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30+ Jobs That Pay Over 300K a Year (Ultimate 2024 Guide)

Don't Work Another Day is reader-supported. We may receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own.
  By Forrest McCall | Last Updated:  July 28, 2022

A high-quality job will unlock many doors for an individual. If you receive a substantial salary, you could invest more money, save for retirement, or perhaps just have some extra spending money for that new car or home.

There are many jobs out there, but the vast majority are not very high-paying jobs. You might wonder: are there any jobs that pay over 300k a year?

In this post, I'll explore some of the best jobs that pay over 300k a year, what skills are needed to work a high paying job, and much more. Let's get started!

31 Best Jobs That Pay Over 300K a Year

Below are some great jobs that pay over $300k a year. Between software engineers, insurance agents, and investment bankers – there's sure to be a career that suits your interests! Whether your goal is to afford a Lamborghini or you want a nicer home, landing a high paying job is a great way to achieve your dreams.

Become a CEO

CEO

A chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive at a company. They are in charge of managing the company from top to bottom, ensuring operations are being carried out properly from day to day.

This could be an excellent position for you if you have top-notch leadership and decision-making skills.

On average, a CEO receives $157,000 annually, but an experienced, sought-after CEO can earn upwards of $1 million a year or more.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical professional who can diagnose and treat a range of mental health issues like treating substance abuse issues. They assess both physical and mental health to determine the cause of psychological problems.

If you want to help people, this could be an excellent job for you. It's also one of the highest-paying jobs on the market. On average, psychiatrists make about $239,000 a year. At the higher end of the scale, there are psychiatrists who make $300k annually.

Emergency Room Physician

Physician

Physicians, otherwise known as doctors, can also make a lot of money and it's a great job that pays $200k or more. 

They practice in offices and hospitals, and they can diagnose and treat individuals according to their specialization.

Physicians know the human body inside and out, which is why they can help individuals who are suffering from a variety of injuries or ailments.

If you want to help people, being a physician can be an excellent career option. A lot of time is spent leaning and training, but all that education pays off in the end.

Most physicians make about $250,000 annually, but some make much more. It's critical to research fields ahead of time so you don’t pursue something you won’t enjoy.

Orthopedic Surgeon

An orthopedic surgeon will use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat injuries and diseases related to the bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, and muscles.

Some orthopedic surgeons pursue a more general practice, while others are specialists. For example, some specialize in hips while others specialize in knees.

If you want to help people feel and move better, this could be an ideal job for you. On average, orthopedic surgeons make $512,000 annually, which is a large amount when compared to what some other medical professionals make.

Nuclear Engineer (1)

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear energy is one of the most prominent renewable energy sources on the planet, but they can be very dangerous. 

Nuclear engineers help to utilize nuclear energy by constructing power plants and keeping them safe and functional.  

This is one of the best paying jobs in energy, with the average salary over $200k.

Urologist

A urologist can diagnose and treat injuries and diseases related to the urinary system.

They can help with urine movement issues and reproductive problems, often prescribing medication to cure problems.

These medical professionals typically work in a hospital or their own office, where they have access to necessary equipment.

The average annual salary for a urologist is $397,000 but distinguished, experienced urologists can make much more.

Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologist

An anesthesiologist is in charge of administering anesthesia to a patient before surgery.

They have to monitor their equipment and the patient to ensure the proper amount of anesthesia is being delivered. There is a high risk, as if something goes wrong and the anesthesia is delivered improperly (or doesn’t work), the anesthesiologist will be held liable.

The average salary for an anesthesiologist is $408,000 and in recent years, this field has become a lot more popular, in large part because of the high salary anesthesiologists earn. 

Vascular Surgeon

Vascular surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating issues related to the vascular system.

They work with the veins and arteries of the human body but they don’t work with the heart or brain. In short, they are vital medical doctors that can be top earners.

The average salary for a vascular surgeon is $423,000. You can make a lot as someone who works with veins and arteries, but you need to spend years learning and training before you’re considered qualified to do this job.

Oncologist

Cancer is an unfortunately common disease, and oncologists diagnose and treat all kinds of cancer.

Surgical oncologists perform surgery to remove tumors and other cancerous cells while others might prescribe medication.

The average salary for an oncologist is $320,000 but some of the top earners can make much more. In this profession, you make a solid living helping people lead healthier lives. 

Dentist

Dentist

There's a good chance you visit the dentist on a routine basis, in many cases twice per year.

A dentist is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who specializes in all aspects related to teeth. They perform cleanings, pull teeth, fill cavities, and make recommendations based on what they observe in your mouth. In some special cases, they may even perform reconstructive or cosmetic surgery to improve the mouth's appearance.

The average salary of a dentist is around $200,000 but you can make over a million dollars by owning your own practice. In a few areas, dentists make closer to $300k.

Your income will depend on your location, and dentists who are employees generally make less than those who own their own business.

Emergency Medicine Physician

An emergency medicine physician will diagnose and treat illnesses and critical injuries that require immediate attention.

A patient who has a traumatic gash or exacerbated walking pneumonia will need to see an emergency medicine physician immediately. To excel in this career, you need to be able to think on your feet at all hours and provide medical treatments when needed.

Emergency medicine physicians make about $302,000 annually.

This can be a stressful job, which in part explains why the compensation is so high.

OB/GYN

An OB/GYN specializes in female reproductive health.

They know how to prepare a pregnant woman for childbirth, and they can perform examinations to locate cancer before it spreads to the rest of the body.

Additionally, they can prescribe medicine and recommend treatments to help the pregnancy go smoothly and treat other ailments around female reproductive health.

On average, an OB/GYN makes about $300,000 a year. You can positively change the lives of women and earn a decent income at the same time.

Software Developer

Principal Software Architect

A principal software architect does a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure software works efficiently and error-free.

They resolve design issues, create and implement standards, and ensure designs are correct and actionable. They are vital in the tech industry, as they make sure everything is up to date and up to code.

The national average salary for a principal software architect is about $147,000 a year. Those at the higher end of the spectrum make closer to $300k a year.

CFO

CFO

A CFO, or chief financial officer, plays a critical role in a business. They handle all aspects related to the business’s finances.

A CFO might create a strategy for a new business sales plan, while also making sure the business maintains a healthy bottom line. A CFO will keep extensive financial records and track the companies performance over time.

The average salary of a CFO is around $415,000 making it one of the best jobs that pay over $300k a year.

Those who work for bigger companies can make closer to $1 million and include an exciting benefits package.

Radiologist

A radiologist is a kind of medical professional that use X-rays and other equipment to locate tumors and internal injuries.

You'll need to be skilled with medical imaging techniques used to diagnose injuries and ailments patients might have.

As a radiologist, you must be comfortable working around potentially dangerous emissions all day that come from your equipment performing radiation treatments.

Radiologists have an average annual salary of $435,000 and this job can sometimes come with a generous signing bonus to sweeten the deal.

Direct Response Copywriter

A direct response copywriter creates copy that customers will respond to once they read.

They can make anything from flyers to brochures, landing pages, and other copy that customers routinely engage with.

The average salary of a direct response copyrighter is only $75,000 a year. Many will make more, as there are bonuses for copywriters who generate especially engaging content.

Blogger

Blogging can be hard to succeed at, but if you do succeed, it's possible to make millions of dollars.

Most of the money comes from advertising and affiliate marketing. You can pick a niche (sports, recipes, etc.) and create as much content as possible.

A successful blog can easily make more than $300k a year. The most critical component in the job is consistency. The more you write, the more people you’ll attract.

The best part of this career is that it is a great low stress job that doesn't require any advanced education like a Bachelor's degree to get started.

Anyone can start a blog and reach a new income level from their efforts. If you are looking for a job where you work by yourself, this could be for you!

Check out my post on the types of blogs that make money and how to start a blog for beginners for more info!

Get Rich with Stocks

Stock Trader

The stock market is a tricky beast to master and it can be very risky if you don't know what you're doing.

If you can do it, you could earn big bucks.

All it takes is some money, your brain, and a good computer to get going in this career.

The best stock traders make millions of dollars but it takes years of practice to succeed.

Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Agent

Real estate professionals are responsible for finding and marketing houses to interested individuals.

As a real estate agent, you need to be sociable and aware of what your customers require in a home.

To make the most money in real estate, you have to be smart about where you work.

A real estate agent in Beverly Hills, for example, can make millions of dollars, while one working in the middle of nowhere might have more trouble making a decent income.

Because your income is based on commissions, the more you work the more money you can make.

How to Become an Online Personal Trainer

Personal Trainer

Everyone wants to look fit, especially with the influence of social media nowadays.

A personal trainer helps individuals achieve their fitness dreams. They will establish a meal plan, create workout routines, and keep their customer motivated through every step of the fitness journey.

Personal trainers in a gym can make about $42,000 a year. But if you work for a wealthy person at their home, you can make more than $300k annually.

Digital Ad Manager

A digital ad manager keeps track of advertising campaigns both short-term and long-term for a company.

They keep track of a brand's reputation and make sure the ad-side of a business is positioned well for the future.

Digital ad managers earn an average salary of $133,000 a year. However, managers that work for bigger companies can make more than $300k a year.

Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice, recommendations, analysis, and other critical information to companies and individuals who seek their services.

A consultant is an individual who knows the ins and outs of a particular business or process, which means they can serve as an invaluable asset for a company.

Top-notch consultants make about $149,000 annually, but the best of the best can make much more.

Social Media Marketing Manager

Social media has become an important marketing channel for many different businesses.

A social media marketing manager creates, schedules, and manages posts for a company or entrepreneur. Their work in large part determines how successful the brand will be across social media channels.

On average, a social media marketing manager makes about $109,000 annually. The bigger the company or influencer you work for, the more money you can make.

Cardiologist

A cardiologist will diagnose and treat diseases and injuries related to the heart.

They help those who are facing frequent chest pain, blood vessel constriction, heart failure, and heart valve issues. They will also be able to diagnose and treat heart disease, which is a leading cause of death.

The average salary for a cardiologist is around $410,000 annually. If you are successful and experienced, you can make even more.

Neurologist

A neurologist can diagnose and treat injuries and diseases that affect the spinal cord and brain.

Brain and spinal cord damage can lead to paralysis, and there are degenerative diseases that affect these parts of the body as well. Neurologists can also work with stroke victims and those who have epilepsy.

Average neurologists make about $269,000 a year, and those at the higher end of the pay scale make more than $300k a year.

In this position, you can help people who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries and make a decent living at the same time.

Dermatologist

Dermatologist

A dermatologist specializes in everything relating to the skin. They are a medical doctor that examine the skin’s surface and look for abnormal marks, such as those created by skin cancer. They are qualified to diagnose and treat skin-related ailments, no matter where these are on the body.

The average salary fr a dermatologist is around $360,000 annually making it a great high paying job to consider if you have the education.

In this position, you can help patients maintain healthy skin and earn an excellent income all the while.

Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgeons specialize in cosmetic surgery. They use plastic and other materials to change a person’s appearance.

Some individuals see a plastic surgeon when they want to change their features, while others go for reconstructive surgery, which is often needed after major injuries like third-degree burns.

A plastic surgeon can make about $413,000 in a year. It's a unique occupation that changes lives.

Moreover, you can earn a handsome income if you put in enough work. Plastic surgeons can own their practice or work for other professionals in the industry. Hollywood and New York are hubs for plastic surgery in the US.

Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist specializes in all things relating to the digestive system. They can diagnose and treat injuries and diseases that affect the digestive system, and they can improve the quality of life for those who struggle to get their food down the right way. They can also diagnose dangerous cancers before they spread.

On average, a gastroenterologist makes about $398,000 in a year. You can help people achieve better digestive health and make more than a decent living while you're at it.

Actor/Actress

Actors and actresses are at the center of the entertainment world. Writers and directors are important too, but the actors are the ones you see on the screen.

Becoming a successful actor or actress is tough, but those who succeed can easily make more than $300k a year. The more refined your craft, the more likely it is that you’ll reach success.

This is also a job that pays for housing and travel – which many people will appreciate!

Sales Leader

Working in sales can be a very lucrative career with massive bonuses on the table if you can reach specific sales targets.

While the pay for entry level sales people is lower than $300k, those who are higher up at the company can easily make $300k a year or much more.

If you're skilled at developing customer relationships – this is a great career choice with a high average salary that doesn't require a college degree.

Investment Banker

Investment bankers are the people who help companies and governments raise money by issuing and selling securities.

This means whenever a private company determines it's time to go public, an investment banker is likely to be involved.

Investment banking pays well, with an average salary north of $300k a year and top earners making millions.

Final Thoughts on the Best Jobs That Pay $300,000 a Year

There are many different jobs with an average salary greater than $300k.

While most jobs tend to be in the medical or technology field, there are other jobs that may not even require a college degree.

If you find a job that suits your interests and work hard, there's no doubt you can make $300,000 a year!

Forrest is a personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investing expert dedicated to helping others obtain life long wealth. He has a Bachelor's degree in business and has been featured in many popular publications including Forbes, Business Insider, Bankrate, CNET Money, and many others. To learn more about Forrest, visit the About Us Page for more info.
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