We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
The best thing about working in the healthcare industry is you don’t have to be a master’s degree holder.
As you might already know, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurse midwives are some of the top healthcare professionals.
But, you might not know these 10 healthcare jobs that don’t require a medical degree.
We compiled this article using data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and other top sources.
Here we go.
Here is a video summary based on this article
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Table of Contents
#10. Dietitians and Nutritionists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $36,000 per year
- High Range: $69,000 per year
- Median Pay: $51,885 per year
What do they do?
Dietitians and nutritionists are health professionals who work with patients to improve their eating habits and overall wellness. These professionals have a wide range of skills that allow them to guide patients on various issues, including weight loss and diabetes management. They also work with patients who are pregnant or have young children, helping them make informed decisions about what they should eat.
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What degrees and skills are usually required?
Dietitians and nutritionists have bachelor’s degrees in health-related fields such as nutrition science or dietetics. They may also earn master’s degrees in these areas, which can help them advance their careers.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
They work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, colleges, restaurants, and private businesses.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The first step in getting into this field involves education. You must earn a nutrition-related degree. Afterward, you can work towards earning your credentials by completing additional courses and passing an exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Your education will prepare you for entry-level positions as an assistant dietitian or nutritionist.
Should you become a dietitian and nutritionist?
#9. Respiratory Therapist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $59,638 per year
- High Range: $84,281 per year
- Median Pay: $72,254 per year
What do they do?
Respiratory therapists are medical professionals who help patients with breathing problems by providing them with oxygen and other treatments.
They have a lot of different responsibilities, including:
- Ensuring that the patient has adequate oxygen levels.
- Managing medical conditions of patients.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Respiratory therapists have at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy. But most employers prefer bachelor’s degree holders for the same positions. These medical professionals are certified and licensed to operate in the states they work in.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Respiratory therapists can work in hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, and private practices.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get started in this field by earning a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. Then complete a state-approved internship program. Once certified and with a license, you can send out applications to hiring agencies.
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What’s it like to be a respiratory therapist?
#8. Physical Therapist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $62,000 per year
- High Range: $92,000 per year
- Median Pay: $72,656 per year
What do they do?
Physician therapists help patients with chronic diseases and other health issues.
They use evidence-based practice and collaborate with other professionals such as nurses and physicians to ensure that their patients receive the best care possible.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You will need at least an undergraduate degree in physical therapy or occupational therapy before applying for this job. Some employers require candidates to have completed a master’s degree program before being hired full time.
You also need a license to operate as a physical therapist.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
You can work in hospitals and clinics, but there are also opportunities for physical therapists who want to focus on home care.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You need to earn a degree in physical therapy or health care administration. Then get licensed by your state. You’ll also need experience working with patients in either clinical settings or other health care settings.
Should you become a physical therapist?
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#7. Dental Hygienist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $58,296 per year
- High Range: $98,289 per year
- Median Pay: $77,891 per year
What do they do?
Dental hygienists are some of the most valuable people in dentistry. They are the ones who make sure your teeth are clean and healthy, and they do it with a smile.
These healthcare professionals help patients prevent and treat oral disease. They also educate patients on how to maintain good oral health.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a dental hygienist, you need an associate degree from an accredited dental hygiene school. You must also pass a national board examination to earn your license.
Considering the time and cost commitment to a medical degree, this degree / examination seems to be a good bet for a good income.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Dental hygienists work in various settings, including dental offices, hospitals, public health centers, and private practices.
What’s the best way to get this job?
After getting your degree and license, you may interview for a dental assistant position to gain experience working in dentistry. Then, you can apply for positions in the dental hygiene field.
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Should you become a registered dental hygienist?
#6. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $70,576 per year
- High Range: $103,236 per year
- Median Pay: $87,519 per year
What do they do?
Nuclear medicine technologists use special equipment to create images of organs and tissues inside the body. These images help medical doctors treat patients.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Nuclear medicine technologists have a bachelor’s degree at minimum, but many have Master’s degrees. You must also be licensed by your state’s Board of Radiation Control to operate in this field.
These medicine technologists must be able to:
- Read X-ray images.
- Operate imaging equipment.
- Follow strict security protocols.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These technologists typically work in hospitals or other medical facilities. A large organization that provides services across multiple facilities may also employ them.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get into this field by completing your degree program in nuclear medicine technology. Then apply for a job at a hospital or clinic that offers nuclear medicine services.
What’s it like to be a nuclear medicine technologist?
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#5. Occupational Therapist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $78,138 per year
- High Range: $108,948 per year
- Median Pay: $93,064 per year
What do they do?
Occupational therapists help people with disabilities and injuries, making their lives easier and more comfortable. They are a vital part of the healthcare system, but they don’t necessarily work in hospitals or clinics. Instead, they work in homes, schools, and retirement homes.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Occupational therapists have at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. But many go on to get master’s degrees and doctorates as well.
To become an occupational therapist, you must be licensed by the state you want to work in. You must also be certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Occupational therapists work closely with patients at home or in other locations like schools or nursing homes. They also work in hospitals and clinics as part of rehabilitation teams.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can become an occupational therapist by completing an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. Then enroll in a master’s degree program at an accredited therapy school.
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What’s it like to be an occupational therapist?
#4. Radiation Therapist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $53,000 per year
- High Range: $182,000 per year
- Median Pay: $98,216 per year
What do they do?
Radiation therapists are medical professionals who help patients with radiation treatment for cancer.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Radiation therapists must be licensed by their state before practicing medicine independently. They need a bachelor’s degree at minimum, though some states require master’s degrees or doctorates to get licensed as a radiation therapist.
To be successful at this job, you need excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Most jobs for radiation therapists are found in hospitals and other healthcare facilities that provide radiation therapy to patients.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can start by taking classes in radiation therapy technology (ART). Then apply directly for jobs as a technician in a hospital to learn from experienced professionals who have already mastered these skills.
What’s it like to be a radiation therapist?
#3. Registered Nurse
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $28,000 per year
- High Range: $499,000 per year
- Median Pay: $118,509 per year
What do they do?
Registered nurses are licensed healthcare professionals who provide direct care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They are responsible for:
- Assessing the patient’s health needs.
- Administering medical treatments.
- Performing bedside care.
- Monitoring patient’s progress.
- Educating patients on how to take care of themselves.
Because of the advanced practice, registered nurses are some of the most important healthcare professionals today.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These nurses have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from accredited programs. But some employers may accept an associate’s degree for these positions. You should note that you require a license to operate in this field.
The ability to communicate effectively is essential for registered nurses because they must explain treatment plans and instructions clearly to patients and their families. Additionally, registered nurses need strong critical thinking skills to assess a patient’s needs and make decisions based on those assessments.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Registered nurses typically work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities where they may interact with patients directly or through telehealth visits. But they can also find work as travel nurses who move from one job site to another for short periods.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can become a nurse by enrolling in a nursing program that offers hands-on training so that students can gain experience working with patients.
How do you become a registered nurse?
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#2. Nurse Anesthetists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $83,000 per year
- High Range: $494,000 per year
- Median Pay: $202,612 per year
What do they do?
Nurse anesthetists are medical professionals who administer anesthesia to patients before, during, and after surgery.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Nurse anesthetists must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited university or college. These anesthetists must also complete a certification process. In addition to these basic requirements, they may also have specialized training in pharmacology, pain management, and emergency medicine.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
They work in hospitals and other medical facilities. The government or private hospitals can employ these professionals.
What’s the best way to get this job?
There are many ways to get this job once you have your degree, certification, and license. You may get a job through networking with current nurse anesthetists. Attending workshops is also good for bagging jobs.
Should you become a nurse anesthetist?
#1. Physician Assistant
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $186,028 per year
- High Range: $289,209 per year
- Median Pay: $229,414 per year
What do they do?
Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of doctors. They help doctors diagnose and treat patients. They also provide prescription medications to patients.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most of these healthcare professionals have at least a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field such as biology or chemistry. Some also earn certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). You need a license to work as a physician assistant.
Physician assistants must be good listeners who can communicate clearly with patients and other medical professionals to provide quality care.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Physician assistants can work in hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, private practices, etc.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The fastest way to become a physician assistant is through an accredited program that offers a degree or certificate in physician assistant studies (PAS).
With your license, you can look into opportunities and apply to them.
Should you become a physician assistant?
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Conclusion
While this article doesn’t focus on the highest paying medical jobs, oral and maxillofacial surgeons remain some of the best professionals in terms of job satisfaction.
A strong salary is certainly nice, but the people you’ll be helping make the career of your dreams worthwhile.
The healthcare industry has overwhelming careers for you. Pick your path today. We hope our articles helped you narrow down your choices.
