10. Solutions Architect

Median Base Salary: $120,000

Number of Job Openings: 2,838

A solutions architect, or systems architect, is responsible for designing and organizing computer systems and custom applications used by companies. While similar to IT consulting, this role is more focused on the development and implementation of an interface that employees can use to make their jobs easier and more efficient.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics equates solutions architects to computer network architects. Those jobs are expected to grow by 9% over the 10 years through 2024, faster than the average job, according to the agency.

9. IT Manager

Median Base Salary: $120,000

Number of Job Openings: 3,152

IT managers are computer and information-systems experts who plan, coordinate and oversee an organization's computer-related activities as well as implement systems that meet a company's goals. IT managers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer or information science. Many also obtain a graduate degree.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics equates solutions architects to computer and information systems managers. Jobs in this field are projected to grow 15% over the 10 years through 2024, much faster than the average job.

"Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as firms increasingly expand their business to digital platforms," according to the agency.

8. Integrated Circuit Design Engineer

Median Base Salary: $127,500

Number of Job Openings: 165

Integrated circuit design, or IC design, is a subset of electronics engineering. Engineers who specialize in this field develop electronic components such as microprocessors and memory.

IC designers "research, plan and oversee circuit design and production," according to Study.com. "Designers might be involved from project conception through final production or be responsible for a particular phase of development. These professionals apply electronics engineering principles -- including signal processing and control systems -- with technical skills to design microelectronics and simulate performance."

The career requires significant education as the field is quite complex. Engineers must also be licensed by a particular state.

However, the outlook for the field is not as promising as other careers on Glassdoor's list due to increasing automation as well as intense foreign competition.

7. Software Architect

Median Base Salary: $128,250

Number of Job Openings: 655

A software architect is essentially a computer programmer who makes decisions on design, coding standards and platforms.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts employment for software developers to grow 17% over the 10 years through 2024, much faster than the average job, due to increasing demand for computer software, according to the agency.

6. Strategy Manager


Median Base Salary: $130,000

Number of Job Openings: 701


Strategic management is the field of formulating and implementing a business's goals and initiatives. Essentially, a person in this career helps a corporation "design a path to growth and profitability amidst competition and constant change" by evaluating internal business plans, according to Careers-in-Business.com.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not break out strategy managers as a career. The closest we could find to strategy managers was the description on human resource managers, a career that is expected to grow 9% over the 10 years through 2024, faster than the average job.

5. Pharmacy Manager

Median Base Salary: $130,000

Number of Job Openings: 1,766

Pharmacy managers compound and dispense medications to patients in accordance with instructions from physicians and other authorized medical practitioners, such as dentists and physical therapists.They can also share duties with pharmacists in charge, called PICs.

Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy as well as a license.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts employment for pharmacists to grow 3% over the 10 years through 2024, slower than the average job.

While increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services, the "employment of pharmacists in traditional pharmacies is projected to decline slightly," the BLS said.

4. Software Development Manager

Median Base Salary: $132,000

Number of Job Openings: 3,495

A software developer creates applications to allow device users (whether of a computer or other device) to do specific tasks. Another task could be creating the underlying system or network that the device runs on.
Software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science and strong computer-programming skills.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts employment for software developers to grow 17% over the 10 years through 2024, much faster than the average job, due to increasing demand for computer software, according to the agency.

3. Research & Development Manager

Median Base Salary: $142,120

Number of Job Openings: 112

A research and development specialist is an occupation that can be hired by a variety of companies including hospitals, engineering firms, manufacturers and educational institutions, among others, to be involved in "product development, industrial research, packaging development, medical research, etc.," according to Adecco.

Research and development managers oversee the research and development functions and personnel, Adecco said.

2. Lawyer

Median Base Salary: $144,500

Number of Job Openings: 995

Lawyers "advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS projects employment for lawyers to grow 6% over the 10 years through 2024, roughly as fast as the average job. "Competition for jobs should continue to be strong because more students graduate from law school each year than there are jobs available," the agency said.

1. Physician

Median Base Salary: $180,000

Number of Job Openings: 2,064

Once again, the top-paying and in-demand job goes to physicians. Doctors typically diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses and help patients with preventative care. Surgeons conduct patient operations on injuries, diseases and deformities.

To be a doctor or surgeon requires stringent education and training, including four years of medical school and then, depending on specialty, three to eight years of internship and residency programs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts employment for physicians and surgeons to grow 14% over the 10 years through 2024, much faster than the average job, due to increasing demand for health care services by the aging population, according to the agency.

https://www.thestreet.com/slideshow/13490804/3/10-highest-paying-jobs-in-2016-if-all-you-care-about-is-money.html