- Specific Job Requirements
- Jobs That Pay Over 200K
- Jobs That Pay Over 300K
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- Jobs With Tips
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- Jobs That Don't Require Standing
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25 High-Paying Jobs That Earn Over $200K in 2026
As we move through 2026, the landscape of high-paying jobs continues to evolve. Professions that command salaries over $200,000 include plastic surgeons, oral surgeons, anesthesiologists, and various senior roles in business and IT. These lucrative positions typically require advanced degrees or extensive experience, meaning significant time and dedication are necessary to reach these income levels. It’s important to note that even after securing such a position, you may not start at the top salary right away.
If you aspire to earn a substantial paycheck for your hard work, you’re not alone. However, jobs that pay over $200K come with high expectations and challenges, which is part of the reason for their impressive salaries.
High-paying roles often hinge on skills that are in high demand, whether due to their complexity, educational requirements, or a lack of candidates interested in the field. If you’re curious about which careers can yield a yearly income exceeding $200,000, explore the following list of the top 25 highest-paid jobs.
Key Takeaways
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The top three jobs that pay above $200K annually are plastic surgeons, oral surgeons, and anesthesiologists.
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Most positions that offer over $200K a year necessitate an advanced degree or substantial work experience.
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Just because a job has the potential for a $200K salary doesn’t mean you will start at that level.
25 Jobs That Pay Over $200K
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Information Systems Manager
Average Annual Salary: $130,000
Top 10% Salary: $180,000Information systems managers are responsible for overseeing various aspects of system management, including software, hardware, and user interfaces. This role often involves collaborating with programmers, analysts, and technical support specialists, leading to a well-deserved six-figure salary.
To excel in this role, one must possess a deep understanding of programming, hardware, and analytical techniques, along with ensuring compliance with software licensing laws.
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Petroleum Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $115,000
Top 10% Salary: $180,000Petroleum engineers discover energy sources such as oil and gas and design the necessary extraction equipment. They assess production methods to enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability, which is critical given the global reliance on these energy sources.
Top professionals in this field can earn well over $150,000 annually.
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Corporate Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: $135,000
Top 10% Salary: $210,000Corporate lawyers ensure that companies comply with legal standards in documentation and negotiations, which is vital for their operations. They command high salaries even in entry-level roles due to the critical nature of their work.
These legal professionals specialize in a variety of laws applicable to corporations, ensuring companies navigate legal challenges effectively.
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Information Security Director
Average Annual Salary: $140,000
Top 10% Salary: $220,000With the increasing reliance on digital business operations, the need for robust information security has surged. Information security directors devise strategies to protect sensitive data and respond to security breaches, making their expertise invaluable.
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Investment Banker
Average Annual Salary: $140,000
Top 10% Salary: $220,000Most investment bankers hold an MBA and undergo extensive education before they can provide valuable financial advice. They help clients increase capital through informed investment strategies and financial modeling.
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Judge
Average Annual Salary: $55,000
Top 10% Salary: $220,000Judges play a critical role in the justice system, often influencing the outcomes of cases. As they gain experience, their salaries can rise substantially.
Judges oversee court proceedings and ensure that legal standards are upheld, making their role essential for a fair judicial process.
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Pediatrician
Average Annual Salary: $180,000
Top 10% Salary: $220,000Pediatricians require extensive education, including medical school and a residency. They specialize in the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents, providing essential medical care and preventative treatments.
Pediatricians work closely with families to ensure the health and development of their young patients.
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Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Average Annual Salary: $140,000
Top 10% Salary: $250,000The CFO plays a crucial role in managing a company’s finances, ensuring its stability and growth. This leadership position requires extensive financial knowledge and strategic insight.
CFOs are responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and providing financial reports to guide executive decisions.
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University Professor
Average Annual Salary: $100,000
Top 10% Salary: $250,000University professors need a doctoral degree and must navigate a long academic journey. They are tasked with educating students and contributing to scholarly research, often taking on significant responsibilities in their institution.
Professors are expected to maintain expertise in their fields while also mentoring students.
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Physician
Average Annual Salary: $200,000
Top 10% Salary: $300,000Physicians, or doctors, play a vital role in healthcare. Their extensive training and expertise allow them to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.
While many physicians are driven by a passion for helping others, they also earn a prestigious salary that reflects their important work.
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Airline Pilot
Average Annual Salary: $80,000
Top 10% Salary: $300,000Airline pilots carry a significant responsibility for the safety and comfort of passengers during flights. Their specialized training ensures they can navigate complex situations in the air.
Top pilots earn impressive salaries, reflecting the skills and expertise required for the job.
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Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
Average Annual Salary: $175,000
Top 10% Salary: $300,000CMOs oversee marketing strategies and campaigns that shape a company’s brand image. They analyze market trends and lead marketing teams to engage customers effectively.
With their extensive experience and leadership skills, CMOs are well-compensated for their contributions.
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Prosthodontist
Average Annual Salary: $200,000
Top 10% Salary: $320,000Prosthodontists specialize in creating oral prostheses to improve patients’ smiles and mouth function. This specialized field has fewer practitioners, leading to higher salaries for those who excel.
With their unique skill set, top prosthodontists can earn impressive salaries, reflecting their expertise.
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Psychiatrist
Average Annual Salary: $210,000
Top 10% Salary: $310,000Psychiatrists play a crucial role in mental health, providing therapy and medication to those in need. Their education includes a medical degree and residency, ensuring they are well-prepared for this important work.
With a growing emphasis on mental health, psychiatrists are in demand and can command high salaries.
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Medical Lawyer
Average Annual Salary: Not Available
Top 10% Salary: $300,000Medical lawyers navigate the complex intersection of healthcare and law, representing clients in cases of malpractice or healthcare disputes. Their extensive education and expertise enable them to earn substantial salaries.
As legal professionals with a deep understanding of medical regulations, they provide essential representation for their clients.
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Orthodontist
Average Annual Salary: $220,000
Top 10% Salary: $350,000Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating dental irregularities, often developing long-term treatment plans for their patients. Their expertise in this niche field allows them to command high salaries.
With a focus on patient relationships and treatment success, orthodontists play a significant role in dental health.
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Average Annual Salary: $200,000
Top 10% Salary: $500,000As the highest-ranking executive in a company, a CEO oversees all operations and makes strategic decisions that shape the organization’s future. This position demands extensive experience and leadership skills, reflected in their significant salary.
CEOs often represent the face of the company and must balance numerous responsibilities, making their role both challenging and rewarding.
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Gynecologist
Average Annual Salary: $260,000
Top 10% Salary: $350,000Gynecologists specialize in women’s reproductive health, providing care throughout all stages of life. Their expertise is highly valued, and they often command impressive salaries due to the demand for their services.
Gynecologists perform examinations, diagnose health issues, and provide prenatal and postnatal care, making them essential healthcare providers.
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Neurologist
Average Annual Salary: $265,000
Top 10% Salary: $360,000Neurologists focus on disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, providing critical diagnoses and treatment plans. Their specialized knowledge and skills are highly compensated, reflecting the complexity of their work.
Neurology is a demanding field that requires significant education and training, leading to rewarding career opportunities.
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Astronaut Mission Specialist
Average Annual Salary: $75,000
Top 10% Salary: $400,000Astronauts hold high-stakes responsibilities, including conducting experiments and maintaining spacecraft. Their rigorous training and expertise in STEM fields allow them to earn substantial salaries.
Becoming an astronaut requires dedication, education, and experience, culminating in a rewarding career that offers unique experiences.
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Dermatologist
Average Annual Salary: $330,000
Top 10% Salary: $420,000Dermatologists specialize in skin conditions and treatments, making them essential in healthcare. Their skills are in high demand, leading to impressive salaries for those in this field.
They consult with patients, diagnose skin issues, and provide effective treatments, ensuring the health and well-being of their clients.
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Anesthesiologist
Average Annual Salary: $330,000
Top 10% Salary: $440,000Anesthesiologists administer anesthetics during surgical procedures, requiring extensive training and expertise. Their role is vital in ensuring patient safety and comfort during operations, which is reflected in their high salaries.
By collaborating with surgical teams, anesthesiologists play an essential role in the successful outcome of surgical interventions.
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Oral Surgeon
Average Annual Salary: $290,000
Top 10% Salary: $500,000Oral surgeons perform complex surgical procedures on the mouth and jaw, often requiring referrals from other dental professionals. Their specialized skills command high salaries, especially for those with extensive experience.
They provide critical care in dental health, addressing issues that go beyond standard dental practices.
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Plastic Surgeon
Average Annual Salary: $350,000
Top 10% Salary: $500,000Plastic surgeons specialize in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, often earning high salaries due to the elective nature of many surgeries. Their expertise allows them to impact patients’ lives significantly.
In addition to surgical skills, plastic surgeons provide consultations and post-operative care to ensure successful outcomes for their patients.
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Voice Actor
Average Annual Salary: $75,000
Top 10% Salary: $650,000Voice actors lend their vocal talents to various media, including film, television, and video games. While formal education is not strictly required, the competition is fierce, and successful voice actors can earn impressive salaries.
With their ability to convey emotion and personality through voice, top voice actors can significantly increase their earnings, reflecting their unique skill set.
Jobs That Pay Over $200K a Year FAQ
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Jobs that make $200K a year include:
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Voice Actor
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Plastic Surgeon
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Oral Surgeon
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Judge
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Anesthesiologist
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Astronaut Mission Specialist
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
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How much is 200K a year hourly?
$200K a year translates to approximately $96.15 an hour. If you work 40 hours a week for 52 weeks a year, that’s your hourly wage.
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How many people make over 200K?
As of recent reports, approximately 10.1 million individuals earn over $200K annually, which includes various households with different income structures.
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$200 a day equates to an annual salary of $52,200, assuming a five-day workweek over a full year.
References
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Statista – Number of Households in the United States by Household Income
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Highest Paying Occupations
- Specific Job Requirements
- Jobs That Pay Over 200K
- Jobs That Pay Over 300K
- Jobs That Provide Housing
- Jobs That Change The World
- Jobs Working With Animals
- Jobs Working With Babies
- Jobs With Dead Bodies
- Jobs In Nature
- Jobs With Tips
- Jobs That Require Travel
- Jobs That Don't Require Standing
- Jobs That Make People Happy
- Jobs For Student Loan Forgiveness
- Jobs That Use Math
- Food Sustainability Jobs
- Social Work Jobs
- Cash Jobs
- Under The Table Jobs
- Associate Degree Jobs
- Liberal Arts Degree Jobs
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
