It's time to throw another alphabet worth of careers your way, and this time we're hitting you with some of the most lucrative occupations out there. We all have different priorities when seeking out a career, and for some the annual salary — how much you'd earn each year — is especially important. While a big pay check often comes with high stress, long hours, and a great deal of responsibility, these careers can be very rewarding (and we don't just mean financially) if they align with your strengths, values, and interests. So here they are, no rhymes or frills, just salaries and summaries:
Air Traffic Controller: $123,000
Coordinate the movement of aircraft to
maintain safe distances between them.
Biomedical Engineer: $91,000
Combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.
Construction Manager: $95,200
Plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise
construction projects from start to finish.
Database Administrator: $93,700
Use specialized software
to store and organize data.
Economist: $105,020
Collect and analyze data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods, and services.
Family Medicine Physician: $208,000
Assess and treat a range of medical
conditions that occur in everyday life.
Geoscientist: $92,000
Study the physical aspects of the Earth
composition, structure, processes) to learn about its past, present, and future.
Human Resources Manager: $116,700
Plan, coordinate, & direct the administrative functions of an organization.
Information Security Analyst: $99,700
Plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Judge: $120,000
Apply the law by overseeing the legal
process in courts.
Lawyer: $122,960
Advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.
Marketing Manager: $135,900
Plan programs to generate
interest in products or services.
Nurse Anesthetist: $115,800
Administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.
Orthodontist: $159,200
Straighten teeth by applying pressure to
the teeth with braces or other appliances.
Political Scientist: $122,200
Research political ideas and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.
Sales Manager: $126,600
Set goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for organizations’ sales reps.
Training Manager: $113,300
Plan, coordinate, and direct enhancement programs for an organization’s staff.
Urban Planners: $74,300
Develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
Veterinarian: $95,400
Diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.
Wind Tunnel Engineers: $116,500
Study the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials.