Among the highest-paying jobs globally are also some of the most dangerous. Although many high-paying jobs involve sitting behind a desk, only specific careers take workers off the beaten path and into potentially hazardous situations. Here is a list of the 8 highest paying jobs in the World.
1) Airline Pilot
Starting Salary (Annual): $73,060 - $153,539
Ending Salary (Annual): $97,420 - $188,638
Education Level: Bachelor's degree or an associate's degree coupled with on-the-job training or work experience
What they do: Perform preflight inspections; file flight plans; communicate with air traffic controllers; navigate using computerized flight plans; control the cabin environment (e.g., cabin pressure, temperature, oxygen levels); monitor and operate instruments on the aircraft; communicate with other airplanes or air traffic control towers; act as liaisons between crew members and passengers; act in an emergency situation to assist passengers.
All pilots must have a current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license. Most commercial airline pilots start out earning less than $20,000 per year while undergoing rigorous training for their FAA licenses. After receiving licenses, most commercial airline pilots earn about $73,060 per year starting out. Some airlines offer signing bonuses worth several thousand dollars to new pilots who agree to fly for them exclusively for a set number of years. Salaries can be much higher for pilots with extensive experience and those who fly international routes.
2) Dentist
Starting Salary (Annual): $68,175 - $158,400
Ending Salary (Annual): $103,680 - $216,471
Education Level: Doctoral degree (typically a Ph.D. or DDS)
What they do: Examine patients' teeth and surrounding tissues to diagnose diseases; treat diseases through either preventative or restorative means; administer anesthesia; provide patients with prescriptions for medication or treatment plans
Education required: Doctoral degree (typically a Ph.D. or DDS); interns must graduate from an accredited dental school then pass licensing exams
Experience required: 4 years
Licensure required: Dentists must be licensed in the states where they practice; many states require dentists to pass the American Dental Association exams.
3) Economist
Starting Salary (Annual): $61,693 - $141,268
Ending Salary (Annual): $98,798 - $184,022
Experience Level: Bachelor's degree
They study economic trends and data to advise businesses or government agencies.
Education required: Bachelor's degree
Experience required: 0-2 years
Licensure required: No specific licensing requirements are set by state law for economists. However, most employers prefer candidates who have passed the Series 63 exam for investment advisers. This exam requires a minimum of two years' work experience in financial investments.
4) Geologist
Starting Salary (Annual): $60,908 - $140,184
Ending Salary (Annual): $93,582 - $174,718
Education Level: Bachelor's degree
What they do: Study the composition and structure of Earth by examining surface features such as mountains and fossils; investigate ways to use rocks for industrial or recreational purposes.
Education required: Bachelor's degree.
Experience required: 0-2 years.
Licensure required: No specific licensing requirements are set by state law for geologists. However, some states require geologists to pass exams administered by the American Institute of Professional Geologists or the American Association of State Boards of Geologists.
5) Lawyer
Starting Salary (Annual): $59,009 - $139,560
Ending Salary (Annual): $143,452 - $251,543
Education Level: J.D.; L.L.B.; B.A./LL.B.; LL.M., etc.)
What they do: Analyze legal documents; represent clients in court; advise clients on issues such as business transactions or investments.
Education required: Junior college degree plus four years at an accredited law school.
Experience required: 0-2 years.
Licensure required: To practice law in any state, individuals must pass the bar exam for that state. In addition, some states have additional licensing requirements.
6) Police officer
Starting Salary (Annual): $44,164 - $104,623
Ending Salary (Annual): $76,706 - $152,589
Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
What they do: Enforce laws by patrolling assigned areas; apprehending lawbreakers; detaining suspects until the arrival of the police or other authorities
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience required: 0-2 years
Licensure required: Depending on state law, officers must pass written and performance tests and background investigations. They must also receive firearms training at a certified academy and pass a medical exam.
7) Real estate agent
Starting Salary (Annual): $38,071 - $88,826
Ending Salary (Annual): $69,037 - $133,785
Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
What they do: Sell or lease homes or other real estates for clients; market properties to buyers and tenants; negotiate prices and legal contracts
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience required: 0-2 years
Licensure required: No specific licensing requirements are set by state law for real estate agents. However, most states require applicants to pass a written exam and fulfill other licensing requirements before receiving their license.
8) Software engineer
Starting Salary (Annual): $62,500 $140,000
Ending Salary (Annual): $100,00 to $250,000
Education Level: Bachelor's degree
What they do: Design and test operating systems-level software for high-tech computers and consumer electronics
Education required: Bachelor's degree
Experience required: 0 - 2 years
Licensure required: No specific licensing requirements are set by state law for software engineers. However, most employers prefer candidates who have passed the Professional Engineering exam administered by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors or hold a Certified Computer Software Engineer (CSCE) designation from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
