Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs in Corpus Christi

In Texas, the top 10 highest-paying jobs are all in the medical field. But what about Corpus Christi?

The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from May 2021, shows the top 10 in the Sparkling City by the Sea include careers in medicine but also engineering and law.

The bureau includes Aransas, Nueces and San Patricio counties in its data for Corpus Christi.

So, if you're thinking about a career change, consider one of the 10 below.

Physicians, all others

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $310,990

Physicians take care of, diagnose and observe sick and injured patients, as well as perform routine check-ups. They are responsible for maintaining medical records and thoroughly reviewing a patient's medical history prior to treatment.

These professionals specialize in a particular area of medicine, including gynecology, pediatrics and anesthesiology.

National annual mean salary: $231,500

Corpus Christi employment rate: 240

Entry-level education requirements: Medical doctor degree or doctor of osteopathy degree

State with highest employment rate: California

Family medicine physicians

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $296,420

Aspiring doctors typically choose a niche within the field of medicine. What makes family medicine physicians distinct is that these doctors can serve everyone in some way as a primary care provider.

Family medicine physicians see patients of all ages and know how to diagnose, treat and prevent a wide variety of conditions.

National annual mean salary: $235,930

Corpus Christi employment rate: Estimates weren't released

Entry-level education requirements: Medical doctor degree or doctor of osteopathy degree

State with highest employment rate: California

General internal medicine physicians

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $296,330

Also known as internists, general internal medicine physicians diagnose and treat illnesses in adult patients, as opposed to family practitioners, who see both adults and children. They provide nonsurgical treatment of diseases and injuries related to the internal organ systems in adults and address a wide range of issues.

Internists examine patients and advise them from simple health questions to more complex issues that may require the attention of specialists in other areas.

National annual mean salary: $242,190

Corpus Christi employment rate: 40

Entry-level education requirements: Medical doctor degree or doctor of osteopathy degree

State with highest employment rate: New York

Pediatricians, general

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $263,690

Pediatricians specialize in medical and preventive health care for children and manage their patients' developmental growth. The care includes everything from a child's emotional well-being to their physical and mental health.

Their patients are not just babies, but include toddlers, teens and young adults.

National annual mean salary: $198,420

Corpus Christi employment rate: Estimates weren't released

Entry-level education requirements: Medical doctor degree or doctor of osteopathy degree

State with highest employment rate: California

Chief executives

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $218,680

A chief executive is the highest-ranking person in a company and holds primary responsibilities for the business. These leaders often serve as the face of the company and are elected by a board of directors to expand the company, drive profitability and improve share prices.

National annual mean salary: $213,020

Corpus Christi employment rate: 60

Entry-level education requirements: Bachelor's degree in business administration

State with highest employment rate: California

Architectural and engineering managers

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $169,760

Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct and coordinate activities within architectural and engineering companies.

Managers are responsible for developing the overall concept of a new product or for solving the technical problems that prevent the completion of a project.

National annual mean salary: $158,970

Corpus Christi employment rate: 170

Entry-level education requirements: Bachelor's degree in engineering

State with highest employment rate: California

Dentists, general

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $157,820

Dentists provide preventive and corrective care for teeth and gums of patients. The care can include educating patients on flossing and using fluoride, removing decay, repairing broken teeth and filing cavities.

Some dentists, like physicians, choose to specialize in a particular area such as pediatrics or orthodontics.

A dentist operates on a patient.
A dentist operates on a patient.

National annual mean salary: $167,160

Corpus Christi employment rate: 60

Entry-level education requirements: Doctor of dental surgery degree or doctor of dental medicine degree

State with highest employment rate: California

Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $156,870

Geoscientists study the earth's composition, structure and other physical aspects of the planet. They may search for natural resources such as groundwater, metals and petroleum, or help environmental scientists clean up and preserve the environment.

Geoscientists are employed by public and private sector enterprises in the energy industry, as well as in more practical sectors including water management, mining and consulting industries.

National annual mean salary: $103,550

Corpus Christi employment rate: 100

Entry-level education requirements: Bachelor's degree in geology

State with highest employment rate: Texas

Lawyers

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $146,230

Lawyers provide advice and recommendations to clients regarding their legal rights and obligations. They represent individuals and businesses during legal proceedings and disputes.

Lawyers can specialize in a number of areas, including civil rights, employment law, immigration law and intellectual property.

National annual mean salary: $148,030

Corpus Christi employment rate: 740

Entry-level education requirements: Juris Doctor degree

State with highest employment rate: California

Chemical engineers

Corpus Christi's annual mean salary: $138,130

Chemical engineers examine methods to develop, manufacture and utilize chemical and biochemical products. They research chemical combinations with a goal of finding new uses and products for chemical raw materials.

Most chemical engineers work for employers in the chemical industry or for companies producing hydrocarbon-based fuels, food and consumer products, biotechnology products, medical products and electronics.

National annual mean salary: $121,840

Corpus Christi employment rate: 100

Entry-level education requirements: Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering

State with highest employment rate: Texas

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs in Corpus Christi