It's January, and if you've got money and career on your mind — you're not alone.
As we begin a fresh new calendar year, many professionals are looking at their earnings with increased scrutiny (though it's likely also because it's bonus and performance review season). But, no matter where you find yourself, the beginning of the year is as good a time as any to think about what you're making and what you might like to make in the future.
Last week, U.S. News & World Report released its list of the Best Jobs 2019. The list, which ranked jobs across different industries was comprised of a total of 100 of the best jobs in the United States. There's another list that caught our interest as well: Yes, it's the one that's all about the money.
The best-paying list is made up of jobs with an average salary of more than $100,000. And, in case you hadn't guessed already, the majority of them are in healthcare and tech. By now, it's old news that these industries tend to pay a lot more than other industries, so the results of this list may not be altogether surprising, but they still may provide some insight for those still choosing a career path or who are thinking about switching career trajectories altogether.
Ahead, the top five best-paying jobs in 2019, according to U.S. News & World Report.
1. Anesthesiologist
Average Pay: $265,990
With a 0.5% unemployment rate and a $235,240 mean salary, anesthesiologists rank number one in best paying-jobs this year.
However, if you don't want to go through all of that schooling to be able to administer anesthesia, consider pursuing a career as a nurse anesthetist, who can perform most of the same work of anesthesiologists, while spending less time in school.
2. Surgeon
Average Pay: $251,890
Coming in at number two: surgeons.
While surgeons can train to be general surgeons, or choose a specialization (like another type of surgeon on this list) this career path is high-intensity. But, with a $251,890 mean salary, the money might make up for the stress-level.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Average Pay: $242,740
This mouthful of a job comes in at number three best paid, and is in reference to surgeons who specialize in face, oral, and jaw surgeries.
These surgeons are basically dentists with a ton of additional surgical training, and perform everything from cleft lift operations to oral cancer treatment, and have a mean salary of $242,740.
4. Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Average Pay: $235,240
A crucial figure in women's health, OB-GYNs have the number four best paid job in America.
Obstetricians and gynecologists specialize in a spectrum of women's reproductive health services, and handle everything from childbirth to pap spears, to contraceptive management (and more!). Many professionals in this field find the work extremely rewarding, and it also comes with an impressive salary.
5. Orthodontist
Average Pay: $229,380
In fifth place are orthodontists, who you may think of fondly (or not-so-much) depending on how many times you had braces. Responsible for creating smiles and straight teeth, orthodontists have a mean salary of $229,380 and report a deep satisfaction in boosting people's self-esteem for a living.
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I'm A Technical Account Manager & I Made More By Going Hourly