These High-Paying Jobs Only Hire Those With Doctoral Degrees
When someone says they're a doctor, we automatically assume they mean a medical doctor (MD), but doctoral degrees are deferred in all types of disciplines across the educational spectrum. Whether you're studying biology and chemistry with the aim of becoming a medical doctor, or are holding a master's degree and are considering a doctoral degree in your chosen arts or business field, there are some incredible high-paying job opportunities out there.
If you're considering a doctoral degree, these are careers that will require you to have one.
University Or College Professor
A university or college professor teaches students in a particular subject at a university or college. Most commonly, these professors have their doctoral degrees in their chosen subject. For example, a political science professor will most commonly have a doctorate in Political Sciences, or a subfield within political science that focuses on a very specific area of the discipline.
University and collegiate professors often earn an annual salary of $61,000.
Anthropologist
Anthropology is the study of human beings and is a broad subject ranging from biology and evolutionary science to how we organize societies, and many other aspects of human life. Anthropologists with Doctoral degrees are often hired as anthropology teachers by universities and colleges, or work for government or private institutions.
Anthropologists can earn an average salary of $61,075 per year.
University Administrator
Being a member of a university administrative staff doesn't require a doctoral degree, but many staff at universities and colleges (that aren't part of the faculty) will have a doctoral degree in a particular field—many will work at the university where they earned their doctorate.
University administrators earn an average of $72,699 per year.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors are specialists in neuromuscular pain and provide evaluation and treatment of patients suffering from temporary or permanent neuromuscular damage or disorders. Chiropractors focus their treatment of patients on the spine and nervous system. They often have a doctoral degree in chiropractic medicine, and are known as Doctor of Chiropractic, or DCs.
Chiropractors earn an average of $81,846 per year.
Psychometrician
A psychometrician is a type of psychiatric doctor that is responsible for evaluating an individual's mental abilities, skills and attitudes. Psychometricians use a variety of tools to measure mental capacities and abilities and are often employed by governments and research facilities.
Psychometricians hold a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field and earn an average salary of $65,633 per year.
Audiologist
Audiologists are specialists in ears and hearing—they can diagnose and treat hearing disorders such as tinnitus and provide ear cleanings to patients, as well as prescribe hearing aids to individuals with poor or complete loss of hearing function.
Audiologists earn an average salary of $83,343 per year.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists also work with patients with neuromuscular disorders or illnesses, but specialize in body mechanics and movements that help patients manage their pain—such as stretching and exercises. Whereas chiropractors focus on the spine and nervous system, physiotherapists focus on muscles and joints.
Physiotherapists can earn an average annual salary of $93,913.
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Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are biomedical scientists that specialize in the study of infectious diseases. They're often employed by government departments and research institutions to help prevent the spread of infectious disease, or work in-tandem with medical personnel to help create vaccines. Epidemiologists often hold a master's degree in Public Health and a doctoral degree in Epidemiology.
Epidemiologists earn an average salary of $68,837 per year.
Historian
Historians aren't just lovers of history—they're considered the foremost historical experts on their given time period of interest. Often beginning their careers with a BA in History, then an MA in History, before completing a PhD in History—the latter being a requirement to teach history at the university level or work for a government institution as a researcher.
Historians can often earn an average annual salary of $67,573 per year.
Lawyer
Lawyers that want to achieve the pinnacle of their profession will achieve a PhD in Law that allows them to enter the profession as a teacher of Law at a university or college, or practice within a law firm or open their own firm—this can be hugely advantageous as you get to pick your clients. Lawyers with PhDs have often spent years specializing in a particular type of law.
Lawyers have a national average annual salary of $93,223.
Statistician
Statisticians are highly-skilled individuals at collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to help others make decisions. Statisticians conduct research—often scientific in nature—to collect statistics that can help their clients (which can be private individuals, corporations or governmental institutions) make financial, personal or political decisions.
For their supreme research skills, statisticians are paid an average annual salary of $86,547.
Systems Engineer
System engineers work within a given field for a company or institution designing, testing and troubleshooting various systems that help the company's operations run more smoothly. Systems engineers can specialize in a wide variety of industries and their skillsets help companies increase efficiency and make informed business decisions.
Systems engineers have an average annual salary of $104,773.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians are veterinary doctors that specialize in the care and treatment of animals that have been injured or suffer from diseases. Charged with the health and wellness of our best friends, they often will focus on a specific set of animals. If you love animals, a career in veterinary medicine might be the perfect choice for you.
Veterinarians are required to have a Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine degree and can earn an average annual salary of $120,679.
Research Scientist
Research scientists dedicate their professional lives to performing scientific experiments in the medical and technological fields, often employed by private companies, governments and educational institutions. If you love researching and are scientifically-minded, consider a career as a research scientist.
Research scientists earn an average salary of $95,565 per year.
Podiatrist
Podiatrists are doctors that specialize in the lower legs and feet of humans. They offer treatments for podiatric illnesses and diseases like athlete's foot or fungal infections, but can also provide extended foot care for those with chronic conditions and work with people that have injured or broken bones or joints in their lower extremities.
Podiatrists are required to have a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and can earn an average salary of $133,808 per year.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists, otherwise known as psychiatric doctors, are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with mental health conditions. Psychiatrists often complete a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a four-year Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, followed by a four-year residency program. After that, you'll need to pass the licensing requirements to obtain your medical license.
Psychiatrists often work in hospitals or specialized institutions and can earn an average annual salary of $255,958.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are responsible for the distribution of medications to patients, consulting with patients about the medicine they're taking, and making adjustments as necessary to a patient's medication. They're also responsible for filling prescriptions ordered by doctors. Pharmacists often undertake a medical school route—earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology, followed by a master's and finally, a Doctor of Pharmacy.
Including licensing as a Pharmacist, doctoral degrees are often required to begin practicing as a Pharmacist. Pharmacists earn an average annual salary of $119,755.
Biostatistician
A biostatistician is a specialist in the field of data analysis with a biological angle—using data points gleaned from living organisms, biostatisticians use this research to help make conclusions from their research that can include: the cause of diseases, the effectiveness of a new drug and the impact of environmental changes on human health.
School Superintendent
A school superintendent is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an entire school district. Responsible for establishing the district's budgeting, staffing, infrastructure and spending, school superintendents frequently communicate with school principals about district policy changes and programs.
Becoming a school superintendent most commonly requires an extensive background in education (many years of experience) and is most commonly held by someone with a doctoral degree in Education. The average salary of a superintendent is $145,399 per year.
Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeons are responsible for diagnosing, treating, rehabilitating and preventing illnesses and diseases as they relate to a human's joints, bones, nerves, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Orthopedic surgeons are highly specialized and are Medical Doctors with a PhD in Orthopedic Surgery.
The average national salary annually for an Orthopedic Surgeon is $163,768.
Obstetrician
Obstetricians are part of the OB-GYN profession. Alongside gynecologists, obstetricians are responsible for the monitoring and treatment of patients during and after a pregnancy. Obstetricians must complete a doctoral degree in Medical Sciences with a focus in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Obstetricians earn an average annual salary of $201,487.
Neurologist
Neurologists are medical professionals responsible for the treatment of diseases and injuries that impact the brain, nervous system and spinal cord. Neurologists work in hospitals or private clinics and most commonly hold multiple degrees in neuroscience, capped off by a Medical Doctorate or a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine.
Neurologists can earn an average annual salary of $227,700.
Dentist
Dentists are oral health specialists that examine, diagnose and treat patients with oral health complications. Dentists are often experienced practitioners and Doctors of Dentistry, or Doctors of Dental Surgery, if they also perform oral surgeries.
Dentists are some of the highest-paid (and most in-demand) professions in the United States, earning an average annual salary of $223,864.
Physician
Physicians—otherwise commonly called "doctors" are medical doctors that can practice in a wide variety of specialized areas, such as family medicine or emergency departments. Most physicians provide preventative medical services and see multiple patients during the course of the day.
Physicians earn an average annual salary of $214,096.
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are MDs who focus on the treatment of illnesses and diseases that relate to the eyes. Unlike opticians that mostly focus on glasses and contact lenses, ophthalmologists can treat a wide variety of eye-related illnesses such as cataracts, retinal detachments, and other diseases.
Ophthalmologists are required to complete a Doctor of Medicine degree before they can take their residency courses. But, they're very high-earners, averaging an annual salary of $216,410 per year.
Orthodontist
Orthodontists specialize in treating dental issues that result from a misalignment of the jaws and teeth—either as a result of an injury or a natural growth of your body. Orthodontists conduct patient exams and evaluate whether braces or dentures are an appropriate course of action, or if other treatment is possible. They also work to create dentures or braces for their patients and help patients with brace fittings and problems.
Orthodontists earn an average annual salary of $294,259.
Endocrinologist
Endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of hormone conditions within the human body. Endocrinologists order tests and gather information about a patient's condition before prescribing treatment.
Endocrinologists are highly specialized Medical Doctors with a specialization in Reproductive Physiology. Endocrinologists earn an average annual salary of $247,262.
Optometrist
Unlike ophthalmologists, optometrists provide non-surgical interventions and treatments of conditions and illnesses related to the eyes. Most commonly, this can mean eye drops, eyeglasses, or contact lenses. Optometrists also perform specialized eye examinations.
Optometrists can earn an average annual salary of $145,632.
Rheumatologist
Rheumatologists are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the joints, bones and muscles in the body. This can also include diagnosing and treating autoimmune disorders that affect these parts of the anatomy.
Rheumatologists must complete medical school, an internship, a residency program in internal medicine and a fellowship in rheumatology—a total of 13 years of education! However, rheumatologists earn an average annual salary of $246,481.
Oncologist
Oncologists are medical doctors that specialize in cancer diagnoses and treatments. Oncologists typically earn their bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology before attending medical school. Then, similar to rheumatologists, oncologists must complete a fellowship and internship before they can become certified as oncologists.
The average salary of an oncologist is $251,948 per year.
Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnoses and treatment of diseases and illnesses that affect the gastrointestinal region of the human body. These can include short bowel syndrome, GERD, Crohn's disease, cancers and polyps, among many other diseases and illnesses. Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who've obtained their MD following a Bachelor of Science and attending medical school.
Gastroenterologists earn an average annual salary of $258,689 per year.
Plastic Surgeon
Plastic surgeons specialize in performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries on the human body. Things such as nose reconstructions, skin grafting and other cosmetic surgeries all fall within the purview of a plastic surgeon. They're also responsible for the aftercare of patients following their surgery.
Plastic surgeons are some of the highest-paid surgeons in the United States, earning a whopping $299,319 per year.
Pulmonologist
If you're fascinated by the function of your heart and lungs, then a future as a pulmonologist might well be your calling. Pulmonologists work with a team of other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases that affect the heart and lungs of the body.
Pulmonologists have an average annual salary of $309,305.
Neonatologist
Neonatologists are responsible for the immediate health of newborn babies, and are pediatricians who are specially trained to work with newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital. Particularly, they work with premature babies, or babies with complex medical conditions.
Neonatologists earn an average annual salary of $262,310.
Urologist
Urologists are medical doctors who specialize in illnesses and diseases related to the urinary tract, such as kidney diseases, bladder conditions, and the urethra. Urologists also specialize in providing care for the male reproductive organs.
Urologists earn an average annual salary of $265,886.
Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons are specialist surgeons that focus on the illnesses, injuries and diseases that affect the brain and spinal cord. Staging surgical interventions to save lives by operating on the brain and/or spinal cord is all part of a neurosurgeon's job.
Neurosurgeons earn an average salary of $148,376 per year.
Cardiologist
Cardiologists are specialist medical doctors that treat illnesses and diseases related to heart, lungs and the entire cardiovascular system. If you have a problem with your heart, chances are, you'll see a cardiologist. These doctors create treatment plans, prescribe medication, and can refer individuals for surgery if necessary.
Cardiologists earn an average annual salary of $243,759.
Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthetics to patients before they undergo a medical procedure or surgery that requires to be unconscious and monitoring the patient during the surgery. Anesthesiologists must obtain a medical degree and licensing prior to practicing.
Anesthesiologists earn an average annual salary of $370,454.
Vascular Surgeon
Vascular surgeons are surgical doctors that specialize in treating conditions of the veins and arteries using surgical techniques. Though they're not just active on the operating table, vascular surgical care extends from pre-op to post-op. Vascular surgeons have to complete a Bachelor of Science degree, and then attend medical school and become licensed to practice, just like all other medical doctors.
Vascular surgeons earn an average annual salary of $299,888.
