7 High-Paying Jobs for Workers Entering the Private Sector

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Layoffs in the U.S. surged over 205% in March, resulting in 275,240 job cuts across 27 agencies, according to a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. The massive layoffs, fueled by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have left thousands of Americans jobless. 

However, with expertise in finance, law, health, or engineering, you’re a hot commodity in the private workforce. If you’re looking to transition into the private sector, here are some of the most lucrative jobs.

Chief Financial Officer

Those who worked as financial analysts, senior accountants, or controllers in the government can land chief financial officer (CFO) roles in the private sector. CFOs oversee an organization’s finance operations, analyze strengths and weaknesses, and make strategic decisions to ensure the company’s long-term financial health and growth. 

CFOs are some of the highest-paid professionals, with some taking home an average of $460,206, according to Salary.com. With a strong expertise in finance and accounting, former federal employees can thrive as CFOs in corporations, investment firms, and fintech startups.

Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys help obtain and protect intellectual property and represent clients in court for patent-related matters. Patent examiners and attorneys who worked for agencies like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have expertise navigating the patent application and approval process and are indispensable in private firms looking to protect their innovations. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a patent attorney is $245,887. 

Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs and chemicals on living systems, conduct clinical trials, and develop new drugs. Those who worked for federal agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are in high demand at biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations. Landing a pharmacologist role in the private sector could earn you more than $233,000 annually.

Podiatrist

Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Podiatrists who worked at various federal agencies can boost their income by transitioning into the private sector. The average annual salary for podiatrists in the U.S. is $231,936, with the opportunity to command higher pay when working for private companies.

Chief Engineer

If you worked at agencies like the Department of Energy, Defense, Transportation, or NASA, you may land a lucrative job transitioning to the private sector as a chief engineer. There are many high-paying roles in industries like construction, defense contracting, and manufacturing. As a chief engineer, your work is to oversee projects and lead the engineering team. According to Glassdoor, the median annual wage for chief engineers is $214,000.

Medical Officer

Medical officers are always in high demand, and landing a job in the private sector gives you a chance to command a higher pay. Those who worked for agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), can work for pharmaceutical companies or medical research institutions. The average annual wage for medical officers is $193,735, as stated by Indeed.

Ship Pilot

Ship pilots navigate vessels safely through narrow or hazardous water channels. Whether you worked for the U.S. Coast Guard or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), your extensive maritime expertise is highly valued by private companies. You could work for major shipping companies or cruise lines in the private sector and pocket at least $185,569 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. 

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