Explore Careers Across a Variety of Industries
Dreaming of earning a six-figure salary? Most workers are far away from that target. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average total weekly salary of women and men for the second quarter of 2025 was $1,206.1 That would mean that the total median yearly earnings for workers in America is $57,888.
Now, with the current cost of living, many professionals seek to make more than the average salary, especially those supporting families. Many people are searching for high-paying jobs—wondering which jobs offer a 200k a year salary. Considering weekly expenses, such as maintaining a home or paying for a child’s education, jobs that make $200,000 a year are very attractive.
Though $200,000 is much higher than the average salary in the U.S., there are various jobs in which you can earn a six-figure salary.
Key Takeaways
- The average U.S. worker earns about $57,888 annually, making $200k jobs rare and highly competitive.
- Careers paying $200k+ typically require advanced degrees, long training, and years of experience.
- High-paying fields include medicine, law, and executive leadership roles like CEO, CTO, and CMO.
- Networking, referrals, and specialized job platforms are key to landing a $200k position.
- While attainable, most $200k careers involve a long-term investment in education and expertise.
What Is a Good Hourly Wage?
Defining a good hourly wage depends on your lifestyle, location, and basic needs. You can look at MIT’s living wage calculator to get an estimate of what you would need to make, depending on your location and family situation.2
A good salary should compensate you fairly for your labor and skills. Evaluating the fairness of compensation includes considering the educational background, professional achievements, as well as specialized training. A fair wage should allow you to meet your basic needs and build savings.
For example, oral surgeons making $200,000 a year are technically paid $96 per hour. However, to become an oral surgeon, people have to attend educational and residency programs for up to 14 years. Although an oral surgeon is one of the few jobs that make 200k a year, most oral surgeons start their careers with a significant amount of student loan debt.
What Types of Jobs Make $200k a Year?
You can earn $200k a year with a strategic plan, good networking contacts, and a bit of luck. The following types of jobs might seem intimidating or hard to obtain at first, but if you can earn the right degree and put in hard work and effort, then earning $200,000 in these professional roles is attainable. So what are some jobs that pay 200k a year?
- Neurologist
- Psychiatrist
- Medical Lawyer
- Dental Professionals
- Gynecologist
How to Make $200k a Year: Career Requirements
To land a job that pays $200k a year, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree. Further, the career paths that pay this much usually have stringent education requirements, like an advanced degree. The level of education you need will depend on the type of job you’re interested in. Completing the first step, such as earning a bachelor’s degree, is essential before pursuing advanced qualifications.
For example, lawyers must complete a bachelor’s degree and law school. Students pursuing medical careers will have to complete medical school and residency programs. After graduating, many professions still require that you pass an exam to become certified. Lawyers must pass the Bar Exam, and medical professionals will have to pass their Board Certification and apply for a medical license.
Another piece in the puzzle of how to get a job that pays 200k is experience level. In many of these jobs that make over 200k a year, you don’t start with a 200k salary. It can take years to rise to a management position and reach the highest-paying jobs.
Jobs That Pay $200k a Year: An Overview
The following salaries are from May 2023 and have been verified on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website as of September 2025. All information is subject to change.
| Job | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $339,4703 |
| Dermatologist | $342,8604 |
| Orthodontist | $243,6205 |
| Neurologist | $271,4706 |
| Psychiatrist | $256,9307 |
| Gynecologist | $278,6608 |
| Prosthodontist | $240,7509 |
| Pediatrician | $205,86010 |
| Chief Technology Officer | $258,900*11 |
| Radiologist | $353,96012 |
| Airline and Commercial Pilot | $198,10013 |
| Chief Marketing Officer | $258,900*11 |
| Chief Executive Officer | $258,900*11 |
*Salary and employment information for chief executives.
Best Jobs That Pay $200k a Year: A Closer Look
It might take a longer time to get a $200k job because some positions have rigorous educational requirements and require applicants to have more than a high school diploma. In addition, a lot of these professions are not entry-level, so years of experience may also be a requirement.
Anesthesiologist
- Mean hourly wage: $163.23
- Mean annual salary: $339,4703
An anesthesiologist is a medical professional who administers anesthetics to patients. They play a crucial role in ensuring that patients are safe and not in pain during surgery. Anesthesiologists must be proficient in using specialized medical equipment to monitor patients and administer anesthesia safely.
To become an anesthesiologist, professionals should have finished college, medical school, and a year of internships. Afterward, they must have completed a four-year anesthesiology residency.
Dermatologist
- Mean hourly wage: $164.844
- Mean annual salary: $342,8604
A dermatologist specializes in treating conditions of the skin, nails, and hair. They’re able to assess or diagnose conditions like psoriasis, skin cancer, and eczema. Dermatologists may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, depending on their specialization and career goals. This is one of the medical jobs that makes 200k a year and typically has a nine-to-five schedule.
To become a dermatologist, you need to spend four years finishing a bachelor’s degree, then another four years in medical school, and then one year of internship. Finally, they spend a minimum of three years in a dermatology residency program before joining or starting a practice.
Orthodontist
- Mean hourly wage: $117.135
- Mean annual salary: $243, 6205
An orthodontist is a kind of dentist who specializes in diagnosing occlusions, misaligned teeth and jaws, overbites, and overcrowded mouths. They treat these cases so that these issues won’t cause any problems in the future. An orthodontist may recommend braces or Invisalign if needed to correct any misalignment.
To become an orthodontist, you must finish a dental school program. After that, you will have to take more classes for another two or three years to specialize in orthodontics. The starting salary for orthodontist positions may be below $200,000, depending on your location.
Neurologist
- Mean hourly wage: $130.516
- Mean annual salary: $271,4706
Neurologists are doctors who focus on diagnosing and treating disorders related to the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Neurologists treat ailments such as strokes, headache disorders, seizures, Parkinson’s, speech and language disorders, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
This is another one of the jobs that make 200k a year that takes many years of education to reach. To become a neurologist, you have to complete a four-year pre-medical undergraduate degree, then a doctoral degree. After that, you must complete an internship in addition to at least three years of specialty training with an accredited neurology residency program.
Psychiatrist
- Mean hourly wage: $123.537
- Mean annual salary: $256,9307
Psychiatrists conduct thorough analyses of patients’ mental and emotional health to determine appropriate treatment plans. They treat mental health disorders like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and anxiety disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to evaluate the psychological and physical symptoms of a psychological disorder and prescribe medication.
To become a psychiatrist, you must finish a medical degree, pass the written examination for the state license, and finish four years of psychiatry residency.
Gynecologist
- Mean hourly wage: $133.978
- Mean annual salary: $278,6608
A gynecologist specializes in supporting women’s health—treating issues within the female reproductive system. These doctors deal with pregnancy and childbirth, obstetrics, fertility issues, menstruation, and hormone disorders. They also educate patients on family planning and treating polycystic ovary syndrome.
Like many of the medical professions with jobs paying $200k a year, you’ll need many years of education. To become a gynecologist, you should get a college degree, train as a doctor, and then specialize in the field of gynecology for another four years.
Prosthodontist
- Mean hourly wage: $115.759
- Mean annual salary: $240,7509
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in replacing missing teeth. They help maintain oral function for their patients’ appearance, comfort, and health. A prosthodontist receives advanced training for the replacement and restoration of teeth. As a prosthodontist, you must finish a dental school program, complete residency, and pass the National Board of Dental Exams.
Pediatrician
- Mean hourly wage: $98.9710
- Mean annual salary: $205,86010
A pediatrician is a doctor who treats children. They assess and diagnose conditions like malignancies, genetic defects, or infections. They’re also responsible for preventive health measures for children and giving medical care to those who are chronically ill.
You must complete years of education and attend an accredited pediatric post-graduate training program to become a pediatrician. This is required after medical school.
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Chief Technology Officer
- Mean hourly wage: $124.4711
- Mean annual salary: $258,90011
Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are responsible for overseeing visions, strategy, and security protocols to protect company data, developing innovative technology solutions, and ensuring reliable internet access for all business operations. They manage the engineering or IT teams, ensure systems are secure and scalable, and evaluate new technologies to keep the business competitive. CTOs also collaborate with other executives to align tech initiatives with company goals.
To become a CTO, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, years of industry experience, and proven leadership in technology management.
Radiologist
- Mean hourly wage: $170.1712
- Mean annual salary: $353,96012
Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in using imaging technology—like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds—to diagnose and sometimes treat injuries and diseases. They often work closely with other physicians to interpret results and guide treatment decisions.
To become a radiologist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school, and a four-year residency in radiology. Many also pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties such as pediatric, interventional, or oncologic radiology.
Airline and Commercial Pilot
- Mean annual salary: $198,10013
A commercial pilot is responsible for flying fixed-wing aircraft or regular planes that transport cargo and/or passengers. Other tasks and operations may include aerial survey, search, and rescue.
Airline pilots don’t always need to have a bachelor’s degree; however, to be considered for higher-paying roles like these with more responsibility, it may be necessary to earn a college degree for this career path. In addition, candidates must have flight training and a commercial pilot license. Both airline and commercial pilots are required to have certificates and ratings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Chief Marketing Officer
- Mean hourly wage: $124.4711
- Mean annual salary: $258,90011
A chief marketing officer is an executive who develops and oversees advertising and marketing efforts, as well as strategic planning. They are responsible for creating a unified marketing strategy to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all channels. They work with other executives to create programs to help a company adapt to changes and new trends.
To be a chief marketing officer, you need a Master’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field.
Chief Executive Officer
- Mean hourly wage: $124.4711
- Mean annual salary: $258,90011
A chief executive officer (CEO) is one of the ultimate six-figure jobs. This position focuses on the overall success of a business. CEOs are responsible for making top-level managerial decisions—leading the organization by setting strategic direction and inspiring teams to achieve company goals.
To become a CEO, you must have an undergraduate degree and extensive experience in the industry you work in. It’s also preferred that you earn your MBA.
Where to Find a Jobs that Pay $200k a Year
There are different ways to find a top-paying job. Since jobs that pay $200k a year are not as common as more average salary jobs, it may take a bit of time to find a position. Finding a job that pays over $200k a year is a daunting task, so below are a couple of methods to help you find one of these high-paying jobs.
Referrals
In professional careers, networking can be invaluable. Your contacts are one source that can help you get a job that pays $200k a year. Your contacts at a company can provide a brief background about you and guide you through the hiring process. Many jobs that pay $200k aren’t posted online. You need to know someone who can refer you to fill such positions.
Company Websites
If you’ve been eyeing a company or you have a dream company to work for, then checking out company websites directly would also be an excellent way for you to land a job. Some companies post their highest-paying job openings exclusively on their own websites, so it’s important to check these sites regularly. You can go to the careers page, where the company lists the positions and the qualifications they are looking for. Once you successfully apply, make sure that you properly respond to any interview requests.
Job Search Platforms
Job platforms are an efficient and fast way to search for jobs. You can use filters to find a job that suits you. They allow you to search by salary, location, and other keywords. Typically, these platforms will let you send a resume and apply for the position in just a few clicks. Make sure your resume is job-ready before you apply.
Is It Easy to Find a Job That Makes $200k a Year?
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find a job that makes $200k a year simply because these jobs require you to be an expert in your field and offer services or skills that typically require extensive education. Usually, these jobs are earned through several years of experience and diligent studying. Qualifications, experience, and determination matter greatly when pursuing jobs that pay $200k a year.
There are no easy jobs that pay $200k a year. These are extremely competitive positions, and it can be difficult to get accepted into the necessary advanced degree program. Even if you are highly educated, it’s hard to know how long it will take to find a $200k per year job.
Jobs That Pay $200k a Year FAQ
The best jobs that pay $200k a year are the jobs you are passionate about and enjoy doing. There are a lot of good jobs out there, but when you’re fueled with passion, you’ll be able to perform better. Diverse jobs, such as being an IT systems manager, financial officer, or even a social media marketer, may earn you a salary of $200k with the right skills and opportunities. So first, follow your interests.
What are the skills needed to get a job that pays $200k?
The skills needed to get a job that pays $200k depend on the job, since some of them require core technical skills like medical or legal expertise. Developing in-demand skills relevant to your chosen field, such as sales, finance, or software development, is essential for reaching a six-figure salary.
Can I get a $200k job without a degree?
It is very difficult to find jobs that pay $200k a year without degree requirements, but it may be possible to create your own by owning your own business. A very small number of people have broken into tech, sports, or the entertainment industry and created jobs that make $200k a year for themselves. However, if you really want a job that pays $200k a year, you may want to consider attending law school or medical school.
What should be the educational background to get a $200k job?
Usually, educational backgrounds in medicine, technology, and law are jobs that can pay you $200k, as you can see from our list above in this article of jobs that make over $200k a year. There are some jobs that pay over $200k a year with a bachelor’s degree, and these are typically high-level management jobs in various fields.
Sources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf
3 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291211.htm
4 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291213.htm
5 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291023.htm
6 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291217.htm
7 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291223.htm
8 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291218.htm
9 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291024.htm
10 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291221.htm
11 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes111011.htm
12 https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291224.htm
13 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm
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