10 Jobs Paying $250,000+ in 2025: Key Insights From Research
Who will be earning the highest salaries in 2025? What careers are driving these lucrative opportunities, and where can these high-paying roles be found?
Recent research conducted by Ladders, a job platform specializing in six-figure opportunities, analyzed over half a million job postings. Their findings highlight the industries and positions where professionals can expect to earn $250,000 or more in 2025. Notably, remote work continues to grow in this category—the availability of remote positions offering $250,000+ salaries increased by 18% last quarter. Additionally, one in ten high-paying roles is now offered remotely, signaling a positive trend for professionals seeking flexible work arrangements.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs for 2025
Below are the top roles offering salaries of $250,000 or more, spanning both remote and in-person opportunities:
1. Physician Physicians are consistently among the highest earners, with opportunities to work in-person or remotely. Roles in telemedicine are increasingly common, enabling physicians to provide consultations, diagnoses, and medical advice via video communication platforms. This trend benefits both professionals and patients, particularly those who face challenges accessing healthcare facilities.
Average Salary Range: $171,285 - $282,496
2. Solar Sales Representative As the world pivots toward green energy solutions, solar sales representatives play a critical role in driving this shift. They engage customers through cold-calling, provide technical insights, and demonstrate solar-related equipment. While primarily an in-person role, hybrid setups are emerging in this sector.
Average Salary Range: $90,510 - $121,504
3. Medical Director Medical directors oversee healthcare facilities, ensuring optimal care delivery and efficient operations. This leadership role can often be performed remotely, combining administrative expertise with clinical oversight.
Average Salary Range: $302,490 - $363,214
4. Dentist Dentists remain in high demand, playing a crucial role in maintaining oral health within communities. They diagnose and treat dental conditions while promoting best practices in dental hygiene.
Average Salary Range: $175,292 - $220,861
5. Psychiatrist Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including substance abuse. They work across various settings such as hospitals, private practices, military organizations, and community mental health teams.
Average Salary Range: $242,206 - $296,048
6. Principal Software Engineer Tech remains a dominant industry for high-paying jobs. Principal software engineers lead the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC), overseeing architecture design, coding, and the mentorship of junior developers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% growth in this role through 2033, well above average.
Average Salary Range: $119,335 - $142,721 (higher in specific regions)
7. Outside Sales Representative This role thrives on face-to-face client interactions, whether at business locations, homes, or industry events. Fully remote opportunities are rare, but professionals seeking virtual sales work can explore inside sales roles.
Average Salary Range: $90,833 - $122,099 (commissions and bonuses can significantly increase earnings)
8. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) CFOs are critical to a company’s financial health and strategy, managing accounting, financial reporting, and major corporate moves like mergers. The finance sector continues to offer increasing opportunities for remote CFO roles.
Average Salary Range: $338,470 - $579,175
9. Veterinary Radiologist Specializing in diagnostic imaging for animals, veterinary radiologists play a key role in accurate diagnosis and treatment. This highly specialized field offers significant earning potential.
Average Salary Range: $160,000 - $287,000
10. Endodontist Endodontists are specialized dental professionals focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of tooth pain and dental pulp issues. They perform advanced procedures, including root canal treatments, and are highly sought after due to their niche expertise.
Average Salary Range: $177,156 - $223,078
Key Takeaways for High-Earning Careers
Based on the research, jobs in healthcare, technology, and sales dominate the list of highest-paying careers for 2025. These roles offer both career stability and fulfilling opportunities, with many accommodating remote work options. If you’re aiming for a high-income position, focusing on these industries can provide the best long-term prospects.