Jobs in medical field and healthcare arenas are some of the most rewarding and highly regarded. That also makes jobs in the medical field very desirable. Virtually all jobs in medical field and healthcare industries offer salaries that are well above average, and jobs in the medical field also offer some of the highest earnings potential and opportunities.
Getting high paying medical jobs requires an investment of time, effort, and resources. Years of schooling, study, understudy, and internships are common for many jobs in medical field consideration, such as for the best paying jobs in the medical field. Jobs in medical field, dental practice, or therapeutic services, however, are all branches of healthcare that afford excellent career options and pay.
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Many jobs in medical field, dental practitioner, or therapy services can also be highly rewarding, on both the personal and professional levels. Many medical professionals also go into business for themselves opening up private family practices, dental clinics, or physical therapy centers. Jobs in medical, therapeutic, or dental categories are also worthwhile careers that make a difference in the lives of others.
The Highest Paying Medical Jobs
So, what are the best jobs in the medical field? What are the highest paying jobs in medical field, therapy service, or dental practice avenues, and which of these roads lead to the right career for you? These are a few of the questions healthcare professionals ask when considering a career and jobs in the medical field – and here is a look at a few of the best and highest paying jobs in medical field opportunities today.
1. Anesthesiologist
Not only is the job of an anesthesiologist one of the best paying jobs in medical field or healthcare today, but it is also one of the most highly sought positions in the medical field too. While there are many reasons for this, much of the clamor surrounding these medical positions involves the well above average income it provides. Based on data from the US Department of Labor Statistics the annual average income for anesthesiologists is $267,020.
The primary role of an anesthesiologist is to administer and monitor the use of anesthetics and drugs after, before, and during surgical procedures. Another benefit and draw for becoming an anesthesiologist is the ability to work in a variety of settings. These include clinics, hospitals, dental offices, and any surgically approved facilities.
The job market for anesthesiologists is as strong as any in the medical field, and that is good news and also ensures job security. Anesthesiologists have to endure and complete rigorous schooling, testing, and licensing requirements – but nothing good comes easy, and few jobs in the medical field are as good as a career as an anesthesiologist.
2. Orthodontist
A branch of the field of dentistry, a career as an orthodontist is also another one of the best jobs in the medical field. Orthodontists are taught and trained to examine and diagnose dental and oral cavity problems, namely malocclusions. They are relied upon to help with the realignment of jaws and teeth and to help create dentures and dental appliances to help improve function. According to the US Dept of Labor, orthodontists earn $237,990.
Working as an orthodontist will typically mean working in a hospital setting or a dental facility. A career as an orthodontist will also provide job stability and job security, in addition to offering one of the highest paying jobs in the medical field. Becoming an orthodontist, like any of the best jobs in the medical field, will require work.
Orthodontists will need to complete an accredited dental program, pass examinations and testing, in addition to earning the required licensing. These efforts and investments, however, result in one of the most financially and professionally rewarding careers the medical field has to offer.
3. Oral Surgeon
A career as an oral surgeon will offer more than job security and a strong job outlook, it also offers one of the highest paying jobs in the medical field. Oral surgeons perform surgical and operative procedures to repair maxillofacial and oral issues. These dental surgeons may work in hospitals, dental clinics, or other dental facilities. The US Dept of Labor Statistics reports that oral surgeons earn an average of $234,990 annually.
In addition to graduating from an accredited dental school, dentists must meet exam, testing, and licensing demands. The job forecasts for oral surgeons remain solid and jobs like those of oral surgeons and other medical jobs will always be needed.
4. Dentist
The profession of dentistry is another one of the best paying jobs in the medical field. The primary responsibilities of a dentist include treating, diagnosing, and helping patients with preventing dental issues. Most dentists will work in a dental clinic or dental facility, while many continue on to establish their own dental practices. According to data from the US Department of Labor Statistics, dentists make an average wage of $164,010 per year.
In addition to earning an above-average salary, dentists enjoy working in a field that ensures job stability and job security. While the job market outlook for dentists remains steady, the opportunity for future dentists shows no shortage. These are a few of the benefits of becoming a dentist and a few reasons why dentistry is one of the best jobs in the medical field.
Dentists must be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure requirements vary by state, although candidates usually must graduate from an accredited dental program and pass written and clinical exams. A career as a dentist affords a financially secure life and offers the benefits of being able to help people smile.
5. Nurse Practitioner
Among the best paying jobs in medical field opportunities, the job of a nurse practitioner is another excellent career option. Nurses can work in specified roles such as nurse-midwives or nurse anesthetists and are charged with many important duties related to patient care. Nurses are also responsible for patient concerns such as specialty care or coordinating patient care. According to the US Dept of Labor, nurses earn an average annual income of $117,670.
Nurse practitioners can work in homes (an option becoming increasingly more in demand today), doctor’s offices, dental offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. They may also become health services managers. Many nurses often work long shifts, and most nurses work full-time schedules in busy environments, traditionally spending hours on their feet. The work of being a nurse can be challenging, but the benefits and rewards of becoming a nurse are also undeniable.
Nurses will also always have the luxury of working in a field where there is a need and opportunity. People who have a desire for helping people and or who love the practice of medicine may be good candidates for pursuing a career in nursing.
The job forecasts for nurses based on the aforementioned Dept of Labor projects growth to outpace most other occupations. In addition to providing an above-average income, a thriving job market, nursing careers offer the rewards of doing a job that matters. Those in the nursing profession also receive the level of respect that is commonly associated with medical professionals, and the joy of helping others.
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6. Physician Assistant
Students seeking to become physicians or who want to play a vital role in the healthcare process might want to consider a career as a physician assistant. These jobs are generally responsible for performing most of the basic functions of a physician, only under the supervision and care of a physician. Based on data from the US Department of Labor Statistics physician assistants earn an average annual wage of $116,080.
A few of the services a physician assistant may be asked to perform include prescribing treatment, performing physicals, and counseling patients. In family practice settings, a physician assistant can often become the primary point of contact for many patients. Becoming a physician assistant is also a common step in the process of becoming a physician.
Physicians assistants also have the opportunity to pursue career options as specialists, along with many other career options in the medical field. And career options should remain steady as the job forecasts of physician assistants remains solid, and this is a position like all medical roles, that offers job security.
The educational track required to become a physician assistant includes attending a four-year accredited school or college and most often involves some type of internship program. Physician assistants aren’t only one of the best paid jobs in medical field and healthcare work, but also the next step to becoming a physician. Like most jobs in the medical arena, these important medical jobs also provide both personal and professional rewards, in addition to a comfortable salary.
7. Veterinarian
If someone has a desire to learn about medicine and also has a love or passion for animals, then a career as a veterinarian would be on the shortlist of the best jobs in the medical field for them. In addition to being one of the best paid jobs in medical field work, this job offers the opportunity to help animals. Veterinarians are also charged with not only the care and health of animals but also the safety and protection of the public. Based on US Dept of Labor Statistics data, veterinarians can expect to earn $99,250 a year.
Being a veterinarian also means working in one of the best paid jobs in medical field careers, and one of the most exciting too. Veterinarians will often be called out on emergencies, requiring travel to sites such as homes or farms. Veterinarians also spend the greatest amount of their day working in facilities such as animal hospitals or clinics. A doctorate degree in veterinarian medicine from an approved and accredited veterinarian school is needed to work as a veterinarian.
Not only does a career as a veterinarian offer an excellent income, it also is a career in a growing job market based on employment projections. These are only a few more reasons to consider becoming a veterinarian, and why this is one of the best jobs in the medical field.
8. Physical Therapist
Rounding out the list of the best jobs in the medical field is the job of physical therapists. The main role of physical therapists is to assist patients in recovery and help with pain management. According to the US Dept of Labor, physical therapists earn an average salary of $91,010.
Physical therapists can be found working in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and even patient’s homes and nursing homes. Becoming a physical therapist will mean graduating from a doctorate of physical therapy program. Graduates who meet licensing requirements will discover an excellent career and one of the best jobs in the medical field.
9. Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist is one of the best jobs in the medical field and those who work as therapists are charged with handling every facet of rehabilitative programs. These programs are intended to treat patients with vocational and daily living skills. The US Department of Labor reports that occupational therapists earn an average of $87,480 per year.
10. Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists are not only one of the best paid jobs in medical field and healthcare services areas, but it is also one of the more overlooked. This job in the medical field is more inclined to be under a specialized category, and typically involves working with patients in diagnosing, treating, and even ideally preventing communication and other potentially related disorders. Based on earnings data from the US Dept of Labor Statistics, speech-language pathologists earn an average salary of $80,480.
Speech-language pathologists can also work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, homes, and medical offices. The work of a speech pathologist often deals with helping patients who have dealt with issues such as a stroke or dementia. The good news is that there also appears to be a strong outlook for the future of speech-language pathologists as the job forecasts project considerable growth in this field for the foreseeable future.
Becoming a speech-language pathologist will typically require earning an advanced degree from an accredited school or university. In most states, speech-language pathologists are required to be licensed in addition to completing an advanced degree program. Like any of the best jobs in the medical field, it will take some work and some investment of time and resources, but the benefits of working as a speech-language pathologist can mean a great ROI too.
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Does a Higher Degree Make a Difference in Salary?
Jobs in medical field practice and healthcare industries will vary considerably from the work to the compensation packages, and the path to working in these various roles will vary greatly as well. While some jobs in the medical field will only require a bachelor’s degree, others will require an advanced degree.
In most cases, the level of degree will determine the level and type of healthcare vocation, from nursing and therapy positions to jobs as physicians assistants and dentists. In addition to the level of the degree corresponding with the types of jobs in medical work, they also greatly influence salary packages. As another example, radiation therapists make more with a bachelor’s than with an associate degree.
Other factors that can influence the level and salary range of jobs in the medical field are considerations such as the socioeconomic status of the job location, the type of area (e.g. rural, urban, etc.), and even the type of employer. Most doctors make more money if they see more patients, by default, this makes metropolitan and urban areas potentially more lucrative than medical professionals who work in more rural or less densely populated areas.
The highest paying jobs in the medical field will most often require earning the highest level degrees, but these other factors will have a say in just what those wages look like. In addition to a higher degree, more populated cities, and more affluent areas having an impact on jobs in medical field and healthcare industries, the type of employer is another sizeable factor in determining salaries.
How much will the type of employer influence the salary of jobs in the medical field, and which types of employer offer the highest paying jobs in medical field work? These are few other important questions that are commonly asked, and here is a look at some of those answers.
Do Private-Sector Jobs Pay Better than Public?
Jobs in medical field opportunities have an unusual distinction, and regardless of what type of jobs in the medical field are being pursued, this interesting caveat holds true. In many professions and industries, there is either very little distinction or an occasional variation between the wages and salaries of positions. Jobs in the medical field, however, don’t necessarily adhere to other vocations when it comes to the difference between public versus private sector employers.
Historically and traditionally speaking, the highest paying jobs in medical field careers are found in private sector employment. Public sector or government-funded jobs can often offer some of the best opportunities and best jobs in medical field work when it comes to learning, gaining new experience, and making a difference.
Because of the amount of low-income medical care programs and other government-funded healthcare initiatives, medical care roles don’t typically offer the same types of wages and salaries that private-sector employment can. There are also various situations where physicians and other medical professionals may offer to work for public sector and government programs on a pro bono basis. These might be emergency healthcare clinics, or temporary healthcare services in underprivileged areas.
While these are noble and admirable efforts, they do also drive down and influence the overall data regarding public and private sector pay. Even when these types of cases are taken into consideration, however, it is evident that at least for medical professionals, the private sector is where the money is at.
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