also specialize in interventional radiology; this area concerns the use of technology such as X-rays and MRIs to conduct minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, fibroid removals, etc.

How Much Does It Pay?

Radiologists can earn animpressive average of $300,365 every year. Of course, the longer yourexperience in the field, the higher this figure will grow as well. Regardless,even those with minimal experience can begin their careers with stillrelatively high salaries, with the lowest end of their salary range being at$103,000.

Suggested Degrees:

Same as pursuing any other medical field, a pre-medicine bachelor's degree is necessary. Upon graduation, aspiring doctors should take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) to be accepted at a medical school. This should be followed by approximately four years of residency that focuses on specializing in radiology. They must then take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to obtain their license.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Biology / Physical Sciences / other pre-medicine programs

  • Doctor of Medicine

  • Residency Program specializing in Radiology

Cardiologist

Heart disease is the primary causeof death among Americans, as it has always been in the past several years. Assuch, cardiologists continue to play a big role in diagnosing, preventing, andtreating diseases of the cardiovascular system. Though they are not surgeons,cardiologists may also conduct minimally invasive procedures like cardiaccatheterization or pacemaker implants.

Doctors specializing incardiology also frequently order and interpret tests like echocardiograms,electrocardiograms, stress tests, and angiograms. There are four common areasthat cardiologists can further specialize in as well. Non-invasivecardiologists, as the same suggests, do not perform any invasive procedures andfocus on assessing patients and prescribing the appropriate medication andlifestyle changes to manage their cardiovascular conditions. Non-interventionalcardiologists are similar to the former category, but they can do minor procedureslike catheterization. Meanwhile, interventional cardiologists are those who doangioplasty, atherectomy, placement of stents, or other procedures that areintended to address coronary artery or vascular diseases. Lastly,electrophysiology cardiologists utilize equipment like defibrillators orpacemakers to address patient issues with heart rhythm.

Cardiologists may have their private practice or work in a hospital or other healthcare facility. As of 2020, there are currently over 32,000 registered cardiologists in the United States, ranking as the sixth specialization with the most number of practitioners. The growing numbers of doctors going into cardiology could quite possibly be related to the increasingly sedentary lifestyles in the country that are increasing citizens' risk for heart disease and other related illnesses. The employment outlook for doctors and surgeons, including cardiologists, is also higher than average, making a career in cardiology a viable, lucrative option for anyone interested in a medical career.

How Much Does It Pay?

Cardiologists who are basedin the United States, on average, receive a whopping $332,515 annually. Gainingyears of experience and moving up to higher positions like head of a hospital'scardiology department will also substantially boost the salary rate of acardiologist, while those specializing in invasive cardiology usually havehigher average salaries than other specializations.

Suggested Degrees:

Cardiologists follow thetypical path of completing a bachelor's degree (ideally in a pre-medicineprogram), taking the MCAT, or Medical College Admissions Test, and going intomedical school for four years. Afterward, budding cardiologists need tocomplete a three-year internal medicine residency to be certified by theAmerican Board of Internal Medicine. But even as full-fledged cardiologists,they can still proceed with a fellowship program, where they can go into moreadvanced cardiology training for about three years or so.

  • Bachelor's

    in Human Biology

  • Bachelor'sin Physical Sciences/other pre-medicine programs

  • Doctorof Medicine

  • InternalMedicine Residency Program

  • CardiologyFellowship Program

"Earn nicely, spend wisely and you will live happily."

― Auliq Ice