KEY POINTS

  • In the United States, 10 of the highest-paid jobs are part of the medical sector
  • The industry is expected to grow employment availability by 15% from 2019 to 2029
  • Anesthesiologists top the list as highest-earners with an estimated annual salary of $261,730

Workers in the medical industry are among the highest-paid employees in the United States. The future of the sector is expected to expand rapidly in the coming years, with an expected growth of 15% in employment between 2019 and 2029.

Data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that the sector would open up about 2.4 million new jobs. The rapid expansion is mainly due to the aging population, which increases the demand for health care, according to Investopedia.

Below are the top 10 highest paying jobs in the U.S. at present:

10. Internal Medicine Physicians

In the United States, internal medicine physicians can expect to make around $210,960 annually as of June 16, 2021. Their primary role is to address a wide range of ailments, including asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

9. Family Medicine Physicians

These physicians are those who diagnose, treat and help prevent minor ailments or injuries among the general population. The annual salary for this job averages at about $214,370.

8. Prosthodontists

As of April 1, 2021, prosthodontists earn an average of $214,870 annually. They are responsible for constructing oral prostheses to replace patients’ missing teeth and other oral structures.

7. Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical professionals who treat mental health issues among their patients. This career has an estimated average annual salary of $217,100. This field also has a wide variety of specializations, including forensic, addiction and consultation.

6. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Medical professionals who perform surgery and related procedures on a person’s hard and soft tissues found in the oral and maxillofacial regions earn an average of $234,990 yearly.

5. Orthodontists

Orthodontists are the ones who examine, diagnose and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. They earn an average annual salary of $237,990.

4. Obstetricians-Gynecologists

Physicians who specialize in providing medical care regarding pregnancy or childbirth can expect to make an average of $239,120 per year. They are also responsible for diagnosing, treating and helping to prevent diseases among women.

3. Physicians (Other)

Anyone working as a physician under other specialties, including allergists, cardiologists and dermatologists has a mean annual salary of $248,872. These physicians conduct a wide variety of medical services based on their specialization.

2. Surgeons

Requiring several years of specialized training, surgeons enjoy one of the highest salaries among medical professionals. The average surgeon earns about $252,040 per year. However, this usually entails working long and irregular shifts depending on the specialty.

1. Anesthesiologists

Having extensive knowledge of a human’s physiology and anatomy, anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during or after surgery. They can enjoy a lucrative average annual salary of $261,730. This profession has become the highest paid job in the U.S.

Richard Whelan, a colorectal surgeon working at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, has returned to work after recovering from a coronavirus infection -- he says he's unsure whether he is now immune to reinfection
Richard Whelan, a colorectal surgeon working at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, has returned to work after recovering from a coronavirus infection -- he says he's unsure whether he is now immune to reinfection Northwell Health / Handout