Highest-Paying Jobs In New York City (Top 30)

New York City, often referred to as the “Big Apple,” is not only a bustling metropolis and cultural hub but also home to some of the highest-paying jobs in the United States. From finance and technology to healthcare and law, the city offers a wide range of lucrative career opportunities for professionals across various industries. In this article, we will explore the top 30 highest-paying jobs in New York City, highlighting their average salaries, required qualifications, and job outlook.

1. Surgeons

Surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical procedures to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities. With an average salary of $402,000 per year, surgeons are among the highest-paid professionals in New York City. To become a surgeon, one must complete a medical degree, followed by several years of residency and specialized training in a surgical specialty.

Required Qualifications:

Medical degree (MD or DO)
Completion of residency in a surgical specialty
State licensure
Board certification in a surgical specialty

Job Outlook:

The demand for surgeons is expected to grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Factors such as an aging population and advances in medical technology contribute to the continued need for skilled surgeons.

2. Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They provide counseling, prescribe medication, and develop treatment plans for their patients. In New York City, psychiatrists earn an average salary of $220,380 per year.

Required Qualifications:

Medical degree (MD or DO)
Completion of residency in psychiatry
State licensure
Board certification in psychiatry

Job Outlook:

The demand for psychiatrists is expected to grow by 16% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Factors such as increased awareness of mental health issues and the need for more psychiatric services contribute to the growing demand for psychiatrists.

3. Chief Executives

Chief executives, also known as CEOs, are the top executives in organizations who are responsible for making strategic decisions and managing the overall operations of their companies. In New York City, CEOs earn an average salary of $213,160 per year.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Extensive work experience in a leadership role
Strong leadership and decision-making skills

Job Outlook:

The job outlook for chief executives varies depending on the industry and economic conditions. However, the demand for talented and experienced leaders who can drive organizational growth and success is expected to remain steady.

4. Orthodontists

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and jaws. They use braces, retainers, and other orthodontic devices to correct these issues. In New York City, orthodontists earn an average salary of $209,510 per year.

Required Qualifications:

Dental degree (DDS or DMD)
Completion of orthodontic residency
State licensure
Board certification in orthodontics

Job Outlook:

The demand for orthodontists is expected to grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Factors such as an increasing emphasis on dental health and the desire for a perfect smile contribute to the demand for orthodontic services.

5. Anesthesiologists

Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. They monitor the patient’s vital signs and ensure their comfort and safety during the procedure. In New York City, anesthesiologists earn an average salary of $208,000 per year.

Required Qualifications:

Medical degree (MD or DO)
Completion of residency in anesthesiology
State licensure
Board certification in anesthesiology

Job Outlook:

The demand for anesthesiologists is expected to grow by 4% from 2018 to 2028, which is slower than the average for all occupations. However, the need for anesthesiologists will continue to exist as surgeries and medical procedures require their expertise.

6. Dentists, All Other Specialists

Dentists who specialize in areas other than orthodontics, such as oral surgery, periodontics, or endodontics, fall under this category. These specialists diagnose and treat complex dental conditions that require advanced knowledge and skills. In New York City, dentists in other specialties earn an average salary of $206,190 per year.

Required Qualifications:

Dental degree (DDS or DMD)
Completion of specialty residency
State licensure
Board certification in the respective specialty

Job Outlook:

The job outlook for dentists in other specialties varies depending on the specific field. However, the demand for specialized dental services is expected to remain steady as people continue to seek advanced treatments for their dental conditions.

7. General Internal Medicine Physicians

General internal medicine physicians, also known as internists, diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the internal organs and provide primary care services to adults. They may refer patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment. In New York City, general internal medicine physicians earn an average salary of $201,760 per year.

Required Qualifications:

Medical degree (MD or DO)
Completion of residency in internal medicine
State licensure
Board certification in internal medicine

Job Outlook:

The demand for general internal medicine physicians is expected to grow by 4% from 2018 to 2028, which is slower than the average for all occupations. However, the need for primary care physicians who can provide comprehensive healthcare services to adults will continue to exist.

8. Family Medicine Physicians

Family medicine physicians provide primary care services to individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. They diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, coordinate care with other specialists, and focus on preventive healthcare. In New York City, family medicine physicians earn an average salary of $197,840 per year.

Required Qualifications:

Medical degree (MD or DO)
Completion of residency in family medicine
State licensure
Board certification in family medicine

Job Outlook:

The demand for family medicine physicians is expected to grow by 10% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Factors such as an aging population and the emphasis on preventive care contribute to the growing need for family medicine services.

9. Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They analyze geological data, develop drilling plans, and oversee the implementation of oil and gas extraction projects. In New York City, petroleum engineers earn an average salary of $195,140 per year.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related field
Strong knowledge of geology, mathematics, and engineering principles
Professional engineering license (optional)

Job Outlook:

The demand for petroleum engineers is expected to decline by 3% from 2018 to 2028, mainly due to the shift towards renewable energy sources. However, there will still be opportunities for petroleum engineers to work on existing oil and gas projects and develop new extraction techniques.

10. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers, also known as IT managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities within organizations. They analyze the technology needs of their companies, develop IT strategies, and oversee the implementation of computer systems and networks. In New York City, computer and information systems managers earn an average salary of $188,880 per year.