• Study Abroad

Highest Paying Jobs in the World

  • views313 Reads
  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Dec 20,2024 03:22 PM IST

  • The highest-paying jobs in the world come with a salary of above $400,000 per year.
  • Medical and IT careers are the ones offering the most lucrative job roles worldwide.
  • Keeping oneself updated with industry trends and continuously learning new skills are the only ways to stay relevant in the ever-changing job market worldwide. 

Highest Paying Jobs in the World.webp


With super-advanced technologies like AI entering every field, the assumptions are high that the job roles that exist today won't exist after some years. So the working population should enter only those fields that are growing now and will keep growing in the future too. From healthcare to engineering, technology to finance, these fields offer attractive salaries that can significantly enhance the quality of life. In this blog, you will get to know the highest-paying jobs in the world, the required qualifications, skills, and top employers. 

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in the World

Salary has been an essential factor in career choice. In the quest for fulfilling jobs, most people wish to have a career where both satisfaction and pay are worthwhile. In this section let’s see the top 10 highest-paying jobs in the world, their qualifications, and the skills required to attain such pay scales:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The first highest-paying job in the world is the one that every youngster dreams of becoming while planning to start a business. It’s the position of a CEO (Chief Executive Officer). A CEO is the highest leader in an organization and is found in almost every type of company. He is responsible for overseeing operations and ensuring that organizational goals are met. The average salary of a CEO ranges from $156,000 to $250,000 per year. Here are the CEOs of some top companies around the globe:

  • Tim Cook, Apple
  • Satya Nadella, Microsoft
  • Sundar Pichai, Google
  • Jensen Huang, NVIDIA
  • Reed Hastings, Netflix

Qualification 


  • Bachelor's degree in fields like business administration
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for finance professionals and Project Management Professional (PMP) for project managers.

Required Skills


  • Leadership
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Decision-making and Problem-Solving
  • Communication Skills
  • Adaptability and Innovation

Top Employers


  • Technology Companies like Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft
  • Financial Sector Leaders: JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Berkshire Hathaway
  • Automotive Industry: Tesla, Ford, Toyota
  • Telecommunications: Comcast, AT & T, The Walt Disney Company

Anaesthesiologist

The next highest-paying job in the world is the one that prevents people from feeling pain, it's Anaesthesiologist. As their name tells they are specialised in providing anaesthesia to patients during treatment. Their role is to ensure the safety and comfort of patients. They primarily work in hospitals and surgical centres. The average salary of an anaesthesiologist is $400,000 to $450,000 per year.

Qualification 


  • Bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field
  • Medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited medical school
  • Completion of a residency program in anaesthesiology, typically lasting four years

Required Skills


  • Medical Knowledge
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
  • Decision-Making

Top Employers


  • Public and Private Hospitals
  • Medical Centers
  • Military Hospitals

Surgeon

The next high-paying job is also in the medical field. It’s none other than a surgeon. A surgeon is a specialized medical professional who performs surgical procedures to treat injuries and diseases. They examine the patients through physical examinations, medical histories, and diagnostic tests. The average salary of a surgeon ranges from $400,000 to $500,000 per year. 

Qualification 


  • Undergraduate degree in a science-related field
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited medical school
  • Complete a residency program in surgery, lasting from 5 to 7 years, depending on the surgical specialty

Required Skills


  • Technical Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication Skills
  • Physical Stamina

Top Employers


  • Academic Medical Centers
  • Specialized Surgical Centers
  • Government and Military

Investment Banker

How about people seeking financial advice from you and you are earning a handsome amount? Yes, you heard right. The next high-paying job in the world is investment banker. An investment banker helps a company to raise capital, invest money, and make decisions regarding mergers and acquisitions. They act as a financial advisor for both companies and governments. An investment banker can earn an average of $70,000 - $120,000 per year.

Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or related field
  • For higher positions, you can pursue MBA

Required Skills


  • Analytical Skills
  • Financial Modeling
  • Communication Skills
  • Time Management

Top Employers


  • Boutique Investment Banks
  • Regional and National Banks
  • Financial Services Firms

Data Scientist

It is said that “Data is the new oil.” If that’s true, then a data scientist is a miner. These high-paying professionals are skilled in statistical analysis and machine learning. They analyze complex data to extract insights and help organizations make better decisions. They work in various industries, such as retail, finance, IT, insurance, and others. The average annual salary range for data scientists is $85,000 - $110,000.

Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related area
  • Certifications like Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and AWS Certified Data Analytics

Required Skills


  • Statistical Analysis
  • Programming Languages
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Visualization
  • Big Data Technologies
  • Problem-Solving

Top Employers


  • Tech Companies
  • Financial Services
  • E-commerce
  • Healthcare
  • Consulting Firms

Software Engineer

Engineering is an indispensable part of human life, and therefore, the next high-paying job in the world is software engineer. A software engineer is responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems. They work with product managers, designers, and other engineers to discuss project goals. The average salary range for software engineers is between $95,000 and $130,000 per year. 

Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related field
  • Certifications like ScrumMaster (CSM), AWS Certified Developer

Required Skills


  • Programming Languages
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Software Development Methodologies
  • Version Control
  • Database Management
  • Testing and Debugging

Top Employers


  • Tech Giants
  • E-commerce Companies
  • Finance and Fintech
  • Healthcare
  • Consulting Firms

Corporate Lawyer

Today the business world is very complicated and an organization may face some legal consequences for various reasons. To safeguard an organization against legal risks it’s important to appoint a professional to take care of such things. These professionals are known as corporate lawyers. A corporate lawyer oversees an organization's legal aspects and offers guidance on different issues like contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and agreements. The average payout of this high-paying job in the world is $70,000 - $100,000 yearly. 

Qualifications


  • Undergraduate degree is acceptable, a background in business, political science, or economics
  • Passing any bar exam according to the country where you want to practice

Required Skills


  • Analytical Skills
  • Negotiation and Persuasion
  • Communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Business Acumen
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Research Skills

Top Employers


  • Law Firms
  • Multinational Corporations
  • Boutique Corporate Law Firms
  • Government Agencies
  • Consulting Firms

Petroleum Engineer

Imagine getting a high salary while extracting one of the world’s most valuable things from Earth. Isn’t it fascinating? The next job is a petroleum engineer who is responsible for extracting crude oil and natural gas safely. They are responsible for analysing geological data and designing drilling plans. The job of a petroleum engineer is quite dangerous and requires a rare skill set for solving technical challenges. The average earning of a petroleum engineer is $137,000 - $190,000 per year. 

Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering
  • Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license

Required Skills


  • Technical Skills
  • Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
  • Project Management
  • Communication and Teamwork
  • Adaptability and Decision-Making

Top Employers


  • International Oil and Gas Companies: ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, BP (British Petroleum), Chevron
  • National Oil Companies: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
  • Oilfield Services Companies: Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes
  • Consulting and Engineering Firms

Chartered Accountant

Here comes the biggest dream job of a commerce student. Yes, we are talking about chartered accountants. The job of a CA is to prepare financial statements and tax returns, conduct audits, and develop budgets based on financial trends. They help to identify and assess financial risks and advise on strategies to mitigate these risks for the company. As a CA you can earn an average salary of $60,000 - $120,000 annually.

Qualifications


  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
  • Enrolling in a recognized Chartered Accountancy program
  • A 2-3-year period of internship under a certified CA

Required Skills


  • Technical skills like Accounting & Financial Analysis, taxation, auditing and IT & software proficiency
  • Analytical Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication Skills
  • Ethical Judgment
  • Time Management

Top Employers


  • Big Four Accounting Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG
  • Multinational Corporations like JPMorgan, HSBC, and Goldman Sachs
  • Boutique Consulting Firms
  • Financial and Regulatory Bodies

Internet of Things Architect

With the internet invading every single aspect of human life, businesses are no exception. Today business owners are looking for experts who can provide IoT (internet of things) solutions. An Internet of Things architect is a professional who specializes in designing the architecture of IoT solutions. They evaluate and select the right IoT solution for business such as cloud service (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and communication protocols (MQTT, CoAP). An IoT architect can earn an average of $120,000 - $160,000 per year. 

Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology
  • Many positions require a master's degree in areas like as IoT, Computer Science, or Cybersecurity
  • 5-10 years in software development

Required Skills


  • Technical Skills like Programming Languages, Networking, Cloud Computing and Data Management
  • Architectural Skills: System Design, Integration
  • Soft Skills like Problem-Solving, Communication, Collaboration

Top Employers


  • Technology Companies such as Cisco Systems, IBM, Microsoft, Google
  • Telecommunications Firms: AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone
  • Automotive Companies: Tesla, Ford, General Motors (GM), Toyota

Conclusion


Landing a high-paying job is not easy as it requires hard work, a good set of skills, and a great network. With the ever-evolving landscape of jobs in every field, you can be irreplaceable by keeping yourself updated. It's essential to know about the trends in the industry you want to work in. 

Above are just the 10 highest-paying jobs in the world but if you look there are plenty of other lucrative job roles. For example, digital marketers, hackers, content creators, and e-commerce managers are some non-traditional and creative job roles that pay you more than enough. By consistently improving yourself, gaining more skills, and enhancing your network you can stay relevant in this fast-moving job market worldwide.

FAQ

Chief Executive Officer, Anesthesiologist, General and Orthopedic Surgeons, and Psychiatrists are some of the highest-paying jobs in the world.
Cybersecurity experts, Data scientists, and Phlebotomists are some of the job roles that are expected to be in demand in the future.
Neurosurgeons are the highest-paid doctors in the world with an average salary of $250,000 – $270,000 per year. 
The best career varies depending on individual interests, values, and life goals. However, some of the best careers to pursue are in the fields of healthcare, technology, engineering, and education. 
Some of the highest-paying industries include Finance and Banking, Information Technology, Legal, and Healthcare.
Data security analysts, IT systems managers, and Python developers are some of the most in-demand jobs in IT. 
Artificial intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud computing, and Machine learning are some of the fields that are expected to be in demand in 2025. 

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

World class education waiting for you.

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

A little effort to provide an authentic and reliable content for keen readers!!