10 Best Well Paying Jobs

The 10 best well paying jobs all have one thing in common; they take an education and some serious dedication to get your foot in the door. But once you finally make that breakthrough, these career paths can open doors both in terms of well-being and finances that were previously unreachable.

1. Political Scientist. Though jobs in the social science field don’t often pay well, political science is a notable exception. Employees study all aspects political systems in settings ranging from small towns and cities to entire countries. Since the work is so-in depth and demanding, salaries typically are in the low six figure range per year.
2. Human Resources Manager. This high paying job requires a strong educational background in both business and psychology. As an HR manager, you can expect to deal anything from mundane issues to profound problems in the workplace. The average salary approaches $100,000 per year, according to the latest statistics.
3. Air Traffic Controller. With this well paying job comes a lot of stress, admittedly. Air traffic controllers are responsible for the coordination and direction of all air traffic at a given airport. This responsible is highly rewarded, though, as salary often pushes $110,000 yearly.
4. Surgeon. If the medical field were a high school, the surgeon would be its star quarterback and straight – A nerd simultaneously. Though the pressure to perform is always on and you’ll be indebted severely from medical school, monetary rewards range from $120,000 yearly on up.
5. Information Systems Managers. The importance of this well paying position has risen along with the information technology revolution. As an information systems manager, you’re responsible for solving all the problems that come with a given company’s computer system. Median pay for this position comes in at almost exactly $100,000 annually.
6. Physicist. Though the starving scientist stereotype is definitely real, plenty of well paying jobs exist for physicists. It requires an impeccable math and science background, but if you’re up to the task, you can expect a salary from $50,000 to $165,000, depending upon who pays you.
7. Chief Executive Officer. Though you can’t really just apply for a CEO job (unless you’re an entrepreneur), it is certainly possible to work your way up to the very top of the totem pole. Depending on the company, CEO’s earn anywhere from six figure salaries all the way to multiple millions.
8. Public Relations Manager. With the recent trend of increasing accountability placed on corporations, the public relations industry has never been more important. Strong backgrounds in media, law and communications are necessary in order to get this position. But with a median salary of roughly $90,000, all that work is worth it.
9. Lawyer. What makes this notoriously high paying job so great is the wealth of options that those with law degrees have after graduation. The most money, though, is typically in the corporate sector and private practice. In the right circumstances, lawyers can earn from $150,000 annually on up.
10. Orthodontist. If you’re willing to spend eight or more years in school and are slightly masochistic, orthodontics may be the career choice for you. Your investment in education will certainly pay off, as most orthodontists make a high paying living at over $160,000 per year.