Money isn't the only thing to look for in a job. There are other key things to consider, probably most important of which is to do what you enjoy.
That being said, money is certainly a factor that most people think about when considering their career choices. Which jobs are at the top of the ladder when it comes to salary? Here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in America according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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10. Architectural and engineering managers
Architectural and engineering managers in the U.S. make $143,870 on average. Individuals in the top 25% of earners in the profession, though, typically have average salaries of $167,290. If you're looking for the state where you can make the most money in this occupation, remember the Alamo. Texas claims the highest average salary for architectural and engineering managers at $167,230.
9. Podiatrists
The next highest-paying job in the U.S. belongs to podiatrists, with an average annual salary of $144,110. The top 25% of earners make $182,420 per year on average. Where do podiatrists make the highest pay? Say "aloha": Podiatrists in Hawaii pull in an average annual salary of $273,040.
8. Marketing managers
The average salary for marketing managers in America is $144,140. Marketing managers in the top 25%, though, make $178,690 on average. New York is where to go for the highest pay for marketing managers, with an average salary level of $188,640.
7. Computer and information systems managers
You probably expected a tech job somewhere in the top 10. Sure enough, computer and information systems managers are ranked No. 7 among the highest-paying jobs in the country, with an average salary of $145,740. Those in the top 25% of all earners pull in $170,670 on average. New York again is the place for the best pay, with computer and information systems managers making an average annual salary of $175,530.
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6. Petroleum engineers
Another tech jobs claims the sixth-highest average salary in the land. Petroleum engineers make $147,030 on average. Individuals in the top 25% of all earners in this profession pull in an average of $179,450 per year. You might suspect that Texas has the highest average salaries for petroleum engineers, but actually Colorado claims that distinction, with an average annual salary of $161,200.
5. Aircraft pilots, copilots, and flight engineers
One high-flying job also commands a high-flying salary. The average annual salary for aircraft pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in the U.S. stands at $152,770. Those in the top 25% make $195,550 on average. Colorado claims the top spot for pay for these jobs with an average salary of $207,680.
4. Nurse anesthetists
The paychecks for nurse anesthetists won't make anyone sleepy. Nurse anesthetists make $164,030 per year on average. Individuals in the top quarter of earners in this job make an average annual salary of $189,880. Nurse anesthetists in Montana boast the highest pay, with an average salary of $242,140 per year.
3. Chief executives
Many look to chief executive officers (CEOs) of companies for their leadership lessons and even time management skills. You can also look to CEOs for big paychecks. CEOs pull in an average annual salary of $194,350. Because CEOs can work for organizations of dramatically different sizes, the pay scale varies quite a bit. The BLS doesn't provide details on how much CEOs in the top 25% make, other than stating that their average annual salary tops $208,000. South Dakota boasts the highest average yearly pay for CEOs of $242,220.
2. Dentists
There's a lot of money where your mouth is. Dentists claim average annual salaries of $171,900 on the low end to $228,780 for orthodontists and $232,870 for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. As is the case with CEOs, the BLS only says that the top 25% of dentists make above $208,000 per year on average. The best state for general dentists is Texas, with an average annual salary of $171,850. Orthodontists might prefer sweet home Alabama, with a top average annual salary of $287,250. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons make the most money in Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Virginia -- all of which claim average annual salaries for the profession of at least $256,590.
1. Physicians and surgeons
Physicians and surgeons have the highest average salaries of all. Anesthesiologists make the most, with an average annual salary of $269,600. At the low end of the range, pediatricians claim an average annual salary of $184,240. As you might expect, the top 25% of physicians and surgeons make much more -- the BLS simply states their average salary exceeds $208,000 per year. Pediatricians in Mississippi have the biggest paychecks, with an average annual salary of $270,430. Anesthesiologists can go to one of several states that claim average annual salaries of $274,210 or more, including California, Florida, and Louisiana.
