Career AdviceCareer PathsCareer Ideas

What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in NYC?

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor
Manhattan skyline

Stepping into the vibrant streets of New York City, it’s hard not to feel the electric pulse of opportunities that run through this iconic metropolis. Around 23.5 million people call it home for a reason. The Big Apple is a melting pot of cultures and a vigorous economic force offering some of the highest-paying jobs. In NYC metro area alone the GDP is so high that this city would be the 10th largest economy in the world if it was a country.

With its robust economy and diverse industries, this concrete jungle is the perfect place to develop your career no matter your interests and skills. Keep reading to discover all the top-paying opportunities this city has to offer to professionals like you.

NYC Average Salary Per Borough

Before jumping into the list of the highest-paying jobs in NYC, it’s important to understand that The Big Apple’s job landscape is as diverse as its five boroughs:

1. Manhattan (New York County)

As the hub of the U.S. financial industry, Manhattan is the spot if you’re looking for the highest-paying jobs in NYC overall. In fact, it holds two-thirds of all jobs in The City.

The weekly average salary in Manhattan sits at $4,064, surpassing three times the national average of $1,374. This borough has also been experiencing an impressive 8.8% job growth, outpacing many other counties nationwide.

2. Brooklyn (Kings County)

Employment is rising at a fast 7.2% in Brooklyn. In this borough, where the average weekly wage corresponds to $1,055, the strongest industries include:

  • Tech, particularly start-ups in media entertainment, commerce and shopping, financial services, and data and analytics.
  • Creative industries such as film and television, advertising, and industrial design.
  • Leisure and hospitality.

3. Queens (Queens County)

With $1,199 as the average weekly wage, Queens is the second-highest-earning borough in NYC. It grows at a steady 6.4% per year thanks to occupations in industries such as:

  • healthcare
  • retail trade
  • manufacturing
  • construction
  • transportation
  • film and television production

4. The Bronx (Bronx County)

While the economy in The Bronx is expanding at a lower level (3.1%), this borough boasts an appealing average weekly wage of $1,186. In The Bronx you’ll find the most opportunities among the highest-paying jobs in NYC in:

  • healthcare and social assistance
  • retail trade
  • accommodation and food services
  • transportation
  • warehousing

5. Staten Island (Richmond County)

Staten Island’s employment rises almost as fast as Queen’s and benefits from weekly average earnings of $1,131. Industries doing the heavy lifting for this county’s economy are:

  • healthcare
  • construction
  • retail
  • leisure and hospitality

Highest-Paying Jobs in NYC by Major Occupational Group

To identify the best-paying jobs in New York City we compared NYC’s average salary per hour for each major occupational group with the citywide average of $37.77. Moreover, we analyzed the annual mean salary for each profession within its respective sector. So, check out the highest-paying jobs in NYC below so you can set your sights on earnings as high as a Manhattan skyscraper:

Management Roles

In New York City’s dynamic business landscape, managers unsurprisingly lead the charge with an average hourly wage of $87.15. Powerhouses like J.P. Morgan Chase and American Express set the pace. In this category, the top earners include:

Chief Executive ($393,840 per Year)

Some of the largest and most successful companies in the world are headquartered in New York City. Therefore, it’s not surprising that chief executive, or CEO, is one of the highest-paying jobs in NYC. More precisely this is the second-best paid profession in town.

At the pinnacle of the corporate hierarchy, a CEO commands authority over the entire organization. They are the face of the company, guiding its strategy and holding ultimate responsibility for decision-making.

If you wish to attain this title, start your journey with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in administration, business, or finance. Experience in high-level leadership, a profound grasp on your industry, and a natural talent for inspiration will do the rest.

Find CEO jobs in NYC on Monster.

Financial Manager ($230,200 per Year)

Financial managers are the guardian of a company’s fiscal well-being. They orchestrate financial planning, direct investment activities, and produce financial reports. To secure this role you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics.

Candidates usually also hold an MBA or advanced certifications such as the Certified Public Acountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), proving further developed skills in the field.

Find financial manager jobs in NYC on Monster.

Sales Manager ($229,730 per Year)

Sales managers are the driving force behind revenue. They set targets, devise sales strategies, and cultivate a high-performing sales culture in their teams.

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or related fields can set you up with strong foundations. However, sales managers are also among the best jobs in NYC for those without a degree. What truly sets you apart in this role are exceptional communication skills, strategic acumen, and the ability to motivate and mentor your teams.

Find sales manager jobs in NYC on Monster.

Other management opportunities in the highest-paying jobs in NYC include:

Legal

NYC’s legal scene offers an average hourly wage of $77.22, drawing legal professionals to firms such as Skadden, Arp, Slate, and Meagher & Flom LLP or the federal courts. Here are the professions that earn the most in this sector:

Lawyer ($193,280 per Year)

Lawyers are the champions of justice and the architects of legal strategies. With such responsibilities its not surprising that they have some of the highest-paying jobs in NYC.

To become one, you’ll have to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam in New York state. With those qualifications, you’ll be able to navigate complex legal terrain, providing counsel and conducting research to represent clients in court.

Find lawyer jobs in NYC on Monster.

Judge or Magistrate ($170,480 per Year)

These impartial sentinels of the legal system preside over proceedings, ensuring fairness, adherence to protocol, and compliance with the law. To fit these big shoes, you’ll need a law degree and a wealth of legal knowledge. Ascending to the bench often involves appointment or election, and in some jurisdictions additional specialized training.

Find judge jobs on Monster.

Computer and Mathematics Roles

If you’re a tech enthusiast, you’ll find your haven in NYC. You’ll be able to count on an average wage of $59.23 per hour and have the possibility to work for giants such as Verizon Communications or IBM. Here are the roles that will pay you the most:

Actuary ($152,950 per Year)

Available across industries, actuary is one of the highest-paying jobs in NYC. They foresee risks and craft astute strategies with financial, statistical, and economic data to navigate them.

Intrigued by this path? Start working on a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or statistics. Then, take the next step to attain the designations of Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) or Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA).

Find actuary jobs in NYC on Monster.

Computer Network Architect ($149,210 per Year)

Computer network architects compile and administrate communication networks. They are crucial to modern communication, so, again, it’s no surprise that they are on the list of the highest paying jobs in New York.

To get into this field, start with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or similar. Then, obtain an industry-recognized certification solidifying your standing in this dynamic sector.

Find computer network architect jobs on Monster.

You’ll also find these other computer and mathematical occupations among the highest-paying jobs in NYC:

Healthcare

New York City’s diverse healthcare system boasts world-renowned institutions like Mount Sinai Health System and NYU Langone Health, providing cutting-edge medical care. It also offers the highest-paying jobs in NYC with an average hourly wage of $57.09. Specialists that earn the most in this sector are:

Pediatric Surgeon ($405,970 per Year)

These professionals are skilled healers, dedicated to the delicate art of surgical care for children. To secure this top-paying NYC job, you’ll first have to pursue a medical degree, followed by a residency in general surgery and finally a specialized fellowship in pediatric surgery. This path demands dedication and a wealth of compassion.

Find pediatric surgeon jobs on Monster.

Cardiologist ($392,260 per Year)

Not far from pediatric surgeon, is another of the best paid jobs in NYC: cardiologist. These healthcare professionals are responsible for diagnosing and treating a spectrum of cardiac conditions.

To join their ranks, embark on a medical degree, followed by residency in internal medicine and then refine your skills through a fellowship in cardiology. Medical savviness and empathy should also be in your skillset.

Find cardiologist jobs on Monster.

Anesthesiologist ($332,390 per Year)

Anesthesiologists are crucial in the operating room, so we can only expect this to be among the highest-paying jobs in NYC. They handle the delicate balance that ensures patients undergo surgery safely and without pain. To become one, it’s essential to get a medical degree and complete a residency in anesthesiology.

Find anesthesiologist jobs on Monster.

Check out more of the highest paying jobs in New York healthcare:

Business and Financial Operations

As a global financial hub and home to Wallstreet, NYC pays an attractive hourly wage of $54.14 on average for business and financial positions. Names like Citigroup and Goldman Sachs Group are among those that offer the following high pay positions:

Personal Financial Advisor ($208,250 per Year)

These professionals help clients create financial plannings for long- or short-term investment goals such as retirement. A bachelor’s degree in finance, business or a related field is necessary to get started in this profession.

However, you’ll also need to commit to ongoing education to stay in highest-paying jobs in NYC like this one. For instance, many pursue certifications like the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Find personal financial advisor jobs on Monster.

Financial Risk Specialist ($152,820 per Year)

Life is full of risk, especially when it comes to the finance industry. Risk specialists are the sentinels that identify and mitigate this potential. You’ll succeed in this role if you’re comfortable navigating uncertainty, leveraging sophisticated risk management tools, and have a bachelor’s degree in finance or economics.

Find financial risk specialist jobs on Monster.

Other high paying roles in New York in the business and financial spectrum include:

Architecture and Engineering

New York City’s skyline is testimony to its architectural and engineering talent. In this field you could work for companies like Turner Construction and STV and earn $48.83 per hour on average in roles like:

Petroleum Engineer ($212,050 per Year)

Petroleum engineers are the architects of the energy sector. They strategically plan the extraction of vital resources from beneath the Earth’s surface. The most successful in this field have a deep comprehension of geology and reservoir engineering, as well as a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering and other advanced degrees.

Find petroleum engineer jobs on Monster.

Computer Hardware Engineer - $135,540 per Year

Computer hardware engineers are visionary architects of digital space. They create the physical technology and navigate with ease the intricate dance between hardware and software. You’ll usually need to hold a degree in computer engineering and industry-recognized certifications like those from CompTIA or IEEE.

Find computer engineer jobs on Monster.

Are you curious to discover more of the highest-paying jobs in NYC engineering? Here are some options:

NYC Cost of Living Considerations

After presenting you with the highest-paying jobs in New York, it’s important to reflect on what living in the Big Apple could be like beyond your work. According to a study by SmartAsset, a $100,000 salary corresponds to more like $35,791 in New York City, when taking taxes and the cost of living into account.

But this city offers personal and professional opportunities like nowhere else, so it’s well worth it for many. All you need is strategic financial planning, especially when job hunting.

To make it work:

  • Prioritize budgeting, opting for more affordable but well-connected neighborhoods like Astoria in Queen or Crown Heights in Brooklyn.
  • Leverage one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world to move around without worrying about all the costs attached to owning a car.
  • Enjoy cultural richness by capitalizing on free events, public spaces, or residents’ discounts.

By making these prudent financial choices, it’ll be easier to remain relaxed and focused when pursuing one of the many highest-paying jobs in NYC.

Tips for Securing the Best Jobs in NYC

When aiming to secure one of the top-paying positions in NYC’s thriving job market, arm yourself with a good strategy and patience, and you’ll see results faster than ever.

Build Bridges

In The Big Apple, networking is more than mingling. It’s an art form and often the best way to learn about openings for high-paying jobs. Sign up for industry events at iconic venues like The Metropolitan Pavilion or join professional groups like the New York Tech Alliance.

Engage in meetups, conferences, and workshops relevant to your field. It’s also a good idea to explore informational interviews to expand your network.

Make Your Resume Stand Out

Competition can be fierce in such a prime spot as New York City. Your resume must be able to outshine the competition. Always tailor it to the specific NYC job you’re after and showcase skills and accomplishments that are in line with The City That Never Sleeps’ market. For instance, you could highlight local affiliations, projects, or certifications in your field that are well-known in New York.

Always Be on the Lookout

Always have your resume updated and ready to go. Set up alerts to learn when new job listings open up. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to companies you’re interested in and admire, even if they don’t have roles advertised at that moment.

Go Get Those Highest-Paying Jobs in NYC

Jump into the world of work in New York City. Set up a free candidate account on Monster, upload your resume today and start exploring openings for high-paying roles. Activate customized alerts and we’ll also email you the most relevant listings as soon as they’re online.