Everyone dreams of jobs that make 200k a year, but most workers are far away from that target. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average weekly salary of women and men for the third quarter of 2021 was $939 and $1,128, respectively. That would mean that men earn $57,200 per year while women earn an annual wage of $47,632.
Now, with the current cost of living, every professional desires to make more than the average salary, especially those supporting their families. Many people are searching for high-paying jobs and wondering what jobs make 200k a year. Considering weekly expenses, such as maintaining a home or paying for a child’s education, jobs that pay over 200k a year are very attractive.
Though $200,000 is much higher than the average salary in the US, there are various jobs in which you can earn this six-figure salary. This article will explain what those jobs are and what companies pay $200k a year.
What Is a Good Hourly Wage?
Defining a good hourly wage depends on your lifestyle and other basic needs, as well as the area you live in. You can look at MIT’s living wage calculator to get an estimate of what you would need to make depending on your location and family situation.
A good salary should compensate you fairly for your labor and skills. Evaluating the fairness of compensation includes considering the educational and professional achievements it takes to hold the position, as well as a person’s family obligations. A fair wage should allow you to meet your basic needs and build savings.
For example, oral surgeons making $200,000 a year are technically paid $96 per hour. However, to become an oral surgeon, people have to attend educational and residency programs for up to 14 years. Although oral surgeon is one of the few jobs that make 200k a year, most oral surgeons start their careers with a significant amount of student loan debt.
Why Earning $200k Per Year Is Important
Earning $200,000 per year is crucial because it helps you pay for your expenses and afford a comfortable lifestyle. To put it simply, earning $200k is a good salary in the modern world where people have student loans, car payments, and mortgages to cover. However, jobs that earn 200k are hard to find.
What Types of Jobs Pay $200k Per Year?
You can earn $200k a year with a careful plan and lots of luck. The following types of jobs might seem intimidating or hard to obtain at first, but if you can earn the right degree, then earning $200,000 in these professional roles is attainable. So what jobs can get you 200k a year?
- Neurologist
- Psychiatrist
- Medical Lawyer
- Dental Professionals
- Gynecologist
What Do You Need to Land a Job That Pays $200k a Year?
To land a job that pays $200k a year, you will need at least an undergraduate degree. Further, the career paths that pay this much usually have stringent education requirements like an advanced degree. The level of education you need will depend on the type of job you want to do.
For example, lawyers must complete law school, and those pursuing medical careers will have to complete medical school and residency programs. After graduating, many professions still require that you pass an exam to become certified. Lawyers must pass the Bar Exam, and medical professionals will have to pass their Board Certification and apply for a medical license
Another piece in the puzzle of how to get a job that pays 200k is experience level. In many of these careers that make over 200k a year, you don’t start with a 200k salary. It can take years to rise to a management position and reach the highest-paying jobs.
What Companies Pay $200k a Year?
There are a few companies that pay over $200k per year for professionals who contribute a lot to their company. These jobs require a lot of technical and managerial skills that can only be developed through years of experience. Below are some companies that are capable of paying such an amount for specialized positions.
- DentServ Dental Services: This company provides excellent dental care, on-site equipment, and staffing solutions that many healthcare facilities need.
- Dezign Concepts: This is a company that provides commercial, government, and military clients with practical and innovative engineering solutions.
- Khoros: This computer software company provides a customer engagement platform. It empowers entrepreneurs to run their businesses while anticipating customers’ needs.
- Kinect: This is a company that focuses on all forms of business development strategies for their partner by examining their clients’ needs, opportunities, and challenges.
- Quandary Peak Research: This consulting company gives expert advice about computers and software to other companies, attorneys, inventors, and government agencies.
- Roche: This is a leading company when it comes to in vitro diagnostics. They offer cutting-edge technologies and healthcare solutions.
- US Anesthesia Partners: This is a single-specialty services organization and leading anesthesia and chronic pain management, provider.
- US Department of Veterans Affairs: This government department provides veterans, as well as their families, with an affordable healthcare system.
- Visio Lending: This company offers rental home financing. The company gives opportunities to small to medium-sized investors to develop their vacation rental homes.
Jobs That Pay $200k a Year: An Overview
| Job | Average Salary | Top Paying States |
| Anesthesiologist | $331,190 | Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii |
| Dermatologist | $313,651 | Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts |
| Orthodontist | $304,842 | Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire |
| Neurologist | $288,127 | Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas |
| Psychiatrist | $270,087 | New Mexico, Wyoming, Missouri |
| Gynecologist | $249,781 | Colorado, Maryland, Nevada |
| Prosthodontist | $241,000 | N/A |
| Vice President of Software Development | $206,153 | District of Columbia, Hawaii, Washington |
| Pediatrician | $180,910 | Montana, Texas, New Hampshire |
| Chief Technology Officer | $170,363 | District of Columbia, Hawaii, Washington |
| Senior Software Manager | $160,166 | New York, California, New Jersey |
| Chief Information Security Officer | $156,813 | California, New York, Maryland |
| Chief Marketing Officer | $153,044 | New York, New Jersey, California |
| Chief Executive Officer | $145,186 | District of Columbia, Hawaii, Washington |
| Solutions Architect | $133,882 | New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware |
Best Jobs That Pay $200k a Year: A Closer Look
Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is a medical professional who administers anesthetics to patients. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the patients are safe and not in pain during surgery. To become an anesthesiologist, professionals should have finished college, medical school, and a year of internships. Afterward, they must be a resident in anesthesia for three years.
Dermatologist
- Average hourly wage: $151
- Average yearly salary: $313,651
- Job growth: 3%*
A dermatologist specializes in treating any conditions of the skin, nails, and hair. They’re able to assess or diagnose conditions like psoriasis, skin cancer, and eczema. This is one of the medical jobs that make 200k a year and typically has a nine-to-five schedule.
To become a dermatologist, you need to spend four years finishing a bachelor’s degree, then another four years in medical school, and then one year of internship. Finally, they spend a minimum of three years in a dermatology residency program before joining or starting a practice.
Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a kind of dentist that specializes in diagnosing occlusions, misaligned teeth and jaws, overbites, and overcrowded mouths. They treat these cases so that these issues won’t cause any problems in the future. An orthodontist may recommend braces if needed to correct any misalignment.
To become an orthodontist, you must finish a dental school program. After that, you will have to take more classes for another two to three years to specialize in orthodontics. The starting salary for orthodontist positions may be below $200,000, depending on your location.
Neurologist
- Average hourly wage: $135
- Average yearly salary: $288,127
- Job growth: 3%*
A neurologist is a doctor that specializes in the treatment of any disorders concerning the spinal cord, brain, and nerves. Neurologists treat ailments such as strokes, headache disorders, seizures, Parkinson’s, speech and language disorders, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
This is another one of the jobs that make 200k a year that takes many years of education to reach. To become a neurologist, you have to complete a four-year pre-medical undergraduate degree, then a doctoral degree. After that, you have to complete a year-long internship and then at least three years of specialty training with an accredited neurology residency program.
Psychiatrist
- Average hourly wage: $130
- Average yearly salary: $270,087
- Job growth: 3%*
A psychiatrist is a doctor that specializes in mental health. They treat mental health disorders like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and anxiety disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to evaluate the psychological and physical symptoms of a psychological disorder and prescribe medication.
To become a psychiatrist, you must finish a medical degree, pass the written examination for the state license, and finish four years of psychiatry residency.
Gynecologist
- Average hourly wage: $120
- Average yearly salary: $249,781
- Job growth: 3%*
A gynecologist specializes in women’s health and treats female reproductive system problems. These doctors deal with pregnancy and childbirth, obstetrics, fertility issues, menstruation, and hormone disorders. They also educate patients on family planning and treating polycystic ovary syndrome.
Like many of the medical professions with jobs paying 200k a year, you need many years of education. To become a gynecologist, you should get a college degree, train as a doctor, and then specialize in the field of gynecology for another four years.
Prosthodontist
- Average hourly wage: $116
- Average yearly salary: $241,000
- Job growth: 8%**
A prosthodontist is a dentist that specializes in replacing missing teeth. They help maintain oral function for their patient’s appearance, comfort, and health. A prosthodontist receives advanced training for the replacement and restoration of teeth. As a prosthodontist, you must finish a dental school program, complete residency, and pass the National Board of Dental Exams.
Pediatrician
- Average hourly wage: $87
- Average yearly salary: $180,910
- Job growth: 3%*
A pediatrician is a doctor who treats children. They assess and diagnose conditions like malignancies, genetic defects, or infections. They’re also responsible for preventive health measures for children and giving medical care to those who are chronically ill.
You must complete three years of education attending an accredited pediatric post-graduate training program to become a pediatrician. This is required after medical school. Though the average salary listed is below $200k, around 22 percent of pediatricians make $200k or more.
Chief Marketing Officer
A chief marketing officer is an executive who develops and oversees advertising and marketing plans. They work with other executives to create programs to help a company adapt to changes and new trends. As with all marketing managers, they also give direction for strategy-making strategies to increase brand recognition.
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To be a chief marketing officer, you need a Master’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or Communications. Although the average salary is listed at under $200k, you can find a job that pays over 200k a year at bigger companies.
Chief Executive Officer
- Average hourly wage: $70
- Average yearly salary: $145,186
- Job growth: 6% decline
A chief executive officer focuses on the overall success of a business. They are responsible for making top-level managerial decisions. They give the company direction, and the final decision rests with them. To become a CEO, you should have an undergraduate degree and extensive experience in the industry you work in. It’s also preferred that you earn your MBA.
Online Jobs that Pay $200k a Year
Vice President of Software Development
- Average hourly wage: $99
- Average yearly salary: $206,153
- Job growth: 6% decline✝
One of the top $200k online jobs is a high-ranking position that drives the software development strategy for the whole company. Vice presidents of software development work with other vice presidents, top executives, and board members to decide what direction to take the software program in. They share their vision with senior software project managers and engineers.
Chief Technology Officer
- Average hourly wage: $82
- Average yearly salary: $170,363
- Job growth: 6% decline✝
A chief technology officer leads the technology department in their organization or business. This role is similar to the vice president of software development, but a chief technology officer’s (CTO) responsibilities cover the technology that the company needs to use to function. CTOs will research new technologies to help streamline workflows.
Senior Software Manager
A senior software manager oversees one or more teams of software developers that create software and applications that meet the criteria determined by the company. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this was an in-person job, but many companies now allow senior software managers to work from home.
Chief Information Security Officer
This executive position is responsible for a company’s information and data security. As CISO, you’re expected to analyze threats to the system. You’ll also be communicating with the board of directors and other executives about potential security problems that may take place. You’ll be making policies and regulations to ensure that the staff doesn’t misuse data.
To find a job that pays 200k a year, you’ll need an advanced degree. Either a Master’s Degree or PhD in Cyber Security. This field is expected to grow extremely quickly in the next decade, with tech companies investing millions of dollars in protecting data.
Solutions Architect
A solutions architect is someone who assesses an organization’s business needs. Afterward, they identify how the IT department can support those needs by leveraging hardware, software, or infrastructure. A solutions architect can also communicate between business operations and IT to carry out technical solutions for business problems.
Even though the average salary is below $200k, bigger companies are willing to compensate for this position accordingly. You are likely to increase your earning potential by getting a master’s degree in an IT-related field.
IT Jobs That Pay Over $200k
Data Architect Salary
- Average hourly wage: $64
- Average yearly salary: $132,617
- Job growth: 8%***
A data architect translates business requirements into technical specifications that include data streams, transformations, integrations, data warehouses, and databases. They are the ones who establish frameworks, principles, and standards, including modeling, metadata, security, and reference data.
Data architects are expected to collaborate and work with other departments and external vendors. Larger companies will pay data architects an annual salary of $200k or more.
Graphics Software Engineer
A graphics software engineer is a great career for creative people who have software development skills. With several years of experience and an outstanding professional portfolio, a graphics software engineer can find work at a company that is willing to pay big bucks.
For this high-paying tech job, you’ll need a degree that provides education in design theory and software engineering. This is one of the tech jobs that pay over 200k that you can land with only a bachelor’s degree. In this field, a portfolio showing your skills is more important than education.
Big Data Scientist
Big data scientist is one of the newer tech jobs that pay over $200k. They can work in many different industries, but the highest paying fields are finance, health care, and e-commerce. Big data scientists use programming languages to create, organize, and analyze huge datasets in order to find patterns and make data-driven business decisions.
This is a highly technical field, so you will likely need an advanced degree to earn the highest wages. A data science bootcamp might be a sufficient data science education credential if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another computer science field and significant programming experience.
Senior IT Project Manager
- Average hourly wage: $62
- Average yearly salary: $129,867
- Job growth: 11%✝✝
Senior IT project managers need to demonstrate both technical IT skills and project management skills. In some companies, it might be easier to start at a mid-level position and work your way up, while other companies might prefer to hire for management positions from outside candidates.
Either way, potential employers willing to pay high salaries will look for credentials that prove both your IT skills and project management abilities. This could be through a degree, certificate, certification, or proven work history.
IT Director
- Average hourly wage: $54
- Average yearly salary: $111,991
- Job growth: 11%✝✝
Some estimates rank IT director roles as one of the tech jobs that pay over 200k, though the median salary is somewhat lower. IT directors work hand in hand with Chief Technology Officers to oversee the IT department of a business or organization. An IT director directly supervises workers in the IT department and provides the support they need to do their jobs.
Education requirements for an IT director are a Master’s Degree in Information Technology. To boost salary potential, these professionals can get certifications in project management or Agile, or they can learn new technologies and get a certification in one or more technical IT subjects.
*Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Physicians and Surgeons
**Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Dentists
***Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Database Administrators and Architects
✝Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Top Executives
✝✝Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Computer and Information Systems Managers
Where to Find a Job that Pays $200k a Year
There are different ways to find a top-paying job. Since jobs that pay $200k a year are not as common as more average salary jobs, it may take a bit of time to find a position. Finding a job that pays over $200k a year is a daunting task, so below are three methods to help you find one of these high-paying jobs.
Referrals
In professional careers, networking can be immensely helpful. Your contacts are one source that can help you get a job that pays $200k a year. Your contacts at a company can provide a brief background about you and guide you through the hiring process. Many jobs that pay $200k aren’t posted online. You need to know someone who can refer you to fill such positions.
Company Websites
If you’ve been eyeing a company or you have a dream company to work for, then checking out company websites would also be an excellent way for you to land a job. You can go to the careers page where the company lists the positions and the qualifications they are looking for. Once you successfully apply, make sure that you properly respond to any interview requests.
Job Search Platforms
Job platforms are an efficient and fast way to search for jobs. You can use filters to find a job that suits you. They allow you to search by salary, location, and other keywords. Typically, these platforms will let you send a resume and apply for the position in just a few clicks. Make sure your resume is job-ready before you apply.
Is It Easy to Find a Job That Pays $200k a Year?
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find a job that pays $200k a year simply because these jobs require someone to be an expert in their field and offer services or skills that typically require extensive education. Usually, these jobs are earned through several years of experience and diligent studying.
There are no easy jobs that pay 200k a year. These are extremely competitive positions, and it can be difficult to get accepted into the necessary advanced degree program. Even if you are highly educated, it’s hard to know how long it will take to find a 200k per year job.
Jobs That Pay $200k a Year FAQ
The best jobs that pay $200k a year are the jobs you are passionate about and enjoy doing. There are a lot of good jobs out there, but when you’re fueled with passion, you’ll be able to perform better. Diverse jobs such as being an IT systems manager, financial officer, or even a social media marketer can earn you salaries of $200k with the right skills and opportunities. So first follow your interests.
What are the skills needed to get a job that pays $200k?
The skills needed to get a job that pays $200k depend on the job since some of them require core technical skills like medical or legal expertise. However, to get a job that pays $200k you should demonstrate that you have strong leadership skills, communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
Can I get a $200k job without a degree?
There aren’t any available jobs that pay 200k a year without a degree, but it is possible to create your own. A very small number of people have broken into tech, sports, or the entertainment industry and created jobs that make 200k a year for themselves. However, if you really want a job that pays 200k a year, you should go to law school or medical school.
What should be the educational background to get a $200k job?
Usually, educational backgrounds in medicine, technology, and engineering are jobs that can pay you $200k, as you can see from our list above in this article of jobs that make over 200k a year. There are some jobs that pay over 200k a year with a bachelor’s degree, and these are typically high-level management jobs in the engineering field.
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