Sam SmithWisconsin’s high paying jobs offer a powerful mix of opportunity, stability, and compensation, especially across healthcare, engineering, and business management. With an economy anchored by manufacturing, biotechnology, and healthcare networks, the state consistently rewards expertise and education. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized medical practitioners dominate the top tier, while executives, engineers, and finance professionals also command six-figure salaries. Despite some wages sitting slightly below national averages, Wisconsin’s low cost of living gives these roles exceptional real-world earning power.
Highest-paying Jobs In Wisconsin – Why They Pay Highly
1. Surgeon
Surgeons in Wisconsin command some of the state’s highest salaries due to their years of specialized training, critical responsibilities, and the life-or-death nature of their work. They perform complex procedures across hospitals and private clinics, often focusing on orthopedics, cardiovascular, or neurosurgery. With aging populations and rural hospital demand, their expertise is indispensable. Long hours, intense precision, and professional liability contribute to high compensation, reflecting both the skill and risk of surgical practice in Wisconsin’s healthcare network.
2. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists play a vital role in every surgical operation, ensuring patient safety before, during, and after anesthesia administration. In Wisconsin, their earnings reflect the high stakes of managing pain control and vital functions. They work across major hospital systems like UW Health and Aurora Health Care. Extensive medical schooling, certification, and years of residency training make these specialists invaluable. Their expertise in critical care, pain medicine, and emergency response places them among the state’s most respected—and highest-paid—medical professionals.
3. Psychiatrist
Wisconsin psychiatrists address the growing mental health needs of both urban and rural communities. They diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, providing therapy and medication management. Demand for these specialists continues to climb due to increased awareness and shortages in mental health care. Many work in hospitals, private practices, or correctional facilities. Their high income reflects extensive education, long-term patient care, and the expanding role of mental health services in Wisconsin’s evolving healthcare system.
4. Orthodontist
Orthodontists in Wisconsin enjoy strong earnings thanks to steady demand for dental alignment and cosmetic improvements. They correct teeth and jaw irregularities, boosting both function and aesthetics. With a mix of general dental referrals and private clients, orthodontists maintain profitable practices, often serving families seeking long-term care plans. Their work requires years of dental and orthodontic schooling, precise technical skill, and patient trust—factors that make them both highly sought-after and well-compensated across the state’s suburban and urban areas.
5. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs in Wisconsin lead corporations, nonprofits, and manufacturing enterprises that drive the state’s diverse economy. They set strategic direction, oversee financial growth, and manage operations across sectors like healthcare, insurance, and engineering. Executive pay reflects performance-based bonuses, profit sharing, and leadership accountability. CEOs often have decades of experience and advanced business education. Their compensation represents the balance of decision-making risk, organizational responsibility, and long-term company vision essential for keeping Wisconsin industries competitive nationwide.
6. Family and General Practitioner
Family and general practitioners are vital to Wisconsin’s healthcare system, especially in underserved rural areas. They provide preventive care, diagnose common illnesses, and manage chronic conditions for individuals and families. Their salaries remain high due to physician shortages and expanding patient demand. These doctors serve as first points of contact within healthcare networks, often working long hours and managing complex patient needs. Their combination of community service, medical expertise, and continuity of care makes them indispensable.
7. Dentist
Dentists in Wisconsin enjoy lucrative careers thanks to steady patient flow and strong preventive care awareness. They diagnose and treat oral conditions, perform extractions, fill cavities, and promote long-term dental health. With many owning private practices, earnings are boosted by entrepreneurial success. High salaries reflect years of dental education, specialized equipment costs, and patient reliance on oral care. Wisconsin’s focus on community wellness ensures dentists remain integral—and well-paid—members of the professional healthcare landscape.
8. Petroleum Engineer
Although Wisconsin lacks major oil reserves, petroleum engineers still find rewarding opportunities in consulting, environmental engineering, and energy infrastructure. Their expertise in drilling, extraction, and energy efficiency translates into high pay. Many work for energy firms managing out-of-state projects while living in Wisconsin for its lower cost of living. Advanced technical knowledge, mathematical precision, and safety-critical decision-making justify their salaries. These engineers also contribute to renewable energy initiatives, bridging traditional and modern energy solutions statewide.
9. Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers in Wisconsin handle mergers, acquisitions, compliance, and intellectual property for growing businesses. They’re essential in sectors like manufacturing, finance, and healthcare. High salaries reflect both their legal expertise and the stakes of major transactions. Many operate in Milwaukee and Madison, where law firms serve regional and national clients. The complexity of contract negotiation, corporate governance, and litigation risk ensures these attorneys remain among Wisconsin’s most trusted—and best-compensated—professionals within the business and legal community.
10. Pharmacist
Pharmacists in Wisconsin ensure the safe dispensing of medications, provide drug counseling, and collaborate closely with healthcare providers. Their expertise reduces medical errors and improves patient outcomes. With expanding roles in immunization and chronic disease management, pharmacists enjoy both job security and high pay. Many work in hospitals, clinics, or retail chains like Walgreens and CVS. Years of doctoral education, state licensing, and pharmaceutical precision underpin their respected—and well-paid—positions across Wisconsin’s healthcare network.
11. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are highly trained professionals who administer anesthesia independently or alongside anesthesiologists. In Wisconsin, CRNAs are vital in rural hospitals and surgical centers, where anesthesiologist availability may be limited. Their advanced education, critical care experience, and precision under pressure justify substantial salaries. CRNAs handle preoperative evaluations, anesthesia management, and patient monitoring. Their autonomy, responsibility, and role in improving surgical accessibility make this one of the most respected and well-compensated nursing specialties in the state.
12. IT Director
IT Directors oversee the technology infrastructure that keeps Wisconsin’s hospitals, universities, and corporations running smoothly. They manage cybersecurity, data systems, and IT teams, ensuring seamless digital operations. Their high compensation stems from leadership responsibilities, advanced technical skill, and strategic decision-making. Many hold degrees in computer science and MBAs. As Wisconsin’s economy digitizes—from manufacturing automation to e-commerce—these directors play a critical role in innovation, efficiency, and network security, cementing their position among the state’s top earners.
13. Financial Manager
Financial Managers guide the economic stability and growth of Wisconsin companies, overseeing budgets, investments, and risk assessments. Their expertise ensures efficient use of capital and compliance with regulations. Strong analytical and leadership skills make them vital in industries from healthcare to manufacturing. Compensation reflects the high responsibility of managing millions in assets and forecasting profitability. With solid demand across public and private sectors, Wisconsin’s Financial Managers enjoy both rewarding pay and long-term career security.
14. Airline Pilot
Airline pilots enjoy elite compensation due to the extensive training, precision, and safety responsibilities their job requires. In Wisconsin, they operate regional and national routes from hubs like Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport. Pilots undergo rigorous flight training, FAA certification, and recurrent testing to maintain credentials. Their high salaries account for the skill, time away from home, and strict safety standards of the profession. Aviation remains one of Wisconsin’s highest-paying—and most admired—career paths.
15. Optometrist
Optometrists in Wisconsin diagnose vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect eye diseases early. Their work blends medical science with patient care, often in independent or group practices. High salaries come from specialized expertise, equipment investment, and steady patient demand. Many Wisconsin residents rely on optometrists for lifelong vision management, especially in aging populations. The combination of healthcare independence, entrepreneurial opportunity, and technical skill keeps this role consistently among the state’s top-paying healthcare professions.
16. Marketing Director
Marketing Directors in Wisconsin lead strategy, brand management, and product promotion for companies across consumer goods, manufacturing, and tech. Their salaries reflect leadership in driving growth, managing creative teams, and optimizing campaigns. Strong communication skills, data analysis, and digital proficiency are key to success. Many work in Milwaukee or Madison for large firms and advertising agencies. Their influence on revenue generation makes them central to business success—and well-compensated for delivering measurable marketing results.
17. Computer and Information Research Scientist
These advanced professionals design and develop new computing technologies, algorithms, and data models. In Wisconsin, they contribute to research universities, healthcare analytics, and industrial automation firms. Their work in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and machine learning makes them indispensable to modern innovation. High salaries reflect their education—often PhDs—and their role in shaping future tech applications. With increasing demand for digital transformation, these scientists help Wisconsin compete nationally in research-driven industries and next-generation computing breakthroughs.
18. Sales Manager
Sales Managers in Wisconsin earn strong salaries by leading revenue-generating teams across manufacturing, insurance, and tech sectors. They set targets, train staff, and develop strategies to expand market share. Their compensation often includes performance bonuses tied to sales outcomes. The state’s robust industrial and healthcare markets provide continuous opportunities for skilled sales leaders. High income reflects both leadership responsibility and the direct financial impact their teams have on Wisconsin businesses’ profitability and market expansion.
19. Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers in Wisconsin design, test, and maintain aircraft and propulsion systems used by both defense and private industries. Working for companies connected to Boeing or regional defense contractors, they ensure safety, performance, and innovation. Advanced math and physics knowledge, combined with engineering precision, justify high salaries. Their work supports Wisconsin’s contribution to national aviation and space technology. Aerospace engineering remains one of the state’s most prestigious, technically demanding, and well-compensated STEM professions.
20. Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistants deliver essential medical services under physician supervision, often acting as primary caregivers in Wisconsin’s hospitals and clinics. They diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and perform procedures, especially in rural areas facing doctor shortages. Their salaries are high due to advanced education, autonomy, and rising healthcare demand. PAs bridge the gap between doctors and patients, improving access and efficiency in care delivery. Their versatility makes them a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s modern healthcare system.
Healthcare & Medical
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (Wisconsin) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologist | >$339,990+ (Hourly data) | At or above national average |
| 2 | Surgeon (All Other) | >$339,990+ (Hourly data) | At or above national average |
| 3 | Obstetrician and Gynecologist | >$339,990+ (Hourly data) | At or above national average |
| 4 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | >$339,990+ (Hourly data) | At or above national average |
| 5 | Orthodontist | $297,100 | Above national average |
| 6 | Psychiatrist | $286,930 | Above national average |
| 7 | Chief Physician | $279,330 | Near national average |
| 8 | Family Medicine Physician | $269,740 | Above national average |
| 9 | Pediatrician, General | $260,320 | Above national average |
| 10 | Nurse Anesthetist | $246,140 | Significantly above national average |
| 11 | Dentist, General | $234,990 | Above national average |
| 12 | Prosthodontist | $219,330 | Near national average |
| 13 | Pharmacist | $134,850 | Near national average |
| 14 | Optometrist | $152,880 | Above national average |
| 15 | Physician Assistant | $129,650 | Near national average |
| 16 | Nurse Practitioner | $126,480 | Near national average |
Business, Executive & Legal
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (Wisconsin) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Chief Executive | $246,050 | Slightly below national average |
| 18 | General and Operations Manager (Top Exec) | $177,320 | Varies widely |
| 19 | Marketing Manager | $156,890 | Near national average |
| 20 | Sales Manager | $156,460 | Near national average |
| 21 | Financial Manager | $155,910 | Near national average |
| 22 | Human Resources Manager | $147,700 | Above national average |
| 23 | Compensation and Benefits Manager | $146,650 | Above national average |
| 24 | Public Relations Manager | $145,850 | Above national average |
| 25 | Actuary | $145,240 | Above national average |
| 26 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | $158,860 | Slightly below national average |
| 27 | Advertising and Promotions Manager | $142,490 | Above national average |
| 28 | Judge, Magistrate Judge, and Magistrate | $141,910 | Below national average |
| 29 | Lawyer | $141,650 | Below national average |
| 30 | Training and Development Manager | $139,850 | Above national average |
| 31 | Industrial Production Manager | $134,650 | Above national average |
| 32 | Purchasing Manager | $133,890 | Above national average |
Engineering, Architecture & IT
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (Wisconsin) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Architectural and Engineering Manager | $166,560 | Near national average |
| 34 | Petroleum Engineer | $162,960 | Near national average |
| 35 | Computer and Information Research Scientist | $151,810 | Below national average |
| 36 | Data Scientist | $112,250 | Below national average |
| 37 | Software Developer | $108,970 | Below national average |
| 38 | Computer Network Architect | $127,890 | Below national average |
| 39 | Materials Scientist | $126,600 | Near national average |
| 40 | Aerospace Engineer | $124,150 | Near national average |
| 41 | Chemical Engineer | $122,740 | Above national average |
| 42 | Electrical Engineer | $106,970 | Near national average |
| 43 | Computer Hardware Engineer | $121,680 | Below national average |
| 44 | Physicist | $120,910 | Below national average |
| 45 | Industrial Engineer | $93,350 | Near national average |
| 46 | Mechanical Engineer | $93,140 | Near national average |
| 47 | Civil Engineer | $96,730 | Near national average |
| 48 | Environmental Engineer | $98,910 | Near national average |
Sciences, Math & Postsecondary Education
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (Wisconsin) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | Natural Sciences Manager | $159,040 | Above national average |
| 50 | Economist | $128,950 | Near national average |
| 51 | Political Scientist | $128,670 | Near national average |
| 52 | Biochemist and Biophysicist | $115,960 | Above national average |
| 53 | Medical Scientist | $97,080 | Near national average |
| 54 | Chemistry Teacher, Postsecondary | $122,640 | Above national average |
| 55 | Engineering Teacher, Postsecondary | $121,500 | Above national average |
| 56 | Law Teacher, Postsecondary | $119,650 | Near national average |
| 57 | Health Specialties Teacher, Postsecondary | $118,870 | Above national average |
| 58 | Physics Teacher, Postsecondary | $116,710 | Above national average |
| 59 | Atmospheric, Earth, and Space Sciences Teacher | $113,970 | Above national average |
| 60 | Business Teacher, Postsecondary | $112,250 | Above national average |
| 61 | Economics Teacher, Postsecondary | $111,530 | Above national average |
| 62 | Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary | $108,860 | Above national average |
| 63 | Mathematical Science Teacher, Postsecondary | $103,350 | Above national average |
Aviation, Management & Other High-Paying Roles
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (Wisconsin) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | Airline Pilot, Copilot, and Flight Engineer | $178,300 | Below national average |
| 65 | Financial Analyst | $104,420 | Near national average |
| 66 | Management Analyst | $101,790 | Near national average |
| 67 | Elevator and Escalator Installer/Repairer | $101,650 | Above national average |
| 68 | Power Plant Operator | $100,850 | Above national average |
| 69 | Sales Engineer | $100,600 | Near national average |
| 70 | Administrative Services Manager | $115,200 | Above national average |
| 71 | Commercial Pilot | $113,150 | Near national average |
| 72 | Nuclear Technician | $99,920 | Above national average |
| 73 | Radiation Therapist | $99,680 | Above national average |
| 74 | Personal Financial Advisor | $137,600 | Near national average |
| 75 | Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Agent | $134,350 | Near national average |
| 76 | Art Director | $121,830 | Above national average |
| 77 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist | $79,850 | Above national average |
| 78 | Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer | $105,670 | Above national average |
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 79 | Nuclear Engineer | $118,000 |
| 80 | Veterinarian | $117,760 |
| 81 | Geoscientist | $116,650 |
| 82 | Database Architect | $115,870 |
| 83 | Ship Engineer | $115,240 |
| 84 | Statistician | $114,930 |
| 85 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager | $114,670 |
| 86 | Construction Manager | $113,940 |
| 87 | Software QA Analyst and Tester | $112,950 |
| 88 | Information Security Analyst | $112,690 |
| 89 | First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives | $112,090 |
| 90 | Agricultural Engineer | $111,580 |
| 91 | Speech-Language Pathologist | $95,850 |
| 92 | Occupational Therapist | $93,070 |
| 93 | Physical Therapist | $97,950 |
| 94 | Marine Engineer and Naval Architect | $110,000 |
| 95 | Project Management Specialist | $96,920 |
| 96 | Budget Analyst | $96,850 |
| 97 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $96,690 |
| 98 | Loan Officer | $96,470 |
| 99 | Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Powerhouse | $96,300 |
| 100 | Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist | $95,970 |
Closing Summary
Wisconsin continues to prove that career success isn’t limited to the coasts. Its combination of high-paying professional sectors, affordable living, and strong workforce demand makes it a rewarding place for ambitious professionals. From the surgical suite to the corporate boardroom and engineering lab, the state’s top earners thrive in a balanced economy grounded in skill, innovation, and opportunity. For anyone pursuing financial growth and long-term stability, Wisconsin’s job landscape stands out as one of the Midwest’s most promising.