Posted by Ever wonder who’s earning the big bucks aside from celebrities and sports superstars? I’ve compiled a list of some of the highest paying jobs in North America in fields such as science, medicine, marketing, finance and technology in order to give you a tree stand view (I figure you’ll see more detail standing from a tree rather than way up high like a bird) of the salary ranges in various professions.
10. Astronomer
Annual Wage: $94,000 +
Role: Astronomers study celestial bodies such as planets, stars and galaxies. The International Astronomical Union comprises almost 9,259 members from 89 different countries who are involved in astronomical research at the PhD level and beyond.
Training: Professional astronomers typically have a PhD in physics or astronomy and are employed by research institutions or universities. Additional experience and training at the postdoctoral level is usually required in order to hold permanent positions in universities and government laboratories.
Source: AOL
9. Natural Sciences Manager
Annual Wage: $97,000 +
Role: Natural sciences managers oversee the work of physical scientists such as chemists, biologists, agricultural scientists and medical scientists. They also plan, coordinate and direct research, improve manufacturing and industrial processes as well as develop new products and advance scientific research.
Training: Most natural sciences managers have a Ph.D. or master’s degree in their field and usually begin their career as chemists, biologists, geologists or mathematicians. The training time is approximately six years.
Source: Impact Lab
8. Marketing Manager
Annual Wage: $100,000 +
Role: Marketing managers are typically responsible for influencing the marketing techniques and management of a firm’s resources and activities. The role of a marketing manager can vary significantly based on a business’ size, corporate culture, and industry context.
Training: The minimum educational requirement for a marketing manager is a B.A. or B.S. in marketing, business management or a particular company’s field, such as engineering. Many employers require an MBA as well. Training time can be anywhere from four to six years.
Source: Impact Lab
7. Air Traffic Controller
Annual Wage: $ 100, 000+
Role: Air traffic controllers operate the air traffic control systems to expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of air traffic. Essentially, they prevent planes from crashing into each other. Because controllers have an incredibly large responsibility while on duty, the ATC profession is regarded around the world as one of the most difficult jobs today.
Training: There are three main pathways to become an air traffic controller with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). 1) Prior experience through either the FAA or the Department of Defense as a civilian or veteran. 2) Three years of progressively responsible full-time work experience, college completion or a combination of both. 3) Successful completion of an aviation-related program of study through the FAA’s Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. Studies have shown that air traffic controllers generally have a degree of situational awareness that is much higher than the average population. They also have excellent hearing and speaking skills and are trained to undergo rigid physical and psychological testing.
Source: Impact Lab
6. Insurance Broker
Annual Wage: $114,000 +
Role: Brokers play a significant role in helping companies and individuals find property and casualty (liability); life and health insurance. Brokers provide services beyond insurance sales, such as assisting with employee enrollment and helping to resolve benefits issues. Those who work in high-liability industries as oil, construction and pharmaceuticals can earn commissions of 10 to 15 percent of a contract’s total.
Training: To become an insurance broker you must first successfully complete the licensing exam. While it is not mandatory to have a university degree or college diploma to pursue this career, business courses offered by many post-secondary institutions do include insurance administration programs in their business diplomas.
Source: CNN Money
5. Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Annual Wage: $126,000 +
Role: CIOs are the highest paid IT professionals and are responsible for the information technology and computer systems that support an enterprise. A CIO is usually involved with analyzing and reworking existing business processes and reshaping the enterprise’s physical infrastructure and network access.
Training: People in this position often have a background in information technology and at least a bachelor’s degree, if not an MBA or other advanced degrees. This can include formal training in technology, consulting, business operations and accounting.
Source: CIO Insight
4. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Annual Wage: $140,000 +
Role: A CEO is the highest ranking official within a company (and often the highest paid), and they’re responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operational performance of the company. The CEO usually answers to the board of directors, elected by the shareholders.
Training: It is encouraged to obtain an MBA for this position however there are many CEO’s that have gotten to where they are because of their brilliant vision and drive. (Ahem… Steve Jobs)
Source: Forbes
3. Psychiatrist
Annual Wage: $177,000 +
Role: Psychiatrists are certified in treating mental disorders. All psychiatrists are trained in diagnostic evaluation and in psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are one of the few mental health professionals who may prescribe psychiatric medication, conduct physical examinations as well as order and interpret laboratory tests.
Training: In the U.S. and Canada you must complete a Bachelor’s degree, then four years of medical school in order to earn your M.D. or D.O. Following this, you must practice as a psychiatric resident for another four years (five years in Canada). This extended period allows comprehensive training that includes diagnosis, psychopharmacology, medical care issues, and psychotherapies.
Source: CNN Money
2. Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Annual Wage: $222,000 +
Role: Obstetricians/gynecologists provide medical and surgical care to women and have particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. This includes preventative care, prenatal care, detection of sexually transmitted diseases, Pap test screening, and family planning.
Training: After four years of medical school, you apply for residency in an OB/GYN program. These residency programs last another 4 years.
Source: CNN Money
1. Anesthesiologist
Annual Wage: $292,00 +
Role: Anesthesiologists specialize in the administering and monitoring of anesthesia to patients before, during, and after their operation.
Training: Four undergraduate years at a university and then four years of medical school. After medical school, four years of residency are required leading up to board certification in anesthesiology.
Source: CNN Money
