37. Computer and information research scientist
Mean annual pay: $115,580
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 25,510
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 11%
36. Optometrist
Mean annual pay: $115,750
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 35,300
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 27%
35. Judge, magistrate judge, or magistrate
Mean annual pay: $116,100
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 29,020
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): -1%
34. Human resources manager
Mean annual pay: $117,080
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 122,780
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 9%
33. Personal financial adviser
Mean annual pay: $118,050
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 197,580
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 30%
32. Physicist
Mean annual pay: $118,500
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 15,650
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 7%
31. Air traffic controller
Mean annual pay: $118,740
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 23,130
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): -9%
30. Pharmacist
Mean annual pay: $119,270
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 295,620
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 3%
29. Public relations or fundraising manager
Mean annual pay: $119,390
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 60,380
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 7%
28. General or operations manager
Mean annual pay: $119,460
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 2,145,140
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 6%
27. Compensation and benefits manager
Mean annual pay: $121,630
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 15,930
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 6%
26. Law professor
Mean annual pay: $126,230
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 16,430
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 13%
25. Sales manager
Mean annual pay: $130,400
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 364,750
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 5%
24. Financial manager
Mean annual pay: $134,300
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 531,120
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 7%
23. Podiatrist
Mean annual pay: $136,180
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 9,500
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 14%
22. Lawyer
Mean annual pay: $136,260
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 609,930
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 6%
21. Airline pilot, copilot, or flight engineer
Mean annual pay: $136,400
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 81,350
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 5%
20. Natural sciences manager
Mean annual pay: $136,570
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 53,450
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 3%
19. Marketing manager
Mean annual pay: $140,660
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 192,890
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 9%
18. Computer and information systems manager
Mean annual pay: $141,000
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 341,250
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 15%
17. Architectural or engineering manager
Mean annual pay: $141,650
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 179,770
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 2%
16. Petroleum engineer
Mean annual pay: $149,590
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 34,600
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 10%
15. Nurse anesthetist
Mean annual pay: $160,250
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 39,410
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 31%
14. Prosthodontist
Mean annual pay: $161,020
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 710
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 18%
According to the BLS, these professionals construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth to correct natural and acquired deformation of the mouth and jaws; to restore and maintain oral function, such as chewing and speaking; and to improve appearance.
13. Dentist (all other specialties)
Mean annual pay: $171,040
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 5,550
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 18%
12. Dentist (general)
Mean annual pay: $172,350
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 100,080
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 18%
11. Pediatrician (general)
Mean annual pay: $183,180
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 28,660
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 14%
10. Chief executive
Mean annual pay*: $185,850
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 238,940
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 6%
* The top-earning CEOs in the US earn tens of millions of dollars. Satya Nadella of Microsoft, for instance, raked in $84.3 million in 2014.
9. Family and general practitioner
Mean annual pay: $192,120
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 127,430
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 14%
8. Psychiatrist
Mean annual pay: $193,680
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 24,060
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 14%
7. General internist
Mean annual pay: $196,520
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 48,920
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 14%
6. Physician or surgeon (all other)
Mean annual pay: $197,700
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 322,740
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 14%
5. Orthodontist
Mean annual pay: $221,390
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 5,410
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 18%
4. Obstetrician and gynecologist
Mean annual pay: $222,400
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 20,090
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 14%
3. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Mean annual pay: $233,900
Number of people who hold this job in the US: 5,000
Projected growth (2014 - 2024): 18%