The US is one of the largest economies in the world. It’s third in population and first in global economic power. Millions of people work in different industries across the country. But not all jobs pay the same.
Some industries pay way more than others. These top-paying industries often require highly skilled workers or advanced education. So, which industry pays the most in the US this year? According to the latest data, the healthcare industry is still at the top.
Specialists like surgeons, anaesthesiologists and other medical professionals earn the most. In this article, we’re ranking the Top 10 Highest Paying Industries in the US for 2025.
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Which is the Highest-Paying Job Sector in the U.S.?
The healthcare field tops the list of highest-paying job sectors in the US. The Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) shows that medical roles dominate the upper ranks of the salary scale. Out of the 25 best-paid jobs in the nation, 22 belong to the medical field, with kids' surgeons and heart doctors at the forefront.
Kids' surgeons pull in about $450,810, while heart doctors make around $432,490 per year. Other big earners in this area include sleep doctors, baby doctors, mind doctors, and various specialised physicians, all raking in over $200,000 each year.
Comparison with Other Sectors
Although a handful of jobs outside medicine – like CEOs, pilots, and senior IT bosses – also bring in big bucks, they don't quite reach the top salaries in the medical field.
Take IT managers and software engineering heads, for instance. They can pull in between $140,000 and $164,000 a year. That's a lot of money, but it's still not as much as the best-paid healthcare jobs.
| Sector | Top Job Example | Average Annual Salary ($) |
| Healthcare | Pediatric Surgeon | $450,810 |
| Healthcare | Cardiologist | $432,490 |
| IT/Technology | IT Manager | $164,070 |
| Aviation | Airline Pilot | $280,570 |
| Executive Leadership | CEO | Varies, often $200,000+ |
| Retail | District Manager | $120,000 |
Top 10 Highest-Paying Industries in the U.S. (2025)
According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, here are the top 10 well-paid jobs in the U.S.
| Occupation | 2024 Median Pay |
| Ophthalmologists, except pediatric | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Physicians, all other | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Radiologists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Psychiatrists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Physicians, pathologists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Obstetricians and gynaecologists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Neurologists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Emergency medicine physicians | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Dermatologists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Cardiologists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Anesthesiologists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Prosthodontists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Orthodontists | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Oral and maxillofacial surgeons | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Surgeons, all other | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Pediatric surgeons | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Orthopaedic surgeons, except pediatric | ≥ $239,200 per year |
| Family medicine physicians | $238,380 per year |
| General internal medicine physicians | $236,350 per year |
| Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers | $226,600 per year |
1. Ophthalmologists (Except Pediatric)
Ophthalmologists specialise in eye and vision care, performing surgeries and treating complex eye diseases. They are among the highest-paid medical professionals in the U.S., with median annual earnings equal to or exceeding $239,200.
2. Physicians (All Other)
This category encompasses various specialised physicians. In 2025, these professionals earn median annual salaries equal to or greater than $239,200. Their roles are diverse, often involving specialised knowledge and skills that are crucial in providing comprehensive healthcare services.
3. Radiologists
Radiologists are medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques. They earn median annual salaries equal to or exceeding $239,200.
4. Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. They earn median annual salaries equal to or greater than $239,200. Their work is increasingly important as awareness and demand for mental health services grow.
5. Pathologists
Pathologists are physicians who study the causes and effects of diseases, often through laboratory analysis of body tissues and fluids. They earn median annual salaries equal to or exceeding $239,200. Their work is fundamental in diagnosing diseases and guiding treatment decisions.
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6. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Obstetricians and gynaecologists specialise in women's reproductive health, including childbirth and disorders of the reproductive system. They earn median annual salaries equal to or greater than $239,200. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of women, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.
7. Neurologists
Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. They earn median annual salaries equal to or exceeding $239,200. Their role is critical in managing complex neurological conditions, requiring extensive specialised training.
8. Emergency Medicine Physicians
Emergency medicine physicians provide immediate care for acute illnesses and injuries. Their salaries range from approximately $285,000 to $365,000, depending on factors such as location and experience.
9. Dermatologists
Dermatologists specialise in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. They earn a median annual salary of approximately $541,000. The field offers a favourable work-life balance, often with regular hours and the opportunity for additional income through cosmetic procedures and social media presence.
10. Cardiologists
Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. They are among the top earners in the medical field, with average annual salaries around $490,000. Their work is vital in managing cardiovascular health, a leading concern in the U.S.
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