Thinking about entering the healthcare field to help others? Many positions in this industry are also high paying! We put together a list of some of the best paying jobs in the healthcare industry, their expected growth rates, job requirements, and more information so you can be more educated about career goals and field expectations!
Top 10 Best Paying Jobs in Healthcare
1. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthesia and care to patients before, during, and after surgery or other medical procedures that require anesthesia. These individuals work closely with surgeons, patients, and other medical professionals to ensure the correct amount of medication is given.
- Median salary: $330,000
- Projected growth rate: 4%
- Degree required: Medical doctor degree with anesthesiology specialization
- Some of the best colleges for anesthesiology include:
2. Surgeon
There are a wide variety of surgeons out there, from oral surgeons to neurosurgeons. They can treat broken bones, disabilities, diseases, and more, but the work performed really depends on the individual’s specialization.
- Median salary: $297,000
- Projected growth rate (for oral and maxillofacial surgeons): 6.8%
- Degree required: Medical doctor degree in specialization
- Some of the best colleges for oral and maxillofacial surgeons include:
3. Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Obstetrician and Gynecologists, or an OBGYN, offer care and services for women’s reproductive systems. Obstetricians specialize in pregnancy, delivering babies, and similar areas of work, while gynecologists specialize in other areas of women’s health.
- Median salary: $296,000
- Projected growth rate: 1.9%
- Degree required: Medical degree with obstetrics and gynecology specialization
- Some of the best colleges for obstetrics and gynecology include:
4. Physician
As with surgeons, there are several different types of physicians, such as family medicine physicians and general internal medicine physicians. Generally, however, these individuals are responsible for the care and treatment of illnesses, medical and physical exams, treatment options, and more within their specialization.
- Median salary: $230,000
- Projected growth rate of family medicine physicians: 9.8%
- Degree required: Medical degree with specialization
- Some of the best colleges for family medicine include:
5. Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse anesthetist is another medical profession that pays well and deals with anesthesia. They may assist anesthesiologists, doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals with monitoring the patient, patient recovery, and the administration of anesthesia.
- Median salary: $195,000
- Projected growth rate: 17.1%
- Degree required: Master’s degree in nursing and an anesthesiology specialization
- Some of the best colleges for nurse anesthetists:
6. Pediatrician
Pediatricians are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and helping to prevent diseases in kids. They tend to offer physical exams, developmental benchmark assistance and assessments, and more. Some pediatricians may also have family health services.
- Median salary: $170,000
- Projected growth rate: 2.2%
- Degree required: Medical degree with pediatrician specialization
- Some of the best colleges for pediatricians:
7. Dentist
We’re all familiar with dentists! These medical professionals treat teeth, diagnose gum and teeth conditions, and help patients with their oral health. They can also offer routine exams, cleanings, and referrals to orthodontic surgeons.
- Median salary: $160,000
- Projected growth rate: 7.7%
- Degree required: Doctorate in dentistry or dental surgery
- Some of the best colleges for
8. Podiatrist
Podiatrists help to treat diseases, diagnose conditions, assist with mobility, and address concerns in our feet and ankles. They can also help with conditions such as pain, sprains, nerve problems, diabetes, and arthritis.
- Median salary: $145,000
- Projected growth rate: 6.7%
- Degree required: Medical degree in podiatry
- Some of the best colleges for podiatry:
9. Pharmacist
Pharmacists work in grocery stores, hospitals, and individual pharmacies to dispense drugs that were prescribed by other health professionals. They can also provide further information or advice to patients regarding their medications.
- Median salary: $128,000
- Projected growth rate: -0.1%
- Degree required: Doctorate in pharmacy
- Some of the best colleges for pharmacy:
10. Optometrist
Optometrists are specialists of the eye. They treat, diagnose, and manage conditions that affect our eyes and visual systems. These medical professionals can also recommend and prescribe glasses, lenses, and medication for eye conditions.
- Median salary: 124,000
- Projected growth rate: 9.5%
- Degree required: Doctorate in optometry
- Some of the best colleges for optometry:
These are just some of the best paying jobs healthcare. If you’re interested in exploring other healthcare-related careers, we suggest heading over to our Career Finder so you can find data on projected job growth, median salaries, the best colleges for these careers, and more. Use it for free here.