Top 6 Highest-Paying Jobs in the USA
Here is a list of the 6 highest-paying jobs in the USA that international students should know about before finalising their university programme to enrol in, like Anaesthesiologists, Architect and Engineer Managers, Natural Science Managers, Petroleum Engineers, and more.
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What you'll learn in this article
Choosing the right career path is one of the most critical aspects of our lives. As for students, taking the necessary steps towards a successful career such as pursuing a course that supports their dreams, taking up internships that may help them advance with their career plans, etc, are certainly very important to secure their future.
Careers that pay well are often tied to demanding skills that can't be replicated by automation. Technology and legal industries are making their way to the top high paying professions along with the Business and Healthcare Industry. This includes jobs that are incredibly technical and require a high level of expertise.
Along with work-life balance and career growth, a hefty pay-cheque is one of the crucial factors while opting for a job to satiate the needs and requirements.
Interested in a career in Healthcare and Medicine, or Engineering or Science, or Marketing? Well then, here are 6 fascinating high paying jobs in the USA. that will make your career dreams come true!
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Top Highest Paying Jobs in USA
Outlined below are the highest paying jobs in USA, as per leading job market portals and data sites.
Anaesthesiologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says anaesthesiologists are Physicians who manage the anaesthetics procedure prior to/ during/ or post-surgery, and other necessary medical procedures. Approximately there are over 30,000 anaesthesiologists in the USA.; most in the world.
Despite pursuing four years of medical education, international students in the USA can also complete a residency programme in a specialisation (4 years or even more) based on the specialities within.
The average annual salary of an Anaesthesiologists in the USA is over $336,000 (mean wage), according US Bureau of Labour Statistics.
Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineering is a branch of core engineering in which the engineers design and manufacture equipment for extracting gas and oil from the Earth crust. Some of the tools handled by these engineers including, Scientific and Analytical Software, Graphics Imaging Software, Database and Financial Analysis Software, and Project Management Software.
Petroleum Engineers are also responsible for finding new ways to extract gas and oil from older wells. So, the total number of jobs in this domain is expected to surge by 3% between the year 2018 and 2028. The universities in the US offer Petroleum Engineering Course full-time for international students studying the USA.
The average salary of Petroleum Engineering graduates is over US $141,000 (median wage), according to US Bureau of Labour Statistics.
Marketing Manager
Surprised to see Marketing Managers in this list? Yes! They are one of the most sought after, highest-paid professionals in the USA. Though the salary range of Marketing Managers varies from industry to industry, the demand for this profession increases every year. The universities in the USA such as American National University and Lincoln University (Oakland) offer courses in Advertising, Digital Marketing and language-specific full-time courses that could create a pathway to becoming a Marketing Manager.
The average salary of a Marketing Manager in the USA is over US $145,000 (median wage), according to US Bureau of Labour Statistics.
The top 5 highly paid industries for Marketing Managers in the USA are:
- Scientific research
- Cable programming
- Motion video/picture
- Gas and Oil extraction
- Apparel manufacturing
Natural Sciences Managers
Natural Sciences Managers typically coordinate, direct, and plan activities in fields like physical sciences, statistics, sciences, mathematics, and the Research and Development of respective fields. The job roles for this profession may vary depending upon the industry and the domain such as Fisheries Director, Environmental Programme Manager, Laboratory Manager, Health Sciences Manager, Research and Development Director, Natural Science Manager, Senior Scientist, Senior Investigator and Research Manager. Students interested in exploring and researching the Earth’s crust prefer this profession.
Universities in the USA, including, University of South Dakota, Florida International University and Troy University, offer many science courses for international students.
The average annual salary of a Natural Science Manager in the USA is over US $173,000 (median wage), according to US Bureau of Labour Statistics.
Nurse Anaesthetists
One of the highest-paid professions in Nursing is Nurse Aestheticians. They administer anaesthesia patients, examine the patient's vital signs, and supervise patients speedy recovery from anaesthesia. The job role of a Nursing Anaesthetics also includes assisting Anaesthesiologists, other physicians, surgeons, or Dentists.
Every year hundreds of international students travel to the USA to pursue Nursing Degree owing to the academic excellence of universities (offering Nursing Courses) such as Kent State University and Murray State University. The career growth potential in this field seems to be phenomenal in the USA, with over 40,000 Nurse Anaesthetists work in the country.
The average annual salary of Nurse Anaesthetists in the USA is over US $223,000 (mean wage), according to US Bureau of Labour Statistics.
Architecture and Engineer Managers
Being an architect includes more than designing aesthetic skyscrapers or decorating the interiors of posh luxurious apartments. It also involves planning the business activities such as:
- Developing the organisation's internal control policies, procedures and guidelines for credit management, budget administration, and accounting.
- Preparing business activity reports, financial forecasts and annual budgets.
- Analysing the financial operations of the past and present to identify the areas that need to be improved.
The average salary of an Architecture and Engineer Manager in the USA is over US $140,000 (median wage), according to US Bureau of Labour Statistics.
If you are wondering about choosing an educational institution in the USA to land your favourite job, no worries! Fill in the inquiry form, and get personalised guidance to find the best options for you.
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About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Anshul Mishra
USA Education Specialist | 11 Years Advising International Students
Anshul Mishra has spent 11 years advising students on undergraduate and postgraduate study in the United States. He has worked with students across the full range. Some are aiming for Ivy League universities. Others are building a more affordable route through community colleges before transferring to a four-year institution.
Much of his work covers the practical details that US university websites tend to gloss over. How F-1 visa interviews actually go, why spring and fall intakes carry different implications depending on the course, and how Duolingo, IELTS and TOEFL acceptance varies considerably between institution types. These are the details that matter when a student is weighing up whether a particular university is genuinely viable for them.
Anshul works frequently with first-generation study abroad students, families who have no prior experience of the US admissions process and need guidance at every stage, not just the application. That experience shapes how he writes: clearly, without assuming knowledge the reader does not yet have. He holds a Bachelor of Hospitality Administration and Management and is based at AECC's Gurgaon office.
