Each year the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases their list of the highest paying jobs. We’ve compiled 10 of the highest paying jobs from that list to give you an idea of what kinds of jobs will be paying well in the future. Every job on this list is expected to continue to grow by the year 2026, so these are all fantastic career options for transitioning veterans.
1. Oral Surgeons
Oral surgeons perform surgery and other procedures on the hard and soft tissue of the facial region to treat diseases, injuries and other kinds of defects, but may also perform cosmetic surgery to improve appearance. To become an oral surgeon you will need to complete either a Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) degree. You will also need to complete a specialty residency program to practice surgery. Surgeons generally appear among the highest paying jobs each year.
2017 Average Salary: $242,740
2. Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists administer anesthetics before, during and after surgeries. To become an anesthesiologist you will need to complete a four year bachelor’s degree, preferably with a focus on pre-med courses. After receiving a bachelor’s degree you will need to complete four years of medical school to earn either a degree in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.). Finally, with your graduate degree in hand, you must complete four years in an anesthesiologist residency.
3. Psychiatrists
It’s no surprise that the first three highest paying jobs for 2018 are in the medical profession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that physician jobs will increase by a rate of 13% by the year 2026, which is much faster than the average annual growth for all occupations. Psychiatrists are physicians who diagnose illnesses and disorders of the mind, but also may provide counseling and advice to patients. Like other medical fields, there is a great deal of education and training required to become a psychiatrist.
To become a psychiatrist you will need a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, as well as 4 years of residency before you start practicing.
4. Computer and Information Systems Managers
Our first non-medical job that will be one of the highest paying jobs in 2018 is in the technology field. Computer and informations systems managers plan, direct and execute computer operations within an organization. Typically computer and information systems managers will need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Many workers in this field also have a graduate degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field are expected to grow 12% by the year 2026, which is faster than the expected growth for the average job.
2017 Average Salary: $139,220
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5. Architectural and Engineering Managers
Engineering Jobs, in general, are consistently some of the highest paying jobs on an annual basis. These jobs continue to pay more as you move up into Architectural and Engineering manager roles. Architectural and Engineering managers oversee, plan, manage and direct architectural and engineering projects within a company, however you may be required to lead teams and personnel as well. To become an Architectural or Engineering manager you will at least need a Bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering, with many upper level positions calling for a graduate degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this job market is expected to increase by 6% by 2026, which is about as fast as average.
2017 Average Salary: $137,720
6. Airline and Commercial Pilots
Airline and Commercial pilots fly and operate commercial airplanes, jets, helicopters and other aircraft. This is a great fit for military veterans who had experience operating aircraft during their service. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that pilot jobs will grow 4% by 2026, which is slower than average for all occupations.
Many airline pilots will become a commercial pilot before joining an airline. To become a commercial pilot you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration. Airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree, as well as the necessary experience.
2017 Average Salary: $111,930
7. Judges and Hearing Officers
Judges and Hearing Officers participate in the application of law by overseeing and directing legal proceedings in court. They also may participate in negotiations, hand down legal decisions and resolve disputes. Typically, a bachelor’s degree and a law degree are required to become a judge or hearing officer. Most judges or magistrates are appointed or elected to their position, so this kind of position may require political backing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that judge and hearing officer jobs will increase 5% by 2026, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
2017 Average Salary: $115,520
8. Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers design, plan and direct the extraction of gas and oil from deposits below the earth’s surface. To become a petroleum engineer you will need a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, however employers may be more likely to hire you if you have considerable experience or a graduate degree in engineering.. There are many schools that offer specific degrees in petroleum engineering.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that petroleum engineering jobs will increase 15% by 2026. The increasing need for petroleum engineers contributes to it being one of the highest paying jobs moving.
2017 Average Salary: $132.280
9. Civil Engineers
Civil engineers design, plan and oversee the building of structures such as bridges, dams, buildings, waterways, airports and roads, however they have their hand in the planning of many different projects. To become a civil engineer you will need a degree in civil engineering or a related field. For upper level civil engineering jobs you will most likely need experience and a graduate degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that civil engineering jobs will increase 11% by 2026.
2017 Average Salary: $84,770
10. Software Developer
Software developers design and create the applications people use to complete tasks on a computer or create the underlying systems which allow the computer to run. To become a software developer you typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that software developer jobs will increase by a staggering 24% by 2026.
2017 Average Salary: $103, 560
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