What jobs pay $400 an hour?
Jobs That Pay $400 an Hour
Earning $400 an hour is exceptionally rare and typically found in highly specialized or executive-level roles. Here are some professions and situations where such rates may be possible:
- Top Attorneys: High-profile lawyers, especially those in major metropolitan areas or with specialty practices (like intellectual property, corporate law, or trial law), can command fees of $400 an hour or more.
- Consultants: Industry-leading consultants in areas such as management, finance, IT, or healthcare may bill at $400 an hour or higher, particularly if they have a strong reputation or niche expertise.
- Medical Specialists: Some medical professionals, like renowned surgeons or expert witnesses, may have hourly rates in this range, especially for consulting, testimony, or procedures not covered by insurance.
- Executive Coaches: Seasoned executive or leadership coaches working with C-suite clients can charge $400 an hour or more.
- Corporate Executives: While not always billed hourly, some CEOs, CFOs, or other executives may effectively earn $400+ per hour when their annual compensation is broken down by hours worked.
- Expert Witnesses: Leading experts in technical, medical, or financial fields can be paid $400 an hour or more for legal testimony or case preparation.
- Freelance Specialists: Highly in-demand freelance professionals (e.g., software architects, branding experts, crisis PR managers) sometimes negotiate contracts at this rate for urgent or high-stakes projects.
Important Considerations
- These are not entry-level roles; they require years of experience, specialized knowledge, and often advanced degrees or certifications.
- Such rates may apply to billable hours, not total work hours (which include non-billable tasks).
- Some professionals only charge these rates for short-term projects, consulting, or emergency services.