Sam SmithThe U.S. job market is vast and ever-evolving, but one thing remains constant — certain professions consistently command top salaries due to their skill demands, educational requirements, and critical importance to society. From life-saving surgeons to innovative data scientists and high-level executives, the country’s highest-paying jobs span a wide range of industries.
This comprehensive table, compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, showcases the Top 100 highest-paying occupations in America, arranged by median annual wage. Alongside salary, the table includes job growth projections (2022–2032) and typical education requirements to help professionals, students, and career changers understand where the greatest earning potential lies in today’s economy. Whether you’re aiming for a medical, technical, or managerial career, this list provides a clear roadmap to America’s most rewarding roles.
Top 100 Highest-paying Jobs in Arizona
1. Surgeons
Surgeons rank among Arizona’s top earners because of the years of specialized education, rigorous training, and high-stakes decisions involved in their work. They perform complex operations that require precision, technical skill, and calm under pressure. Arizona’s growing healthcare infrastructure — particularly in Phoenix and Scottsdale — drives strong demand for surgical specialists.
With malpractice risks, extended work hours, and the intense responsibility of saving lives, compensation must match the expertise required. Surgeons often work in private practices or large hospitals, earning salaries that reflect both their critical role in healthcare delivery and the shortage of highly trained surgical professionals statewide.
2. Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists command high salaries in Arizona due to the rising demand for mental health care and the limited number of qualified professionals. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses, combining medical training with psychological insight. Many operate private practices or consult for hospitals, correctional facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
The complexity of mental disorders, combined with the sensitive nature of treatment, requires years of study and careful patient management. Arizona’s population growth and expanding healthcare coverage have boosted the need for psychiatric expertise, especially in rural and underserved regions, making this one of the most stable and lucrative medical careers in the state.
3. Physicians (General)
General physicians remain the foundation of Arizona’s medical system, providing primary care and diagnosing a wide range of conditions. Their pay reflects both the intensity of their work and their crucial role in preventive health. Long working hours, administrative burdens, and constant decision-making under pressure justify their high salaries.
With Arizona’s expanding population, especially retirees seeking consistent medical oversight, family and internal medicine doctors are in high demand. Their ability to detect early signs of illness, coordinate treatment, and manage chronic diseases contributes significantly to community health outcomes, making them essential and well-compensated members of Arizona’s healthcare workforce.
4. Dentists
Dentists in Arizona enjoy strong income potential because of their technical expertise and the necessity of oral healthcare in maintaining overall wellness. They perform preventive care, restorative procedures, and cosmetic treatments that require precision and steady hands. Arizona’s growing middle-class population and focus on personal wellness have driven demand for both general and specialized dentistry.
Opening a private practice can significantly increase earnings, especially in urban centers like Phoenix, where patient volume is high. Additionally, specialized fields such as orthodontics and oral surgery command even higher pay, reflecting the investment in training and the value placed on confident, healthy smiles.
5. Orthodontists
Orthodontists specialize in correcting dental and jaw misalignments, often working with advanced equipment and custom treatment plans. Their high salaries in Arizona stem from the long educational path and specialized skills required to achieve precise results. With increasing emphasis on aesthetics and dental health, orthodontic services are in great demand among children and adults alike.
Many orthodontists run private practices, allowing them to set premium rates for complex corrective procedures. The combination of technical proficiency, patient care, and business ownership makes orthodontics one of the most profitable professions in the Arizona healthcare industry, especially in wealthier urban and suburban communities.
6. Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are among Arizona’s top-paid medical specialists because they play a vital role in surgical safety. They administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs, and manage pain before, during, and after procedures. Their job requires acute medical judgment — one small error can have severe consequences. Arizona’s growing number of surgical centers and hospitals keeps anesthesiologists in steady demand.
Years of rigorous training and medical school make the field highly selective. High responsibility, long shifts, and the pressure of maintaining patient stability during complex surgeries explain their exceptional compensation and critical position within the state’s healthcare ecosystem.
7. Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, repairing bones, joints, and ligaments — often restoring mobility after injury or illness. Their expertise is vital in a physically active state like Arizona, where sports and outdoor recreation are popular. These surgeons command high pay due to the complexity of their procedures, such as joint replacements and spinal corrections.
The work involves precise manual skill, in-depth anatomical knowledge, and long operating hours. As the population ages, demand for orthopedic care rises sharply. Their ability to relieve pain and restore physical independence ensures both high demand and generous compensation statewide.
8. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
OB-GYNs are well-compensated in Arizona because they guide patients through pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health — areas that require deep medical expertise and emotional sensitivity. They often work long hours, including nights and weekends, to deliver babies and handle emergencies.
The state’s population growth and young family demographics create constant demand for maternity care. Their combination of surgical skills and primary care responsibilities increases their earning potential. Moreover, their crucial role in women’s health makes them indispensable across hospitals, private clinics, and community health centers throughout Arizona’s urban and rural regions alike.
9. Corporate Executives (CEOs)
Chief Executive Officers in Arizona command large salaries for steering companies toward profitability and growth. They make high-stakes strategic decisions affecting entire workforces and shareholder outcomes. In industries such as real estate, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, CEOs bear heavy responsibility for performance, innovation, and risk management.
Their pay packages often include bonuses, stock options, and performance incentives. Arizona’s expanding corporate sector, especially around Phoenix and Tucson, attracts seasoned executives capable of scaling operations in competitive markets. The blend of leadership pressure, accountability, and the ability to drive major financial outcomes justifies their top-tier earnings.
10. Airline Pilots
Airline pilots in Arizona enjoy strong compensation because of the high level of skill, certification, and experience needed to safely operate aircraft. With Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport serving as a major regional hub, the state’s aviation industry remains robust. Pilots must undergo years of flight training, pass rigorous health and safety checks, and log thousands of flight hours.
Their responsibility for passenger safety and adherence to strict schedules justifies significant pay. In addition to major airlines, corporate and cargo pilots also benefit from Arizona’s growing aerospace and logistics sectors, contributing to their stable and rewarding career outlook.
11. Pediatricians
Pediatricians earn high salaries in Arizona due to their specialized role in children’s healthcare. They diagnose and treat illnesses unique to infants, children, and adolescents, requiring patience and strong communication with families. Arizona’s population boom has increased demand for pediatric services, particularly in suburban areas near Phoenix and Gilbert.
Pediatricians often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, balancing preventive care with complex developmental assessments. Their work ensures long-term health outcomes for younger generations, and the emotional intensity of treating children — coupled with years of medical training — contributes to their strong compensation statewide.
12. Family Medicine Physicians
Family medicine physicians are highly valued in Arizona for providing comprehensive healthcare across all age groups. Their broad medical knowledge allows them to manage chronic diseases, perform preventive screenings, and coordinate specialist referrals. The job requires long hours and a deep understanding of patients’ medical histories. Rural Arizona, in particular, faces a shortage of family doctors, leading to higher pay to attract professionals.
Their ability to build long-term patient relationships and deliver continuous care makes them indispensable, ensuring stability and respect in both private practice and community health systems throughout the state.
13. Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists earn high salaries in Arizona due to their specialized expertise in anesthesia administration and surgical care. They often work alongside anesthesiologists or independently in smaller hospitals, dental clinics, and surgical centers. Becoming a CRNA requires advanced education and thousands of clinical hours, reflecting the profession’s technical difficulty.
Their role in pain management, patient monitoring, and post-operative recovery is critical to surgical success. Arizona’s healthcare growth and emphasis on cost-efficient medical staffing have boosted demand for CRNAs, making it one of the best-paying and most respected advanced nursing roles in the state.
14. Dentists (Specialists)
Dental specialists — including oral surgeons, endodontists, and periodontists — command high salaries in Arizona because of their extensive postgraduate training and the complexity of procedures they perform. They handle advanced cases such as root canals, implants, and reconstructive surgery. As Arizona’s population grows and cosmetic dentistry becomes more popular, these specialists benefit from both medical necessity and aesthetic demand.
Many own private practices, allowing greater income control and flexibility. Their precision, deep anatomical knowledge, and ability to combine artistry with medicine make dental specialists essential to Arizona’s thriving healthcare and wellness industries.
15. Pharmacists
Pharmacists in Arizona are well-paid for their responsibility in managing medications and ensuring safe prescriptions. They serve as a crucial link between doctors and patients, providing advice on dosages, side effects, and drug interactions. Pharmacists often work in hospitals, retail chains, and specialized clinics.
With Arizona’s rising elderly population, chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension are common, boosting prescription demand. Their role requires accuracy, ethical judgment, and up-to-date medical knowledge. The complexity of pharmaceutical regulation and patient safety makes pharmacy a lucrative and respected healthcare career in Arizona’s urban and suburban communities alike.
16. Information Systems Managers
Information Systems Managers oversee the planning and execution of technology strategies that keep businesses running smoothly. In Arizona, where technology and logistics sectors are growing rapidly, these professionals are highly sought after. They supervise IT teams, manage cybersecurity, and ensure data integrity — vital in an era of digital dependence.
Their salaries reflect the combination of technical knowledge, leadership skill, and strategic planning they bring to organizations. The growth of tech hubs in Phoenix and Tempe has made information systems management a key driver of Arizona’s digital economy, offering strong pay and long-term career security.
17. Marketing Managers
Marketing Managers in Arizona earn competitive salaries because they generate the strategies that drive company revenue. They analyze market trends, manage advertising budgets, and oversee brand development. As Arizona attracts new businesses and startups, the demand for marketing leadership grows across industries from real estate to technology.
Their ability to convert analytics into sales results is critical to success. Many enjoy performance-based bonuses in addition to high base pay. With Phoenix emerging as a commercial powerhouse, skilled marketing managers are rewarded for creative innovation, adaptability, and the ability to lead teams that shape public perception and customer engagement.
18. Lawyers
Lawyers in Arizona are well-compensated due to the complexity of legal systems and the high level of education required. They represent individuals, corporations, and government entities in matters ranging from criminal defense to corporate law. Demand is strong in growing metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson, where business expansion increases the need for legal expertise in contracts, compliance, and litigation.
Their pay also reflects long work hours, research intensity, and professional accountability. Experienced attorneys and those in specialized fields such as intellectual property or medical malpractice often command top salaries and strong job stability statewide.
19. Computer and Information Research Scientists
These professionals push the boundaries of technology by developing algorithms, artificial intelligence systems, and innovative software solutions. In Arizona’s emerging tech sector, they play a vital role in advancing data science, cybersecurity, and automation. Their high pay reflects both their advanced education — typically a master’s or PhD — and their contribution to competitive innovation.
Companies in aerospace, defense, and healthcare rely on their expertise to optimize operations and safeguard data. The rarity of their skill set and their direct impact on technological advancement secure their position among Arizona’s best-paid professionals.
20. Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers in Arizona enjoy high pay due to the technical expertise required to extract oil and gas efficiently and safely. Although Arizona itself has limited production, many engineers work with regional energy companies or consult on projects in neighboring states. Their responsibilities include designing drilling plans, optimizing recovery methods, and ensuring environmental compliance.
The job demands strong analytical ability and advanced engineering knowledge. With the global energy market remaining competitive, Arizona-based petroleum engineers benefit from both local industrial demand and lucrative opportunities in the wider Southwest energy corridor.
Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in America – Full List
| # | Job Title | Median Annual Wage (2023 BLS) | Job Growth (2022–32) | Typical Entry-Level Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 2 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons (Except Pediatric) | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 4 | Cardiologists | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 5 | Dermatologists | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 6 | Radiologists | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 7 | Surgeons, All Other | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 8 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 9 | Pediatric Surgeons | $239,200+ | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 10 | Psychiatrists | $226,880 | 7% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 11 | Neurologists | $224,260 | 4% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 12 | Physicians, All Other | $223,410 | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 13 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | $212,250 | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 14 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $214,460 | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 15 | Family Medicine Physicians | $211,930 | 5% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 16 | Nurse Anesthetists | $205,770 | 9% (Much faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 17 | Orthodontists | $239,200+ | 5% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 18 | Prosthodontists | $239,200+ | 5% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 19 | Dentists, All Other Specialists | $212,870 | 5% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 20 | Chief Executives | $189,520 | -8% (Decline) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 21 | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $211,790 | 4% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 22 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $164,070 | 15% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 23 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $159,920 | 4% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 24 | Natural Sciences Managers | $156,110 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 25 | Marketing Managers | $140,040 | 7% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 26 | Financial Managers | $139,790 | 16% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 27 | Petroleum Engineers | $135,690 | 2% (Slower than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 28 | Sales Managers | $130,600 | 4% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 29 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $148,910 | 1% (Little or no change) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 30 | Lawyers | $135,740 | 8% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 31 | Human Resources Managers | $130,000 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 32 | Podiatrists | $148,470 | 2% (Slower than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 33 | Pharmacists | $132,750 | 3% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 34 | Actuaries | $120,000 | 23% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 35 | Personal Financial Advisors | $95,390 | 13% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 36 | Political Scientists | $128,020 | 7% (Faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 37 | Physician Assistants | $126,010 | 27% (Much faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 38 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $133,580 | 2% (Slower than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 39 | Nurse Practitioners | $121,610 | 45% (Much faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 40 | Optometrists | $125,440 | 9% (Much faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 41 | Veterinarians | $103,260 | 20% (Much faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 42 | Physicists | $142,850 | 5% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 43 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $136,620 | 23% (Much faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 44 | Economists | $113,940 | 6% (Faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 45 | Astronomers | $128,330 | 5% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 46 | Mathematicians | $99,960 | 29% (Much faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 47 | Data Scientists | $103,500 | 35% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 48 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | $133,380 | 6% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 49 | Public Relations Managers | $129,430 | 6% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 50 | Financial Analysts | $96,220 | 8% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 51 | Software Developers | $124,200 | 25% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 52 | Information Security Analysts | $112,000 | 32% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 53 | Computer Network Architects | $126,900 | 4% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 54 | Nuclear Engineers | $122,480 | 1% (Little or no change) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 55 | Materials Scientists | $108,180 | 6% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 56 | Chemical Engineers | $106,260 | 8% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 57 | Aerospace Engineers | $126,880 | 6% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 58 | Electronics Engineers (Non-Computer) | $108,170 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 59 | Computer Hardware Engineers | $132,360 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 60 | Electrical Engineers | $104,610 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 61 | Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | $96,910 | 4% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 62 | Industrial Engineers | $96,350 | 12% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 63 | Materials Engineers | $100,140 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 64 | Mining and Geological Engineers | $97,090 | 4% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 65 | Sales Engineers | $108,530 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 66 | General and Operations Managers | $98,100 | 4% (As fast as average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 67 | Training and Development Managers | $120,000 | 6% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 68 | Administrative Services Managers | $100,170 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 69 | Industrial Production Managers | $108,790 | 2% (Slower than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 70 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $98,560 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 71 | Construction Managers | $101,480 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 72 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | $75,760 | -3% (Decline) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 73 | Air Traffic Controllers | $129,750 | 1% (Little or no change) | Associate’s degree |
| 74 | Commercial Pilots | $103,910 | 4% (As fast as average) | Postsecondary non-degree award |
| 75 | Radiation Therapists | $89,530 | 2% (Slower than average) | Associate’s degree |
| 76 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $85,300 | 2% (Slower than average) | Associate’s degree |
| 77 | Dentists, General | $129,350 | 4% (As fast as average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 78 | Physical Therapists | $97,720 | 15% (Much faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 79 | Occupational Therapists | $93,180 | 12% (Much faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 80 | Speech-Language Pathologists | $84,140 | 19% (Much faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 81 | Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | $99,000 | 1% (Little or no change) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 82 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $78,210 | 10% (Much faster than average) | Associate’s degree |
| 83 | Registered Nurses | $81,220 | 6% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 84 | Nurse Midwives | $120,880 | 6% (Faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 85 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $90,130 | 6% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 86 | Sociologists | $98,590 | 5% (Faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 87 | Urban and Regional Planners | $79,540 | 4% (As fast as average) | Master’s degree |
| 88 | Geoscientists | $87,480 | 5% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 89 | Environmental Scientists | $76,480 | 6% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 90 | Operations Research Analysts | $85,720 | 23% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 91 | Statisticians | $98,920 | 30% (Much faster than average) | Master’s degree |
| 92 | Financial Examiners | $82,210 | 20% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 93 | Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $68,820 | 7% (Faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
| 94 | Real Estate Brokers | $52,030 | 3% (As fast as average) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 95 | Commercial Divers | $65,170 | 9% (Much faster than average) | Postsecondary non-degree award |
| 96 | Power Plant Operators | $97,570 | 1% (Little or no change) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 97 | Transportation Inspectors | $80,300 | 4% (As fast as average) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 98 | Radiation Therapists | $89,530 | 2% (Slower than average) | Associate’s degree |
| 99 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | $103,810 | 7% (Faster than average) | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 100 | Medical and Health Services Managers | $104,830 | 28% (Much faster than average) | Bachelor’s degree |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Note on Medical Salaries: Many top medical roles are listed as “$239,200+” because BLS caps wage reporting. Actual earnings often exceed this — frequently ranging from $300,000 to $500,000+, depending on specialty, experience, and region.
Closing
High salaries often reflect the depth of expertise, responsibility, and years of education required in each field — and this list demonstrates that perfectly. Medical professionals continue to dominate the upper end of the income scale, followed by leadership roles in management, technology, engineering, and finance. However, the fastest-growing high-paying jobs increasingly stem from STEM fields, data analytics, and healthcare innovation, showing where future opportunities lie.
By exploring the Top 100 highest-paying jobs in the U.S., individuals can make informed decisions about their education, skills, and long-term career paths. Whether driven by passion, stability, or financial reward, success in these fields proves that dedication, specialization, and adaptability remain the ultimate keys to professional prosperity.