10 Highest-Paying Healthcare Jobs (+ a Bonus Animal Lover’s Job)
Looking for a career in the noble healthcare field and wondering what the highest-paying healthcare jobs are? You’re in the right place, this sector is booming. There are opportunities for everyone and well-compensated ones as well. Hospitals and other medical facilities are hiring quickly and generously to fill the growing need for healthcare professionals.
Salaries depend on various factors including your years in practice, specialty, and where in the U.S. you work. For example:
- A registered nurse salary in New York is 7% higher than the national median.
- A physical therapist salary in Phoenix, AZ is 5% higher than the national median.
- A dental hygienist salary in New Haven, CT is 11% higher than the national median.
Here are five of the fastest-growing and highest-paying healthcare jobs in the industry. And guess what - none of them require you to become a physician or a surgeon.
1. Anesthesiologist
As an anesthesiologist, you'll have one of the most crucial and highest-paying healthcare jobs. You’ll be responsible for administering anesthesia to patients undergoing surgical procedures, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the operation.
Job Prospects
The demand for anesthesiologists remains steady due to the continuous need for surgeries and other medical procedures that require anesthesia. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth in employment for anesthesiologists over the next decade, highlighting the ongoing demand for these specialists in hospitals and surgical centers.
Average Salaries
Anesthesiologists are among the highest-paid professionals in the healthcare industry. According to Monster’s Salary Tool, the average annual salary for anesthesiologists is $361,779. However, this can vary significantly based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility, so you can typically earn a salary between $266,753 and $410,392 per year.
Education and Requirements
To become an anesthesiologist, you must complete a bachelor's degree, followed by a medical degree (MD or DO). After medical school, you will need to complete a residency program in anesthesiology, which typically lasts four years. Additionally, you must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and obtain board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology.
Find anesthesiologist jobs on Monster.
2. Physician Assistant
Physician assistants (PAs) are highly trained medical professionals who work under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. As a physician assistant, your duties will include diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and performing procedures.
Job Prospects
The job outlook for physician assistants is exceptionally strong, with a projected growth rate of 28% over the next decade, which translates into about 12,900 openings each year. This growth is driven by an increased demand for healthcare services and a focus on cost-effective treatment options.
Average Salaries
The average hourly salary for physician assistants ranges between $50.12 and $67.63. However, salaries can vary based on specialty, experience, and location. PAs in surgical specialties or working in metropolitan areas often earn higher wages. For example, in Los Angeles your median salary can reach $77.94.
Education and Requirements
To become a physician assistant, you need to complete a master's degree from an accredited PA program, which usually takes about two years. Additionally, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and obtain state licensure.
Find physician assistant jobs on Monster.
3. Optometrist
Optometrists are eye care professionals who examine, diagnose, and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. If you pursue this career, you’ll also prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, and medications.
Job Prospects
The employment of optometrists is expected to grow by 9% over the next decade, bringing about 2,200 openings each year. This growth is driven by an aging population and the increasing need for vision care. Additionally, the growing awareness of eye health boosts the demand for optometrists.
Average Salaries
Optometrists earn an average annual salary ranging between $107,832 and $152,794. Salaries vary based on your experience, location, and type of practice. In some areas, as an experienced optometrist, you can earn over $165,000 per year.
Education and Requirements
To become an optometrist, you need to complete a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry school, which typically takes four years. After earning your degree, you must pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exams and obtain state licensure.
Find optometrist jobs on Monster.
4. Pharmacist
Pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare by dispensing medications and advising patients on their proper use. As a pharmacist, you can work in various settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and clinics.
Job Prospects
The demand for pharmacists is expected to grow as the population ages and requires more medications to manage chronic conditions. The BLS projects a 5% growth in employment for pharmacists over the next decade, with approximately 14,200 job openings annually.
Average Salaries
Pharmacists earn competitive salaries, with the average hourly wage at $63.82. Those working in outpatient care centers and hospitals tend to earn higher wages compared to those in retail settings, with averages of $144,962 and $135,499 respectively. In some locations, experienced pharmacists can earn over $150,000 per year.
Education and Requirements
To become a pharmacist, you need to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school, which typically takes four years to complete. Afterward, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and meet any additional state-specific requirements.
Find pharmacist jobs on Monster.
5. Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a skilled medical professional who performs similar duties to a physician. In some states, they have full practice authority, meaning they can practice without a physician’s supervision. They can assess, diagnose, and treat various medical conditions.
Job Prospects
The demand for nurse practitioners is on the rise as baby boomers move into their golden years. It’s a fast-growing field with hospitals and care facilities quickly filling positions to keep up with the demand for treatment. Projected job growth is strong, and the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that over the next ten years, there will be a 40% increase in nurse practitioner jobs.
Average Salaries
US News and World Reports states that the highest paid NPs are making six figures, meaning they effectively hold some of the highest paying healthcare jobs, besides physicians. The average salary for nurse practitioners is anywhere between $49.64 to $65.13 per hour.
However, most nurses won’t say they got into the field for the money, but rather out of a desire to care for others. It’s a demanding job that can be physically exhausting and depending on the healthcare facility you work for, you might have to work some odd hours.
Education and Requirements
To become a nurse practitioner, you need a bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as a graduate degree. You will also have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and obtain any certifications for the specialty you want to practice in. But the hard work pays off and the growing need for these professionals makes it a secure career to choose.
Find nurse practitioner jobs on Monster.
6. Podiatrist
As a podiatrist, you will specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. In this role, you’ll perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and provide preventive care to patients.
Job Prospects
The demand for podiatrists is projected to grow by 1% over the next decade, converting into about 300 openings each year. The states with the highest employment for podiatrists are New York, California, Michigan, and Florida.
Average Salaries
Podiatrists earn a lucrative salary, with the average annual wage ranging between $47.08 and $100.09. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility you’ll work in. In some states, if you are an experienced podiatrist, you can earn over $200,000 per year.
Education and Requirements
To become a podiatrist, you must complete a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from an accredited podiatric medical school, which typically takes four years. Afterward, you must complete a residency program, which usually lasts three years. Licensure is required in all states, and certification from the American Board of Podiatric Medicine can enhance job prospects.
Find podiatrist jobs on Monster.
7. Occupational Therapist
As an occupational therapist, you’ll have one of the highest-paying healthcare jobs with the most versatility in terms of work setting. You could operate in a hospital, rehab center, school, medical office, and sometimes directly in a client’s home.
Occupational therapy differs from physical therapy in that you may work with clients who have not only physical but also mental, emotional, or developmental issues. Your main goal is to help them perform daily tasks better so that they may lead more independent lives.
Job Prospects
Occupational therapy is another job in high demand due to the growing elderly population and the need to replace workers who are retiring. Over the next decade, demand for these professionals will stay strong at 11%, with around 9,600 openings per year to choose from.
Average Salaries
The average salary for an occupational therapist ranges between $37.36 and $50.35 per hour. The BLS also reports that the top 10% of occupational therapists in the field make over $100,000 per year.
Education and Requirements
Educational requirements to start an occupational therapist career include a master’s degree in occupational therapy from a school approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Once you obtain that, you will have to pass a national certifying exam. While many of the programs require a full-time commitment, more schools are starting to offer part-time and weekend programs.
Find occupational therapist jobs on Monster.
8. Physical Therapist
Physical therapy is another of the highest-paying healthcare jobs catering to a growing aging population. Along with senior citizens, physical therapists help those with disabilities, mobility issues, or who are recovering from injuries.
Job Prospects
Jobs will increase in the coming years thanks again to the baby boomer generation. The BLS projects there will be a 14% increase in physical therapy jobs in the next few years. Plus, we can expect around 13,600 openings available to these workers each year.
Average Salaries
The average salary for a physical therapist sits at $46.98 per hour, with reported salaries ranging from $38.80 to $51.65 per hour. California and Nevada pay the highest wages to physical therapists, at 114,270 and 111,460 per year respectively.
Education and Requirements
Education requirements to become a physical therapist include a bachelor’s degree, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited school, and a state license. Doctorate programs generally take three years to complete, and some licenses require you to complete continuing education programs to maintain your certification. Although you might be looking at years of schooling to become a physical therapist, it’s a blooming healthcare field with job security and great pay.
Find physical therapist jobs on Monster.
9. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) make up the largest healthcare profession in their sector with around 5.2 million workers. As an RN you will assist patients in a range of healthcare facilities, emergency rooms, and schools depending on the area you decide to specialize in.
Job Prospects
With a 6% projected growth in employment over the next ten years, around 194,500 registered nursing jobs will open up annually. This is due to the growing elderly population and more Americans enrolling in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
Average Salaries
Registered nurse is among the highest-paying healthcare jobs, offering between $32.06 to $48.60 per hour on average based on experience, medical facility, and location. In California, where RNs are paid the most, you could easily earn up to 137,690 per year.
Education and Requirements
To become a registered nurse, you must hold at least an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing. While an associate degree will get you an entry-level position, more RNs are entering the field with bachelor’s degrees.
As with most healthcare positions, you will also need to pass a national exam called the National Council Licensure Examination. Some other requirements may vary depending on the state in which you practice.
Find RN jobs on Monster.
10. Dental Hygienist
As a dental hygienist, you will work alongside a dentist to help administer dental care to patients. Your responsibilities will include performing routine cleanings, preparing patients for x-rays, administering anesthesia for oral surgery, and other administrative tasks.
Job Prospects
The field of dental hygiene is experiencing rapid job growth, making this profession one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying healthcare jobs. And it’s an entry-level role so, more accessible than some other options.
BLS expects a 9% increase in demand for these professionals over the next few years, with 16,400 dental hygienist jobs waiting to be filled every year.
Average Salaries
As a dental hygienist, you’ll earn between $36.11 - $46.57 per hour on average, but you might make more based on experience and location, among other factors. For instance, in Alaska, the annual mean wage is 115,980 per year.
Education and Requirements
In order to become a dental hygienist, you will need an associate degree in dental hygiene. However, a number of dental hygienists are entering the field with bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well to improve their job prospects.
You will then need to pass a licensing exam in the state where you plan to work. It’s also helpful to complete an internship in a dentist’s office to gain experience in the field.
Find dental hygienist jobs on Monster.
11. Veterinarian (Bonus High Paying Healthcare Job for Animal Lovers)
Veterinarians are medical professionals who diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and disorders in animals. In this role, you can work in a variety of settings, including private clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities.
Job Prospects
The demand for veterinarians is projected to grow by 19% over the next decade, with about 4,300 openings each year. This growth is driven by the increasing pet population and the need for veterinary services. Advances in veterinary medicine also contribute to the growing demand for these professionals.
Average Salaries
Working as a veterinarian, you can typically earn an average hourly salary between $39.70 and $63.93. Salaries vary based on your experience, location, and type of practice. Top paying states for veterinarians, where the annual mean wage is over $150,000, include Massachusetts, California, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and Hawaii.
Education and Requirements
To become a veterinarian, you must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from an accredited veterinary school, which typically takes four years. After earning your degree, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meet state licensure requirements. Some veterinarians also pursue board certification in a specialty area to enhance their career prospects.
Find veterinarian jobs on Monster.
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