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Changing professions can be daunting.
Doing your research and understanding your earning potential in a new career will make the transition much easier.
Indeed recentlypublishedresearch on the 100 highest-paying jobs in the United States.
If youre changing careers, these are some of the professions that will help you maximize your earning potential.
Most of these require a bachelors degree or higher.
Additionally, here are 10high-paying jobs that only require an associates degree.
They also diagnose patients before surgery and provide post-operative care.
Surgeons may work in private practice, hospitals and clinics, or academic parameters like medical schools.
To become a surgeon, you must complete medical school and years of residency.
They straighten patients teeth using braces and other aligners to improve their appearance and function.
Orthodontists must complete dental school and additionaltrainingfor two or more years to specialize further.
They take a whole-picture approach to the human body to better treat each patient.
You must complete medical school and postgraduate training to become an internal medicine physician.
Psychiatrist
Apsychiatristis a medical doctor who specializes in mental health issues.
They diagnose and treat patients mental health concerns using prescription medication and other medical treatments.
Dentist
Dentiststreat health concerns with patients teeth, mouth and gums.
Its common for dentists to have their own private practices or be partners in a larger practice.
To work as a dentist, you better complete dental school and become licensed in your state.
They may place dental implants, treat periodontal disease and offer other specialized dental services.
To be a periodontist, you must graduate from dental school and complete three additional years of training.
Physician
According toIndeed, a physician is a medical doctor who provides healthcare to patients.
Obstetrician
Obstetriciansare medical doctors who specialize in treating patients during and after pregnancy and delivering babies.
They may also practice gynecology healthcare related to the female reproductive system.
Obstetricians must complete medical school, obtain a state license to practice and complete a residency program.
Many obstetricians specialize further with a two- to three-year fellowship.
Loan Officer
Aloan officerevaluates applications and walks applicants through the process of obtaining a loan.
They work for financial institutions like banks and credit unions.
To work as a loan officer, you need a bachelors degree and additional on-the-job training.
You also need a state license to be a mortgage loan officer.
Pediatrician
Pediatricians are medical doctors specializing in treating children, according toWebMD.
You must complete medical school and receive additional pediatric training during your residency to become a pediatrician.
They handle risk management, compliance and incident response to any security breaches.
Software Engineering Manager
A software engineering manager oversees the team developing software applications, as listed byIndeed.
They must have a deep knowledge of computer science and software engineering as well as leadership skills.
Vice President
Vice presidentis a senior leadership role within organizations.
Depending on the organization, the vice presidents responsibilities will vary.
They typically work for institutions like wealth management firms and investment banks.
They also develop code to automate these tasks when possible.
Optometrist
An optometrist is a healthcare professional specializing in eye care, according toWebMD.
They do not attend medical school but do complete a four-year professional optometry program after graduating from college.
Optometrists perform eye exams on patients, prescribe eyeglasses and contacts and treat certain eye conditions.
These attorneys handle issues like contract negotiation and worker complaints for their employers.
Enterprise Architect
Anenterprise architectdesigns their organizations IT strategies and oversees their implementation.
They take a broad view of the organization to align the IT landscape with the overall business strategy.
Chief Marketing Officer
Achief marketing officeris an executive-level professional who oversees the organizations marketing efforts.
They strategize, develop and execute marketing campaigns to drive business growth.
Chief marketing officers must have a bachelors degree in fields like business administration or marketing and experience in marketing.
They report to their employers general counsel.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officersare the leaders of their organizations.
They write and test code for software development projects.
Podiatrist
Apodiatristis a doctor specializing in treating patients feet, ankles and lower legs.
They must complete four years of podiatric medical school plus three years of residency.
They often act as primary care doctors, treating patients with a variety of physical and mental health concerns.
You need a medical degree to be a general practitioner.
Enterprise Architecture Manager
Anenterprise architecture managerensures an organizations structure and operations align with its objectives.
They analyze their organizations IT infrastructure and management components.
Corporate Controller
Acorporate controlleris in charge of an organizations finances and accounting.
They manage bookkeeping, budgeting, payroll and other financial functions.
A bachelors degree in accounting, business or a related field will help you become a corporate controller.
Cloud Engineer
Acloud engineerdevelops and manages their organizations cloud online grid infrastructure.
They must understand software development, cybersecurity best practices and scripting languages.
To become a cloud engineer, you need a bachelors degree in computer science.
Veterinarian
Veterinariansare medical professionals who treat animals.
They often work at clinics, zoos and racetracks to diagnose and treat the animals there.
To become a veterinarian, you must earn your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and obtain a state license.
Nurse Practitioner
Anurse practitioneris a healthcare professional specializing in a particular practice like pediatrics.
These registered nurses often practice in doctors offices, clinics and hospitals.
Youll need to become an RN and complete a masters degree in nursing to be a nurse practitioner.
Actuary
Anactuaryuses statistics and mathematics to manage financial risk.
They typically work for insurance companies and banks, but investment companies also employ actuaries.
Actuaries need to pass actuarial exams that correspond to the pop in of work theyre interested in.
They need to understand financial planning, modeling and accounting.
Solutions Engineer
Solutions engineersare part of the sales teams for software products.
You should have a bachelors degree in computer science to become a solutions engineer.
Data Scientist
Data scientistsare IT professionals who analyze and interpret data to improve business decision-making.
They typically have bachelors degrees in computer science or data science.
Some data scientists may also have advanced degrees.
Chief Information Officer
Achief information officeris an executive-level professional who oversees the organizations information technology department.
They develop IT strategies, manage staff and oversee compliance with data laws and regulations.
They must have strong knowledge of programming languages, web design and database management.
They manage data analysts working on these projects.
They typically pursue advanced degrees related to economics for career advancement.
Mathematician
Mathematiciansuse math principles to solve problems and complete research.
They work in fields like finance, engineering, education and statistics.
You typically need an advanced degree to work as a mathematician.
These professionals generally have bachelors degrees in finance or related fields.
Software Engineer
Software engineersdesign, maintain and update computer programs to meet user requirements.
They typically have a bachelors degree and a strong knowledge of computer programming.
Senior Scientist
Senior scientistswork on research projects and oversee other scientists and support staff.
They often work in laboratories in industries like pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals.
You will generally need a Ph.D. to become a senior scientist.
Plant Manager
Plant managersoversee day-to-day operations at manufacturing facilities.
They ensure staff adhere to safety requirements and that the plant meets production goals.
Study subjects like business administration and management to work as a plant manager.
Midwife
Midwives are trained professionals who assist during labor and delivery, as explained byIndeed.
You must complete an accredited education program and pass a certifying exam to hold this position.
Java Developer
Java developersare programmers who use the Java programming language to create and test software.
They generally have bachelors degrees in information technology, computer science or a related field.
System Engineer
System engineersensure their organizations infrastructure and performance systems are operating at the highest levels.
They work in industries like civil engineering, robotics and software development.
You will typically need at least a bachelors degree in computer science to become a system engineer.
A masters degree in the field will help you advance.
They may work as consultants or full time for a single organization.
Aeronautical Engineer
Aeronautical engineersdesign and create flying vehicles like airplanes and helicopters.
They need a strong understanding of safety regulations, flight mechanics and aerodynamics.
To get a job as an aeronautical engineer, pursue advanced degrees in engineering.
Psychologist
Psychologistsstudy the mind and human behavior.
They are not medical doctors but can help patients with mental health concerns through psychotherapy and other practices.
Psychologists generally need masters or doctorate degrees for specialized positions.
They design the products and make them as functional as possible.
Attorney
Attorneysare legal professionals.
They may work independently, as part of a larger law firm or directly for companies needing legal advice.
You will need a law degree and law license in your state to work as an attorney.
They need strong leadership abilities and a bachelors degree in a field like business administration.
Research Scientist
Research scientistsinvestigate and run experiments related to their fields of study.
They may work for government agencies, businesses or universities and often have advanced degrees.
Database Administrator
Database administratorsare IT professionals who are responsible for their organizations data and related applications.
You should obtain a bachelors degree in computer or information science to become a database administrator.
IT Manager
IT managersoversee an organizations information technology team and associated systems.
Director of Marketing
Thedirector of marketingmanages a companys marketing efforts, from planning campaigns to analyzing results.
This is an advanced role, so employers often prefer candidates with masters degrees.
Construction Superintendent
Construction superintendentsoversee each stage of construction, from planning to execution.
They are the liaison between construction workers and the administration.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts work to protect companies from cyberattacks, according toIndeed.
They may design security features and maintain systems to protect digital assets.
A bachelors degree in computer science will help you land a role as an information security analyst.
Marine Engineer
Marine engineersdesign and maintain watercraft like boats and submarines.
They generally need a bachelors degree in marine engineering or a related field.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineersdesign, create and test devices like engines and robotics.
They need a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering and a license to sell services to the public.
Clinical Director
Clinical directorsare in charge of the day-to-day operations at a healthcare facility.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineersdesign critical infrastructures in society like bridges, airports and roads.
To become a civil engineer, you need a bachelors degree in civil engineering or a related field.
Certified Public Accountant
Certified public accountants provide professional accounting services to individuals and businesses.
Youll need a bachelors degree and to pass the CPA exam before becoming aCPA.
program Developer
program developerscreate software applications using programming languages.
You will generally need a bachelors degree in biomedical engineering to become a biomedical engineer.
Environmental Manager
Environmental managers help their organizations deal with environmental concerns and improve their sustainability efforts.
They conduct research and develop policies that addressenvironmental issues.
Statistician
Statisticiansanalyze data with mathematical models and software to derive insights.
They have strong mathematical skills and often have a masters degree in math or economics.
Associate Professor
Associate professorsteach students at colleges or universities, according to Indeed.
They generally also conduct research and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Associate professors typically need a Ph.D. in their field of study and years of experience as assistant professors.
Engineer
Engineers design, build and evaluate final products using scientific principles.
Most engineers specialize in a specific branch like chemical, electrical or civil engineering.
Construction Manager
Construction managersare in charge of planning and supervising construction projects.
Project Manager
According toIndeed, project managers are professionals who oversee business projects from start to finish.
Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologistswork with patients to improve communication and speech issues.
They typically need a state license and a masters degree in speech pathology.
To become a chiropractor, you must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a state license.
Laboratory Manager
Laboratory managersare in charge of the lab staff and environment.
They order supplies, ensure everyone follows safety procedures and create the lab schedule.
They may need to travel to other company offices or to visit distributors [94].
This job does not require a college degree [94].
Systems Administrator
Asystems administratoris in charge of their organizations computer software, hardware and web link.
Theyre responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly so all employees can complete their work without disruptions.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people with cognitive, motor or other disability-related issues.
They incorporate daily occupational tasks into theirtherapyto work toward physical rehabilitation.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineerscreate systems to help companies use raw materials, machinery and people more efficiently.
They often work in laboratories, manufacturing facilities and offices.
Purchasing Manager
Purchasing managersoversee the employees responsible for buying products and services that businesses need.
They may start as purchasing agents or buyers to obtain the necessary experience to become a purchasing manager.
You generally need a bachelors degree to hold this position.
Management Analyst
Management analystsexamine organizations to recommend ways to become more efficient and productive.
They generally work as consultants for the companies they advise.
They may work for the United Nations, U.S. Foreign Service or similar organizations.
Broker
Brokersact as the intermediary between buyers and sellers to help facilitate sales.
They charge a commission and often work in industries like real estate and finance.
You typically need a bachelors degree to be a broker, except for real estate brokers.
Depending on the industry, some brokers also need to pass licensing or certificate exams.
Director of Public Relations
Thedirector of public relationsis responsible for maintaining and improving the organizations public image.
Judge
Judgesrule over proceedings in local, state and federal courts.
To become a judge, you need a law degree and typically some legal experience.
Judges are then elected or appointed, depending on the position.
Cost Estimator
Cost estimatorsanalyze data to estimate the resources necessary to provide products or services.
You generally need a bachelors degree to become a cost estimator.
School Psychologist
School psychologistssupport teachers and students using their mental health expertise.
They typically work in public primary and secondary schools.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managerslead associate marketers in efforts to promote companies and make them more profitable.
You need a bachelors degree in marketing or a related field and marketing experience to hold this position.
If youre considering a career change, these high-paying professions are great options to consider.
Remember that salaries can vary by region and change over time.
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