Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in New York 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Nothing compares to the city that never sleeps. Living in New York gives you access to endless entertainment and tourist spots, world-class dining options, plenty of job opportunities, and salaries higher than the national average.

But, of course, all these benefits come with one significant downside—a high cost of living, which is 78% above the US average.

There’s no doubt that living in a city like New York is expensive, so salary is an important consideration in the finance and legal capital of the world.

With that said, let’s take a look at the list of the highest-paying jobs in New York City below, so keep reading.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in New York 2024 (Inc Salaries)

1. Chief Executive Officer

A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking management executive in the company, and his primary responsibility is to oversee and guide the organization toward achieving its strategic goals.

Some of his key tasks include serving as the business’ public face, leading the company’s C-level management officers, setting the revenue goals and budget, managing the company’s resources, and developing the organization’s long-term goals, culture, and strategy.

Lastly, he also serves as the communication channel between the board of directors, the company's upper management officers, and operational staff.

Fun Fact: New York is considered one of the top-paying states for Chief Executives.

Educational Requirements

The first step to becoming a CEO is a bachelor's degree in business or a related field like marketing and finance.

Additionally, you'd also need an advanced business degree, like a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with your choice of specialization. Some of your best options include human resources, marketing, accounting, or project management.

Obtaining additional certifications is highly recommended for specialized industries like healthcare, finance, international business, or law.

The most important credential is at least 5 to 10 years of on-the-job experience in your chosen industry.

Job Outlook

There are currently 4,910 available CEO positions in NY, and the overall demand in the US is expected to increase by 3% until 2032.

Average Salary Information

According to Glassdoor, the annual average salary of a CEO in New York is around USD 515, 700 along with cash bonuses and profit sharing worth $291,400.

With these figures, it’s also one of the highest-paying jobs in the US.

2. Physician

A physician is a medical and healthcare professional licensed to diagnose and treat patients with acute, chronic, and emergency health issues.

Their specific job duties may vary depending on the specialization. Still, their core tasks include formulating treatment plans, prescribing medications, performing diagnostic examinations, and educating patients about diet, treatments, and preventative care.

Educational Requirements

The pathway to becoming a doctor is long and may take years. To qualify for this role, you need to:

• Earn a Bachelor’s degree in biology or other related sciences,

• Complete a Medical degree,

• Obtain State licensure by passing the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE),

• Complete a residency program and Medical Fellowship Program based on your chosen specialization (i.e., fellowship in cardiology, dermatology, etc.)

Job Outlook

There are currently 14,700 medical positions in NY, making it the 5^th state with the highest employment level for this role.

The overall US job employment physicians is predicted to increase by 3%. This means there will be 24, 200 yearly job openings in the medical industry in the next few years.

Average Salary Information

Below is the national median annual salary information for the highest-paying medical jobs in NY:

• Cardiologists: $389,000

• Anesthesiologists: $363,900

• Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $265,600

• Internal Medicine Physicians: $255,700

• Family Medicine Physicians: $221,700

3. Dentist

Dentists specialize in delivering oral health services and dental care treatments focusing on gum and teeth.

They diagnose, treat, and work directly with patients to provide gum and teeth treatments, including dental implants, veneers, dentures, fillings and restorations, tooth extraction, root canals, and many more.

They also provide preventative oral healthcare services like teeth whitening, cleaning, polishing, and regular checkups.

Educational Requirements

It takes years of studying to become a dentist. The pathway includes an undergraduate course in biology, chemistry, and biology, a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, and a residency program.

On top of these, you also need to pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), obtain industry-specific certifications, and earn state licensure.

Job Outlook

There are currently 6,530 dentist positions in New York, making it the 4^th state with the highest level of employment in this position.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the demand for dentists in the US is expected to increase by 4%, equivalent to 5,100 new job openings by 2032.

Average Salary Information

Dentists in NY earn an annual mean wage of $240,100 per year. They may also receive annual cash bonuses amounting to $47,000.

4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

With their combined knowledge of medical practice and dental surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialized dental surgeons who perform surgery on patients with medical issues concerning the mouth, neck, and facial bones.

They perform different types of surgery, which include removal of impacted, unrestorable, and damaged teeth, TMJ disorders, jaw realignment surgeries, cleft lip and palate surgery, sleep apnea correction, facial reconstructive surgery, and many more.

Educational Requirements

The road to becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon takes about 10 to 14 years, and the process includes an undergraduate degree in sciences, dental school, residency training, and a medical degree.

In addition to that, you also need to obtain state licensure and relevant certifications.

Job Outlook

New York has 520 oral surgeon positions, the second-highest employment level among all states.

BLS categorizes this role under physicians and surgeons and this industry is expected to grow by 3% in the next few years. This means the sector will produce up to 24, 200 annual job openings until 2032.

Average Salary Information

Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons receive an annual median wage of $232,100 with an average additional pay of $23,100.

5. Engineering Manager

Engineering managers direct, coordinate, and plan the technical activities and performance of the company’s team of engineers.

With that said, they play many roles in the organization, which include the research and development of new products and prototypes, hiring and supervising engineering staff, project planning, execution, and monitoring, as well as proposing and managing the department’s budget.

Educational Requirements

You need a bachelor's degree in engineering and a state license to enter this industry.

On the other hand, you need to obtain a master’s degree in engineering management (MSEM), business administration (MBA), and technology management (MSTM) to qualify for the management or supervisory position.

Job Outlook

In the US, the demand for engineering managers will grow by 4%, which means this industry will generate up to 13,600 job openings yearly until 2032.

Average Salary Information

The median wage for engineering managers is $213,100 every year. This role may also receive an estimated additional pay of $45,900.

6. Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical tools to calculate the financial cost and identify the probability of risk and uncertainty. Using the collected data, they help businesses explore and determine the right strategies to minimize their risk and maximize profits.

Educational Requirements

Actuaries must have a strong background in mathematics, business, and statistics, so a bachelor’s degree in any of these areas is highly recommended.

After that, you need to get certified, and you can choose from two options: the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) certification for the property and casualty field and the Society of Actuaries (SOA) certification for the insurance, benefits, and finance industry.

Job Outlook

New York currently has 2,580 actuary positions, making it the second state with the highest employment level for this role.

The employment for actuaries in the US will have an average growth rate of 23%. This equals 2,300 new job openings every year until 2032.

Average Salary Information

According to Glassdoor, actuaries make an average annual salary of $232,000 with a chance to earn a median additional pay of $78,200.

7. Financial Advisor

A financial advisor is skilled, trained, and authorized to help clients decide how to handle their finances, including investments, budgets, savings, and tax strategies. Depending on the agreement, he can also manage your finances on your behalf.

Job duties include assessing the client’s current financial situation to determine the areas for improvement and formulating a financial plan accordingly.

Educational Requirements

A business, accounting, and finance bachelor's degree can help you land entry-level financial planner positions.

To transition into the financial advisor role, it’s recommended that you register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and obtain your state license.

Additionally, it's also vital that you earn a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential, which you can apply for after three years of relevant work experience and pass the CFP test.

Lastly, completing an MBA can pave the way for higher salaries and better career advancement opportunities.

Job Outlook

There are currently 26,800 positions in NY, making it one of the states offering the highest employment levels for financial advisors.

The need for financial advisors in the US will grow by 13%, equivalent to 25,600 annual job openings until 2032.

Average Salary Information

In NY, the average annual salary for financial advisors is $175,300 along with an opportunity to earn a median additional pay of $72,900.

8. Lawyer

Lawyers are skilled, trained, and licensed to perform two duties: to uphold the law and protect their client's rights at the same time.

To perform this duty, they represent individuals, groups, or organizations (either to prosecute or defend) during legal proceedings and disputes. They may also provide legal advice and recommendations for legal concerns that don’t require court action.

Educational Requirements

First, you need to earn a bachelor's degree, preferably in political science, business, philosophy, or history.

Next, you need to pass the LSAT to qualify for law school. After law school, you must pass more examinations, including the Multistate Professionals Responsibility Exam (MPRE) and the NY State Bar Exam, to get your license.

An online MBA program can also help you build the business skills you need to establish your practice or firm.

Job Outlook

With around 86,230 positions, New York offers the highest employment level for lawyers.

The overall demand for lawyers in the US will grow by 8% until 2032. This means the industry will generate about 39,100 annual job openings in the next few years.

Average Salary Information

In NY, lawyers are paid about $171,000 annually, with an estimated additional pay of $24,100.

9. Magistrate Judge

Magistrate judges are lower-level judges who preside over minor legal cases like small claims, petty thefts, and traffic violations. They have the authority to issue summons, search, and arrest warrants for these cases.

Educational Requirements

The essential requirement to becoming a Magistrate Judge is a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which takes about seven years and may include a 4-year bachelor's degree, preferably in political science, economics, or business administration, and a 3-year law school program.

You also need to obtain a license to practice law (by passing the bar exam) and earn years of experience working as a lawyer.

Job Outlook

With about 3,130 available positions, New York has the highest employment level for Magistrate judges among all the states.

The US's need for judges and hearing officers is expected to grow by 2%. This fast-as-the-average growth rate will generate about 1,700 job openings yearly until 2032.

Average Salary Information

Magistrate Judges earn an annual median wage of $164,100 with an estimated additional pay of $18,800.

10. Data Scientist

Data scientists are relatively new key players in the business industry, and their main goal is to analyze and interpret data to gain valuable insights and develop solutions that can address the company’s unique needs and concerns.

Their roles and responsibilities include collecting pre-processed data, interpreting data to determine trends in consumer behavior, patterns, and trends, presenting the results using easy-to-understand visuals and reports, and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.

Educational Requirements

The best way to start your data science career is to obtain a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or data science.

Learning relevant programming languages such as SQL, R, SAS, and Python is also a good idea. You also need to familiarize yourself with using different tools like Machine Learning, Big Data, Data Visualization, and many more.

You must also earn skill-specific certifications like the Power BI Certification Course and Tableau Certification Training Course.

An online MBA program will equip you with the management skills needed for higher-paying leadership roles.

Job Outlook

With about 14,760 data science positions, New York is one of the states with the highest level of employment for this position.

On top of that, the overall demand for this profession in the US is projected to increase by 35% or an equivalent of 17,700 annual job openings until 2032.

Average Salary Information

Data scientists working in NY make an average annual salary of $156,800 with potential yearly cash bonuses of $29,800.

Other types of occupations that offer the highest salaries in New York are:

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): $148,300

• Software Engineers: $146,300

• Financial Managers: $144,300

• Sales Managers: $143,800

• Computer and Information Systems Managers: $130,300

• Petroleum Engineers: $125,300

• Computer Hardware Engineers: $96,700

Conclusion

To qualify for NYC jobs that pay well, you must show prospective employers your dedication to professional growth and unparalleled commitment to excellence, and there's no better way to do this than having a BBA and MBA degree.

These advanced business courses will open up many career advancement options, allowing you to secure the best-paying jobs in the Empire State.

If you're excited to start your NYC career, check out Nexford. This American university offers globally recognized online BBA and MBA programs designed to provide professionals with the skills they need to develop and achieve their career goals wherever they are.

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job in New York City in 2024?

With an annual median wage of $515,700, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be the highest-paying job in NYC.

On top of the basic pay, the role may also come with an estimated yearly cash bonus of $290, 700.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which New York jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

Among all the highest-paying jobs in New York State, Data scientists and actuaries would have the highest growth rates - 35% and 23%, respectively.

What is the best career path in New York in 2024?

Due to their high demand and attractive salaries, the best industries to enter in NY are technology, finance and investment, and healthcare.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying New York jobs?

To qualify for the best-paid work in New York City, you need top-tier skills, including management and leadership skills, time management, and communication and interpersonal skills.

On top of these, you also need to develop extensive industry-specific technical skills and knowledge.

Download Our Free Report now to know if you have what it takes to survive and thrive in the highly competitive NYC market!

What qualifications are required for high-paying New York jobs?

To increase your chances of landing any of these jobs, a master's degree in your chosen field and years of relevant work experience are necessary.

An online MBA program is recommended for management and supervisory roles or if you wish to put up your own practice.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial for earning a high-paying job in NYC?

New York is a financial and business hub, so a BBA or MBA degree is highly recommended to stand out.

With this degree in your resume, you can increase your employment and promotion chances because it demonstrates your versatile and diversified skillset, extensive business knowledge, and excellent leadership and management skills. All of these are necessary for high-paying jobs in New York.