North Dakota’s Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs

The job market is drastically changing -- especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. And. if you've been on TikTok lately, you might even hear many people say that "Careers are extinct." Is that true? Is that where we're headed? It led me to wonder, "What are the best and highest paying careers?"

Indeed.com has a list of the top-earning professions. So, starting from the bottom, and working our way to the top, here's the Top 10:

10. Engineering Manager - $77,656/yr - Certainly to be expected, if you choose a career in engineering, you will be doing alright. Buckle up! To do this job, you not only need an engineering license, but you also need four years in engineering school, four years of experience as an engineer, and high scores on not one but two competency exams. 

9. Veterinarian - $84,555/yr - Whether it be a zoo or vet office, people working in this field are pulling in quite a chunk of change. What does it take to get into this profession? -- A Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Medicine. 

8. Information Systems Manager - $91,160/yr - Before writing this article, I had no idea what this even was. If you're like me, don't worry, I'll explain. A person with this job is a technology specialist. They often track cyber security, manage computer systems, and answer equipment questions at any given business. To make these big bucks, all you need is a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. 

7. Construction Manager - $93,273/yr - Yep, that's right! This job, on average, pulls in just under 100-grand. -- Excuse me while I grab my blueprints and hard hat. 

6. Physician Assistant - $106,885/yr - For this title, you'll need a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Medicine. You will also need to pass the 'Physician's Assistant Certifying Exam.’ This one isn't for the faint of heart.

5. Lawyer - $108,737/yr - You're probably not surprised to see this one make the list. To become a lawyer, you need a Bachelor's Degree, three years of law school, and pass the licensing exam for whichever district you practice. 

4. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - $114,034/yr - This might seem low if you expect to work at a Fortune 500 company. Still, across a wide range of businesses, this is the average salary. Now, everything I know about business, I learned from that HBO series, 'Succession.' But it's my understanding that, generally, a CEO manages a company's internal affairs. To become one, typically, you need a bachelor' and Masters in business. 

3. Optometrist - $170,914/yr - No hate here, but I am surprised to see this one so high on the list, but hey, people have to see. To do this, you'll need a Bachelor's Degree and four years of Optometry studies afterward.

2. Dentist - $187,228/yr - If you drive around town, looking at those big mansion-like houses, wondering what those people do for a living, it's probably this. To become a dentist, you need a Bachelor's Degree and four years of dental school.

1. Nurse Practitioner - $208,63/yr - Who needs to be a doctor when you can be a nurse practitioner?! Think it's easy? Short answer: No. You need at least a Master's Degree to earn this title, and some places even require a Doctorate. 

Trying to figure out what to do with your life? Thinking about going back to school? Or are you just curious? Whatever your situation, I hope this has given you a little food for thought. Though, to be completely honest... just do what makes you happy. If you don't need the money, just live and love your life. That's about as philosophical as I'll get here. Ta-Ta!