© Shutterstock

Methodology -

The rankings in the following slides are by average annual salary (or average hourly rate in some cases) around the world. The data was gathered by the Great Learning Education Services.

© Shutterstock

25. Radiation therapist -

Earning an average hourly wage of US$37.58, radiation therapists administer radiation treatment to cancer patients. They ensure the targeted tumors receive accurate radiation delivery while minimizing exposure to other healthy areas.

© Shutterstock

24. Occupational therapist -

With an average hourly rate of US$39.18, occupational therapists are there to help people of all ages. They work closely with patients who have physical, developmental, or emotional challenges.

© Shutterstock

23. Speech-language pathologist -

The average hourly rate for a speech-language pathologist is US$40.45. Their work aims to improve speech, language, and swallowing abilities, as well as cognitive communication challenges.

© Shutterstock

22. Marketing manager -

Marketing managers bring in an average annual salary of US$72,703. These managers engage in activities like conducting market research, developing campaigns, and promoting products to drive business growth.

© Shutterstock

21. Data engineer -

Data engineers are tasked with designing, building, and ultimately maintaining data infrastructure and systems. They earn an average yearly salary of US$96,661.

© Shutterstock

20. Veterinarian -

Veterinarians earn an average yearly salary of US$97,993. Vets help keep animals healthy and from contracting diseases. They work with household pets, livestock, and even wildlife.

© Shutterstock

19. Data scientist -

Bringing in an average annual salary of US$100,449, data scientists use statistics, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to help make informed business decisions.

© Shutterstock

18. Actuary -

Actuaries on average earn a salary of US$102,318 per year. Actuaries are in charge of assessing and managing risk for insurance companies as well as financial institutions and other organizations.

© Shutterstock

17. DevOps engineer -

This role combines software development with IT operations so that software delivery processes are streamlined. They also automate infrastructure deployment and monitor system performance all for an average annual salary of US$105,841.

© Shutterstock

16. Physician assistant -

PAs or physician assistants practice medicine while supervised by physicians and surgeons. They do everything from assessing and diagnosing patients to providing general care. Their average annual salary is US$107,148.

© Shutterstock

15. Petroleum engineer -

Petroleum engineers engage in activities like ensuring compliance with safety regulations as well as environmental standards. They also design technologies to extract hydrocarbons from reservoirs below ground. They earn US$107,487, on average, every year. 

© Shutterstock

14. Investment banker -

Investment bankers help corporations, governments, and more when it comes to financial advising as well as raising capital, amongst other things. Their average annual salary is US$117,343.

© Shutterstock

13. Machine learning engineer -

Machine learning engineers are trained to utilize both their machine learning and programming skills. They design and develop learning algorithms and their average annual salary is US$118,347.

© Shutterstock

12. Corporate lawyer -

Corporate lawyers are experts at giving legal advice and providing legal representation to corporations and businesses. Their average annual salary is US$118,590.

© Shutterstock

11. Optometrist -

Optometrists specialize in eye care and vision health. These healthcare pros do everything from examining the eyes of patients to prescribing lenses and so much more. They rake in US$120,123 per year on average.

© Shutterstock

10. Software engineer (senior) -

Masters in programming and software development, senior software engineers earn an annual average salary of US$127,319. These pros aim to create scalable solutions that are also high-quality and efficient.

© Shutterstock

9. Software architect -

Software architects earn U$138,449 per year in average salary. They design and oversee the development of software systems and their respective applications. Things like performance, scalability, and security are important to someone in this role.

© Shutterstock

8. Enterprise architect -

Enterprise architects have both a technology and a business mindset and work to align the two within a business. They ensure enterprises are efficient, scalable, and secure. They earn US$147,936 annually on average.

© Shutterstock

7. CEO (Chief executive officer) -

In a company, a CEO is the highest-ranking person. They are in charge of leading the entire organization from a strategic perspective. The average annual salary for a CEO is US$165,364.

© Shutterstock

6. Nurse anesthetist -

Nurse anesthetists are specialized in administering anesthesia in surgical procedures. Their average yearly take-home salary is US$162,517.

© Shutterstock

5. Orthodontist -

Through the use of braces, aligners, and other orthopedic appliances, orthodontists help patients in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth. Their average annual salary is US$204,436.

© Shutterstock

4. Psychiatrist -

Psychiatrists are mental health and emotional well-being doctors. They earn, on average, US$241,558 a year to help diagnose and treat many different mental illnesses.

© Shutterstock

3. Oral/Maxillofacial surgeon -

Oral/maxillofacial surgeons bring in US$250,000 annually on average! They are specialists in treating mouth, jaw, and face conditions using surgery.

© Shutterstock

2. Surgeon -

Earning approximately US$308,047 per year, surgeons capture the second place spot on the list. Surgeons are skilled medical professionals who perform surgeries to help treat diseases, injuries, and other deformities with precision.

© Shutterstock

1. Anesthesiologist -

Coming in at number one, the highest-paying job is that of anesthesiologist with an average salary of US$338,742 per year! These medical professionals specialize in administering anesthesia during surgeries and monitoring patients' vital signs and overall well-being.

© Shutterstock

How can I prepare myself for a top paying job? -

The following slides will provide tips on how you can prepare for careers in these aforementioned fields.

© Shutterstock

Upskill yourself -

There are countless ways, including online courses, industry publications, and workshops that you can use to stay ahead of the learning curve and prepare yourself. These skills will set you apart and help you negotiate higher salaries.

© Shutterstock

Networking -

As you learn skills and do research, it's also extremely important to network with others in your field of work, or where you aspire to work. Look for events or on LinkedIn for opportunities to collaborate or to find a mentor.

Sources: (Great Learning Education Services) (LinkedIn) (Glassdoor)

See also: Unmasking your dream job: using self-discovery to uncover your ideal career

© Shutterstock