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Healthcare careers: pay, training and outlook

Healthcare is the largest source of new jobs in the federal projections, and it splits into two very different entry routes. Practitioner roles — nurses, therapists, technologists — usually require a licence built on a two- or four-year degree. Support roles — aides, assistants, phlebotomists — are often reachable through a certificate measured in months.

The list below covers both. It includes every healthcare diagnosis, treatment and support occupation in the federal data, ranked by median annual pay, so you can compare what a longer training route actually returns.

Occupations
116
Pay range
$35,240–$559,030
Top median
$559,030

Healthcare occupations, ranked by median pay

Median annual wage, national, BLS May 2025.

Pediatric SurgeonsExtensive preparation needed · 1,190 employed$559,030median / yrCardiologistsExtensive preparation needed · 17,290 employed$496,010median / yrRadiologistsExtensive preparation needed · 26,770 employed$420,860median / yrSurgeons, All OtherPreparation level not rated · 25,140 employed$414,010median / yrAnesthesiologistsExtensive preparation needed · 38,760 employed$391,490median / yrOrthopedic Surgeons, Except PediatricExtensive preparation needed · 14,100 employed$358,550median / yrOral and Maxillofacial SurgeonsExtensive preparation needed · 4,910 employed$352,220median / yrEmergency Medicine PhysiciansExtensive preparation needed · 32,880 employed$335,550median / yrDermatologistsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 11,370 employed$328,730median / yrPhysicians, PathologistsExtensive preparation needed · 11,110 employed$312,400median / yrProsthodontistsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 870 employed$311,180median / yrOphthalmologists, Except PediatricExtensive preparation needed · 8,950 employed$300,080median / yrObstetricians and GynecologistsExtensive preparation needed · 21,260 employed$292,910median / yrOrthodontistsExtensive preparation needed · 6,210 employed$289,140median / yrPsychiatristsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 27,980 employed$281,870median / yrPhysicians, All OtherPreparation level not rated · 342,720 employed$265,930median / yrAllergists and ImmunologistsExtensive preparation needed · 342,720 employed$265,930median / yrHospitalistsExtensive preparation needed · 342,720 employed$265,930median / yrUrologistsExtensive preparation needed · 342,720 employed$265,930median / yrPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation PhysiciansExtensive preparation needed · 342,720 employed$265,930median / yrPreventive Medicine PhysiciansExtensive preparation needed · 342,720 employed$265,930median / yrSports Medicine PhysiciansExtensive preparation needed · 342,720 employed$265,930median / yrGeneral Internal Medicine PhysiciansExtensive preparation needed · 67,150 employed$256,560median / yrNeurologistsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 10,590 employed$248,560median / yrFamily Medicine PhysiciansExtensive preparation needed · 107,510 employed$244,180median / yrNurse AnesthetistsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 51,840 employed$236,590median / yrDentists, All Other SpecialistsPreparation level not rated · 5,230 employed$224,990median / yrPediatricians, GeneralExtensive preparation needed · 39,390 employed$210,040median / yrDentists, GeneralExtensive preparation needed · 124,390 employed$170,950median / yrPodiatristsExtensive preparation needed · 9,680 employed$160,300median / yrMedical DosimetristsConsiderable preparation needed · 3,410 employed$147,470median / yrPharmacistsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 321,970 employed$140,910median / yrOptometristsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 42,790 employed$136,570median / yrPhysician AssistantsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 162,150 employed$135,880median / yrAnesthesiologist AssistantsGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 162,150 employed$135,880median / yrNurse MidwivesGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 7,920 employed$134,040median / yrNurse PractitionersGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 323,040 employed$132,300median / yrVeterinariansGrowingExtensive preparation needed · 83,900 employed$130,100median / yrHealthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All OtherPreparation level not rated · 28,630 employed$115,210median / yrNaturopathic PhysiciansExtensive preparation needed · 28,630 employed$115,210median / yr

Fastest growing healthcare occupations

Projected employment growth, 2024–34.

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