Top 10 U.S. Jobs for 2026 with Salaries Over $100,000
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1. Cardiac Medical Technologist
Topping the list is the cardiac medical technologist, with an estimated median annual salary of $133,907. This role has seen a remarkable wage growth of 34% since 2022, reflecting the increasing demand driven by chronic health conditions and an aging population.2. Truck Driver Owner-Operator
The second position is held by truck driver owner-operators, who can earn an estimated median salary of $160,000. Despite a slight decline in wage growth of 5%, the number of job postings has increased by 39% since 2022, indicating a robust demand for this role.3. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners rank third, with a median salary of $143,183. This role has experienced a 10% increase in wages since 2022, although job postings have decreased by 2%. The flexibility of remote work options is also a significant draw for this profession, with 10% of postings offering such arrangements.4. Speech Language Pathologist
With a median salary of $109,431, speech language pathologists are in fourth place. This role has seen a wage growth of 14% and a 11% increase in job postings since 2022, highlighting the growing need for specialized healthcare services.5. Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed professional counselors earn a median salary of $107,812. Despite a 17% decrease in job postings, the wage growth for this role has surged by 33%, indicating a strong demand for mental health services.6. Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The sixth position is occupied by licensed clinical social workers, who earn a median salary of $119,618. This role has seen a 20% increase in wages, although job postings have decreased by 32%, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the mental health sector.7. Physical Therapist
Physical therapists rank seventh with a median salary of $110,848. This profession has experienced stable job postings, with wage growth of 8% since 2022, underscoring the consistent demand for rehabilitation services.8. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists earn a median salary of $105,580 and have seen a 6% increase in wages. The number of job postings for this role has grown by 13%, indicating a rising need for therapeutic services.9. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists, with a median salary of $115,923, rank ninth. This role has experienced a significant wage growth of 26% and an 8% increase in job postings, reflecting the ongoing advancements in cancer treatment technologies.10. Data Scientist
Finally, data scientists round out the top ten with a median salary of $115,079. Although this role has seen a slight decline in wage growth of 3%, job postings have increased by 15%, highlighting the growing importance of data analytics in various industries.Conclusion
The job market for 2026 is expected to be heavily influenced by the healthcare sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the highest-paying roles. As the population ages and chronic health conditions become more prevalent, the demand for healthcare professionals will likely continue to rise. Additionally, the tech sector remains a strong contender for high-paying jobs, particularly in data science and related fields. Overall, these trends suggest a robust job market for skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare and technology, as employers seek to meet the evolving needs of the population.Related articles
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