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.
20 Best Paying Jobs in Arizona in 2024
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.
