Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Connecticut 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Connecticut seems like a dream with its top-notch educational system, easy access to major metropolitan areas, plenty of outdoor activities, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Unfortunately, living in the Constitution State is not cheap. Its cost of living continues to surpass the national average—about 21.6% higher for 2024. It’s also the 3^rd most expensive state for raising a family and the 11^th for single adults.

Smartasset.com says the average annual salary for a single working adult living comfortably in Connecticut is $100,300.

But don't worry; the median income for all jobs in CT has recently increased, and employment in Connecticut is booming. Not only that, but plenty of high paying jobs in Connecticut for 2024 will provide you with an income that covers your basic needs plus more. 

If you're wondering what these jobs are, check out our list below:

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Connecticut 2024 (Inc Salaries) 

1. Physician/ Surgeon

• Salary Range: $278,000 to $513,000, with an average annual salary of $280,100

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (24,200 new jobs) 

Also known as medical doctors or medical practitioners, physicians and surgeons are health professionals who are extensively trained and educated to diagnose patients through ordering diagnostic tests and interpreting results, manage pain and symptoms by prescribing medications, formulating treatment plans, or performing surgery,  and prevent the onset of diseases by educating patients on lifestyle changes.  

Different types of physicians may specialize in treating a specific body part or system or a particular age group of patients.

To be eligible for physician licensure in CT, applicants must have an MD or DO degree and complete at least two years of postgraduate residency training.

They must also pass the following examinations: the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX), and the National Board of Examiners (NBME). Lastly, they need to be board-certified in their chosen specialty.

Tariffville is the best-paying city for doctors in Connecticut, offering an average annual salary of 50.8% above the CT average.

2. Podiatrist

• Salary Range: $275,000 to $513,000, with an estimated wage of $260,700 per annum

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 1% (300 employment opportunities) 

Podiatrists, more commonly known as foot doctors, are educated and trained to diagnose, treat, or surgically repair health conditions that affect the ankle, foot, and lower legs.

They treat various injuries, such as sprains, heel pain, and foot and ankle fractures. They also manage foot disorders, such as bunions, ingrown toenails, neuromas, and other foot issues caused by chronic diseases like diabetes and arthritis.

After earning a science-related bachelor's degree, prospective podiatrists must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program and surgery residency training. They must also pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE) administered by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) to get licensed and obtain board certification from the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry. 

According to ZipRecruiter, Stamford offers the best salaries for podiatrists-- 31.3% above the CT average.

3. Chief Executive Officer

• Salary Range: $289,000 to $539,000, with a mean yearly income of $179,400

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (311,600 new jobs)

*projected growth rate includes demand for all chief executives, general, and operations manager 

CEOs provide leadership and direction for all facets of the company’s operations and departments. These top-tier executives guide and steer the company’s direction, ensuring all activities and plans align with their goals and visions.

They are also in charge of updating and reporting to the shareholders and board of directors and communicating any changes in policies and guidelines to staff members and other managers.

The educational requirements for CEOs are a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree and professional certifications, like Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Advisor (CFA).

If you don't plan to build your own business, the path to CEO requires more than getting these credentials. It also involves earning years of relevant work experience in a management position, establishing strong business connections, and having the best mentors in the industry. 

With an hourly mean wage of $165.95, Connecticut is the fourth highest-paying state for chief executives and managers in the US.

4. Orthodontist

• Salary Range: $184,000 to $343,000, with a median annual wage of $179,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (300 job vacancies) 

Orthodontists are dental specialists who specialize in correcting bite irregularities and treating jaw abnormalities. Their primary role is fabricating and installing orthodontic appliances that improve the alignment, appearance, and function of the jaw and teeth.

Registered dentists must undertake an orthodontic residency program, which takes about 2 to 3 years, to become orthodontists. They must also pass the American Board of Orthodontics examination to get board certification. 

As per BLS, Connecticut is the 4^th state offering the best orthodontists salaries.

5. Compensation and Benefits Manager

• Salary Range: $142,000 to $233,000, with mean yearly pay of $126,200

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 2% (1,100 new jobs) 

The main role of compensation and Benefits Managers is to ensure that all employees are compensated properly and according to industry standards. They are also vital instruments in helping companies attract and develop superior talent by designing competitive compensation and benefits packages, which include bonuses, healthcare benefits, and incentives on top of the basic salary. 

A bachelor's degree in business, management, or finance is the starting point for becoming a compensation and benefits manager. After that, aspiring professionals must have at least five years of experience working in the business industry, specifically in human resources. 

Though not all employers require an MBA degree for this position, obtaining one can help candidates gain a competitive advantage over other applicants. Pursuing certifications from professional associations like the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans (IFEBP) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is recommended. 

According to BLS, Connecticut is 4^th top paying state for compensation and benefits managers.

6. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

• Salary Range: $133,000 to $207,000, with an estimated income of $126,300 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 38% (123,600 job openings) 

APRNs have completed graduate-level education and training, allowing them to take on higher roles and perform a variety of patient care services than registered nurses. These professionals are certified in the following APRN specialties:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) plays a more active role (almost the same as medical doctors) in treating and diagnosing patients.

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) designs training programs for nursing staff, and formulates clinical workflows inside the hospital. 

• A certified nurse midwife (CNM) provides care to women during pregnancy and support before and after giving birth.

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) delivers anesthetic care and pain management services to patients before, during, and after surgery or an invasive procedure.

The requirements to becoming an APRN in Connecticut are a CT nursing license, at least 30 hours of pharmacology education for advanced nursing practice, and a valid board certification from any of the following national organizations:

• American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA),

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP),

• American Nurse Credentialing Center (AANC),

• American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), and many more. 

With an average annual salary 15.9% higher than the CT average, Waterbury is the best-paying city for APRNs in CT.

7. Architectural and Engineering Manager

• Salary Range: $129,000 to $205,000, with an estimated yearly income of $125,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (13,600 employment opportunities) 

Architectural and engineering managers are responsible for directing and coordinating the activities and leading the professionals involved in all types of projects related to architecture and engineering. These activities include construction and production, specifically in operations, testing, quality assurance, and production.

Their specific responsibilities include researching project designs and processes, creating detailed technical plans, delegating tasks, hiring and supervising team members, establishing a budget, and allocating resources. 

All aspiring architectural and engineering managers start their careers with a bachelor's degree in either architecture or engineering. The next step is to obtain a master's degree in business administration (MBA). Technology management (MSTM) and engineering management (MEM) for technical management are recommended for those who plan to work in the technical industry.

While a license is not required, a Professional Engineering (PE) license is needed for taking on bigger and more technical projects. 

Connecticut has 4,140 architectural and engineering managers, making it the 3^rd state with the highest location quotients and concentration of jobs for this role.

8. Underwriting Manager

• Salary Range: $136,000 to $215,000, with an average yearly salary of $122,700

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): -2% (8,200 employment opportunities)

*projected growth rate is for all insurance underwriters 

Underwriting managers are senior-level managers who direct and coordinate all the underwriting activities of a company, organization, or department.

They are responsible for formulating underwriting guidelines and ensuring they are followed and implemented properly. Additionally, they are in charge of overseeing the performance of the underwriting staff.

The first step to becoming an underwriting manager is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, finance, business, and economics. After that, it's recommended that you earn years of working experience and get an MBA degree or pursue professional certifications, like the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and Chartered Property Casual Underwriter (CPCU), to qualify for manager roles. 

With 1,630 insurance underwriters, the Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT, is the metropolitan area with the highest location quotients and concentration of jobs for this role.

9. Information Technology (IT) Project Manager

• Salary Range: $118,000 to $181,000, with an estimated annual income of $121,600

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 15% (46,900 job openings) 

IT project managers are mid-level managers responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring projects that can help companies achieve their IT goals. Their projects include scaling IT processes, rolling out software solutions, developing new apps, and many more. 

These professionals are in charge of defining the project's goals, identifying and monitoring key performance metrics, supervising their team members, and establishing and allocating budgets and resources.

Obtaining a bachelor's degree is a great way to get an entry-level position in the IT industry. To qualify for the project management position, aspiring IT project managers must gain practical IT work experience and obtain relevant certifications. 

An MBA degree is also recommended since it can help them develop the soft and technical skills needed for this position. 

CT has 9,950 Computer and Information Systems managers, making it the ^fourth state with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for this position.

10. Financial Manager

• Salary Range: $108,000 to $192,000, with a median yearly pay of $106,000

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 16% (69,600 new finance manager jobs) 

Financial managers supervise the company's finance and accounting departments. While their responsibilities may vary depending on the organization's size, their general duties include preparing monthly financial statements, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the financial reports, and advising executives on proper budget allocation and investment strategies based on existing market trends.

One needs at least a bachelor's degree in business administration and economics to enter the finance industry. To rise to a management position, prospective financial managers must pursue professional certification from national organizations and institutes and earn years of experience as accountants, loan officers, or financial analysts.

Connecticut has 19,400 financial managers, making it the top state with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in this position.

Here are other occupations that offer good salaries in CT:

• Pharmacist: $131,100

• Project Delivery Manager: $119,600

• Aerospace Engineer: $117,900

• Traveler Nurse: $106,100

FAQs

What is the highest paying job within Connecticut State in 2024?

Physician/surgeon is the highest-paying job in Connecticut, with an average annual salary of $280,100. It also ranks 2^nd among the highest-paying jobs in the U.S.

Anesthesiologists are the best-paid medical specialty, earning a median yearly wage of $281,100.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Connecticut jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

With a job outlook of 38%, APRNs will grow the fastest among the other occupations on the list. Of all the APRN specialties, Nurse Practitioners will produce the most jobs—about 118,600 employment opportunities in the next 10 years.

Financial managers closely follow this healthcare role at 16% and IT Project managers at 15%.

What is the best career path in Connecticut in 2024?

The list shows that the healthcare industry stands out the most in Connecticut, making it the best career option if you want a stable, secure, and good-paying job. The runners-up are the business and management sectors.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Connecticut jobs?

In addition to industry-specific knowledge and technical skills, soft skills are the most important skills professionals need to develop. Soft skills are the collective term for interpersonal skills that can significantly influence the way you work, how you interact with your colleagues, and ultimately, how you can become an asset to the organization.

That said, the soft skills you need to develop are the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others, the capability to solve problems and work under pressure, and the inclination to solve problems and issues with an analytical mindset.

Most of all, you also need to focus on honing your capability to lead a group and manage other people. 

Download Our Free Report here to explore the soft and hard skills you need to develop to advance your career.

What qualifications are required for highest paying jobs available in Connecticut?

Considering the nature of these high paying Connecticut jobs, the educational requirements include medical degrees for physicians and a doctorate for podiatrists and orthodontists.

On the other hand, business degrees are required to land managerial positions. An MBA degree can also be valuable for physicians and other healthcare professionals looking to establish their practices.

On top of that, gaining relevant experience and earning professional certifications can help you land these lucrative occupations.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial for earning a high-paying job in Connecticut?

An MBA is recommended for professionals trying to secure these high-paying Connecticut jobs because of the following reasons:

• It helps enhance their skills and enrich their business knowledge, allowing them to take on complex challenges and making them valuable assets to their organization.

• It demonstrates higher expertise and commitment, increasing employability and giving them a competitive advantage over other candidates.

• It provides them with opportunities to network with other professionals in their field to build a strong business network, increase their chances of seeking mentorship, and access higher-level positions.

• It increases their earning potential and gives them luxury rewards and benefits.

Conclusion

With Connecticut's expensive lifestyle, many professionals seek out these high-paying jobs, so expect the competition to be cutthroat.

That said, the best career advice is to obtain a business degree. This can help improve your employability and show potential employers you have the soft skills needed to do the job efficiently and properly.

The best part about these degrees is that you can take them part-time and online, easily fitting them into your hectic schedule. With that said, Nexford offers online BBA and online MBA programs that you can customize according to your career goals. The programs come with various specialization opportunities and competencies that will allow you to future-proof your career and stay on top of the rapidly changing corporate world.