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If you want to enjoy a lifetime of a big salary, go to medical school. Getting that M.D. after your name pretty much ensures a paycheck in excess of $200,000 annually. Using monthly salary and employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from nearly 1.2 million businesses, Forbescalculated the annual wages for all occupations. The best-paying job in the U.S. is held by anesthesiologists, who make, on average, $234,950. At the other end of the spectrum is the worst-paying job: fast-food cooks, who make, on average, $18,720.
The top five highest-paying jobs in the U.S. and the average annual salary:
- Anesthesiologist: $234,950
- Surgeon: $231,550
- OB/GYN: $218,610
- Oral surgeon: $217,380
- Orthodontist: $204,670
The top five lowest-paying jobs in the U.S. and the average annual pay:
- Fast-food cook: $18,720
- Food-preparation/server: $18,790
- Dish washer: $18,840
- Shampooer: $19,130
- Cafeteria, food concession and coffee shop counter attendant: $19,450
