20 Jobs That Pay $500k a Year in 2023

It’s hard to believe, but jobs that pay $500k a year are out there.

You might not think jobs can pay this much money when you’re earning less than half of that amount.

The truth is that jobs paying in this six-figure range exist, and they can be found in some pretty surprising places.

But finding a job that pays $500k a year can be difficult.

The competition is fierce and you need to do everything in your power to land that perfect position.

In the meantime, here are 20 jobs worth considering if you’re looking to make more than what your current salary offers.

#1 – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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A CEO or Chief Executive Officer is the highest-ranking executive in a company.

The CEO is the one who has the most responsibility in the company, including strategic planning and leadership.

They are responsible for implementing the company’s strategy to make money and provide employment for all employees.

They also ensure an adequate supply of products and services at reasonable prices, protect against external threats and risks, and lead the organization into new markets.

CEOs can make a lot more than most people.

In 2016, for example, CEOs of S&P 500 companies made an average of $11.7 million a year.

This is considerably more than jobs that pay just over $500k per year.

The range for CEO salaries depends on how large the company is and where it’s located. 

Still, in general, CEOs who have been in their jobs for a long time may earn $4 million to $5 million per year.

Good jobs usually come with excellent benefits such as stock options and extensive retirement plans in this range.

CEO salaries may be as high as $15 million per year at higher levels.

Featured CEO Job Listing

#2 – Investment Banker

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Investment bankers are experts in financial markets, trading, and the stock market.

As one of the most sought-after jobs on Wall Street at present, investment banking positions usually have a six-figure salary attached to them with good benefits like health care and paid vacation days.

It’s not unusual for an investment banker to earn upwards of $500k per year.

In addition to a large salary, investment banker jobs usually come with attractive perks such as using the company’s car or membership in exclusive clubs like golf courses and country clubs.

Senior jobs also often have stock options that make them even more lucrative for someone planning on being in their position for a while.

Investment bankers are in charge of issuing stocks and bonds and suggesting which companies should be bought or sold to help increase the value of investors’ portfolios.

You need to have excellent analytical skills to understand complex financial markets and business practices to work a job like this.

The job also requires good communication skills as teams typically do, so you need to communicate well with your team members.

This job can require up to 80 hours per week and constant travel.

If you want a job that pays $500k a year, this is one of the best options for doing just that.

Featured Investment Banker Job Listing

#3 – Corporate Lawyer

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If you have a law degree and want to make over $500k per year in your job, corporate law might be the best career option for you.

Corporate lawyers are responsible for dealing with contracts, mergers, or acquisitions of businesses and drafting documents that will help companies avoid liability.

In general, corporate lawyers earn about $150-200 an hour on average.

The good news is that if they work 50 hours per week, this will equate to making at least $500K each year before taxes!

Most jobs offer excellent benefits such as health care plans and paid vacation days, which quickly add up.

One of the most popular jobs in corporate law is to work as an attorney at one of America’s top investment banks like Goldman Sachs or Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

This job is perfect for someone who likes to be around people all day long.

If you’re looking for a job that pays $500k annually, this may be just the thing for you.

Featured Corporate Lawyer Job Listing

#4 – Real Estate Developer

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The job of a real estate developer includes creating new neighborhoods and communities and finding the perfect spot for commercial development.

Jobs in this industry can pay around $300k to start, with top-tier developers earning about $500K annually.

One drawback is that because jobs are often project-based, there may be a period where there isn’t enough work.

This may mean you only make $500k during 12 months, and then the next year might have much more money coming in due to your success with previous projects.

The industry is tight-knit, so it’s hard for newcomers to break into this lucrative career path without working for someone first.

To be successful, it’s crucial to understand the housing market and developing trends in their area and be able to think critically about what types of homes are best suited for a particular location.

Suppose you’re looking for one job that pays $500k annually and will offer a steady income from year to year. In that case, this is not necessarily the best option.

Featured Real Estate Developer Job Listing

#5 – Company Founder

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If you’re a natural-born entrepreneur, there’s no better time to start your own company.

The good news is that it can be done on the side while still working another job!

To do this successfully, make sure to research what type of business will succeed in your area and has an untapped market.

It’s also essential to understand the costs for your business and set a realistic budget.

While you may not be making $500k in revenue yet, it can happen with hard work, determination, and passion!

To do well as a company founder, you need to excel at sales and marketing skills while also being a great public speaker.

This is because you’ll be pitching your business to potential investors and customers alike!

And even if this company doesn’t make $500k annually, it could still become something massive in the future.

A few common types of businesses that founders start are clothing lines or mobile apps.

If you want to make $500k annually, this is a possibility!

Click here to find jobs that are paying $500k a year in your area.

#6 – Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic surgeons are experts in all aspects of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

The job is typically demanding, as doctors need to be on call for emergencies at any time.

It’s also a high-stress career due to the pressure they feel from patients who may not understand exactly what their doctor does or how much it costs.

This career is perfect for someone who can handle the high-pressure environment of being a plastic surgeon and enjoys helping people.

The average salary ranges between $100k-$150k annually.

For those who are successful, though, it’s possible to make well over $500K a year!

Many aspects do make this a demanding job, including long hours and the on-call nature.

If you’re looking for one career that pays $500k annually but doesn’t require too much of your time each day, this may not be it.

The downside to being a plastic surgeon is the challenging environment, which can toll some doctors.

Featured Plastic Surgeon Job Listing

#7 – Oncologist

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Oncologists are doctors who specialize in cancer treatments.

The job of an oncologist includes diagnosing and treating people with tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or any other type of cancerous growth.

They also may be involved in preventing or monitoring cancers before they start to grow.

One of the benefits of being an oncologist is that it’s a satisfying job. They make a difference in patients’ lives by helping them overcome their illness and live cancer-free for as long as possible.

However, it can be very emotionally taxing as they are constantly dealing with patients who may be terminally ill.

Recognizing the early signs of cancer and treating them in their earliest stages will yield more effective results than leaving the tumor untreated.

Their success will depend on the type of cancer they work with and how comfortable they handle these cases.

It’s essential to understand the different types of cancer and have an appreciation for human life.

Featured Oncologist Job Listing

#8 – Dermatologist

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Dermatologists specialize in the study and treatment of skin conditions, such as acne or psoriasis.

This type of doctor is responsible for diagnosing these various skin diseases and providing their patients with treatments to get rid of them.

The most common form of dermatology is cosmetic dermatology. It focuses on correcting the cosmetic effects of skin diseases.

The average salary is $150k-$350k per year, with some making well over half a million dollars annually in their position!

A downside to being a dermatologist is that it’s not a very flexible profession. The hours can be long at times.

As with any job in medicine, there are also some serious downsides to being a dermatologist.

For instance, you may have to work on people who suffer from skin diseases that cause intense physical pain. They could also come in contact with hazardous materials used for treatments.

Additionally, you may be exposed to some diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, or other viruses through open wounds that are infected.

There are many benefits of being a dermatologist. The job pays well (especially when considering factors like insurance). It is only for those who can handle these circumstances with a level head and stay focused on the task at hand.

Featured Dermatologist Job Listing

#9 – Gastroenterologist

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Gastroenterologists are doctors that specialize in the gastrointestinal system.

Their job includes diagnosing and treating the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder.

One benefit of being a gastroenterologist is that because they treat problems with the organs involved in digestion, they can help people who suffer from various conditions.

Their success will depend on the gastroenterology cases they work with and how comfortable their patients are to speak to them about these sensitive topics.

Gastroenterologists need to find humor in life because dealing with patients who suffer from serious digestive diseases is often challenging.

A downside to being a gastroenterologist is that you have to handle dealing with people in more severe health conditions than most other types of doctors. Therefore it can be emotionally tricky or taxing at times.

Featured Gastroenterologist Job Listing

#10 – Cardiologist

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A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and management of heart-related issues.

They may also specialize in perfusion, cardiovascular diseases, or cardiac arrhythmias.

They can help manage angina, congestive heart failure, and other chronic conditions.

A cardiologist typically spends their day at the hospital or clinic.

They will help diagnose heart diseases and perform treatments like inserting a pacemaker, performing surgery, or prescribing medications to help manage conditions like angina.

A cardiologist’s typical day is very similar to a general practitioner’s.

They spend their day performing diagnostic procedures, examining patients, and recommending a treatment plan.

Necessary skills for this position include listening well, speaking clearly with confidence but not too loudly or fast, moving quickly in emergencies, and having good analytical skills.

These professionals must be emotionally stable and able to deal with stressful situations calmly.

Emotional stability is crucial because they may have many patients who are feeling scared, depressed, or angry about their condition.

It’s also essential for them to read charts very accurately and make the proper diagnosis.

They must also maintain good interpersonal skills because they’ll be dealing with patients in a clinical setting.

It’s not easy becoming an expert cardiologist, but the pay is worth it!

Featured Cardiologist Job Listing

#11 – Anesthesiologist

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Anesthesiologists are medical professionals who specialize in anesthesia.

They may work with surgeons, nurses, or other anesthesiologists to ensure that patients will be comfortable during and after surgery.

The first step is assessing the patient’s condition and deciding what type of anesthesia would best suit them for their operation to have a safe and comfortable experience.

After the patient is sedated, they may also monitor their vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and more.

If anything changes during surgery that could threaten the patient’s safety or result in complications later on after surgery has ended, it’s essential for them to step in and make the necessary changes.

At the end of the surgery, they may have to help with post-op care like removing chest tubes or administering pain medications.

These professionals must maintain good interpersonal skills. They will deal with many patients who feel anxious about their upcoming operation.

The skills that anesthesiologists need are similar to those of a physician – strong analytical abilities, confidence in speaking and making decisions quickly, and the ability to communicate well with patients.

Anesthesiologists also need good hand-eye coordination because they perform delicate procedures while the patient is under anesthesia.

Featured Anesthesiologist Job Listing

#12 – Senior Software Developer

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A software developer is someone who designs and creates computer programs.

These individuals are responsible for designing the logic of an application, creating its user interface, and ensuring it will run smoothly on a variety of devices.

They might also be tasked with updating or fixing bugs in existing applications to make them more functional or efficient.

Software developers are also responsible for testing the new or updated programs to ensure they’re error-free and meet specifications.

The skills these professionals need:

• Analytical skills
• Good communication abilities
• Patience with instructing others on how to use their work product
• A strong understanding of computing principles like algorithms

This position is often found in large companies or corporations.

Salaries can be anywhere from $75,000 to nearly six figures depending on the company and location.

The average salary is about $100k a year.

Senior software developer – These professionals are often tasked with more complicated and complex tasks, like developing new applications for a company or designing the logic of an application to optimize performance.

They must also have solid analytical skills to design programs that flow well and work efficiently on different devices and operating systems.

Senior software developers earn more than entry-level software developers.

If you work for a large company such as Snapchat or Facebook and are able to take on a large responsibility/team, your pay could reach the multi-six figure mark.

Featured Senior Software Developer Job Listing

#13 – Hedge Fund Manager

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Hedge fund managers may oversee the trading of stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments on behalf of their clients.

They typically work with analysts who study market trends and traders who buy and sell securities to generate profits for investors.

The hedge fund manager is responsible for determining which types of securities should be bought or sold and the quantities.

This position also requires analytical skills because they must understand complex financial transactions and make intelligent decisions quickly.

Hedge fund managers can earn around $500k a year, but this is only for those with many years of experience in these types of careers.

Featured Hedge Fund Manager Job Listing

#14 – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

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A chief financial officer oversees the company’s finances.

This means they’re responsible for directing investments, managing debt levels, and overseeing financing options.

They also have to make sure that their organization is following all the rules and regulations when it comes to money management and keeping track of any changes in laws or accounting practices that might affect the company.

CFOs are often paid handsomely for their services, and some may earn more than $500k a year in salary, depending on where they work.

This position is not one to be taken lightly because it requires many years of experience with finance-related careers and strong analytical skills.

The CFO is often considered the second-in-command of a company after the CEO.

Featured CFO Job Listing

#15 – Neurosurgeon

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A neurosurgeon is responsible for the surgical care of patients with brain disorders.

They might operate on aneurysms, tumors, or benign cysts, as well as those who have suffered a stroke or other types of trauma to the head and spine.

Some may specialize in operating only on children, while others might be experts at working on the elderly.

Neurosurgeons typically have to complete a minimum of eight years of training to meet board certification requirements.

Neurosurgeons are paid handsomely for their services. They may earn more than $500k annually depending on where they work and what surgical procedures they perform most often.

Featured Neurosurgeon Job Listing

#16 – Orthopedic Surgeon

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An orthopedic surgeon specializes in the surgical and medical care of those with disorders related to bones, joints, muscles, or tendons.

These doctors are responsible for diagnosing injuries and recommending the best course of treatment options like surgery.

They work with surgeons on a team who specialize in different body areas, such as neurosurgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, or vascular surgeons.

An orthopedic surgeon must complete a minimum of five years of training after college to specialize in this area, and board certification is also required.

Orthopedic surgeons earn an average salary that exceeds $500k annually. However, some may take significantly more because of the type of work they perform.

Featured Orthopedic Surgeon Job Listing

#17 – Real Estate Agent

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A real estate agent sells properties to buyers and assists with finding new homes for renters.

This individual typically works on a team of agents who specialize in different areas like residential or commercial property sales and rentals.

Some may work exclusively online, while others have an office that they regularly visit to meet potential customers face-to-face.

Real estate agents typically earn a commission on each sale or rental they do, so the more clients that come through, the higher their salary will be annually.

Those who have a lot of experience and high sales numbers may also receive other types of compensation, such as bonuses for meeting set goals within a specific timeframe.

This is not a position for everyone. Those willing to work long hours, travel extensively, and meet deadlines without much notice may find that this career is a great fit.

Featured Real Estate Agent Job Listing

#18 – High Ticket Salesperson

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A high ticket salesperson focuses on selling luxury goods and services.

They are responsible for developing a yearly prospect list and maintaining contact with the past people they have worked with. This is to generate new leads or respond to any requests they may receive.

These individuals must be able to present themselves confidently when meeting potential clients, plus they must negotiate on behalf of the company.

A high ticket salesperson earns an average salary of $383,000 annually, which is significantly higher than many other types of careers in this price range. However, with enough work, this career could earn you $500k+.

Working with luxury goods should not be a problem as long as you have excellent negotiation skills and a natural talent for selling things.

Featured Sales Job Listing

#19 – Investment Advisor

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An investment advisor typically advises clients regarding retirement investments.

They use their knowledge of personal financial limits and risk tolerance to inform their portfolio’s best course of action.

This individual may recommend stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other types of retirement accounts such as 401k programs.

Investment advisors usually provide a customized strategy that is based on their client’s specific needs and goals.

The more experience an investment advisor has, the higher they will be paid annually to do this work, so it can sometimes take many years before one reaches top compensation levels.

Investment advisors can earn over $500k annually in this position.

Featured Investment Advisor Job Listing

#20 – Executive Director

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An executive director is responsible for managing organizational operations in a variety of settings.

This individual typically oversees day-to-day business decisions, human resources concerns, and other responsibilities such as creating strategic plans or ensuring safety procedures are followed.

Executive directors can earn over $500k annually, depending on the size of their organization. Still, it does take a lot of experience to reach this level.

They must keep their eye on the big picture while still being aware of more minor details. They need excellent negotiation skills to work with people who report to them and those outside of the company.

The more time an executive director spends at each organization, the higher their salary will be.

Featured Executive Director Job Listing

Quiz

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How much will I pay in taxes if I make $500k a year?

As a single individual, you can expect to pay around 30% ($150k +/-) before tax deductions and credits.

Is $500k a year considered a good salary?

Yes. It is a very good salary.

What percentage of people earn $500k a year?

According to Quora, in 2011 the IRS reported that .62% of returns filed reflected an adjusted gross income of $500,000 or more.

Do I need a college degree to earn $500k a year?

Not necessarily. Some careers, such as becoming a real estate agent or a company founder don’t require a college degree.

Final Thoughts

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The cost of living is going up, but your salary is staying the same.

You’re looking for a high-paying job.

A job earning $500k a year will give you the financial stability you need for your future.

Click here to find jobs that are paying $500k a year in your area.

The article provides a list of jobs that can earn $500k+ per year.

Suppose you’re looking for a career with the potential to make over half a million dollars annually. In that case, these are some options worth exploring!