39 Jobs That Can Make You a Millionaire Before Retirement
Choosing one of these careers might help you retire rich.
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For those born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67, according to the Social Security Administration — which means most people will need to remain in the workforce for over 40 years. But, if you choose a career that pays well, it’s possible to become a millionaire with just 35 years on the job or less.
GOBankingRates looked at the 39 jobs with the highest average salaries in the U.S. and determined how much you would be able to save after 25, 30 and 35 years on the job. The study assumed that living expenses cost $60,815 per year, which is the national average and didn’t account for the cost of schooling. So, if you want to become a millionaire before retirement, you should aim for one of the highest-paying jobs out there.
Last updated July 23, 2019.
39. Judge, Magistrate Judge or Magistrate
- Annual mean salary: $121,130
- Earnings after 25 years: $717,871
- Earnings after 30 years: $861,446
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,005,020
A strong sense of justice can lead you to a big paycheck if you work as a judge, magistrate judge or magistrate. The average annual salary for these positions is over $120,000, so even after paying for living expenses, you can become a millionaire after 35 years on the job.
38. Training and Development Manager
- Annual mean salary: $121,730
- Earnings after 25 years: $728,124
- Earnings after 30 years: $873,749
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,019,373
Training and development managers are responsible for educating staff, creating training programs and helping workers within an organization develop overall skills and knowledge. Salaries are high enough in this profession to create millionaires after 35 years of work.
37. Personal Financial Advisor
- Annual mean salary: $121,770
- Earnings after 25 years: $728,807
- Earnings after 30 years: $874,569
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,020,330
Personal financial advisors meet with clients, discuss their financial needs and help them plan their savings and investments. They also monitor their clients’ investments and provide ongoing assistance with financial plans. After 35 years in this profession, your savings can top $1 million.
36. Health Specialties Teacher, Postsecondary
- Annual mean salary: $122,320
- Earnings after 25 years: $738,206
- Earnings after 30 years: $885,847
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,033,488
Rather than medical science, these educators teach courses in health specialties ranging from dentistry and pharmacy to public health and veterinary medicine. Workers in this profession can save $29,528 annually after accounting for federal taxes and living expenses.
35. Pharmacist
- Annual mean salary: $123,670
- Earnings after 25 years: $761,274
- Earnings after 30 years: $913,528
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,065,783
Pharmacists dispense medicine to patients according to written prescriptions, and some may provide additional health and wellness services. They also advise patients on how to use prescription medications safely. Pharmacists can expect to reach millionaire status after 30-35 years of working.
34. Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Annual mean salary: $123,850
- Earnings after 25 years: $764,349
- Earnings after 30 years: $917,219
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,070,089
You’ll typically need a master’s degree to become a computer information and research scientist, but your efforts will be rewarded. Workers in this field, which involves inventing computing technology and innovating uses of existing technology, can become a millionaire in less than 35 years.
33. General and Operations Manager
- Annual mean salary: $123,880
- Earnings after 25 years: $764,862
- Earnings after 30 years: $917,834
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,070,807
If you’re experienced in formulating policies, planning the use of human resources and materials, and managing the daily operations of a public or private enterprise, you might want to consider ascending the ranks in this field. The average worker can save over $30,000 per year after federal taxes and living expenses, which is enough to reach millionaire status within 35 years.
32. Physicist
- Annual mean salary: $125,280
- Earnings after 25 years: $788,785
- Earnings after 30 years: $946,541
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,104,298
Physicists use observations and experiments to discover more about how the world works in terms of physical phenomena. This intellectual pursuit requires an advanced degree but pays handsomely — enough for the average worker to save $31,551 per year and become a millionaire in less than 35 years.
31. Purchasing Manager
- Annual mean salary: $125,630
- Earnings after 25 years: $794,765
- Earnings after 30 years: $953,718
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,112,671
Purchasing managers acquire products or services that organizations use or resell. These professionals are responsible for negotiating contracts with suppliers and evaluating the quality of goods that they’re buying. In exchange for their efforts, purchasing managers can easily become millionaires before retirement.
30. Human Resources Manager
- Annual mean salary: $126,700
- Earnings after 25 years: $813,049
- Earnings after 30 years: $975,659
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,138,68
Human resources managers are in charge of the administrative functions of an organization. They interview and hire new staff, consult with executives on the strategic plan of an organization and act as a link between management and employees. Earnings are high enough that the average human resources manager can tuck away $32,522 per year after taxes and living expenses.
29. Law Teacher, Postsecondary
- Annual mean salary: $130,710
- Earnings after 25 years: $881,570
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,057,883
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,234,197
The job description for this profession is straightforward: Postsecondary law teachers teach courses in law at colleges, universities and professional schools. Some might do a combination of teaching and research. Earnings are high in this profession — enough to turn the average postsecondary law teacher into a millionaire in just 30 years.
28. Public Relations and Fundraising Manager
- Annual mean salary: $131,570
- Earnings after 25 years: $896,265
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,075,518
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,254,771
Public relations and fundraising managers are responsible for putting a company’s best foot forward. They create marketing materials, such as press releases and advertising or promotional materials and coordinate campaigns to bring in additional funding. It’s a high-paying profession, with millionaires minted after 30 years of work.
27. Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Annual mean salary: $132,860
- Earnings after 25 years: $918,308
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,101,969
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,285,631
Compensation and benefits managers are in charge of all things related to employee pay and perks. These managers ensure that programs remain within budget and companies are in compliance with all federal and state laws. All that responsibility can pay off — compensation and benefits managers top $1.1 million in earnings after 30 years.
26. Advertising and Promotions Manager
- Annual mean salary: $133,090
- Earnings after 25 years: $922,532
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,107,039
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,291,545
If you’re talented at creating contests, giveaways or posters, you might want to consider looking into the lucrative career path of an advertising and promotions manager. You could hit the magical $1 million savings mark in less than 30 years, thanks to $36,901 in excess annual income.
25. Natural Sciences Manager
- Annual mean salary: $139,680
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,045,354
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,254,424
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,463,495
A natural sciences manager supervises the work of other scientists, such as chemists, physicists and biologists. These managers are responsible for coordinating various activities, including testing, production and quality control. It’s a lucrative field, with a high annual salary that can allow you to become a millionaire in just 25 years.
24. Sales Manager
- Annual mean salary: $140,320
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,057,282
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,268,738
- Earnings after 35 years: $,1480,194
The sky’s the limit when it comes to potential earnings from a sales position. A sales manager directs sales teams, setting goals, analyzing data and developing training programs for representatives. On average, a sales manager can take home $42,291 annually after paying federal taxes and living expenses.
23. Lawyer
- Annual mean salary: $144,230
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,130,154
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,356,185
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,582,216
These professionals need to complete a law degree and pass their state’s written bar examination in order to advise individuals, businesses and government agencies on legal disputes and issues. Lawyers earn a handsome return on the investment in their education. They can expect to take home $45,206 per year after federal taxes and living expenses, putting millionaire status within easy reach.
22. Financial Manager
- Annual mean salary: $146,830
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,178,612
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,414,334
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,650,056
Financial managers are critical when it comes to an organization’s financial health. They direct investments, create financial reports and make long-term financial plans for their employers. An occupation with this level of responsibility pays well, resulting in more than $47,000 per year after federal taxes and living expenses.
21. Marketing Manager
- Annual mean salary: $147,240
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,186,253
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,423,504
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,660,754
Marketing managers are charged with assessing demand for products and identifying potential customers. They also develop pricing strategies, oversee product development and monitor trends that could inform future profitable strategies for a company’s products. With an average of $47,450 in excess annual income, working as a marketing manager can make you a millionaire long before you turn 65.
20. Podiatrist
- Annual mean salary: $148,220
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,204,518
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,445,421
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,686,325
Podiatrists are doctors that diagnose and treat ailments in the feet, ankles and lower legs. Podiatry is one of many jobs in the medical field that pay well. In fact, the typical podiatrist earns $48,181 in excess of federal taxes and the cost of living every year.
19. Architectural and Engineering Manager
- Annual mean salary: $148,970
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,218,496
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,462,195
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,705,894
Strong management skills can earn you an annual salary approaching $150,000 if you work in the fields of architecture and engineering. The high pay associated with this position allows you to save $48,740 per year — which means you can easily become a millionaire in less than 25 years.
18. Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Annual mean salary: $152,860
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,290,996
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,549,195
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,807,394
Computer and information systems managers are in charge of all computer-related activities in an organization. The average annual salary for this tech-savvy position exceeds $150,000, which allows you to save $51,640 each year after accounting for federal taxes and living expenses.
17. Petroleum Engineer
- Annual mean salary: $156,370
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,356,413
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,627,696
- Earnings after 35 years: $1,898,979
Much of the world is powered by oil and gas, and petroleum engineers specialize in designing and developing methods for extracting these resources from underground deposits. The average annual salary in this field crosses the $150,000 mark. With that income, you can save $54,257 each year after paying federal taxes and living expenses.
16. Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot or Flight Engineer
- Annual mean salary: $169,560
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,592,172
- Earnings after 30 years: $1,910,606
- Earnings after 35 years: $2,229,041
A passion for flying can really pay off if you manage to turn it into a career. Pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers earn an average annual salary of approximately $170,000, which means you can save over $63,000 each year after accounting for federal taxes and living expenses. At that rate, you’ll be a millionaire — and more — in less than 25 years.
15. Nurse Anesthetist
- Annual mean salary: $174,790
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,679,186
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,015,023
- Earnings after 35 years: $2,350,860
These nurses receive specialized graduate education to learn how to administer anesthesia, monitor a patient’s vital signs and oversee a patient’s recovery from anesthesia. They assist surgeons, dentists, anesthesiologists and other physicians. This specialization is an especially lucrative one — nurse anesthetists can become millionaires much sooner than the 25-year mark.
14. Dentist, General
- Annual mean salary: $175,840
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,696,656
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,035,987
- Earnings after 35 years: $2,375,318
The annual salary that comes with being a dentist is a good reason to smile. After all, the average dentist makes over $14,600 per month. After accounting for federal taxes and living expenses, dentists can expect to save $67,866 annually.
13. Dentist, All Other Specialists
- Annual mean salary: $178,800
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,745,903
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,095,083
- Earnings after 35 years: $2,444,264
Having a specialty in the dental field can boost the already impressive general dentist’s salary by a few thousand dollars per year. With that additional income, you can save $69,836 annually after paying federal taxes and living expenses — and become a millionaire even sooner.
12. Pediatrician, General
- Annual mean salary: $183,240
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,819,773
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,183,728
- Earnings after 35 years: $2,547,682
Pediatricians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kids, and they earn an average salary high enough to allow for annual savings of $72,791 after federal taxes and living expenses. That means you can retire with over $2.5 million in savings.
11. Prosthodontist
- Annual mean salary: $191,400
- Earnings after 25 years: $1,955,535
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,346,642
- Earnings after 35 years: $2,737,749
Prosthodontists construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and other oral structures. These prostheses can be used to correct mouth and jaw deformities, to restore and maintain oral function or to improve appearance. The annual salary for this career approaches $200,000, which allows you to save nearly $80,000 per year and retire as a multimillionaire after 30 years on the job.
10. Internist, General
- Annual mean salary: $196,490
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,040,220
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,448,264
- Earnings after 35 years: $2,856,308
Internists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries within internal organ systems — and they get compensated very well for doing their job. The average internist salary allows for an annual savings of $81,609 after accounting for federal taxes and living costs, resulting in a relatively quick ascension to multimillionaire status.
9. Chief Executive
- Annual mean salary: $200,140
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,100,915
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,521,098
- Earnings after 35 years: $2,941,281
Chief executives give an organization its direction by planning and coordinating operational activities at the highest level of management. They’re often the highest earners in their organization, so being the CEO of a top company can be a millionaire job. Even at the average level of pay for chief executives, you’ll be able to save $84,037 per year and retire with nearly $3 million after 35 years on the job.
8. Physician or Surgeon, All Other
- Annual mean salary: $203,880
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,162,298
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,594,758
- Earnings after 35 years: $3,027,217
At the most basic level, physicians and surgeons are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients. Those not working in a particular specialty can expect to earn a salary large enough to create a nest egg of over $2.1 million after just 25 years on the job — even after accounting for federal taxes and living expenses.
7. Family and General Practitioner
- Annual mean salary: $211,780
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,289,047
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,746,856
- Earnings after 35 years: $3,204,665
Family and general practitioners diagnose, treat and help prevent commonly occurring diseases and injuries. These physicians earn enough to save $91,562 annually after accounting for federal taxes and living expenses, which allows them to reach multimillionaire status in less than 25 years.
6. Psychiatrist
- Annual mean salary: $220,380
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,423,744
- Earnings after 30 years: $2,908,493
- Earnings after 35 years: $3,393,242
Psychiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat mental disorders, and they earn an average annual salary well above $200,000. These paychecks would allow you to save $96,950 annually, assuming you spend an average amount to cover living expenses.
5. Orthodontist
- Annual mean salary: $225,760
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,508,009
- Earnings after 30 years: $3,009,610
- Earnings after 35 years: $3,511,212
If you had braces growing up, you’re probably familiar with the orthodontist’s office. These physicians examine, diagnose and treat any issues with the oral cavity, jaw and teeth for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Orthodontists earn more than dentists by about $50,000 per year. With this high average salary, orthodontists generate over $100,000 in excess annual income after paying federal taxes and living expenses.
4. Obstetrician or Gynecologist
- Annual mean salary: $238,320
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,704,730
- Earnings after 30 years: $3,245,675
- Earnings after 35 years: $3,786,621
OB-GYNs provide medical care related to pregnancy, childbirth and the female reproductive system, while also providing general medical care to women. If you love babies, this could be a rewarding career that will earn you a big paycheck, too. The average annual salary for obstetricians and gynecologists is high enough for you to save $108,189 per year after paying federal taxes and living expenses.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Annual mean salary: $242,370
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,768,163
- Earnings after 30 years: $3,321,795
- Earnings after 35 years: $3,875,428
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in treating diseases, injuries and defects that occur in the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions. These surgeons earn an average salary high enough for them to put away $110,727 in savings each year after covering federal taxes and living expenses. If you stay in the job for 35 years, you’d be a millionaire nearly four times over.
2. Surgeon
- Annual mean salary: $255,110
- Earnings after 25 years: $2,967,703
- Earnings after 30 years: $3,561,243
- Earnings after 35 years: $4,154,784
Surgeons provide life-giving care and boast the second-highest salary on this list, with their average annual pay topping a quarter of a million dollars. After 35 years on the job, you can have over $4 million saved for retirement, even after covering federal taxes and living expenses.
1. Anesthesiologist
- Annual mean salary: $267,020
- Earnings after 25 years: $3,154,243
- Earnings after 30 years: $3,785,092
- Earnings after 35 years: $4,415,941
Anesthesiologists are physicians who administer anesthetics before, during or after a surgery or other medical procedures. This job has the highest annual salary on this list, cruising past the $260,000 mark. As an anesthesiologist, you can save $126,170 per year after paying federal taxes and living expenses and retire with over $4.4 million after 35 years on the job.
How To Become a Millionaire Before Retirement
There are plenty of jobs that pay well enough to make you a millionaire in 35 years or less, provided that you have a diligent savings strategy. Some careers can even help you reach that goal in less than 25 years. While there are no easy jobs that pay well, you can achieve a fulfilling work life and an early retirement if you manage to match your skills and passions with one of the 39 millionaire jobs on this list.
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Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article.
Methodology: To determine the jobs that can make you a millionaire before retirement, GOBankingRates analyzed salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The jobs used in this study have the highest mean pay as of May 2018, according to the Occupational Employment Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The study takes the annual salary of each given job and subtracts federal income taxes and the average cost of living in the United States, based on average annual expenditures, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ midyear Consumer Expenditure Survey (July 2017-18); the difference left over is then multiplied by 25, 30 and 35 years in order to find out whether that job will get you past the $1 million threshold. Note that the majority of these jobs require additional schooling, and the cost of schooling is not accounted for in the study. The study assumes that the listed salary is the salary you earn every year for the given period.
Data is accurate as of July 23, 2019 and is subject to change.
About the Author
John Csiszar
After earning a B.A. in English with a Specialization in Business from UCLA, John Csiszar worked in the financial services industry as a registered representative for 18 years. Along the way, Csiszar earned both Certified Financial Planner and Registered Investment Adviser designations, in addition to being licensed as a life agent, while working for both a major Wall Street wirehouse and for his own investment advisory firm. During his time as an advisor, Csiszar managed over $100 million in client assets while providing individualized investment plans for hundreds of clients.
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