As the job market stabilizes and the urgency to retain workers diminishes, many employers plan to offer smaller salary increases in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to Payscale’s 2025 Compensation Best Practices Report, the majority of surveyed companies expect to raise employees’ base pay by an average of 3.5%, slightly lower than the 3.8% average increase seen in 2024.
However, salary hikes vary across industries. Business services professionals are projected to receive the highest increases, averaging 5%. Meanwhile, workers in education and nonprofit sectors may see more modest raises, averaging around 3%.
During the coronavirus pandemic, substantial salary hikes became common as businesses scrambled to attract and retain talent. Now, with the labor market cooling, employees no longer hold as much leverage, leading to a more conservative approach to compensation.
Which Jobs Pay the Most?
With salaries becoming a key point of discussion, which careers currently offer the highest pay? Stacker recently analyzed wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated in April 2024, to rank the 50 highest-paying jobs in America. The rankings were based on mean annual wages, excluding positions that reported only hourly earnings or those categorized too broadly.
Unsurprisingly, medical professionals dominate the list, with specialized doctors and surgeons earning some of the highest salaries. Engineering roles in various fields also feature prominently, alongside managerial positions across industries. Postsecondary educators make a strong showing, reflecting the value placed on advanced expertise.
Some rankings may come as a surprise. For instance, art directors tend to earn more than financial analysts, showcasing the significant financial rewards available in creative leadership roles.
Breaking into High-Paying Fields
Stacker’s report not only ranks the top-paying jobs but also outlines the skills required and pathways to enter these lucrative careers. Whether through advanced degrees, specialized certifications, or years of experience, individuals can position themselves for financial success by targeting these professions.
As companies recalibrate compensation strategies, employees may need to focus on skill development and career growth to remain competitive in an evolving job market.
