HIGHEST PAYING JOBS 2022: global and Lithuanian trends of the current year

2 years ago

You will probably agree that one of the most important criteria when choosing your career path and workplace is salary. In these times, when prices of many products and services are rising rapidly and annual inflation in Lithuania is reaching heights that have not been seen in a couple of decades, you are unlikely to find a single citizen who does not want to earn more and live more securely. Taking into account this aspect, which is very important for many people, we have decided to look at various sources and rankings and satisfy your curiosity by answering this question: what are the highest paying jobs in Lithuania and globally in the world today?

"Indeed Career Guide"* was one of the first websites to share the top 100 highest paying jobs in 2022. From this extensive ranking, we would like to present you the top 10, which identifies the following professionals as the most lucrative positions:

1. Cardiologists. According to the "Indeed Career Guide"*, the average annual salary for these professionals is around 351 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 343 000 euros) before taxes.

2. Anesthesiologists. These doctors earn an average annual salary of approximately 326 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 318 000 euros) before taxes.

3. Orthodontists. The average annual salary for these professionals is approximately 264 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 258 000 euros) before taxes.

4. Psychiatrists. Specialists who diagnose and treat mental disorders on average earn around 224 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 218 000 euros) per year before taxes.

5. Surgeons. The average annual salary for general surgeons is around 216 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 211 000 euros) before taxes.

6. Periodontists. According to the "Indeed Career Guide"*, the average annual salary for these professionals is around 214 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 209 000 euros) before taxes.

7. Physicians. Specialists who diagnose patients' illnesses and prepare treatment plans earn on average around 202 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 197 000 euros) per year before taxes.

8. Dentists. The average annual salary for these professionals is around 196 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 191 000 euros) before taxes.

9. Internists. Professionals ranked 9th in these rankings earn an average annual salary of around 194 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 189 000 euros) before taxes.

10. Obstetricians. According to the "Indeed Career Guide"*, the average annual salary for these professionals is around 191 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 186 000 euros) before taxes.

A slightly different top 10 list of the highest paying jobs is provided by the "Mygreatlearning"** website, which shows the highest salaries for specialists in these professions:

1. Neurosurgeons. According to the "Mygreatlearning"** website, the average annual salary for these professionals is around 496 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 484 000 euros) before taxes.

2. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These specialists, who can carry out procedures that vary from treating facial injuries to repairing cleft lips, earn an average annual salary of around 333 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 325 000 euros) before taxes.

3. Anesthesiologists. Ranked 3rd in these rankings, anesthesiologists earn on average around 326 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 318 000 euros) per year before taxes.

4. Chief executive officers. People in the highest positions in companies, often referred to as CEOs, earn an average annual salary of around 310 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 303 000 euros) before taxes.

5. Orthodontists. The average annual salary for these professionals is around 304 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 297 000 euros) before taxes.

6. Gynaecologists. According to the "Mygreatlearning"** website, doctors specialising in pregnancy and childbirth earn an average annual salary of around 299 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 292 000 euros) before taxes.

7. Psychiatrists. Professionals treating mental disorders earn an average annual salary of around 281 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 274 000 euros) before taxes.

8. Pediatricians. Otherwise known as children's doctors on average earn around 238 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 232 000 euros) per year before taxes.

9. Internists. Professionals ranked 9th in these rankings earn an average annual salary of around 229 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 223 000 euros) before taxes.

10. Physicians. Professionals closing the top 10 on this list earn on average around 227 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 221 000 euros) per year before taxes.

In addition to the rankings already discussed, the analysis included a comparison of the list published at "Content Wisestep"*** website. Here are the professions highlighted by this particular site:

1. Neurosurgeons. According to the "Content Wisestep"*** website, the average annual salary of the world's top earners is around 390 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 381 000 euros) before taxes.

2. Cardiothoracic surgeons. Surgeons specialising in surgery and treatment of the heart, lungs and other thoracic organs earn, on average, about 361 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 352 000 euros) per year before taxes.

3. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The average annual salary for these professionals is around 296 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 289 000 euros) before taxes.

4. Dermatologists. Doctors specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases earn an average annual salary of around 291 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 284 000 euros) before taxes.

5. Radiologists. The average annual salary for these professionals is around 282 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 275 000 euros) before taxes.

6. Orthodontists. According to the "Content Wisestep"*** website, professionals ranked 6th in these rankings earn an average annual salary of around 280 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 273 000 euros) before taxes.

7. Surgeons. The average annual salary for general surgeons is around 270 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 263 000 euros) before taxes.

8. Anesthesiologists. These doctors earn on average around 265 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 259 000 euros) per year before taxes.

9. Psychiatrists. Based on the "Content Wisestep"*** website, the average annual salary for these professionals is around 260 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 254 000 euros) before taxes.

10. Prosthodontists. The average annual salary for these professionals is around 249 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 243 000 euros) before taxes.

In order to create a valid and objective list of the world's most profitable professions, data from the above rankings were analysed, compared and combined. This revealed how all 10 positions on the list stack up:

Thus, neurosurgeons top the overall list of "Highest paying jobs". People who choose this specialty are defined as highly qualified surgeons who specialise in the treatment and management of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. The average annual salary of neurosurgeons is around 443 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 433 000 euros) before taxes. Like many other professions, this salary can increase depending on your experience. Of course, with high salaries come high responsibilities and complex and lengthy training. It is therefore important to consider whether you are willing to devote most of your life to education and regular interest in the latest developments in neurology.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, another surgical specialty, are second on the list of "Highest paying jobs". These specialists are dentists who have completed a minimum of four years of additional surgical training and are able to carry out a wide range of work, from treating facial injuries to repairing cleft lips. For example, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can diagnose and treat patients with head, neck and mouth cancer. They can also perform cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts. Professionals performing this wide range of procedures earn an average annual salary of around 314 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 306 000 euros) before taxes.

Anesthesiologists are third on the list of "Highest paying jobs". They are responsible for prescribing anaesthetics before, during or after surgery and monitoring the patient's vital signs. If you want to become an anesthesiologist, you should complete a 4-year residency programme in anesthesiology after qualifying as a doctor. In terms of experience, employers expect you to have at least 5 years of experience and extensive skills in this field when applying for this position. Once this is realised, it can bring anaesthesiologists an annual income of around 305 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 298 000 euros) before taxes.

Orthodontists are fourth on the list of "Highest paying jobs". They are dental specialists who focus on correcting uneven teeth and jaws. They straighten teeth and help correct problems such as over or underbite. If you've ever had braces or retainers to straighten your teeth, you can thank your orthodontist for creating a corrective treatment plan tailored to your needs. To become an orthodontist, you should first complete a dental degree followed by a postgraduate orthodontic programme. However, once you've qualified, you won't regret spending lots of time studying, because the average annual salary for orthodontists is around 282 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 275 000 euros) before taxes.

Fifth on the list of "Highest paying jobs" in these rankings are psychiatrists, with an average annual salary of around 255 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 249 000 euros) before taxes. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental disorders. After completing psychiatry residency programmes, these professionals are able to understand the complex relationship between disorders of the mind and the body. They are also trained to assess patients' mental health, make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. For patients with mental illness, psychiatrists provide psychotherapy, in which the patient discusses moods, problems and feelings with the psychiatrist. Psychiatrists may also prescribe various medications or even recommend hospitalisation.

Don't worry if you're not interested in the medical field, as CEOs are also among the highest paying jobs in the world. The most senior corporate positions, often abbreviated as CEO, are ranked sixth in these rankings, with average annual salaries typically around 250 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 244 000 euros) before taxes. Unfortunately, it's not an easy job. It requires not only leadership qualities, but also many years of successful work experience.

The seventh place in the list of "Highest paying jobs" belong to (general) surgeons. Their average annual salary of 243 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 237 000 euros) before taxes, it's really easy to justify, because the people who work in these roles save lives. Surgeons can divide their work into two parts: working hours and operating hours. During working hours, they meet patients, prescribe the best treatment and discuss the procedure. They also have to check on patients after surgery. During operating hours, surgeons have to spend a lot of time in the operating theatre and work without losing focus. The work is indeed demanding, not only in terms of the tasks and actions that have to be carried out during operations, but also in terms of the responsibility that rests on the doctor's shoulders. This is why the job is not for everyone.

Dentists, who are responsible for diagnosing and treating all problems related to the teeth and gums, are ranked eighth on the list of the "Highest paying jobs". Partly due to the high cost of dental procedures, the average annual salary of these professionals is around 219 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 214 000 euros) before taxes.

Internists are ninth on the list of "Highest paying jobs". These specialists see people as a whole, rather than focusing exclusively on one organ system. This is what sets them apart from other specialists. By seeing the totality of symptoms and complaints, internists can help resolve unclear cases, advise on which tests should be carried out, diagnose diseases and provide non-operative treatment plans for internal organ damage or disease. The average annual salary for these professionals is around 211 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 206 000 euros) before taxes.

Pediatricians, also known as children's doctors, round out the top 10 of the world's "Highest paying jobs" list. This career path is ideal for people who love children and can imagine themselves caring for them every day. If you decide to choose this specialty, your main duties would be to diagnose, prevent and treat children's illnesses and injuries. You would also have to look for other physical, mental or social health problems and make sure your patients feel as well as possible. Earning 210 000 USD (i. e. ∼ 205 000 euros) per year before taxes, while helping children to get better sounds like a great offer? Perhaps it is worth consideration?

Well, it's probably obvious by now that in most countries around the world, medical professionals are still the most valued. Their work is probably the best paid in many countries, although the same practice isn't observed in the Lithuanian labour market. After reviewing various sources, we have listed the top 5 highest paying jobs in Lithuania:

1. Chief executive officers (i. e. CEO) ∼ 100 000 euros per year (gross).

2. IT professionals, developers ∼ 62 000 euros per year (gross).

3. People in management positions (sales managers; marketing managers, etc.) ∼ 58 000 euros per year (gross).

4. Air traffic controllers ∼ 55 000 euros per year (gross).

5. Lawyers ∼ 45 000 euros per year (gross).

Even if you didn't find a profession close to your interests on these lists, don't despair! There are plenty of other jobs out there that can also offer you a solid salary. However, the most important thing is to find a job that you really like and where you want to develop as a professional. That way, you'll not only improve your qualifications, but also increase your salary!

* Link to the "Indeed Career Guide's" list of the highest paying jobs: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-100-highest-paying-jobs

** Link to the "Mygreatlearning's" list of highest paying jobs: https://www.mygreatlearning.com/blog/top-highest-paying-jobs-in-the-world/

*** Link to the "Content Wisestep's" list of highest paying jobs: https://content.wisestep.com/highest-paying-jobs-careers-world/