Working in the Empire State: 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in New York

No one hustles quite like a New Yorker. The state has the second-highest wages in the country after Massachusetts. This makes sense, considering New York’s high cost of living. So, which jobs make the steep prices worthwhile? Well, the medical industry has most of the highest-paying occupations in New York.

Whether you’ve lived in New York your whole life or have attended college in the state, keep reading to find out about the highest-paying jobs in New York and what they require.

It may or may not surprise you that it pays to earn a degree. In fact, all of the jobs on the list require some sort of higher education — most even a doctorate. Keep reading to find out exactly which jobs pay the most.

All salary information provided below comes from May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Pediatric surgeons operate on babies and children, including fetuses and adolescents. Prior to surgery, they examine and order tests to determine the best treatment plan for their patients. Under a pediatric surgeon’s oversight, nurses and other medical staff help run the operating room.

In addition to four years of medical school, pediatric surgeons in New York need five years of general surgery training and another two years in pediatrics.

Dermatologists specialize in treating approximately 3,000 skin, hair, and nail diseases and conditions. On the job, they diagnose and treat everything from eczema to melanoma.

Board-certified dermatologists complete years of schooling, including a bachelor’s degree and medical school. Hands-on training comes from a one-year internship and three years in residency.

The medical subspecialty area of cardiology deals with heart and vascular system disorders. Cardiologists order echocardiograms and use the results to look for abnormalities in the heart.

Cardiologists often have an undergraduate degree in a science-related subject, such as a bachelor’s in biology. In New York, these medical doctors also must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exams, work in residency, obtain board certification in cardiology, and complete a fellowship in cardiology.

These top executives typically have a degree in a work-related subject, such as a bachelor’s degree in public administration or business management. Presidents and chief executive officers (CEOs) often pursue a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Additionally, a CEO may need to be a certified public accountant (CPA).

It also takes years of work experience in your specific industry to enter these careers in New York. Presidents and CEOs may advance within their organizations, moving up from management or supervisory roles.

Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia and other pain medications during surgery, monitoring a patient’s lungs and heart functions. They also help patients manage pain before and after surgery.

Anesthesiologists have as many as 14 years of education and up to 16,000 hours of clinical experience. Salaries in New York for anesthesiologists slightly overtake the national mean wage of $302,970 for anesthesiologists, according to the BLS.

These licensed medical doctors read medical imaging exams to diagnose and treat patients. Depending on the positions, individuals may need skills in neuro and musculoskeletal MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, fluoroscopy, and/or radiography.

Radiologists work in hospitals but also in specialty areas such as emergency departments or women’s health.

Becoming a physician requires a medical degree, up to nine years of internships, and a residency. In New York, these medical doctors get paid more than the median average of $229,300.

The majority of physicians work in internal medicine, but also family medicine or pediatrics, which involves tasks like prescribing medication, examining patients, making referrals, and executing treatment plans.

Ophthalmologists are licensed medical or osteopathic doctors with expertise in eye care. It takes up to 14 years to complete the necessary training and education, including medical school, for this career.

Their job includes performing eye surgery or providing eye care services like contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Obstetricians and gynecologists provide gynecological care and medical care to women during pregnancy and childbirth; some also perform surgery during childbirth. To become an obstetrician and gynecologist requires specializing in women’s health and reproductive healthcare during medical school.

The national median wage for obstetricians and gynecologists is $239,200 annually, slightly less than what they make in New York.

Surgeons have longer residency requirements than other medical doctors. After completing medical school, surgeons must complete a five-year residency and a 1-3 year fellowship.

Specialties for surgeons include general surgery, orthopedic surgery, or plastic surgery, among other areas. Surgeons make a national median annual salary of $229,300, less than what they get paid in New York.

The mean annual wage in New York is $74,870, or $36 an hour. But what you consider a “good” salary can depend on a variety of factors — such as where you live. There’s a great deal of variety in wages within the state itself. For example, New York City’s annual mean wage is $78,560, while Buffalo pays a yearly mean salary of $59,530.

All minimum wage employees in New York State earn between $13.20 and $15.00 per hour. However, minimum wage rates depend on the region, the industry you work in, and if you make tips. The minimum wage in Long Island, Westchester County, and New York City is $15.00. The minimum wage is $13.20 everywhere else.

A wage of $100,000 a year is a good salary in New York if you live somewhere like Albany. The city is one of the most affordable places to live in New York. However, in New York City, a $100,000 paycheck may seem small due to the cost of living.

However, the average age in Albany is older because younger residents generally live in larger metropolitan areas. The best-paying jobs are in New York City and other metro areas. A salary of $100,000 a year is good, but some of the highest-paying careers in New York pay $300,000 or more.

Page last reviewed November 2, 2023.