Most people are aware of the fact that on an average, surgeons earn an estimated sum of $189,590 annually. The hefty package is the result of the in-depth knowledge and expertise involved in this profession. However, surveys reveal that assistants of physicians also earn around $63,490 per annum. Surveys have often been conducted to determine the top paying careers in the United States.

Top Paying Careers:

a. Surgeons And Health Care Professionals - According to most surveys, surgeons always lead the list of highest paying jobs, followed by anesthesiologists whose annual income amounts to around $181,420. Tagging along are gynecologists and obstetricians who as per survey, earn about $179,640 annually, while dentists earn around $133,350. It is evident from surveys that most highly paid professionals belong to the field of health and medicine with the exception of CEOs who are ranked in the 8th position among top ten careers.
b. Personal Financial Advisors - Another lucrative career option is that of Personal financial advisors. However, in most surveys they fail to find a place in the list of top ten owing to their highly fluctuating incomes. It is estimated that the annual income of a successful personal financial advisor is around $145,000. On the other hand, an average financial advisor may earn only around $28,330 per year. Some of the factors that contribute to this immense income variation are high growth potential, rapid economic growth and finally, the educational index that this profession demands.
c. Medical Scientists - The estimated average annual income of Medical Scientists is approximately $100,000, which might seem to be a paltry amount against their educational qualifications (doctoral degrees). However, they lead the list of other careers such as podiatrists, whose estimated income is $94,500, lawyers with an estimated average annual income of $91,920, optometrists earning $88,100 and other computer and information systems managers who earn approximately $83,890 annually.
d. Marketing And Sales Managers - Statistics reveal that the estimated annual income of sales and marketing managers is around $80,000.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics National Compensation Survey, estimated average white-collar earnings were around $21.85 per hour, estimated average blue-collar earnings were approximately $15.03 per hour, while the average earnings per hour for service occupations were only about $10.40. To obtain higher incomes, most top-end careers require a four-year college degree.

As per the information obtained from Employment Policy Foundation, listed below are some of the career options at varying levels of education:

a. Top Paying Careers For Individuals Who Do Not Have A High School Degree -

Drafters - $36,000
Industrial production managers - $36,000
Bailiffs, correctional officers and jailers - $36,400
Construction manager - $33,600
Electricians - $31,900

b. High Paying Jobs For High School Graduates -

Listed below are some of the career options that lay more emphasis on relevant expertise and experience instead of formal education:

Computer programmers - $55,000
Network systems and data communications analysts - $49,000
Database, network and computer systems administrators - $48,000

Although a large number of jobs and professions require specialization and expertise in relevant field, it is possible to apply for some jobs after satisfying basic criteria of qualifications. For instance, individuals applying for the job of an air traffic controller are screened and recruited by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.