A state-by-state table shows the highest-paying job in each state, its average annual wage, and the overall average wage for context, with several states led by highly specialized medical fields.

Nationally, the highest average wage among all occupations is $69,770, while pediatric surgeons reach about $502,050; the figures come from May 2025 BLS estimates and include tips or commissions but exclude overtime and most bonuses.

Oregon stands out with chief executives as the top-paying occupation at about $403,380 on average, though some top medical occupation figures for the state aren’t published.

The article notes that although these medical roles pay very well, they are rare and demand extensive education and specialized training.

The data come from the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, incorporating wages with tips and commissions but excluding overtime and most bonuses, and some occupations lack published estimates in every state.

The May 2025 estimates reflect BLS OEWS data collected through 2025, including tips and commissions but excluding overtime and most bonuses.

Because not every occupation has published state-level estimates, some top-paying roles are missing in certain states.