The highest-paying medical jobs range from nursing to surgery, and many of them bring six-figure annual salaries.
As a healthcare worker, you can make a nice living if you put your knowledge to good use; whether you have a degree or not, there’s probably an employment opportunity in this sector that can prove quite profitable for you.
Without further ado, let’s present the highest-paying medical specialists’ jobs. If you choose correctly and meet all the criteria, you too can achieve financial stability through Hippocratic work.
Key Takeaways
- Many of the highest-paying medical jobs pay six figures per year.
- Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and physicians are the most lucrative healthcare jobs.
- The most profitable healthcare jobs require a medical degree, but there are also some positions you can hold with a high school or GED diploma only.
20 Highest-Paying Medical Jobs To Consider
Average salaries for the highest-paying medical jobs in the world range from around $70,000 to over $200,000 per year. Thus, depending on the role, you may make six figures a year while helping people—it’s a win-win situation.
Let’s see the list of the most profitable positions in the medical sector:
#1. Anesthesiologists
With a median annual salary of $239,200, anesthesiology is among the highest-paying medical jobs in the USA. Anesthesiologists are in high demand, which makes this career rather prosperous—this job is expected to grow in employment by 2.6% by 2032.
As for the education requirements, anesthesiologists need to have a pre-med bachelor’s degree and complete medical school, residency, and licensure.
These professionals administer anesthesia prior to surgeries to minimize or eliminate patients’ discomfort during procedures. They also monitor their vital signs and critical life functions before, during, and after surgery.
#2. Surgeons and Physicians
Surgeons and physicians are known as some of the highest-paid medical specialists, making an average of $229,300 a year. Their job has an outlook of 4%, which is quite encouraging for everyone considering this career path. To qualify for one of these positions, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and an M.D., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or another medical degree.
Physicians are responsible for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, injuries, and illnesses. They examine patients, monitor their progress, and prescribe medications if necessary. Meanwhile, surgeons’ primary medical skill is performing surgeries according to their specialization.
#3. Dentists
Dentists have an average salary of $170,910 per year and a job outlook of 5%. The minimum education required for this job is a Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Dental Medicine, or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry.
These medical professionals specialize in teeth, mouth, and gum conditions. They extract teeth, treat cavities, fit patients for dentures, and prescribe medications when necessary. Depending on their specialization, they can work in general dentistry, endodontics, or orthodontics.
#4. Podiatrists
Podiatrists have a median annual salary of $141,650 and a job outlook of about 1%, which means employment for this position is projected to stay the same in the following years. Their education has to be at least a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
Podiatrists specialize in medical issues with lower legs, ankles, and feet. They diagnose and treat conditions such as calluses, heel spurs, and arch problems. Moreover, they may perform surgeries and prescribe orthotics and medications if necessary.
#5. Pharmacists
Pharmacists’ average salary is $136,030 per year, and the job outlook is 5%. As for the minimum required education, it is a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
While physicians and other doctors of medicine prescribe medications, pharmacists dispense them. They also advise doctors on dosages and interactions and assist patients who have questions or dilemmas about their prescriptions.
Additionally, they supervise pharmacy technicians, make sure new pharmaceuticals don’t affect patients’ allergies, and administer vaccinations. Other pharmacists’ skills include communication, problem-solving, confidentiality, and customer service.
#6. Medical Dosimetrists
A medical dosimetrist is also one of the highest-paying medical jobs you can do with a bachelor’s degree. It pays $132,880 per year on average, and it’s projected to have a growth rate of 5%.
Medical dosimetrists are responsible for making radiation treatment plans and establishing correct radiation dosages for patients with cancer and other medical conditions. Moreover, they create casts, molds, and other immobilization devices to prevent patients from moving during procedures.
#7. Optometrists
Optometrists have an average annual salary of $131,860 and a Doctor of Optometry degree. Their job is projected to grow by 9% by 2032.
These medical professionals specialize in eye conditions. They examine patients by conducting vision tests; if they identify a particular vision problem, they prescribe appropriate medications and determine treatments. Prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses is also one of their responsibilities.
#8. Physician Assistants
Physician assistants make an average annual income of $130,020 and have a job outlook of 28%, which is rather encouraging for all medical enthusiasts considering such a career. However, these professionals need to have a master’s degree to find a job in this field.
Their duties include diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing medications, treating patients’ ailments and injuries, and monitoring their progress. They usually work alongside physicians who supervise them.
#9. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
With an average annual income of $129,480 and a job outlook of 40%, advanced practice registered nurses boast one of the most prosperous medical jobs out there. To work in this specific field, a person needs a master’s degree and a suitable license according to their state of residence.
APRNs provide patients with medical care, which includes examining and treating medical conditions, ordering diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications. They can work as primary care providers, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives.
#10. Veterinarians
The final six-figure salary job on our list is a veterinarian with an average annual income of $119,100. This job requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and has a job outlook of 19%.
Veterinarians are medical professionals responsible for animals, both livestock and pets. Their skills include diagnosing and treating medical conditions and illnesses in animals, administering vaccinations, prescribing medications, performing surgeries, and euthanizing them if necessary.
#11. Physical Therapists
Physical therapists hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, make $99,710 a year on average, and have a job outlook of 14%.
Physical therapists specialize in treating injuries and other conditions that require movement assistance, pain management, or rehabilitation. Their responsibilities include diagnosing issues with movements and helping decrease patients’ pain with therapy techniques such as stretching and other physical exercises.
Additional physical therapists’ skills include compassion, resourcefulness, and physical stamina.
#12. Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists have an average annual income of $98,300 and a job outlook of 3%. The required education for such a position would be an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy or a related field.
These professionals collaborate with oncologists and other medical professionals to provide radiation treatments for patients with cancer or any other conditions that require it. They also operate machines such as linear accelerators to diminish tumors and prevent excessive exposure to radiation.
#13. Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists make $96,370 a year on average. They have an employment rate increase of 11%, and their job requires a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
Their main duties include tending to patients with permanent injuries, disabilities, and illnesses. They aim to improve such patients’ quality of life by assisting them with adaptive equipment or with rehabilitation after an injury. Additionally, occupational therapists provide intervention services for both children and the elderly who have difficulties retaining their independence.
#14. Genetic Counselors
The job of genetic counselor has a projected growth rate of 16% and a median annual salary of $95,770. The education requirement for working in this specific field is having a master’s degree in genetic counseling.
Genetic counselors specialize in genetic disorders and help people learn the risks of congenital disabilities and inherited conditions. They do so by gathering patients’ medical history information, providing support and genetic counseling, and suggesting testing options.
#15. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
On average, nuclear medicine technologists earn $92,500 per year, and their job is projected to have a job outlook of -1 by 2032. As for the education requirements, they need an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology.
Nuclear medicine technologists provide medical care for patients undergoing radioactive treatments, performing tests for medical research and diagnosis. They administer radioactive medications while ensuring patients aren’t overly exposed to radiation. Then, they use imaging equipment to record images of the radioactive material in patients’ bodies.
#16. Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists have an average annual income of $89,290 and a job outlook of 18%. To practice medicine, they need a master’s degree in speech pathology.
The job of these professionals is to provide medical care for patients who have speech impediments or language disorders. They develop treatment plans after evaluating patients’ issues, aiming to improve their fluency and vocabulary.
#17. Audiologists
Audiologists hold a Doctor of Audiology degree and earn an annual salary of $87,740. Their job is projected to grow in employment by 11% by 2032.
These medical workers provide care and treatment for people who experience hearing and balance difficulties. They develop treatment plans after assessing patients’ conditions and offer support and advice for them and their families. If necessary, audiologists fit hearing aids and other devices aimed at improving patients’ hearing and quality of life.
#18. Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists hold an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Their job brings an average income of $87,530 per year and has an outlook of 9%.
They work alongside dentists and under their supervision, and their duties include examining patients’ mouths, polishing their teeth, taking X-rays, and advising them on proper dental hygiene. As for their other skills, they usually include attention to detail and dexterity.
#19. Registered Nurses
Employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% by 2032. This job brings an annual income of $86,070 on average and requires a nursing program diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing, or, in some cases, a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Registered nurse skills typically include collaborating with physicians and providing care for patients, as well as advice for them and their families. Additionally, they collect medical history data, conduct diagnostic tests, and administer medications and treatments.
#20. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers make $80,850 per year on average. Their job requires an associate’s degree or certificate and has an outlook of 11%.
They use sonograms and ultrasounds to create images of patients’ bodies and collect data necessary for their treatments. These professionals generally work in specialized areas, including cardiac, breast, vascular, pediatric, obstetric, gynecologic, or musculoskeletal sonography.
Final Thoughts
Medicine is a broad industry that encompasses a multitude of highly responsible jobs. All of them are rewarding for those who do them because they get to help people improve their quality of life and even save their lives. That’s why many of them are financially rewarding as well.
Whether you aspire to obtain a doctorate or want to start working as soon as you get your bachelor’s or medical school degree, you can make quite a living for yourself and your family by practicing medicine.
Highest-Paying Medical Jobs FAQ
#1. What is the best healthcare job?
The best healthcare job is any medical job that suits your competence and meets your financial needs. Different specializations have different requirements, but many of them can secure a six-figure yearly salary.
#2. What is the easiest medical job that pays well?
The easiest medical jobs that pay well include those of a pharmacy technician and a medical assistant, as they require limited schooling. Instead of attending doctoral studies, you can start practicing medicine in one of these positions as soon as you graduate high school.
#3. Which medical field is most in demand?
The most in-demand medical fields include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing. Namely, advanced practice registered nurses have a job outlook of 40%, which means APRNs will grow in employment by 40% by 2032.
#4. What is the highest-paying job with a medical degree?
The highest-paying job with a medical degree is that of a cardiologist, which essentially belongs to the physician category. They make $421,330 per year on average.
#5. What is the highest-paying medical job without a degree?
The highest-paying medical job without a degree is that of a dental assistant—it typically requires a postsecondary nondegree award.
