Explore Health Care Careers

Compare salaries, education requirements and job responsibilities across health care careers

Physician
More than $208,000
Graduate
3%
Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
CRNA
$195,610
Graduate
11.8%
Administer anesthesia to patients during surgical procedures.
Dentist
$160,370
Graduate
6.1%
Diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth and gums
Podiatrist
$145,840
Graduate
2.%
Diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and ankles
Pharmacist
$128,570
Graduate
2.4%
Dispense prescription medications and provide information on their use
Optometrist
$124,300
Graduate
9.6%
Diagnose and treat vision problems and eye diseases
Physician Assistant
$121,530
Graduate
27.6%
Provide medical care and support to physicians
Nurse Practitioner
$120,680
Graduate
45.7%
Diagnose and treat illnesses and provide preventive care
Veterinarian 
$100,370
Graduate
19.4%
Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in animals
Physical Therapist
$95,620
Graduate
16.9%
Help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility through exercise and manual therapy
Occupational Therapist
$85,570
Graduate
13.9%
Help patients recover and improve skills for daily living through specific activities
Radiation Therapist
$82,790
Associate's
6.3%
Use radiation therapy to treat cancer and other diseases
Genetic Counselor
$80,150
Graduate
18.2%
Provide information and support to people about genetic conditions
Speech Pathologist 
$79,060
Graduate
21.3%
Diagnose and treat speech and communication disorders
Audiologist
$78,950
Graduate
10.4%
Diagnose and treat hearing disorders
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
$78,760
Associate's
1.7%
Use radioactive materials for imaging and therapeutic purposes
Dental Hygienist
$77,810
Associate's
8.9%
Clean teeth and educate patients on oral hygiene
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
$77,740
Associate's
14.7%
Use ultrasound technology to produce images of internal body parts
Registered Nurse
$77,600
Bachelor's
6.2%
Provide patient care and support to medical staff
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technician
$77,560
Bachelor's
4.5%
Ensure a safe work environment by identifying and preventing hazardous conditions
Orthotists and Prosthetist
$75,440
Graduate
16.8%
Design and fit orthopedic devices such as braces and artificial limbs
Chiropractor
$75,000
Graduate
10.4%
Use manual adjustments to treat joints and bones that are misaligned
Respiratory Therapist
$61,830
Associate's
13.6%
Treat patients with breathing disorders
Occupational Therapy Assistant
$61,730
25.4%
Assist occupational therapists with patient care
Dietitian
$61,650
Bachelor's
6.8%
Advise people on how to maintain a healthy diet
Radiology Technician 
$61,370
Associate's
6.3%
Produce images of internal body parts using x-rays and other imaging technology
Physical Therapist Assistant 
$61,180
Associate's
26.5%
PTAs help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain
Clinical Laboratory Assistant
$57,800
Bachelor's
6.6%
Collect and prepare samples for laboratory tests
Surgical Technologist 
$48,530
Certificate or Diploma
5.9%
Assist surgeons during surgical procedures
Athletic Trainer
$48,420
Bachelor's
17.5%
Help prevent and treat injuries related to physical activity
LPN/LVN
$48,070
Certificate or Diploma
6.3%
Provide basic care to patients and assist with medical procedures
Recreational Therapist
$47,940
Bachelor's
3.6%
Plan and lead therapeutic recreation activities for patients
Exercise Physiologist
$47,940
Graduate
9.1%
Study the effects of physical activity on the human body
Massage Therapist
$46,910
Certificate or Diploma
20.%
Use manual techniques to relieve pain and tension in the muscles
Medical Records and Health Information Specialist
$46,660
Certificate or Diploma
6.6%
Maintain and organize patient medical records
Dental Assistant
$38,660
Certificate or Diploma
8.4%
Assist dentists with procedures and administrative tasks
Optician
$37,570
High School Diploma or Equivalent
3.7%
Dispense and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses
Phlebotomist
$37,380
Certificate or Diploma
10.2%
Collect blood samples for laboratory tests
Medical Assistant
$37,190
Certificate or Diploma
15.8%
Perform administrative and clinical tasks to support medical staff
Veterinary Technologist
$36,850
Associate's
19.6%
Perform laboratory and clinical procedures to support veterinary care.
Pharmacy Technician
$36,740
High School Diploma or Equivalent
5.%
Assist pharmacists with preparing and dispensing medications
Psychiatric Technician
$36,570
Diploma or Certification, No College
10.9%
Provide basic care and support to patients with mental health conditions
EMTs and Paramedic
$35,470
Certificate or Diploma
7.%
Provide emergency medical care
Certified Nursing Assistant
$30,310
Certificate or Diploma
4.7%
Assist patients with basic needs and provide support to nursing staff
Medical Transcriptionist
$30,100
Certificate or Diploma
-6.5%
Transcribe audio recordings of medical reports into written documents
Veterinary Assistant
$29,780
High School Diploma or Equivalent
19.4%
Assist veterinarians with patient care and administrative tasks.
Home Health Aide
$29,430
High School Diploma or Equivalent
25.4%
Provide basic care and support to patients in their homes

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about health care jobs

What Is the Average Salary for Health Care Jobs?

There are two types of health care workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Health care practitioner and technical occupations, such as nurses and doctors, are one type. On average, health care practitioner and technical occupations earn $75,040 each year. Health care support jobs have an average salary of $29,880.

What Are the Fastest Growing Health Care Jobs?

Over the next 10 years, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician’s Assistants can expect the fastest growth rate of all health care jobs. The number of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwife and nurse practitioner jobs will increase by 40% by 2031. Physicians assistants, the second fastest growing health care job, will see a 20% increase by 2031.

What health care jobs don't require a college degree?

Many health care jobs do not require graduate school or even higher education. Learn more about the highest paying jobs that do not require a college degree

How Many Health Care Jobs Are There?

There are more than 15 million health care jobs in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 8.8 million health care practitioner or technical jobs. Additionally, there are 6.6 million health care support jobs.