Not Just For Gamblers: Highest Paying Jobs in Nevada

© 2012 by Aurelio Locsin.

With about 2.7 million people, Nevada falls near the middle range of states in terms of population. Its 1.1 million employed makes a mean $19.82 per hour or $41,220 per year. This is slightly less than the average $21.35 per hour or $44,410 per year earned by all 127 million workers in the U.S. All information is from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The average for all 7.3 million healthcare practitioners and technical occupations in Nevada is $34.27 per hour or $71,280 per year. Ten of the top 11 professions are involved in the medical profession as follows.

1. Obstetricians and gynecologists handle women’s health issues such as pregnancy, childbirth and breast cancer. The 110 in the state earn a mean $110.04 per hour or $228,880 per year.
2. The 1,530 physicians and surgeons not listed under separate specialties average $107.38 per hour or $223,350 per year.
3. Surgeons operate on patients to correct medical problems either manually or with instruments. The 460 working in Nevada make a mean $104.86 per hour or $218,110 per year.
4. Orthodontists are dental specialists who correct problems such as misaligned teeth using appliances such as braces. Their numbers are unspecified but they earn mean wages of $103.51 per hour or $215,310 per year.
5. Anesthesiologists manage patient pain pre- and post-op, and during surgery. Their numbers are also unspecified but they make a mean $95.20 per hour or $198,010 per year.
6. The 510 internists in the state treat internal organ systems such as the lungs, kidneys and digestive tract without surgery. They receive mean salaries of $94.64 per hour or $196,840 per year.
7. Family practitioners handle general medical conditions and are typically the first doctors seen by patients. They often refer complex problems to specialists. The 1,030 in Nevada make $91.88 per hour or $191,100 per year.
8. The state’s 70 psychiatrists combine medication and therapy to treat mental problems. They average $85.20 per hour or $177,230 per year.
9. General dentists handle conditions involving the teeth, gums and other tissues inside the mouth. About 1,040 make a mean $80.27 per hour or $166,950 per year.
10. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot. The 30 in the state earn a mean $79.81 per hour or $166,000 per year.

The sixth highest profession in the state actually belongs to chief executive officers who may lead small businesses by themselves or be in charge of large corporations with the help of an administrative staff and department managers. They earn their high salaries because they are the final authority of their establishments whose decisions can affect customers, employees and suppliers. The state’s biggest industries are concentrated in tourism, silver and gold mining, and hydro-electric power. Its 750 CEOs average $95.04 per hour or $197,670 per year.

Most of the remaining professions in the top twenty are not concerned with medicine. They are the following:

1. Nevada’s 70 physicists research the physical world and try to explain its structure and principles. They make a mean $72.88 per hour or $151,590 per year.
2. Judges ensure that trials are fair for all those concerned and make decisions based on the law. The 210 in the state average $71.22 per hour or $148,130 per year.
3. Pediatricians treat individuals from birth to young adulthood. Their numbers are unspecified but they earn a mean $63.98 per hour or $133,070 per year.
4. With 4,310 professionals, lawyers comprise the largest profession in the top 20 and earn a mean $59.47 per hour or $123,700 per year. They represent their clients in such legal matters as contract negotiations and trials.
5. Architectural and engineering managers coordinate the efforts of architects and engineers so they can complete their projects. The 790 in Nevada average $59.32 per hour or $123,390 per year.
6. The 860 health specialties teachers instruct such subjects as medicine and patient care. They make $113,410 per year. Their hours are too irregular for calculating an hourly rate.
7. Marketing managers plan and develop campaigns designed to sell goods and services. The 1,480 in the state earn mean wages of $52.90 per hour or $110,030 per year.
8. Postsecondary education administrators ensure that college, universities and other educational institutions serve their students and the community efficiently and profitable. About 510 earn a mean $52.49 per hour or $109,190 per year.
9. The 2,130 pharmacists dispense prescription drugs under the direction of doctors. They receive a mean $52.04 per hour or $108,240 per year.