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Rankings · United States · 2026

Highest-Paying Careers in the United States

A ranked list of the careers we cover that pay the most in the United States, ordered by the top of the typical salary range — what experienced practitioners earn around the 90th percentile. Figures are U.S. medians and ranges drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics program, cross-referenced with industry compensation research surfaced through our source-research stage. "Highest-paying" here means highest at the top of the band, not the entry-level wage; early-career earnings for the same role can be a fraction of the upper figure. The ranking refreshes as new guides publish.

92 careers ranked

01 · RankingBy top of salary range, descending

  1. Renewable Energy Engineer

    $65k–$280k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Renewable energy engineers design, develop, and optimize systems that generate power from solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other clean sources.

  2. Cloud Solutions Architect

    $127k–$254k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Cloud Solutions Architects design, build, secure, and optimize cloud environments that help organizations meet business goals using platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

  3. Medical and Health Services Manager

    $68k–$217k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate healthcare operations, staff, and compliance in settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing facilities.

  4. Data Warehousing Specialist

    $136k–$210k
    High demandBachelor

    Data Warehousing Specialists design, build, and support enterprise data warehouses that organize large-scale information for analytics and business decision-making.

  5. FinTech Engineer

    $95k–$200k
    Very high demandBachelor

    FinTech Engineers design, build, and maintain secure software systems for payments, banking, lending, investing, and other financial technologies.

  6. Machine Learning Engineer / AI Specialist

    $118k–$191k
    Very high demandMaster

    Machine Learning Engineers design, build, and deploy AI systems and production machine learning models that power prediction, automation, and recommendation features across industries.

  7. MLOps Engineer

    $130k–$185k
    Very high demandBachelor

    An MLOps Engineer deploys, monitors, maintains, and scales machine learning models in production using automation, DevOps practices, and cloud infrastructure.

  8. Blockchain Engineer

    $95k–$183k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Blockchain engineers design, build, test, and maintain decentralized applications and secure blockchain systems for industries such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain.

  9. Product Manager

    $76k–$180k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Product Managers define product vision, prioritize features, and coordinate cross-functional teams to turn user and business needs into successful products.

  10. Data Engineer

    $106k–$179k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Data engineers build and maintain the pipelines, databases, and cloud infrastructure that make data reliable and usable for analytics, AI, and business decisions.

  11. DevOps Engineer

    $76k–$168k
    Very high demandBachelor

    DevOps Engineers automate software delivery and cloud infrastructure so development and operations teams can release reliable applications faster with less downtime.

  12. Energy Manager

    $80k–$167k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Energy Managers help organizations cut energy costs, improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and manage compliance and renewable-energy projects.

  13. Physician Assistant

    $120k–$165k
    Very high demandMaster

    Physician assistants diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and provide direct medical care under physician supervision across a wide range of healthcare settings.

  14. Data Governance Manager

    $115k–$165k
    Strong demandBachelor

    A Data Governance Manager creates and enforces policies, standards, and frameworks that keep organizational data accurate, secure, compliant, and useful.

  15. Actuary

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial analysis to assess risk, price insurance products, and help organizations make decisions under uncertainty.

  16. Aerospace Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and improve aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and related systems to make them safer, more efficient, and more innovative.

  17. Artificial Intelligence Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Artificial Intelligence Engineers design, build, train, and maintain AI systems and machine learning models that solve real-world problems across industries.

  18. Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandDoctorate

    AI Research Scientists advance artificial intelligence by developing new algorithms, running experiments, and publishing research that pushes the field forward.

  19. Big Data Specialist

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Big Data Specialists clean, process, and analyze massive datasets to build pipelines and generate insights that support business decisions across data-heavy industries.

  20. Bioengineer / Biomedical Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    High demandBachelor

    Bioengineers and biomedical engineers apply engineering and life-science principles to design, develop, and improve medical devices, biological products, and health systems.

  21. Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

    $95k–$165k
    High demandDoctorate

    Clinical and counseling psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through psychotherapy, evaluation, research, and consultation in settings like hospitals, schools, and private practice.

  22. Data Scientist

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandMaster

    Data scientists use statistics, programming, and domain knowledge to analyze complex data, build models, and turn findings into decisions that improve business and technical outcomes.

  23. Electrical Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise electrical and electronic systems, components, and equipment across power, controls, communications, embedded systems, and renewable energy applications.

  24. Environmental Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    Steady demandBachelor

    Environmental engineers use engineering, chemistry, biology, and earth science to design solutions for water, air, waste, and contaminated land problems.

  25. Financial Analyst

    $95k–$165k
    Steady demandBachelor

    Financial analysts evaluate investments, financial performance, and risk using models, market data, and financial statements to support business and investment decisions.

  26. General and Operations Manager

    $95k–$165k
    Strong demandBachelor

    General and operations managers oversee an organization’s daily operations, coordinate teams and resources, and set policies to improve performance across departments or locations.

  27. Generative AI Product Manager

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    A Generative AI Product Manager defines strategy, guides development, and launches AI-powered products by balancing user needs, business goals, technical feasibility, and responsible AI practices.

  28. Human Factors Engineer / UX Researcher

    $95k–$165k
    High demandMaster

    Human Factors Engineers and UX Researchers use psychology, research, and design methods to improve how people interact with products, systems, and environments.

  29. Industrial Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Industrial engineers design, test, and improve integrated systems that make production, logistics, quality, and operations more efficient.

  30. Information Security Analyst

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Information Security Analysts protect organizations’ networks, systems, and data by monitoring for threats, investigating incidents, and strengthening security controls.

  31. Nuclear Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    Steady demandBachelor

    Nuclear engineers research, develop, and solve problems related to nuclear energy, control systems, and nuclear waste disposal, usually in full-time office-based roles.

  32. Project Manager

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Project managers plan, coordinate, and oversee projects across industries to keep work on scope, on schedule, and within budget.

  33. Robotics Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Robotics engineers design, build, test, and improve robots and robotic systems that combine hardware, software, and control systems for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, aerospace, and defense.

  34. Sales Engineer

    $95k–$165k
    High demandBachelor

    Sales engineers combine technical product knowledge and business communication to help customers understand, evaluate, and buy complex solutions.

  35. Software Developer

    $95k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Software developers design, build, test, and maintain computer applications and programs, often working on teams across industries such as software publishing, manufacturing, and computer systems design.

  36. Personal Financial Advisor

    $70k–$165k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Personal financial advisors help individuals and families plan, invest, and manage money for goals like retirement, taxes, insurance, and estate planning.

  37. Digital Marketing Manager

    $65k–$165k
    High demandBachelor

    Digital marketing managers plan, run, and optimize a company’s online campaigns across search, social, email, and paid channels using both creative messaging and performance data.

  38. Compliance Manager

    $64k–$165k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Compliance managers help organizations follow laws, regulations, ethical standards, and internal policies by auditing processes, updating procedures, and advising leaders across regulated industries.

  39. Artificial Intelligence Consultant

    $80k–$160k
    High demandBachelor

    Artificial Intelligence Consultants help organizations identify AI opportunities, design and implement solutions, train teams, and align AI use with business goals.

  40. Clinical Data Manager

    $69k–$159k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Clinical Data Managers collect, validate, analyze, and report clinical trial data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely database locks for research studies.

  41. Information Security Engineer

    $100k–$145k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Information Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity defenses that protect networks, systems, and data from digital threats.

  42. Financial Examiner

    $83k–$145k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Financial examiners review financial records and transactions to ensure banks, securities firms, and other institutions comply with laws and regulations.

  43. Market Research Analyst / Marketing Specialist

    $42k–$145k
    High demandBachelor

    Market research analysts and marketing specialists gather and analyze customer, competitor, and market data to turn insights into reports and recommendations that guide pricing, product, and marketing decisions.

  44. Construction Manager

    $95k–$140k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Construction managers plan, direct, and coordinate construction projects by managing schedules, budgets, and supervisory teams to deliver buildings and infrastructure safely and efficiently.

  45. Postsecondary Health Specialties / Nursing Instructor

    $80k–$138k
    Strong demandMaster

    Experienced health professionals teach college-level nursing and health specialty courses, supervise clinical learning, and help prepare the next generation of clinicians.

  46. Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialist

    $55k–$135k
    High demandBachelor

    Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists design, assemble, diagnose, and maintain battery electric and autonomous vehicle systems using engineering, software, robotics, and high-voltage safety skills.

  47. Physical Therapist

    $72k–$133k
    Very high demandDoctorate

    Physical therapists help patients improve movement, reduce pain, and recover function through exercise, manual therapy, and education.

  48. Nurse Practitioner

    $129k–$132k
    Very high demandMaster

    Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and manage care across primary and specialty settings.

  49. Speech-Language Pathologist

    $95k–$130k
    Very high demandMaster

    Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, swallowing, and communication disorders across the lifespan.

  50. Outside Sales Representative

    $35k–$130k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Outside sales representatives meet customers face-to-face in the field to prospect, present, negotiate, and close deals while managing territory-based client relationships.

  51. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse

    $93k–$129k
    Very high demandMaster

    Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses assess, diagnose, treat, and support people with mental health or substance use disorders through psychotherapy, medication management, education, and coordinated care.

  52. Health Informatics Specialist

    $67k–$129k
    High demandBachelor

    Health Informatics Specialists use health data, EHR systems, and analytics to improve healthcare operations, compliance, and patient care.

  53. Urban / Community Planner

    $51k–$129k
    Strong demandMaster

    Urban and community planners develop land-use, transportation, housing, and public-space plans that guide how cities and regions grow sustainably and equitably.

  54. UI/UX Designer

    $77k–$126k
    Strong demandBachelor

    UI/UX designers create intuitive digital products by combining user research, interface design, and testing to improve usability, accessibility, and visual clarity.

  55. Mechanical Engineer

    $96k–$125k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal devices used across industries like manufacturing, energy, robotics, aerospace, biomedical, and construction.

  56. Penetration Tester

    $68k–$125k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Penetration testers ethically simulate cyberattacks to find and report security weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications so organizations can strengthen their defenses.

  57. Registered Nurse

    $84k–$120k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Registered nurses assess patient needs, provide and coordinate care, educate patients and families, administer treatments, and collaborate with healthcare teams across many settings.

  58. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

    $89k–$119k
    Very high demandAssociate

    Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images of organs, tissues, and blood flow that help physicians diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

  59. Business Intelligence Analyst

    $72k–$118k
    High demandBachelor

    Business Intelligence Analysts query data, build reports and dashboards, and turn patterns and trends into insights that help leaders make business decisions.

  60. Civil Engineer

    $60k–$118k
    High demandBachelor

    Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee the construction and maintenance of infrastructure like roads, bridges, water systems, and dams.

  61. Accountant / Auditor

    $82k–$115k
    High demandBachelor

    Accountants and auditors examine financial records, prepare statements, advise organizations, and audit information to ensure accuracy and compliance.

  62. Digital Forensics Analyst

    $75k–$115k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Digital Forensics Analysts collect, preserve, and analyze digital evidence from devices, logs, and networks to support investigations, cybersecurity response, and legal cases.

  63. Sustainability Specialist

    $72k–$115k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Sustainability Specialists help organizations reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and integrate ESG goals into business strategy and operations.

  64. Operations Research Analyst

    $91k–$114k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Operations research analysts use math, data, and optimization models to help organizations solve complex problems and improve decisions in areas like logistics, finance, healthcare, and government.

  65. Agricultural Engineer

    $85k–$110k
    Strong demandBachelor

    Agricultural engineers apply engineering and biological science to design and improve farm machinery, irrigation systems, conservation methods, and agricultural processing for more efficient and sustainable food production.

  66. Electrician

    $38k–$106k
    Strong demandApprentice

    Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.

  67. Logistician / Supply Chain Analyst

    $45k–$102k
    Very high demandBachelor

    Logisticians and supply chain analysts use data, planning, and cross-functional coordination to keep products, materials, and information moving efficiently from suppliers to customers.

  68. Aircraft Mechanic / Avionics Technician

    $55k–$100k
    Strong demandAssociate

    Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft systems so planes and helicopters stay safe and ready to fly.

  69. Career and Technical Education Teacher

    $49k–$99k
    Steady demandBachelor

    Career and Technical Education teachers help students learn practical, career-connected skills through classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and work-based learning in fields like health care, business, agriculture, trades, and IT.

  70. Plumber / Pipefitter / Steamfitter

    $28k–$96k
    Steady demandApprentice

    Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install, maintain, and repair pipe systems that carry water, gas, steam, waste, air, and other liquids or gases in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

  71. School Counselor / College and Career Counselor

    $65k–$95k
    Steady demandMaster

    School and college/career counselors help students build academic, social-emotional, and career plans while providing advising, crisis support, and college or workforce guidance.

  72. Dental Hygienist

    $45k–$95k
    Very high demandAssociate

    Dental hygienists provide preventive oral healthcare by cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, applying fluoride or sealants, assessing oral health, and educating patients under dentist supervision.

  73. GIS / Cartography Specialist

    $60k–$90k
    Steady demandBachelor

    GIS / Cartography Specialists research, analyze, and create digital maps and spatial data to support decision-making in planning, environment, logistics, defense, and other location-based fields.

  74. MRI Technologist

    $60k–$90k
    Strong demandAssociate

    MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners, prepare patients, and produce high-quality diagnostic images that help doctors diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

  75. Wind Turbine Service Technician

    $47k–$90k
    Very high demandAssociate

    Wind turbine service technicians inspect, diagnose, adjust, and repair wind turbines to keep renewable energy systems running reliably.

  76. Robotics / Automation Technician

    $45k–$90k
    Strong demandAssociate

    Robotics / automation technicians install, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial robots, PLCs, sensors, and automated production systems in manufacturing and logistics settings.

  77. Occupational Therapy Assistant

    $49k–$89k
    Strong demandAssociate

    Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain daily living and work skills under the supervision of occupational therapists.

  78. Industrial Machinery Mechanic

    $35k–$87k
    Very high demandAssociate

    Industrial machinery mechanics install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair factory and industrial equipment to keep production lines, automation systems, and heavy machinery running safely and efficiently.

  79. Secondary School Teacher

    $50k–$85k
    Steady demandBachelor

    Secondary school teachers teach academic subjects to adolescents, plan and deliver lessons, assess learning, manage classrooms, and support students’ academic and personal growth in middle and high school settings.

  80. Respiratory Therapist

    $61k–$80k
    Very high demandAssociate

    Respiratory Therapists diagnose, treat, and manage patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders using oxygen therapy, ventilators, diagnostic tests, and patient education.

  81. Welder / Fabricator

    $44k–$80k
    Steady demandApprentice

    Welder / Fabricators cut, shape, fit, and join metal parts to build and repair structures, machinery, and products across manufacturing, construction, transportation, energy, and aerospace.

  82. Dietitian / Nutritionist

    $66k–$74k
    High demandBachelor

    Dietitians and nutritionists assess nutrition needs, counsel patients, and create evidence-based food and medical nutrition plans to prevent and manage disease.

  83. Aircraft Cargo / Logistics Supervisor

    $54k–$74k
    High demandAssociate

    Aircraft Cargo / Logistics Supervisors coordinate and lead airport ground crews that load, unload, secure, and stage aircraft cargo or baggage while keeping operations safe, accurate, and on schedule.

  84. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

    $48k–$72k
    Very high demandApprentice

    Solar photovoltaic installers assemble, mount, wire, and maintain solar panel systems on roofs or other structures to generate renewable electricity.

  85. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver

    $48k–$70k
    Very high demandApprentice

    Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport freight in large commercial vehicles, inspect and secure cargo, follow safety regulations, and communicate with dispatch and customers.

  86. Physical Therapist Assistant

    $52k–$68k
    Very high demandAssociate

    Physical therapist assistants help patients recover movement, reduce pain, and improve function by carrying out treatment plans under a physical therapist’s supervision.

  87. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor

    $37k–$67k
    Very high demandMaster

    Mental health and substance abuse counselors help clients manage addiction and mental health challenges through counseling, recovery planning, and ongoing support.

  88. CNC Machinist

    $40k–$64k
    Steady demandAssociate

    CNC machinists set up, program, operate, and monitor computer-controlled machine tools to produce precision parts for industries like aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and defense.

  89. HVAC/R Technician

    $45k–$60k
    Very high demandAssociate

    HVAC/R technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that keep buildings comfortable, efficient, and safe.

  90. Automotive Service Technician / EV Technician

    $40k–$55k
    High demandAssociate

    Automotive service technicians and EV technicians inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair gasoline, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles using mechanical tools, diagnostic software, and high-voltage safety procedures.

  91. Light Truck / Delivery Driver

    $37k–$49k
    High demandAssociate

    Light truck and delivery drivers pick up, transport, and drop off packages and small shipments on local or regional routes, often with short training and a valid driver’s license.

  92. Home Health and Personal Care Aide

    $33k–$35k
    Very high demandApprentice

    Home health and personal care aides help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related limitations with daily activities, personal care, and monitoring so they can stay safe and independent at home or in community settings.

02 · NotesHow to read this list

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This list updates automatically as new career guides are published. Salary bands reflect national U.S. figures; your local picture will differ.

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