Sam SmithTennessee’s job market features a strong mix of high-earning opportunities, particularly in healthcare, executive leadership, engineering, and finance. Driven by major hospital systems, global logistics operations, and corporate headquarters, the state rewards individuals with advanced skills and specialized training. The following descriptions explore the responsibilities, required expertise, and earning potential behind Tennessee’s top-paying careers, helping professionals, students, and job-seekers better understand the state’s most financially rewarding pathways.
Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in Ireland
1. Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons are among Tennessee’s highest earners, performing complex surgeries on the brain, spine, and nervous system. Their role involves diagnosing serious neurological disorders, treating traumatic injuries, and managing conditions like tumors, aneurysms, and spinal degeneration. They typically work in major medical centers and academic hospitals, requiring many years of specialized training. The job demands precision, long hours, and fast decision-making. Due to the complexity and risk involved, neurosurgeons command exceptional compensation and remain in high demand statewide.
2. Cardiologist
Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular diseases, providing life-saving care in Tennessee’s large hospital networks and specialty clinics. They perform tests, manage chronic cardiac conditions, and sometimes conduct minimally invasive procedures. With heart disease remaining a leading health concern in the region, these physicians play a vital role in improving patient outcomes. Extensive schooling and residency training, combined with high-pressure decision-making and demanding schedules, contribute to strong earning potential and sustained demand for this field.
3. Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, including fractures, joint issues, and sports-related conditions. In Tennessee, they work in major medical facilities and private practices, often performing reconstructive surgeries like knee and hip replacements. Their expertise allows patients to regain mobility and quality of life, especially in a growing aging population. Years of specialized training, surgical complexity, and long working hours justify high salaries. Sports medicine and trauma care also provide expanded opportunities in this specialty across the state.
4. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists oversee sedation and pain control during surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety from pre-operation evaluation through recovery. They work in Tennessee’s hospitals, surgical centers, and specialty clinics, handling high-risk scenarios such as emergency surgeries and critical care cases. The role requires in-depth knowledge of physiology, medications, and real-time monitoring. Long shifts, emergency availability, and the life-critical nature of their work contribute to excellent compensation. Their expertise is essential to virtually every type of modern surgical care.
5. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs lead corporate strategy, oversee operations, and drive growth for major companies and organizations in Tennessee, including healthcare systems, manufacturing firms, and logistics businesses. They manage executive teams, make high-level decisions, and ensure financial performance. The role demands leadership, strategic planning, and years of industry experience. With responsibility for organizational success and stakeholder expectations, CEOs earn top-tier salaries. Tennessee’s expanding business environment, especially in Nashville and Memphis, continues to create competitive opportunities for senior corporate leadership.
6. Dentist (Specialist)
Dental specialists—such as orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons—provide advanced treatment for complex oral health needs. They diagnose and perform procedures like oral surgery, corrective alignment, and gum disease treatment. Tennessee’s growing population, combined with increased demand for cosmetic and restorative dentistry, drives strong earnings in this profession. Years of specialized training beyond general dentistry, combined with precision work and independent practice ownership potential, create significant income opportunities for specialists serving both urban and suburban communities.
7. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, prescribing medication and offering therapy or referrals to additional services. In Tennessee, they work in hospitals, private practices, and behavioral health centers, addressing rising demand for mental health support. Conditions commonly treated include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction. Extensive medical training and high patient demand contribute to competitive salaries. The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, emotional resilience, and commitment to patient-centered care in a diverse population.
8. Family Medicine Physician
Family medicine physicians provide ongoing primary care for patients of all ages, offering preventive services, diagnosing illnesses, and managing chronic conditions. They serve rural and urban communities across Tennessee, often acting as first-line healthcare providers. Their role involves building long-term patient relationships and coordinating specialist referrals when necessary. While the workload can be demanding, family doctors enjoy strong job stability and competitive income, especially in underserved areas needing accessible general medical care and long-term patient support.
9. Internal Medicine Physician
Internal medicine physicians specialize in diagnosing and managing complex adult health conditions, often serving as primary care providers for patients with chronic diseases. In Tennessee, they work in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers. Their responsibilities include preventive care, long-term treatment management, and coordination with specialists. Due to an aging population and increased chronic illness rates, these physicians remain essential. Extensive medical training, broad clinical knowledge, and high patient demand drive strong earnings across the state’s healthcare sector.
10. Dentist (General)
General dentists provide routine and preventive dental care, including examinations, cleanings, fillings, and restorative procedures. They also diagnose oral conditions and educate patients on proper dental hygiene. Many operate private practices across Tennessee’s cities and suburbs, offering flexibility and business ownership opportunities. Demand remains strong due to the importance of oral healthcare. Though specialists earn more, general dentists enjoy high salaries thanks to steady patient volume, essential service needs, and the potential for aesthetic and elective treatment revenue.
11. Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications, advise patients, and support safe pharmaceutical use. They work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and specialty clinics across Tennessee. With increasing emphasis on medication management, chronic disease support, and vaccinations, pharmacists play an essential healthcare role. The job requires a doctoral degree in pharmacy, strong attention to detail, and patient-focused communication. While automation and industry changes are shifting certain duties, pharmacists continue to command strong salaries, especially in clinical and specialty pharmacy settings.
12. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs oversee a company’s financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, and long-term planning. In Tennessee, they work in industries like healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and banking. They evaluate investments, manage risks, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Advanced financial expertise, leadership ability, and years of executive experience make this a high-earning role. CFOs play a critical part in business performance and growth, guiding financial decision-making while shaping future strategy in competitive and expanding business environments statewide.
13. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures. Tennessee values CRNAs highly, especially in rural hospitals and surgical centers where they help expand access to care. Their work requires a master’s or doctoral nursing degree, extensive clinical training, and precise judgment. Responsibilities include pre-operative evaluation and post-operative pain management. Their advanced skill set, combined with high-risk patient care environments, results in excellent earning potential and strong demand across the healthcare system.
14. Airline Pilot
Airline pilots operate commercial aircraft, ensuring safe passenger and cargo transport. Tennessee’s aviation workforce benefits from major airports in Nashville and Memphis, including a major FedEx hub. Pilots undergo extensive flight training, testing, and certification to maintain safety standards. Their responsibilities include flight planning, navigation, emergency procedures, and communication with control towers. The profession demands precision, adaptability, and physical fitness. With significant travel benefits and high responsibility, pilots earn competitive salaries and stable long-term employment.
15. Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers design and develop systems for extracting oil and gas safely and efficiently. While Tennessee is not a major oil-producing state, energy-focused companies and consulting firms employ petroleum engineers in project planning, reservoir evaluation, and environmental compliance. Their work requires strong analytical skills, advanced engineering knowledge, and field experience. High earnings reflect technical expertise and the importance of energy resources. Many Tennessee-based engineers support regional and national projects, including pipeline and refining operations.
16. Attorney (Lawyer)
Attorneys advise clients, represent them in legal matters, and draft important legal documents. Tennessee lawyers work across corporate law, personal injury, healthcare law, government, and private practice. Duties include courtroom litigation, negotiations, client consultation, and legal research. The profession requires a law degree, bar admission, and strong analytical and communication skills. Earnings vary by specialty and firm size, with top attorneys earning high incomes through complex casework, corporate deals, or specialized legal services statewide.
17. Engineering Manager
Engineering managers supervise engineering teams, oversee project planning, and ensure technical and budget goals are met. In Tennessee, they work in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive engineering, and technology development. Responsibilities include staff leadership, system design oversight, and coordinating project timelines. Years of engineering experience combined with leadership and problem-solving ability result in strong compensation. These managers drive innovation and efficiency, especially in Tennessee’s growing manufacturing and industrial technology sectors, making the role both lucrative and impactful.
18. IT Manager
IT managers oversee technology systems, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and software operations for organizations. Tennessee’s growing tech sector, healthcare systems, and logistics companies rely heavily on IT leadership. Responsibilities include managing IT staff, troubleshooting system issues, planning tech upgrades, and safeguarding digital data. The role requires broad technical knowledge, project management skills, and ability to respond to evolving tech threats. With digital systems essential to business operations, IT managers enjoy strong demand and competitive salaries statewide.
19. Marketing Director
Marketing directors develop and execute strategies to promote brands, increase market presence, and drive revenue. They manage teams, oversee advertising campaigns, analyze market data, and collaborate across departments. In Tennessee, opportunities are especially strong in healthcare, entertainment, higher education, and corporate services. This role requires creativity, leadership, and business insight. With responsibility for brand growth and revenue impact, marketing directors earn strong salaries, especially in high-performing companies and consumer-focused industries across the state.
20. Sales Director
Sales directors lead sales teams, develop pricing and sales strategies, and establish revenue targets. Tennessee companies in healthcare services, manufacturing, logistics, and tech rely on skilled sales executives to expand market share. Duties involve client relationship management, sales forecasting, and staff training. Strong interpersonal skills and business acumen are essential. Performance-based incentives and leadership responsibilities contribute to high earnings, making this role particularly lucrative in sectors experiencing strong growth and competitive marketplace demand.
| # | Job Title | Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CEO – Multinational | €200,000+ |
| 2 | Country Manager / GM | €150,000 – €250,000 |
| 3 | Chief Financial Officer | €140,000 – €220,000 |
| 4 | Chief Technology Officer | €130,000 – €200,000 |
| 5 | Chief Information Officer | €130,000 – €190,000 |
| 6 | Chief Marketing Officer | €120,000 – €180,000 |
| 7 | Chief Operating Officer | €140,000 – €210,000 |
| 8 | Chief People Officer / HR Director | €110,000 – €160,000 |
| 9 | VP of Sales | €130,000+ |
| 10 | VP of Engineering | €130,000 – €190,000 |
| 11 | Director / Head of Engineering | €120,000 – €170,000 |
| 12 | Principal Software Engineer / Architect | €100,000 – €150,000 |
| 13 | Software Development Manager | €95,000 – €140,000 |
| 14 | SRE Manager | €90,000 – €130,000 |
| 15 | Cloud Architect | €85,000 – €125,000 |
| 16 | Cybersecurity Director / CISO | €110,000 – €170,000 |
| 17 | Information Security Manager | €80,000 – €115,000 |
| 18 | Senior Data Scientist | €75,000 – €110,000 |
| 19 | Data Engineering Manager | €85,000 – €125,000 |
| 20 | IT Director | €100,000 – €150,000 |
| 21 | Senior Solutions Architect | €80,000 – €115,000 |
| 22 | DevOps Manager | €85,000 – €120,000 |
| 23 | Lead Mobile Developer | €75,000 – €105,000 |
| 24 | Senior Full-Stack Developer | €70,000 – €100,000 |
| 25 | QA Automation Manager | €75,000 – €105,000 |
| 26 | Head of Product Management | €110,000 – €160,000 |
| 27 | Senior Product Manager | €80,000 – €115,000 |
| 28 | UX/UI Design Director | €85,000 – €120,000 |
| 29 | Technical Program Manager | €80,000 – €110,000 |
| 30 | ERP Director (SAP/Oracle) | €110,000 – €160,000 |
| 31 | Senior SAP Consultant | €75,000 – €110,000 |
| 32 | Plant Director / Site Lead | €130,000 – €190,000 |
| 33 | R&D Director | €120,000 – €180,000 |
| 34 | Quality Assurance / Compliance Director | €110,000 – €160,000 |
| 35 | Regulatory Affairs Director | €110,000 – €165,000 |
| 36 | Supply Chain Director (Pharma) | €105,000 – €155,000 |
| 37 | Process Development Director | €105,000 – €150,000 |
| 38 | Validation Manager | €80,000 – €115,000 |
| 39 | Senior Process Engineer | €70,000 – €100,000 |
| 40 | Principal Scientist | €85,000 – €120,000 |
| 41 | Clinical Research Manager | €75,000 – €110,000 |
| 42 | Medical Science Liaison | €80,000 – €110,000 |
| 43 | Chief Investment Officer | €180,000+ |
| 44 | Head of Asset Management | €150,000 – €220,000 |
| 45 | Senior Actuary | €120,000 – €180,000 |
| 46 | Quantitative Analyst | €90,000 – €140,000 |
| 47 | Risk Management Director | €110,000 – €160,000 |
| 48 | Compliance Director (Financial) | €100,000 – €150,000 |
| 49 | Treasury Director | €100,000 – €145,000 |
| 50 | Tax Director | €110,000 – €170,000 |
| 51 | Finance Director (MNC) | €100,000 – €150,000 |
| 52 | Fund Accounting Director | €95,000 – €140,000 |
| 53 | Private Equity / VC Partner | €150,000+ |
| 54 | FP&A Senior Manager | €75,000 – €105,000 |
| 55 | Internal Audit Director | €95,000 – €135,000 |
| 56 | Regional Sales Director (EMEA) | €120,000+ |
| 57 | Enterprise Account Executive (Tech) | €100,000 – €180,000+ |
| 58 | Channel Sales Director | €95,000 – €140,000 |
| 59 | Head of Digital Marketing | €85,000 – €120,000 |
| 60 | Marketing Director | €95,000 – €140,000 |
| 61 | Business Development Director | €90,000 – €130,000 |
| 62 | Law Firm Partner | €150,000 – €500,000+ |
| 63 | General Counsel / Head of Legal | €130,000 – €200,000 |
| 64 | Senior Corporate Lawyer | €90,000 – €150,000 |
| 65 | Management Consultant – Senior / Big4 | €100,000 – €160,000 |
| 66 | Strategy Director | €110,000 – €160,000 |
| 67 | External Audit Partner | €150,000+ |
| 68 | Supply Chain Director | €100,000 – €150,000 |
| 69 | Procurement Director | €95,000 – €140,000 |
| 70 | Logistics & Distribution Director | €90,000 – €130,000 |
| 71 | Engineering Director | €100,000 – €145,000 |
| 72 | Project Director | €95,000 – €140,000 |
| 73 | Continuous Improvement Director | €90,000 – €130,000 |
| 74 | Airline Pilot (Long-Haul Captain) | €120,000 – €200,000+ |
| 75 | Chief Engineer (Shipping) | €90,000 – €140,000 |
| 76 | Merchant Navy Captain | €85,000 – €130,000 |
| 77 | Consultant Surgeon | €150,000 – €250,000+ |
| 78 | Consultant Physician | €120,000 – €190,000 |
| 79 | Consultant Psychiatrist | €120,000 – €180,000 |
| 80 | Dentist (Specialist/Owner) | €100,000 – €200,000+ |
| 81 | Clinical Director | €110,000 – €160,000 |
| 82 | Head of Nursing/Midwifery | €75,000 – €100,000 |
| 83 | Pharmacist (Manager) | €65,000 – €90,000 |
| 84 | Data Privacy Officer | €80,000 – €115,000 |
| 85 | Environmental Manager | €75,000 – €105,000 |
| 86 | Health & Safety Director | €85,000 – €120,000 |
| 87 | Real Estate Development Director | €100,000 – €150,000 |
| 88 | Commercial Real Estate Broker | €80,000+ |
| 89 | Senior University Professor | €90,000 – €130,000 |
| 90 | AI / Machine Learning Specialist | €80,000 – €120,000 |
| 91 | Biotech R&D Manager | €85,000 – €125,000 |
| 92 | Renewable Energy Project Director | €95,000 – €140,000 |
| 93 | Cyber Forensics Director | €95,000 – €135,000 |
| 94 | Corporate Communications Director | €90,000 – €125,000 |
| 95 | Recruitment Director | €80,000 – €115,000 |
| 96 | Compensation & Benefits Director | €95,000 – €135,000 |
| 97 | Learning & Development Director | €85,000 – €120,000 |
| 98 | Technical Sales Manager | €80,000 – €115,000 |
| 99 | Offshore Operations Manager | €90,000 – €130,000 |
| 100 | Senior Geophysicist | €85,000 – €125,000 |
Closing
These detailed role overviews highlight the diversity and strength of Tennessee’s professional landscape—from innovative medical careers to leadership and high-level finance positions. Whether pursuing education, evaluating career options, or planning a transition into a high-growth field, understanding these top-earning roles can guide informed decisions. With continued investment in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, Tennessee remains a promising environment for ambitious professionals seeking long-term financial success and stability.