Healthcare Careers: Pay, Training & Outlook

Healthcare is one of the most dependable places to build a career in the United States. Hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, pharmacies and ambulance services hire year-round, and many roles can be started with a certificate program that takes months rather than years.

The careers below range from entry-level support roles such as nursing assistants and phlebotomists to licensed professions such as practical and registered nursing. Many people start in a shorter program, gain experience, and then use employer tuition help to climb into higher-paying roles.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

75 healthcare careers

Acupuncturist

Treat pain and health concerns by placing thin needles at specific points.

$76,040/yr median
+8.6% growth
3–4 years after college

Anesthesiologist

Keep patients safe and pain-free before, during and after surgery.

$391,490/yr median
+3.6% growth
12–14 years after high school

Audiologist

Diagnose and treat hearing loss and balance problems.

$95,780/yr median
+11.0% growth
8 years after high school

Cardiologist

Diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

$496,010/yr median
+4.8% growth
14+ years after high school

Cardiovascular Technologist

Run heart and blood vessel tests that help doctors diagnose disease.

$74,310/yr median
+3.7% growth
2 years

Certified Nursing Assistant

Provide hands-on daily care to patients and residents under nurse supervision.

$42,260/yr median
+2.6% growth
4–12 weeks

Chiropractor

Treat back, neck and joint problems with hands-on adjustments.

$79,200/yr median
+8.7% growth
7–8 years after high school

Dental Assistant

Prepare patients, assist the dentist chairside, take X-rays and sterilize instruments.

$48,070/yr median
+7.4% growth
9–12 months

Dental Hygienist

Clean teeth, screen for oral disease and teach patients how to keep their mouths healthy.

$98,100/yr median
+8.0% growth
About 3 years

Dental Lab Technician

Make crowns, bridges and dentures that restore smiles.

$49,610/yr median
-5.9% growth
1–2 years

Dentist

Diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums and the mouth.

$170,950/yr median
+5.7% growth
8 years after high school

Dermatologist

Diagnose and treat conditions of the skin, hair and nails.

$328,730/yr median
+6.8% growth
12 years after high school

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Use ultrasound to create images of organs, blood vessels and babies for diagnosis.

$96,590/yr median
+13.9% growth
18–24 months

Dietetic Technician

Help dietitians plan meals and teach people healthier eating.

$37,640/yr median
+2.7% growth
2 years

Emergency Medical Technician

Respond to 911 calls, assess and treat patients and transport them safely.

$44,470/yr median
+5.8% growth
1–6 months

Emergency Medicine Physician

Diagnose and treat anyone who walks into the emergency room.

$335,550/yr median
+3.2% growth
11–12 years after high school

Family Medicine Physician

Provide ongoing primary care to patients of all ages.

$244,180/yr median
+3.3% growth
11 years after high school

Genetic Counselor

Help patients understand genetic risks and testing.

$100,040/yr median
+10.4% growth
6 years

Health Information Technologist

Manage the health data that keeps patient records accurate and useful.

$68,020/yr median
+15.9% growth
2 years

Hearing Aid Specialist

Test hearing and fit hearing aids so people can hear better.

$65,160/yr median
+19.4% growth
6–12 months

Home Health Aide

Help older adults and people with disabilities live safely and comfortably at home.

$35,800/yr median
+18.1% growth
2–6 weeks

Internist

Diagnose and manage illnesses in adults, in clinics and hospitals.

$256,560/yr median
+4.0% growth
11 years after high school

Licensed Practical Nurse

Give licensed nursing care (meds, wound care and monitoring) in about a year of training.

$64,400/yr median
+3.0% growth
12–18 months

Medical Administrative Assistant

Run the front office of a clinic or hospital unit: scheduling, check-in, insurance and records.

$45,930/yr median
+4.8% growth
3–12 months

Medical and Health Services Manager

Run hospital departments, clinics and practices so patients get good care.

$123,860/yr median
+24.2% growth
4–6 years plus experience

Medical Appliance Technician

Build braces, artificial limbs and other medical devices.

$48,030/yr median
+3.5% growth
1 year

Medical Assistant

Room patients, take vitals, give injections and keep clinic records accurate.

$45,690/yr median
+12.9% growth
9–12 months

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Translate medical records into codes and claims so providers get paid correctly.

$51,140/yr median
+7.8% growth
4–12 months

Medical Dosimetrist

Plan radiation doses that target cancer while protecting healthy tissue.

$147,470/yr median
+5.0% growth
4–5 years

Medical Transcriptionist

Turn doctors’ dictation into accurate medical records.

$40,410/yr median
-4.4% growth
Under 1 year

MRI Technologist

Operate MRI scanners that create detailed images of the body.

$95,480/yr median
+7.7% growth
2–3 years

Neurologist

Diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

$248,560/yr median
+6.4% growth
12 years after high school

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Use radioactive tracers to image the body and help treat disease.

$101,370/yr median
+4.4% growth
2–4 years

Nurse Anesthetist

Give anesthesia and keep patients safe during surgery and procedures.

$236,590/yr median
+9.7% growth
7–8+ years including RN and ICU experience

Nurse Midwife

Care for women through pregnancy, birth and every stage of reproductive health.

$134,040/yr median
+11.5% growth
6–8 years including RN education

Nurse Practitioner

Diagnose, treat and prescribe as an advanced practice registered nurse.

$132,300/yr median
+41.0% growth
6–8 years including RN education

Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Care for women’s reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth.

$292,910/yr median
+1.7% growth
12 years after high school

Occupational Therapist

Help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability.

$100,330/yr median
+14.8% growth
6–7 years

Occupational Therapy Aide

Prepare therapy areas and help occupational therapy teams.

$39,160/yr median
+3.6% growth
1–4 weeks

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Help patients practice everyday skills under an occupational therapist.

$72,300/yr median
+21.5% growth
2 years

Ophthalmic Lab Technician

Make eyeglass lenses that match each prescription.

$39,460/yr median
+2.2% growth
Several months

Ophthalmic Technician

Help eye doctors test vision and prepare patients for care.

$45,570/yr median
+21.4% growth
Under 1 year

Ophthalmologist

Diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform eye surgery.

$300,080/yr median
+4.5% growth
12 years after high school

Optician

Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses so patients see clearly and comfortably.

$47,260/yr median
+4.2% growth
1–2 years on the job

Optometrist

Examine eyes, prescribe glasses and contacts, and treat eye conditions.

$136,570/yr median
+9.5% growth
8 years after high school

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Perform surgery on the mouth, jaws and face, from wisdom teeth to reconstruction.

$352,220/yr median
+5.6% growth
12–14 years after high school

Orderly

Move patients and equipment and help keep hospital units running.

$38,290/yr median
+4.0% growth
1–4 weeks

Orthodontist

Straighten teeth and correct bites with braces and aligners.

$289,140/yr median
+6.0% growth
10–11 years after high school

Orthopedic Surgeon

Repair bones, joints, ligaments and tendons with surgery and treatment.

$358,550/yr median
+4.0% growth
14 years after high school

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Design and fit braces and artificial limbs that help people move.

$81,110/yr median
+12.9% growth
6–7 years

Paramedic

Provide advanced emergency medical care on scene and on the way to the hospital.

$60,600/yr median
+5.7% growth
12–24 months

Pathologist

Diagnose disease by studying tissue, blood and body fluids.

$312,400/yr median
+4.8% growth
12 years after high school

Pediatric Surgeon

Perform surgery on infants, children and teens.

$559,030/yr median
+2.0% growth
15+ years after high school

Pediatrician

Care for the health of babies, children and teens.

$210,040/yr median
+1.5% growth
11 years after high school

Pharmacist

Dispense medications safely and help patients use them correctly.

$140,910/yr median
+5.2% growth
6–8 years

Pharmacy Aide

Help pharmacies run smoothly with customer service and stocking.

$37,680/yr median
-0.7% growth
1–4 weeks

Pharmacy Technician

Fill prescriptions, manage inventory and help pharmacists keep patients safe.

$45,750/yr median
+6.4% growth
3–12 months

Phlebotomist

Draw blood for tests, transfusions and donations, safely and accurately.

$45,230/yr median
+6.8% growth
1–4 months

Physical Therapist

Help people recover movement and manage pain after injury or illness.

$102,760/yr median
+11.9% growth
7 years after high school

Physical Therapist Aide

Help physical therapy teams set up, clean and keep patients moving.

$35,240/yr median
+4.0% growth
1–4 weeks

Physical Therapist Assistant

Help patients recover strength and movement after injuries, surgeries and illness.

$68,380/yr median
+23.0% growth
2 years

Physician Assistant

Examine, diagnose and treat patients as part of a physician-led team.

$135,880/yr median
+21.1% growth
About 6–7 years after high school

Podiatrist

Diagnose and treat problems of the foot, ankle and lower leg.

$160,300/yr median
+2.0% growth
11 years after high school

Prosthodontist

Restore and replace teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures and implants.

$311,180/yr median
+5.8% growth
11 years after high school

Psychiatric Aide

Help patients with mental illness stay safe and take part in daily life.

$44,910/yr median
+1.9% growth
1–4 weeks

Psychiatrist

Diagnose and treat mental illness with medication and therapy.

$281,870/yr median
+7.2% growth
12 years after high school

Radiation Therapist

Deliver radiation treatments to patients with cancer.

$105,310/yr median
+2.8% growth
2–4 years

Radiologic Technologist

Take the X-rays and diagnostic images doctors use to find fractures, disease and injuries.

$80,110/yr median
+5.0% growth
2 years

Radiologist

Read X-rays, CT and MRI scans to diagnose disease.

$420,860/yr median
+3.4% growth
13 years after high school

Registered Nurse

Assess patients, give treatments, coordinate care and educate families.

$97,550/yr median
+5.6% growth
2–4 years

Respiratory Therapist

Help patients breathe, from asthma treatments to managing ventilators in the ICU.

$82,280/yr median
+8.5% growth
2 years

Speech-Language Pathologist

Help people with speech, language, voice and swallowing problems.

$97,870/yr median
+16.6% growth
6–7 years

Sterile Processing Technician

Clean, inspect, package and sterilize the instruments every surgery depends on.

$47,700/yr median
+10.8% growth
3–12 months

Surgical Assistant

Work beside surgeons to expose, hold and close during operations.

$66,800/yr median
+6.1% growth
1–2 years

Surgical Technologist

Prepare the operating room, keep the sterile field and pass instruments to surgeons.

$64,650/yr median
+5.0% growth
12–24 months

Compare healthcare careers

#	Career	Median pay	Growth 2025–35	Training time	Typical entry education
1	Pediatric Surgeon	$559,030	+2.0%	15+ years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
2	Cardiologist	$496,010	+4.8%	14+ years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
3	Radiologist	$420,860	+3.4%	13 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
4	Anesthesiologist	$391,490	+3.6%	12–14 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
5	Orthopedic Surgeon	$358,550	+4.0%	14 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
6	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon	$352,220	+5.6%	12–14 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
7	Emergency Medicine Physician	$335,550	+3.2%	11–12 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
8	Dermatologist	$328,730	+6.8%	12 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
9	Pathologist	$312,400	+4.8%	12 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
10	Prosthodontist	$311,180	+5.8%	11 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
11	Ophthalmologist	$300,080	+4.5%	12 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
12	Obstetrician-Gynecologist	$292,910	+1.7%	12 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
13	Orthodontist	$289,140	+6.0%	10–11 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
14	Psychiatrist	$281,870	+7.2%	12 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
15	Internist	$256,560	+4.0%	11 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
16	Neurologist	$248,560	+6.4%	12 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
17	Family Medicine Physician	$244,180	+3.3%	11 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
18	Nurse Anesthetist	$236,590	+9.7%	7–8+ years including RN and ICU experience	Master's degree
19	Pediatrician	$210,040	+1.5%	11 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
20	Dentist	$170,950	+5.7%	8 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
21	Podiatrist	$160,300	+2.0%	11 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
22	Medical Dosimetrist	$147,470	+5.0%	4–5 years	Bachelor's degree
23	Pharmacist	$140,910	+5.2%	6–8 years	Doctoral or professional degree
24	Optometrist	$136,570	+9.5%	8 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
25	Physician Assistant	$135,880	+21.1%	About 6–7 years after high school	Master's degree
26	Nurse Midwife	$134,040	+11.5%	6–8 years including RN education	Master's degree
27	Nurse Practitioner	$132,300	+41.0%	6–8 years including RN education	Master's degree
28	Medical and Health Services Manager	$123,860	+24.2%	4–6 years plus experience	Bachelor's degree
29	Radiation Therapist	$105,310	+2.8%	2–4 years	Associate's degree
30	Physical Therapist	$102,760	+11.9%	7 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
31	Nuclear Medicine Technologist	$101,370	+4.4%	2–4 years	Associate's degree
32	Occupational Therapist	$100,330	+14.8%	6–7 years	Master's degree
33	Genetic Counselor	$100,040	+10.4%	6 years	Master's degree
34	Dental Hygienist	$98,100	+8.0%	About 3 years	Associate's degree
35	Speech-Language Pathologist	$97,870	+16.6%	6–7 years	Master's degree
36	Registered Nurse	$97,550	+5.6%	2–4 years	Bachelor's degree
37	Diagnostic Medical Sonographer	$96,590	+13.9%	18–24 months	Associate's degree
38	Audiologist	$95,780	+11.0%	8 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
39	MRI Technologist	$95,480	+7.7%	2–3 years	Associate's degree
40	Respiratory Therapist	$82,280	+8.5%	2 years	Associate's degree
41	Orthotist and Prosthetist	$81,110	+12.9%	6–7 years	Master's degree
42	Radiologic Technologist	$80,110	+5.0%	2 years	Associate's degree
43	Chiropractor	$79,200	+8.7%	7–8 years after high school	Doctoral or professional degree
44	Acupuncturist	$76,040	+8.6%	3–4 years after college	Master's degree
45	Cardiovascular Technologist	$74,310	+3.7%	2 years	Associate's degree
46	Occupational Therapy Assistant	$72,300	+21.5%	2 years	Associate's degree
47	Physical Therapist Assistant	$68,380	+23.0%	2 years	Associate's degree
48	Health Information Technologist	$68,020	+15.9%	2 years	Associate's degree
49	Surgical Assistant	$66,800	+6.1%	1–2 years	Postsecondary nondegree award
50	Hearing Aid Specialist	$65,160	+19.4%	6–12 months	High school diploma or equivalent
51	Surgical Technologist	$64,650	+5.0%	12–24 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
52	Licensed Practical Nurse	$64,400	+3.0%	12–18 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
53	Paramedic	$60,600	+5.7%	12–24 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
54	Medical Billing and Coding Specialist	$51,140	+7.8%	4–12 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
55	Dental Lab Technician	$49,610	-5.9%	1–2 years	High school diploma or equivalent
56	Dental Assistant	$48,070	+7.4%	9–12 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
57	Medical Appliance Technician	$48,030	+3.5%	1 year	High school diploma or equivalent
58	Sterile Processing Technician	$47,700	+10.8%	3–12 months	High school diploma or equivalent
59	Optician	$47,260	+4.2%	1–2 years on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
60	Medical Administrative Assistant	$45,930	+4.8%	3–12 months	High school diploma or equivalent
61	Pharmacy Technician	$45,750	+6.4%	3–12 months	High school diploma or equivalent
62	Medical Assistant	$45,690	+12.9%	9–12 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
63	Ophthalmic Technician	$45,570	+21.4%	Under 1 year	Postsecondary nondegree award
64	Phlebotomist	$45,230	+6.8%	1–4 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
65	Psychiatric Aide	$44,910	+1.9%	1–4 weeks	High school diploma or equivalent
66	Emergency Medical Technician	$44,470	+5.8%	1–6 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
67	Certified Nursing Assistant	$42,260	+2.6%	4–12 weeks	Postsecondary nondegree award
68	Medical Transcriptionist	$40,410	-4.4%	Under 1 year	Postsecondary nondegree award
69	Ophthalmic Lab Technician	$39,460	+2.2%	Several months	High school diploma or equivalent
70	Occupational Therapy Aide	$39,160	+3.6%	1–4 weeks	High school diploma or equivalent
71	Orderly	$38,290	+4.0%	1–4 weeks	High school diploma or equivalent
72	Pharmacy Aide	$37,680	-0.7%	1–4 weeks	High school diploma or equivalent
73	Dietetic Technician	$37,640	+2.7%	2 years	Associate's degree
74	Home Health Aide	$35,800	+18.1%	2–6 weeks	High school diploma or equivalent
75	Physical Therapist Aide	$35,240	+4.0%	1–4 weeks	High school diploma or equivalent

Getting hired in healthcare

Healthcare employers screen for reliability, background checks, immunizations and CPR/BLS certification, so get those in order early.

What affects pay in this field

Work setting (hospitals and outpatient care centers often pay more than physician offices or nursing homes)
Shift differentials for nights, weekends and holidays
Credentials such as national certification or state licensure
Specialty experience (surgery, cardiology, oncology, pediatrics)

Find your fit

Take the Healthcare career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.

Healthcare careers FAQ

What is the highest-paying healthcare career on this list?

Pediatric Surgeon has the highest median pay among our healthcare profiles at $559,030 per year (BLS, May 2025).

Which healthcare career is fastest to start?

Occupational Therapy Aide typically takes about 1–4 weeks of training.

Which healthcare career is growing fastest?

Nurse Practitioner, with projected growth of +41.0% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).

How do I choose the right healthcare career?

Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Healthcare career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.