Highest-Paying Jobs: 2009

Looking for a bigger paycheck? If you’re not in the medical industry, you’re pretty much out of luck. Medical jobs, ranging from dentists to surgeons, dominate the list of the 20 highest paying jobs, but there are some others sprinkled in. Click ahead for the jobs that pulled the highest pay last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Posted 8 May 2009»Slideshow: Top Entry-Level Employers»Slideshow: Highest Paid Bachelor’s Degrees

Photo: Enrico Strocchi Average annual salary: $119,140 Job details: Determine the best way to properly drill for oil or gas. »More on Petroleum Engineering Careers

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $119,750 Job details: Fly and navigate planes that transport passengers or cargo.

Average annual salary: $120,580 Job details: Oversee and direct employees who design and develop machinery.

Average annual salary: $123,140 Job details: Manage and coordinate research and development in life sciences, physical sciences and other fields.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $124,750 Job details: Represent clients in court and provide counsel about their legal rights.

Average annual salary: $125,760 Job details: Treat foot ailments, ranging from corns and calluses to infections and ingrown toenails.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $142,070 Job details: All other specialists who don’t fall under the main areas of expertiseincluding some forms of dentistry.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $153,370 Job details: Work with infants, children and teenagers to diagnose and treat diseases or injuries.

Average annual salary: $154,050 Job details: Treat mental illnesses using psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization or medication. »More on Mental Health Careers

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $154,270 Job details: Diagnose and treat diseases affecting patients' teeth and gums.

Average annual salary: $160,440 Job details: Responsible for establishing policies and running companies.

Photo: Average annual salary: $161,490 Job details: Treat a wide range of ailments, from the common cold to broken bones, for the entire family.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $165,000 Job details: All physicians and surgeons who don’t fall under the main areas of expertise.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $169,810 Job details: Make oral prostheses, like dentures or implants, to replace missing teeth.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $176,740 Job details: Diagnose and treat diseases of internal organ systems without surgery.

Average annual salary: $190,420 Job details: Operate on patient’s mouth or jaws to remove teeth, tumors or correct an abnormality.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $192,780 Job details: Specialize in women’s health, treat and prevent disease related to pregnancy and the reproductive system.

Average annual salary: $194,930 Job details: Apply braces or retainers to straighten patient’s teeth.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $197,570 Job details: Administer anesthetics during operations or pain relief during other procedures outside the operating room.

Photo: AP Average annual salary: $206,770 Job details: Operate to treat patient’s injuries or diseases. »Replay Slideshow»Slideshow: Top Entry-Level Employers»Slideshow: Highest Paid Bachelor’s Degrees