12 High-Paying Jobs in New York City

Key takeaways

The highest-paying jobs in New York City include roles like software developers, physician assistants, and dentists.

• In December 2025, a report showed that private sector jobs in NYC increased by 33,400, specifically in the private education and health services industries [1].

• High-paying careers in NYC range from the health care industry, such as physicians, to sales positions, such as sales managers.

• You can qualify for a high-paying job in NYC by earning at least your bachelor’s degree, though some roles require certifications or a higher degree.

Discover some of the highest-paying jobs in NYC and their average reported salaries. Afterward, consider enrolling in the Leading People and Teams Specialization from the University of Michigan. In as little as four weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to improve employee performance, development, and retention. Upon completion, add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What are the highest-paying jobs in NYC? 12 NYC careers

Explore some of the highest-paying roles in New York City, including working as a physician or a physician assistant, a web developer, or a dentist. Discover annual average salaries and job outlook to get a glimpse of what your earnings and job prospects may look like in this location.

Furthermore, the New York State Department of Labor’s statistics from December 2025 show that New York City has enjoyed a job increase of more than 33,400 new roles in the private sector, including in the fields of private education and health services [1].

Salary data includes the annual median total salary in New York City, New York, as of March 2026 from Glassdoor. These figures include additional pay, such as bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing. Job outlook information is sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflects the US job outlook from 2024 to 2034. As a reference, the average expected growth rate for all occupations is roughly 3.1 percent [2].

1. Physician

Median annual NYC total salary: $307,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 3 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; medical school; residency program

Physicians and surgeons typically must graduate from a bachelor’s degree program and a four-year accredited medical school before entering a residency program that can take from three to nine years to complete. In New York State, it’s also required to complete the US Medical Licensing Examination or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.

Physicians and surgeons work in private practice, hospitals, the government, and other clinical settings. In this role, you would diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury while working with patients and other medical professionals. Specialties include pediatrics or cardiology, dermatology, and internal medicine, among others.

2. Physician assistant

Median annual NYC total salary: $199,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 20 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; physician assistant school; passing certification exam; licensure

A physician assistant must complete a bachelor’s degree and a physician assistant master’s degree program that includes classroom and lab instruction. All states require licensing, and candidates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

Physician assistants work in hospitals, outpatient centers, government, education, and physicians' offices. The job often requires standing or walking for long periods. In this role, you’ll work with patients to examine and treat illnesses and injuries as part of a medical team supervised by physicians and surgeons.

3. Computer hardware engineer

Median annual NYC total salary: $110,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 7 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or related field

An entry-level computer hardware engineer typically needs an undergraduate degree in computer engineering or a related degree program, making this one of the highest-paying jobs in NYC with a bachelor’s degree.

Computer hardware engineers work in the design and testing of hardware and systems to ensure the hardware works with its companion software. The job may require teamwork with other design and software professionals.

4. Dentist

Median annual NYC total salary: $262,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; DMD or DDS; completion of an accredited residency program

Dentists must either hold a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and complete a residency approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Dentists specialize in dental care, such as treating cavities and gum disease, preparing patients for crowns and dentures, and treating oral health. In this role, you will work directly with patients using various tools, including drills, digital scanners, x-ray machines, and lasers. You may also opt to specialize in areas such as dental anesthesia or oral and maxillofacial surgery.

5. Engineering manager

Median annual NYC total salary: $248,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in engineering at a minimum; experience in the field

Engineering managers can earn roughly $22,000 more in NYC than in other parts of the United States [3, 4]. The managers are responsible for coordinating engineering activities.

As an engineering manager, you may oversee many job duties and often work with others to ensure a project runs smoothly and within budget. You will also oversee the development of new products, propose budgets, and may be involved in hiring and overseeing project staff.

6. Data scientist

Median annual NYC total salary: $167,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 34 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree at a minimum

A data scientist needs a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. Some employers may require a graduate or doctoral degree.

Data scientists collect and analyze data using various methods. In this role, you can choose to specialize in a particular area, such as machine building and research, and work in IT, sales, marketing, and any business or industry that relies on statistics. As a data scientist, you’ll work closely with other department professionals to analyze and interpret data.

7. Software developer

Median annual NYC total salary: $138,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 16 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree is common; some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree

A software developer should have a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a closely related field. Some employers may require a graduate degree.

As a software developer, you’ll design and develop software. Other common responsibilities include testing and maintenance, developing software upgrades, and working with programmers for coding applications.

Read more: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Differences + More

What is the highest-paying job in NYC?

The highest-paying career in New York City may depend on a few factors, such as the years of experience you have in a role or field, as well as the industry you work in. Roles in health care and finance are among the highest-paying positions for an NYC resident, specifically jobs as a physician or financial advisor.

8. Chief executive officer

Median annual NYC total salary: $380,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s or master’s in a relevant field of study; considerable work experience

As the top executive of a company or corporation, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is typically required. Large corporations may want a candidate to hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Chief executives should have management or supervisory experience.

As a chief executive officer, or CEO, you’ll oversee the daily operation of a company, organization, government department, or other industry, such as health care. You’ll help the organization set and meet goals and consult with board members and other executives.

9. Financial manager

Median annual NYC total salary: $143,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree

While some roles may require certifications or licensing requirements, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree is necessary for this position. Employers may want a candidate to have five or more years of experience.

As a financial manager, you’ll oversee accounting and managerial activities. You will work on budgeting and financial reports. You could also work your way into a supervisory role, overseeing staff members and advising them on financial decisions.

10. Web developer

Median annual NYC total salary: $109,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 8 percent

Requirements: No set requirements; a high school diploma is typically needed; some developers earn bachelor’s degrees or certifications in specific programming languages

A high school diploma and knowledge of HTML programming are typically all you need to become a web developer; however, some employers require a candidate to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

As a web developer, you’ll design websites, write the code, and ensure all applications work correctly. You could work on the back end of a system, choose to work on the front end, or both. You could also be a webmaster or an interface designer.

11. Financial advisor

Median annual NYC total salary: $206,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 6 percent

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum requirement; some employers may prefer candidates with a graduate degree; some financial advisors require licensure

Requirements will vary depending on the organization and role you apply for. Most require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in business or math, and having a master’s degree may offer career advancement. Most companies provide on-the-job training.

As a financial advisor, you’ll help businesses and individuals make financial decisions that might include investment opportunities, pension and 401K advice, and insurance. Depending on what you do, you may have to register with the state or gain licensure. Certifications, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, may be helpful.

12. Sales manager

Median annual NYC total salary: $142,000

Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 5 percent

Requirements: High school diploma at a minimum; some positions require a bachelor’s degree; previous sales experience

Sales managers typically have a bachelor’s degree and sales experience. A sales manager oversees a sales staff and sets sales goals. The sales manager might participate in staff hiring, coaching, or training.

In this role, you’ll oversee sales teams, helping to set goals and evaluate performance. You’ll also help resolve customer issues, create budgets, and develop strategies for increasing the customer base.

NYC demographics

Five different boroughs comprise New York City: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Although New York City has a high cost of living compared to many other large cities in the United States and a competitive job market, it also offers a vast job market.

According to the most recent data from the United States Census, the city’s population was about 8.5 million as of July 2024 [5]. The census also shows that the median household income between 2020 and 2024 was $80,483, and 41.6 percent of the population over the age of 25 held a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the mean travel time to work for New Yorkers aged 16 and over was 40.3 minutes during this period [5].

Discover career-building resources

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• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Learn from experts: AI Creativity Unleashed: Expert Insights from Vanderbilt’s Dr. Jules White

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