With the third largest industry in the US, the healthcare sector has more than 1.2 million jobs each year. As per the reports from BLS, it is predicted that within the next 10 years, healthcare job openings will rise by 15%.
This number states the upcoming demand for healthcare professionals in the US.
This article provides a complete guide on the best-paying jobs in the healthcare sector and the expected career growth.
I have curated this list with the help of reports from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, along with the predicted rise in employment until 2031 and the median salary.
Key Facts about the Healthcare Industry:
- Each year, the healthcare industry opens up more than 1.2 million jobs in the US. This suggests that 15% of job openings in this industry will occur in the coming years.
- As of 2021, the healthcare industry is worth $808 billion in the US.
- Physicians earn the highest salary, with a median salary of $208,000+ each year.
- The average salary of a healthcare employee in the US is more than $60,976.
- The healthcare industry combines 19.7% of the total economy in the US.
Best Health Care Jobs that Pay you the Highest
Before we go into the details, here is a quick overview of the best-paying jobs in the healthcare industry.
| Sr No | Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs | Predicted Rise in Employment till 2031 | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Physician or surgeon | 3% | $208,000+ |
| 2. | Dentist | 6% | $163,220 |
| 3. | Podiatrist | 2% | $145,840 |
| 4. | Pharmacist | 2% | $128,570 |
| 5. | Optometrist | 9% | $124,300 |
| 6. | Nurse practitioner | 45% | $123,780 |
| 7. | Physician Assistant | 31% | $121,530 |
| 8. | Veterinarian | 17% | $100,370 |
| 9. | Physical therapist | 21% | $95,620 |
| 10. | Occupational therapist | 17% | $84,570 |
| 11. | Radiation therapist | 6% | $82,790 |
| 12. | Genetic counselor | 18% | $80,150 |
Now that you have a quick preview, let’s dive into the details below.
1. Surgeon or Physician
| Median Salary | $208,000+ |
| Predicted rise in employment | 3% |
| Required Education | Doctoral Degree |
Physicians and Surgeons hold the pinnacle position when it comes to jobs in the healthcare profession. The primary duties of a Surgeon or a Physician include diagnosing and testing the illness and the injuries of the patient.
With an average salary exceeding $163,220, the annual estimated growth for this profession is 3%.
According to reports from the BLS, physicians have estimated employment growth to be 2.8% between 2021 and 2031. As per their reports, more than 19,400 jobs will open up during that period.
2. Dentist
| Median Salary | $163,220 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 6 percent |
| Required Education | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) |
The dentist holds the top position in best-paying healthcare jobs. Dentists identify and treat problems related to oral and related surgeries.
The average salary made by Dentists in 2021 was $160,370. The employment growth estimated for dentists within the next 10 years is 6.1%. These statistics state that more than 7,700 dentist jobs will open up between 2021 and 2031.
3. Podiatrist
| Median Salary | $145,840 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 2 percent |
| Required Education | Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree |
Podiatrists are responsible for treating the ankle, foot, and lower leg. They perform surgeries that treat fractures or any injuries on your lower body.
Demand for podiatrists is increasing with 2.0% annual employment growth. Despite modest job growth predictions, a median salary of $145,840 makes it an attractive healthcare career.
4. Pharmacist
| Median Salary | $128,570 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 2 percent |
| Required Education | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree |
Pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare by dispensing medications and providing valuable information to patients.
Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing prescription medications to patients and maintaining the pharmaceutical quality and legal restrictions.
With a median salary of over $128,000, this profession offers financial stability and job security. The estimated job growth within the next few years is around 2.4%, with more than 7000 job openings annually.
5. Optometrist
| Median Salary | $124,300 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 9 percent |
| Required Education | Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree |
Optometrists are responsible for primary vision care. They are licensed to practice optometry, which includes detecting defects in vision, signs of injury, and ocular diseases related to your eyes.
The employment of optometrists is estimated to rise by 9% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Over the decade, an average of 1,700 openings for optometrists are projected.
In 2022, Optometrist had more than 43,000 job openings. With a median salary of $124,300 and a healthy job growth rate, this career is a rewarding choice.
6. Nurse Practitioner
| Median Salary | $123,780 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 45 percent |
| Required Education | Master’s degree in their specialty role |
Nurse Practitioners are considered key members of healthcare. According to data from nurse.org, within the next 10 years, the job growth of nurse practitioners will outpace that of other healthcare professionals.
The reports from BLS suggest that the overall employment of nurse practitioners is projected to rise by 45%.
Nurse practitioners typically earn an average of $123,780 per year. They have also reported a high level of job satisfaction.
You need a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the NCLEX to obtain a registered nursing license.
7. Physician Assistant
| Median Salary | $121,530 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 31 percent |
| Required Education | Master’s degree, typically two years of full-time study. |
Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who are responsible for examining, diagnosing, and treating patients.
Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians, providing critical medical care.
With a median salary of $121,530 and a 31% job growth prediction, it’s a profession that offers a stable income and career prospects. This increased growth states the rising demand for this profession in healthcare services.
8. Veterinarian
| Median Salary | $100,370 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 17 percent |
| Required Education | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) |
As we all know, Veterinarians are care providers for animals and pets. They cater to the well-being of our beloved pets and animals.
The primary responsibilities of a vet include examining, diagnosing, and treating medical conditions for pets and livestock.
With a median salary of $100,370 and a 17% job growth prediction, this profession is a heartwarming and financially rewarding choice for animal lovers.
9. Physical therapist
| Median Salary | $95,620 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 21 percent |
| Required Education | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
Estimates state that physical therapy as a career is brighter than ever. According to the BLS reports, the predicted employment of physical therapists is about to rise by 21% within the next few years.
The primary role of therapists includes helping injured people improve their mobility, manage pain, and treat them.
According to the reports from PTs, by 2026, there will be more than 330,000 practicing physical therapists, showing an increase of 44% from previous years.
The median salary of $95,620, combined with a healthy job growth rate, makes this profession financially and personally fulfilling.
10. Occupational Therapist
| Median Salary | $85,570 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 17 percent |
| Required Education | Master’s degree in occupational therapy |
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals regain independence in their daily lives.
They treat patients who are ill, disabled, or injured to help them recover.
With a median salary of $84,570 and a 17% job growth prediction, the profession offers a satisfying and financially stable career. More than 9600 openings are projected for Occupational therapists each year.
You need atleast a master’s degree in occupational therapy to enter into this profession.
11. Radiation Therapist
| Median Salary | $82,790 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 6 percent |
| Required Education | Associate or bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field |
Radiation therapists work with cancer patients, administering radiation treatments. These professionals work with X-rays, CAT scans, and Cone beam technologies.
More than 700 openings are predicted for Radiation therapists each year.
Radiation therapists have a median salary of $82,790 and a 6% job growth prediction. They combine scientific expertise with a caring touch.
12. Genetic Counselor
| Median Salary | $80,150 |
| Predicted rise in employment | 18 percent |
| Required Education | Master’s degree in genetic counseling |
Genetic counselors assess and provide information about genetic conditions and risks, helping individuals make informed decisions about their health.
With the help of the patient’s family history, genetic counselors provide a thorough understanding of any hereditary conditions they may possess.
The employment of genetic counselors is expected to grow by more than 18% in the next 10 years.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: Physician & Dentist are Most Paid in HealthCare!
The healthcare industry not only offers a diverse range of rewarding careers but also provides excellent compensation.
As the healthcare field continues to evolve, these professions remain in high demand, promising job stability and significant earning potential for those pursuing them.
To sum it up, here are the three best-paying jobs in Healthcare:
- Physician or surgeon -$208,000+
- Dentist -$163,220
- Podiatrist -$145,840
Besides, you can go through the entire list and get a glimpse of which other healthcare jobs can land you with better salaries!
FAQs
Reports from BLS state that a surgeon or physician is the best healthcare professional in the healthcare industry, with an average salary of $208,000 annually.
The predicted rise in employment indicates the expected job growth until 2031. Healthcare, in general, is expected to continue growing, ensuring job security for these professions.
According to the BLS reports, the average salary of a healthcare employee is around $70,000.
