The 10 Best-Paying Jobs In America

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medicine, anesthesiologists, doctor

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Anesthesiologists in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $235,070.

CEOs are known for pulling in a pretty penny. But doctors make even more.

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That's right: On average, those sporting scrubs and stethoscopes bring home fatter paychecks than those donning suits and ties, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates survey.

The survey, which reflects May 2013 salary and employment data gathered from more than one million businesses, found that nine of the nation's 10 highest-paying occupations are in the medical field.

The best-paying job of all: anesthesiologist. On average, the 30,200 anesthesiologists in the U.S. earn $113 an hour, for a mean annual salary of $235,070.

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), these medical doctors are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of patients before, during, and after surgery. In the U.S., they're required to complete a four-year undergraduate college degree, four years of medical school, and a four-year anesthesiology residency program. Most anesthesiologists become board certified, and many complete an additional fellowship year of specialty training.

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A 2014 physician compensation report by Medscape found that nearly 80% of anesthesiologists spend 40 hours or more per week with patients.

Here's the full list of America's 10 highest-paying jobs, according to the BLS:

1. Anesthesiologist
Mean annual pay: $235,070

2. Surgeons
Mean annual pay: $233,150

3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Mean annual pay: $218,960

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4. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Mean annual pay: $212,570

5. Orthodontists
Mean annual pay: $196,270

6. General Internist
Mean annual pay: $188,440

7. Physicians and Surgeons (all other)
Mean annual pay: $187,200

8. Family and General Practitioners
Mean annual pay: $183,940

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9. Psychiatrists
Mean annual pay: $182,660

10. Chief Executives
Mean annual pay: $178,400