The 10 highest paying jobs in the US in 2018 are all in the medical field.

1. Anesthesiologist

Median annual salary: $269,600
Projected growth (2016-2026): 17.8%

Anesthesiologists are responsible for administering medications that allow surgeons to perform operations and invasive treatments without causing pain to patients during the procedure. They also closely monitor patients' symptoms before, during, and after surgery.

This is the job that topped the 2018 best jobs in America ranking published by US News & World Report, based on research on average salary, employment rate, growth rate, career prospects, stress level, and work-life balance.

2. Surgeon

Average annual salary: $252,910
Projected growth (2016-2026): 16.8%

Surgeons operate on people to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities. They undergo rigorous training. After four years of medical school and a bachelor's degree, they must enroll in a surgical specialty program that takes at least five years to complete.

3. Obstetrician and gynecologist

Average annual salary: $234,310
Projected growth (2016-2026): 17.9%

Obstetricians and gynecologists care for women's reproductive health and perform a wide range of duties. They can treat sexually transmitted diseases, manage birth control, and help with many other issues.

4. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

Average annual salary: $232,870
Projected growth (2016-2026): 17.2%

Unlike regular dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo an additional four years of surgical training to perform procedures involving this area of ​​the body, such as chin augmentation or facelifts. They can also perform anesthesia and diagnose cancer.

5. Orthodontist

Average annual salary: $228,780
Projected growth (2016-2026): 17.3%

Orthodontists are tasked with creating beautiful smiles by correcting uneven bites and realigning teeth. This is done with braces or other appliances, depending on the specific case.

6. Doctor (specializing in non-surgical treatment)

Average annual salary: $201,840
Projected growth (2016-2026): 14.9%

The term "doctor" includes all medical practitioners in general, from primary care to cardiologists, dermatologists...

7. Psychiatrist

Average annual salary: $194,740
Projected growth (2016-2026): 13.1%

These doctors focus on the mental health of their patients. They diagnose and treat complex illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.

8. Pediatrician

Median annual salary: $168,990
Projected growth (2016-2026): 17.8%

Pediatricians focus on the physical and mental health of children, from infants to adolescents. Their specialties range from oncology and hematology to developmental-behavioral and psychiatry.

9. Dentist

Average annual salary: $159,770
Projected growth (2016-2026): 17.2%

Dentists help maintain the health of patients' mouths, teeth, and gums by filling cavities, diagnosing dental disease, and extracting teeth when necessary.

10. Dentist

Average annual salary: $126,050
Projected growth (2016-2026): 17.2%

Unlike orthodontists, they create dentures to replace missing teeth, helping patients feel confident about their appearance and restore the ability to eat and speak.