Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs With A Healthcare Degree

The healthcare industry is a massive job market, offering lucrative salaries and high job growth in various sectors. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow by 14% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual income of healthcare practitioners was $68,190 in 2019, which is nearly twice as much as the average median for all occupations in the economy.

If you want to become a part of this high-growth industry, the following list of the top 10 highest paying jobs with a healthcare degree would be of use to you.

Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and Surgeons treat various illnesses after diagnosing them. Physicians examine patients, record their medical histories and prescribe medications. They also advise patients on proper diet and preventive healthcare. Surgeons perform operations on patients to treat various injuries, such as broken bones, or diseases such as cancer. There are different kinds of physicians and surgeons, including anesthesiologists, general practitioners, general internists and gynecologists.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$252,040 (Surgeons)

Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

7%

Top Paying State, 2019

Wisconsin

Greater than $208,000 per year

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Medical and Diagnostic Libraries

Greater than $208,000 per year

Dentists

Dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating problems relating to the teeth, gums and other parts of the patient’s mouth. They also advise their patients on maintaining good oral health and diet choices that affect teeth and gums. There are different kinds of dentists including prosthodontists, orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$178,260 (Dentists, General)

Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

7%

Top Paying State, 2019

Rhode Island

$262,900

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities

$197,370

Pharmacists

Pharmacists are trained medical professionals who dispense medications to patients and offer their expertise to ensure safe usage of prescription drugs. They may also conduct health screenings and oversee the medication plans given to patients. There are different types of pharmacists, including community pharmacists, clinical pharmacists and consultant pharmacists.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$125,510

Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

0%

Top Paying State, 2019

California

$144,050

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Outpatient Care Centers

$143,150

Podiatrists

Podiatrists deal with medical problems relating to the feet, ankles and lower legs. They examine the condition of these body parts in their patients and diagnose the problem through lab tests, X-rays and physical exams. If required, they also perform surgeries on the affected areas.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$142,680

Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

6%

Top Paying State, 2019

Maine

$238,630

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Outpatient Care Centers

$173,630

Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners

Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners are part of the broad category of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These medical professionals are in-charge of providing and coordination primary and specialty healthcare. The exact specifications of the practice vary from state to state.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$181,040 (Nurse Anesthetists)

Entry-Level Education

Master’s Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

26%

Top Paying State, 2019

Wyoming

$243,310 (Nurse Anesthetists)

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Outpatient Care Centers

$224,630 (Nurse Anesthetists)

Optometrists

Optometrists are doctors who examine and prescribe medication for various parts of the visual system. They diagnose, treat and prescribe medicines for disorders and injuries related to the eyes. In addition to that, they may also prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses where required.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$122,980

Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

10%

Top Paying State, 2019

North Dakota

$174,290

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Offices of Dentists

$166,620

Physician Assistants

Also referred to as PAs, physician assistants work with teams of doctors, physicians, surgeons and other kinds of healthcare personnel. They examine patients and diagnose various illnesses. In addition to that, they also prescribe medication and provide counseling to patients and their families.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$112,410

Entry-Level Education

Master’s Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

31%

Top Paying State, 2019

Connecticut

$137,060

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Scientific Research and Development Services

$125,410

Veterinarians

Veterinarians are healthcare professionals who take care of animals. They examine animals, treat or dress their wounds, perform surgeries and also administer vaccinations. There are various types of veterinarians, such as companion animal veterinarians, food animal veterinarians and food safety and inspection veterinarians.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$104,820

Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

18%

Top Paying State, 2019

Texas

$125,280

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Specialty (Except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals

$151,880

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists are responsible for helping ill or injured people improve their ability to move and manage pain. They are an integral part of preventive care, rehabilitation and treatment plans of patients who have chronic issues, injuries and illnesses. Physical therapists care for people of all age groups and deal with issues such as sprains, fractures, amputations and disorders such as cerebral palsy.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$90,170

Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or Professional Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

22%

Top Paying State, 2019

Nevada

$108,550

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Spectator Sports

$106,210

Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists treat diseases with radiation. This includes diseases such as cancer and different kinds of tumors. These professionals operate technical machinery such as linear accelerators, to administer radiation therapy to specific parts of the body. They also explain treatment plans to their patients and calibrate the machinery used to provide radiation treatments.

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$91,620

Entry-Level Education

Associate’s Degree

Job Outlook, 2018-28

9%

Top Paying State, 2019

California

$119,800

Top Paying Industry, 2019

Outpatient Care Centers

$104,160