30 Highest Paying Jobs in the World in 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the 30 highest-paying jobs in the world for 2024. While the US and European job markets show some signs of improvement, they also face challenges like skill shortages and economic uncertainties. Creative thinking is now more critical than ever, with many organizations prioritizing it as a top skill. High demand for certain skills often aligns with high pay, and this list of high-paying jobs reflects that trend.

Job Market Insights

Inflation in the US dropped significantly in 2023, aligning with a reduction in job openings rather than a spike in unemployment. However, new studies suggest the economy might be nearing a tipping point, as job openings decline while unemployment risks rise. In Europe, critical skill shortages are hitting countries like Germany and Greece hard, where a significant percentage of employers struggle to fill roles.

The Future of Jobs Survey by the World Economic Forum found that 73% of organizations value creative thinking in 2024. Meanwhile, a report by Ladders highlighted a 20% increase in six-figure job roles in the US during the second quarter of 2024, especially in science, education, and management sectors.

Companies Hiring for Top-Paying Jobs

Major companies are actively hiring for high-paying positions. Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) seeks Business Solutions Advisors and Financial Center Managers, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Accenture Plc (NYSE:ACN) offers senior roles with competitive compensation, including bonuses and a 401(k) match, and focuses on personal and professional well-being.

Methodology

We compiled the list of the 30 highest-paying jobs by analyzing data from the US, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan, focusing on salaries sourced from ERI and our database.

30. IT Systems Architect

Average Salary: $98,000
IT Systems Architects design complex IT systems, requiring skills in system design, network architecture, and cybersecurity.

29. Investment Banker

Average Salary: $99,814
Investment bankers enjoy lucrative careers, with salaries projected to grow alongside the securities and financial services sectors.

28. Mechanical Engineers

Average Salary: $103,620
Mechanical engineering is expected to grow by 10% from 2022 to 2032, making it a promising career with substantial earnings.

27. DevOps Engineer

Average Salary: $107,165
DevOps Engineers are crucial in bridging development and operations, enhancing software delivery processes.

26. IT Managers

Average Salary: $111,562
A global shortage of IT management skills is expected to impact organizations significantly by 2026, increasing demand and salaries.

25. Pharmacists

Average Salary: $112,164
Pharmacists, particularly in Germany, face stringent approval processes but are rewarded with high pay.

24. Cyber Security Specialists

Average Salary: $112,294
With nearly 4 million cybersecurity job vacancies worldwide, the demand for specialists continues to soar.

23. Full Stack Developer

Average Salary: $112,409
Full stack developers handle everything from visual design to backend coding, making them highly sought after by major companies.

22. Machine Learning Engineer

Average Salary: $114,280
Machine learning jobs are expected to grow significantly, adding around 1 million new jobs over the next five years.

21. Software Engineers

Average Salary: $115,116
Software engineering remains one of the best-paying and most reliable career paths in 2024.

20. Management Consultants

Average Salary: $115,433
Management consultants use their analytical skills to help businesses solve complex problems and improve operations.

19. Blockchain Developers

Average Salary: $117,719
Blockchain developers are among the top earners, especially in countries like Switzerland where demand is high.

18. Enterprise Architects

Average Salary: $124,994
Enterprise architects design complex IT frameworks for industries like banking and insurance, requiring strategic planning skills.

17. Aerospace Engineers

Average Salary: $126,178
Aerospace engineers are essential for aviation and space exploration, reflecting the high earning potential of this role.

16. Air Traffic Controller

Average Salary: $129,113
Air traffic control is one of the highest-paying jobs without a degree, emphasizing high responsibility and decision-making skills.

15. Data Scientist

Average Salary: $130,520
Data scientists earn high salaries across industries like tech and finance, reflecting their critical role in data analysis.

14. Pilots

Average Salary: $135,000
With a looming global pilot shortage, those in the aviation industry are well-compensated for their expertise.

13. Marketing Manager

Average Salary: $140,976
Marketing managers command high salaries as they drive advertising and promotional strategies for companies.

12. Actuaries

Average Salary: $144,300
Actuaries often have lower stress compared to other high-paying roles, with their work focusing on data analysis and financial risk.

11. Petroleum Engineer

Average Salary: $146,524
While petroleum engineers are highly paid, the job often involves long hours and time away from home due to the nature of oil and gas operations.

10. Corporate Lawyer

Average Salary: $155,200
Corporate lawyers work closely with executives, influencing major business decisions, which adds to the allure of this high-paying job.

9. Nurse Anesthetists

Average Salary: $171,242
Becoming a Nurse Anesthetist requires extensive education and training, but the financial rewards are substantial.

8. Psychiatrists

Average Salary: $248,220
With rising mental health awareness, the demand for psychiatrists is expected to continue growing, along with their earnings.

7. Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Average Salary: $250,000
Healthcare remains a lucrative field, with OB-GYNs seeing high demand due to a shortage of professionals.

6. Orthodontist

Average Salary: $298,000
Orthodontists benefit from advancements in dental technology, making this one of the highest-paying jobs in 2024.

5. Orthopaedic Surgeon

Average Salary: $315,000
Orthopedic surgeons are in high demand due to the complexity and necessity of their procedures.

4. Anesthesiologists

Average Salary: $345,203
With increasing demand for their expertise, anesthesiologists enjoy some of the highest salaries in the medical field.

3. Cardiologist

Average Salary: $346,594
Cardiologists remain near the top of the list due to their vital role in healthcare and the critical nature of their work.

2. Chief Executive Officer

Average Salary: $398,016
CEOs earn substantial salaries, largely driven by equity-based incentives and their role in shaping company strategies.

1. Neurosurgeon

Average Salary: $487,848
Neurosurgeons hold the highest-paying job globally, given the skill and precision required in their life-saving work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What factors contribute to high salaries in these professions?
Many high-paying jobs require advanced skills, extensive training, and a high level of responsibility. Factors like demand, industry growth, and the complexity of the tasks also play a significant role.

2. How can someone increase their earning potential in these fields?
Continuous learning, gaining specialized certifications, and gaining experience in high-demand sectors can boost earning potential. Networking and staying updated with industry trends are also key.

3. Are these high-paying jobs available globally?
Yes, many of these roles are in demand worldwide, but salary levels can vary by country due to factors like cost of living, industry presence, and local economic conditions.

Interested in pursuing a career in one of these fields? Explore current job openings and start your journey to a high-paying career today. Apply Now