The average American makes around $66,621 a year, according to the Social Security Administration, though how much you make will depend on the industry and area you live in.

Investopedia analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify the occupations that received the highest pay in 2024.

The personal finance website found that healthcare professions dominate the list of highest-paying jobs, particularly in specialized areas. The ranking also includes professions outside of healthcare, such as airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers.

Occupations on the list reflect high skills and education coupled with intense responsibilities.

Here are the 25 jobs with the highest average annual salaries:

1. Pediatric Surgeons: $450,810

Pediatric surgeons perform intricate surgeries on infants, children and adolescents.

2. Cardiologists: $432,490

Cardiologists specialize in treating heart-related conditions and may focus on areas such as electrophysiology or procedures, including stent placements. They typically work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, or educational institutions.

3. Surgeons, All other: $371,280

This category includes specialized surgeons who don’t fall into more narrowly defined roles. Salaries vary by state and reflect the complexity of the procedures they perform, as well as the degree of their training.

4. Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric: $365,060

These surgeons specialize in bones, joints, and muscles, frequently performing hip and knee replacements, as well as spinal procedures. As with other surgery specialties, their work often combines scheduled operations with emergency trauma cases.

5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: $360,240

Dental specialists perform surgeries on the mouth, jaw, and face to treat impacted teeth, facial trauma or for cosmetic reasons. Many of them operate private practices or work in hospitals.

6. Radiologists: $359,820

Radiologists utilize imaging technologies such as MRIs and CT scans to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. While much of their work is diagnostic, interventional radiologists also perform minimally invasive procedures.

7. Surgeons: $354,760

General surgeons perform a range of operations from appendectomies to cancer resections.

8. Dermatologists: $347,810

Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and vitiligo, along with over 3,000 different diseases. Some may also perform cosmetic or surgical procedures.

9. Anesthesiologists: $336,640

Anesthesiologists are specialized medical doctors who provide pain relief before, during, and after surgeries, making them essential to ensuring patient safety. They are often on-call and must respond quickly to emergencies in surgical environments.

10. Emergency Medicine Physicians: $320,700

These doctors handle trauma and acute illnesses, making critical decisions in fast-paced emergency rooms. Medical emergencies’ unpredictable nature may require them to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

11. Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric: $301,500

Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye conditions and perform surgeries such as cataract removal or LASIK. Many combine surgical procedures with routine eye care in outpatient clinics.

12. Neurologists: $286,310

Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain and nervous system, including Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. Their work involves complex diagnostics and long-term patient care.

13. Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $281,130

OB-GYNs specialize in reproductive health and childbirth, balancing scheduled appointments with unpredictable deliveries. They are often on-call to manage labor and emergency surgeries, in addition to providing general care to women.

14. Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $280,570

Aviation professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that flights operate safely and on schedule, whether for passengers or cargo. Due to the always-on nature of airline travel, they often work irregular hours and across different time-zones.

15. Physicians: $272,320

This category includes doctors who do not belong to specialized groups. Many work as primary care physicians or in hospital settings.

16. Psychiatrists: $269,120

Psychiatrists specialize in treating mental health conditions and prescribe medication, setting them apart from psychologists. Many work in private practices or in hospital systems.

17. Physicians, Pathologists: $266,020

Pathologists work in hospital labs to conduct lab tests on organs, tissues, and fluids to aid in disease diagnosis.

18. Chief Executives: $262,930

CEOs are responsible for leading organizations and making strategic decisions that impact business operations. While they are the highest-ranking individuals in a company, they typically report to and are elected by a board of directors and the board chair.

19. General Internal Medicine Physicians: $262,710

Internists treat both chronic and acute conditions in adult patients, often functioning as primary care providers. Their extensive medical expertise encompasses a wide range of issues, from infections to hypertension.

20. Athletes and Sports Competitors: $259,750

This high-paying, nonmedical category includes elite professional athletes who earn substantial incomes through contracts, endorsements, and prize money. Their earnings can vary significantly depending on performance and sport.

21. Prosthodontists: $258,660

Prosthodontists design and fit artificial replacements for teeth and oral structures to enhance function and appearance. Unlike orthodontists, who realign teeth and correct jaw issues, prosthodontists focus on replacing missing teeth with crowns or veneers and repairing damaged structures.

22. Family Medicine Physicians: $256,830

These doctors offer comprehensive care for all ages, covering routine checkups, chronic illness management, and referrals to specialists when necessary. Many establish long-term relationships with families.

23. Orthodontists: $254,620

Orthodontists specialize in examining and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Part of their work may include taking X-rays, designing and creating appliances to realign teeth, and applying braces or aligners. They usually operate private practices and see patients regularly throughout the course of long treatment periods.

24. Physicians, All Other: $253,470

This broad category includes specialists in emerging or less common medical fields not listed separately by the BLS.

25. Dentists, All Other Specialists: $246,530

Specialist dentists, such as endodontists and periodontists, perform root canals and gum surgeries. Most of them work in private practices and earn above-average compensation in dentistry.

Which jobs have the highest pay in Alabama?

While many of the highest-paying jobs in Alabama mirror the national rankings, there are some notable differences in both the positions and salary figures. These professionals often require higher education and extensive training. Below are the occupations with the top salaries in the state:

1. Physicians, Pathologists: $238,020

2. Dentists, All Other Specialists: $229,820

3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: $222,010

4. Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $204,570

5. Pediatricians, General: $202,330