A List of 15 Jobs That Pay Over 500k a Year

If you’re looking for a high-paying job, you’re in luck because there are many jobs that pay over 500k a year out there. Of course, the salary and bonuses vary depending on the position, but these jobs typically offer generous compensation packages.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the highest-paying jobs out there and the job profiles that they entail. So, if you’re looking to makeover half a million dollars a year, read on!

Jobs That Pay Over 500k a Year

Here is a list of some of the top-paying jobs that are not mentioned in any particular order, so you can be sure that all of them pay a lot!

• Actor/Actress

One of the highest-paying jobs in the entertainment industry is acting. Depending on their level of fame, some actors and actresses can even make up to 20 million dollars a year. 

Of course, acting is a very competitive industry, and it can be difficult to make it, so most actors and actresses start out by taking acting classes and working in theater productions. Their average monthly salary is $43,760 , which makes it one of the jobs that pay 500k a year. The better their movie does, the more they get paid.

Tip: You don’t need to enroll to university to learn acting. With the onset of the Corona pandemic, the advantages of online learning have come to the fore, so online learning platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare and Masterclass have started offering online acting courses, too.

• Physician/Surgeon

Physicians and surgeons are some of the highest-paid professionals in the world. Physicians earn an average salary of $208,000 a year, while surgeons make $408,589 a year. However, many surgeons and physicians often receive bonuses and other compensation packages as well.
Physicians and surgeons are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

• Chief Executive Officer

A chief executing officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in a company. A CEO is responsible for the overall planning and operations of a company, making important decisions that affect its future. CEOs can make an average salary of $784,685, making it one of the jobs that pay over 500k. However, some CEOs can make over a million dollars a year if they take a share out of the company’s profits or receive a regular commission.

• Author

Being an author is a lucrative occupation with high earning potential. An author is someone who writes books, articles or other types of content for publication. However, your income will vary depending on your writing skills and how successful you are. The average salary is $307/hour, making it $50,000 a month. You can also receive money from royalties and book advances.
If you’re wondering how to make 500k a year, this is one of the easiest jobs you can try your hand in, as it usually doesn’t require any professional degree as long as you write well.

Tip: To easiest way to get started and remove the writer’s block is by using a writing prompt. Once you are done writing, you can use the help of online grammar checker apps such as Grammarly which will not only correct your grammar but improve your writing flow as well.

• Investment Banker

An investment banker is someone who manages a company’s investments. Many companies willingly give a part of their profits to investment bankers, so in addition to their salary, they can make money from bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing, as well as other types of payments.

Investment bankers can work for investment companies such as Acorns, Robinhood, or Firstrade. But if you have big clients and enough experience, you can start your own investment company and easily earn $206/hour.

• Lawyer

A lawyer is someone who provides legal advice in a variety of fields like criminal law or corporate law and represents clients in court. It is a very high-paying profession. Since it is a professional career option, you will need a law degree to practice law.

Apart from working in an office, lawyer started offering online legal services, such as divorce services, company registration, and other.
It is one of the jobs that make 500k a year, as the average salary is $76.41/hour, making it $12,416 a month, and they make the rest in commissions, bonuses, and sometimes profit from the company as well.

• Entrepreneur

Instead of working at someone else’s company, entrepreneurs establish their own business. Entrepreneurs enjoy some of the highest salaries in the business world. There are several businesses that can be established with low investment as well as businesses that are ideal for women.
No matter what type of business you choose, there are many opportunities for high-paying jobs. However, it is important that you educate yourself regarding business. Entrepreneurs can easily earn over 500k a year.

• Engineering Manager

Engineering managers are responsible for overseeing the work of engineers and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. It is amongst the 500k salary jobs because the average salary of an engineering manager is $11,405 a month or higher, depending on the industry, company, and experience.

• Accountant

A career as an accountant involves managing the finances of a company. This includes filing taxes, preparing financial statements, managing budgets, overseeing accounts payable and receivable, and maintaining financial records.
Accountants earn an average salary of $55,851 per year, which can increase depending on experience and the company they’re employed in. Experience using a reliable accounting software is often required.

• Software Developer

A software developer is responsible for creating and maintaining software applications. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Some of their key responsibilities include developing software, debugging applications, and creating documentation.
If you’re thinking of making 500k a year, you can consider this job, as its average starting salary is $118,167 per year.

• Real Estate Developer

A real estate developer is responsible for the development and management of real estate projects. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Experience with real estate CRM software and using virtual staging software can be a great advantage.

Some of their key responsibilities include developing real estate projects, negotiating contracts, and overseeing construction.
The average salary of a real estate developer is $141,500 a year, but many tend to earn 500k easily as they develop more projects. If you find this career attractive, you can learn what new real estate agents should do, or even consider starting your own real estate business.

• Insurance Agent

Insurance agents are responsible for selling insurance policies and products to customers. They usually work for top-rated insurance companies such as Imglobal. Some of their key responsibilities include meeting with clients to discuss their insurance needs, providing quotes for products and services, selling policies, and answering any questions customers may have.
Although the average salary is $58,095 a year, it is amongst 500k jobs because insurance agents earn a lot through bonuses and commissions they receive based on sales.

• Product Manager

A product manager is responsible for developing and managing a product line. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in business or marketing. Experience in using marketing tools like Semrush and GetResponse is preferred.

Most product managers earn $6,789/month, but their salary can be much higher, depending on the product they’re managing and the brand value.

• Professional Athlete

Since we’re talking about jobs that pay 500k, let’s not forget professional athletes that compete in national and international sports. Their salary is easily well above 500k a year if they’re good at sports and often win competitions. Famous athletes can earn $187,200 a month!
Apart from salary, they also profit from product endorsements or becoming the brand ambassador of fitness brands.

• Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin, nails, and hair, treating mild to severe problems. Becoming a skincare specialist doesn’t require going to university but you will need to at least take some courses. Once they start, many dermatologists also expand their consultancy to provide beauty treatments like laser treatment, botox, and different facials or starting their own makeup line.
It is amongst the 500k a year jobs because the top dermatologists easily earn above 500k, with the average monthly salary being $18,835 per month.

Key Takeaways 

Conclusion

There are many jobs that pay 500k a year across different industries. The key to earning this kind of money is knowing what job to pursue and then excelling in it. Salary, bonuses, and other benefits can add up quickly, making it well worth your time to find a prosperous career that will make you happy.