Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in the U.S. Revealed by Federal Data
10 highest-paying jobs in the US, according to federal data

Image: Alabama Local News
New federal wage estimates reveal that medical professionals dominate the highest-paying jobs in the U.S., with pediatric surgeons earning an average of $502,050 annually. The data, from May 2025, highlights the significant wage gap between healthcare and other professions.
- 01Pediatric surgeons lead the list with an average annual salary of $502,050.
- 02Cardiologists and radiologists follow with average wages of $454,940 and $381,530, respectively.
- 03The average wage across all occupations is $69,770, emphasizing the high earnings in the medical field.
- 04Outside of healthcare, airline pilots earn the highest average salary at $288,650.
- 05Lawyers rank sixth among non-healthcare professions with an average salary of $185,840.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
According to new federal wage estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical professionals occupy all top ten highest-paying jobs in the United States. Topping the list is pediatric surgeons, earning an average annual wage of $502,050. Following them are cardiologists at $454,940 and radiologists at $381,530. The average salary across all occupations in the U.S. stands at $69,770, highlighting the substantial earnings in the medical sector. Most of these high-paying roles necessitate advanced education and specialized training. In contrast, the highest-paying position outside of healthcare is airline pilots, with an average salary of $288,650. Chief executive officers and athletes also feature prominently, earning $269,630 and $206,180 respectively, although the latter figure is skewed by top earners. Other notable high-paying non-healthcare professions include lawyers, financial managers, marketing managers, and computer and information systems managers. The data reflects wage estimates for May 2025, including tips and commissions but excluding most bonuses and overtime.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Which high-paying job interests you the most?
Connecting to poll...
More about Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.






