Best 20 Top Paying Careers in the United States within 2013

Profession Advice

six min read

“Money makes the world go round.” It’s a phrase that’s become a bit of a clichÃ© over the years, but it holds a significant truth. Money can influence our decisions, whether it’s our parents advising us to choose a career that pays well or our own concerns about paying off student loans. In such times, it’s essential to explore the highest-paying careers available to us.

This approach is simply practical, and there’s nothing wrong with it. Moreover, many of the professions that offer substantial pay are also highly respected. While they may come with added stress, the rewards often make it worthwhile.

The Top-Paying Careers in 2013 in the United States

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2013, here are some of the highest-paying careers that students and career-changers should consider:

20. Advertising Managers

Ranked twentieth on the list, these professionals design programs and layouts to promote products or services.

Median Salary: $93,880/year or $45.13/hr
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience: At least three years
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 12%
State with the Highest Employment: New York (4,300)
Highest Paying State: New York ($160,660)

19. Air Traffic Controllers

Nineteenth on the list, air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of traffic to ensure the safe separation of aircraft.

Median Salary: $121,280/year or $58.31/hr
Educational Qualification: Associate’s Degree
Work Experience: None
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 1%
State with the Highest Employment: California (2,290)
Highest Paying State: New Hampshire ($140,650)

18. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Ranked eighteenth, these professionals oversee IT workers to make companies more efficient and collaborate with IT experts to develop new computer products.

Median Salary: $123,950/year or $59.59/hr
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience: 5 years or more
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 15%
State with the Highest Employment: California (46,150)
Highest Paying State: California ($155,020)

17. Prosthodontist

Seventeenth on the list, prosthodontists restore and replace teeth in individuals with partial or full tooth loss.

Median Salary: $128,310/year or $61.69/hr
Educational Qualification: Professional Degree
Work Experience: At least three years
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 16%
Highest Paying State: New Hampshire ($244,990)

16. Architectural and Engineering Managers

Sixteenth on the list, these managers review plans for projects they oversee.

Median Salary: $128,170/year or $61.62/hr
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience: 5 years or more
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 7%
State with the Highest Employment: California (31,710)
Highest Paying State: California ($163,470)

15. Petroleum Engineers

Ranked fifteenth, petroleum engineers ensure that machines are installed, maintained, and operated correctly.

Median Salary: $132,320/year or $63.62/hr
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience: None
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 26%
State with the Highest Employment: Texas (19,660)
Highest Paying State: Alaska ($160,340)

14. Dentists

Fourteenth on the list, dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and mouth tissues.

Median Salary: $146,340/year or $70.36/hr
Educational Qualification: Doctoral or Professional Degree
Work Experience: None
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 16%
State with the Highest Employment: California (10,920)
Highest Paying State: New Hampshire ($229,040)

13. Nurse Anesthetists (APRN)

Thirteenth on the list, nurse anesthetists provide and coordinate patient care and offer primary and specialty healthcare.

Median Salary: $151,090/year or $72.64/hr
Educational Qualification: Master’s Degree
Work Experience: None
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 31%
State with the Highest Employment: Texas (3,140)
Highest Paying State: Nevada ($221,240)

12. Pediatricians

Twelfth on the list, pediatricians care for children by diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medications.

Median Salary: $157,610/year or $75.78/hr
Educational Qualification: Specialist Degree
Work Experience: At least 3 years
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 18%
State with the Highest Employment: California (4,720)
Highest Paying State: Mississippi ($219,830)

11. Dentists, All Other Specialists

Eleventh on the list, these dental professionals have more training than general dentists, and their responsibilities differ.

Median Salary: $163,450/year or $78.58/hr
Educational Qualification: Professional Degree with additional education
Work Experience: 5 years or more
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 5%
State with the Top Employment: California (770)
Top Paying State: Tennessee ($230,260)

10. Chief Executives

Tenth on the list, chief executives hold the highest level of management in an organization and work closely with other executives and managers.

Median Salary: $171,610/year or $82.50/hr
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience: 5 years or more
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 11%
State with the Highest Employment: California (29,320)
Top Paying State: Delaware ($187,199 or greater)

9. Family and General Practitioners

Ninth on the list, family and general practitioners provide healthcare for families and patients of all ages.

Median Salary: $176,530/year or $84.87/hr
Educational Qualification: Specialist Degree
Work Experience: At least 3 years
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 18%
State with the Top Employment: California (15,750)
Highest Paying State: Hawaii ($222,510)

8. Internists, General

Eighth on the list, general internists diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment of diseases and injuries or internal organ systems.

Median Salary: $188,440/year or $90.60/hr
Educational Qualification: Professional Medical Education
Work Experience: At least 3 years
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 18%
State with the Highest Employment: California (5,790)
Top Paying State: South Dakota ($250,000)

7. Psychiatrists

Seventh on the list, psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illnesses.

Median Salary: $178,950/year or $86.03/hr
Educational Qualification: Specialist Degree
Work Experience: 5 years or more
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 24%
State with the Highest Employment: California (4,460)
Top Paying State: Maine ($232,310)

6. Orthodontists

Sixth on the list, orthodontists evaluate and correct teeth problems in patients.

Median Salary: $196,270/year or $94.36/hr
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience: At least 3 years
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 24%
State with the Top Employment: Illinois (840)
Top Paying State: Tennessee (Greater than $187,000)

5. Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Fifth on the list, obstetricians and gynecologists provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth and diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women.

Median Salary: $212,570/year or $102.20/hr
Educational Qualification: Specialist Degree
Work Experience: At least 3 years
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 18%
State with the Top Employment: California (2,380)
Highest Paying State: Wisconsin (Greater than $187,199)

4. Physicians and Surgeons

Fourth on the list, physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, and interpret diagnostic tests. Surgeons perform operations on patients to treat injuries.

Median Salary: $233,150/year or $112.09/hr
Educational Qualification: Doctoral or Professional Degree
Work Experience: None
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 18%
State with the Top Employment: California (5,040)
Highest Paying State: Wyoming (Greater than $187,000)

3. Anesthesiologists

Third on the list, anesthesiologists administer medications to reduce or eliminate pain that patients may feel during surgery or other medical procedures.

Median Salary: $235,070/year or $113.01/hr
Educational Qualification: Specialist Degree
Work Experience: 5 years or more
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 20%
State with the Top Employment: California (2,980)
Top Paying State: Wyoming (Greater than $187,000)

2. Physicians and Surgeons, All Other Specialties

Second on the list, these physicians specialize in various medical fields, and their job descriptions vary.

Median Salary: Over $187,200/year or over $90/hr
Educational Qualification: Specialist Degree
Work Experience: 5 years or more
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 18%
State with the Top Employment: New York (40,000)
Top Paying State: Mississippi ($240,510)

1. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Finally, the top-paying job in the list belongs to oral and maxillofacial surgeons who operate on the mouths and jaws of patients.

Median Salary: $218,960/year or over $105.27/hr
Educational Qualification: Medical Education
Work Experience: At least three years
Job Outlook ’12-’22: 16%
State with the Top Employment: Florida (760)
Highest Paying State: Virginia (Greater than $187,199)

All of the careers on this list are undoubtedly excellent choices. They offer lucrative salaries, and the benefits can be outstanding. However, it’s crucial to approach high-paying professions with care. You must work diligently and stand out from other candidates. If you’re aiming for high-paying jobs, consider reading resume writing service reviews to find the best professionals who can help you prepare your job search tools for your dream career.

Picture Source: Dorothy Pflug through Burst

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