Which Medical Technician Makes The Most Money

Top 50 Healthcare Careers for 2021

The healthcare sector is booming, due to a growing population that will require increasing care with age.

Baby Boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—are retiring at the rate of thousands per day. In contrast, Pew Research Center (2018) reports that Millennials—ages 23 to 38—currently make up the largest portion of the US labor force, having surpassed Generation X in 2017.

This means that about 35 percent of the American workforce carries the burden of the economy during their prime childbearing years.

With large segments of the population entering their senior years and another with growing families, health professionals will be in demand to meet these increasing needs.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of promising healthcare careers in 2021.

Methodology

Here's how we broke down the top 50 health careers for 2021:

Career growth

Career growth (as predicted by the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics) was taken into consideration since having a positive employment outlook is an essential component of making a career an attractive path. These measurements included both the projected growth percentage as well as growth in the absolute number of jobs available

Salary

Salary is also a factor, with higher-paying jobs getting a boost even if their demand outlook was not as strong

Flexibility and Return on Investment

Flexibility and return on investment also influenced the selection of careers, although to a lesser degree than projected career growth or salary. Physical therapy, for instance, affords practitioners the flexibility to determine and adjust their schedules.

Please note that unless otherwise specified, all BLS career growth figures are projected increases in jobs in the US between 2019 and 2029, and all salary figures are from May 2019—the most recent data available as of January 2021.

List of Top Careers in Healthcare for 2021

Physical Therapist – Physical therapy tops this health career list because it is a lucrative position with tremendous growth expected in the coming years. It also offers a relatively flexible and comfortable lifestyle. As of May 2019, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $89,440, and demand for these health professionals is expected to grow by 18 percent in the decade preceding 2029. Unlike some other health professionals, physical therapists are often able to make their hours, choose their clients, and are more likely to be self-employed.
Dental Hygienist – Between 2019 and 2029, more than 13,300 new dental hygienist jobs are expected to be available. That represents an impressive growth rate of 6 percent, which is faster than average. Dental hygienists earn a median annual wage of $76,220 and typically hold at least associate degrees.
Physician Assistant – Not to be confused with medical assistants, physician assistants are highly trained health workers with advanced degrees who work closely with medical doctors to diagnose and treat illness. In 2019, the median salary for a physician assistant in the US was $112,260, helping to make this challenging career one of the most lucrative in healthcare.
Nurse Practitioner – In many states, nurse practitioners are licensed to do much of what physicians can do. As the demand for healthcare services increases over the next decade, the demand for nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 52 percent. With a median salary of $115,800, this career is even more lucrative than that of physician assistants, particularly for in-demand specializations like adult care, gerontology, neonatal, pediatric, and more.
Physician – Becoming a physician carries a great deal of prestige and requires a significant investment of time and financial resources. But the tangible rewards in this field are also pronounced. The median salary for a physician in 2019 was more than $208,000 annually. It should be no surprise that this is among the top healthcare careers available. Please note that most physicians require 11 to 15 years of postsecondary schooling and training. They also usually incur substantial student loan debts.
Registered Nurse – As of 2019, there are over three million registered nurse jobs in the US and that number is expected to swell 7 percent through the year 2029. Nurses enjoy a median salary of $73,300 for their work providing and coordinating care, as well as educating and supporting patients in their wellness journeys.
Occupational Therapist – The BLS has noted that the demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow much faster than average at a rate of 16 percent by the year 2029. This growth coupled with a relatively high median salary of $84,950 per year makes this a highly desirable career pursuit. OTs typically have at least a master's degree.
Home Health Aide – Not every health worker spends their days in a hospital or clinic. Home health aides have the opportunity to assist patients in the comfort of the patient's home and while doing so enjoying a wide-open employment market with a 34 percent projected growth rate. Although the salary is just $25,280 ($12.15 hourly), with 1,159,500 jobs being added by 2029, there are expected to be many opportunities in this field. Highly accessible, the educational requirement for home health aides is a high school diploma or an equivalency exam.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – Diagnostic medical sonographers get to work closely with physicians but do not require nearly as much training, which means a faster track to employment. Demand for medical sonographers is expected to grow 17 percent through 2029, which translates into ample opportunities for graduating students. Sonographers generally have at least an associate's degree and certification. They earn a median annual salary of $57,720 and work in hospitals, laboratories, or medical office settings.
Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse – It's no secret that the demand for all types of nurses is high, with some even terming the shortage a crisis. In response, the demand for licensed practical and vocational nurses is expected to climb, with nearly 65,700 more jobs being added between 2019 and 2029. Working under the supervision of RNs and physicians, LPNs and LVNs provide nursing care to individuals of all ages.
Physical Therapist Assistant – With the high demand and salary for PTs, it should come as no surprise that physical therapist assistants are not far behind. The median salary for this career comes in at $58,790 and demand is expected to grow by a whopping 33 percent through 2029. Similar to LPNs, PTAs work under the guidance of a physical therapist to assist patients with mobility, physical wellness, and pain management.
Dental Assistant – The field of dentistry is growing and dental assistants are in demand. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $40,080 and have 7 percent expected job-growth between 2019 and 2029. With no graduate degree requirements, this job is a relatively quick way to start working in dentistry.
Medical Assistant – A medical assistant can work anywhere from a physician's office to an emergency room, giving this career a lot of variety. More importantly, 139,200 jobs are expected to be added to this profession by 2029, meaning that there will be plenty of open positions in the next decade.
Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technician – As medical technology expands, the need for trained professionals to maintain and interpret that technology grows. That is why the demand for medical and clinical laboratory technicians is expected to increase by nearly 7 percent in the coming years. Professionals in this field can expect to earn up to $53,120 as a median annual salary, and with 24,700 jobs to be added between 2019 and 2029, you can expect the positions to be around after students complete their postsecondary nondegree award.
Pharmacist – While the need for pharmacists is expected to decrease between 2019 and 2029, the salary is much higher than most. The median income for this health career is $128,090, making it an attractive opportunity for students willing to pursue an advanced degree. Pharmacists are responsible for filling and dispensing medications, in addition to counseling patients on their use.
Surgeon – A career in surgery is certainly not one to take on lightly. It requires years of schooling as well as specialized training. However, surgeons can expect to earn a median wage equal to or greater than $208,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean (average) annual wages for surgeons in May 2019 was $252,040.
Radiologic Technologist – Diagnostic imaging techniques such as x-rays have been around for many years, and they're still one of the most effective ways to diagnose tumors and cancers. Radiologic technologists are expected to be in high demand, with 14,100 expected positions added through 2029. Radiographers also earn a decent living at $60,510 yearly (median annual wage) with an associate's degree.
Surgical Technologist – While we know that surgeons are well compensated, their assistants, who require much less school and fewer training hours, are also in-demand. The demand for surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, is expected to grow by at least 7 percent through the year 2029. Their median pay was $48,300 in May 2019.
Dentist – With more school required and less job growth expected (3 percent between 2019 to 2029), dentistry is a bit lower ranked than a dental hygienist or dental assistant. However, on average, dentists make an annual median salary of $159,200 and may own their dental practices, which makes it relatively flexible for scheduling.
Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic – The life of an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic is certainly never dull. These life-saving health professionals are also in high demand with more than 17,000 jobs expected to be added through the year 2029. With training required beyond high school (non-degree), EMT and paramedic services may be a good career path for individuals contemplating a career in the medical field or who thrive on adrenaline and helping others in crisis. Their median annual wage was $35,400 in May 2019.
Nursing Assistant – In another instance of nursing skills being in high demand, more than 116,900 new nursing assistant jobs are expected to be added to the field by the year 2029. Nursing assistants also have a range of work environments available to them, including nursing homes, hospitals, and private physicians' offices. Employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Family Physician or General Practitioner – A physician does not have to be highly specialized to be in demand with an enviable salary. Family physicians and general practitioners, many of whom are self-employed, can earn an average salary of more than $208,000 per year. Their mean (average) annual wage was $213,270 in May 2019.
Speech-language Pathologist – Also known as speech therapists, speech-language pathologists are certainly in demand with an expected growth rate of 25 percent through 2029. While a master's degree is required to start this career, speech-language pathologists earn a median annual salary of $79,120 per year.
Occupational Therapy Assistant – With an expected growth of 35 percent through 2029, occupational therapy assistants are one of the most in-demand careers in healthcare. Occupational therapy assistants earn a median annual salary of $61,510 and with a minimum requirement of an associate's degree, this can be an attractive career for anyone seeking relatively quick employment in a helping profession.
Anesthesiologist – The only physician specialty that is higher paid, on average, than general surgery is anesthesiology. These highly trained physicians earn a Mean annual wage of $261,730. While the overall demand is less than some other healthcare careers, the high salary was an important factor when ranking this job.
Medical Records or Health Information Technician – Not all health professions involve a high degree of patient contact. Medical records and health information technicians work to organize and manage health information data, usually far from patients. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow at least 8 percent through 2029, with 29,000 new jobs being added during that time-span.
Nurse Anesthetist – Just as anesthesiologists are in high demand and command high salaries, nurse anesthetists are also needed around the country. They are the ones administering anesthesia and providing care before, during, and after therapeutic, surgical, obstetrical, and diagnostic procedures. Nurse anesthetists garner a median salary of $174,790 and require a master's degree. Employment is projected to grow 14 percent from 2019 to 2029.
Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician – Another career that specializes in medical imaging is the cardiovascular technologist and technician career. These professionals most often work full-time in hospitals, maintaining and running cardiovascular monitoring equipment. The demand for cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to grow 5 percent through 2029. These technicians can expect to make a median annual salary of $57,720.
Phlebotomist – With an expected growth rate of 17 percent (22,800 new jobs added) between the years of 2019 and 2029 and a median annual salary of $35,510, phlebotomists are situated firmly in the middle section of this list. This medical personnel withdraws blood or plasma from patients for a wide variety of purposes.
Pharmacy Technician – A pharmacy technician is an assistant to a pharmacist with much less training. As the need for prescription medications expands, so too does the demand for this particular career. About 15,200 jobs for pharmacy technicians are expected to be added by 2029. Professionals in this field can expect to make a median annual salary of $33,950.
Athletic Trainer – Athletic trainers prevent, diagnose, and treat bone and muscle illnesses and injuries. They work with people of all ages, from young children to professional athletes. They work under physicians and other healthcare providers. About 5,200 jobs for athletic trainers are expected to be added by 2029. Professionals in this field can expect to make a median annual salary of $48,440.
Massage Therapist – Individuals interested in pursuing a health career who want to work for themselves may consider a career in massage therapy, as nearly half of all massage therapists are self-employed. The demand for massage therapists is also high, expecting to increase by 21 percent by 2029. The BLS states that massage therapists only require a postsecondary nondegree award and make a median salary of $42,820.
Optometrist – Another career requiring a doctoral degree, optometrists can expect to earn about $115,250 (median wage) annually. The demand for these specialists is also decent, with more than 1,900 jobs expected to be added by 2029. In addition to performing eye exams, optometrists diagnose and treat problems with vision, eye diseases, injuries, and disorders.
Respiratory Therapist – These medical professionals help patients to treat the symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma or emphysema. To pursue this career, students must earn at least an associate's degree and can look forward to a median salary of $61,330 per year. Employment is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029. The demand for these specialists is also high, with more than 26,300 jobs expected to be added by 2029.
Veterinary Technologist or Technician – Of course, not all health careers involve taking care of humans. Veterinary technologists care for animal patients of all shapes and sizes and are rewarded for those efforts with a median salary of $35,320. The demand for veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow by almost 16 percent by 2029. About 18,300 jobs for Veterinary Technologists or Technicians are expected to be added by 2029.
Physical Therapist Aide – A physical therapist aide does work that is slightly different from that of a physical therapist assistant, but the position is still in demand. Physical therapist aides assist physical therapists and physicians with whatever administrative, clinical, or scheduling needs they might have. By 2029, a 21 percent increase in demand in this particular career is expected, which means more than 10,800 new jobs around the country.
Chiropractors – Chiropractors are professionals performing manual therapy for helping patients with neck and back pain. They care for those patients that have health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These professionals have a job that is expecting to see a more than 4 percent increase in demand by 2029. The median annual wage was $70,340 in May 2019.
Genetic Counselors – These professionals are involved in assessing family or individual risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects or genetic disorders. Genetic Counselors provide support and information to other healthcare providers or families and individuals concerned. These professionals earn a median salary of $81,880 per year and there is expected to be a 21 percent growth nationally in opportunities for this medical profession between 2019 and 2029.
Dietitian/Nutritionist – Working with patients to help them live healthier lives can be extremely rewarding, as any dietitian or nutritionist will know. These professionals have a job that is expecting to see a more than 8 percent increase in demand by 2029. Dieticians and nutritionists have a wide variety of backgrounds, but degrees in health or science will help prepare those interested in this field. The median annual wage was $61,270 in May 2019.
Optician – An optician assists people in finding and fitting eyeglasses and contacts by following the prescriptions provided by ophthalmologists and optometrists. More than 3,000 optician jobs are expected to be added by 2029. The median annual wage for this occupation was $37,840 in May 2019.
Internist, General – A general internist, who may also be known as a doctor of internal medicine, can earn about $201,440 (mean wage) per year with the proper training. The primary role of internal medicine doctors is to provide non-surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the internal organs of their adult patients.
Audiologist – Although audiologists do need an advanced degree, they do not require a medical degree. They usually hold master's degrees. These hearing and balance specialists earn a median salary of $77,600 per year and there is expected to be 13 percent growth nationally in opportunities for these medical professionals between 2019 and 2029.
Veterinarian – Though veterinarians do not have quite the job outlook of their related technicians, they can expect a higher-than-average salary. The median annual salary for a veterinarian is $95,460 and 16 percent growth is expected through 2029. More than 14,200 jobs are expected to be added by 2029.
MRI Technologist – MRI technologists get to work alongside physicians with some of the most sophisticated medical equipment available to diagnose and treat patients. With just an associate's degree, new MRI techs can enter this well-paid field that is expected to grow by 7 percent by the year 2029. MRI technologists make a median annual salary of $73,410, according to the BLS.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician – Another field experiencing a boom in growth is that of Ophthalmic laboratory technicians. The demand for this career in which specialists construct, fit, and repair eyeglasses is expected to grow by an impressive 8 percent through 2029. Ophthalmic technicians also counsel patients on treatments, schedule appointments, and assist eye doctors with in-office procedures. Their median annual wage was $37,370 in May 2019.
Radiation Therapist – Working with cancer patients and individuals with other serious illnesses is not easy, but it can be very rewarding. Radiation therapists, for their hard work, earn a median salary of $85,560 per year and 1,300 radiation therapy jobs are expected to be added nationally by 2029. The job is one that requires a relatively short period of education, only as much as is necessary to obtain an associate's degree. This is typically for two years.
Pediatrician – Physicians who specialize in working with children can be among the most compassionate individuals. They can be found working in hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, and various specialty centers. The mean (average) annual wage for a Pediatrician was $184,410 in May 2019.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist – Nuclear medicine technologists are one of the highest paying healthcare careers that do not require an advanced degree, although an associate's degree and 1,300 practice hours are required. Growth for this career is projected to be strong nationally (5 percent by 2029), although jobs are concentrated heavily in certain regions, such as California and the District of Columbia. The median pay for these skilled professionals is $77,950 per year, which is equal to $37.48 per hour.
Orthotist or Prosthetist – Orthotists, and prosthetists, or O&P professionals, design devices that support patients with a medical need, including prosthetics. The demand for these skills is expected to increase by 17 percent, which is much faster than average, through 2029. O&P professionals always have master's degrees and must have completed an internship or residency before employment in the field. The median annual wage was $68,410 in May 2019.
Psychiatrist – A psychiatrist is a physician who is specially trained to deal with mental and other psychological illnesses. These physicians can command a mean salary of more than $220,430, depending on location, expertise, and type of practice. Psychiatrists hold doctorates in their fields and usually operate their practices, where they maintain professional relationships with many different clients.

Kenneth Parker

Kenneth Parker Writer

Kenneth Parker is a feature writer, poet, and musician living in the Pacific Northwest. His writing on remote work, education, and technology has been published by BustedCubicle.com, MedicalTechnologySchools.com, and other websites. His poetry, short fiction, and album reviews have appeared in Scifaikuest, Nanoism, and No Clean Singing. His background includes time spent as an associate editor, proofreader, private grammar instructor, freelance content editor, medical claims agent, and SEO consultant. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon, where he studied literature and worked as a composition tutor.