Different people have different definitions of what a good job is. For some, it means doing something fulfilling or stimulating. Others might consider a good job one that provides stability and predictability, or a job in an industry that is highly insulated from outsourcing and automation.
Others might define a good job simply by how much it pays. To have a better idea of a job you are looking for, you must consider taking a career test. This type of test helps you analyze your personality traits and passion.
While money isn’t everything, everyone wants to be well compensated financially for the skills they have and the services they provide. Below are some of the top-paying jobs right now and how you can go about landing one.
C-Suite Positions
C-Suite positions refer to ones like Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Human Resources Officer, but the list continues to grow as modern organizations evolve. CEOs make the most money out of any c-suite executives, with the AP reporting that your average CEO in the U.S. makes around 11 million dollars per year in compensation, bonuses and stock. Even CEOs of smaller companies make a lot of money, though.
Assuming you have the necessary experience to be considered for such a high-level, high-responsibility position, the best way to go about getting a job as a company exec is to apply through recruiters, network via Linkedin, or approach your industry contacts accumulated over many years in the business to see who is looking to bring on a new executive. Even top leadership positions, however, often require a full application package be submitted, including a well-structured cover letter.
Airline Pilots
Airline pilots, especially those working for large prestigious airlines like Qatar, KLM, Emirates, Singapore etcetera, will be earning a median annual salary of over $121,000 in 2021. They are paid this for not only being able to fly the plane, but for drafting and submitting flight plans, checking the aircraft before takeoff, navigating while in the air, making decisions, and responding to emergencies while flying. You also have to factor in the hazard pay associated with this profession.
Becoming a pilot for a major airline requires a commercial pilot certification, and at least 1,500 flight hours, which are necessary to get the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The requirements vary by airline, but generally higher education is not a prerequisite.
IT Manager
IT managers have always commanded high salaries, but the role is even more in demand right now as companies assess the heightened cybersecurity threats they face at this stage of the digital era. IT managers are responsible for overseeing, maintaining, and making recommendations for all of an organization’s digital infrastructure, including their cybersecurity.
An IT management position at a medium-to-large company has a median salary of around $150,000. To be hired as an IT manager, you will need at least an undergraduate level education in computer science, information systems, engineering, and/or management information systems. You will also need both IT professional experience and likely management experience to be considered for such a role.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers use computer science theory and principles to create software for consumers, businesses or government applications. They usually work as part of a team, and are employed by both large and small organizations. Software engineers make an average annual salary of over $92,000 in the United States with considerable variation based on expertise and the company in question.
At least a bachelors in computer science, and preferably a master’s given the fierce global competition for these positions, is required to be considered for a software engineer job. Computer science specialists interested in working on and developing software increasingly must also provide a portfolio of work highlighting previous projects and experience and showcasing hard skills.
Corporate Securities Lawyer
A corporate securities lawyer represents corporate clients with commercial transactions, particularly with respect to things like initial price offerings, private sales, equity issuances and acquisitions of other companies, and navigating compliance and legal issues when operating and doing business in the markets.
For their troubles, the average corporate securities lawyer in the United States earns around $100,000 per year, with earners in the 75th percentile making significantly more (over $230,000) and those in the 90th percentile earning $250,000 or more. This doesn’t include bonuses and other forms of compensation.
Conclusion
A labor market is a massive place filled with countless niches and industries, and while the above examples are not exhaustive, they are without a doubt some of the universally agreed-upon highest-paid jobs out there.
As with any position that commands a lot of money, the responsibility demands and the educational and experience requirement are considerable. Organizations expect a lot of the people they pay the big money to so if a high-paying job is what you’re after, be careful what you wish for.
