Discover the Most Lucrative Career Opportunities in the USA: Uncover the Highest Paying Jobs of 2024
Over 1.33 lakh Indian students embarked on their study abroad journey in 2022, with the USA being the most popular destination. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the USA experienced a remarkable 12% increase in the number of international students in 2021. Opting to study in the USA requires no explanation, as students worldwide recognize the immense benefits it offers. Alongside renowned academic institutions and quality education, the USA provides unparalleled opportunities for lucrative careers. With a robust economy, international students can easily secure the highest-paying jobs in the USA.
List of high-paying jobs in USA in 2024
Here is the list of high-paying jobs in the USA that include:
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Education/Qualification |
| Anesthesiologist | $331,190 | Doctor of Medicine (MD) + Residency |
| Cardiologist | $353,970 | Doctor of Medicine (MD) + Fellowship |
| Surgeon | $323,570 | Doctor of Medicine (MD) + Residency |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $208,000 | Master’s in Nursing + Nurse Anesthetist Certification |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | $311,460 | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) + Residency |
| Orthodontist | $208,000 | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) + Orthodontic Residency |
| Physician | $208,000 | Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
| Psychiatrist | $208,000 | Doctor of Medicine (MD) + Residency |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist | $208,000 | Doctor of Medicine (MD) + Residency |
| Pilot, Commercial Airplane | $191,120 | Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License |
Please note: These are median salaries and actual salaries can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and employer.
List of high-paying engineering jobs in USA in 2024
Here is the list of high-paying engineering jobs in USA (2024) that include:
| Job Title | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
| Petroleum Engineer | $137,300 | Faster than average |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $132,260 | 5% |
| Aerospace Engineer | $122,270 | 5% |
| Software Engineer | $121,199 | 11% |
| Nuclear Engineer | $120,380 | 4% |
| Data Engineer | $113,255 | 22% |
Please note: Median salary data is based on 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics reports and may vary depending on location, experience, and employer.
Also read: 6 Highest-Paying Health Care Jobs in the US
List of startups offers top-paying jobs in USA in 2024
Here is the list of top-paying startups in the USA that include:
| Startup | Industry | Average Salary |
| Stripe | Payments | $180,000 |
| Instacart | Grocery Delivery | $165,000 |
| Databricks | Big Data & Analytics | $155,000 |
| OpenAI | Artificial Intelligence | $150,000 |
| SpaceX | Aerospace | $145,000 |
| Palantir Technologies | Data Analytics & Software | $140,000 |
| Compass | Real Estate | $135,000 |
| Coinbase | Cryptocurrency | $130,000 |
| Affirm | Financial Technology | $125,000 |
| Cruise | Autonomous Vehicles | $120,000 |
Please note: These are median salaries and actual salaries can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and employer.
Also read: 5 High-Paying Architecture and Engineering Jobs in the US
List of best-paid jobs in USA after studying STEM courses
Here is the list of best-paid jobs in the USA after studying STEM courses that include:
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (USD) | Required Degree |
| Physicist | $204,150 | PhD in Physics |
| Nuclear Engineer | $127,010 | Master’s in Nuclear Engineering |
| Software Architect | $152,190 | Bachelor’s in Computer Science + Experience |
| Petroleum Engineer | $130,320 | Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering |
| Dentist | $175,160 | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) |
| Actuary | $120,800 | Bachelor’s in Mathematics, Statistics, or Actuarial Science + Exams |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,110 | Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Information Technology |
| Anesthesiologist | $195,610 | Doctor of Medicine (MD) + Residency in Anesthesiology |
| Statistician | $134,530 | Master’s in Statistics or Data Science |
| Aerospace Engineer | $111,720 | Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering |
Please note: These are median salaries and actual salaries can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and employer. This list is not exhaustive and there are many other high-paying STEM jobs in the USA.
List of highest-paying career cities in the USA
Here is the list of city offer the highest-paying careers in the USA that include:
| City | Average Median Salary (USD) | Top High-Paying Fields |
| San Francisco, CA | $89,260 | Tech, Finance, Healthcare |
| San Jose, CA | $88,910 | Tech, Engineering, Manufacturing |
| New York City, NY | $84,180 | Finance, Business, Law |
| Seattle, WA | $81,450 | Tech, Aerospace, Healthcare |
| Washington D.C. | $80,570 | Government, Tech, Education |
| Boston, MA | $77,510 | Finance, Healthcare, Education |
| Los Angeles, CA | $72,160 | Entertainment, Healthcare, Tech |
| Denver, CO | $70,050 | Finance, Energy, Aerospace |
| Austin, TX | $69,130 | Tech, Healthcare, Education |
| Atlanta, GA | $68,090 | Healthcare, Finance, Business |
Please note: These are average median salaries and can vary significantly depending on specific job title, experience level, and individual company.
Also read: High-Paying Jobs in the US for Bachelor’s Degree Holders
How to find the best jobs in USA with a high salary in 2024?
Landing the best high-paying job in the USA requires a strategic approach and utilizing various resources. Here are some steps to guide you:
Self-Assessment:
- Know your worth: Define your skills, experience, and desired salary range. Online salary calculators and job boards can provide data-driven insights.
- Interests and passions: Prioritize fields you find engaging and fulfilling. This builds long-term career satisfaction.
- Location flexibility: Are you open to relocating for the right opportunity? Consider cost of living and desired lifestyle when evaluating locations.
Job search and exploration:
- Target high-paying sectors: Research industries known for high salaries like tech, healthcare, finance, and engineering.
- Utilize job boards: Leverage sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and niche platforms related to your field.
- Network and connect: Attend industry events, conferences, and professional meetups. Reach out to recruiters and alumni for career guidance and potential leads.
- Direct company applications: Visit company websites and apply directly for relevant positions. Research the company culture and tailor your resume and cover letter.
Boosting your candidacy:
- Continuous learning: Invest in skill development through online courses, certifications, or professional training programs.
- Portfolio and resume optimization: Showcase your achievements and skills through a strong portfolio (especially for visual or creative fields) and a well-formatted, targeted resume.
- Interview preparation: Practice mock interviews, research typical interview questions, and prepare articulate responses that highlight your qualifications.
- Negotiation skills: Research average salaries for your position and location and be prepared to negotiate your salary confidently.
Should you require additional guidance or have any inquiries? Please contact our MSM Unify counselors who are available to assist you at any time.
Also read: What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in the World?
FAQs
Which salary is good for USA?
Salaries range from $45,060 to $335,200 per year and include housing, transport, and other benefits. The median salary is $89,000 per year, meaning that 50% of the USA’s population is earning less than $89,000 per year – while the others earn more than the median.
Which city in USA pays the highest salary?
San Francisco, California is the highest-paying city in our job listings, offering careers in entertainment, finance, technology, and more.
Is 75k a good salary in USA?
While people have different qualifications and different ideas of what constitutes a good salary, most would consider $75,000 per year to be good pay.
How much money do you need to live in USA?
The estimated cost of living in the USA for international students is around $10,000 to $18,000 per year, which averages around $1,000 to $1,500 per month.
How expensive is USA?
The estimated living cost for the US is around $10,000 to $18,000 per year, which averages around $1000 to $1500 per month.
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