As you go through school, a lot of industries and careers may sound appealing to you. As you get older, you’ll likely choose your future career based on a number of things: your personal interests, your best skills, your education, and much more. It’s highly likely you will also consider your future salary possibilities when deciding what job is right for you.
Naturally, everyone would like to make more money. In almost every field, there are plenty of opportunities to make a decent salary and have a very successful career. But what jobs really pay the most money? Here’s a list of the current highest-paying jobs, varying by type of profession:
Software & Technology
Software Development Manager
Median salary: $109,809 a year
Software development managers oversee all activities related to software development. As a software manager, you can expect to manage a group of developers and their tasks from start to finish. You will need a background in software development to thrive in this type of career.
IT Manager
Median salary: $152,860 a year
An IT manager is in charge of the internet networks and technology for their organization. They are responsible to maintain the quality of networks and the security of all information from the company. This position requires a deep understanding of computer science and information technology.
Data Architect
Median salary: $145,500 a year
A data architect is expected to organize and effectively structure a company’s database. In these positions, data architects evaluate company data and suggest solutions for various business objectives. This position does not require a background in Architecture – instead, you will need a background in data analysis and computer science to succeed.
Business
Marketing Manager
Median salary: $136,850 a year
Marketing managers determine a business’s marketing strategy and oversee all marketing actions throughout the year. To succeed as a marketing manager, you will need a good understanding of marketing tactics and how they work, and the ability to manage multiple projects at once. Marketing managers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, and plenty of marketing experience.
Sales Manager
Median salary: $126,640
Separate from a marketing manager, a sales manager set sales goals and strategies, managing a team of sales personnel to reach overarching company revenue goals. A sales manager needs at least a bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, or a related field, and typically some experience with marketing and analytics.
Corporate Controller
Median salary: $113,368
A corporate controller oversees all accounting and finance functions for a corporation. They are responsible for annual corporate budgets and assist in making financial decisions for a company. A corporate controller needs a strong background in accounting and finance, and a deep understanding of statistics.
Healthcare
Anesthesiologist
Median salary: $267,020 a year
An anesthesiologist is a kind of doctor that practices anesthesia. They are responsible for administering anesthetics to patients and developing anesthesia plans before medical procedures. To become an anesthesiologist, you are required to attend medical school and complete an internship and residency.
Physician
Median salary: $194,490 a year
Physicians diagnose and treat various medical conditions and injuries. As a physician, you have the opportunity to specialize in specific types of care. To become a physician, you are required to complete medical school and internships, residencies, and additional school depending on your specialization.
Physician’s Assistant
Median salary: $113,855 a year
A physician’s assistant also diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries as part of their role. Different from a physician, however, physician’s assistants are typically only able to practice with a physician present as part of their team. To become a physician’s assistant, you must complete a physician’s assistant master’s program.
Law & Finance
Attorney
Median salary: $144,320 a year
As an attorney (or lawyer), you advise and represent individuals in various legal matters. Lawyers are expected to have excellent speaking and writing abilities to competently defend their clients in law proceedings. You must complete three years of law school and pass a bar examination to practice law.
Finance Manager
Median salary: $146,830 a year
Finance managers maintain the financial administration and activities of an organization to analyze revenue and make important financial decisions for a company. This requires a deep understanding of finance concepts and an aptitude for numbers. You can expect to flourish in a role as a financial manager with an education in finance and a background in management.
Actuary
Median salary: $108,350 a year
An actuary combines mathematics, finance, and statistics to manage financial risks for businesses. Actuary positions are most common at insurance agencies. To succeed as an actuary, you must have a strong background in math and statistics, and typically, a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
High-paying jobs are not just limited to these fields and positions. It is likely you can find positions in almost any industry that offers a great salary; these are just a few options from hundreds of opportunities. As you consider your career choices, think about which options play to your strengths and will allow you to grow and advance as a professional in your chosen industry.