Medical professionals are highly sought after, not only because they are one of the highest-paying and most respected industries in the country but also because they are highly sought after.
Healthcare jobs are growing at a faster rate than all other fields. ZipRecruiter data shows that even jobs that only require an associate’s degree, such as radiation therapist, can earn over $80,000 annually.
These are our top picks for the best medical jobs based upon compensation.
These are our Top 7 Choices for the Best-Paying Medical Jobs
- Radiation therapist
- Therapist for the body
- Midwife nurse
- Surgical technologist
- Vascular Surgeon
- Nuclear medicine technologist
- Occupational therapist
Radiation therapist
Radiation therapists work as healthcare workers to treat patients suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses by using radiation. Radiation therapists typically work in an outpatient hospital, doctor’s office or clinic. Although the compensation for radiation therapists varies depending on their location, the median annual salary in the US was $82,790 or $39.80 an hour in May 2021.
An associate’s degree is required to become a radiation therapist. However, some therapists have bachelor’s degrees. Radiation therapists must be licensed or certified in order to practice in their state. Nearly all states require that applicants pass a national certification examination before they can work as radiation therapists.
Therapist for the body
Physical therapists help patients manage pain and regain mobility after injuries or chronic conditions.
To achieve the treatment goals of patients, these medical professionals employ a variety of tools, including stretching, equipment, and patient education.
You will need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT), and a license to practice physical therapy in your state. This schooling will pay off well. In May 2021 the median annual salary of physical therapists in America was $95,620.
Midwife nurse
In May 2021, the median wage for nurse-midwives in the United States was $112 830 per annum or $54.24 an hour. The highest paid nurse midwives earned $166,170 annually in the top 90%.
These health care providers are experts in reproductive health. Prenatal and postpartum care is provided by nurse midwives. They assist new parents during childbirth and provide education about infant care.
You must have a nursing degree to become a nurse-midwife. The licensing exam will also be required. Further education in nursing is required for nurse midwives. This can be in the form of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a Master of Science in Nursing.
Passing the American Midwifery Certification Board certification exam (AMCB), is the final step. To become a nurse midwife, you need to have six to eight years of college education.
Surgical technologist
If you are interested in a career as a medical technologist or an operating room technician, then this is the right job for you. They perform the following tasks as medical professionals:
- Preparing for operating rooms
- Preparing patients for surgery and taking them to the operating table
- Set up and sterilization of surgical equipment
- Steril supplies and instruments for passing surgeons
- Counting surgical supplies is a way to make sure that no foreign objects are left in patients’ bodies.
The surgical process is made possible by the efforts of surgical technologists. The median annual wage for surgical technologists in May 2021 was $48,530. A certificate or associate’s degree in surgical technology is required to become a surgical technologist.
Vascular Surgeon
The lucrative field of surgery is one that’s highly sought after. Vascular surgeons, which are surgeons who specialize in veins and arteries, have some of the highest salaries.
Vascular surgeons make a median salary of $208,000 or more annually. However, this high-paying job comes with high educational requirements.
A bachelor’s degree is required in order to become a vascular surgeon. This usually takes eight years.
After graduating from medical school, vascular surgeons need to complete a one-year internship. Then, they must go on to residency programs that last between five and seven year. A fellowship program in vascular surgery is the final part of your training. It lasts between two and three years.
A vascular surgeon is a doctor in terms of certifications. To obtain your state license, you will need to pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination. A two-part exam in vascular surgery will also be required to become board-certified.
Nuclear medicine technologist
Radioactive drugs are prepared and administered by nuclear medicine technologists for medical imaging. To protect patients and themselves from excessive radiation exposure, they must follow strict safety protocols.
While doctors are responsible for diagnosing, radiologists can operate the imaging equipment and keep track of the procedures. They must then safely dispose all radiological and potentially radioactive materials.
Nuclear medicine technologists are usually employed in hospitals. However, they may also work in imaging labs, doctors’ offices or diagnostic laboratories.
Employers don’t usually require more education than an associate’s degree. Depending on where you live, certification or licensure may be required. These education requirements make it very lucrative to be a nuclear medicine technician. In May 2021, the median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists stood at $78,760.
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapists help patients develop fine motor skills, which are skills that allow them to use their small wrist and hand muscles.
Fine motor skills are crucial for daily activities such as dressing, eating, writing, and technology use. Occupational therapists assist patients with disabilities, illnesses, and other conditions to make these tasks easier.
An occupational therapist (OT) will interview a patient to find out what activities are important to them. Next, the OT will develop a treatment plan that incorporates these activities in order to help patients regain or restore their fine motor function.
Occupational therapists are often found in hospitals and occupational therapy offices. Other places where occupational therapists can work include schools, nursing homes, and home health services.
A master’s degree is required to become an occupational therapist. To practice in your state, you will also need an occupational therapy license. This education is worth the effort. In May 2021 occupational therapists earned an average annual salary of $85,570.
Guide to the Highest-Paying Medical Jobs
While the rewards of a job in the medical industry can be both financial and emotional, there are still many things that people don’t know. This guide to the most lucrative medical jobs will help you narrow down your career options.
What is the medical field?
Medical practice is a broad and diverse field that encompasses administrative, technical, and clinical roles. There are many types of medicine. You can choose the one that interests you most or requires less education.
Popular careers in the medical industry include registered nurse and physical therapist, pharmacist, physician, surgeon, and health administrator.
Different types of jobs in medicine
Although most people think of medical careers as being associated with doctors and nurses, there are many other options. You can be a medical director, medical billing, medical sonographer, or even a consultant job.
Medical job requirements
Each medical job requires different requirements. While some medical jobs don’t require a college degree, others require a doctoral or professional degree and additional certifications.
More information about medical career colleges is available.
How to find the highest-paying jobs in medicine
You can search for the most lucrative medical jobs by using terms such as “medicine” or “healthcare industry” on job search websites like Zip Recruiter. Then sort by highest to least pay.
This strategy has a drawback: employers may not always list the most accurate ranges of salaries on job listings.
It is possible to be job-searching and want to know the exact salary of a job. You can search for jobs in Colorado and New York, regardless of your location. Employers are required to provide salary information.
To give yourself the best chance for success, make sure to read our tips on how to write a cover letters for medical jobs and how to prepare for interviews.
