If you’re wondering what jobs pay $400 an hour, the answer is straightforward: only a select group of elite professions reach this level. Roles such as top surgeons, corporate lawyers, celebrity consultants, and specialized tech freelancers often command hourly rates of $400 or more. In fact, some even exceed this figure depending on demand, expertise, and industry.
While most jobs don’t offer hourly wages this high, certain professions reward unique skills, experience, or specialized knowledge. The key factor isn’t just the job title but the reputation, years of experience, and scarcity of the expertise.
Search intent for this query shows readers want a list of specific jobs, their salary ranges, and clear explanations of how people reach $400 per hour. That’s exactly what this article covers.
Below, you’ll find the top jobs that pay $400 an hour, explained in detail with salary ranges and what it takes to get there.
1. Specialized Surgeons
Among the most consistent earners at $400 an hour are specialized surgeons, particularly those in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, or cardiac surgery. Their work involves life-saving operations, which explains the high compensation.
On average, surgeons in these specialties can make $300,000 to $1,000,000 annually, which translates to $200–$500 per hour depending on case volume and location. Top private practitioners and hospital-affiliated surgeons often exceed this benchmark.
Becoming a surgeon requires years of medical training, residencies, and fellowships. However, once established, their expertise makes them indispensable.
Surgeons also earn additional income through consulting, teaching, or writing in medical journals. Their brand and reputation can further boost their hourly rate.
For those who achieve this level of specialization, $400 an hour is not only possible but common.
2. Corporate Lawyers
High-level corporate lawyers working in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), intellectual property, or international law often charge $400 an hour or more. Their clients are usually major corporations with multi-million-dollar deals at stake.
Top corporate lawyers earn $250,000 to $800,000 annually, with many billing clients at $400–$1,000 per hour depending on their expertise.
The journey to this level involves law school, years of practice, and building a reputation. Connections and high-profile case wins are also critical to commanding premium rates.
Corporate lawyers often work long hours, but the financial rewards are enormous. Many also become partners in law firms, adding profit-sharing to their income.
For those with negotiation skills and legal expertise, this is one of the most reliable ways to hit $400 per hour.
3. Celebrity Consultants
Celebrity consultants and high-profile business advisors often charge $400 an hour or more. These can include PR experts, branding specialists, or executive coaches who work with elite clients such as Fortune 500 CEOs, athletes, or entertainers.
Their annual earnings range widely, often between $200,000 to $2 million, depending on their client list and how many projects they accept.
These professionals are paid for their insider knowledge, strategic insights, and proven ability to deliver results. The exclusivity of their services makes them highly valuable.
In many cases, consultants don’t just charge by the hour—they also earn retainers or performance bonuses, pushing their income higher.
If you’ve built credibility in a niche industry, consulting can be one of the fastest ways to earn $400 per hour.
4. Tech Freelancers and Cybersecurity Experts
In today’s digital world, top-level tech freelancers—especially cybersecurity experts—regularly bill at $400 an hour. Their skills are in short supply and high demand, particularly for protecting corporations against cyberattacks.
Many of these specialists earn $150,000 to $600,000 annually, depending on contracts and the number of hours they bill. For urgent, high-risk projects, rates can climb well past $400 per hour.
Unlike traditional careers, many tech freelancers are self-taught or trained through certifications rather than degrees. What matters most is proof of skill, often demonstrated through portfolios or successful projects.
The flexibility of freelancing also allows them to choose clients and set their own rates. This creates opportunities to earn big while working fewer hours.
As cybercrime continues to grow, so does the market value of these experts.
5. High-End Creative Professionals
Finally, creative professionals such as celebrity photographers, entertainment lawyers, or luxury brand designers can command $400 an hour. While not every artist reaches this level, those who work with high-profile clients often do.
Annual salaries for top creative professionals range from $100,000 to $1 million, depending on contracts, brand partnerships, and royalties. Hourly rates spike for one-time projects or exclusive events.
These careers are built on talent, reputation, and personal branding. Networking plays a big role in reaching the top tier.
For example, a photographer shooting for Vogue or a branding designer working with luxury fashion houses can easily earn $400 per hour or more.
If you’re creative and willing to build a brand, this is one of the most exciting ways to join the $400-an-hour club.