Whether you’re looking for a change or trying to figure out where to direct your career path, salary is a huge consideration when planning your next job move. According to Glassdoor.com’s most recent highest-paying jobs survey, tech and healthcare are the hottest fields right now, with great salary potential. And if you have strong management skills you’re also in luck, as more administrative roles are earning top dollar within these industries.
Let’s take a look at some of the top-salary jobs that you might want to consider.
1. Physician
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing, fastest-evolving fields, but the top-paying job is one that’s as old as medicine itself: the physician. These doctors examine patients, diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses, and prescribe treatments and medication.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree, followed by a degree from an accredited medical school, plus additional internships and residencies.
What it pays: Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for physicians is $208,000 per year.
2. Pharmacy manager
With the ever-changing health insurance landscape pharmacy workers, in general, will be in high demand to help patients navigate healthcare complexities and ensure that pharmacies are safe, financially sound, and in compliance with regulations. A pharmacy manager handles the latter, overseeing pharmacy operations in stores, managing employees, and often handling direct pharmacist duties.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or a related science, plus a postgraduate degree in pharmacy (typically a doctorate, or Pharm.D). Pharmacy managers also need strong leadership, business, and management skills. All states require that pharmacy managers are licensed, so please check your own state’s licensing and certification requirements.
What it pays: According to Glassdoor.com, the median annual pay for pharmacy managers is $146,412.
3. Pharmacist
Pharmacists work in hospitals, store pharmacies, or other healthcare settings. They dispense medication to patients according to prescriptions and advise patients on safe use and follow-up care. They may also conduct health and wellness screenings, educate patients on general health and wellness, and provide immunizations.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or a related science, plus a doctorate in pharmacy (Pharm.D). All states require that pharmacists pass a standardized test and become licensed, so be sure to check your own state’s requirements.
What it pays: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for pharmacists is $126,120 per year.
4. Enterprise architect
Enterprise architects build the infrastructure you can’t see: the computer systems that companies use to conduct business. They design and build data communication networks and help ensure that different systems work together to support business needs. The enterprise architect focuses on providing tech solutions to businesses and organizations.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree in a computer or technology-related field.
What it pays: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for enterprise architects is $109,020 per year.
5. Corporate counsel
If you’re thinking about a career in law, one option is to become an attorney who works in-house at a company, providing direct legal services for the organization. This can include negotiating and reviewing contracts, handling lawsuits or other legal matters, and ensuring that the company meets state and federal laws and regulations.
What you’ll need: A postgrad law degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school. All states require lawyers to pass the bar exam and be licensed, so be sure to check your own state’s requirements.
What it pays: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for attorneys is $120,910 per year.
6. Software development manager
Software development managers lead teams that design, implement, and maintain software systems and applications for companies, governments, or science or technology outlets. The manager coordinates projects, manages employees, maintains schedules and project plans, and provides technical expertise.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, plus strong project management and organizational skills.
What it pays: According to Glassdoor.com, the median annual pay for software development managers is $108,879 per year.
7. Physician assistant
A physician assistant is one of the MVPs on a medical team. They work with doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare staff to provide direct patient care. Physician assistants examine patients, diagnose illnesses or injuries, and recommend treatments.
What you’ll need: A master’s degree in the field, plus training. All states require that physician assistants are licensed, so be sure to check your own state’s requirements.
What it pays: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for physician assistants is $108,610 per year.
8. Software engineering manager
Software engineering managers are lead engineers who assemble and manage teams that maintain software products and troubleshoot problems. The job may involve hands-on work with the software, but the primary role is overseeing and organizing teams and projects.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related field, plus strong project management and organizational skills.
What it pays: According to Glassdoor.com, the median annual pay for software engineering managers is $107,479 per year.
9. Nurse practitioner
Nursing is perennially one of the most in-demand fields, but nurse practitioner jobs are growing especially fast. Also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse practitioners are also licensed and trained to provide additional patient care, like prescribing medication or treatments. They can be found in hospitals, schools, agencies, or virtually any healthcare setting.
What you’ll need: A master’s degree in one of the APRN fields. Nurse practitioners must pass a national standardized exam and be licensed in their state, so be sure to check your own state’s requirements.
What it pays: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for nurse practitioners is $113,930 per year.
10. Software architect
Software architects are developers who design and build software platforms, set technical standards, and build tech tools. They might work hand-in-hand with developers working on related hardware, or may focus more fully on the software development and design aspects.
What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree in a computer or technology-related field.
What it pays: According to Glassdoor.com, the median annual pay for software architects is $105,239 per year.
