There's no denying making $200k is a lot of money.
Whether you're looking for enough to support your family or you want to retire early, a well-paying career makes all the difference.
Making six figures a year is certainly possible with some jobs, and not all of them will require a bachelor's degree.
In this post, I'll explore some of the best jobs that pay $200k or more, how you can land the job, and much more. Let's get started!
- Software development or web development
- Medical specialists
- Most engineering fields
- Business executives
Jobs that Pay $200,000
Below are some of the best jobs to earn $200k a year or more. Some of these may require a college degree as some of them are technical jobs or medical specialists. Whether you want to afford a Lamborghini or you want a nicer home, landing a high paying job is a great way to reach your goals.
Web Developer
Web developers are critical people in todays technological society. They create the websites most people see, ensuring things are useful and in working order.
It's a technical job that provides a service that very few people understand how to do.
The highest-paid web developer professionals make more than $200k a year working for some companies.
For example, at Apple – some of their web developers make over $250k a year.
The best part of this career is that you don't need a college degree to be successful.
In addition to your full time job, you can also make extra money on the side by building websites for businesses in your area.
You'll need to learn some popular coding languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript but that's about it.
There are plenty of online resources that can teach you how to develop websites in less than a couple years. Check out the video below to learn how to build a website from scratch!
Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a branch of dentistry that works with crowded mouths and misshaped teeth.
They can correct any troubles and take measures to ensure the mouth doesn't shift back again later in life.
You will work with children and adults to improve their quality of life through their teeth. It's an interactive job where communication and specialized skills are necessary.
The average pay for an orthodontist is $296,000 making it an awesome high paying job to consider.
If you are comfortable working in a mouth for a living, this career will provide you with all the money you could need in life. It's a tricky and in-demand career that is worth the education necessary to find a position as a professional in the field.
To become an orthodontist, you'll need a Bachelor's degree in addition to a Masters and Doctorate degree.
Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist is very similar to an orthodontist in that they work to fix facial and dental troubles that come with missing or damaged teeth.
They might handle items such as broken crowns, bridges, and other critical implants and procedures in the mouth area of the face.
You'll be tasked with repairing and replacing natural and fake teeth, sculpting and mending them into something new.
The typical income for a prosthodontist is $208,000 so if you want to repair mouths and improve lives, this career may be an excellent choice for your life.
It's a high-paying job that works well for skilled, enthusiastic professionals.
Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is a medical professional that provides anesthesia to patients in surgery.
Being an anesthesiologist can be a very dangerous job. If something goes wrong (like giving too much anesthesia), you are liable for the person harmed.
You'll need a medical school degree to earn a high salary in this position. If stress isn't your thing, it's probably better to avoid this position.
The average pay for an anesthesiologist is $408,000 – making it one of the top paying jobs for many.
You are well-compensated in this six-figure job for the risk taken with every procedure you aid in.
User Experience Designer
User experience works in every aspect of life. A user experience designer manages everything regarding the design and functionality of a website or app.
Those who have an eye for what people like will enjoy this position.
You must ensure the customers have the ideal experience whenever and wherever they access your site, whether on a desktop computer, mobile phone, or tablet. It might mean adding unique buttons, expediting the checkout process, or playing with other design elements to enhance the user experience.
Although low-paid user experience designers can make less than 100k, professionals have an average pay above $200k. It's an interesting job that makes the world easier to navigate for many people.
Nuclear Engineer
A nuclear engineer completes complex work that can potentially be dangerous, but the pay makes the risk worth it.
In this position, you will be in charge of researching and developing processes critical to nuclear processes.
Those that want to help the world or are passionate about renewable energy will love this job. You will help keep people safe and may save lives with valuable research.
On average, a nuclear engineer will make $243,000 but nuclear engineering managers can make even more. If you're looking for the best paying jobs in energy, this could be for you. The excellent pay structure makes the risk of the job valid.
Chief Marketing Officer
A chief marketing officer is an executive that handles all marketing activities in a corporation.
They work with formulating, creating, and optimizing marketing strategies and campaigns for the company.
You will collaborate with other marketing professionals, product developers, and sales teams to ensure the success of your company.
If you can handle stress, love to be in charge, and have a passion for testing and optimizing, you will be an excellent chief marketing officer. They are rewarded well for all the hard work they put in at the job.
On average, a chief marketing officer will make about $222,000 a year but some chief marketing officers have made millions of dollars.
For example, Spectrum's CMO made over $15 million in 2016 alone.
If you don't mind the corporate environment, working as a CMO is a tremendous job that pays $200k or more.
AI Developer
An artificial intelligence developer is in charge of structuring and developing artificial intelligence applications.
You will work with machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics.
If you are a technological expert with experience, this job is could be ideal for you. It takes a professional to work with artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence developers make about $195,000 on the low end of the spectrum. You make more if you work in a location such as Silicon Valley.
Data Architect
A data architect is an individual that typically works in the IT or BI section of a company.
They work on the policies and procedures that help data architecture work coherently. A data architect is critical to the structure of a modern tech company.
If you want to be a technology expert, consider becoming a data architect. You can help companies operate efficiently and make more money.
On average, data architects have an annual salary of about $150,000. Those on the higher end make well over $200,000 a year.
Pediatrician
A pediatrician is a medical professional that has the responsibility of caring for children.
They perform check-ups, diagnose illnesses, and ensure children are as healthy as possible. The career is on the rise and provides plenty of compensation for the job.
If you love kids and want to do something good, consider becoming a pediatrician. You are responsible for young lives and the future of their health.
On average, pediatricians have an average salary of about $212,000 a year. You can do good and make a solid living at the same time.
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
An OB/GYN is responsible for all things concerning women's health in reproduction. They can help treat diseases and even make the delivery of a baby safer in the right circumstances.
If you want to help women, you'll love this job. OB/GYNs work to save lives with basic preventative procedures making it a great job that pays over $300k a year.
The average pay for an OB/GYN is $300,000 meaning you are well-compensated for your work if you're willing to complete medical school.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a professional responsible for handling mental health, including addictions with substance abuse.
They talk with their patients and ensure they have the tools to recover and live a happy life. They can even prescribe medications and additional measures if necessary.
If you want to help people recover from mental illnesses, this job could be for you. You can help improve many lives with your work.
On average, a psychiatrist will make about $239,000. This career pays well and serves an instrumental purpose in the world.
Air Traffic Controller
Planes don't get in the air by themselves – they need a little help from an air traffic controller.
This position requires the individual in charge to inform planes of their flight schedule and keep everything in line – which can be extremely stressful.
They direct the traffic at the airport to account for each plane landing and taking off.
If you handle stress well and are great at problem solving, this job could be the one for you. You sit in a room all day and watch planes take off and land ensuring that the airport is running efficiently.
On average, air traffic controllers make $120,000. However, those on the higher end of the pay class can make up to $200,000 a year.
Emergency Room Physician
An emergency room physician takes care of emergencies in a hospital.
They are responsible for situations ranging from cardiac arrest, renal troubles, pregnancy, and anything else that comes their way.
They are in charge of stabilizing patients when needed and helping with trauma as soon as possible.
If you want to help people and can handle severe pressure and stress, this job could be for you.
It takes someone with steady hands with a strong stomach to care for people with a time constriction between life and death.
An emergency room physician earns an average of $337,000 a year.
Doctors are well compensated for the stress they undergo in the emergency room as they have one of the highest-paying jobs in the world.
Dermatologist
Our skin is one of the most critical parts of our body (not to mention the largest).
A dermatologist is in charge of examining and treating skin troubles.
Dermatologists are involved in medical careers that allow them to diagnose thousands of skin diseases.
It takes additional education including medical school, but it's worth it.
The average dermatologist makes about $363,000. You make a lot of money after a successful stint at medical school.
CFO
A CFO, or chief financial officer, is responsible for everything that has to do with the finances in a company.
This can range from bookkeeping to investments and anything in between of managing the financial activities of a company.
The average annual salary of a CFO is around $415,000 but some chief financial officers are paid even more depending on the company and industry they work in.
If you enjoy business and wall street – this job could be for you.
Direct Response Copywriter
A direct response copywriter is a unique job that many have not heard about. They are in charge of using words and structure to convince an audience to take an action of some sort.
If you are an expert in writing and are confident in your ability to persuade, this career might be the answer.
The average annual salary for a direct response copywriter is less than $100,000. However, with the addition of royalties and additional sales, you can easily make more than $200k in a year.
In addition, this is one of the fewer jobs on the list that can be done remotely. So if you prefer working from home and want to make big bucks – this job could be for you!
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager strategizes and creates marketing campaigns to create demand for a client or a product.
They work to draw attention to a business, generating revenue and customers for the future of the company.
If you are organized, creative, and have strong skills in marketing – this could be a perfect job for you.
Marketing managers have an average annual salary of around $128,000, but those on the higher end pay scale can make $200,000 or more.
Optometrist
An optometrist is a doctor that aids with eyesight. They study vision and can help determine if you need a tool to help improve vision.
Many optometrists own their practices and can generate revenue in the millions from their business.
You get to earn money while improving your quality of life at the same time – which many people enjoy.
The average salary for an optometrist is close to $200k a year but much of that may depend on where you operate in the United States of America. For example, an optometrist in California will make more than an optometrist in Alabama.
Oral Surgeon
An oral surgeon is responsible for performing surgery on the mouth.
They can complete simple operations and more complex ones such as removing wisdom teeth.
If you want to help people and are comfortable with surgery, becoming an oral surgeon might be the right choice.
On average, these doctors make about $208,000, but those who own their own business can make much more.
Dentist
Everybody needs a dentist.
In this job, you are responsible for everything that has to do with teeth. You may perform cleaning, fill cavities, and diagnose general health issues in the mouth.
If you want to help people stay healthy, being a dentist might be for you.
You'll have to go to dental school first, and many dentists open their own practices to ensure they have control over their careers.
On average, dentists make about $208,000 a year.
Financial Manager
A financial manager is critical for any business.
They are in charge of the financial health of a company and work to ensure that the organization is making money and not overspending.
If you want a job in finance, becoming a financial manager is one of the best options.
On average, a financial manager makes about $200,000 at the top of their game but your income largely depends on the company you work for on the market.
Lawyer
Lawyers are critical for our society. They help us navigate the law and can represent us in court if necessary.
If you want to become a lawyer, you'll have to go to law school and pass the Bar exam. Once you're a lawyer, you can work in a variety of settings such as a law firm, for the government as a judge, or a corporation as a corporate lawyer.
If you like a challenge and can handle stress, consider becoming a lawyer.
On average, lawyers make about $189,000. The best lawyers can make even more with enough work.
Personal Financial Advisor
A personal financial advisor works for an individual and helps them manage their money. They help people put their income into the stock market and other assets to better their financial future.
If you're good with finances and investing, working as a financial advisor could be a great job that pays $200k or more.
A personal financial advisor makes as little as $80,000 but can make more than $1,000,000 a year. The pay depends on the clients you work with and the market.
Software Developer
Software developers are the grounding piece for our technologically-based world.
They build apps and games to sell or for companies who need them.
The base annual salary for successful development is high and you don't always need a bachelor's or master's degree to become a software developer.
If you are good with technology, being a software developer is an excellent choice for your life. Software developers can experiment and create new things for the world.
The average software developer makes about $200k if they work with a successful application or website and if you're looking for a job where you work alone – this is a great gig for you.
Airline Pilots
Some airline pilots can make over $200,000 in a year with the right experience and position.
Airline pilots fly airplanes and are responsible for the lives of their passengers.
The job is stressful but can be exciting and provides a great view. It's a perfect job that pays for travel and sometimes housing.
To become an airline pilot, you must have a commercial pilot's license and fly a certain number of hours. Once you have the experience, you can apply to be an airline pilot.
The pay depends on the company you fly for, but some airline pilots make over $200,000.
Final Thoughts on Jobs that Pay $200,000 a Year
There are many jobs that pay a multi six figure salary, depending on your education and experience.
Many of these jobs will require a Bachelor's degree at minimum – but some will require a Doctorate degree.
The jobs that pay $200,000 a year or more tend to be in the medical and legal professions – but there are many other jobs that offer a six-figure salary.
For example, sales leaders, airline pilots, and web developers can all make $200,000 or more.
It's important to find a company and industry that rewards it's employees for hard work and dedication – and that's where you'll find your six-figure salary.
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