Knowing that some fast food chains are handing out $5,000 signing bonuses to employees made me jealous… ahem! I mean curious.
Curious about how many non-glamorous professions make up the top tier of highest paying jobs in America. If you think actors, professional athletes, politicians and Wall Street wheelers and dealers comprise the top spots, you might be surprised.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the professionals that raked in the most dough in 2010 were:
1. Anesthesiologists = $166,400+
2. Internists = $166,400+
3. OB/GYN = $166,400+
4. Oral Surgeons = $166,400+
5. Orthodontists = $166,400+
6. General Surgeons = $166,400+
7. CEOs = $166,400+
8. Psychiatrists = $165,100
9. Family Practitioners = 164,200
10. Dentists = $163,500
11. Pediatricians = $161,000
12. Architectural Managers = $155,400
13. Judges = $141,000
14. Podiatrists = $119,300
15. Natural Science Managers = $119,300
16. IT Managers = $118,400
17. Petroleum Engineers = $116,000
18. Marketing Managers = $115,800
19. Lawyers = $114,100
20. Pharmacists = $112,800
Do you see a pattern? Clearly, jobs that require advanced education or extended training rank near or at the top of the list. Doctors are well compensated for spending extra time in school. In addition, CEOs get paid well, though one would assume that they’ve spent a good chunk of time paying their dues, as they worked their way up the corporate ladder.
Another notable factor is the amount of time you are required to spend at work. For example, most employees who are working 9 to 5 are not swimming in cash. Rather, the highest paying professions often require putting in a ton of overtime and working nights, weekends, and holidays. When you are pursuing a career in an industry that generously compensates for your personal time, you will likely be grossing more than the average guy.
Are you satisfied with the amount of money you make for the hours and effort you put in at your job?