Engineering and Architecture
Petroleum Engineers
- 2025 median pay
- $144,910
- Entry credential
- Bachelor's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 2%
- Annual openings
- 1,000
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
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Highest-paying careers
Compare national median pay alongside the credentials, training, and prior experience involved. Medians are not starting offers.
This filter excludes careers whose prior experience requirements are unknown. Education, training, licensing, and employer requirements still apply.
646 careers · Sorted by median pay · Page 4 of 54
Science
Political Scientists
- 2025 median pay
- $142,080
- Entry credential
- Master's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- -2%
- Annual openings
- 400
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerHealthcare
Pharmacist
- 2025 median pay
- $140,910
- Entry credential
- Doctoral or professional degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 5.2%
- Annual openings
- 12,500
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerTechnology and Mathematics
Computer and Information Research Scientists
- 2025 median pay
- $140,300
- Entry credential
- Master's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 21.8%
- Annual openings
- 2,900
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerTechnology and Mathematics
Database Architects
- 2025 median pay
- $139,500
- Entry credential
- Bachelor's degree + related experience
- 2025–2035 growth
- 9.4%
- Annual openings
- 3,900
Prior related experience: less than 5 years.
Compare this careerHealthcare
Optometrists
- 2025 median pay
- $136,570
- Entry credential
- Doctoral or professional degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 9.5%
- Annual openings
- 2,000
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerTechnology and Mathematics
Software Developer
- 2025 median pay
- $135,980
- Entry credential
- Bachelor's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 10.2%
- Annual openings
- 95,300
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerHealthcare
Physician Assistant
- 2025 median pay
- $135,880
- Entry credential
- Master's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 21.1%
- Annual openings
- 11,500
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerEngineering and Architecture
Aerospace Engineers
- 2025 median pay
- $134,960
- Entry credential
- Bachelor's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 8.3%
- Annual openings
- 3,800
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerTechnology and Mathematics
Computer Network Architects
- 2025 median pay
- $134,050
- Entry credential
- Bachelor's degree + related experience
- 2025–2035 growth
- 7.7%
- Annual openings
- 9,600
Prior related experience: 5 years or more.
Compare this careerHealthcare
Nurse Midwives
- 2025 median pay
- $134,040
- Entry credential
- Master's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 11.5%
- Annual openings
- 400
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Compare this careerEngineering and Architecture
Nuclear Engineers
- 2025 median pay
- $133,970
- Entry credential
- Bachelor's degree
- 2025–2035 growth
- 0.4%
- Annual openings
- 800
No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
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Annual openings include growth and replacement hiring. Open a career guide for source dates, training details, and occupation-specific evidence.