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

Investopedia analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to recognize the occupations that got the greatest pay in 2024.

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

Occupations on the list show high abilities and education combined with intense obligations.

Here are the 25 jobs with the highest typical yearly wages:

1. Pediatric Surgeons: $450,810

Pediatric cosmetic surgeons carry out elaborate surgical treatments on babies, children and adolescents.

2. Cardiologists: $432,490

Cardiologists focus on dealing with heart-related conditions and may concentrate on areas such as electrophysiology or treatments, including stent placements. They typically operate in physicians' offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, or universities.

3. Surgeons, All other: $371,280

This classification includes specialized surgeons who don't fall under more narrowly defined functions. Salaries vary by state and reflect the complexity of the procedures they carry out, in addition to the degree of their training.

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

These cosmetic surgeons concentrate on bones, joints, and muscles, often carrying out hip and knee replacements, as well as spinal procedures. Just like other surgical treatment specialties, their work often combines set up operations with emergency trauma cases.

5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: $360,240

Dental specialists perform surgical treatments on the mouth, jaw, and face to treat affected teeth, facial trauma or for cosmetic reasons. A lot of them run private practices or work in medical facilities.

6. Radiologists: $359,820

Radiologists make use of imaging innovations such as MRIs and CT scans to detect and treat illness and injuries. While much of their work is diagnostic, interventional radiologists likewise carry out minimally invasive procedures.

7. Surgeons: $354,760

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

8. Dermatologists: $347,810

Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin problem, such as acne, eczema, and vitiligo, together with over 3,000 various illness. Some might also perform cosmetic or surgeries.

9. Anesthesiologists: $336,640

Anesthesiologists are specialized medical doctors who provide pain relief in the past, throughout, and after surgical treatments, making them vital to ensuring patient safety. They are typically on-call and must react quickly to emergencies in surgical environments.

10. Emergency Medicine Physicians: $320,700

These medical professionals handle trauma and intense health problems, making important choices in fast-paced emergency clinic. Medical emergency situations' unpredictable nature may require them to work nights, weekends, and vacations.

11. Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric: $301,500

Ophthalmologists identify and deal with eye conditions and carry out surgeries such as cataract elimination or LASIK. Many combine surgical procedures with regular eye care in outpatient clinics.

12. Neurologists: $286,310

Neurologists identify and treat conditions affecting the brain and nerve system, consisting of Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. Their work includes complex diagnostics and long-lasting patient care.

13. Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $281,130

OB-GYNs focus on reproductive health and childbirth, stabilizing set up appointments with unpredictable deliveries. They are typically on-call to handle labor and emergency situation surgeries, in addition to supplying general care to women.

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

Aviation experts play an important role in ensuring that flights operate securely and on schedule, whether for travelers or cargo. Due to the always-on nature of airline company travel, they typically work irregular hours and across various time-zones.

15. Physicians: $272,320

This category includes doctors who do not belong to specialized groups. Many work as medical care doctors or in healthcare facility settings.

16. Psychiatrists: $269,120

Psychiatrists focus on dealing with psychological health conditions and prescribe medication, setting them apart from psychologists. Many work in personal practices or in hospital systems.

17. Physicians, Pathologists: $266,020

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

18. Chief Executives: $262,930

CEOs are accountable for leading organizations and making tactical choices that impact service operations. While they are the highest-ranking individuals in a business, they generally report to and are chosen by a board of directors and the board chair.

19. General Internal Medicine Physicians: $262,710

Internists treat both chronic and severe conditions in adult clients, frequently working as main care suppliers. Their extensive medical expertise incorporates a large range of concerns, from infections to hypertension.

20. Athletes and Sports Competitors: $259,750

This high-paying, nonmedical category consists of elite expert athletes who earn significant incomes through agreements, recommendations, and cash prize. Their profits can differ considerably depending on performance and sport.

21. Prosthodontists: $258,660

Prosthodontists style and fit synthetic replacements for teeth and oral structures to improve function and look. Unlike orthodontists, who straighten teeth and correct jaw concerns, prosthodontists focus on changing missing out on teeth with crowns or veneers and repairing damaged structures.

22. Family Medicine Physicians: $256,830

These physicians provide comprehensive look after any ages, covering routine examinations, chronic health problem management, and referrals to specialists when essential. Many develop long-lasting relationships with households.

23. Orthodontists: $254,620

Orthodontists focus on analyzing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Part of their work might consist of taking X-rays, creating and producing home appliances to straighten teeth, and applying braces or aligners. They usually run personal practices and see patients frequently throughout the course of long treatment periods.

24. Physicians, All Other: $253,470

This broad category consists of experts in emerging or less typical medical fields not noted individually by the BLS.

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

Specialist dental practitioners, such as endodontists and periodontists, carry out root canals and gum surgical treatments. Most of them operate in private practices and earn above-average settlement in dentistry.

Which jobs have the highest pay in Alabama?

While much of the highest-paying tasks in Alabama mirror the nationwide rankings, there are some notable distinctions in both the positions and income figures. These experts often need college and extensive training. Below are the occupations with the leading wages 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

Stories by Diane Mwai

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