Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
If you’re interested in making a positive impact on people’s health and well-being, consider a career in the medical field. The best jobs in healthcare offer dependable salaries, meaningful work and strong career mobility.
This article highlights the 20 highest-paying medical jobs in the U.S., with brief job descriptions, education requirements and projected job growth for each position. Read on to discover more about the highest-paying healthcare jobs.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education
Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.
- 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
- 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
- All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
- Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
- Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded
How Much Can You Make With a Healthcare Job?
Salaries for healthcare jobs vary greatly based on role, qualification and job location. For instance, the median annual salary for home health aides is $30,180, while physicians and surgeons make $229,300, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What Is the Highest-Paying Medical Job?
According to the BLS, the highest-paying medical jobs include roles as physicians and surgeons. The highest-paying medical jobs and respective salaries are:
- Cardiologist: $421,330
- Orthopedic surgeons (except pediatric): $371,410
- Dermatologist: $327,650
- Emergency medicine physician: $316,600
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: $309,410
- Anesthesiologist: $302,970
The BLS records cardiologists having the highest salaries in the medical profession. Cardiologists diagnose and treat medical conditions and cardiovascular diseases involving the heart, valves and blood vessels. They may specialize in procedures, such as echocardiography, electrophysiology, or balloon angioplasty and stent placement.
The job outlook for cardiologists is positive, and employment is expected to increase by 3% from 2022 to 2032.
20 Highest-Paying Healthcare Jobs
The highest-paying healthcare jobs include physicians, surgeons, dentists, pharmacists and more. This section covers job descriptions and salaries of the top 20 highest-paying medical jobs in the U.S.
1. Physicians and Surgeons
Median Annual Salary: $229,300
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for physicians and surgeons is expected to increase by 3% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: M.D., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or another medical degree
Job Overview: Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat medical conditions, illnesses and injuries. They examine patients, prescribe medication and monitor progress; depending on their specializations, these doctors may also perform surgical procedures. To learn more, check out our guide on how to become a doctor.
2. Dentists
Median Annual Salary: $155,040
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for dentists is expected to increase by 4% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Medicine in dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine
Job Overview: Dentists diagnose and treat medical conditions involving teeth, gums and mouth. They fill cavities, extract teeth, prescribe medications and fit patients for dentures or other appliances. Dentists may work in general dentistry or specialize in an area, such as endodontics or orthodontics.
3. Podiatrists
Median Annual Salary: $148,720
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for podiatrists is expected to stay about the same from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Job Overview: Podiatrists handle medical issues related to the feet, ankles and lower legs. They diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications and orthotics, perform surgeries, and treat conditions like heel spurs, calluses and arch problems.
4. Pharmacists
Median Annual Salary: $132,750
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for pharmacists is expected to increase by 3% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Doctor of Pharmacy
Job Overview: Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by physicians. They advise doctors on interactions and dosages, counsel patients who have questions about their prescriptions, administer vaccinations, supervise pharmacy technicians and ensure that new drugs won’t interact negatively with patients’ allergies or other medications.
5. Medical Dosimetrists
Median Annual Salary: $128,970
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for medical dosimetrists is expected to increase by 3% from 20223 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Medical dosimetrists develop radiation treatment plans and determine the appropriate doses of radiation for those with cancer and other medical conditions. They also create immobilization devices, such as casts or molds, to ensure patients don’t move during procedures.
6. Physician Assistants
Median Annual Salary: $126,010
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for physician assistants is expected to increase by 27% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree
Job Overview: Physician assistants work under the supervision of physicians to examine and treat patients. They diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, monitor patient progress and treat ailments, injuries and medical conditions.
7. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Median Annual Salary: $125,900
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for APRNs is expected to increase by 38% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree
Job Overview: Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) provide patient care, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions, examining patients, prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic tests. APRNs may work as primary care providers or in specialty healthcare jobs, such as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners or nurse midwives.
8. Optometrists
Median Annual Salary: $125,590
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for optometrists is expected to increase by 9% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Doctor of Optometry
Job Overview: Optometrists diagnose and treat medical conditions of the eyes. Their work includes conducting vision tests, examining patients, identifying eye and vision problems, determining appropriate treatments and prescribing medications, eyeglasses and contact lenses.
9. Veterinarians
Median Annual Salary: $103,260
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for veterinarians is expected to increase by 20% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Job Overview: Veterinarians provide medical care for animals, including pets and livestock. They diagnose and treat illnesses and medical conditions, perform surgical procedures, prescribe medication, administer vaccinations and euthanize animals.
10. Physical Therapists
Median Annual Salary: $97,720
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for physical therapists is expected to increase by 15% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Job Overview: Physical therapists care for patients with injuries or medical conditions requiring pain management, movement assistance or rehabilitation. They diagnose problems related to functions and movements, help improve mobility and decrease pain, and use specialized therapy techniques, such as stretching and other exercises, to improve patients’ quality of life.
11. Occupational Therapists
Median Annual Salary: $93,180
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for occupational therapists is expected to increase by 12% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree in occupational therapy
Job Overview: Occupational therapists treat patients with permanent disabilities, injuries or illnesses to improve their quality of life and daily living skills. They may help patients learn to use adaptive equipment, provide early intervention services for children, help older adults retain their independence while living at home or assist patients in rehabilitation after an injury.
12. Genetic Counselors
Median Annual Salary: $89,990
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for genetic counselors is expected to increase by 16% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree in genetic counseling
Job Overview: Genetic counselors study genetic disorders and conduct DNA testing to help people determine the risk for inherited conditions or congenital disabilities. They gather medical history data, recommend testing options and provide genetic counseling and support.
13. Radiation Therapists
Median Annual Salary: $89,530
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for radiation therapists is expected to increase by 2% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy or a related discipline
Job Overview: Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer or other medical conditions. They operate linear accelerators and other machines to help shrink tumors, prevent excess radiation exposure, and collaborate with oncologists or other medical professionals.
14. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Median Annual Salary: $85,300
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for nuclear medicine technologists is not expected to increase or decrease from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree in nuclear medicine technology
Job Overview: Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive medications for patients undergoing imaging or other radioactive treatments. They operate imaging equipment and protect patients from excess radiation exposure.
15. Speech-Language Pathologists
Median Annual Salary: $84,140
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for speech-language pathologists is expected to increase by 19% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree in speech pathology
Job Overview: Speech-language pathologists treat people with speech or language disorders and those with difficulty swallowing. They evaluate clients’ speech and language problems, develop treatment plans, and help them improve their vocabulary and fluency.
16. Audiologists
Median Annual Salary: $82,680
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for audiologists is expected to increase by 11% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Doctor of Audiology
Job Overview: Audiologists diagnose and treat patients with hearing or balance problems. They examine and assess patients, develop treatment plans, fit hearing aids and other devices and provide advice and support for patients and their families.
17. Dental Hygienists
Median Annual Salary: $81,400
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for dental hygienists is expected to increase by 7% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree in dental hygiene
Job Overview: Dental hygienists work under the supervision of dentists to provide dental treatment for patients. They examine patients’ mouths, remove tartar and plaque from teeth, take X-rays and provide instruction on brushing and flossing teeth.
18. Registered Nurses
Median Annual Salary: $81,220
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for registered nurses is expected to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree in nursing or nursing program diploma, some employers may require a Bachelor of Science in nursing
Job Overview: Registered nurses provide patient care, public health education and advice for patients and their families. They gather medical history information, assess medical conditions, administer treatments, conduct diagnostic tests and collaborate with physicians and healthcare professionals.
19. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Median Annual Salary: $81,350
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by 14% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree or certificate
Job Overview: Diagnostic medical sonographers gather data using ultrasounds or sonograms to create images of the body. They may work in specialized areas, such as breast, cardiac, pediatric, vascular, musculoskeletal, or obstetric or gynecologic sonography.
20. Orthotists and Prosthetists
Median Annual Salary: $77,070
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): Employment for orthotists and prosthetists is expected to increase by 15% from 2022 to 2032.
Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree
Job Overview: Orthotists and prosthetists design and develop medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, surgical devices and braces. They measure and fit patients for devices, repair devices and provide instruction on their use and care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Highest-Paying Medical Jobs
What is the highest-paid medical job?
According to the BKS, physicians and surgeons have the highest-paying medical jobs, with a median annual salary of $229,300. Within this category, cardiologists earn an average annual salary of $421,330.
Are there medical jobs, other than doctor jobs, that pay well?
While salaries for doctor jobs are usually excellent, other medical jobs also pay well. For example, nurse anesthetists make a median salary of $203,090 and nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $121,610.
Which doctor has the highest salary in the world?
While the BLS doesn’t report global salary data, it does report data on U.S.-based salaries. According to the BLS, the physicians with the highest salaries are cardiologists, who earn an average annual salary of $421,330.
