The 20 Highest-Paying Jobs in the World

Mirror, mirror on the wall – which job is the highest-paying of them all? We did the research and found out, and we want to share our findings with you!

In a fast-changing world, making smart career choices can become a real brain teaser. With some jobs gaining demand and others disappearing, where do you begin?

 

When deciding on a rewarding career, one important factor to consider is remuneration. Our list of today’s top highest-paying jobs, based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, comprises a good mixture of technical and non-technical professions for you to consider.

 

Below, you’ll find 20 of these jobs, outlining what their average salaries are, as well as the qualifications you need to pursue them. Let’s jump right in!

20. Electronics engineer

 

What they do: Electronics engineers are the dexterous individuals behind the design and development of electronic components and systems, such as mobile phones. Since these systems are used for commercial, industrial, military or scientific purposes, it’s no surprise that electronics engineers remain in high demand.

 

How to become: While electronics engineers are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree, any practical experience gained through apprenticeships is also greatly valued.

 

What they earn: $110,670 per year

19. Electrical engineer

 

What they do: Despite the two roles sounding similar, electrical engineers work on more large-scale projects compared to electronics engineers. For example, they may work on building power-generating equipment or electrical systems for aircraft.

 

How to become: For anyone looking to become an electrical engineer, a bachelor’s degree is typically required. However, we advise you to look into individual companies prior to applying, as requirements may vary.

 

What they earn: $110,670 per year

18. Postsecondary teachers (engineering and architecture)

 

What they do: Postsecondary educators don’t only teach college and university students; they help prepare them for their first jobs, too. Though teachers in general have one of the most important jobs in the world, postsecondary teachers in engineering and architecture particularly receive some of the largest paychecks.

 

How to become: Most postsecondary teachers are required to hold a PhD in their field. However, in some cases, like teaching at community colleges, master’s degrees may also be considered sufficient.

 

What they earn: $113,150 per year

17. Web developer

 

What they do: You know that gaming app that can hypnotize you for hours at a time? Well, that’s the doing of a skilled web developer. A typical workday for web developers includes creating and maintaining websites and applications, and ensuring that all layouts and functions are accessible. With overall employment projected to grow 23% by 2031, web development can certainly be considered one of the top jobs of the future.

 

How to become: The requirements for web developer jobs can vary. Although many companies require a relevant bachelor’s degree, high school diploma holders with a strong portfolio are often considered.

 

What they earn: $113,720 per year

16. Software developer

 

What they do: Software developers are “multilinguals” who create and test computer software and applications. We’re not referring to French or Spanish here, but rather the hundreds of coding languages that exist in today’s world.

How to become: Most employers desire applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related field, such as information technology. In some instances, a master’s degree may also be required.

What they earn: $113,720 per year

15. Judge

 

What they do: While judges are responsible for presiding over courtrooms all around the world, how they earn their role varies greatly. In the US, for example, federal judges are appointed, not elected, while there’s no standard procedure for appointing judges across Europe.

 

How to become: In the US, bachelor’s degree holders must attend law school to obtain their JD. Once a licensed lawyer has gained broad experience in court proceedings, they may become elected or earn an appointment as a judge.

 

What they earn: $119,690 per year

14. Postsecondary teacher (health specialties)  

 

What they do: These sought-after postsecondary educators teach courses such as dentistry, medicine and pharmacy. While most find employment in colleges and universities, some may work in general or surgical hospitals.

 

How to become: A doctoral degree is commonly required for postsecondary health teachers. In some cases, like when applying to work at a community college, a master’s degree may be required.

 

What they earn: $119,880 per year

13. Fundraising manager

 

What they do: Fundraising managers are excellent communicators who plan, develop and run fundraising campaigns for organizations and nonprofits. One of their main tasks is to identify potential donors and maintain healthy relations with them.

 

How to become: A bachelor’s degree in PR, marketing or business is a typical requirement. Being comfortable with public speaking and following the latest social and political happenings is also essential.

 

What they earn: $132,800 per year

12. PR manager

 

What they do: PR managers often give the impression of omnipresence; they seem to know everything and everyone. This makes sense, as connections are vital in building and maintaining a positive public image for clients and aptly handling crises.

 

How to become: To work as a PR manager, a bachelor’s degree in PR, advertising or communications is often required. Some positions may require a master’s degree or several years of relevant work experience.

 

What they earn: $132,800 per year

11. Judicial law clerk

 

What they do: Judicial clerkships are some of the most high-paying jobs you can get with a law degree. Law clerks are responsible for providing full-time assistance to judges, by carrying out tasks such as legal research and the drafting of court opinions.

 

How to become: In most cases, judicial law clerks need to have completed their law degree and passed the bar exam. Exceptional research, writing and interpersonal skills are also crucial.

 

What they earn: $146,220 per year

10. Lawyer

 

What they do: A profession as old as Ancient Greece! Much like doctors, some lawyers are general practitioners while others specialize in a particular area of law, like intellectual property protection or criminal defense. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that an astonishing 48,700 legal jobs will become available each year for the next decade.

How to become: Pre-law undergraduates come from a wide range of educational backgrounds. Many of them major in political science, economics or philosophy prior to starting their three-year JD law degree.

What they earn: $146,220 per year

9. Sales manager

 

What they do: The ones with a phone receiver permanently glued to their ear! Sales managers lead companies toward profit maximization while striving to offer the best value to customers. This is achieved by streamlining the entire sales team’s efforts and harnessing the deep insights of data analysis.

 

How to become: Sales managers usually hold a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing. Previous work experience is also necessary, as it leads to the development of solid sales skills, like networking and communication.

 

What they earn: $146,600 per year

8. Marketing manager

 

What they do: Several missed calls, dozens of new emails and an array of coffee cups surrounding the computer monitor: that’s a day in the life of a marketing manager. Their responsibility is to coordinate the marketing team’s efforts in order to execute fantastic marketing campaigns for services, products or causes.

 

How to become: Marketing managers are usually expected to hold a bachelor's degree in marketing, business or related field. Previous work experience in marketing is also required, but how much tends to vary from company to company.

 

What they earn: $146,600 per year

7. Physicist

 

What they do: Physicists do more than dedicate their lives to studying the properties of energy and matter. Through their findings, they often help develop scientific equipment, like particle accelerators, that can be used in further experiments and research.

 

How to become: Physicists looking to go into research or teach at university level should have a PhD. Those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics may also teach at high school level or find relevant entry-level employment in the federal government.

 

What they earn: $150,510 per year

6. Astronomer

 

What they do: The studiers of the cosmos, astronomers devote their time to observing energy and matter in outer space. A lot of the time, astronomers are night owls, as nightfall ensures better visibility of celestial objects.

 

How to become: Much like physicists, astronomers need a PhD to work in either research or academia. Attention to detail, technical proficiency and a whole lot of patience are also a must.

 

What they earn: $150,510 per year

5. Flight engineer

 

What they do: While commercial pilots often dazzle us with their abundance of knowledge and skills, there would be no planes to fly without flight engineers. Originally referred to as “air mechanics,” these engineers monitor aircraft systems to diagnose and eliminate any faults.

 

How to become: It’s a long, long road to becoming a flight engineer. You must first graduate high school, earn a bachelor's degree in aviation, attend flight school to get a commercial pilot’s license — and then obtain a flight engineer certification from the FAA.

 

What they earn: $169,540 per year

4. Aircraft pilot

 

What they do: Into the clouds and beyond they go, commanding multimillion-dollar aircraft. Pilots can hold a private certificate for personal transportation, a commercial certificate to hire out their services, or an airline transport certificate to operate commercial airplanes.

 

How to become: The journey to becoming a commercial pilot begins with learning to fly single-engine airplanes. Once pilots are comfortable flying privately in all sorts of weather, they must complete their multi-engine training and earn a commercial certificate. After a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, commercial pilots can obtain their airline transport certificate.

 

What they earn: $169,540 per year

 

See also:

 The Highest-Paying Jobs in Aviation

3. Dentist

 

What they do: Our best friends when the clock strikes tooth hurty. While dentists diagnose and treat oral ailments, they’re also trained in interpreting diagnostic tests such as X-rays and safely administering anesthetics.

 

How to become: As requirements vary between dental schools, pre-dental students may begin their studies by majoring in sciences, such as chemistry or biology. Once they have their bachelor’s degree, they may start their DDS or DMD degree.

 

What they earn: $177,770 per year

2. Physician

 

What they do: Using a combination of preventive care measures and treatment plans, physicians help patients maintain or restore their health. An interesting fact is that family medicine physicians in particular rank the highest when comparing the top highest-paid medical jobs!

 

How to become: To become a physician, a bachelor’s degree is needed prior to enrolling in medical school. Popular undergraduate majors for medical school include biology and biochemistry. Med students must then complete four years of full-time study to earn their MD or DO degree.

 

What they earn: $252,480 per year

1. Surgeon

 

What they do: Surgeons work closely with theater nurses and nurse anesthetists to diagnose and treat diseases or injuries. While some train in general surgery, others acquire specializations, such as in thoracic, orthopedic, or oral and maxillofacial surgery. For obstetricians and gynecologists specifically, their role combines medicine and surgery, as they train to carry out a wide range of procedures.

How to become: Like all physicians, surgeons must start with a bachelor’s degree, move onto medical school, and then undertake specialized training. Specialty residency programs for surgeons can last anywhere between three to seven years.

What they earn: $294,520 per year

How to Get a Job: 10 Effective Tips to Land Your Next Role

 Make the most of your job search with these best practices, whether you're switching careers or looking for your first job.

Looking for a new job? Or perhaps your first job ever? There are certain practices to consider when applying for jobs that can help you stand out from other candidates with similar educational or professional experiences.

In the past decade, a boom in technology has influenced the economy, including the largest growth and adoption of internet usage since the late 1990s. To add to that, the Covid-19 pandemic shifted how humans perceive “work.” In the US, the unemployment rate reached 14.8 percent in April 2020 [1]. Though that number has decreased to 4 percent in January 2022, remote work increased to 15.4 percent, indicating subsequent changes to our homes, concept of space and environment, relationships, and health [2].

Amid a recovering economy, job growth continues to surge. It’s a good time to apply for jobs and to build the skills you’ll need in your dream career. This article offers effective tips and best practices for getting a job.

How to get a job

There are many ways to get a job. Approaches vary depending on the type of job you’re after, and the industry and competitiveness of the job. Some may find networking and personal connections effective in their job search, but many people rely on the traditional approach of applying to and interviewing for a job. The process can be daunting, but these strategies can help you gain clarity and confidence as you embark on your journey.

1. Reflect on your career aspirations.

While you might try to sit down and apply for any job that you’re qualified for, taking the time to assess your career hopes and dreams can be a more satisfying and productive way to start a job search. Thinking about what makes you come alive can help you narrow down your search to target specific roles and careers.

Envision your career future. Here are some questions that can help you:

• Are you passionate about a certain cause or industry? (Perhaps you get excited about supporting theatre arts or are interested in finance in emerging markets.)

• Do you want to become a leader of a team or organization, or do you prefer to be a creative and independent producer?

• What salary goals do you have? Do you aspire to earn a six-figure salary? 

• Do you value team cohesion and collaboration?

• What kind of lifestyle do you want?

• What skills do you bring to a job role? (For example, do you have a knack for persuading people through spoken or written communication, or are your skills more suited for patient care?)

2. Research potential industries and job roles.

Next, think about the types of industries or roles that you either have experience in or that pique your interest. Research everything you can about the food and beverage industry, for example, if that’s a business area that interests you. Have you considered a career in IT, data analysis, marketing, or UX design?

Say you have a degree in marketing; are you interested in pursuing a career in that field? If so, do you want to work for an agency or in-house for a company or non-profit? What type of marketing do you hope to specialize in—perhaps social media marketing, digital marketing, or content marketing? Drill down in your search to understand the different roles you could play within a field or industry.

If you’re thinking more about your lifestyle, consider remote jobs, jobs that let you travel, or jobs better suited for introverts.

3. Identify your transferable skills.

Once you have a better idea of your career goals and what types of jobs you’re interested in, think about how your experiences can apply to these roles. Identify your transferable skills, including technical skills and workplace skills you have acquired in your personal and professional life. 

If you are seeking your first job, your transferable skills might come from extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or daily life (for example, taking care of children or siblings). For those switching jobs or changing careers, you can mine previous work experiences for technical skills like data analytics or data entry, and workplace skills like leadership, creativity, and critical thinking.

4. Build your social media presence.

Now, more than ever, people are finding jobs on LinkedIn. In fact, six people are hired every minute on LinkedIn [3]. A majority of recruiters (around 87 percent) use it during the hiring process, especially when vetting candidates [4]. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your current resume, along with links to projects, videos, and content you worked on. A professional, friendly profile photo helps recruiters put a face to the name, while a bulleted list of accomplishments using keywords can boost your credibility.

Though posting on LinkedIn is not necessarily going to get you hired, sharing and liking posts creates engagement and can help you get noticed by potential employers. If you decide to post, consider sharing pictures and summaries of projects you worked on, or articles that demonstrate your industry expertise. 

You can even reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn by sending a request to connect or messaging them using InMail. When crafting your message, explain who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you’re hoping to connect with them.

Finally, clean up your presence on other social media platforms. Delete any incriminating photos, such as smoking weed, imbibing alcohol before age 21, or any other activity that could be perceived as unprofessional. Keep your pages private for additional security. 

5. Conduct informational interviews.

Breaking into a new industry or field can be difficult, especially if you’re unsure whether that career is right for you. That’s where informational interviews come in. Job seekers can conduct this type of interview to gather insight into a prospective field or job role.

Here’s how an informational interview works:

• Decide what you want to know.

• Reach out and request a meeting.

• Develop a list of questions to ask.

• Get to know your interviewee.

• Send a thank-you note.

• Keep in touch.

Informational interviews build relationships, provide interviewing practice, and even open up future opportunities, especially if you make the effort to keep in touch with your interviewee.

6. Tailor your resume.

For each job you apply to, the best practice is to customize your resume to the job description. Recruiters and hiring managers like to see that you’ve understood their ethos, tone, and overall language and can speak it, too—meaning that your resume reflects their specific jargon (“creative briefs,” rather than “creative requests”). Your experiences should match the role’s requirements, and sometimes you’ll need to highlight or even omit certain skills and experiences. Always double-check your resume for spelling and grammar errors.

Crafting your resume to demonstrate you are an ideal candidate is not enough. These days, applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter job applications, so you must make sure to strategically include exact keywords and phrases from the job description on your resume.

7. Write a customized cover letter.

This might sound like a lot of extra work, but you don’t necessarily have to write an entirely new cover letter for each job application. However, each cover letter you submit should definitely reflect your enthusiasm for the specific job you’re applying for. You can create a basic cover letter template for each type of job, and mark the places where you’ll tailor information to fit each job.

For example, if you are applying to three types of jobs, such as communications consultant, social media specialist, and marketing analyst, you can create three separate cover letter templates. In each template, list out specific skills and experiences relevant to each job type. Then, when you’re customizing your cover letter for the job, swap out your interest in one company for another, and tweak your language to fit.

8. Prepare for the interview mindfully.

The interview process can be intimidating. It is helpful to remember that an interview is a two-way street—while it may seem like you are proving your worth to an employer, it is also an opportunity to assess whether the employer and role will be fulfilling for you. Preparing for an interview can help you feel more confident, so you’ll present yourself in the best possible light.

To prepare, consider writing down or saying out loud your responses to the most common interview questions. Reflect on the role’s responsibilities, the skills needed to perform the role, and questions a hiring manager might ask to determine if you are the right fit. The role may require several interviews.

If your interview is virtual, and many initial screenings are, you might consider practicing mock interviews with a friend to ensure your tone and body language expresses your enthusiasm properly over the internet. Plus, small adjustments to your setup can make a difference. Clean up any clutter in your background, and make sure your internet, camera, and microphone are reliable and ready long before your interview begins.

If you expect the interviewer to ask structured behavioral questions, a good practice is to write down several STAR (situation, task, action, result) scenarios and describe them aloud. For panel interviews, try to remember each person’s name and make eye contact with each interviewer while you are speaking.

9. Send a thank you email.

Always, always send a follow-up email to thank your interviewers for their time. The best practice is to write a couple of sentences about any highlights from your conversation that resonated with you, and to reiterate your enthusiasm. This simple act of courtesy and gratitude doesn’t require much time but can help solidify a hiring manager’s decision to hire you.  

10. Negotiate salary and benefits.

Congrats! After the applying, preparation, interview(s), and thank you emails, you got the job. Now, it’s time to negotiate your salary and benefits. Check sites like Glassdoor for data to confirm that your salary expectations are appropriate for the industry, company, and job role. 

These days, it is culturally acceptable and even expected that you will negotiate. Chances are, the job letter comes with salary information. A good rule of thumb, when in doubt, is to negotiate 10-20% above their initial offer, in addition to the benefits package. Often, these packages will be similar for every employee of a company, but year-end bonuses, signing bonuses, and paid time off (PTO) may vary. Do your research, and feel free to clarify any questions with the hiring manager before accepting a job offer. 

Next steps

To build new skills for your career and prepare for your dream job, consider earning a professional certificate from Coursera. Whether or not you want to become a project manager, Google’s Project Management certification will deliver valuable skills that are useful in nearly any career. You’ll practice strategic communication, learn how to solve problems and manage stakeholders through real-world scenarios—all at your own pace.

TWO COLUMN RESUME TEMPLATE

Did you know that the top-left corner of your resume is prime real estate? The top-left corner is the most-viewed resume area since people naturally start viewing a document from the top left. This makes it a good place to highlight your strengths in a professional summary or a list of key skills. The best way to do this is to use a two-column resume template.

Most recruiters only take a few seconds to scan resumes during the first selection process. By emphasizing the details you want them to see, you can use this information to your advantage. But a two-column resume doesn’t only draw attention to the top-left corner. You can use a two-column layout to make any information in the left column stand out, such as awards, certifications, or training.

Two-column resumes are also a good technique to show off your creativity. Two-column resumes that utilize different visual elements—like contrasting colors, different lines, dividers, and fonts—show off your design chops and look fresh and modern compared to more traditional resumes.

Two-Column Resume Template

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Want to use a two-column format for your resume? Download this free resume template to get started.

While you can use a two-column resume format for any job, it’s especially good for creative jobs and jobs that require many different licenses, certifications, or technical skills, for example:

• web developer
• graphic designer
• civil engineer
• radiologic technologist
• computer programmer

Are you still deciding between a few different professions for your next job? Use Monster’s Salary Tools to compare salaries for different jobs and see what you could make in your area.