How to Make $1000000 a Year: The Highest Paying Jobs in the US

If you're looking for a way to make money, it can be tempting to look at the highest paying jobs and think that's the answer. However, there are a lot of factors to consider first. For example, where do you live? Do you have specific skills that will allow you to get one of those jobs? Do you have another job or secondary source of income already? Are you willing to relocate if necessary?

The highest paying jobs may not be the best option for everyone. But if you’re willing and able to put in the work and effort necessary, here is some information on how much money different careers make.

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10 Highest Paying Jobs in The US

10 Highest Paying Jobs in The US

There are many different types of careers that pay a lot of money. In order to get an idea of the highest paying jobs in the US, we’ve looked at the Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ (BLS) estimates for employment and wages in various careers. While some of these are paid more in certain regions than others, overall these are the highest paying jobs in the country.

Keep in mind that even though these are the “highest paying jobs” by degree type, this doesn’t mean that someone with a high school diploma couldn’t get one of these jobs. It just means that it’s most likely that someone with a bachelor’s degree or higher will get hired for them.

Dental hygienist

Most people don’t think of dental hygienists when they think of the highest paying jobs, but they should. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average dental hygienist salary is around $73,000 a year. Those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in dental hygiene can earn even more, though.

The work of a dental hygienist is important, but it requires specific skills, so you’ll need to attend a two-year dental hygiene school in order to become licensed in that field. That means that in addition to earning a higher salary, you’ll also be able to choose where you work. Many dental hygienists work in private dental practices, but others may choose to work in schools or in public health offices.

Pharmacist

Become a pharmacist and you’ll have job security for life. That’s because pharmacists are needed almost everywhere, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average pharmacist salary is $97,000 a year. Plus, there is a shortage of pharmacists right now, so there is room for growth with this job.

You’ll want to make sure you have a Bachelor’s degree before you apply to become a pharmacist. Most programs include an internship where you’ll get real-world experience working with pharmacists and dealing with patients. Pharmacists are health care providers who are licensed to prescribe medications that are dispensed by pharmacists.

Actuary

Become an actuary and you’ll be able to make a very good living. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average actuary salary is $90,000 a year. And many people with this job work for insurance companies or consulting firms.

If you want to become an actuary, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in any field of study. Some people even go back to school to earn a Master’s or PhD to get into this career. Actuaries use statistics, financial and economic theory to determine the probability of financial or health outcomes.

Software Developer

If you have the skills to become a software developer, this is one of the highest paying jobs that you can get with a bachelor’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average software developer salary is $102,000 a year.

Most people who become software developers work for companies that develop software applications and products like websites, smartphones and computers. But there are also those who work for non-profit organizations and government agencies.

Cardiologist

Become a cardiologist and you’ll certainly earn a nice salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average cardiologist salary is $319,000 a year. And that’s just the average. Some cardiologists earn even more than that.

If you want to become a cardiologist, you’ll need to earn a medical degree, which typically takes about eight years of schooling. Becoming a cardiologist is a competitive field, but it’s also an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career.

Special Forces Member

Become a member of the special forces, such as the Navy SEALs or the Army Rangers, and you’ll earn a very good salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average special forces salary is $70,000 a year.

Becoming a special forces member is very competitive. In fact, only a small percentage of people who apply are accepted into these elite forces. The application process includes written and oral exams, a physical fitness test and a polygraph test.

Computer Network Professional

Become a computer network professional and you’ll be able to earn a very high salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average computer network professional salary is $102,000 a year.

There are many different types of computer network professionals who design, install and maintain computer networks in companies and other organizations. You can get a computer network degree at the associate level or as a bachelor’s degree.

We’ve included two different lists here. The first is of the highest paying jobs that require a bachelor’s degree or less. And the second is of the highest paying jobs that require a master’s or doctorate degree. Keep in mind that even though these are the “highest paying jobs” by degree type, this doesn’t mean that someone with a high school diploma couldn’t get one of these jobs.

It just means that it’s most likely that someone with a bachelor’s degree or higher will get hired for them.