25 Highest-Paying Jobs in the USA & How to Find them in 2025?

The highest paying jobs in the USA offer a salary from USD140,000 (INR 1.1 cr) to USD 147,268 (INR 1.2 cr) per year, in IT, Aviation, and other industries. The other highest-paying industries are Engineering, Healthcare, Finance, and Business. With its strong economy and diverse job market, international students can use their skills and education to secure high-paying jobs. 

Here's a list of the 25 highest-paying jobs in the US are:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Software Engineers
• Data Scientist
• AI and Machine Learning Engineer
• IT Managers
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Physician
• Dentists
• Pharmacists
• Nurse Anesthetists
• Pediatricians
• Investment Bankers
• Financial Analysts
• Marketing Managers
• Financial Managers
• Airline Pilots
• Lawyers
• Management Consultants
• Radiologist    
• Cardiologist
• Gynaecologists and Obstetricians
• Nurse
• Petroleum Engineer
• Orthodontist
• Surgeon

Let’s discuss all 25 highest-paying jobs in the USA in detail:

Average Salary: USD 174,658 (INR 1.5 Crores)

Chief Executives in the US enjoy flexibility, authority, and high-level decision-making. While demanding in terms of hours, the rewards include long-term financial gain, global recognition, and influence over company direction. The job roles of a chief executive leading the organisation, setting goals and objectives, making key decisions, managing resources, setting goals and objectives, and collaborating with teams.

Eligibility

Some of the requirements to become a chief executive are: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field. 
• Extensive industry experience of 15-20 years. 
• Certifications of leadership roles undertaken by the individual. 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Chief Executive professionals can access an L-1 Visa to extend their stay in the US up to 7 years, and they also have access to a self-petition green card (EB-1C), which is only reserved for multinational managers and executives. Moreover, they are also eligible for an O-1 Visa and an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, depending on their qualifications and roles. As a chief executive in the US, you’ll also gain the opportunity to shape industry standards, influence regulatory policy, and drive sector-wide innovation. 

Average salary: USD 96,650 (INR 85 Lakhs)

The job market for software engineers in the USA is also at an all-time high, with an 87% employment rate among software engineers in the US. As a software engineer, you have abundant opportunities in AI and Machine Learning, as these are currently emerging, but also face a shortage of skilled labors. The BLS projects a growth of 17% in career opportunities from 2022 to 2033, higher than any other role.

Let us take a detailed look at the other factors related to this field. 

Eligibility

There are certain qualifications to become a software engineer in the US. Some of them are: 

• A bachelor, and master’s degree in Software Engineering or a similar field.
• To become a software engineer, you’ll also need proficiency in programming languages such as JavaScript, Linux/Unix, HTML, CSS, C#, C++, JAVA, Ruby, PHP, Python, and SQL. 
• Professional Certifications, such as AWS, MCSD, OCJP, or CCNA, demonstrating your expertise and skills, are also an essential requirement to become a software engineer. 

Job Roles and Salaries 

Some of the job roles of a software engineer and their respective salaries are as follows: 

• Front-End Developer: USD 57,000 (INR 49 Lakhs) to USD 95,000 (INR 81 Lakhs) per year.
• Cybersecurity Engineer: USD 75,000 to USD 150,000. 
• App Developer: USD 56,000 to USD 118,000 
• DevOps Engineer: USD 74,000 to USD 166,000 
• Technical or Team Lead: USD 35,000 to USD 78,000 

How does it benefit Indian students to stay in the USA?

Being a software engineer in the US gives you a high earning potential and learning opportunities. It ensures your residency in the US as a permanent resident. After graduating on an F-1 visa, you can apply for OPT, which allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months. Software engineering is a highly sought-after field for the H-1B Visa, which allows US employers to easily employ international workers.

Suggested: How to Get a Job in USA From India

Average Salary: USD 102,240 (INR 90 Lakhs)

As a data scientist, you design data management systems and develop data analytics solutions. The employment of data scientists has also recorded a 36% growth. It is common for data scientists in the US to follow a 40-hour work week, making work-life balance decent. With AI emerging, you have many opportunities to support its growth.

Eligibility 

• Pursue an undergraduate or Graduate degree in data science or a closely related field. 
• Program certifications like CAP and SAS certificates are also essential. 
• Strong communication skills and ease with tools such as LeetCode and HackerRank.

Job Roles and Salaries 

Some of the job roles of a Data Scientist and their respective salaries are as follows: 

• Data Analyst: USD 47,000 to USD 96,000 (INR 41 Lakhs to INR 84 Lakhs)
• Data Architect: USD 86,000 to USD 194,000 (INR 76 Lakhs to INR 1.71 Crores)
• Data Engineer: USD 70,000 to USD 149,000 (INR 62 Lakhs to INR 1.31 Crores)

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Being a data scientist in the US allows you to earn a stable, high-income living. A career in Data science can also allow you to extend your residence in the USA after graduation to 24 additional months. Additionally, data science qualifies as a specialty occupation, making you eligible for the H-1B visa, which would allow you to continue living and working in the US. 

Average Salary: USD 122,800 (INR 1.31 Crores)

AI and ML are the talk of the town, and rightly so. AI and ML engineers are in very high demand in the US. Whether you work in tech, business, communications or even hospitality, there is an opportunity for you. The primary responsibilities of an AI and Machine Learning Engineer include the collection and analysis of datasets to extract insights and inform decision-making, developing predictive models using machine learning techniques, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to apply the derived data sets.

Some factors of consideration for this role are: 

Eligibility

• Undergraduate degree in mathematics, data science, computer science, and computer programming. 
• A Machine learning Engineer is not an entry-level position and requires a lot of expertise. To become one, you must have considerable experience as a software engineer, software programmer, software developer, data scientist, or computer engineer. 
• A Master’s or Ph.D degree in any of the related fields mentioned earlier. 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Along with the high-paying salary that this job role provides, it also facilitates a secure career as its skills are critical for AI Automation and advanced analytics. Being in a STEM-oriented career also allows you the opportunity to access an OPT Extension on your F1 Visa. Additionally, the high demand also allows them to be eligible for H-1B sponsorship. 

Average Salary: USD 97,234 (INR 85 Lakhs)

The Bureau of Labour Statistics also projects a 17% employment growth in the industry, offering good career prospects to the students. Let us look at some of the key factors of the role. As an IT Manager, include strategic planning, security and compliance, project management, Network Infrastructure, Vendor management, Technical Support, and other such needs. 

Eligibility 

• A BA in IT, and an advanced graduate degree or a Master’s degree in MBA, with a focus on IT Management.
• Expertise and related Certification in the job are also essential to securing a job in the industry. 
• Leadership roles in workplaces and full-time experiences also act as instrumental features in securing this job role.

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

The role of an IT Manager helps your stay in the US as the immigration policies are increasingly in favor of roles that involve management and leadership. This role, being a combination of both tech and management, makes the professionals highly eligible for the H-1B Visa.

Average Salary: USD 96,031 (INR 85 Lakhs)

The engineering job market is predicted to grow by 8.6%by 2033, with around 195,000 new job openings each year. With most attention going to AI, ML and Software Engineering, the Computer Hardware Engineering has faced a stunted growth. But the good news is that Forbes 50 companies like NVIDIA hire computer hardware engineers for the traditional chip designing, and physical system architecture. 

Some of the key factors to be considered to become a Computer Hardware Engineer are discussed below: 

Eligibility

• A B.Tech or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field. 
• Valuable intern experiences and certifications outlining your expertise in the field. 
• A CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Network+ Certification is also preferred in the field. 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Computer Hardware Engineering is helpful to Indian students in the US as it offers them a high and secure source of income, and also strengthens their chances to stay in the US by making them eligible for OPT Extension and H-1B Visas.

Average Salary: USD 222,480 (INR 1.9 crore)

The employability of a physician in the USA has grown 22% since 2013. As the AAMC predicts a fall in the number of healthcare professionals in the US, it also leads to the inversely proportional increase in salary and job security. The role of a physician has one of the highest average annual salaries in the US.

Eligibility 

• A graduate degree from college with a relevant undergraduate degree.
• Pass the Medical College Admission Test. 
• To become a physician, it is also essential to pass the licensing exam. 
• It is also important to have relevant certifications of supervised work experience, which you can add to your CV  or resume accordingly. 

Job Roles and Salary 

• Primary Care Physician: USD 129,000 to USD 240,000 (INR 1.14 Crores to INR 2.11 Crores)
• Infectious Disease Physician: USD 183,000 to USD 331,000 (INR 1.61 Crores to INR 2.91 Crores)

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Being a physician in the US makes you eligible for J1 Visas, enabling you to practice in the US. After the J-1 training period, students also become eligible to work in the J-1 Waiver programs, which would allow them to stay in the US, after which they become eligible for the application of an H-1B visa. 

Average Salary: USD 157,749 (INR 1.3 Crore)

 As a dentist in the USA, you can start a clinic and work with a small staff, or work with established dental practices. A dentist usually works 8-10 hours a day, 4-5 days a week. The key roles of a dentist include diagnosing oral health issues, treating patients, performing surgical procedures, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

 Eligibility

• You’ll also have to pass the NBDE board examination to become a licensed dentist in the US. 
• You’ll also require your English proficiency test scores, such as the TOEFL and other exams. 
• Certification proving your real-life experience will also be essential in proving your competitiveness among other applicants.

Job Roles and Salary

• Orthodontics: USD 60,000 to USD 405,000 (INR 1.61 Crores to INR 2.91 Crores)
• Oral Surgeon: USD 58,000 to USD 500,000 (INR 51 Lakhs to INR 4.4 Crores)

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Dentists as specialty workers become automatically eligible for the H-1B Visa. Moreover, Dentists can also pursue permanent residency through EB-2, or EB-3, and work in underserved areas, which makes them a prioritised group by the US Immigration.

Average Salary: USD 123,156 (INR 1.07 Crore)

The BLS has projected a 5% employment growth for pharmacists, from 2022 to 2033. Albeit this might look like a small growth, it’s still higher in comparison to others, and has about 14,200 annual openings each year. The key roles of a pharmacist include dispensing medications, patient consulting, monitoring the health of a patient, collaborating with health professionals, and managing medication therapy. 

Some of the key factors to keep in mind to become a Pharmacist in the US are as follows: 

Eligibility 

Some of the requisite parameters to become a pharmacist in the US are:

• A 4-5 year Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. 
• English proficiency test scores.
• It is also essential to pass the NAPLEX. 
• You should also complete your MPJE examination, which includes undergoing 1500 hours of practical supervised experience.  

Job Roles and Salary 

• Clinical Pharmacy: USD 109,000 to USD 155,000 (INR 96 Lakhs to INR 1.36 Crores)
• Industrial Pharmacy: USD 36,000 to USD 130,000 (INR 32 Lakhs to INR 1.14 Crores)

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Pharmacists are eligible for an H-1B visa, both for internships and licensed positions. The US also faces a shortage of pharmacists in many areas, leading to strong job prospects and incentives for foreign-trained professionals.

Average Salary: USD 191,914 (INR 1.69 Crore)

The job market for nurses is very strong, with a projected growth rate significantly faster than the average of all other occupations. The key roles of a nurse anaesthetist include administering anesthesia, assessing patient healthcare, developing anesthesia plans for patients, and monitoring patients to manage their pain. Your working hours differ depending on your workplace. For example, in clinics, nurses work around 8 hours, but in hospitals, they work 12 hours. 

Some of the key considerations to become a nurse anesthetist are: 

Eligibility

 Some of the essential requirements to become a nurse anesthetist are:

• A bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field. 
• An unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse APRN in the US 
• At least one year of full-time work experience 
• Graduation with a minimum of a master’s degree from a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

If you want to work as a nurse in the USA, an EB-3 (immigrant visa) offers a path to direct residency. This can also lead to a green card. You can also apply for the H-1B visa for temporary work in specialised nursing roles. Your employer also needs to file an I-140 petition. 

Average Salary: USD 175,871 (INR 1.55 Crore)

Pediatricians are in demand in the USA, but in comparison to growth in other medical specialisations, their demand and growth is moderate. Despite moderate growth, the US still has a need for paediatricians as childhood healthcare grows. The key responsibilities of a pediatrician include providing child healthcare, diagnosing children, managing chronic illness, providing preventive care, and monitoring growth and development. 

Eligibility 

A few requirements to become a pediatrician in the US are: 

• A 4-year undergraduate degree in the field
• 4 years of medical school 
• 3 years of pediatric residency.
• Subspeciality training, with at least 12,000-14,000 hours of patient care during training. 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

As a pediatrician, you are eligible for residency training in the USA. Some employers and hospitals sponsor a J-1 visa if you’re selected. The H1-B visa is available for all foreign medical professionals who’ve passed the necessary tests, have a license and work authorisation. 

Average Salary: USD 1 million (INR 8.7 Crore)

Investment bankers are in big demand in the US. They help companies raise capital, provide strategic financial advice and facilitate mergers and acquisitions. The investment banker job market is expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032. One of the most taxing jobs, you spend around 60 to 100 hours per week working.

Eligibility

Some of the requirements needed are: 

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, with subjects such as accounting or business administration.
• Certifications and internships are an essential part of becoming an Investment Banker.
• Work experience in an entry-level job. 
• Registration with FINRA.
• An MBA degree or a Master’s in finance

How does it benefit to stay in USA?

As an investment banker, you need a work visa like H1-B. This requires a sponsorship from your US employer, who have to prove that there are no qualified US employees for that position. As an alternative, you can also avail the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which helps foreign investors pursue a permanent residency in the States.

Average Salary: USD 69,426 (INR 61 Lakhs)

Similar to investment bankers, financial analysts are in demand in the USA, and have high working hours per week. The key roles of a financial analyst include analysing data sets, creating financial models, identifying key trends in the business market, and managing financial reports. 

Eligibility 

To secure the position of a financial analyst, some of the essential steps are: 

• You must pass the CFA program, made up of three exams. 
• Complete the qualifying work experience standard. 
• You must also apply for membership in the CFA Institute. 
• Professional recommendations outlining your work experience. 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Indian students who aspire to become financial analysts are directly eligible for an H-1B Visa upon the receipt of a job letter from any US Company. Various other Visa options are also open to them, such as L1 visas available for intra-company transfers, and E-2 Visas for employees of foreign investment firms. Financial analysts may also be eligible for employment-based green card options such as EB-2 and EB-3.

Average Salary: USD 75,414 (INR 66 Lakhs)

Marketing managers are in demand in the USA, with 8% projected growth between 2023 to 20233. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, their growth will continue as companies marketing campaigns to maintain and expand their market share. Marketing managers also work in advertising, PR, event and campaign management, diversifying job opportunities..

Eligibility

The key requirements to become a marketing manager in the US are:

• A bachelor’s degree in marketing or related fields. 
• Develop key skills of interpersonal and technical expertise. 
• A Master’s degree, although not mandatory, is an instrumental certification. 
• It is also essential to gain entry-level experience or mid-level roles. 

• It is also important to possess a marketing portfolio.

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Various advantages are there for Indian students in the US who aspire to become marketing managers, as this career option allows them to earn a high income and also strengthens their residency status in the US. Marketing Managers are eligible for H-1B Visa, which allows them a 3-year stay, and L-1 Executive Visa, which allows Indian Marketing managers working in MNCs 7 7-year stay. All of these also make them eligible for smoother access to permanent residency. Marketing managers with advanced degrees in the field are highly prioritised while obtaining an EB-2 or E-3 Visa.  

Average Salary: USD 104,425 (INR 91.5 Lakhs)

With the expanding economy, financial managers are in huge demand in the US. They manage investment and ensure financial stability of companies and MNCs. There is an increasing demand in fields like cash management, and risk management. Besides finance, they work in technology and health care.

Eligibility 

Some of the requirements to become a financial manager are: 

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or business management. 
• Entry-level work experience is also a requisite. 
• A master’s degree in finance, management, or an MBA with a finance concentration. 
• Certifications of value that prove your expertise in the field. 

How does it benefit to stay in the US?

To work as a financial manager in the U.S., you can qualify for various U.S. work visas, including the L-1A Intracompany Transferee visa if transferring from a foreign company in a managerial role, the EB-1C visa for multinational executives or managers on a permanent basis, or the EB-3 visa as a skilled worker

Average Salary: USD 120,918 (INR 1.05 Crore)

The demand for pilots is at an all-time high in the US. In January 2025 itself, there have been 526 new hires, according to FAPA. Both FAPA and Delta have projected hiring 5000 new pilots in the next few years. This makes it an excellent career opportunity, but it is also important to note that the supply is also at an all-time high, making hiring very competitive. 

Eligibility 

Some of the requirements to become an Airline pilot are:

• It is essential to have a private pilot certificate, issued by the FAA
• A commercial pilot certificate, which allows you to operate legally. 
• A flight instructor certificate, to become a CFI. 
• Add a multi-engine rating to your commercial pilot certificate. 
• A minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time and an ATP certificate.

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

An Airline Pilot is not only beneficial for its high pay, but also for the various stay-back options that it offers. M-1 visa is available to Indian students in the US to extend their stay for training, F-1 is available to them for part-time jobs, and experienced pilots can even access EB-2 NIW Green Card. This is a unique offer made by the government based on national interest, recognising the ability of the airline pilots. 

Average Salary: USD 103,548 (INR 91 Lakhs)

The lawyers are in huge demand in the USA, projecting a growth of 10% by 2023. This is more than the average for other professions. As a lawyer, you can work in specialised fields like cybersecurity, IP and labor laws. You can also transition between fields during your professional career. Working hours can be long, but are often balanced by high compensation

Eligibility

Some of the essential requirements to become a lawyer in the US are: 

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Take the law school admission test, or the LSAT 
• Complete a Juris Doctor, or J.D. degree. 
• Pass the bar examination. 

Job Roles and Salary 

Let us take a look at the different roles that a lawyer can hold and their salaries:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer: USD 59,000 to USD 180,000 (INR 51 Lakhs to INR 1.5 Crores)
• Civil Litigation Lawyer: USD 71,000 to USD 224,000 (INR 62 Lakhs to INR 1.9 Crores)
• Corporate Attorney: USD 75,000 to USD 234,000 (INR 66 Lakhs to INR 2 Crores)

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

As a lawyer makes you are eligible for various stay-back options, giving you access to H-1B Visa, L-1 Visa, and lawyers with exceptional abilities are also eligible for O-1 Visa, which is not subject to annual caps. They also have other green card options available to pursue full residency in the US for employment.

Average Salary: USD 70,000 to USD 190,000 (INR 61 Lakhs to INR 1.6 Crores)

Management consultants in the US benefit from high career mobility and excellent networking opportunities. Consulting firms like MBB (Mckinsey, Bain and BCG) offer some of the highest salaries in the world. As a management consultant, you will be analysing business operations, developing strategies, conducting research, and managing projects. 

Eligibility 

Some of the essential requirements to become a management consultant are: 

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business, finance, accounting, economics, or management. 
• Gaining entry-level business roles is recommended. 
• An advanced degree is also required in fields such as an MBA. 
• Certifications are also essential to prove your expertise. 

Job Roles and Salary

• Strategy Consultant: USD 72,000 to USD 172,000 (INR 63 Lakhs to INR 1.5 Crores)
• IT Consulting: USD 58,000 to USD 158,000 (INR 51 Lakhs to INR 1.3 Crores)

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

A career as a management consultant can lead Indian students to high-impact projects, offering them significant exposure to the country’s leading business strategies and leadership roles. These professionals are also eligible for stay extension through visas such as H-1B, L-1, and Green Card options such as EB-2 and EB-3.

Average Salary: USD 370,189 (INR 3.3 Crores)

You need extensive training to become a radiologist in the USA. It’s a highly technological field, so along with an extensive medical training, you also need to continuously learn about the technological domain. After your residency, you can follow a 1 or 2-year fellowship in a specialised area like pediatric radiology or interventional radiology, which further secures your job in the US. 

Eligibility

Some requirements to become a radiologist in the US are:

• A 4-year undergraduate on a premedical course like biology, chemistry and physics 
• An MD or DO degree 
• 1-year clinical internship in a non-radiology field 
• A 4-year postgraduate residency in radiology 
• 1 or 2-year fellowship post your residency 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Staying in the US as a radiologist gives you access to very high earning opportunities, and you can obtain a US board certification (ABR) to practise in other countries. To stay and practise in the USA, radiologists often transition from a J-1 to an H1-B or O-1 visa , designed for specialised employment. You also need a state licensure as an IMG (International Medical Graduates).

Average Salary: USD 102,000 to USD 600,000 (INR 89 Lakhs to INR 5.2 Crores)

One of the most critical medical professions, Cardiologists in the US are among the most respected and highly paid specialists. The role provides long-term job security with access to the latest technology and clinical trials. While work hours are intensive, they are offset by significant financial rewards and prestige.

Eligibility 

Some of the eligibility criteria to become a cardiologist are

• An Undergraduate Degree in medicine.
• Passing the certificate of the MCAT Exam.
• An MD or DO degree certificate. 
• Passing the licensing exam. 
• Three-year medicine residency 
• Completed Cardiology fellowship or specialisation training 
• Passing the certification of the ABIM or AOBIM exam. 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

This job role is one of the high-skilled and best-paying roles in the US job market. The Indian students pursuing Cardiology can explore various stay-back options such as the J-1 Visa, which allows them to enter the US for residency and fellowship, the H-1B visa for extended stay, and green card pathways like the EB-2 and EB-3, ensuring permanent residency. 

Average Salary: USD 73,000 to USD 383,000 (INR 64 Lakhs to INR 3.3 Crores)

Gynaecologists in the US experience excellent work-life balance in private practice. There is consistent demand in both urban and rural regions, ensuring your job stability. Some of the key roles of a gynaecologist are providing reproductive care, conducting treatment plans, performing critical surgeries, and counselling patients. You can work at a hospital, for the government, or continue with private practice.

Eligibility

Some of the essential requirements for this job are: 

• A bachelor’s degree in the pre-med field. 
• Passing the certificate of the MCAT exam certificate 
• An MD or DO degree
• Passing the licensing exams, such as the USMLE 
• OB/GYN Residency program completion. 
• Passing the ABOG exam
• Obtaining the State Medical License 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

An Indian student aspiring to become a gynecologist in the US can extend their stay through the J-1 Visa and its Waiver Programs, and the H-1B visa. Gynecologists are also eligible to establish private practices after fulfilling their J-1 Waiver requirements.

Average Salary: USD 58,000 to USD 104,000 (INR 51 Lakhs to INR 91 Lakhs)

Nursing offers stable employment, especially for specialized NPs. The US healthcare system provides flexible schedules, making work-life balance achievable. Some of the job roles of a nurse include providing patient care, assessing their health, and collaborating with teams.

Eligibility 

Some of the essential requirements for this job are:

• An associate degree in ADN, BSN, or the NCLEX-RN exam, to gain a licensed position as an RN. 
• Certifications proving clinical experience. 
• A MSN or DNP degree. 
• Passing the National Certification exam. 
• Obtain a state licensure as an advanced practitioner. 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Nurse practitioners are one of the most respected professionals in the US. This job role provides you with high pay and optimal stay-back options. Specialised NPs are eligible for the H-1B Visa. Access to ga green card is also much smoother for Indian nurse practitioners in the US, as the NPs obtain a VisaScreen Certificate, validating their credentials and English proficiency for green card and visa applications. 

Average Salary: USD 113,770 (INR 98.8 Lakhs)

Petroleum engineers enjoy high job security and typically have standard workweeks unless on-site. The US offers access to cutting-edge technologies and major global energy companies. The key roles performed by a petroleum engineer are exploring oil and gas reserves, designing drilling operations, managing drilling operations, and collaborating with teams.

Eligibility 

Some of the key requirements for this job are: 

• A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related field. 
• A graduation certificate from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Passing the certificate of the FE exam. 
• Passing the certificate of the Professional Engineering Exam, or the PE Exam. 
• Certifications of work experience and skills.  

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Petroleum Engineers are not only one of the highest paid professionals in the US, but they are also exempt from the annual H-1B Cap. Their highly skilled work experiences also make them the best candidates for green cards like the EB-2 and EB-3.

Average Salary: USD 220,770 (INR 1.9 Crores)

Orthodontists enjoy high earning potential, short workweeks (typically 30 to 35 hours), and minimal emergency calls. The role offers tremendous career longevity and private practice potential. As an orthodontist, you can work at a dental clinic alongside a dentist, or practise as a surgeon in a hospital. 

Eligibility

Some of the key requirements to become an orthodontist are: 

• An undergraduate degree in the specific field. 
• Passing the DAT, or the Dental Admission Test. 
• Certificate of completion at the Dental School. 
• Passing the certificate of the state license exam. 
• Completion of the orthodontic residency. 
• Attain an Orthodontic license and pass the board certification exams. 

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

This is a beneficial role for the students in the US because orthodontists are among the highest-paid individuals in the job market. Any Indian student holding a DDS/DMD is also eligible for visas like the H-1B. You can also choose a J-1 Visa to stay back and complete your advanced training in the US, which also makes you eligible for ga reen card in the US. 

Average Salary: USD 331,577 (INR 2.9 Crores)

The USA faces a shortage of professionals in general surgery. Due to this, surgeons are in high demand across the US, particularly in underserved areas. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), there will be a remarkable shortfall of surgeons by 2036. This makes it an excellent opportunity to become a surgeon in the US, ensuring a high-paying career and job security.

Eligibility

The key needs to become a surgeon in the US are: 

• Graduation degree from medical school, certified by the ECFMG. 
• Completion of residency training. 
• Passing the licensing exam, such as the USMLE.
• Passing of the board certification exams. 
• A fellowship certificate for the specialisation.

How does it benefit to stay in the USA?

Becoming a surgeon is ideal for Indian students as the US faces a shortage of surgeons, particularly in the underserved and rural communities. Indian surgeons are highly sought after in clinical and academic roles. The stay-back options that an Indian student aspiring to become a surgeon in the US can contemplate are the J-1 Visa, J-1 Waiver Program, H-1B visa, EB-2, and EB-3.

Some cities in the US offer higher salaries, like New York, Seattle, and Boston (average salary around USD 50,000 per year). In comparison, cities like Hartford have lower average salaries. Let’s take a look at them:

The average salary in the US is shaped by a mix of personal, economic, and regional factors. Understanding these influences will help select better positions in your field and will also set realistic expectations regarding the competition and the job packages. 

Let us take a look at a few of those factors that shape the pay scale of an employee in the US:

• Education: Higher education and the value of the degree generally help you secure a better and higher-paying position in the job industry. 
• Experience: More years of relevant experience typically result in better and higher-paying positions. 
• Location: Salaries vary depending on the city or the state. Higher wages are usually provided in areas with higher expenses of living expenses. 
• Industry: The industry and the job type are matters of key significance in the determination of wages. 
• Supply and Demand for Skills: Jobs with a high demand in the job market, but low supply of qualified individuals, offer higher salaries and better work conditions. 

To understand how to find high-paying jobs in the US, it is essential to understand which industries, cities, and roles offer the best and highest-paying job opportunities. To strategically position yourself in the job market, it is crucial to know the companies and their work ethics. Let us discuss a few factors that will help you in finding high-paying job roles in the US. 

Identify High-Paying Job Industries

It is important to identify high-paying industries in the market. To secure a high-paying position, you may target industries like technology, finance, healthcare, and management. 

Target High-Salary Cities

You can target cities that offer high-paying job opportunities, like cities located close to the coastal areas. Cities such as San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Boston, Austin, and Los Angeles. 

Develop In-Demand Skills

To find high-paying job opportunities, it is important to cultivate in-demand skills such as data analysis, coding, and management. You can also try finding internship opportunities in the field, which also provides you with certifications of expertise in the field, while also earning on the side. 

Use Specialised Job Board 

Online job platforms that help you network and reach out to significant people in the field. Platforms like LinkedIn, Ladders, 100KCrossing, Glassdoor, and Indeed. These platforms help you with reviews of the top companies, while showing you vacant positions in the market.

The USA is the main headquarters for recognised brands of today, such as Amazon, American Express, etc. Pursuing a career here can help you work in the best-paid jobs in the USA, thus securing your financial needs. Now that you’re aware of the highest paid professions in the USA, it’s time to align your educational qualifications and career choices. If you have any other queries related to the highest salary jobs in the USA, our Yocket counsellors are here to help.