Specialization and education are required for the highest-paying jobs in medicine. Continue reading to find out how you can enter this field.
- Surgeons, physicians, and anesthesiologists are some of the most highly-paid jobs in the medical industry.
- The highest-paid nurses are nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners.
- A specialty could lead to higher-paying jobs.
- A residency and a degree as a medical doctor are required for high-paying jobs.
You can make a difference in the lives of others by entering the medical field.
Specialization and education are required for the highest-paying jobs in medicine. This is why many of these positions have high demand. A bachelor’s degree is required for high-paying medical jobs.
Some high-paying jobs require only a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.
Healthcare careers are often a good choice for people who have empathy and enjoy learning about biology, math, and anatomy. This job requires emotional stability as well as the ability to work under pressure. Continue reading to find out about the top medical careers.
Why should you look for high-paying medical jobs?
Even those jobs that are not the highest-paying in the medical industry tend to be higher than the average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers had a median income of $75,000.40 in May 2021. But a good salary isn’t the only benefit of this profession. There are many other benefits to this profession:
- Extra income and matching contributions by employers can help you save more money for retirement.
- It is possible to gain valuable medical knowledge that can be used to help family members and friends in times of emergency.
- High job security is a hallmark of medical positions. According to the BLS, healthcare jobs will grow by 16% between 2020-2030. This is almost double the rate of growth for all other occupations, which was 8%.
- The chance to make an impact on the lives of injured and sick patients.
- Popular Online Degrees for Doctors
Contact the universities listed below to learn more about starting dates, credit transfers, financial aid availability, and other details.
What are the highest-paying jobs in the medical field?
Anesthesiologist
Average Salary: $331,190
Job Outlook: -1%
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a Pre-Med Field, Medical Doctor Degree with Anesthesiology Specialization, Residence
Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination
Anesthesiologists provide care for patients prior to, during, and following surgery. They perform a pre-surgery evaluation and prepare an anesthetic program for the surgery. The plan may include a dose or regional nerve block for pain after the surgery.
Anesthesiologists keep an eye on the patient during surgery. After surgery, they monitor the patient until the anesthesia wears off.
Anesthesiologists may be called upon to help patients with chronic pain after surgery or during childbirth. They must be able to observe and calculate accurately in order to determine the dosage.
Surgeon
Average Salary (May 2021): $297,800
Job Outlook: -3%
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a Pre-Med Field, Medical Doctor Degree with a Surgical Specialization, and Residency
Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination
Patients are treated by surgeons. Surgeons treat injuries such as broken bones, diseases, or birth defects. Surgeons conduct exams to diagnose illness and discuss surgical procedures. To monitor surgical results, they also perform follow-up visits.
They must be able to communicate effectively with others and perform well under pressure. These professionals must be able to think critically and take quick decisions.
The following are common specializations for surgeons:
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Oral and maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Rectal and colon surgery
- Brain surgery
Physician
Average Salary: $231,500
Job Outlook: 5%
Education: A bachelor’s degree in a medical field, a doctorate with a general or osteopathic specialization, or a master’s degree in pre-med.
Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination
Doctors conduct exams and provide treatment options as well as preventive care recommendations. They listen to patient’s concerns and ask about their family and personal medical history. Doctors can prescribe medications and perform routine tests. They can also refer patients to specialists. These professionals need to be compassionate, have critical thinking skills, and communicate well.
These specialists are often highly skilled. These doctors can be classified as:
- Family physicians
- Internists
- Emergency physicians
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Average Salary: $239,120
Job Outlook -2%
Education: A bachelor’s degree in a premedical field, a medical doctor degree with an obsetrics or gynecology specialty, and a residency
Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination
Gynecologists and obstetricians diagnose and treat problems that affect a woman’s reproductive system. These include ovarian cancers and cysts as well as irregular periods and menopause symptoms. The pap test and fertility tests are performed by gynecologists. Obstetricians are responsible for providing care during pregnancy and delivering babies.
Many gynecologists are also trained and licensed for obstetrics. These professionals require active listening skills and interpersonal communication skills. These professionals often have to communicate sensitive information to patients so they need empathy.
Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $202,470
Job Outlook: 13%
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing with Anesthesiology Specialization
Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Certification Examination from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
Anesthesiologists work closely with nurse anesthetists. They perform a preliminary patient screening in order to determine if a patient is at risk of an adverse reaction to pain medication. If necessary, they may administer anesthesia to patients prior to and during surgery.
These professionals are attentive to patients right after surgery and inform doctors if any problems arise. Most nurse anesthetists work in hospitals or surgical centers. This job is best for people who are good at observation.
Pediatrician
Average Salary: $198,420
Job Outlook: -2%
Education Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a premedical field, a medical doctor degree with pediatrics specialization, and a residency
Licenses/Certifications: Pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Examination
These doctors offer care for children. They are trained to diagnose and treat childhood conditions such as diabetes, genetic disorders, or congenital disabilities. They can connect parents to specialists who specialize in specific issues. They conduct physical exams and make sure that children reach developmental milestones.
Children often visit their pediatricians when they have colds, viruses, or allergies. They prescribe antivirals and antibiotics. They can also recommend nutrition and vitamins for children.
Dentist
Median Salary: $163,220
Job Outlook: 8
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a Pre-Med Program, Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry
Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Board Dental Examinations
Dental professionals examine and treat damaged teeth. By examining X-rays and looking at the patient’s teeth, dentists can identify decay and cavities.
They can also fill cavities and remove decay. Ortho surgeons are referred to patients by dentists for root canals and wisdom tooth removal. They also perform preventive and cosmetic procedures like whitening teeth or applying sealants.
Local anesthetics are applied during procedures by dentists. They also prescribe antibiotics. They discuss best dental hygiene practices with patients. A dentist must have a keen eye for detail and excellent interpersonal communication skills.
These dentists are specialists in their field:
- Endodontists
- Orthodontists
- Dental anesthesiologists
- Oral pathologists
- Periodontists
Podiatrist
Median Salary: $145,840
Job Outlook – 2%
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in a Pre-Med Field, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Residency
Licenses/Certifications: Pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam
Podiatrists are trained to treat the feet and ankles. Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems, including heel pain and sprains. They can also help patients with foot and ankle conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
Podiatrists conduct physical exams and answer questions about patients’ concerns. They can also perform and recommend surgery, and coordinate care plans and treatment with physical therapists. Many podiatrists open their own private practice. This requires basic business skills. This role requires a person who is meticulous and compassionate.
Chief Nursing Officer
Average Salary: $134,900
Job Outlook: 9%
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing
Licenses/Certifications: Pass a National Council Licensure Examination
As lead nurses, chief nursing officers are the ones who oversee all aspects of nursing. They supervise registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants.
Chief nursing officers coordinate their work schedules and provide backup care for nurses who are unable to attend their shifts.
Chief nursing officers may need to have difficult conversations about patients’ families. They often intervene until security is established or a doctor arrives to ensure patients’ safety. Strong leadership and management skills are essential for chief nursing officers.
Pharmacist
Median Salary: $128,570
Job Outlook: -2%
Education: A bachelor’s degree in a medical field or a doctor of pharmacy is required
Licenses/Certifications: Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam
Medical subscriptions are filled by pharmacists. They provide information to customers regarding dosage instructions and side effects.
These professionals also make recommendations for over-the-counter medicines. They communicate with doctors to confirm the proper instructions and dosages.
To ensure patients receive the best possible price, pharmacists need to work with their insurance companies. They typically supervise a team of pharmacy technicians. In most states, pharmacists can administer vaccines. A pharmacist must have good detail orientation, leadership skills, and calculation skills.
Optometrist
Median Salary: $124,300
Outlook for Job9%
Education Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Med, Doctor of Optometry
Licenses/Certifications: Pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry
Optometrists are responsible for the eye health of patients. Optometrists conduct vision checks, analyze the results and adjust contact or eyeglass prescriptions as needed. Optometrists can also check for eye disease in patients during eye checks.
Minor surgeries can be performed by optometrists to address vision problems. They can advise patients about maintaining good eye health and refer them as necessary to specialists. To succeed in their work with patients, optometrists must have strong communication and decision-making skills.
Physician Assistant
Median Salary: $121,530
Job Outlook 31%
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Med or Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies
Licenses/Certifications: Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
Physician assistants are closely associated with licensed physicians. They conduct patient exams and diagnose problems. They are able to treat broken bones, prescribe medication, and administer immunizations. They can also advise patients about how to manage their condition.
A specialty for physician assistants could be pediatrics or endocrinology. These professionals may work in an emergency room setting. Physician assistants need to be able to communicate well and work under pressure.
Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $120,680
Job Outlook: 52%
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing
Licenses/Certifications: Certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center
Registered nurses have less autonomy than nurse practitioners. Although their abilities may vary from one state to the next, most states allow nurse practitioners to order laboratory tests, write prescriptions and perform physical exams. Many nurse practitioners work in partnership with physicians or independently. Nurse practitioners have the option to choose a specialty, just like doctors. These are the most common specializations:
- General and family care
- Pediatrics
- Women’s health
Adult-gerontology
These professionals need to be able to work independently and must be able to communicate well.
Nurse midwife
Median Salary: $112,830
Job Outlook: 11
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing
Licenses/Certifications: Certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board
Midwives are female healthcare professionals who provide support for reproductive health. They provide family planning services and gynecological examinations. They are primarily focused on prenatal care and the delivery of babies. They immediately call a doctor or surgeon if there is an emergency during labor.
These professionals are often able to provide primary maternity care for low-risk pregnancies. They also make recommendations for nutrition and aftercare. If their patients have reproductive health issues, nurse midwives may provide support to their partners. They need to be able to take decisions under pressure and work well in crisis situations.
Health Services Manager
Median Salary: $101,340
Job Outlook 32%
Education Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration
Licenses/Certifications: N/A
The business operations of healthcare providers are managed by a health services manager. They are responsible for managing the finances of hospitals and clinics, as well as working with insurance companies and collection agents. They supervise the administrative staff of healthcare facilities.
They ensure that hospitals and clinics comply with safety regulations and are always looking for ways to improve their care. Managers in the health service industry need to be able to lead and organize.
