It is challenging to choose a career path for any aspirant. These days, there are so many career paths available, some listed under the keyword highest paying jobs in the world, while others promise skyrocketing growth trajectories. All of these factors can make choosing a career path very challenging for students and even professionals.
Every individual considers the following factors when choosing a career:
- Is it personally and professionally rewarding to me?
- Is it exciting, and can I grow in this field?
- And lastly, does it pay well?
All three factors have varying significance to different people, but the pay factor holds the greatest significance to the majority. And why shouldn’t it? What person wouldn’t want to work in a well-established organization, earn a six-figure salary, and live a life of luxury and security? The quest for the highest-paying jobs in the world is what most of us are after.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Having said that, it is certainly not easy to have a job listed among the highest jobs in India without it being accompanied by elevated stress levels, increased time commitments, and cutthroat competitions. Not everyone is suited to work in such an environment.
No matter the consequences, it cannot be denied that the rewards of high-paying jobs are worth the struggle, and so we have curated a list of the top 8 highest paying jobs in the world today.
Therefore, if you’re looking for insight and inspiration, keeping your options open after school, or considering changing careers, you’ve come to the right place.
In order to make the reading experience of this article more convenient, the article has been split up into multiple pages. At the end of each page, you will see a “next” button which will take you to the next page. Enjoy your reading!
8. Data Scientist
Companies have a lot of disparate data that they cannot make sense of. This data can be used to get valuable insights, and data scientists help to do exactly that. Data scientists gather large amounts of structured and unstructured data and analyze them to develop valuable insights and patterns. By extrapolating and sharing these insights, data scientists help companies to solve difficult problems. They combine computer science, modeling, statistics, analytics, and math skills to uncover the answers to some major questions that can help organizations make decisions.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Salary potential:
- ₹822,895 (India)
- $119,435 (US)
- £60,000 (UK)
- C$109,802 (Canada)
Data scientists also have to use visual presentation techniques to make other people understand the trends and data, so they need to have presentation skills also. There is no specific industry for data scientists as they are in demand across the length and breadth of the industry. Data scientists are needed everywhere from retail to healthcare, media & entertainment to transportation, education to BFSI.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
How to Become a Data Scientist?
To become a data scientist, there is no specific qualification. One can earn a bachelor’s degree in any field, although Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering fields are preferred. After completing a bachelor’s, the person can do a master’s in data science from a good institute to land a well-off job.
Skills needed to become a data scientist are:
- Statistical Knowledge and Analysis
- Machine learning and Programming
- Analytical and Critical thinking
- Inquisitiveness
- Interpersonal skills
- Data storytelling
7. Investment Banker
Investment bankers are financial advisors to corporations or even governments. They have the responsibility of helping companies and other such entities to raise money for expansion and improvement. They are also needed to manage a company’s initial public offering (IPO) for a company preparing to go public. Furthermore, they might also be required to prepare a bond offering, negotiate a merger or acquisition of a rival company, or arrange a private placement of bonds. Investment bankers tend to flourish if their clients are doing well as well as the market.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Salary potential:
- ₹1,000,000 (India)
- $115,465 (US)
- £90,000 (UK)
- C$180,000 (Canada)
How to become an Investment Banker?
To become an investment banker, one must earn a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or marketing. Earning an MBA or CFA or even an advanced degree in maths can vastly improve a person’s chances of getting a job as an investment banker. Additionally, they must do an internship with a reputed firm or bank as an investment banker who would improve the chances of landing a job and help get clients.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Skills needed to become an investment banker are:
- Arranging finances
- Equity financing
- Negotiation of mergers and acquisitions
- Networking and Communication skills
- Time management
- Impeccable qualitative and quantitative skills
6. Senior Software Engineer
A senior software engineer has many different responsibilities in a company. They range from testing and documenting software for client applications, guiding junior engineers, and translating business requirements into technical specifications. They also have to manage project priorities and timelines. Software engineers work in almost all sectors today because of the influx of technology across all the fields of modern industry. Be it retail, healthcare, research and development, business, IT/ITES, government agencies, defense (army, navy, airforce), insurance, banking, or finance; every industry has an opening and requirement for software engineers.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Salary potential:
- ₹956,945 (India)
- $119,126 (US)
- £99,000 (UK)
- C$248,000 (Canada)
How to become a Senior Software Engineer?
To become a senior software engineer, one must earn a degree in computer science, engineering, and/or web development. You can also pursue a master’s degree in the before mentioned fields to earn higher pay and climb up the organizational ladder faster. Suppose you wish to pursue some of the trending technologies. In that case, you can choose to do certification courses in data science, machine learning, business analytics, and blockchain to advance your learning and better career opportunities.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Skills needed to become a senior software engineer are:
- Programming and debugging
- Logical thinking and problem solving
- Communication skills
- Teamwork and coordination
Software engineers usually have to work for 40 hours a week, excluding overtime. Due to the challenging nature of the job and the high requirement of software engineers, the high salary is more than justified.
5. Air Traffic Controller
A qualified, FAA air traffic controller has an average salary of $138,871. Now, it does vary based on location. Naturally, larger airports with more inbound and outbound flights require more attention, which in turn increases the average salary. Those just starting off in the field can expect a salary of around $51,000 while that can boost up to nearly $200,000. It is a very stressful job and hundreds of thousands of lives are in the hands of these people every single day. Of all the professionals on this list, more lives are dependent on a quality air traffic controller than anyone else.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Salary potential:
- $125,000 (US)
- £91,971.95 (UK)
- C$159,890 (Canada)
How to become anAir Traffic Controller?
There are several paths to becoming an air traffic controller. Candidates typically need an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program. Other applicants must have 3 years of progressively responsible work experience, have completed 4 years of college, or have a combination of both. One must also be a U.S. citizen, submit to medical and background checks, and take exams and courses at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Skills required to become an Air Traffic Controller?
Air traffic controllers must have the following:
- strong eyesight and colour vision
- the ability to concentrate for extended periods of time
- problem-solving skills
- spatial awareness and good coordination
- excellent communication and teamworking skills
- the ability to work quickly, accurately, calmly and decisively under pressure
- motivation and self-discipline
- an aptitude for working with technology
- flexibility with regards to the locations you’d be willing to work.
Air traffic controllers are responsible for directing the safe movement of aircraft arriving and departing from airports and along major air routes.
4. Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat the various diseases and ailments that affect the human body’s internal organs. Physicians can be categorized into two different categories: general practitioners and specialist physicians. General practitioners are the points of contact for people normally. They have wide knowledge on different topics and devise a treatment plan for you. In case of ailments they do not recognize or which require special attention, they might refer you to specialist physicians. These doctors can specialize in various areas, like cardiology, sports medicine, infectious disease, geriatrics, and many more. Specialist physicians have extensive knowledge in the area they specialize in.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Salary potential:
- ₹1,198,158 (India)
- $227,000 (US)
- £102,000 (UK)
- C$252,000 (Canada)
How to become a Physician?
To become a general practitioner, one must earn a medical degree and complete residency or internship for a few years to be able to work independently. If the general practitioner decides to specialize in one particular field, they must pursue specialization and additional training.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Skills required to become a physician are:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to details
- Communication skills
- Resilience
- Teamwork
It is a long road to become a successful physician, but it is definitely a rewarding one.
3. Chief Executive Officer
A Chief Executive Officer is the highest executive position in a company and also the most paid. CEOs are responsible for determining and handling the company’s corporate affairs, making crucial corporate decisions, managing resources, and supervising all managerial operations like coordinating, planning, and directing the activities at the highest level. CEO is also the company’s face and is chosen by the company’s board of directors and shareholders.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Salary potential:
- ₹2,952,883 (India)
- $310,000 (US)
- £176,000 (UK)
- C$259,000 (Canada)
CEOs are responsible for directing the growth of the company. They set the tone, vision, and culture of a company, be it big or small.
How to become a CEO?
The CEO of a company is a figurehead and is required to have in-depth knowledge of business such as taxation, accounting, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior and structure. A Bachelors’s degree followed by a Master’s degree is a bare minimum requirement to add value as a leader of a firm, legal knowledge is a vital addition to the knowledge list for this position. Further, since it is a C-suite job, companies look for a CEO who has the significant industry experience and degrees in the company’s field.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Skills required to become a successful CEO are:
- Leadership
- Management
- Decision-Making skills
- Communication skills
- Diverse skillset
- Teamwork and organizational skills
Being a CEO is challenging and time-consuming, and the company’s field they endeavor. So be prepared to put in the hours if you plan to pursue this field.
2. Surgeon
Surgeons are highly regarded medical professionals who are required to perform advanced procedures on patients. Surgeons have to go through years of education and on-the-job training to be able to operate on patients independently. Surgeons can divide their workings into two parts; office hours and operative hours. During office hours, they meet with patients, figure out the best treatment option for the patient, and discuss the patient and staff procedure.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Salary potential:
- ₹2,800,000 (India)
- $216,248 (US)
- £120,000 (UK)
- C$180,000 (Canada)
- ₹2,800,000 (India)
They also need to check in on the patients post-operation. During operative hours, surgeons need to stand long hours in the operating room, work extended shifts without losing focus. Being a surgeon is not a career for the faint-hearted because of the extremely demanding nature of this job.
There are many different types of surgeons, depending upon the field and their specialization.
Some of the common specialty areas are:
- Pediatrics: Medical treatment involving children
- Neurological: Surgery involving the brain
- Oral: Surgery involving the mouth
- Reconstructive: Surgery that involves repairing broken parts of the body
- Cardiothoracic: Surgery involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, and chest
- Urology: Surgery involving the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
How to become a surgeon?
To become a surgeon, one must earn a medical degree and license. They also need to specialize in the field that they want to become a surgeon in. Further, you need to complete a residency or internship for a few years and work under a skilled surgeon. To complete all these stages, typically, it takes 10-12 years.
Skills needed to become a successful surgeon are:
- Attention to detail
- Stress Management
- Time Management
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Organization
Being a surgeon can be challenging but also very rewarding, as you are saving people’s lives.
1. Anaesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are trained physicians who have special training in preoperative care. They play a very important role within a surgical procedure, as they must ensure that the patient receives the correct type and correct dosage of anesthesia while under the scalpel. Not just this, they have to monitor the patient’s vitals during the procedure and ensure that they are unconscious while in surgery. They also have the responsibility of assisting a patient’s recovery by monitoring their pain medication.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Salary potential
- ₹1,217,872 (India)
- $326,296 (US)
- £192,000 (UK)
- C$408,000 (Canada)
How to become an anaesthesiologist?
To become an anesthesiologist, one requires a commitment of both and resources. First, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree in a field like pre-medicine, biology, or chemistry. Then you can apply to medical school and earn a medical degree and a license. But before being able to work independently, you must complete residency and work under experienced anesthesiologists to learn skills and observe. It is a long and exhaustive process and usually requires up to 12 to 13 years of medical training.
[adace-ad id=”6906″]
Skills needed to be an in-demand anaesthesiologist are:
- Critical Thinking
- Stress Management
- Focus
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
