We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Non-physician Jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
If you are interested in making some money but you don’t wish to go through medical school, there are other routes that you can take.Â
We compiled this article using data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and other top sources such as recruitment reports and job marketplaces.
We find that registered nurses and nuclear medicine technologists are some of the best-paid professionals who skipped medical school.Â
And, here are 10 more highest-paying non-physician jobs below.
Here is a video summary based on this article
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Table of Contents
#10. Dieticians
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $54,579 per year
- High Range: $78,311 per year
- Median Pay: $65,872 per year
What do they do?
Dieticians are professionals who help people manage their weight and diet. They work with patients to create personalized eating plans that fit their needs and lifestyle. They also educate patients on ways to develop long-term healthy habits through individualized counseling and education.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Dieticians typically have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics. But they can also earn an associate degree from accredited programs. Some states require certification.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
They work in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.
The median annual salary for dietitians is $65,872 but may vary depending on your employer and experience level.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get started in this field by earning an associate degree from an accredited university. Then work as a dietitian assistant for several years before applying for jobs as a dietician.
What’s it like to be a dietician?
#9. Orthotists and Prosthetists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $48,000 per year
- High Range: $92,000 per year
- Median Pay: $68,573 per year
What do they do?
Orthotists and prosthetists are healthcare professionals who design, fabricate, fit, adjust, and repair orthoses (orthotic devices) and prostheses (prosthetic devices).Â
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You must complete a bachelor’s degree program to get into this career. These professionals are highly skilled in the fabrication process. They also know how to fit prosthetics onto patients with physical impairments.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Prosthetists and Orthotists are employed by hospitals, clinics, private practices, universities, and schools for children with disabilities. They may also work for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), providing prosthetic devices to veterans through the VA’s Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS).
What’s the best way to get this job?
There are more than one ways to get into this field. You can go straight from high school into an undergraduate program. Or you can earn an associate degree first and then transfer into one of these programs. Both options require that you complete at least two years of college before enrolling in a graduate-level program that will teach you how to make prostheses for people with disabilities.
What’s it like to be an orthotist and prosthetist?
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#8. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $68,255 per year
- High Range: $96,248 per year
- Median Pay: $82,296 per year
What do they do?
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists perform diagnostic imaging tests. They help patients who need MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) or (computerized tomography) CT scans to get the best possible care. These technologists also prepare medical equipment and assist radiologists with examinations.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
To become a magnetic resonance imaging, you need a bachelor’s degree in this field. You also need soft, technical, and practical skills to get high-paying jobs.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists work in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities.
The median annual salary for MRI technologists is $82,296.
What’s the best way to get this job?
First, enroll for a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You can get a job through networking and contacting local healthcare facilities with your degree.
What’s it like to be an MRI technologist?
#7. Surgical Technologists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $24,000 per year
- High Range: $313,000 per year
- Median Pay: $84,447 per year
What do they do?
Surgical technologists are responsible for ensuring that operating room equipment is clean and properly maintained. They assist doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals by preparing the operating room before surgery begins. They are also responsible for sterilizing surgical tools and instruments.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A bachelor’s degree in surgical technology is required for most entry-level positions. Some employers may require an associate’s degree from an accredited program besides an undergraduate degree.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Surgical technologists work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
The median annual salary is $84,447 but may vary depending on several factors like your skillset.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get this job by enrolling in an associate degree program in surgical technology. You also get certified through one of many different organizations across the country.
What’s it like to be a surgical technologist?
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#6. Speech-Language Pathologist
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $29,000 per year
- High Range: $319,000 per year
- Median Pay: $85,041 per year
What do they do?
Speech-language pathologists work with patients who have speech or language disorders.
They treat patients who have trouble communicating with others or who have trouble with swallowing and chewing to communicate clearly and effectively.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A bachelor’s degree is required for this type of career. They also need a license to operate in this field. Some people with graduate degrees in speech-language pathology choose to pursue careers as professors instead of practicing speech-language pathology.
These professionals need excellent communication skills. They must also work well with people from all walks of life.Â
 Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Speech-language pathologists work in hospitals, schools and clinics, and private practices.
What’s the best way to get this job?
If you want to join the healthcare industry, you can start by getting a degree from an accredited university program. Apply for job openings after earning your license.
What’s it like to be a speech-language therapist?
#5. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $41,000 per year
- High Range: $225,000 per year
- Median Pay: $91,908 per year
What do they do?
Diagnostic medical sonographers are the doctors who operate ultrasound equipment to diagnose, monitor and treat medical conditions. They use sound waves to create images of organs and tissues inside the body.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Sonographers must have a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field. They must also pass a national certification exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
You also should need good communication skills, patience, and compassion for patients.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Diagnostic medical sonographers work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practice offices.
The median annual salary for these medical professionals is $91,908.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get started in this field by earning an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a community college or technical school. You can also complete an apprenticeship program in the field.Â
After you’ve finished your education program, you’ll need to pass an exam from a professional organization like ASRT (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). Then you’ll be eligible for employment in hospitals or private practices as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Should you become a diagnostic medical sonographer?
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#4. Occupational Therapists
 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 work with people of all ages who have lost the ability to function in their daily lives due to injury or illness. They help clients recover from disabilities by teaching them how to perform tasks they need to live independently.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Occupational therapists must have at least a bachelor’s degree to become licensed by their state board. However, some employers require that candidates hold a master’s degree or doctorate.Â
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These therapists work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and community health centers. Most work full time, but some occupational therapists may work part-time or even freelance.
The median annual salary for an occupational therapist depends on your expertise and employer.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The most important thing you can do if you want to work in occupational therapy is getting your degree. You can then begin your career by doing internships at hospitals or clinics under the supervision of an experienced therapist. After gaining experience through internships, you can work as an assistant for licensed therapists until you earn your license.
What’s it like to be an occupational therapist?
#3. Nurse-Midwives
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $97,852 per year
- High Range: $145,145 per year
- Median Pay: $115,633 per year
What do they do?
Nurse-midwives are a diverse group of healthcare professionals who provide routine care for women throughout their pregnancies and postpartum. They also offer healthcare services to women who have been diagnosed with an illness or disease during pregnancy.Â
These midwives teach patients options for managing their health issues and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
This job requires at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Some nurse-midwives obtain advanced degrees, s in nursing or other related fields. These professionals must be licensed in the state where they practice, which requires passing the National Certification Corporation exam in maternity care (NCLEX-RN).
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Nurse-midwives work in hospitals and birthing centers, providing care for women who are giving birth.
The median annual salary for these nursing professionals is $115,633, making them the third-highest earners.
What’s the best way to get this job?
If you want to work in the healthcare industry, you can start by enrolling in a maternal-child health care course (MCN). Once you’ve completed your degree program, apply for entry-level jobs at local hospitals. These positions often lead to higher-level positions within the hospital or even outside.
What’s it like to be a nurse-midwife?
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#2. Nurse Practitioners
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $31,000 per year
- High Range: $493,000 per year
- Median Pay: $120,593 per year
What do they do?
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are healthcare professionals whose roles include:
- Diagnosing and treating patients.
- Providing prescription medications to patients.Â
- Providing care to elderly patients.
An advanced practice registered nurse is a key health care professional today.
These nursing professionals may take a patient’s medical history to help doctors provide quality healthcare.Â
What degrees and skills are usually required?
This job requires at least an associate degree, but most nurse practitioners have bachelor’s degrees in nursing. These professionals are certified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Practitioners (NBCC).Â
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Nurse practitioners can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and private practices.
What’s the best way to get this job?
Start by enrolling in an accredited medical program.
Once you’ve earned your certification as a nurse practitioner, there are many ways to get started with your new career. You can look for jobs online or through agencies. You can also check with local hospitals and clinics directly to see if they’re hiring.
What’s it like to be a nurse practitioner?
#1. Nurse Anesthetists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $96,500 per year
- High Range: $206,500 per year
- Median Pay: $171,340 per yearÂ
What do they do?
Nurse anesthetists are medical professionals who deliver anesthesia to patients before, during, and after surgery. They also offer healthcare services to patients in the form of post-operative care to ensure that patients recover safely from surgery.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Nurse anesthetists must have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing and specialize in anesthesia. They are also certified by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).Â
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Nurse anesthetists work in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and other health care facilities where they administer anesthesia during surgical or medical procedures.
These nurses earn an annual median salary of $171,340, the highest on this list.Â
What’s the best way to get this job?
There are many different ways to get into this career. You start by earning a degree from an accredited nurse anesthetist program. Then look for internship opportunities before applying for jobs.
Should you become a nurse anesthetist?
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Conclusion
Other related careers are advanced practice registered nurses, physical therapists, physician assistants, radiation therapists, and genetic counselors.Â
If you want to monitor medical equipment or counsel patients as your profession, consider a non-physician major.
We have listed some of the highest-paying non-physician jobs to help you decide.Â
