Where do you need to work to earn the big bucks? Photo / Thinkstock
Sandra Bullock earned US$51 million between June 2013 and June 2014, and the three main stars of The Big Bang Theory have just signed a US$1 million (NZ$1.17m) an episode deal.
• Big Bang Theory stars sign $1m-an-episode deal
• Forbes reveals Hollywood's highest paid actresses
If acting isn't your scene, but you still want to earn big bucks, here is a countdown of the 10 most lucrative jobs in New Zealand, according to median pay.
Median pay: $100,842
That's right, the median pay is over six figures, according to Seek. It's the big organisations such as Fonterra, Fletcher Building and Progressive Enterprises pushing up the salaries in this bracket.
Median pay: $92,000- $95,000
No surprises here. Of course IT experts are still in hot demand, and are being offered the big bucks. This category takes out top spot in the TradeMe Salary Guide, and is in third place on Seek.
Median pay: $75,000- $93,000
Seek ranks engineering as the second highest-paying industry. Your chances of landing a job in geotechnical, civil and structural engineering are high, especially if you're prepared to move down south and take part in the Christchurch rebuild.
Median pay: $71,400 - $75,000
Getting into property is still lucrative, but the category has dropped in ranking since this time last year. The top earners are in commercial sales and leasing where the median pay is $115,000 per year.
Median pay: $65,000 - $71,000
It's the corporate bankers and managers who push this category up with high earnings.
When it comes to brokers and financial advisors, the outlook is good. According to MBIE, many workers in these occupations are likely to retire over the next decade. The advice for those entering the occupation is to start establishing a client list early, as they take time to build up.
Median pay: $65,000- $78,000
If you enter this industry for the pay, look straight past becoming a journalist or direct marketer (both on a median wage of $45,000 per year). Brand managers and managers in general push up the median pay in this category.
Median pay: $60,000 - $78,000
The construction industry continues to grow, with good job prospects for engineers, project managers, welders, carpenters and electricians.
Median pay: $65,000- $71,000
According to MBIE, the demand for human resource (HR) professionals is expected to grow slightly in the next decade. The chances of getting a job are fair, especially for those with specialist experience. Job opportunities for HR practitioners are best in: professional services, financial services, telecommunications, and supermarkets.
Median pay: $65,000- $67,000
Those who work in defence earn the least in this category, while those in central government earn the most.
Median pay: $55,000 - $65,000
According to MBIE, prospects for science technicians are improving with increased research funding. The best opportunities lie in the applied sciences, and in areas that the Government has prioritised for funding in 2010-2014: biological industries, health, environment, and high-value manufacturing and services.
Sources: TradeMe Salary Guide, Seek Salary Snapshot, The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- nzherald.co.nz
Demand for bonds may well stay strong, but there's a catch.