Health care jobs are in high demand across the board. Whether you want to spend 10+ years in college or less than a year, you can find work in the medical field. All you need is a good education and a passion for helping others to start a profitable and rewarding career. The list below highlights the top 50 health care jobs, ranked according to the number of jobs available in 2023. Employment levels and pay rates courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates.
Note: The salaries and wages listed here are from the May 2022 data, which may not match the 2021 data available in most career BLS profiles. The career profiles are linked at the end of each job description.
1 – Medical Assistant
A medical assistant is a person who completes administrative tasks in a doctor’s office or hospital. Medical assistant jobs are growing much faster than most professions in America, with an estimated increase of 14% in available jobs between 2022 and 2032. Medical assistants are able to find work with minimal training, though the highest paying jobs typically go to workers who have passed the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam and have taken classes at a medical assistant school. Learn how to become a medical assistant today.
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $38,270 a year, $18.40 an hour (BLS)
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 764,400
2 – Nursing Assistant
What is a CNA? A certified nursing assistant is someone who helps a registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse get through a day at work. A nursing assistant may be responsible for obtaining vital signs, organizing medical equipment, administering sponge baths, and more. Many nurse aides work in retirement homes, taking care of elderly patients who cannot do certain tasks on their own. In some instances, nursing assistants are able to begin work without any formal education. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $35,740 a year, $17.18 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Nursing, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 1,406,800
3 – Home Health Aide
A home health aide is in charge of assisting a home-bound patient with day-to-day tasks, like bathing, dressing, and housekeeping. A home health aide may travel between several patients in a day, or he may be assigned to live with a patient full time. Workers in this profession often deal with patients who are disabled, elderly, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $30,180 a year, $14.51 an hour
- Suggested education: None
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 3,715,500
4 – Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurses are sometimes called LPNs, licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs. They provide basic nursing care in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. LPNs are typically in charge of administering medicine, drawing blood, checking vital signs, and noting patient records for other workers. Many LPNs go back to school to become registered nurses. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $54,620 a year, $26.26 an hour
- Suggested education: Diploma of Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 655,000
5 – Physician
Physicians treat and diagnose patients. Many of them work in hospitals, but they may also operate their own firms. Physicians can work in many specialties, including pediatrics, family care, oncology, and intensive care. Most physicians spend 10 years or more in college before completing a residency program at a local hospital. After several additional years of training, they are able to work with patients on their own. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $229,300 a year, $110.24 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 816,900
6 – Therapist
Therapists and mental health counselors help patients overcome mental disorders that affect their daily lives. Some therapists choose to specialize in certain conditions, like obsessive compulsive disorder or childhood depression. With a degree in psychology, therapists are able to analyze the cause of mental instability and suggest ways for patients to get past their symptoms. Many patients use their therapists as a venue for venting about issues they could not otherwise talk about. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $71,760 a year, $33.66 an hour
- Suggested education: Master of Science in Psychology, Doctorate of Psychology
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 591,350
7 – Registered Nurse
Registered nurses take care of the majority of nursing requirements in hospitals and clinics, from coordinating patient care to providing emotional support for families. Most RNs go through four years of schooling to earn a bachelor’s degree, but some are able to find work with an associate’s. The estimated job growth for this profession is 6%, which means there will be an extra 1,930,000 registered nursing jobs between 2022 and 2032. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $81,220 a year, $39.05 an hour
- Suggested education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing (rare)
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 3,172,500
8 – Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for helping pharmacists assist patients. They must understand drug names and uses, but they do not have enough education to prescribe medication or assess the compatibility of a drug with other drugs a patient takes. Pharmacy techs must know how to dispense medications and determine the correct dosages so they can give the right amount of medication to patients. Some pharmacy techs also perform secretarial duties in a pharmacy. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $37,790 a year, $18.17 an hour
- Suggested education: High School Diploma, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 459,600
9 – Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
A diagnostic medical sonographer or DMS is a person responsible for operating the imaging machines in a hospital, clinic, or physician’s office. A sonographer will operate an ultrasound, sonogram, echocardiogram, or similar device that disputes waves in a person’s body to create images. This person is not licensed to assess the images and diagnose patients through them. That is left to the physician. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $78,210 a year, $37.60 an hour
- Suggested education: Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or equivalent
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 142,800
10 – Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical laboratory technicians, more commonly known as lab techs, perform a variety of tests in a medical laboratory. They collect samples of fluids and tissues to use in the lab, and then they perform tests to provide data for physicians and surgeons to assess. Many lab techs work in this profession as they earn a higher degree in the medical field, such as a doctor of medicine or doctor of pharmacology. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $57,380 a year, $27.59 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Biology, Associate of Science in Chemistry, Associate of Science in Pre-Medicine
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 342,900
11 – Dental Assistant
Dental assistants take on the administrative duties in a dental office, and they may be required to perform basic patient care. For instance, a dental assistant may prepare a patient for oral cleaning, or he may be in charge of filing patient records for the office. Dental assistant jobs are expected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, leading to 55,100 new jobs in 10 years. This growth rate is much faster than the national average. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $44,820 a year, $21.55 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Dental Assisting, Bachelor of Science in Dentistry
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 371,000
12 – Pharmacist
A pharmacist is a health care professional in charge of dispensing prescription medications to patients and medical facilities. Pharmacists must have an extensive knowledge of chemistry and anatomy/physiology to determine if prescriptions will work well for a patient’s medical conditions and pre-existing drug uses. They may work in pharmacies, drug stores, and in-hospital drug dispensaries. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $132,750 a year, $63.82 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Pharmacy
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 334,200
13 – Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency medical technicians or EMTs care for sick and injured patients in emergency rooms, ambulances, and other fast-paced medical environments. EMTs must have a basic knowledge of a variety of medical conditions so they can properly help the patients they encounter. They must be available on-call to react at a moment’s notice. Some EMTs work for fire departments and health care equipment distributors, but most find employment with hospitals and emergency medical clinics. The job growth rate for EMT positions is a staggeringly high 33%. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $39,410 a year, $18.95 an hour
- Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 269,000
14 – Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists, also called radiology techs, are in charge of administering diagnostic imaging exams, such as x-rays and CT scans. Radiologic techs work alongside radiologists, but they are not trained to diagnose the results of the imaging exams they perform. These test results are passed along to physicians and surgeons to look over. The growth rate for this profession is 6%, leading to an additional 15,700 jobs between 2022 and 2032. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $67,180 a year, $32.30 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Radiology, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 264,100
15 – Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients recover from illnesses or injuries, per the suggestion of a physician. PTs use their hands and special equipment to work out different muscles in a patient’s body and build strength in otherwise weak areas. A physical therapist may help an athlete recover for a game or a car accident victim regain the ability to walk. Most of these professionals work in physical therapy clinics or rehabilitation centers. The growth rate for physical therapist jobs between 2022 and 2032 is expected to be 15%. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $97,720 a year, $46.98 an hour
- Suggested education: Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 246,800
16 – Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is a person who works in a dentist’s office, cleaning patient’s teeth before, during, and after a dental procedure. Dental hygienists work side-by-side with dentists, orthodontists, and other dental professionals. The estimated job growth for this profession is 7% between 2022 and 2032, which is much higher than the national average. There will be 16,400 new jobs coming available at that time. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $81,400 a year, $39.14 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 219,800
17 – Health Information Technician
Health information technicians, also known as medical records technicians, are in charge of the records for health care facilities. They inspect health information data to make sure it is accurate, accessible, and easy to read. As the medical industry transitions to electronic record keeping, workers in this field must adapt to new software programs and technologies. Health info techs must understand a variety of classification systems used to code and organize patient information. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $47,180 a year, $22.69 an hour
- Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 194,300
18 – Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Clinical laboratory technologists perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissues, and other samples in a medical office. They may be referred to as medical laboratory scientists, and they have to work in accordance with several departments in a hospital or clinic. Some clinical techs specialize in a certain type of test, but they must still be versed in the other exams needed in an office. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $57,380 a year, $27.59 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Pre-Medicine, Associate of Science in Chemistry, Associate of Science in Biology
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 342,900
19 – Occupational Therapy Aide
Occupational therapy aides and physical therapist assistants work with physical therapists to help patients recover from injury and illness. They assist with therapeutic practices that are used to improve muscle function, build strength, enhance the immune system, and much more. This job is growing at an exceedingly high rate, with an estimated 23% increase in available positions between 2022 and 2032. With minimal training, this job practically guarantees work options in the future. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $63,450 a year, $30.51 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Physical Therapy, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 49,000
20 – Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat patients with communication disorders, such as lisps and stutters. They may also help patients with swallowing disorders by teaching them how to identify and utilize the muscles in their mouths. Many workers in this profession are employed at elementary schools and private daycare facilities, but work is also available in hospitals and clinics offering speech therapy. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $84,140 a year, $40.45 an hour
- Suggested education: Master of Science in Speech Pathology, Doctor of Speech Pathology
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 171,400
21 – Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists help patients who have difficulty breathing. This is usually the result of a respiratory disorder, like asthma or emphysema. Respiratory therapists may work with patientson a regular basis, or they may respond to emergency situations. For instance, a patient suffering from a heart attack or stroke may need a respiratory therapist to regain breathing abilities after the event. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $70,540 a year, $33.91 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapist
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 133,100
22 – Family Practitioner
Family practitioners take care of patients on a general level, aiding the elderly, infants, and adults alike. Family care doctors work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They treat and diagnose diseases and injuries that patients commonly come across such as influenza and stomach viruses. For specialized conditions, family practitioners will recommend specialists for patients to see. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $201,100 a year, $96.68 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 114,130
23 – Dentist
Dentists diagnose, treat, and prevent problems in a patient’s mouth, focusing on the teeth and gums. Dentists are trained to identify prevalent oral conditions so patients can receive treatment as quickly as possible. Many of them perform dental surgeries, and they are all capable of filling cavities and removing teeth in their offices. Dentists may hold their own practices, or they may work with other dentists in a joint practice. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $159,530 a year, $76.70 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Dentistry
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 155,000
24 – Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners take on many of the tasks physicians are given, such as diagnosing patients and prescribing medications. In many states, nurse practitioners are allowed to open their own medical practice without the supervision of a doctor. Nurse practitioners are required to earn a master’s degree to practice in most states, and they can choose to work in research, education, nurse leadership, or diagnostics. Some NPs are also allowed to perform minor surgeries. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $121,610 a year, $58.47 an hour
- Suggested education: Master of Science in Nursing
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 179,650
25 – Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist is a health care professional who helps patients recover from injuries and disabilities, through the use of everyday activities. Occupational therapists show patients how they can use the movements they make every day to get better, stronger, and faster in a short period of time. This job has a high growth rate, with a 12% increase in available jobs between 2022 and 2032. 48% of occupational therapists work in physical therapy offices, while others work in schools, home health services, and nursing homes. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $93,180 a year, $44.80 an hour
- Suggested education: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 139,600
26 – Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists draw blood for donations, transfusions, tests, and research. They must understand how blood drawing equipment operates, but they do not have to spend long in school to do this. Many LVNs and RNs will work as phlebotomists while earning their degrees. Phlebotomists must have good people skills because they have to work with patients directly. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $38,530 a year, $18.53 an hour
- Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 125,280
27 – Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians or OR techs, provide assistance during surgical procedures. They work alongside surgeons and other surgical staff members to ensure a surgery goes smoothly. They arrange equipment, prepare operating rooms, and standby during surgeries for times when their help is needed. They may also be asked to perform mild patient care, similar to the work of a nursing assistant or home health aide. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $56,350 a year, $27.09 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Surgical Studies, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 128,900
28 – Physician Assistant
A physician assistant practices medicine under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Many graduate students will become physician’s assistants while they complete their doctor of medicine degree programs. PAs are trained to diagnose injuries, examine patients, and provide treatments. They may work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and many other healthcare settings. Some nurse practitioners work as physician assistants because the training for both jobs is similar. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $126,010 a year, $60.58 an hour
- Suggested education: Master of Science in Medicine or equivalent
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 148,000
29 – Veterinary Technologist
Veterinary technologists, also called vet techs, provide assistants for veterinarians. They are trained to perform medical tests and help vets diagnose illnesses and injuries in animals. Some aspiring veterinarians will work as vet techs while they are completing their education. This occupation has an estimated job growth rate of 21% between 2022 and 2032, making it one of the fastest growing jobs in America at this time. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $38,240 a year, $18.38 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 122,900
30 – Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatric aides assist psychiatrists as they try to assess patients with mental impairments and emotional instabilities. An aide in this field may lead patients to recreational activities or accompany patients to treatment sessions. In the case of violent patients, a psychiatric aide may have to restrain a patient until he calms down. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $29,180 a year, $14.03 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Psychiatry, Associate of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychiatry
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 56,910
31 – Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists listen to recordings from doctors and other medical professionals and write down the words they hear. This provides a written record for audio information that medical staff can refer to in the future. Medical transcriptionists must be excellent listeners and typists, but they are not required to go through much training for work. They work in hospitals, doctor offices, clinics, and in rare occasions, court rooms. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $34,730 a year, $16.70 an hour
- Suggested education: High school diploma, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 49,000
32 – Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Occupational health and safety specialists analyze work environments to ensure they are safe for employees and customers alike. They make sure that businesses follow any regulations related to their industries, and they help design programs and setups to prevent injury in the work place. This job is not in high demand at the moment, so some workers choose to specialize in high growth industries, like construction or recreation. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $75,240 a year, $36.17 an hour
- Suggested education: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 138,400
33 – Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Laboratory animal caretakers assist workers in veterinary offices and pet clinics. They are in charge of feeding and watering pets, and they typically have to clean out cages that house animals. They may also assist during medical examinations and procedures, and they may administer medications to sick pets. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $34,740 a year, $16.70 an hour
- Suggested education: High School Diploma
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 102,180
34 – Massage Therapist
A massage therapist is a person who uses touch to manipulate muscles in the body. This can relieve tension and stress while allowing the patient to relax. Some massage therapists specialize in specific massage techniques, and others branch out into alternative therapies, like acupuncture. Massage therapists work in offices and clinics, but many commute to their client’s homes for appointments. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $49,860 a year, $23.97 an hour
- Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 134,300
35 – Physical Therapy Assistant
Physical therapy assistants work with physical therapists to help patients get better after an illness or injury. They do not always work directly with patients, but they may prepare a patient for an exercise or consultation. This job is growing much faster than most professions in America, with an estimated increase of 19% in available jobs during the years between 2022 and 2032. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $57,240 a year, $27.52 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assisting or equivalent
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 145,100
36 – Dispensing Optician
A dispensing optician is responsible for fitting eyeglasses and contacts for patients in an eye clinic or optometrist/ophthalmologist office. Opticians do not require much career training to begin work, but they do have to be familiar with variances in eye care products and basic elements of optometry. They must understand how to clean and repair eyeglasses as necessary, and they have to have strong customer service skills. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $39,610 a year, $19.04 an hour
- Suggested education: High School Diploma, Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 73,300
37 – Dietician
A dietician or nutritionist is a person who helps patients create specialized dietary plans. This may be in an effort to lose weight or compensate for a medical condition, such as diabetes or lactose intolerance. A dietician must go to school to learn about how foods affect the human body, learning about the chemical processes in the body along the way. Many dieticians find work in fitness and weight loss centers, but they may also work in hospitals and health clinics. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $66,450 a year, $31.95 an hour
- Suggested education: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 78,600
38 – Veterinarian
A veterinarian diagnoses and treats animals, much like a physician does for humans. Veterinarians must go through extensive training to be able to identify and treat medical conditions in animals. Some vets specialize in work with specific animals, broken down into large animals (horses, donkeys), domestic animals (cats, dogs), exotic animals (monkeys, elephants), etc. Vets may work in their own practice, or they may find employment in research facilities, zoos, and educational institutions. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $103,260 a year, $49.64 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Veterinary Medicine (rare)
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 89,500
39 – Nursing Assistant & Orderlies
Orderlies are the medical workers that fill in the gaps for other jobs in the field. An orderly may be responsible for a variety of tasks in a hospital or clinic, from transporting patients to the ER to filing medical records. Many orderlies work as nursing assistants, where they later move on to registered nursing. The training for this career happens mostly in the place of work, but there are some technical colleges with appropriate training programs available. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $35,740 a year, $17.18 an hour
- Suggested education: High School Diploma
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 1,406,800
40 – Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists operate the imaging technology that assesses heart and blood vessel conditions in patients. They cannot perform diagnoses, but they can work with machines that provide helpful images to cardiologists. The expected job growth for this career is much faster than normal, with an expected 10% increase in available jobs between 2022 and 2032. With minimal training, it is easy to become a cardiovascular technologist. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $78,210 a year, $37.60 an hour
- Suggested education: Associate of Science in Cardiology or equivalent
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 142,800
41 – Medical Equipment Preparer
Medical equipment preparers install, sterilize, clean, and set up medical equipment for patients to use. These workers usually travel to a patient’s home to set up oxygen machines, overnight respirators, guard rails, and more. They may work in hospitals, but most of them find employment with medical equipment companies. They must be familiar with how this equipment operates, and they must know the safety concerns surrounding each of the devices they are responsible for. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $41,480 a year, $19.94 an hour
- Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 63,890
42 – Surgeon
A surgeon is a person who performs invasive medical procedures on patients, usually to correct a medical condition. Surgeons may specialize in a wide range of fields, including plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, oral surgery, and more. They may work in hospitals or clinics, or they may open their own clinics. Surgeons who operate outside of the cosmetic industry typically gain clients through referrals from other doctors. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $255,110 a year, $122.65 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 34,390
43 – Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists assist anesthesiologists in administering pain and numbing medications to patients during operations. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) must go through extensive schooling to understand the risks and uses for common anesthesia in the medical field. CRNAs work with doctors, surgeons, dentists, and other nursing staff members to keep patients safe as they go under anesthesia. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $203,090 a year, $97.64 an hour
- Suggested education: Master of Science in Nursing
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 46,540
44 – Pediatrician
A pediatrician is a physician that specializes in children. They go through schooling to learn about illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions that are common in children and young adults. Many pediatricians operate under their own practices, but they may also work in hospitals and other health care facilities. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $170,560 a year, $82.00 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 28,490
45 – Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist is a medical professional responsible for prescribing and administering anesthesia to patients. This usually happens before and during a medical operation, surgery, or invasive assessment. Anesthesia must be administered at just the right amount or it may cause significant damage to a patient. That is why these professionals get paid more than anyone else on this top 50 health care jobs list. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $267,020 a year, $128.38 an hour
- Suggested education: Master of Science in Medicine, Master of Science in Anesthesiology, Doctor of Medicine
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 31,060
46 – Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists, known as MRI techs, operate MRI machines and present test results to physicians. They monitor the patient as he goes through the machine and verifies that the images are coming through clearly. If any adjustments need to be made, the tech must help the patient get through them. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $80,090 a year, $38.51 an hour
- Suggested education: Trade school or technical college training
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 38,380
47 – Optometrist
An optometrist is a doctor in charge of assessing a person’s vision and eye health. Optometrists prescribe glasses and contacts for patients who need corrective lenses, and they provide treatment options for patients with eye conditions. Some optometrists will also perform surgery, with the most common one being laser eye surgery. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $125,590 a year, $60.38 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Optometry
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 43,400
48 – Chiropractor
Chiropractors help patients with spinal conditions, helping them realign the bones in their backs. A chiropractor may work under his own practice, or he may assistant patients in a hospital. Most chiropractic services are needed after a patient has been injured in some way. The growth rate for this profession is 9%. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $75,380 a year, $36.24 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Chiropractics, Master of Science in Chiropractics (rare)
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 55,000
49 – Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who assesses, treats, and helps prevent mental disorders. Psychiatrists sometimes work as therapists, but they mostly work with other health care providers to diagnose a patient’s mental state and stability. Psychiatrists can work in a variety of job environments, including court houses and law enforcement offices. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $220,380 a year, $105.95 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Psychiatry, Doctor of Psychology
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 25,630
50 – Obstetrician
An obstetrician, gynecologist, or OB-GYN is a doctor who helps pregnant women before and after the birth of their babies. Gynecologists monitor the progress of a pregnancy, identify the sex of a baby, prescribe prenatal medications, and assist in the birthing process. They also perform fertility treatments and help couples who are having trouble getting pregnant. (BLS)
- Annual salary, hourly wage: $238,320 a year, $114.58 an hour
- Suggested education: Doctor of Medicine
- Number of jobs in the U.S.: 18,590