In the United States, as in many other countries, income levels vary widely based on factors such as occupation, education, experience, and geographic location. According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in 2020 stood at approximately $68,700 per year.
This income level provides a comfortable standard of living in every state of America and frankly in most countries in the world.
Top-5 highest paid professions in the USA:
1.Doctors Average income in the USA in 2022: $200 000 – $409 000 per year
Medicine is one of the highest-paid fields of professional activity in the US. Surgeon's average income may exceed $400 000 per year, physicians (General Practice) earn more than $200 000 per year.
Sounds great, but it's not so easy to become a doctor. This profession requires many years of education.
Firstly, you need undergraduate education. While there is no specific major required for medical school, most pre-medical students major in biology, chemistry, physics, or a related field. Then you go to medical school and after that to residency training. Maintain your medical license by completing continuing medical education requirements, which may include attending conferences, completing online courses, or participating in other educational activities.
If you are not a US citizen or resident you still can become a doctor. You have to get a student visa prior to enrolling in an undergraduate program and pass language exams.
The number of international students enrolled in medical schools in the United States can vary from year to year and across different institutions. However, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), in the academic year 2020-2021, there were approximately 4,700 international medical students enrolled in MD-granting (the Doctor of Medicine) medical schools in the United States.
2. Petroleum engineers Average income in the USA in 2022: $137,720 per year
Petroleum engineers play a vital role in the extraction and production of oil and gas resources, commanding competitive salaries for their expertise in the energy sector.
You should obtain a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field such as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or geology. Most entry-level positions in petroleum engineering require at least a bachelor's degree. Make sure to choose a program accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) to ensure quality education.
If you are foreign citizen after education you should get work authorization. Options for work authorization include obtaining a work visa, such as an H-1B visa for specialty occupations, or participating in a practical training program, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 visa holders.
3. Computer and information systems managers Average income in the USA in 2022: $146,360 per year
Computer and information systems managers oversee the technology infrastructure of organizations, earning significant salaries for their leadership in managing IT solutions.
It will be great to have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or relevant certifications. But in this field higher education is optional, a lot of specialists got some knowledge through experience or short-term courses.
That's why you should gain relevant experience: seek internships, co-op opportunities, or entry-level positions in IT or related fields to gain practical experience. This experience will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to advance to managerial positions. You also need an OPT for this.
4. Architectural and engineering managers Average income in the USA in 2022: $149,530 per year
Architectural and engineering managers oversee the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure projects, commanding competitive salaries for their leadership in the construction industry.
To become an architectural and engineering manager you need a bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related field from an accredited institution. Some positions may require a master's degree in a relevant field. Ensure that your education meets the standards required by the US industry.
Rules for foreign citizens are still the same: you need work authorization.
5. Marketing managers Average income in the USA in 2022: $141,490 per year
Marketing managers develop and implement strategies to promote products and services, earning substantial incomes for their expertise in driving business growth and market success.
It will be preferable to have a degree in marketing, business administration, communications, or a related field from an accredited institution. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in marketing or a related field.
If you have education in marketing in your home country it still will be great to study in the USA because every country has some special things for their market. And it will be easier to start work because of the opportunity of OPT after your education.
As you can see, in the US, the top-paying jobs are usually in fields like medicine, tech, and finance. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and orthodontists are at the top of the list, making serious bank for their expertise. Then you've got tech specialists like computer and information systems managers, and engineering managers. Finance roles, like marketing managers, also in this top.
These jobs often require specialized skills and education, but they offer some of the highest salaries out there.
A&K American Education Consulting can help you on your way to become a high-paid specialist in the USA. We have many programs which could quickly immerse you in a preferable professional field.Choose the right one for you
Moreover, we have courses for the preparation of language exams. Take a look