Considering a career that’s not only rewarding but also financially stable? The healthcare sector stands out as a field brimming with opportunities, innovation, and robust job security. From the precision of dentistry to the compassionate care of physical therapy and the diagnostic expertise of radiology, healthcare careers are diverse and in high demand. If you’re exploring healthcare as a potential path and wondering, “What Do Health Care Jobs Pay?”, this guide will walk you through 25 top healthcare careers, highlighting salary expectations and providing insights to help you make an informed decision.
The Promising Landscape of Healthcare Job Growth and Compensation
The healthcare industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by an aging population needing more medical services and a simultaneous retirement wave within the healthcare workforce itself.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a remarkable 13% increase in healthcare jobs from 2021 to 2031. This growth rate far surpasses the national average across all occupations, translating to roughly 2 million new healthcare positions within this decade.
Beyond job availability, healthcare careers often come with competitive compensation packages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also indicates that healthcare professionals in roles requiring advanced education, such as registered nurses, physicians, and dental hygienists, typically earn a median annual salary around $69,000. This figure significantly exceeds the average salary across all other professions. Conversely, roles like home health aides or occupational therapy assistants, which may not necessitate advanced degrees, generally offer compensation closer to or below the national wage average. Understanding “what do health care jobs pay” involves looking at the spectrum of roles and required qualifications within the healthcare field.
Finding Your Niche: Aligning Healthcare Careers with Your Aspirations and Salary Needs
Choosing the right healthcare career involves aligning your skills, interests, and desired salary expectations with the diverse opportunities available. One of the appealing aspects of healthcare is its career mobility. Professionals often begin in one specialization and transition to others as they gain experience and further education.
For instance, a radiology technician might pursue a master’s degree and transition into health informatics, or a bedside nurse might move into an administrative role. To discover a healthcare career that resonates with your ambitions and salary goals, it’s crucial to explore your interests and identify the educational path that will pave your way to success.
To help you navigate the landscape of healthcare careers and understand “what do health care jobs pay”, we’ve compiled a list of 25 prominent healthcare jobs, detailing their responsibilities, required skills, education, career outlook, and importantly, their average salaries.
Top 25 Healthcare Careers: Salary Insights and Job Overviews
The salary data and job outlook information presented below are derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs List, providing a comprehensive view of “what do health care jobs pay” across different roles.
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Registered Nurse
- Average Salary: $77,600
- Job Responsibilities: Registered nurses (RNs) are the backbone of patient care, working across diverse healthcare settings from family practices to emergency rooms. Their duties include administering medications, monitoring patient vitals, and performing minor medical procedures, directly impacting patient well-being.
- Skills: Nurses need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and possess varied skills depending on their department, all centered around patient care and medical proficiency.
- Education Requirement: Minimum bachelor’s degree.
- Career Outlook: Projected 6% job growth from 2021 to 2031.
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Dentist
- Average Salary: $163,220
- Job Responsibilities: Dentists are essential for diagnosing and treating conditions related to teeth, gums, and oral health. They perform procedures ranging from fillings and dentures to extractions, ensuring patients’ oral health.
- Skills: Expertise in oral health and medical science, excellent manual dexterity for precise work, and a comforting bedside manner to ease patient anxiety are crucial.
- Education Requirement: Doctoral degree.
- Career Outlook: 6% growth expected from 2021 to 2031.
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Nurse Practitioner
- Average Salary: $120,680
- Job Responsibilities: Nurse practitioners (NPs) function similarly to physicians, providing primary care, diagnosing illnesses, conducting exams, ordering and interpreting tests, and prescribing medication. They often specialize in areas like pediatrics or obstetrics, expanding their expertise.
- Skills: Advanced clinical knowledge and diagnostic skills, strong communication for patient interaction and collaboration, and a commitment to comprehensive patient care are essential.
- Education Requirement: Registered nurse status followed by a master’s degree.
- Career Outlook: Anticipated 46% job growth from 2021 to 2031, making it one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions with excellent salary prospects.
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Physical Therapist
- Average Salary: $95,620
- Job Responsibilities: Physical therapists are vital in helping patients recover from physical ailments due to injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They develop and implement treatment plans to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance motor function.
- Skills: In-depth knowledge of human anatomy, especially the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, physical stamina for patient assistance, and strong interpersonal skills are key.
- Education Requirement: Doctoral or professional degree.
- Career Outlook: 17% growth expected from 2021 to 2031.
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Physician
- Average Salary: $208,000+
- Job Responsibilities: Physicians, or doctors, are central to healthcare, responsible for a broad spectrum of patient care from routine check-ups to treating complex conditions. They specialize in diverse fields like cardiology, dermatology, and radiology, each demanding specific expertise.
- Skills: Skills vary widely by specialty, from surgical precision to diagnostic acumen, all requiring extensive medical knowledge and patient-centered care.
- Education Requirement: Doctoral degree.
- Career Outlook: A 3% increase is expected from 2021 to 2031. While the growth rate is modest, the high demand and “what do health care jobs pay” at the physician level remain strong.
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Dental Hygienist
- Average Salary: $77,810
- Job Responsibilities: Dental hygienists are crucial for preventative oral care, providing cleanings, exams, and educating patients on oral hygiene practices. They also assist dentists and identify signs of oral diseases.
- Skills: Clinical proficiency in oral hygiene procedures, expertise in using dental tools, and a gentle bedside manner to alleviate patient concerns are important.
- Education Requirement: Associate degree.
- Career Outlook: 9% career growth expected between 2021 and 2031.
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Pharmacist
- Average Salary: $128,570
- Job Responsibilities: Pharmacists are medication experts, dispensing prescriptions, advising patients and doctors on drug interactions and side effects, and ensuring safe and effective medication use.
- Skills: Extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills for patient and physician interaction are necessary.
- Education Requirement: Doctoral or professional degree.
- Career Outlook: Little change is expected in the pharmacist job market over the next decade, with 2% growth through 2031. Despite modest growth, “what do health care jobs pay” in pharmacy remains competitive.
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Nursing Assistant
- Average Salary: $30,290
- Job Responsibilities: Nursing assistants provide essential daily care for patients, helping with tasks like bathing, feeding, and mobility. They are vital for patient comfort and support under the supervision of nurses.
- Skills: Physical stamina, compassion, strong communication skills, and basic clinical knowledge are essential for this physically and emotionally demanding role.
- Education Requirement: State-sanctioned training program.
- Career Outlook: 5% growth from 2021 to 2031.
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Surgeon
- Average Salary: $208,000+
- Job Responsibilities: Surgeons perform operations to treat diseases and injuries, ranging from general procedures to highly specialized surgeries. They require intense training and precision.
- Skills: Advanced surgical skills, deep anatomical knowledge, manual dexterity, and the ability to perform under high-pressure situations are critical.
- Education Requirement: Doctoral or professional degree.
- Career Outlook: 3% growth projected from 2021 to 2031. Surgeons represent some of the highest paying jobs in healthcare.
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Radiology Technician
- Average Salary: $61,980
- Job Responsibilities: Radiology technicians operate imaging equipment like X-rays and CT scanners to aid in diagnosing medical conditions. They ensure patient safety and image quality, playing a crucial role in diagnostics.
- Skills: Proficiency in operating radiology equipment, patient care skills, and attention to detail in imaging procedures are important.
- Education Requirement: Associate degree.
- Career Outlook: Employment expected to grow 6% by 2031.
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Medical or Clinical Lab Technologist
- Average Salary: $57,800
- Job Responsibilities: Clinical lab technologists analyze bodily fluids and tissues to assist in diagnosis and treatment. They perform complex tests and ensure accuracy in lab results, which are vital for patient care.
- Skills: Expertise in lab procedures, handling infectious materials safely, analytical skills, and knowledge of lab equipment are crucial.
- Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree minimum.
- Career Outlook: 7% growth in employment opportunities expected between 2021 and 2031.
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Phlebotomist
- Average Salary: $37,380
- Job Responsibilities: Phlebotomists specialize in drawing blood for tests, transfusions, and donations. They must be skilled in venipuncture and patient care, especially for those anxious about needles.
- Skills: Venipuncture expertise, interpersonal skills to comfort patients, and attention to hygiene and safety protocols are essential.
- Education Requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award and professional certification.
- Career Outlook: 10% growth is expected in the field through 2031.
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Respiratory Therapist
- Average Salary: $61,830
- Job Responsibilities: Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing difficulties, from asthma to respiratory diseases. They manage ventilators and administer treatments to improve patients’ respiratory function, often in critical care settings.
- Skills: Expertise in cardiopulmonary function, diagnostic testing, treatment techniques, and patient education on respiratory care are vital.
- Education Requirement: Associate degree minimum.
- Career Outlook: 14% job growth expected through 2031.
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Medical Assistant
- Average Salary: $37,190
- Job Responsibilities: Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, from scheduling appointments to taking vital signs and managing electronic health records (EHR). They are versatile support staff.
- Skills: Proficiency in EHR systems, clinical skills in taking vitals, administrative and organizational abilities, and strong communication are needed.
- Education Requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award.
- Career Outlook: 16% growth is anticipated from 2021 to 2031.
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer & Cardiovascular Technologists
- Average Salary: $75,380
- Job Responsibilities: These technologists use imaging equipment to perform diagnostic tests like ultrasounds and echocardiograms. They prepare patients and assist physicians in interpreting results, crucial for diagnosing various conditions.
- Skills: Expertise in operating diagnostic imaging equipment, patient preparation, and sometimes assisting in procedures requiring imaging guidance are key.
- Education Requirement: Associate degree and sometimes specialized training.
- Career Outlook: 10% growth expected in the field by 2031.
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Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Average Salary: $36,930
- Job Responsibilities: EMTs and paramedics provide emergency medical care in pre-hospital settings, responding to accidents and medical emergencies. They are first responders, offering life-saving care and transport.
- Skills: Broad clinical skills for emergency care, quick decision-making in stressful situations, and physical and emotional resilience are essential.
- Education Requirement: Postsecondary educational program plus state licensure.
- Career Outlook: 7% growth is expected from 2021 to 2031.
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Dental Assistant
- Average Salary: $38,660
- Job Responsibilities: Dental assistants support dentists in various tasks, including taking X-rays, managing patient records, sterilizing equipment, and assisting during procedures. They ensure smooth dental office operations.
- Skills: Knowledge of dental procedures, X-ray operation, patient communication, and organizational skills are important.
- Education Requirement: Varies by state, from on-the-job training to postsecondary awards and certification.
- Career Outlook: 8% growth expected in the field from 2021 to 2031.
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Genetic Counselor
- Average Salary: $80,150
- Job Responsibilities: Genetic counselors assess family health histories to advise patients on genetic risks and testing options. They provide crucial guidance in understanding and managing genetic health concerns.
- Skills: Strong communication and empathy for delivering sensitive information, critical thinking for risk assessment, and expertise in genetics are vital.
- Education Requirement: Master’s degree in genetics or genetic counseling, often with certification.
- Career Outlook: 18% growth is expected between 2021 and 2031.
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Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Average Salary: $85,570
- Job Responsibilities: Occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform daily living and working activities despite disabilities or injuries. They create customized therapy plans to enhance patients’ quality of life.
- Skills: Patience, compassion, strong communication, adaptability, and comprehensive knowledge of therapeutic techniques are crucial for OTs.
- Education Requirement: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, with licensure and certification.
- Career Outlook: 14% growth is expected between 2021 and 2031.
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Optometrist
- Average Salary: $124,300
- Job Responsibilities: Optometrists diagnose and treat vision problems and eye diseases. They conduct eye exams, prescribe lenses, and manage eye health, playing a key role in vision care.
- Skills: Decision-making skills, detail-oriented approach for examinations, and expertise in vision care and eye health are essential.
- Education Requirement: Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.
- Career Outlook: 9.6% growth is expected between 2021 and 2031.
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Audiologist
- Average Salary: $78,950
- Job Responsibilities: Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders. They conduct hearing tests, recommend hearing aids, and provide rehabilitation for hearing loss, improving patients’ communication abilities.
- Skills: Critical thinking, communication skills to explain complex information, and patience are highly valued in audiology.
- Education Requirement: Doctoral degree in audiology.
- Career Outlook: 10.4% employment growth projected between 2021 and 2031.
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Speech-Language Pathologist
- Average Salary: $76,060
- Job Responsibilities: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders in patients of all ages. They help individuals improve speech, language, and swallowing abilities, impacting their quality of life significantly.
- Skills: Active listening, empathy, diagnostic and therapeutic skills in speech and language are vital for SLPs.
- Education Requirement: Master’s degree in speech-language pathology, state licensure, and often certification.
- Career Outlook: 21% growth expected from 2021 to 2031.
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Pediatrician
- Average Salary: $170,480
- Job Responsibilities: Pediatricians specialize in the health care of children, from newborns to adolescents. They prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses and injuries specific to children, ensuring healthy development.
- Skills: Patience, compassion, organizational skills, and expertise in pediatric medicine are crucial for effective care of young patients.
- Education Requirement: Doctoral degree, residency in pediatrics, and board certification is often preferred.
- Career Outlook: 1% growth projection from 2021 to 2031. While growth is slow, pediatricians are essential and “what do health care jobs pay” reflects their specialized skills.
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Anesthesiologist
- Average Salary: $208,000+
- Job Responsibilities: Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical and medical procedures. They are critical in pain management and patient safety during complex medical interventions.
- Skills: Focus, quick decision-making, critical thinking, and expertise in pharmacology and patient monitoring are vital for anesthesiologists.
- Education Requirement: Doctoral degree, extensive residency, and state licensure.
- Career Outlook: 1% employment growth expected from 2021 to 2031. Anesthesiologists consistently rank among the highest paying jobs in healthcare.
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Chiropractor
- Average Salary: $75,000
- Job Responsibilities: Chiropractors focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system, treating conditions through manual adjustments, particularly of the spine. They aim to improve body function and reduce pain.
- Skills: Dexterity for manual adjustments, decision-making skills, and communication to explain treatments are key for chiropractors.
- Education Requirement: Doctor of Chiropractic degree (DC).
- Career Outlook: 10% growth from 2021 to 2031 is expected.
The Multifaceted Benefits of a Healthcare Career: Beyond Just Salary
Choosing a healthcare career offers numerous benefits that extend beyond just competitive salaries. These advantages contribute to making healthcare a consistently attractive career path:
- Fulfilling Work: The profound satisfaction of helping others in need is a major motivator for many healthcare professionals.
- High Earning Potential: As highlighted throughout this guide, many healthcare roles offer salaries well above the median annual wage, reflecting the value of these professions.
- Job Security: The continuous and growing need for healthcare services ensures stable employment opportunities and resilience against economic fluctuations.
- Strong Job Outlook: The healthcare industry is projected to grow, offering abundant opportunities for new entrants and career advancement.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: Healthcare is a field of continuous learning and development, with numerous paths for specialization and career progression.
- Engaging and Dynamic Work: The variety in healthcare roles means every day can bring new challenges and experiences, keeping the work stimulating and engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Job Salaries
What are the Highest Paying Jobs in Healthcare?
According to the U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs List, these healthcare careers consistently report the highest median annual salaries, often exceeding $208,000:
- Anesthesiologist
- Obstetrician and Gynecologist
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Orthodontist
- Physician (various specialties)
- Psychiatrist
- Surgeon (various specialties)
These roles require extensive education, specialized skills, and often involve high-stress, critical decision-making, which justifies their higher compensation.
How to Decide Among Different Healthcare Careers Based on Salary?
Choosing a healthcare career based on salary involves careful consideration. Research “what do health care jobs pay” for different roles that align with your interests and skills. Consider the education and training required for higher-paying positions and evaluate if you’re willing to invest the necessary time and resources. Speak with professionals in the field and consider shadowing or volunteering to gain firsthand insights into different healthcare environments and roles before making a decision.
What is the “Best” Healthcare Job in Terms of Salary and Work-Life Balance?
The “best” healthcare job is subjective and depends on individual priorities. While high-paying jobs like surgeons and anesthesiologists offer significant financial rewards, they often come with demanding hours and high-stress environments. Careers like dental hygienists or medical assistants might offer a better work-life balance but typically have lower salary ceilings. Evaluate what you value most—whether it’s maximizing income, achieving work-life balance, or job fulfillment—to determine the best healthcare career path for you.
Interested in starting or advancing your healthcare career? The University of San Diego offers a range of continuing education programs designed for healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills. Explore our Healthcare Programs to find courses and certifications that can help you achieve your career and salary aspirations in the rewarding field of healthcare.
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