Careers

The top 10 highest-paying jobs in America

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Looking for a bigger paycheck? Then check out these occupations.

Annually, online marketplace CareerCast ranks the highest-paying jobs in the United States. Once again, health-care industry professions have dominated the list, raking in six-figure salaries.

Read MoreThe most—and least—dangerous jobs in the US

Read on for the 10 highest-paying jobs in America, ranked by national average.

—By CNBC's Sarah Whitten
Posted 20 Aug. 2015

10. Pharmacist

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Dropping two spots from last year's list, pharmacists average more than $120,000 in annual wages. These professionals have seen a $4,000 pay increase year-over-year.

Annual median wage: $120,950

Growth outlook for 2022: 14 percent

9. Air traffic controller

An air traffic controller at the Opa-locka airport in Opa-locka, Florida.
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Bouncing back two slots to No. 9, air traffic controllers have seen a decrease in their average salary in the last year. In 2014, these professionals averaged $122,530—yet it's only about a $200 difference from what they are pulling in this year.

Annual median wage: $122,340

Growth outlook for 2022: 1 percent

8. Data scientist

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A new addition to CareerCast's list, data scientists have bumped podiatrists and attorneys from the top 10, making more than $120,000 annually.

Annual median wage: $124,150

Growth outlook for 2022: 15 percent

7. Orthodontist

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Falling from the No. 4 slot in 2014, orthodontists have seen a decrease of more than $20,000 in average salaries. Yet it's nothing to frown about: They are still bringing in almost $130,000.

Annual median wage: $129,110

Growth outlook for 2022: 16 percent

6. Petroleum engineer

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Holding steady in the No. 6 position for the second year in a row, petroleum engineers are making $130,000 annually. Unlike many of the medical professions in the top spots, these professionals need only a bachelor's degree to pursue this career.

Annual median wage: $130,050

Growth outlook for 2022: 26 percent

5. Dentist

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Falling one spot to No. 5, dentists still have a lot to smile about. They are averaging the same salary of more than $140,000 in 2015 as they did in 2014.

Annual median wage: $146,340

Growth outlook for 2022: 16 percent

4. Corporate executive (senior level)

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A newcomer to CareerCast's list, senior-level corporate executives are making some serious cash: Earning more than $170,000 annually, they are the highest-paid professionals outside the health-care industry.

Annual median wage: $173,320

Growth outlook for 2022: 11 percent

3. Physician (general practice)

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Bumped from last year's No. 2 spot, general-practice physicians have experienced a $7,000 decrease in annual salary since 2014.

Annual median wage: $180,180

Growth outlook for 2022: 18 percent

2. Psychiatrist

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Psychiatrists have seen a $3,000 increase in salaries year-over-year and have overtaken physicians for the No. 2 slot on CareerCast's list.

Annual median wage: $181,880

Growth outlook for 2022: 18 percent

1. Surgeon

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Topping the list once again are surgeons, who have seen an exponential increase in salary year-over-year. In 2014, these health-care professionals were averaging $230,000. One year later that number has skyrocketed to more than $350,000.

Annual median wage: $352,220

Growth outlook for 2022: 18 percent