Top Paying Careers in the US
When perusing any listing of the top paying careers it is important to keep two things in mind. The first is the definition of a career. While multi-million dollar salaries and bonuses for corporate CEOs consistently make the news, you have to remember that a CEO isn't a career, but a position within a career. The second thing to keep in mind is that these listings are based on average earnings. While a superstar movie star can take home 20 million dollars per picture, movie star isn't really a career. The average salary for a screen actor, which is a career, is considerably less than what those at the top make. Of course, this goes for nearly every career choice, but the range for certain careers is wider than for others.
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Petroleum Engineer
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The career of the petroleum engineer is perhaps nearing its peak. This career involves the discovery of reservoirs of oil and natural gas. It also includes working with geologists to determine the viability of drilling, as well as monitoring all drilling activities once it is initiated. A solid background in advanced mathematics--as well as as computer modeling, design and simulation--is a necessity for potential career seekers. Engineers with an advanced degree can expect to make three times as much as engineers with only a high school diploma. The average salary is around $80,000.
Sales Manager
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Sales remain the lifeblood of the American economy, and that is why the career of sales manager can become a very lucrative one. The job of the sales manager is to train, supervise and manage the sales staff. The specific duties of a sale manager varies according to the type of company and the goods or services being sold. Many sales managers are also expected to take on the job of public relations by becoming the face of the sales force at promotional shows or during media interviews. The current median salary is around $90,000 a year.
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Computer and Information Systems Manager
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This career involves the management of all the computer-related activities for a company. This can include everything from writing business plans to overseeing the company's Website. The skills required for a computer and information systems manager combines knowledge of computer systems and the collection and dissemination of information with acute management skills. The average salary is currently nearing the $100,000 mark.
Lawyers
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Lawyers have traditionally been among the elite earners around the world. The particularly complicated legal system of America--combined with the litigious climate--has made the job of attorney ever more important. Most people are probably aware that becoming a lawyer involves a Bachelor's Degree and a law degree. It also involves the passage of a state bar exam. The reward for the hard work it takes to become a lawyer is an average salary around $115,000 a year. Law, however, is one of those careers where the range varies wildly. While a public defender may earn less than $50,000 a year, high-profile lawyers for celebrity defendants can often make millions.
Air Traffic Controller
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One of the contributing factors behind why a career becomes a high-paying endeavor is the stress level associated with it. One of the most stressful jobs in America is that of an air traffic controller. These men and women must keep the voluminous amount of air traffic in a constant state of safety regardless of weather conditions, threats of terrorism and the fact that thousands of planes are inhabiting a relatively small amount of space at once. The median salary for an air traffic controller is around $105,000 a year.
Surgeon
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Surgeons remain near the top of the list of best paying careers as they always have been. The outlook for surgeons is expected to remain bright as the Baby Boomer generation ages and needs age-related surgeries, such as coronary bypasses and hip replacement. The median average salary is around $185,000. As always, the route to becoming a surgeon passes through several years of higher education and specialized training.
Anesthesiologist
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Anesthesiologists hold one of the most lucrative careers in America at this point. The job of the anesthesiologist is to administer anesthesia during surgeries and medical procedures, as well as maintain the patients vital signs. The average earning figure is currently around $185,000 a year. Potential anesthesiologists need to be aware that this job requires a Bachelor's Degree, medical school and further specialized training.
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