9 Best Careers that Make a lot of Money

Money is not really a ticket to happiness. But wouldn’t it be nice to earn $100,000 or more a year doing something you love?

Some careers are better than others for people who want to accumulate wealth. So if that is your goal, you may want to look into them. 

It is important to remember that having a degree in these fields doesn’t guarantee wealth. People in the same occupation don’t always earn the same amount of money. It depends on your employer, your specialization and where you live. 

So check out these jobs.

Note: you will need extensive schooling for these fields and they are competitive. 

Investment Banker

The average pay for investment bankers is about $79,847. If you add bonuses, the average associate earns about $150,000 in their first year. Vice presidents make roughly $1.5 million while managing partners earn over $20 million in some cases. 

You have to work long hours. And although a bachelor’s degree will get you an entry-level position, most investment bankers typically acquire graduate degrees. 

Physician

Salaries here will vary depending on your area of specialization. But even physicians on the lower end make six figures. The median pay for surgeons and physicians in 2019 was $208,000. The physician subspecialties with higher salaries were not accounted for in this number. 

More specialization means a higher pay. Heart surgeons make more than general practitioners. 

Orthodontists

These ones make an average of $231,288. The amount you make will depend on your geographical location.  First, you’ll have to complete a college degree (typically takes four years), take the DAT (Dental Admission Test) and apply to a dental school for a four-year program. 

Dentist

If studying to become an orthodontist seems like too much work, you can become a dentist and still earn a six-figure income. The median pay is $159,200. You will need a bachelor’s degree and specialty training. 

Engineer

With engineering, you can earn six figures with a four-year degree. Most jobs won’t ask for more than a bachelor’s degree. The amount you earn as an engineer depends on your specialty. Petroleum engineers have a median salary of $137,720, making them the highest paid engineers. 

Air Traffic Controller

The median pay for traffic controllers was $122,990 in 2019. You only require an associate’s degree. In other cases you may need a bachelor’s degree. 

Pharmacist

Your job as a pharmacist will be to fill out prescriptions and give advice about side effects and safe use. In 2019, the median salary for pharmacists was $128,090. 

You will have to complete 3 years of college. You may be required to get a bachelor’s degree too. There are also PharmD programs and a PCAT test to pass. 

 Lawyer

Specialization and geography will determine how much you make. The median salary for lawyers in 2019 was $122,960. 

Airline Pilot

In 2019, the median pay for pilots was $121,430. Commercial pilots usually require a high school diploma and an FAA commercial pilot license. You will need a degree to become an airline pilot.