20 Best Paying Jobs In Arizona In 2024

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Finding the best paying jobs in Arizona can seem daunting, but the opportunities are out there if you know where to look.

The job market in Arizona is quite robust, with several industries offering lucrative salaries.

This article will highlight the Jobs in Arizona that offer the best pay and detail the requirements and qualifications needed to land these roles.

Read on to learn about the top 20 best-paying jobs in Arizona this year.

Here are some of the best-paying jobs in Arizona:

1. Anesthesiologist

Median Salary in AZ: $269,600

Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in anesthesia, pain relief, and critical care medicine.

To become an anesthesiologist, you must complete medical school and a 4-year anesthesiology residency program.

After residency, anesthesiologists must pass written and oral board exams to obtain licensure.

While the road is long, anesthesiology offers one of the highest-paying medical careers.

Entry Qualifications

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree
Completed accredited 4-year anesthesiology residency
Medical license and board certification

2. Surgeon

Median Salary in AZ: $208,000

Surgeons diagnose and perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.

Becoming a surgeon requires completing 4 years of medical school and 3-7 years of residency training in a specialty like neurosurgery, plastic surgery, or cardiovascular surgery.

Surgeons must have manual dexterity, intense focus, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. It’s a demanding but lucrative medical career.

Entry Qualifications

MD or DO medical degree
Residency training in a surgical specialty
Medical license and board certification

3. Orthodontist

Median Salary in AZ: $201,850

Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, and treat dental irregularities like misaligned teeth or incorrect jaw position.

Aspiring orthodontists must complete a specialized 3-year residency program after dental school.

Orthodontics is one of the highest-paying dental specialties given the expertise required.

With more adults seeking orthodontic treatment in recent years, it remains a stable, lucrative career choice.

Entry Qualifications

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree
Completed 3-year orthodontic residency
State dental license

4. Psychiatrist

Median Salary in AZ: $200,890

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

Aspiring psychiatrists must complete medical school, a 4-year psychiatry residency, and pass written and oral board exams.

Psychiatry offers a challenging yet rewarding career path with high compensation for those willing to undergo extensive training.

Entry Qualifications

MD or DO medical degree
Completed accredited 4-year psychiatry residency
Medical license and board certification

5. Pediatrician

Median Salary in AZ: $198,720

Pediatricians provide medical care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults.

After completing 4 years of medical school, aspiring pediatricians must complete a 3-year pediatric medicine residency.

Pediatricians enjoy fulfilling careers caring for young patients, and the field offers high compensation with an excellent work-life balance.

Entry Qualifications

MD or DO medical degree
Completed 3-year pediatric residency
Medical license and board certification

6. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Median Salary in AZ: $198,120

OB/GYNs provide medical care for pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the female reproductive system.

Aspiring OB/GYNs must complete a 4-year residency program after medical school.

OB/GYNs enjoy highly lucrative careers with intimate patient relationships and the privilege of delivering babies.

Entry Qualifications

MD or DO medical degree
Completed 4-year OB/GYN residency
Medical license and board certification

7. Orthodontist

Median Salary in AZ: $201,850

Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, and treat dental irregularities like misaligned teeth or incorrect jaw position.

Aspiring orthodontists must complete a specialized 3-year residency program after dental school.

Orthodontics is one of the highest-paying dental specialties given the expertise required.

With more adults seeking orthodontic treatment in recent years, it remains a stable, lucrative career choice.

Entry Qualifications

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree
Completed 3-year orthodontic residency
State dental license

8. Dentist

Median Salary in AZ: $180,830

General dentists provide professional oral care like cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dental surgery.

Aspiring dentists must complete a DDS or DMD degree and pass state licensing exams.

Many dentists own private practices, allowing them to set schedules and earn high compensation.

Dentistry remains a steadily growing field as people increasingly prioritize dental health.

Entry Qualifications

DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental program
State dental license

9. Nurse Anesthetist

Median Salary in AZ: $174,790

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or medical procedures.

Registered nurses can pursue this career with an additional master’s degree and board certification.

Nurse anesthetists work in fast-paced hospital settings monitoring patients under anesthesia in the operating room and other departments.

Entry Qualifications

Registered nursing (RN) license
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
National board certification

10. Chief Executive

Median Salary in AZ: $173,740

Chief executives oversee entire organizations and companies. Typical duties include planning strategy, directing operations, meeting growth goals, and interfacing with stakeholders.

Many CEOs and other c-suite executives possess MBAs and extensive managerial experience. Landing an executive role takes great leadership capabilities.

Entry Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field
MBA often preferred
Proven managerial and leadership experience

11. Petroleum Engineer

Median Salary in AZ: $166,370

Petroleum engineers design methods for extracting oil and gas from underground deposits. This is a fast-growing field taking on global energy challenges.

Aspiring petroleum engineers should pursue bachelor’s degrees in petroleum engineering or mechanical engineering and industry experience. Excellent math and analytical abilities are essential.

Entry Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering
Strong math, science, and analytical skills
A mechanical engineering degree is sometimes sufficient

12. Computer and Information Systems Manager

Median Salary in AZ: $157,430

IT managers plan, coordinate, and direct the computer-related activities of organizations.

A bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, information systems, or a related field is standard.

Extensive IT work experience and leadership skills are required for management positions.

The information technology field offers high pay, especially in management roles.

Entry Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field
Leadership and management experience in IT

13. Lawyer

Median Salary in AZ: $151,460

Attorneys advise and represent individuals, businesses, or government agencies regarding legal rights, regulations, and responsibilities.

Required credentials include a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree, passing the bar exam, and state licensure.

Lawyers enjoy intellectually stimulating careers that can be highly lucrative in corporate law and trial litigation.

Entry Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) law degree
Pass the state’s bar examination
State license to practice law

14. Pharmacist

Median Salary in AZ: $128,070

Pharmacists fill prescriptions, verify doctors’ instructions, and provide patients with medication information.

Aspiring pharmacists must complete Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees lasting 3-4 years.

Pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare and receive high pay after the extensive PharmD curriculum.

Entry Qualifications

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
State pharmacy license

15. Physical Therapist

Median Salary in AZ: $95,810

Physical therapists help patients regain mobility and manage pain after injury or illness.

A doctorate in physical therapy and state licensure are required. Physical therapy remains a well-paying career choice with opportunities in hospitals, private practices, schools, and nursing homes.

Entry Qualifications

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
State physical therapy license

16. Financial Manager

Median Salary in AZ: $94,340

Financial managers plan and direct accounting, investing, banking, insurance, and other financial activities for companies.

While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level positions, higher-paying managerial roles require Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees and certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Entry Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or economics
MBA or CFA for advancement

17. Architect

Median Salary in AZ: $83,120

Architects plan and design residential, commercial, and industrial building projects.

Earning a professional architecture degree and completing on-the-job training are essential.

Architects must be imaginative, detailed, and knowledgeable of zoning laws. This career offers the opportunity to leave lasting landmarks.

Entry Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture
Complete internship for licensing

18. Software Developer

Median Salary in AZ: $113,590

Software developers design, build, and improve computer applications and programs.

Developing software requires strong coding and analytical skills. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming is standard.

Although demonstrating technical expertise through coding boot camps or projects can substitute for education.

Entry Qualifications

Bachelor’s in computer science or programming
Coding boot camp certificate is sometimes sufficient
Technical expertise through work experience

19. Registered Nurse

Median Salary in AZ: $78,810

Registered nurses provide patient care, education, and emotional support.

An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a state nursing license are required.

Nurses work in diverse medical settings under the supervision of physicians. Nursing offers job stability, flexible scheduling, and comfortable salaries.

Entry Qualifications

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing
Registered nursing (RN) license

20. Accountant

Median Salary in AZ: $77,250

Accountants prepare, analyze, verify, and review financial records, statements, and tax filings.

Most accountants hold bachelor’s degrees focusing on accounting and finance coursework.

Certified public accountants gain licensure after passing the CPA exam. Accounting provides a consistently steady, decent-paying career path.

Entry Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
optional CPA certification

Conclusion

Arizona offers many lucrative career opportunities with salaries exceeding $75,000 to over $200,000.

The best-paying jobs in Arizona highlighted here are medicine, dentistry, information technology, engineering, law, business, and finance.

These fields reward advanced education, sought-after skills, professional certification, and leadership capabilities.

Whether you hope to heal patients, build software, manage investments, design buildings, or lead organizations, chasing a high salary in Arizona will require strong qualifications.

However, these 20 careers prove the state provides ample high-wage paths for driven professionals.