As employees we generally try to steer clear of those awkward salary comparisons with co-workers, usually to our detriment. A deep understanding of your profession, salaries and benefits is crucial to helping you negotiate better with your current and future employers, and placing yourself at the forefront of your industry.

Some of you might be at the start of your careers, or just deciding which path you want to take professionally. This compiled list of the 10 highest paying jobs in America can help give you some insight into industries you might not have considered. This aggregated data is derived from several government sources, mostly between the years 2010 and 2012. The jobs are a reflection of past and current market demand, which is an ever-changing landscape with a beat of its own.

For example, jobs in the healthcare industry seem to be disproportionately reflected in the list below, mainly due to the baby boomer generation's increased lifespan and focus on health. This list helps pinpoint industries where demand for skilled workers is high, making it more likely to land a great job.