5) Orthodontist: The average wage of an orthodontist in the United States is $201,030. Coming in at number five, orthodontists have a very important job. Straightening teeth is no joke. These specialty dentists attend post-high school education for ten to 11 years. Approximately 6,200 people hold this job, and that figure is expected to rise by 16% by 2022.

4) Obstetricians: Ranking number four on this list, obstetricians rake in an average of $214,750 annually. “What even is an obstetrician?”, you may ask yourself. Well, they are the ones that deliver babies. With all of the complications that can happen with the birth of a child, obstetricians have a lot of the line. It’s a long road to becoming an obstetrician. After high school, you must first get a bachelor’s degree, then attend medical school, followed by earning a medical license, then take part in residency, and getting board certified. The process is finished by continuing education, which is the last obstacle before being able to deliver babies.

3) Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: The third highest average salary is that of an oral surgeon, at $219,600. These medical professionals deal with your mouth, just like the number five ranking job. However, these guys don’t just put braces on your teeth. Oral surgeons perform procedures on diseases, infections, and other defects relating to the mouth/jaw areas. These specialists attend dental school for at least four years after regular college.

2) Surgeons: An average surgeon in the United States takes home $240,440 every year. Comparable to the previously mentioned positions, surgeons carry out procedures on your body. Whether it is removing an organ, mending one, or implanting something else, surgeons have huge responsibilities. Also similar to the other jobs, becoming a surgeon requires years of education after high school.

1) Anesthesiologist: Rounding out the top five highest paying jobs in America, anesthesiologists enjoy an average salary of $246,320. These high earning medical professionals are the ones who give you anesthesia before surgery (hence the title anesthesiologist). You’re probably wondering, “Why do these guys get almost a quarter of a million dollars to put a mask on you that puts you to sleep?”. Well, although it may seem simple, it’s not exactly a walk in the park. One mistake, and you can be killed by an incorrect dose of anesthesia. Because of that, anesthesiologists must have insurance, which comes at a high price. So really, they need the paycheck to take care of that cost.

All said and done, these top five paying jobs all require lots of schooling. So, stay in school, go to college, and maybe one day you could hold one of these prestigious titles.