Sam SmithFinding a high-paying job in Boise, Idaho, is very possible – the city has transformed from a quiet regional hub into one of the fastest-growing economic centers in the Pacific Northwest. With strong industries in technology, healthcare, engineering, and professional services, the city offers exceptional opportunities for skilled professionals. Its combination of a thriving job market, moderate cost of living, and quality of life makes Boise an increasingly attractive destination for ambitious talent.
Top Paying Jobs In Boise Idaho
1. Physician (Neurosurgeon, Cardiologist, Anesthesiologist, Orthopedic Surgeon)
Physicians are Boston’s highest earners, reflecting the city’s world-renowned medical sector anchored by hospitals such as Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s. Specialists like neurosurgeons and cardiologists undergo over a decade of training but command salaries exceeding $300,000 due to their technical skill, long hours, and patient criticality.
They diagnose, treat, and operate on complex conditions, balancing life-saving decisions with administrative duties and research opportunities in Boston’s thriving medical ecosystem.
2. Chief Executive Officer (Major Hospitals, Biotech Firms, Financial Institutions)
CEOs in Boston lead large healthcare, biotech, and financial organizations, driving corporate growth, managing risk, and overseeing operations. Their compensation reflects the strategic complexity of Boston’s economy, which blends cutting-edge science with global finance.
These executives often possess MBAs or decades of leadership experience and must navigate strict regulatory environments, high competition, and global market shifts. Their vision directly impacts employment, innovation, and investment across the Boston metropolitan area.
3. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists in Boston benefit from strong demand driven by academic hospitals and research-based care. Many work in private practice or as department heads within Harvard-affiliated institutions. Their role involves diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, prescribing medication, and offering therapy.
The city’s focus on behavioral health and neurological research increases earning potential. Top psychiatrists often collaborate on clinical studies or teach at medical schools, adding prestige and supplemental income.
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Highly skilled in both dentistry and surgery, these specialists perform complex facial, jaw, and reconstructive procedures. Boston’s emphasis on healthcare innovation and dental education supports lucrative opportunities in hospitals and private clinics.
Oral surgeons handle everything from trauma repair to aesthetic surgery, requiring a dental degree plus residency in maxillofacial surgery. The long educational path and precision of the work justify six-figure incomes well above the national average.
5. Orthodontist
Orthodontists in Boston design and manage treatments that align teeth and jaws, enhancing both function and aesthetics. They earn some of the region’s highest dental incomes due to the area’s affluent population and concentration of private practices.
After dental school, they complete specialized residencies focusing on craniofacial growth and biomechanics. Their work blends science and artistry, often supported by cutting-edge digital imaging and 3D modeling used across Boston’s advanced dental network.
6. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are essential to Boston’s hospitals and surgical centers, where they safely administer anesthesia for complex procedures. They earn high salaries reflecting their responsibility and training—typically a master’s or doctoral degree in anesthesia.
CRNAs operate independently in many surgical units, collaborate closely with physicians, and often work overtime or on-call. Their expertise supports the city’s dense network of academic and private hospitals offering high-acuity care.
7. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs oversee financial health, investment strategy, and risk management for Boston’s leading hospitals, universities, and corporations. Their role combines accounting expertise with strategic foresight, ensuring stability in a competitive, high-cost market. Many hold CPA credentials and MBAs, guiding multimillion-dollar budgets.
In a city dominated by healthcare and higher education, CFOs often manage complex funding models, endowments, and research grants—earning substantial compensation tied to institutional performance and growth.
8. Hospitalist (Senior/Lead)
Hospitalists coordinate inpatient care, overseeing patient outcomes and efficiency across departments. In Boston’s elite hospitals, these physicians are vital for quality metrics, continuity of care, and teaching residents. Their work blends clinical leadership with administrative duties, often involving long shifts and diverse patient loads.
Strong demand for hospitalists reflects Boston’s expanding healthcare infrastructure and emphasis on patient-centered medicine, resulting in competitive salaries and opportunities for professional advancement.
9. Physician Assistant (Surgical/Specialized)
Physician Assistants in surgical or specialty care earn high wages due to Boston’s advanced hospitals and surgical centers. They perform examinations, assist in operations, and manage patient recovery. Specialized PAs—such as those in cardiology, orthopedics, or emergency medicine—work alongside top physicians and surgeons.
With master’s degrees and clinical experience, they fill crucial workforce gaps while maintaining excellent patient care. Boston’s healthcare density provides abundant, well-paid opportunities for experienced PAs.
10. Nurse Practitioner (Specialized: Acute Care, Neonatal)
Nurse Practitioners in Boston’s major hospitals and clinics provide advanced clinical care, often substituting for physicians in high-demand fields. Those specializing in acute or neonatal care command premium salaries due to the city’s advanced neonatal ICUs and cardiac units.
Equipped with master’s or doctoral degrees, NPs diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, and perform follow-ups. Their autonomy, combined with the city’s emphasis on holistic healthcare delivery, ensures strong earning potential.
11. Pharmacist (Clinical, Hospital, or Managed Care)
Boston pharmacists manage medication therapy and patient safety across hospitals, clinics, and retail environments. They collaborate closely with physicians to optimize treatment outcomes, particularly in oncology, cardiology, and geriatrics.
Many pharmacists in the region work in research or hospital settings, earning higher wages than retail counterparts. A Doctor of Pharmacy degree and licensure are required, and continuous education in drug development aligns with Boston’s biotech-driven economy.
12. Podiatrist
Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot, ankle, and lower limb disorders—critical in Boston’s active, aging population. They work in hospitals, sports clinics, or private practice, often addressing diabetes-related complications.
Earning potential is strong, especially for specialists or those owning clinics. The role demands a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree, surgical training, and board certification. Boston’s health-conscious demographic and access to advanced medical technologies sustain steady demand.
13. Optometrist
Optometrists in Boston benefit from the city’s emphasis on preventive healthcare and technology-assisted diagnostics. They examine, diagnose, and treat visual disorders, often co-managing patients with ophthalmologists in major hospitals. Many operate private practices in suburban areas, serving the region’s professional and student populations.
With a Doctor of Optometry degree, these specialists earn solid six-figure salaries, supported by high patient volumes and growing demand for digital-strain and aging-eye care.
14. Veterinarian (Specialist or Practice Owner)
Veterinarians in Boston provide medical care for pets and research animals, often working in specialty practices or biotech settings. Those focusing on surgery, oncology, or exotic animals earn the highest incomes.
A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and state licensure are required. Boston’s affluent communities and strong pet-care culture create robust demand, while the city’s biotech research institutions open niche opportunities in animal testing and pharmaceutical development.
15. Biotech Research & Development Manager
Boston’s biotechnology boom makes R&D managers some of the city’s most sought-after professionals. They oversee teams developing new drugs, therapies, or diagnostic tools within the biotech corridor stretching from Cambridge to Waltham.
With advanced degrees in life sciences and management experience, they coordinate complex projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide multimillion-dollar budgets. Salaries are elevated due to the region’s concentration of pharmaceutical firms and venture-funded startups.
16. Clinical Trials Director
Clinical Trials Directors lead medical research operations, ensuring compliance, ethical oversight, and data integrity in drug and therapy testing. In Boston’s global biotech hub, they manage multidisciplinary teams spanning hospitals, universities, and private labs.
With strong knowledge of FDA regulations and clinical science, they play a pivotal role in new drug approvals. Their strategic and scientific responsibilities yield high pay, reflecting the city’s prominence in pharmaceutical innovation.
17. Medical Director (Non-Physician, e.g., Pharma)
Medical Directors in Boston’s pharmaceutical or biotech firms bridge clinical expertise with business operations. Often holding medical or advanced scientific degrees, they oversee research strategy, clinical documentation, and product safety. Their work ensures medical accuracy in marketing, trials, and compliance.
Boston’s innovation ecosystem—anchored by Cambridge’s biotech corridor—creates high-value opportunities for directors guiding drug development or healthcare communication, with salaries reflecting both scientific and managerial excellence.
18. Health Informatics Director
Health Informatics Directors oversee data systems integrating patient information, analytics, and healthcare delivery. In Boston’s digitally evolving hospitals, they manage teams designing secure EHR systems and improving clinical workflows. A master’s in informatics or healthcare administration is common, alongside IT expertise.
Demand is rising as hospitals modernize data infrastructure. Salaries remain high due to the combination of medical knowledge, cybersecurity awareness, and leadership in large healthcare organizations.
19. Registered Nurse (Senior, ICU/OR with Overtime)
Senior Registered Nurses in Boston’s ICUs and operating rooms earn high salaries driven by overtime, union strength, and specialized skills. They provide critical patient care, monitor vitals, and assist surgeons during operations.
With bachelor’s degrees and extensive clinical experience, they often mentor younger nurses and support research initiatives. High-acuity environments like Mass General and Beth Israel Deaconess rely heavily on these professionals, ensuring strong pay and job stability.
20. Dentist
Dentists in Boston’s metropolitan area enjoy strong earnings due to a mix of private practice success and institutional demand. They diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform restorative procedures, and emphasize preventive care. Advanced technologies like 3D imaging and laser dentistry enhance their efficiency.
Many hold specialized credentials, increasing income potential. With high insurance coverage rates and a population that prioritizes dental aesthetics, dentistry remains a top-earning field in Boston.
Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in the Boise Metropolitan Area
Boise’s economy blends tech innovation, healthcare expansion, and strong engineering and professional service sectors. Salaries below are approximate averages, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, local job postings, and regional reports.
| Rank | Job Title | Estimated Average Salary (Boise, ID) | Typical Education/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physician (Surgeon, Cardiologist, Anesthesiologist) | $270,000 – $400,000 | Medical degree (MD/DO), residency, board certification |
| 2 | Chief Executive Officer (Major Company or Hospital) | $220,000 – $380,000 | Bachelor’s + MBA or extensive executive experience |
| 3 | Dentist | $190,000 – $300,000 | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) |
| 4 | Orthodontist | $210,000 – $320,000 | Dental degree + orthodontic specialization |
| 5 | Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $190,000 – $260,000 | MSN or DNP, CRNA certification |
| 6 | Psychiatrist | $200,000 – $310,000 | Medical degree, psychiatry residency |
| 7 | Chief Financial Officer | $180,000 – $300,000 | Bachelor’s + CPA or MBA |
| 8 | Hospital Administrator | $160,000 – $250,000 | Master’s in Healthcare Administration or related |
| 9 | Software Engineering Manager | $150,000 – $230,000 | Bachelor’s in Computer Science, leadership experience |
| 10 | Pharmacist | $130,000 – $170,000 | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) |
| 11 | IT Director / Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | $160,000 – $250,000 | Bachelor’s or Master’s in IT/CS, leadership experience |
| 12 | Physician Assistant (Specialized) | $130,000 – $160,000 | Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies, certification |
| 13 | Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care, Family, or Neonatal) | $125,000 – $155,000 | MSN or DNP, NP certification |
| 14 | Construction Manager | $120,000 – $180,000 | Bachelor’s in Construction Management or Engineering |
| 15 | Data Science Manager | $145,000 – $210,000 | Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, or similar |
| 16 | Civil Engineer (Senior/Project Manager) | $115,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, PE license preferred |
| 17 | Electrical Engineer (Senior) | $115,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering |
| 18 | Mechanical Engineer (Senior) | $110,000 – $155,000 | Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering |
| 19 | DevOps Engineer (Lead/Principal) | $130,000 – $190,000 | Bachelor’s in CS/IT, automation skills |
| 20 | Chief Marketing Officer | $150,000 – $240,000 | Bachelor’s in Marketing + executive experience |
| 21 | Financial Manager | $130,000 – $200,000 | Bachelor’s in Finance or Accounting |
| 22 | Veterinarian | $120,000 – $180,000 | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) |
| 23 | Biotech Research & Development Manager | $140,000 – $210,000 | Master’s or PhD in life sciences |
| 24 | Project Engineer (Senior) | $110,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s in Engineering or Construction |
| 25 | Cybersecurity Manager | $140,000 – $200,000 | Bachelor’s in IT, CISSP or CISM certification |
| 26 | Software Architect | $140,000 – $190,000 | Bachelor’s in CS, extensive software design experience |
| 27 | Cloud Solutions Architect | $135,000 – $190,000 | Bachelor’s in CS/IT, cloud certification (AWS/Azure) |
| 28 | Operations Director | $130,000 – $200,000 | Bachelor’s + extensive management experience |
| 29 | Management Consultant (Partner/Senior) | $140,000 – $220,000 | Bachelor’s/MBA, consulting experience |
| 30 | Real Estate Developer | $120,000 – $200,000 | Bachelor’s in Business, Finance, or Real Estate |
| 31 | Marketing Director | $120,000 – $180,000 | Bachelor’s in Marketing or Business |
| 32 | Human Resources Director | $115,000 – $170,000 | Bachelor’s in HR or Business |
| 33 | Product Management Director | $135,000 – $210,000 | Bachelor’s in Business or Engineering |
| 34 | Investment Analyst / Portfolio Manager | $130,000 – $200,000 | Bachelor’s in Finance, CFA preferred |
| 35 | Lawyer (Corporate/Real Estate) | $140,000 – $230,000 | Juris Doctor (JD), bar membership |
| 36 | Dentist (Pediatric or Cosmetic Specialist) | $190,000 – $300,000 | DDS or DMD, specialization |
| 37 | Clinical Trials Director | $140,000 – $210,000 | Master’s/PhD in Life Sciences or Public Health |
| 38 | Quality Assurance Director (Biotech/Manufacturing) | $130,000 – $190,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in QA, life sciences experience |
| 39 | Physical Therapist | $95,000 – $135,000 | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
| 40 | Occupational Therapist | $90,000 – $130,000 | Master’s in Occupational Therapy |
| 41 | Electrical Power-Line Installer/Repairer | $85,000 – $130,000 | Technical training/apprenticeship |
| 42 | Air Traffic Controller | $110,000 – $160,000 | FAA certification, specialized training |
| 43 | Power Plant Manager | $120,000 – $180,000 | Bachelor’s or extensive industry experience |
| 44 | Construction Superintendent | $100,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s or vocational background |
| 45 | Database Architect | $120,000 – $180,000 | Bachelor’s in IT or Computer Science |
| 46 | Network Architect | $120,000 – $180,000 | Bachelor’s in IT, Cisco/CompTIA certifications |
| 47 | Information Security Analyst (Senior) | $110,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in IT, CISSP certification |
| 48 | Software Developer (Senior) | $115,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Computer Science |
| 49 | Mechanical Project Engineer | $100,000 – $145,000 | Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering |
| 50 | Architect (Project Manager/Principal) | $110,000 – $170,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Architecture, license |
| 51 | Urban and Regional Planner (Senior) | $100,000 – $150,000 | Master’s in Urban Planning |
| 52 | Environmental Engineer (Senior/Project Manager) | $100,000 – $145,000 | Bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering |
| 53 | Geoscientist | $105,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Geology |
| 54 | Statistician (Biotech/Finance) | $115,000 – $160,000 | Master’s in Statistics or Data Science |
| 55 | Actuary (Fellow) | $130,000 – $190,000 | Bachelor’s in Math/Finance, actuarial certification |
| 56 | Mathematician (Quantitative Analyst) | $120,000 – $180,000 | Master’s/PhD in Math or Finance |
| 57 | Economist (Consulting/Finance) | $110,000 – $160,000 | Master’s/PhD in Economics |
| 58 | Business School Professor | $130,000 – $200,000 | PhD in Business or Economics |
| 59 | Engineering Professor | $125,000 – $190,000 | PhD in Engineering |
| 60 | Law School Professor | $140,000 – $220,000 | JD or PhD in Law |
| 61 | University Dean or Provost | $150,000 – $240,000 | Doctorate and administrative experience |
| 62 | Research Scientist (Biotech/Pharma) | $120,000 – $190,000 | Master’s/PhD in Life Sciences |
| 63 | Supply Chain Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Business or Logistics |
| 64 | Technical Product Manager | $120,000 – $180,000 | Bachelor’s in Business/IT |
| 65 | Regulatory Affairs Manager | $120,000 – $180,000 | Bachelor’s in Science or Law |
| 66 | QA/QC Engineer | $95,000 – $135,000 | Bachelor’s in Engineering |
| 67 | Financial Analyst (Senior) | $100,000 – $145,000 | Bachelor’s in Finance, CFA preferred |
| 68 | Loan Officer (Commercial) | $100,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s in Finance or Business |
| 69 | Insurance Sales Director | $110,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s, insurance license |
| 70 | Fundraising Director (Nonprofit/University) | $90,000 – $140,000 | Bachelor’s, nonprofit experience |
| 71 | Public Relations Manager | $95,000 – $145,000 | Bachelor’s in PR or Communications |
| 72 | Training and Development Manager | $95,000 – $140,000 | Bachelor’s in HR or Business |
| 73 | Compensation and Benefits Manager | $105,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in HR or Finance |
| 74 | UX Design Director | $110,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Design or IT |
| 75 | Creative Director | $100,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s in Design, Marketing, or Media |
| 76 | Marine Engineer / Naval Architect | $110,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Marine or Mechanical Engineering |
| 77 | Structural Engineer (Senior) | $105,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s in Structural/Civil Engineering |
| 78 | Chemical Engineer (Senior) | $115,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering |
| 79 | Biomedical Engineer (Senior) | $110,000 – $155,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Biomedical Engineering |
| 80 | Software Developer (AI/Machine Learning) | $125,000 – $190,000 | Bachelor’s in CS, ML specialization |
| 81 | Web Developer (Senior) | $95,000 – $140,000 | Bachelor’s in IT or Web Development |
| 82 | Biostatistician | $110,000 – $160,000 | Master’s in Statistics or Biostatistics |
| 83 | Clinical Laboratory Manager | $100,000 – $145,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Medical Technology |
| 84 | Hospital Finance Manager | $120,000 – $180,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Finance or Healthcare |
| 85 | Physician Liaison / Medical Sales Executive | $110,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Business or Healthcare |
| 86 | Environmental Scientist (Senior) | $95,000 – $140,000 | Bachelor’s/Master’s in Environmental Science |
| 87 | Geotechnical Engineer | $100,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering |
| 88 | Project Management Director | $130,000 – $200,000 | PMP certification, Bachelor’s degree |
| 89 | Industrial Production Manager | $110,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering |
| 90 | Operations Research Analyst | $110,000 – $150,000 | Master’s in Operations Research or Analytics |
| 91 | Physician Recruiter | $100,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s in HR or Business |
| 92 | Biomedical Technician (Senior) | $90,000 – $130,000 | Associate/Bachelor’s in Biomedical Technology |
| 93 | Financial Controller | $120,000 – $190,000 | CPA, Bachelor’s in Accounting |
| 94 | Real Estate Broker (Commercial) | $110,000 – $200,000 | Real estate license, sales experience |
| 95 | Power Systems Engineer | $110,000 – $160,000 | Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering |
| 96 | Process Engineer (Manufacturing) | $100,000 – $145,000 | Bachelor’s in Chemical or Industrial Engineering |
| 97 | Database Administrator (Senior) | $100,000 – $150,000 | Bachelor’s in IT or Database Management |
| 98 | Risk Manager | $120,000 – $170,000 | Bachelor’s in Finance, risk certification |
| 99 | Tax Manager | $115,000 – $160,000 | CPA, Bachelor’s in Accounting |
| 100 | Paralegal (Corporate or IP) | $85,000 – $125,000 | Associate/Bachelor’s in Legal Studies |
Closing
Boise’s rise as a technology and business hub reflects a broader trend of high-paying jobs moving beyond traditional coastal markets. Professionals seeking rewarding, stable, and well-compensated careers will find a wide range of opportunities—from executive leadership and software engineering to advanced healthcare and financial management. As the city continues to expand its high-tech and healthcare infrastructure, Boise’s future as a center for innovation and prosperity looks brighter than ever.